Relação espacial entre o estojo córneo e a falange distal em éguas Campolina adultas com e sem obesidade / Spatial relationship between the hoof capsule and the distal phalanx in adult Campolina mares with and without obesity

A laminite endocrinopática tem acometido um número crescente de equinos com sinais de obesidade. Em um estudo recente com fêmeas jovens (até cinco anos) da raça Campolina, demonstraram-se indícios de alterações no dígito, ainda discretas, aparentemente associadas ao aumento da adiposidade. Com a hipótese de que essa associação é mais evidente em animais em faixa etária superior, o objetivo do presente estudo foi estudar éguas adultas (acima de cinco anos) da raça Campolina com e sem obesidade, avaliando-se radiograficamente a relação espacial entre estojo córneo e falange distal. Foram utilizadas 27 éguas entre seis e 14 anos de idade, sendo analisadas variáveis de adiposidade e medidas radiográficas dos cascos dos membros torácicos de equinos com escore corporal de 5 a 7/9 (grupo controle) e de 8 a 9 (grupo obeso). Foram feitas comparações entre os grupos e correlacionaram-se as variáveis de adiposidade com variáveis casco. A distância de afundamento da falange distal foi cerca de 20% superior nas éguas obesas (12,3±2,5 contra 10,2±2,2mm no grupo controle). Esse parâmetro também correlacionou (P<0,01) com vários parâmetros de adiposidade, com destaque para o escore de condição corporal (r=0,47) e a circunferência de pescoço a 75% (r=0,42). Os resultados corroboram estudos prévios que demonstraram associação entre obesidade e indícios de separação entre falange distal e estojo córneo em equinos de raças nacionais, comprovando, assim, a utilidade da avaliação radiográfica nesses animais. Em conclusão, éguas da raça Campolina com obesidade possuem alterações evidentes na relação espacial entre estojo córneo e falange distal, que se intensificam com o aumento da idade e da adiposidade.(AU)

In a recent study with young females (up to 5 years old) of the Campolina breed, there were discrete indications of alterations in the digit, apparently associated to the increase in adiposity. With the hypothesis that this association is more evident in horses in the upper age group, the objective was to study Campolina adult mares (above 5 years) with and without obesity, evaluating radiographically the spatial relationship between the horn and distal phalanx. Eighteen mares between six and fourteen years and with a body score of 5 to 7/9 (Control Group) and 8 to 9 (Obeso Group) were used. Adiposity and radiographic measurements from the forelimbs were analyzed. Comparisons were made between groups and adiposity variables were correlated with hoof variables. The sinking distance of the distal phalanx was about 20% higher in obese mares (12.3±2.5 versus 10.2±2.2mm). This parameter also correlated (P< 0.01) with several adiposity parameters, with emphasis on body score condition (r= 0.47) and neck circumference at 75% (r= 0.42). In conclusion, Campolina mares with obesity have obvious alterations in the spatial relation between the corneal and the distal phalanx, which get intense according to increases in age and adiposity.(AU)

Cartogenina associada à microperfuração do osso subcondral na reparação da cartilagem articular em equinos / Kartogenin associated to micro of the subchondral bone in the joint cartilage repair in horses

A reconstituição da cartilagem articular danificada por doenças de desenvolvimento, trauma e osteoartrite tem sido um grande desafio na veterinária. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o uso da cartogenina, uma molécula capaz de induzir diferenciação de células mesenquimais em condrócitos, associado ou não à técnica de microfratura na reparação de defeitos condrais induzidos na tróclea femoral de equinos. Foram utilizados seis equinos pesando em média (±DP) 342±1,58kg, com idade de 7,2±1,30 anos e escore corporal de 7,1±0,75, os quais foram submetidos à videoartroscopia para indução da lesão condral de 1cm2 na tróclea lateral do fêmur e à realização da técnica de microperfuração do osso subcondral de ambos os joelhos. Foram realizadas quatro aplicações semanais com 20µM de cartogenina intra-articular em um dos joelhos (grupo tratado) e solução de ringer com lactato na articulação contralateral (grupo controle). Os animais foram submetidos a avaliações física, radiográfica, ultrassonográfica, por um período de 60 dias. Não houve qualquer diferença estatística entre as articulações tratadas e as controle. A terapia com cartogenina, segundo protocolo utilizado, não produziu melhora clínica em lesões osteocondrais induzidas e tratadas com microperfurações na tróclea lateral do fêmur em equinos.(AU)

