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Aim This study was aimed at investigating platelet‐derived microparticles (PMP), endothelium cell‐derived microparticles (EMP) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) according to renal function and time post‐transplant. We found this study relevant because unusual biomarkers seem to be a promising tool to evaluate chronic renal disease and post‐transplant monitoring. Methods Ninety‐one renal transplant recipients (RTx) were allocated into groups according to creatinine plasma levels (C1 < 1.4 and C2 ≥ 1.4 mg/dL), estimated glomerular filtration rates (R1 < 60 and R2 ≥ 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) and time post‐transplant (T1: 3–24; T2: 25–60; T3: 61–120; and T4 > 120 months). EMP and PMP levels were assessed by flow cytometry and VWF levels were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results Platelet‐derived microparticle levels were higher in C1 group compared with C2 (P = 0.00). According to diameter, small PMP and EMP (≤0.7 μm) were also higher in C1 group, all values of P less than 0.05. T1 and T2 groups have shown high EMP levels and a predominance of big microparticle (>0.7 μm) compared with T4 group, all values of P less than 0.05. Higher VWF levels were observed among RTx with creatinine ≥1.4 mg/dL compared with other RTx, P = 0.01. Conclusion The results showed that PMP, EMP and VWF are promising markers to evaluate endothelial function in RTx. These biomarkers could play a major role in monitoring patients after renal transplant.

Our data suggest that regulatory cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 could be good biomarkers associated with stable renal function, while pro-inflammatory cytokines seems to be potential markers in RTR related to high creatinine plasma levels, specially IL-6 despite of its borderline values.

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a progressive corneal infection that demands rapid and sensitive techniques for diagnosis to avoid risk of visual impairment. We evaluated two DNA extraction techniques and a semi-nested-PCR (snPCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene to detect Acanthamoeba cysts and trophozoites. The most effective protocol was evaluated in samples of corneal scrapings and biopsies from an AK rat model and applied to diagnosis of human cases of AK. DNA extraction performed with a commercial kit based on DNA binding to magnetic beads was more efficient than a method based on alkaline lysis, allowing the detection of one trophozoite and one cyst of Acanthamoeba in samples prepared from cultures. This technique and sn-PCR were applied in corneal scrapings of rats experimentally infected with Acanthamoeba (n = 6), resulting in 100% of positivity, against 16.7% (n = 6) of positive identification in culture method using non-nutrient agar (NNA) with Escherichia coli. Corneal biopsies from rats were also tested (n = 6) and resulted in positivity in all samples in both molecular and culture methods. Eight out of ten presumptive human cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis were also confirmed by sn-PCR of scrapping samples, while the culture method was positive in only four cases. We discuss that animal model of AK can be an efficient tool to validate diagnostic methods and conclude that DNA extraction with the kit and snPCR protocol described here is an effective alternative for diagnosis of AK.

Background and aims: Chia seeds have been explored owing to its dense concentrations of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as recognized benefit on anthropometric measures. This study evaluated the potential effect of Chia intake on plasma antioxidant status and anthropometric parameters in individuals with chronic diseases. Methods: Fifty-nine participants were selected, including patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and/or hypertension (SAH) and/or obesity (group A, n=34) and healthy volunteers (group B, n=25). Plasma antioxidant status was determined by the MTT (tetrazolium salt) reduction test and weight (W), abdominal circumference (AC), waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI), that were determined before (T0) and after 6 months (T6) of ingestion of 20 g/day of Chia seeds. Results: After Chia seeds consumption, the plasma antioxidant potential increased in both group A and group B (p < 0.0001). It was also observed a reduction in W, AC, WC and BMI in both groups, with all p-values being less than 0.05. High content of antioxidant compounds may explain these effects and polysaccharide gel formation in the digestive tract, which gives satiety and consequently provides a reduction in anthropometric measurements. Conclusion:In the field of nutrition, the chia seed can be a potential alternative to increase antioxidant status and reduce anthropometric measurements, improving the health status of patients, especially those who suffer from chronic disease.