Efeito hipolipemiante da suplementação dietética com a farinha do cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) em ratos hipercolesterolêmicos / Hypolipidemic effect of diet supplementation with cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) flour in hypercholesterolemic rats

Estudos com frutas e vegetais ricos em fibra alimentar tem demonstrado efeito redutor das concentrações sanguíneas de colesterol total, atuando de forma preventiva contra a hipercolesterolemia. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar a composição química da farinha de cubiu e avaliar o efeito de seu consumo sobre a lipemia de ratos hipercolesterolêmicos. Foram utilizados 8 animais para cada tratamento, em 7 grupos sendo: 1 controle; 3 experimentais com 5%, 25% e 50% da recomendação de fibras (AIN-93) provenientes da farinha de cubiu; e 3 grupos per feeding tendo celulose e pectina como fonte de fibra alimentar nas mesmas proporções dos grupos experimentais. Ao final do ensaio foi verificado que não houve variação significativa no consumo de ração pelos animais e no ganho de massa corporal no decorrer do experimento. Os tratamentos com farinha de cubiu reduziram as concentrações de colesterol total (-21,6%), LDL-c (-56,8%), aumentaram a excreção de colesterol fecal (+116%), e diminuíram o colesterol hepático (-32,1%). Nenhum dos tratamentos promoveu alteração significativa nas concentrações de triglicerídeos. Os tratamentos com pectina e celulose demonstraram resultados semelhantes aos do cubiu. Os resultados observados servem como base para futuros estudos visando o aproveitamento biotecnológico deste fruto.

Studies with fruit and vegetables rich in dietary fiber have shown lowering effects on the blood concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), acting preventively against hypercholesterolemia. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of cocona and evaluate the effect of the consumption of cocona flour on lipemia of Wistar rats with hypercholesterolemia. Eight animals were used for each treatment, in 7 groups: control; 3 experimental groups with 5%, 25% and 50% of the recommended fiber (AIN-93) from cocona flour; 3 groups per feeding with pectin and cellulose as source of dietary fiber, in the same proportions of the experimental groups. At the end of the assay, we verified that there were not significant variations in the consumption of the animals and the body weight during the experiment. Treatments with cocna flour were responsible for reducing the concentrations of total cholesterol (-21.6%), LDL-c (-56.8%), increasing the excretion of fecal cholesterol (+116%) and lowering the liver cholesterol (-32.1%). None of the treatments significantly altered the triglyceride concentrations. Treatments using pectin and cellulose show results similar to cocona. The observed results can be used in further studies aimed at the biotechnological exploitation of this fruit.

Antidepressant-like effect of Hoodia gordonii in a forced swimming test in mice: evidence for involvement of the monoaminergic system

Hoodia gordonii is a plant species used traditionally in southern Africa to suppress appetite. Recently, it has been associated with a significant increase in blood pressure and pulse rate in women, suggesting sympathomimetic activity. The present study investigated the possible antidepressant-like effects of acute and repeated (15 days) administration of H. gordonii extract (25 and 50 mg/kg, po) to mice exposed to a forced swimming test (FST). Neurochemical analysis of brain monoamines was also carried out to determine the involvement of the monoaminergic system on these effects. Acute administration of H. gordonii decreased the immobility of mice in the FST without accompanying changes in general activity in the open-field test during acute treatment, suggesting an antidepressant-like effect. The anti-immobility effect of H. gordonii was prevented by pretreatment of mice with PCPA [an inhibitor of serotonin (5-HT) synthesis], NAN-190 (a 5-HT1A antagonist), ritanserin (a 5-HT2A/2C antagonist), ondansetron (a 5-HT3A antagonist), prazosin (an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), SCH23390 (a D1 receptor antagonist), yohimbine (an α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), and sulpiride (a D2 receptor antagonist). A significant increase in 5-HT levels in the striatum was detected after acute administration, while 5-HT, norepinephrine and dopamine were significantly elevated after chronic treatment. Results indicated that H. gordonii possesses antidepressant-like activity in the FST by altering the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic systems.

Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus affects lysosomal enzymes in rat liver

It has been previously shown that dextran sulfate administered to diabetic rats accumulates in the liver and kidney, and this could be due to a malfunction of the lysosomal digestive pathway. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and activities of lysosomal enzymes that act upon proteins and sulfated polysaccharides in the livers of diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin in 26 male Wistar rats (12 weeks old), while 26 age-matched controls received only vehicle. The livers were removed on either the 10th or the 30th day of the disease, weighed, and used to evaluate the activity, expression, and localization of lysosomal enzymes. A 50-60% decrease in the specific activities of cysteine proteases, especially cathepsin B, was observed in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. Expression (mRNA) of cathepsins B and L was also decreased on the 10th, but not on the 30th day. Sulfatase decreased 30% on the 30th day, while glycosidases did not vary (or presented a transitory and slight decrease). There were no apparent changes in liver morphology, and immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of cathepsin B in hepatocyte granules. The decrease in sulfatase could be responsible for the dextran sulfate build-up in the diabetic liver, since the action of sulfatase precedes glycosidases in the digestive pathway of sulfated polysaccharides. Our findings suggest that the decreased activities of cathepsins resulted from decreased expression of their genes, and not from general lysosomal failure, because the levels of glycosidases were normal in the diabetic liver.

Índices de eficiência reprodutiva de búfalos da Amazônia Oriental do Brasil / Indices of reproductive efficiency of buffaloes of the Brazilian Eastern Amazon

Foram avaliados registros de manejo reprodutivo de búfalos das raças Jafarabadi, Murrah, Mediterrâneo, Carabao e Tipo Baio, bem como seus mestiços, no período de 1983 a 2005. Estudaram-se as características reprodutivas: idade à primeira cria (média de 1052,52±120,45 dias), intervalo de partos (média de 399,69±23,78 dias), eficiência reprodutiva (média de 91,09±1,89%), fertilidade real adaptada (média de 29,30±4,40 quilogramas de bezerro parido por ano), produtividade ao primeiro parto adaptada (média de 33,75±6,89 quilogramas) e produtividade acumulada adaptada (média de 22,86±6,55 quilogramas de bezerro parido por ano). Foram verificadas influências do ano de parto e o grau de sangue da fêmea sobre as características estudadas, o que indica que tais efeitos devem ser incluídos na avaliação genética e na seleção dos animais. Os índices produtivos utilizados mostraram-se de grande valia para a seleção, devendo ser mais estudadas suas interações relativas ao desempenho geral do rebanho.

We evaluated records of reproductive management Jaffarabadi buffalo breeds, Murrah, Mediterranean, Carabao and Baio types, and their crosses, in the period from 1983 to 2005. We studied the following reproductive characteristics: Age at first calving (mean 1052.52±120.45 days), calving interval (399.69±23.78 mean days), Reproductive Efficiency (average 91.09±1, 89%), Real Adapted Fertility (average 29.30±4.40kg calf calved each year), the First Labor Productivity Adapted (mean 33.75±6.89kg) and Accumulated Productivity Adapted (mean 22.86±6.55kg calf calved each year). Influences were observed in the year of delivery and degree of blood on the female traits, suggesting that such effects should be included in genetic evaluation and selection of animals. The production indices used were of great value for the selection, and should be well studied for their interactions with the overall performance of the herd.

Corpo estranho traqueal em cão / Tracheal foreign body in dog

The occurrence of a tracheal foreign body in a three-month-old male Poodle referred to a Teaching Veterinary Hospital due to acute coughing, gagging and nausea is reported. A bronchoscopy under general anesthesia was performed in order to obtain a diagnose. During the bronchoscopy a foreign body (maize popcorn) was observed in the intrathoracic trachea. The surgeon attempted to remove it by endoscopy, but no success was achieved. Therefore, an open procedure was performed and the foreign body removed. The patient progressed satisfactorily after the thoracotomy.