Articular cartilage reconstruction is still a challenge in Veterinary Medicine. The aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of kartogenin, a small molecule that promotes chondrocyte differentiation, in the repair of induced chondral defects pretreated with subchondral drilling. Six horses with a mean (± SD) weight of 342 ± 1.58Kg, aging 7.2 ± 1.30 years, and with a mean 7.1 ± 0.75 body score condition were used. In both stifles, a 1cm2 chondral defect was induced in the lateral femoral trochlea followed by treatment with subchondral drilling. Four intra-articular injections with kartogenin (20mM) were performed weekly in one stifle (treated group). The same procedure using saline solution was performed in the contralateral joint (control group). Clinical, radiographic, ultrasound evaluations were performed for a period of 60 days. No statistical differences were detected between groups in any of the studied variables. Although kartogenin has shown to improve articular cartilage repair in laboratory animal models, the same was not observed in this equine model. In conclusion, the kartogenin therapy, according to the used protocol, did not promote any clinical benefit in equine femoral trochlear defects pretreated with subcondral drilling.(AU)

Estudo da correlação de medidas radiográficas indicadoras de laminite em éguas da raça Mangalarga Marchador com e sem sinais de sobrepeso / Correlation study about radiographic measurements signaling laminitis in Mangalarga Marchador mares with or without signs of overweight

A avaliação radiográfica do casco é essencial no diagnóstico e na avaliação da laminite em equinos, contudo poucos estudos têm sido feitos em raças nacionais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar a morfometria de imagens radiográficas obtidas do dígito de éguas Mangalarga Marchador (MM), a fim de obter um perfil de medidas indicadoras de laminite nessa população e comparar grupos sem (escore corporal 5 e 6) e com (escore corporal 7 e 8) sinais de sobrepeso. Não houve diferença significativa entre os valores para as medidas dos dois grupos (P>0,05), mas verificou-se correlação positiva entre a distância entre os planos da linha coronária e do ápice do processo extensor (afundamento da falange distal) e indicadores de deposição de gordura localizada no pescoço e na base da cauda. Os achados demonstram que a morfometria radiográfica do dígito dessa população de equinos Mangalarga Marchador difere da de raças estrangeiras. Além disso, nos animais estudados, éguas com escore corporal 7 e 8 não aparentaram estarem mais sujeitas à laminite, uma vez que não houve diferença entre a morfometria de éguas com escore inferior. Entretanto, as correlações positivas entre índices de obesidade e a distância de afundamento da falange distal indicam que éguas Mangalarga Marchador também estão sujeitas à ocorrência de laminite associada à obesidade...

The radiographic evaluation of the hoof is essential in the diagnosis and follow-up of equine laminitis; however, few studies have been conducted in Brazilian breeds. The aim was to perform the morphometry of radiographic images taken from the digit of Mangalarga Marchador in order to obtain a profile of measurements indicative of laminitis in this population. We also compared measurements form mares without (body score 5 and 6) and with (body score 7 and 8) signs of overweight. There was no significant difference between measurements from the two groups (P> 0.05), but there was significant positive correlation between founder distance and signs of adiposity in the neck and in the base of the tail. Findings from this study demonstrate that radiographic morphology of the hoof from this population of Mangalarga Marchador mares differ from standard international reference values. Furthermore, in this group of mares, those with body condition grading 7 and 8 did not seem to be more prone to develop laminitis, since there was no difference when they were compared with mares showing lower grades. However, a significant correlation among founder distance and signs of adiposity in the neck and base of tail indicate that Mangalarga Marchador mares are also prone to obesity-associated laminitis...

