• Natália Gomes de Morais, Thacianna Barreto da Costa, Joana Maria Bezerra de Lira, Suênia da Cunha Gonçalves de Albuquerque, Valéria Rêgo Alves Pereira, Milena de Paiva Cavalcanti, and Machado Barbosa de Castro Célia Maria CM Federal University of Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil..
• Laboratory of Immunopathology Keizo Asami, Federal University of Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil. Electronic address: Natalia.morais@univasf.edu.br.
• Nutrition. 2017 Jan 1; 33: 174-180.

ObjectivesNutritional aggression in critical periods may lead to epigenetic changes that affect gene expression. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of neonatal malnutrition on the expression of toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, TLR-4, and NLRP3 receptors, caspase-1 enzyme, and interleukin (IL)-1 β production in macrophages infected with methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) Staphylococcus aureus.MethodsWistar rats (N = 24) were divided in two distinct groups: nourished (17% casein) and malnourished (8% casein). Four systems were established after the isolation of mononuclear cells: negative control, positive control, MRSA, and MSSA. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h in humidified atmosphere and 5% carbon dioxide. Tests were performed after this period to analyze the expression of standard recognition receptors, caspase-1 enzyme, and the production of IL-1 β. Student's t test and analysis of variance were used in the statistical analysis; P < 0.05 was statistically significant.ResultsMalnutrition reduced animal growth and the expression of TLR-2, TLR-4, and NLRP3 receptors, the caspase-1 enzyme, and the IL-1 β levels in macrophages infected with lipopolysaccharides in the present study. However, the interaction between the S. aureus and the macrophages promoted greater gene expression of receptors and enzymes.ConclusionThe neonatal malnutrition model compromised the expression of standard recognition receptors, of the caspase-1 enzyme as well as the production of IL-1 β. However, the S. aureus and neonatal malnutrition combination led to intense transcription of such innate immunity components. Therefore, the deregulation in the expression of TLR and NLRP3 receptors and of the caspase-1 enzyme may induce extensive tissue injury and favor the permanence and spread of these bacteria, especially those that are methicillin resistant.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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