CCN2/CTGF silencing blocks cell aggregation in embryonal carcinoma P19 cell

Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is a matricellular-secreted protein involved in extracellular matrix remodeling. The P19 cell line is an embryonic carcinoma line widely used as a cellular model for differentiation and migration studies. In the present study, we employed an exogenous source of CCN2 and small interference RNA to address the role of CCN2 in the P19 cell aggregation phenomenon. Our data showed that increasing CCN2 protein concentrations from 0.1 to 20 nM decreased the number of cell clusters and dramatically increased cluster size without changing proliferation or cell survival, suggesting that CCN2 induced aggregation. In addition, CCN2 specific silencing inhibited typical P19 cell aggregation, which could be partially rescued by 20 nM CCN2. The present study demonstrates that CCN2 is a key molecule for cell aggregation of embryonic P19 cells.

Electrophysiological evidence for the presence of NR2C subunits of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in rat neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius

The nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) plays an important role in the control of autonomic reflex functions. Glutamate, acting on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA ionotropic receptors, is the major neurotransmitter in this nucleus, and the relative contribution of each receptor to signal transmission is unclear. We have examined NMDA excitatory postsynaptic currents (NMDA-EPSCs) in the subpostremal NTS using the whole cell patch clamp technique on a transverse brainstem slice preparation. The NMDA-EPSCs were evoked by stimulation of the solitary tract over a range of membrane potentials. The NMDA-EPSCs, isolated pharmacologically, presented the characteristic outward rectification and were completely blocked by 50 æM DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid. The I-V relationship of the NMDA response shows that current, with a mean (± SEM) amplitude of -41.2 ± 5.5 pA, is present even at a holding potential of -60 mV, suggesting that the NMDA receptors are weakly blocked by extracellular Mg2+ at near resting membrane potentials. This weak block can also be inferred from the value of 0.67 ± 0.17 for parameter delta obtained from a fit of the Woodhull equation to the I-V relationship. The maximal inward current measured on the I-V relationship was at -38.7 ± 4.2 mV. The decay phase of the NMDA currents was fitted with one exponential function with a decay time constant of 239 ± 51 and 418 ± 80 ms at a holding potential of -60 and +50 mV, respectively, which became slower with depolarization (e-fold per 145 mV). The biophysical properties of the NMDA receptors observed in the present study suggest that these receptors in the NTS contain NR2C subunits and may contribute to the synaptic signal integration.

Effect of epithelial debridement on human cornea proteoglycans

Corneal transparency is attributed to the regular spacing and diameter of collagen fibrils, and proteoglycans may play a role in fibrillogenesis and matrix assembly. Corneal scar tissue is opaque and this opacity is explained by decreased ultrastructural order that may be related to proteoglycan composition. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to characterize the proteoglycans synthesized by human corneal explants and to investigate the effect of mechanical epithelial debridement. Human corneas unsuitable for transplants were immersed in F-12 culture medium and maintained under tissue culture conditions. The proteoglycans synthesized in 24 h were labeled metabolically by the addition of 35S-sulfate to the medium. These compounds were extracted by 4 M GuHCl and identified by a combination of agarose gel electrophoresis, enzymatic degradation with protease and mucopolysaccharidases, and immunoblotting. Decorin was identified as the main dermatan sulfate proteoglycan and keratan sulfate proteoglycans were also prominent components. When the glycosaminoglycan side chains were analyzed, only keratan sulfate and dermatan sulfate were detected (~50 percent each). Nevertheless, when these compounds were 35S-labeled metabolically, the label in dermatan sulfate was greater than in keratan sulfate, suggesting a lower synthesis rate for keratan sulfate. 35S-Heparan sulfate also appeared. The removal of the epithelial layer caused a decrease in heparan sulfate labeling and induced the synthesis of dermatan sulfate by the stroma. The increased deposit of dermatan sulfate proteoglycans in the stroma suggests a functional relationship between epithelium and stroma that could be related to the corneal opacity that may appear after epithelial cell debridement

Preparation and purification of Flavobacterium heparinum chondroitinases AC and B by hydrophobic interaction chromatography