Phytotherapy: an introduction to its history, use and application / Fitoterapia: introdução a sua história, uso e aplicação

There has been a great advance in the pharmacognosy field, which has increased the use of medicinal plants by health professionals and practitioners of folk medicine. This systematic review explored the history and the present day application of phytotherapeutic medicines. We searched the databases Cochrane Library, Embase, Lilacs, PubMed, Scielo and a specialized bibliography. We concluded that there are many therapeutic potentialities in the use of phytotherapeutic medicines and medicinal plants. We also concluded that despite the increasing number of publications in the field each year, there is still a lack of reviews and meta-analyses that could promote a better integration of the knowledge produced. In addition, research about pharmacological interactions and multidisciplinary studies may promote a quicker and safer process from the workbench up to the clinical trials.

Diante do avanço que vem ocorrendo na área da farmacognosia, decorrente do aumento do uso de plantas medicinais na medicina popular e por profissionais da saúde, este trabalho apresenta uma revisão sistemática sobre a história dos fitoterápicos e sobre sua aplicação na atualidade. Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados Cochrane Library, Embase, Lilacs, PubMed, Scielo e em bibliografia especializada. Concluiu-se que, apesar da quantidade de estudos publicados crescer a cada ano, há ainda escassez de revisões e meta-análises que promovam melhor integração do conhecimento produzido. Pesquisas contemplando interações farmacológicas e trabalhos multidisciplinares podem acelerar os estudos em bases mais seguras, desde a bancada até os ensaios clínicos.

Assessment of antimicrobial activity in vitro of ethanolic extracts of Banisteriopsis anisandra (A. Juss. ) B. Gates (Malpighiaceae) / Avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana in vitro de extratos etanólicos de Banisteriopsis anisandra (A. Juss. ) B. Gates (Malpighiaceae)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity in vitro of ethanolic extracts of Banisteriopsis anisandra. Tests were performed using the extracts overlay method in the culture medium for phytopathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum, and disk diffusion for the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Ethanolic extracts from leaves were prepared by maceration (extract I) and decoction (extract II) at 430.0, 215.0 and 107.5 mg/mL. The growth inhibition of R. solani and F. oxysporum was determined by calculating the mycelia growth speed rate (MGSR) and, in relation C. albicans and S. aureus, it was determined by measuring the inhibition halos. Extracts that caused significant inhibition were also tested at 86.0, 64.5, 43.0 and 21.5 mg/mL for C. albicans and S. aureus. Both extracts showed inhibitory activity on the microorganisms studied. Rizoctonia solani showed lower MGSR in the presence of extract II (107.5 mg/mL) and Fusarium oxysporum showed slight MGSR reduction in the presence of extract I (107.5 mg/mL) and II (107.5 and 215 mg/mL). Ethanolic extracts I and II inhibited the growth of C. albicans, with the highest rates of inhibition observed in the presence of extract II (215.0 mg/mL). For S. aureus, the highest inhibitory activity was observed in the presence of ethanolic extract II, prepared by decoction at 430.0 mg/mL. Results showed a promising antimicrobial activity of extracts of B. anisandra, which may contribute to further studies leading to a future development of medicines to treat human and plant diseases caused by these organisms.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro de extratos etanólicos de Banisteriopsis anisandra. Os testes foram realizados utilizando o método de sobreposição de extratos em meio de cultura para fungos fitopatogênicos Rhizoctonia solani e Fusarium oxysporum e de difusão em disco para os microrganismos Staphylococcus aureus e Candida albicans. Foram testados de extratos etanólicos de folhas preparados por maceração (extrato I) e decocção (extrato II), nas concentrações de 430,0; 215,0 e 107,5 mg/mL. A inibição do crescimento de R. solani e F. oxysporum foi determinada pelo cálculo do índice de velocidade de crescimento micelial (IVCM) e de C. albicans e S. aureus, por meio da medida da halos de inibição. Os extratos que causaram inibição significativa também foram testados nas concentrações de 86,0; 64,5; 43,0 e 21,5 mg/mL para C. albicans e S. aureus. Ambos os extratos mostraram atividade inibitória sobre os microrganismos estudados. Rizoctonia solani apresentou menor IVCM na presença do extrato II (107,5 mg/mL) e Fusarium oxysporum apresentou discreta redução no IVCM na presença do extrato I (107,5 mg/mL) e II (107,5 e 215 mg/mL). Extratos etanólicos I e II inibiram o crescimento de C. albicans, com as maiores taxas de inibição observadas na presença do extrato II (215,0 mg/mL). Para S. aureus a maior atividade inibitória foi observada na presença do extrato II, na concentração de 430 mg/mL. Os resultados mostraram promissora atividade antimicrobiana de extratos de B. anisandra, o que pode contribuir para estudos futuros visando o desenvolvimento de medicamentos para doenças humanas e de plantas causadas por estes microrganismos.

