Objectives: Neutrophils play an important role in the control of pathogens through several mechanisms, including phagocytosis and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The latter consists of DNA as a backbone with embedded antimicrobial peptides, histones, and proteases, providing a matrix to entrap and in some cases to kill microbes. Some metabolic requirements for NET formation have recently been described. The virus-induced formation of NETs and the role of these traps in viral infections remain scarcely reported. Here, we analyzed whether dengue virus serotype-2 (DENV-2) induces NET formation and the DENV-2 effect on phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced NETs. Methods: Peripheral blood-derived neutrophils were exposed in vitro to DENV-2 or exposed to DENV-2 and then stimulated with PMA. NET formation was assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Cell membrane Glut-1, glucose uptake, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were assessed. Results: DENV-2 does not induce the formation of NETs. Moreover, DENV-2 inhibits PMA-induced formation of NETs by about 80%. This effect is not related to the production of ROS. The mechanism seemingly accountable for this inhibitory effect is the DENV-2-mediated inhibition of PMA-induced glucose uptake by neutrophils. Conclusion: Our results suggest that DENV-2 inhibits glucose uptake as a metabolism-based way to avoid the formation of NETs.
Deficiencies of nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, lipids, and trace elements during gestation and early infanthood have strong deleterious effects on the development of the limbic system; these effects may be irreversible, even when adequate supplementation is provided at later developmental stages. Recent advances in the neurochemistry of biometals are increasingly establishing the roles of the trace elements iron, copper, zinc, and selenium in a variety of cell functions and are providing insight into the repercussions of deficiencies and excesses of these elements on the development of the central nervous system, especially the limbic system. The limbic system comprises diverse areas with high metabolic demands and differential storage of iron, copper, zinc, and selenium. This review summarizes available evidence suggesting the involvement of these trace elements in pathological disorders of the limbic system.
Introduction: Commercial sweetener intake has increased over the last few years, not only in patients diagnosed with a chronic non‐communicable disease, but in the general population. These sweeteners are deemed safe for consumption; however, the effect of their constant use on the immune system is unknown.
Objectives: To determine the effect of frequent sweetener intake on NF‐κB and AP‐1 signaling pathways in the liver and intestine of BALB/c mice.
Methods: 14 week old BALB/c mice (male and female) were grouped (6 mice/per group, male and female) as follows: 1) control (water); 2) sucrose (10%); 3) sucralose (1%) and 4) rebaudioside A (1%). Sweeteners were administered orally in drinking water for 6 weeks. Food and liquid intake was measured daily and weight was measured every week, from week 8 to week 14. After treatment, mice were sacrificed to obtain the proteins from liver and small intestine. Analysis of total, as well as phosphorylated, protein expression for IκBα, c‐Jun, JNK and ERK was performed by WB.
Results: Our results show that sweetener intake does not appear to have an impact on weight; however, we observed alterations in water and food consumption. Liquid intake was increased in the sucrose groups, whereas food ingestion was higher in the sucralose group (p蠄0.05). Expression of total proteins was not altered, compared to the control group; nonetheless, we still have to determine if there are alterations in the expression of the phosphorylated proteins.
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