Scielo RSS http://scielo.sld.cu/rss.php?pid=0864-030020190001&lang=es vol. 38 num. 1 lang. es http://scielo.sld.cu/img/en/fbpelogp.gif http://scielo.sld.cu http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03002019000100001&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es ABSTRACT Introduction: Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic pathogen that causes human angiostrongyliasis; its main clinical manifestation is eosinophilic meningitis. It was reported in Cuba for the first time in America. Objective: To review the main immunological findings about the human neuroimmune response against this parasite. Methods: This paper is based on a review of the papers mainly from Cuban authors published in the last 10 years about the human neuroimmune response against this helmint. This information becomes more relevant after the introduction of the African giant snail Lissachatina fulica in Cuba in 2014. Results: The humoral immune response is based on the immunoglobulin intrathecal synthesis. When the third-stage larvae go to the central nervous system at the first lumbar puncture there are no major immunoglobulin synthesis. One week later an immune intrathecal response is done by a two-class major immunoglobulin class mainly IgG+ IgA Intrathecal activation of complement is evident of intrathecal synthesis of major immunoglobulins during this disease. The activation of complement system components in cerebrospinal fluid is relevant to the understanding of this tropical disease, which is emerging in the Western hemisphere. Intrathecal synthesis of at least one of the major immunoglobulins and a wide spectrum of patterns may be observed. Although intrathecal synthesis of C3c and IgE is always present, C4 intrathecal synthesis does not occur in every patient. The diversity of intrathecal synthesis and activation of the different complement pathways enables their division into three variant groups. In each one could be finding the activation of one or several complement pathways including the participation of MBL, MASP-2 and ficolins as part of the lectin pathway complement activation. Conclusion: The neuroimmune response against Angiostrongylus cantonensis eosinophilic meningoencephalitis is an example of the host-parasite interaction. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03002019000100002&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es RESUMEN Introduction: Defining mechanisms governing the diffusion from blood to cerebrospinal fluid is central to understanding immune function in the central nervous system. Objective: To describe the dynamics of diffusion of the lectin pathway components from blood to cerebrospinal fluid. Methods: It was organized the information available in PubMed database and of papers from journals, and abstract books from international congresses belongs mainly to Cuban authors all about the lectin pathway of complement including manan-binding lectin (MBL) and ficolins complexed with the MBL-associated serine proteases (MASP2), and of other components like MASP3, Map44 as regulatory components and the different starters like MBL, ficolins and CLLK. Results: All the lectin pathways component are blood derived proteins but at the same time it could be synthesized intrathecally. Most of the protein can be transferred from blood to cerebrospinal fluid in different aggregation forms and some of them can be described as a consuming curve. The control mechanism of regulation the lectin pathway can be followed by molecules as MASP3 and Map44. Conclusions: The under- constructed lectin pathway of the complement system required not only the available information in different journals. It had to be completed by reviewing the congress abstract book and congress website of the last years. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03002019000100003&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es ABSTRACT Introduction: The diffusion of proteins from the blood to the cerebrospinal fluid is influenced by its molecular weight and by the intrinsic properties and biological properties of the protein. Methods: Paired samples of serum and cerebrospinal fluid were taken from normal subjects to quantify albumin and proteins of the lectin pathway of the complement system. The distribution of these with regard to the value of QAlbúmin = (Albumin in serum / albumin in cerebrospinal fluid) was evaluated because this protein is used as a marker of the passage of the barrier. Results: It was observed that some of these describe a saturation pattern which resembles the curves that describe the Michaelis-Menten reaction of enzymatic activity. This led to the consideration of two constants that will help to characterize the behavior of these proteins by spreading to the cerebrospinal fluid: the maximum Q of the protein, which is the maximum proportion found empirically between the concentrations in blood and cerebrospinal fluid and the value Kcdw which is the value of the average diffusion speed of Q albumin when the semi-maximal value of the Q of the protein under study is obtained. Conclusions: Empirically obtained constants will help the characterization and differentiation of the diffusion of these new proteins as they pass from the blood to the cerebrospinal fluid. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03002019000100004&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es ABSTRACT Introduction: In recent years, the relationship between the systematic practice of physical exercise, cardiovascular dynamics and the functioning of the autonomic nervous system has been recognized. Objective: To determine the modifications that non-linear parameters undergo in the autonomic cardiovascular regulation of the heart rate variability with the systematic practice of physical exercise. Methods: A retrospective cohort analytical study was conducted from February 2016 to August 2018. Population and sample: 36 individuals (Group 1: 18 high- performance baseball athletes; Group 2: 18 medical students). The data were collected in the Biomedical Basic Sciences Laboratory at Medical school 1, University of Santiago de Cuba, through the 8-channel PowerLab polygraph, and stored using the Kubios Software version 3.0.4 Premium. Results: Statistically significant differences between means were found in heart rate values (p = 0.000); SD1 (p = 0.025); SD2/SD1 ratio (p = 0.007); sample entropy (p = 0.011); short-term fluctuations α 1 (p = 0.019); mean line length (p = 0.016); max line length (p = 0.001); recurrence rate (p = 0.034); determinism (p = 0.010) and Shannon entropy (p = 0.015). The parameters of SD1 (C = 0.906) and sample entropy (C = 0.712) were significantly associated with a heart rate ≤ 70 beats per minute. Conclusions: With the systematic practice of physical exercise, the non-linear parameters of the autonomic cardiovascular regulation of the heart rate variability undergoes modifications that respond to a better adaptability of the autonomic nervous system, and to a greater capacity to regulate cardiovascular function. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03002019000100005&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es ABSTRACT Introduction: Universities confront the challenge to train professionals to face different problems, deterioration of the environment is one of them. Universities must promote the environmental training of professionals through the inclusion of the environmental dimension in the teaching process. In the case of health professionals this issue has a greater connotation due to the relationships between environmental problems and health problems. Objective: To propose a strategy on environmental training aimed at the sustainable human development in medical studies. Methods: Literature review on the topic was done and theoretical methods were used. Different definitions and varied structures were contrasted. Results: Structure of the proposed strategy including components and stages was designed. Conclusions: A strategy for environmental training aimed at the sustainable human development to introduce the environmental dimension in the medical studies is proposed. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03002019000100006&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es ABSTRACT The evaluation of the neuroimmunoepidemiological response from the reibergram allows the determination of the specific antibody index for a determined etiological agent. This evaluation has served to know the behavior of the neuroimmune response in pediatric patients to different herpesviruses, evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns and find a response that helps in the diagnosis of various processes that affect this system. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03002019000100007&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es ABSTRACT Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are important causes of infant mortality, which result from a complex interaction between genetics and environmental factors such as trace elements, which play and crucial role in the epigenetic regulation in the embryo fetal developmental program. Objectives: To measure the maternal serum levels of copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium in mothers with offspring affected by NTDs, and to examine a possible relationship between the serum concentrations of these micronutrients and occurrence of NTDs. Design: Case-controls study. Subjects and Methods: Maternal serum blood samples were obtained from 72 healthy pregnant women and 36 mothers who had NTDs affected offspring, including those alive, stillbirths and elective pregnancy' termination at Centro Provincial de Genetica in Villa Clara. Copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium levels in serum were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and were compared between the two groups of mothers. Results: Serum zinc levels were determined to be significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group, while copper levels were significant elevated in the study group (all p values < .05). There was a negative correlation between serum zinc levels and serum copper levels. However, no association between calcium and magnesium serum levels and increased risk for the development of NTDs was observed. Conclusions: High maternal serum levels of copper and lower level of zinc during pregnancy were associated with NTDs in offspring. If folic acid supplementation is given, additional zinc supplementation should be considered for the further decrease in the recurrence risk of NTDs. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03002019000100008&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es ABSTRACT Introduction: Quincke´s Scholarship deals with themes related to neuroinmunology and the complement system. Objective: Describe the most recent advances of the Vll Edition of Quincke´s Scholarship. Methods: Publications pertaining to Quincke´s Scholarship were selected and revised from the work group of the Central Lab of Cerebrospinal fluid (LABCEL). Results: The principal topic was the C1q protein; initiator of the clasic complement pathway. From the analisis of the molecular concentration of this protein, its transference and the correlations between the concentration of C1q protein in cerebrospinal fluid (LCR) and the quotient of albumin (QAlb) between LCR and plasma it is hypothesized that an intratecal synthesis of the C1q in patients with a disfunction of the blood-brain barrier. The most recently discovered pathway in the activation of the complement is the lectin pathway. The diffusion of the MASP-3 protein from blood to LCR is proof that the MASP-3 is synthesized in the leptomeninges. The reibergram is useful to evaluate the inmune response in patients with: neurological manifestations caused by the dengue virus, and patients with multiple sclerosis. Conclusions: The Vll Edition of Quincke´s Scholarship dealt with C1q protein and recently discovered themes of the lectin pathway and the use of the reibergram. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03002019000100009&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es ABSTRACT Introduction: Melatonin is a neurohormone, synthesized mainly in the pineal gland, which regulates the circadian rhythm. Objective: To describe the neuroimmunological actions produced by melatonin. Methods: A review on the subject was carried out using articles of free access in the Pubmed database from 2015 to January 2019. Discussion: The effects of melatonin on the wake-sleep cycle are known. Recently it has been shown that this neurohormone can modulate the immune response and reduce seizures in autoimmune and rheumatologic diseases. It induces the pattern of regulatory T lymphocytes and immunomodulatory cytokines maintaining the homeostasis of the internal environment. In the Central Nervous System inhibits the formation of free radicals, has antioxidant functions and can slow neurodegenerative processes. In the peripheral nerves decreases oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis. There are drugs that use melatonin as an active ingredient for its beneficial effects. In Cuba, only the history of a publication on this hormone is collected. Conclusions: Melatonin can be a very useful element in the management of inflammatory and neurological diseases. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03002019000100010&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es ABSTRACT A descriptive and traverse study was performed in patients with diagnosis of optic neuritis, that attended to the neuro ophthalmology service of the ophthalmological center, at the Santiago General Hospital "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso ", from the province of Santiago de Cuba, with less than a week of evolution of the disease, and visual acuity greater than 0.3, cooperatives and without refractive opacities, or neuro ophthalmologic diseases, during the period from December 2017 to November 2018. Ophthalmological clinical evaluations and electrophysiological studies of visual evoked potentials to pattern reversal, at diagnosis and eight weeks of evolution were carried out. Objective: To identify the relationship possible between the electrophysiological parameters obtained by visual evoked potentials with the ophthalmological clinical evaluation. Results: alterations predominantly of the parameters of latency and duration of the visual evoked potentials, in relation to the impairment of the clinical evaluations explored. Conclusions: The visual evoked potentials are an effective tool in diagnosis, and complement the clinical evaluation of patients with optic neuritis. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03002019000100011&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es ABSTRACT Introduction: The etiology of autoimmune diseases is still unknown, but different causes arise. Objective: To describe the role of hormones, diet, stress and infections in the etiology of autoimmune diseases. Methods: A bibliographic review was made using the Google Scholar and articles of free access in the Pubmed and Scielo database from 2015 to 2019. The search terms were used according to the DeCS and MeSH descriptors. Development: It is well known that female hormones increase the risk of autoimmune diseases. Stress can maintain low-grade chronic inflammatory responses that cause tissue damage, initiating or aggravating the clinical manifestations of autoimmunity. An adequate diet allows the guests of the intestinal microbiota to maintain the homeostasis of the immune system. Today, glutamate is used as a flavor enhancer, especially in developed countries. Perhaps it is one of the causes of the higher incidence of autoimmune diseases in these regions. Conclusions: Autoimmune diseases are more frequent in women. Adequate nutrition allows the gut microbiota not to be altered and to maintain immunological homeostasis. Infections and stress situations can trigger or exacerbate the clinical manifestations of autoimmunity. http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-03002019000100012&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=es ABSTRACT Aim: To determine indicators of oxidative stress in long-lived individuals. Methods: 120 subjects were studied and two groups were formed: 50 individuals older than 85 years of nuclear families and 70 adults under 60 years old taken as a control group, all belonging to the municipality of Santa Clara. Indicators of antioxidant defense status included enzymatic activities superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations. The determinations were made with the use of spectrophotometric techniques, and the comparisons between the groups were made through the statistical program SPSS with a level of significance of 95%. Results: The activity of the antioxidant enzyme SOD and GSH levels showed significant differences when comparing both study groups. In the case of the SOD enzyme, the group of long-lived individuals showed a significant reduction in their activity compared to the controls, while GSH levels also decreased in this group. The CAT enzyme activity showed no significant differences between the two study groups. Conclusions: The decrease in enzymatic activity SOD accompanied by a decrease in GSH levels could be an indicator of a state of oxidative imbalance in individuals older than 85 years, which increases their susceptibility to the action of reactive oxygen species.