Plasma cytokine response, lipid peroxidation and NF-kB activation in skeletal muscle following maximum progressive swimming

Our objective was to determine lipid peroxidation and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in skeletal muscle and the plasma cytokine profile following maximum progressive swimming. Adult male Swiss mice (N = 15) adapted to the aquatic environment were randomly divided into three groups: immediately after exercise (EX1), 3 h after exercise (EX2) and control. Animals from the exercising groups swam until exhaustion, with an initial workload of 2 percent of body mass attached to the tail. Control mice did not perform any exercise but were kept immersed in water for 20 min. Maximum swimming led to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in skeletal muscle, as indicated by increased thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels (4062.67 ± 1487.10 vs 19,072.48 ± 8738.16 nmol malondialdehyde (MDA)/mg protein, control vs EX1). Exercise also promoted NF-κB activation in soleus muscle. Cytokine secretion following exercise was marked by increased plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels 3 h post-exercise (P < 0.05). Interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were reduced following exercise and remained reduced 3 h post-exercise (P < 0.05). Plasma levels of other cytokines investigated, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-12 (IL-12), were not altered by exercise. The present findings showed that maximum swimming, as well as other exercise models, led to lipid peroxidation and NF-κB activation in skeletal muscle and increased plasma IL-6 levels. The plasma cytokine response was also marked by reduced IL-10 levels. These results were attributed to exercise type and intensity.

Caracterização genotípica dos isolados de Escherichia coli provenientes de frangos de corte / Genotypically characterization of Escherichia coli isolates from poultry

Caracterizaram-se genotipicamente os isolados de Escherichia coli oriundos de fígado de frangos provenientes de dois matadouros avícolas. Foram coletadas 62 amostras de fígados de frangos, sendo 30 macroscopicamente inalterados e 32 com alteração macroscópica e que originaram no descarte da carcaça. Isolaram-se 30 cepas de Escherichia coli pelo método clássico, sendo 21 isoladas de fígados inalterados e nove provenientes de carcaças rejeitadas. Utilizou-se a reação em cadeia de polimerase para verificação de genes de virulência de E. coli, incluindo o gene de resistência sérica (iss) para identificação de E. coli patogênica para aves, o gene para Shiga cytotoxin 1 e 2 (stx) para identificação de E. coli enteroemorrágica, o gene bfpA para identificação de E. coli enteropatogênica e os genes para toxinas LT-I (elt) e ST-I (stI) para identificação de E. coli enterotoxigênica. Identificou-se iss em 83,3 por cento (25/30) dos isolados, sendo 76,2 por cento (16/21) provenientes de fígados de animais hígidos, e detectou-se stx em 13,3 por cento (4/30). Os genes stx e iss foram identificados em três fígados, caracterizando infecção mista. Os genes não foram observados em um isolado de E. coli pelo método clássico. Faz-se necessária a utilização de tecnologias para identificação e prevenção de Escherichia coli nos aviários e matadouros avícolas.