Flavobacterium heparinum is a soil bacterium that produces several mucopolysaccharidases such as heparinase, heparitinases I and II, and chondroitinases AC, B, C and ABC. The purpose of the present study was to optimize the preparation of F. heparinum chondroitinases, which are very useful tools for the identification and structural characterization of chondroitin and dermatan sulfates. We observed that during the routine procedure for cell disruption (ultrasound, 100 kHz, 5 min) some of the chondroitinase B activity was lost. Using milder conditions (2 min), most of the chondroitinase B and AC protein was solubilized and the enzyme activities were preserved. Tryptic soy broth without glucose was the best culture medium both for bacterial growth and enzyme induction. Chondroitinases AC and B were separated from each other and also from glucuronidases and sulfatases by hydrophobic interaction chromatography on HP Phenyl-Sepharose. A rapid method for screening of the column fractions was also developed based on the metachromatic shift of the color of dimethylmethylene blue

The use of homogeneous human amniotic tissue to repair tympanic membrane perforations

Human amniotic tissue previously treated with sodium hypochlorite and ethyl alcohol and stored in pure glycerol was employed to repair total and partial tympanic membrane perforations in 43 patients who underwent tympanoplasty or tympano-mastoidectomy. Follow-up varied from nine to 54 months. Closure of the perforation was obtained in 35 patients (81.4 per cent). Success rate was higher in tympanoplasty (84.8 per cent) than in tympanomastoidectomies (70 per cent). Functional improvement in hearing level was obtained in 65.7 per cent of the cases. In 25.7 per cent the hearing levels were unchanged and in 8.57 per cent they became worse. It was concluded that human amniotic tissue is an adequade material for tympanic membrane repair.

Lesäo esofágica provocada por ingestäo de pílula / Esophageal injury due to pill ingestion

Nos últimos anos, vários casos de lesao de esôfago provocada por drogas forma publicados. A causa primária aparente tem sido o retardo do trânsito e a aderência de drogas cáusticas à mucosa do esôfago. Neste trabalho é relatado um caso de úlcera com perfuraçao de esôfago associada a ingestao de analgésico, num paciente do sexo masculino, de 26 anos, sem queixas esofágicas anteriores. A revisao da literatura mostra que vários medicamentos têm sido implicados; e que o tamanho, a forma e a ingestao inadequada de pílula alteram o trânsito esofágico.

Anxiolytic effect of midazolam microinjected into the dorsal periaqueductal grey area of rats

In order to investigate the role of the dorsal periaqueductal grey (DPAG) area in the anxiolytic effect of benzodiazepines male Wistar rats (N=10), weighing 200-250 g at the time of surgery, were microinjected into this structure with midazolam (80 nmol) and submitted to the elevated plus-maze, an ethologically based model of anxiety. Midazolam significantly increased the percentage of open arm entries from 32.4 ñ 4.6 (control) to 49.5 ñ 3.0 and of time spent in the open arms from 21.0 ñ 4.5 (control) to 35.6 ñ4.8 without affecting the total number of entries into either open or enclosed arms. This effect typifies an anxiolytic effect in the test and was antagonized by the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil (80 nmol) microinjection. Microinjection of flumazenil alone had no effect. These results provide additional evidence for the participation of the DPAG in the physiopathology of anxiety and suggest that it that it may be a site for the anxiolytic effect of systemically injected benzodiazepines

Secreción de renina de hongo recombinante en Kluyveromyces lactis / Secretion of recombinant fungal rennin in Kluyveromyces lactis

Kleyveromyces lactis es una levadura industrial cuyo uso como hospedero para la expresión de genes cobra interés creciente. El método de transformación desarrollado en el presente trabajo rinde 5x10*transformantes por microgramo de ADN replicativo y de 5 a 10 colonias x 10*g de ADN integrativo. Sólo el 16% de las colonias transformantes pierde la información que porta el lucus de integración, el resto permanece con fenotipo lac+. El gen de la renina del hongo Mucor pusillus fuevexpresado en Kluyveromyces lactis bajo el control del promotor LAC4 y la señal de secreción del factor * de Saccharomyces cerevisiae. La enzima fue secretada eficientemente al medio de cultivo y los niveles de secreción fueron dependientes de la adición de lactosa durante el crecimiento y del Ph de crecimiento

Regeneracao hepatica pos-hepatectomia parcial em ratos com fibrose esquistossomotica. / Hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats with schistosomotic fibrosis

