During pregnancy, the maternal immune system is tolerant to foetal antigens via the engagement of immune regulatory mechanisms. Failure in regulating the maternal immunity to foetal antigens may lead to pre-eclampsia (PE). We addressed the role of HLA-G gene polymorphisms and protein expression as well as regulatory T cells and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in healthy and pathological pregnancies. Blood samples from 26 pregnant women with PE, 25 non-PE and 7 strictly healthy pregnant women were assessed. PBMCs were phenotyped for early activation markers (CD25 and CD69), regulatory T-cell markers (CD8CD28 and CD4CD25Foxp3), ILT-2 (HLA-G receptor) and HLA-G. Lymphocyte proliferation was estimated and levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 were measured. HLA-G polymorphisms (rs66554220 and rs1063320) were genotyped by PCR. PE women exhibited low levels of HLA-G in PBMCs and low frequency of regulatory CD8CD28 T cells. High amounts of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17, IL-2 and TNF-α as well as IL-4 and IL-10 and an increased proliferative cell activation profile were observed in PE. The allelic and genotypic frequencies of the HLA-G gene polymorphisms and the frequency of CD4CD25Foxp3 T cells did not vary among the groups. Our data suggest that the cytokine imbalance presented in PE is associated with a deficient immune regulatory profile, contributing to an impaired immune tolerance between mother and foetus.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a three-carbon sugar, is the browning ingredient in commercial sunless tanning formulations. DHA preparations have been used for more than 50 years and are currently highly popular for producing temporary pigmentation resembling an ultraviolet-induced tan. In this work, the in vitro antifungal activity of dihydroxyacetone was tested against causative agents of dermatomycosis, more specifically against dermatophytes and Candida spp. The antifungal activity was determined by the broth microdilution method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines for yeasts and filamentous fungi. The data obtained show that the fungicidal activity varied from 1.6 to 50 mg ml(-1). DHA seems to be a promising substance for the treatment of dermatomycosis because it has antifungal properties at the same concentration used in artificial suntan lotions. Therefore, it is a potential low-toxicity antifungal agent that may be used topically because of its penetration into the corneal layers of the skin.

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Objective:It is well known that reciprocal and Robertsonian translocations carriers have increased risks of producing aneuploidies gametes associated with the meiotic multivalent, which ones abort spontaneously or end with the birth of an abnormal child. Method: We present our preliminary experience with 8 (eight) cases of PGD of balanced translocations with trophectoderm biopsy , genetic study by aCGH and deffered transfer. Seven cases were reciprocal translocations and only one was a Robertsonian translocation. From reciprocal translocations twenty two blastocysts were biopsied and ten from Robertsonian translocations. Results due to malsegrerelated to the meiotic quadrivalent. In the Robert-lanced by malsegregation of the meiotic trivalent and adjacent type 2 segregation and malsegregation 3:1, which imply important chromosomal unbalance. Out of the 8 (eight) performed cycles, only 4 were transferred with a normal aCGH blastocyst. Three of them achieved the pregnancy. Conclusion: Taking into account the results achieved with biopsy in day 3 and fresh transfer, it seems that the results in day 5 and deferred transfer are much better. Probably the biopsy performed in an embryo that reach the maximum stage of development in vitro and the transfer in a cycle with an endometrium more physiologically prepared are the main reasons for the best results.