The isolates of Escherichia coli from chicken livers from two slaughterhouses were genotypically characterized in 62 samples. Thirty samples were macroscopically unchanged and 32 demonstrated alterations that led to the disposal of carcass for sanitary inspection. Thirty Escherichia coli strains from 21 unchanged and 9 from carcasses that were rejected were isolated through the classical method. Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed to verify E. coli virulence of the following genes: serum resistance (iss), to identify avian pathogenic E. coli; Shiga cytotoxin 1 and 2 (stx), to identify enterohaemorrhagic E. col; bfpA, to identify enteropathogenic E. coli; LT-I (elt) and ST-I (stI) toxins to identify enterotoxigenic E. coli. Iss gene was identified in 83.3 percent (25/30), being 76.2 percent (16/21) from E. coli isolated strains from healthy animals. stx gene was identified in 13.3 percent (4/30) of E. coli isolates, and in three of these samples was identified as stx and iss, featuring a mixed infection. The genes were not identified in one E. coli isolated from the classic method. Thus, it is necessary to use advanced technologies to identify and prevent Escherichia coli contamination in poultry farms and slaughterhouses.

Identification of Lactobacillus UFV H2b20 (probiotic strain) using DNA-DNA hybridization / Identificação de Lactobacillus UFV H2b20 (linhagem probiótica) através de hibridização DNA-DNA

Sequence analyses of the 16S rDNA gene and DNA-DNA hybridization tests were performed for identification of the species of the probiotic Lactobacillus UFV H2b20 strain. Using these two tests, we concluded that this strain, originally considered Lact. acidophilus, should be classified as Lact. delbrueckii.

Análise da seqüência do gene 16S rDNA e ensaios de hibridização DNA_DNA foram empregados para identificar a espécie da cepa probiótica Lactobacillus UFV H2b20. Empregando-se estes dois testes, concluímos que esta cepa, originalmente considerada Lact. acidophilus, deve ser classificada como Lact. delbrueckii.

Identification of Lactobacillus UFV H2b20 (probiotic strain) using DNA-DNA hybridization

Sequence analyses of the 16S rDNA gene and DNA-DNA hybridization tests were performed for identification of the species of the probiotic Lactobacillus UFV H2b20 strain. Using these two tests, we concluded that this strain, originally considered Lact. acidophilus, should be classified as Lact. delbrueckii.

Análise da seqüência do gene 16S rDNA e ensaios de hibridização DNA_DNA foram empregados para identificar a espécie da cepa probiótica Lactobacillus UFV H2b20. Empregando-se estes dois testes, concluímos que esta cepa, originalmente considerada Lact. acidophilus, deve ser classificada como Lact. delbrueckii.

Relation of cervical length at 22-24 weeks of gestation to demographic characteristics and obstetric history

Preterm delivery is the main cause of neonatal death and ultrasonographic cervical assessment has been shown to be more accurate than digital examination in recognizing a short cervix. This is a cross-sectional study, involving 1131 women at 22-24 weeks of pregnancy, designed to determine the distribution of cervical length and to examine which variables of demographic characteristics and obstetric history increase the risk of a short cervix (15 mm or less). The distribution of maternal demographic and obstetric history characteristics among patients with cervical length ú15 mm was analyzed and compared to the findings for the general population. Risk ratios (RR) between subgroups were generated from this comparison. Median cervical length was 37 mm and in 1.5 percent of cases it was 15 mm or less. The proportion of women with a short cervix (<=15 mm) was significantly higher among patients with a low body mass index (RR = 3.5) and in those with previous fetal losses between 16-23 weeks (RR = 33.1) or spontaneous preterm deliveries between 24-32 weeks (RR = 14.1). We suggest that transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length be performed as part of a routine midtrimester ultrasound evaluation. There are specific variables of demographic characteristics and obstetric history which increase the risk of detecting a short cervix at 22-24 weeks.

