Previous studies showed the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) and membrane-shed microparticles (MPs) in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. H&S Science and Biotechnology developed PTCTS, composed by natural particles from medicinal plants (PTC) combined with trans-Sialidase (TS), to combat MPs and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Our aim was to determine the effects of the different components of PTCTS in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis. Rabbits were fed with high cholesterol diet for 12 weeks and treated during the last 6 weeks with either vehicle, PTC, TS, or PTCTS. Lipid profile and quantification of MPs positive for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and oxidized LDL antigens were carried out. Aortas and organs were then histologically analyzed. PTCTS reduced circulating MPs positive for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and oxidized LDL antigens, reduced the plaque area in the abdominal aorta, and caused positive remodeling of the ascendant aorta. PTC caused positive remodeling and reduced plaque area in the abdominal aorta; however, TS had a lipid lowering effect. PTCTS components combined were more effective against atherosclerosis than individual components. Our data reinforce the infectious theory of atherosclerosis and underscore the potential role of circulating MPs. Therefore, the removal of Mycoplasma-derived MPs could be a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is related to rupture of atheroma plaques containing pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and MMP9, a microenvironment compatible with the presence of a pathogenic microbial community. Recently, infectious extracellular vesicles (iEVs) were discovered to be released in co-infections. Previously, we found iEVs positive for archaea DNA and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) antigens in vulnerable plaques. Now, looking for serum particles biomarkers to differentiate atherosclerotic clinical outcomes we studied 168 patients (pts) from groups: Atherosclerotic (ATR), AMI, AMI with major severity (sAMI) and healthy (CTL) Methods: We quantified and characterized serum iEVs ( 0.79-1.34 μm) through their content using the Flow Cytometry technique and for cytokines using CBA kit, for exosomes (<100nm) we used Nanosight equipment and for correlations we used Spearman 's test. Results: sAMI pts sera presented increased no. of iEVs positive for archaea DNA and Mp, MMP9, IL6 and IL10 cytokine antigens. TNFα was increased in CTL and ATR compared to both AMI groups. TNFα correlated with archaeal IEVs in sIAM group. There was a significant positive correlation between Mp and MMP9 in the AMI, CTL and ATR groups. A significant positive correlation was present between Mp and IL6 in AMI and sAMI groups. ATR and CTL groups had higher no. of exosomes than the sAMI group. Conclusion: Increased numbers of serum IEVs positive for archaea, Mp and MMP9 elements in association with increased levels of IL6, decreased numbers of protective exosomes and correlation between TNF-α vs archaea, are present in sAMI clinical outcome, which suggests that serum IEVs and cytokines levels may constitute new biomarkers to differentiate atherosclerotic clinical outcomes.

RESUMO A atividade micobactericida do hipoclorito de sódio (2,5 % de cloro ativo) foi avaliada frente a uma estirpe de Mycobacterium bovis utilizando-se a técnica de cultivo em camada delgada de ágar Middlebrook 7H11 modificado, a qual foi comparada ao teste padrão realizado em tubos contendo meio de Stonebrink. Os testes foram realizados na presença e ausência de matéria orgânica e em duas temperaturas (21 ± 2° C e à 4° C). Os resultados obtidos nas contagens das unidades formadoras de colônias (U.F.C) nas placas e tubos foram transformados em percentual de redução (Tabela 1) os quais foram comparados entre as duas técnicas, mostrando que o hipoclorito de sódio apresentou percentuais iguais entre as placas e os tubos em todas as condições testadas (teste de Mann-Wihtney p > 0,05; α = 5%). O desinfetante atingiu atividade micobactericida de 100 % em todas as condições, exceto quando à temperatura de 4° C e presença de matéria orgânica (teste de Kruskal-Wallis e teste de Dunn; p < 0,05 ). O percentual de redução foi maior quando na ausência de matéria orgânica e à temperatura ambiente (teste de Mann-Wihtney; p < 0,05). A técnica de cultivo em camada delgada mostrou-se viável para realização de testes de desinfetantes e permitiu uma visualização precoce das micobactérias (média de 7 dias). O hipoclorito de sódio 2,5% teve a atividade micobactericida diminuída quando na presença de matéria orgânica e à temperatura de 4° C.

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