Brazil is one of the countries that experienced an epidemic of microcephaly and other congenital manifestations related to maternal Zika virus infection which can result in Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Since the Zika virus can modulate the immune system, studying mothers’ and children’s immune profiles become essential to better understanding CZS development. Therefore, we investigated the lymphocyte population profile of children who developed CZS and their mothers’ immune response in this study. The study groups were formed from the Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT) (CZS+ group) result. To evaluate the lymphocyte population profile, we performed phenotyping of peripheral lymphocytes and quantification of serum cytokine levels. The immunophenotyping and cytokine profile was correlated between CSZ+ children and their mothers. Both groups exhibited increased interleukin-17 levels and a reduction in the subpopulation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. In contrast, the maternal group showed a reduction in the population of B lymphocytes. Thus, the development of CZS is related to the presence of an inflammatory immune profile in children and their mothers characterized by Th17 activation.

The immunological mechanisms involved in the development of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) have yet to be fully clarified. This study aims to assess the immuno-inflammatory profile of mothers and their children who have been diagnosed with CZS. Blood samples, which were confirmed clinically using the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), were collected from children with CZS and their mothers (CZS+ group). Samples were also collected from children who did not develop CZS and had a negative PRNT result and from their mothers (CZS- group). The data demonstrated a correlation between the leukocyte profile of CZS+ children and their mothers, more evident in monocytes. Monocytes from mothers of CZS+ children showed low expression of HLA and elevated hydrogen peroxide production. CZS+ children presented standard HLA expression and a higher hydrogen peroxide concentration than CZS- children. Monocyte superoxide dismutase activity remained functional. Moreover, when assessing the monocyte polarization, it was observed that there was no difference in nitrite concentrations; however, there was a decrease in arginase activity in CZS+ children. These data suggest that ZIKV infection induces a maternal immuno-inflammatory background related to the child’s inflammatory response after birth, possibly affecting the development and progression of congenital Zika syndrome.

Background and objectives: Negative changes on inflammatory markers and cardiac autonomic parameters in patients with cardiovascular diseases have been associated with a high risk of mortality. In this context, some studies have found positive effects of the aerobic training (AT) on plasma levels of interleukin and on autonomic parameters (e.g., heart rate variability) in patients without and with cardiovascular diseases. However, studies associating the effects of exercise on inflammation and autonomic cardiac control with patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remain scarce. This study investigated the impact of an 8-week aerobic training on plasma concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and autonomic cardiac control in patients undergoing CABG. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 13 patients who underwent successful CABG. Plasma concentration of IL-6 and autonomic cardiac control were evaluated before and after 8 weeks of AT (performed twice a week, with a 48-hr rest interval between each session; 35-40 minutes; low-moderate intensity). Results: Concentration of IL-6 (644.60 ± 475.12 vs. 403.97 ± 226.50 pg/ml; P=0.0237)] and autonomic cardiac control [LF (70.55 ± 10.27 vs. 58.82 ± 18.13 nu; P=0.0069)], [HF (29.27 ± 10.30 vs. 41.07 ± 18.15 nu; P=0.0062)] and [LF/HF (2.86 ± 1.46 vs. 2.01 ± 1.54; P=0.0032)] were significantly improved after AT. Conclusions: The findings of this preliminary research demonstrated potential benefits a positive impact of aerobic exercise on inflammation and autonomic cardiac control in patients undergoing CABG.