Comportamento de diferentes parâmetros extraídos do sinal de EMG em função da força muscular / Behavior of different parameters extracted from the EMG signal as a function of strength

Muitos pesquisadores têm estudado a relação entre a atividade mioelétrica e performance muscular medido como trabalho, torque ou força. No entanto, não existe consenso sobre o melhor parâmetro para este tipo de análise...

Biochemical profile of amniotic fluid for the assessment of fetal and renal development

Creatinine plays a key role in the function and maturation of fetal kidneys throughout pregnancy. It is important to identify other markers that may help in the diagnosis of renal dysfunction. Our aim was to determine the profile of and the correlation between biochemical markers to be used to assess renal function and maturation of the fetus in the amniotic fluid during pregnancy and to determine the distribution of normal values for creatinine, N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), ß2-microglobulin, glucose, urea, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, uric acid, albumin, and osmolality in three gestational age groups. This was a cross-section study that assessed 115 samples of amniotic fluid during three different periods of pregnancy, i.e., 13 to 20, 27 to 34, and 36 to 42 weeks. Concentrations of creatinine, NAG, urea, potassium and uric acid increased during pregnancy (P<0.05). ß2-Microglobulin, glucose, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, and albumin concentration and osmolality decreased (P<0.05), whereas ß2-microglobulin, glucose and uric acid presented significant correlations with gestational age and creatinine, respectively (r>0.6, P<0.05). Urea, potassium and phosphorus showed mild correlations with both (r>0.5, P<0.05). NAG, sodium, albumin and osmolality did not show significant correlations (r<0.5, P<0.05). These tests confirmed the important role of creatinine in terms of correlation with gestational age. ß2-Microglobulin, glucose and uric acid were significant as markers of function and maturation of fetal kidneys, whereas NAG did not demonstrate a useful role for the assessment of renal maturation

Clonal structure of Trypanosoma cruzi Colombian strain (biodeme Type III): biological, isoenzymic and histopathological analysis of seven isolated clones

The clonal structure of the Colombian strain of Trypanosoma cruzi, biodeme Type III and zymodeme 1, was analyzed in order to characterize its populations and to establish its homogeneity or heterogeneity. Seven isolated clones presented the basic characteristics of Biodeme Type III, with the same patterns of parasitemic curves, tissue tropism to skeletal muscle and myocardium, high pathogenicity with extensive necrotic-inflammatory lesions from the 20th to 30th day of infection. The parental strain and its clones C1, C3, C4 and C6, determined the higher levels of parasitemia, 20 to 30 days of infection, with high mortality rate up to 30 days (79 to 100%); clones C2, C5 and C7 presented lower levels of parasitemia, with low mortality rates (7.6 to 23%). Isoenzymic patterns, characteristic of zymodeme 1, (Z1) were similar for the parental strain and its seven clones. Results point to a phenotypic homogeneity of the clones isolated from the Colombian strain and suggest the predominance of a principal clone, responsible for the biological behavior of the parental strain and clones.