A regeneracao hepatica pos-hepatectomia parcial em ratos albinos com fibrose esquistossomotica foi estudada atraves da contagem de figuras de mitose, hepatocitos binucleados e cariometria dos hepatocitos em 39 ratos albinos distribuidos em dois grupos: A - 23 ratos dois machos e duas femeas infectados no 3o. mes, e submetidos a hepatectomia parcial no 13o. mes e avaliada a regeneracao 48 horas apos a hepatectomia parcial; B - 16 ratos sete machos e nove femeas sem infeccao operados e avaliada a regeneracao nas mesmas condicoes do grupo A. Os resultados obtidos mostram com uma confianca de 5% que ocorreu regeneracao hepatico pos-hepatectomia parcial de ratos com fibrose hepatica esquistossomotica de forma semelhante aos ratos normais

Acido ascorbico na esquistossomose mansonica na vigencia ou nao de episodio de hemorragia digestiva. / Ascorbic acid in schistosomiasis mansoni with and without gastrointestinal haemorrhage

Estudo das variacoes dos niveis leucocitarios e plasmaticos de acido ascorbico, pelo metodo de Denson e Bowers, em 20 individuos normais (Grupo I) e em 36 pacientes esquistossomoticos na forma hapato-esplenica sem e com hemorragia digestiva (Grupos II e III, com 18 pacientes cada). Os resultados foram submetidos a uma analise estatistica (t de student) com uma probabilidade de confianca de 95%.Obteve resultados que nao demonstraram diferenca significativa entre os valores do acido ascorbico nos leucocitos dos Grupos I, II e III e observou uma diminuicao significante das concentracoes plasmaticas deste acido no Grupo III, quando comparadas com as dos Grupos I e II

Regeneracao hepatica pos-hepatectomia parcial em ratos com fibrose esquistossomotica, antes e apos o tratamento medicamentoso. / Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats with schistosomotic fibrosis, before and after drug therapy

A regeneracao hepatica pos-hepatectomia parcial em ratos albinos com fibrose esquistossomotica apos o tratamento medicamentoso da esquistossomose, estudada atraves da cariometria dos hepatocitos e contagem de figuras de mitose e hepatocitos binucleados em 45 ratos albinos distribuidos em dois grupos: Grupo A: 29 ratos, 15 machos e 14 femeas, infectados no 3o mes de vida com uma carga de 400 cercarias de S. mansoni por animal e tratados com uma dose unica de 15 mg/kg de hycanthone por via intraperitoneal, seis meses apos a infeccao e submetidos a hepatectomia parcial no 13o mes de vida e avaliada a regeneracao hepatica 48 horas apos a hepatectomia; Grupo B: 16 ratos, 10 machos e seis femeas, sem infeccao, que receberam hycanthone em dose unica de 15 mg/kg por via intraperitoneal no 9o mes de vida e quatro meses apos foram submetidos a hepatectomia parcial, sendo os sobreviventes sacrificados 48 horas apos a intervencao. Os resultados obtidos mostram com uma confianca de 5o que ocorreu regeneracao hepatica poshepatectomia parcial em ratos com fibrose esquistossomotica, apos o tratamento medicamentoso, de forma semelhante aos animais normais com relacao aos parametros cariometria dos hepatocitos binucleados

Aspectos nutritivos de alguns peixes da Amazonia. / Nutritive aspects of some Amazonian fishes

Onze especies de peixes, os mais consumidos pela populacao de Manaus em 1973-74, foram analisados quanto aos seus conteudos de: umidade, cinzas, proteina, gordura, energia e zinco. Os peixes carnivoros como Tucunare, Pirarucu e a Pescada eram magros enquanto Pacu, Sardinha, Curimata, Matrincha e Branquinha foram considerados como gordos. Os peixes representavam alto teor proteico, com razoes proteina/energia muito alem das recomendadas (FNB-USA). As razoes zinco/energia eram altas somente nos peixes menos gordurosos, ou nos peixes carnivoros como Tucanare e Pescada.Estes peixes sao colocados entre os mais caros no mercado de Manaus. Os peixes herbivoros e/ou onivoros como Matrincha, Curimata, Tambaqui e Branquinha apresentaram uma razao zinco/energia abaixo do nivel recomendado. Discutem-se as possiveis importancias desses resultados