A estrutura clonal da cepa Colombiana do Trypanosoma cruzi, biodema Tipo III e zimodema 1, foi analisada com o objetivo de caracterizar as suas populações e estabelecer a homogeneidade ou heterogeneidade das mesmas. Foram isolados sete clones, os quais apresentaram as características básicas do biodema Tipo III, com o mesmo padrão de curvas parasitêmicas, tropismo tecidual para músculo esquelético e miocárdio, alta patogenicidade, com extensas lesões necrótico-inflamatórias, do 20º ao 30º dia de infecção. A cepa parental e os clones C1, C3, C4 e C6 apresentaram os niveis mais elevados de parasitemia entre 20 e 30 dias pós-infecção e alto indice de mortalidade até 30 dias (79 a 100%); os clones C2, C5 e C7 apresentaram niveis mais baixos de parasitemia com baixa mortalidade até 30 dias (7,6 a 23%). Os padrões isoenzimáticos foram característicos do zimodema 1 (Z1) para a cepa parental e os sete clones. Os achados do presente trabalho indicam uma homogeneidade fenotípica entre os clones isolados da cepa Colombiana e sugerem a predominância de um clone principal, responsável pelo padrão de comportamento biológico da cepa parental e dos clones.

Alfafetoproteína: valores normais no líquido amniótico entre 14 e 21 semanas / Alphafetoproteín: amniotic fluid normal values between 14 and 21 weeks

Objetivo. Definir uma curva de normalidade dos valores de alfafetoproteína (AFP) no líquido amniótico em gestantes entre 14 e 21 semanas de gravidez no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Materiais e Métodos. Nas 137 mulheres que procuraram o diagnóstico pré-natal e tiveram indicaçao de coleta de líquido amniótico. A alfafetroproteína foi dosada em todas as amostras por enzima imunoensaio. Foram selecionadas 109 gestaçoes normais (sem malformaçoes, cariótipo normal, nao-gemelares) e cujas amostras de líquido amniótico nao eram sanguinolentas. Essas foram divididas quanto à idade gestacional e tiveram calculadas as medianas dos valores de AFP e seus múltiplos. Resultados. As medianas da alfafetoproteína (KUI/ml) para cada idade gestacional foram as seguintes: 14 semanas: 16,32; 15 semanas: 14,36; 16 semanas: 13,43; 17 semanas: 10,93; 18 semanas: 8,22; 19 semanas: 7,35; 20 semanas: 5,62; 21 semanas: 4,47. Conclusao. O estabelecimento de uma curva normal de AFP em nosso serviço permite a utilizaçao deste exame para pacientes em risco de defeitos de fechamento de tubo neural. Permite também que sejam analisadas amostras enviadas para estudos citogenéticos ou metabólicos de maneira a identificar fetos com níveis elevados de AFP que necessitarao de estudos ultrasonográficos mais detalhados pela possibilidade de defeitos morfológicos.

Association of ovarian volume and serum LH levels in adolescent patients with menstrual disorders and/or hirsutism

Pelvic ultrasonography was performed on 25 adolescent patients with menstrual disorders and/or hirsutism. Clinical and endocrinologic state was evaluated by history, physical examination and assays of serum LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone and androstenedione levels in order to determine a possible association between hormonal levels and ovarian volume in the etiologic investigation of these adolescent girls. Patients aged 12 to 19 years, mean 14.92 years (menarche at 12 to 16 years; mean, 12.32 years) were divided into three groups according to ovarian size at ultrasonography: group I, N = 13, both ovaries 2-10 cm3; group II, N = 5, one of the ovaries > 10 cm3; group III, N = 7, both ovaries > 10 cm3. A strong correlation between serum LH levels and ovarian volume (r = 0.647, P < 0.0001) was observed. Moreover, when comparing the hormonal levels of all three groups, serum LH levels were significantly higher in group III (group I, 3.92 +/- 3.49; group II, 5.25 +/- 2.71; group III, 9.77 +/- 3.11 mIU/ml; mean +/- SD, P < 0.003) while testosterone and androstenedione levels showed a tendency to also be higher, but this difference was not significant. This hormonal pattern is suggestive of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The present results suggest that ovarian size of more than 10 cm3 at pelvic ultrasound in adolescent girls with menstrual disorders and/or hirsutism might be predictive of PCOS and emphasize the importance of careful assessment of ovarian volume by ultrasound