Does fasting protect liver from ischemia and reperfusion injury?

Purpose: To evaluate local and systemic effects of 24-hour fasting in liver ischemia and reperfusion injury. Methods: Twenty-one adult male Wistar rats (330-390 g) were submitted to 60 minutes of hepatic ischemia followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Before the day of the experiment, the animals fasted, but free access to water was allowed. Two groups were constituted: Control: non-fasted, that is, feeding ad libitum before surgical procedure; Fasting: rats underwent previous fasting of 24 hours. Hepatic ischemia was performed using vascular clamp in hepatic pedicle. At 24 hours after liver reperfusion, blood and tissue samples were collected. To analysis, liver lobes submitted to ischemia was identified as ischemic liver and paracaval non-ischemic lobes as non-ischemic liver. We evaluated: malondialdehyde levels, hepatocellular function (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase activities, and both ratio), cytokines (interleukins-6, -10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury (histology). Results: Malondialdehyde measured in non-ischemic and ischemic liver samples, hepatocellular function and cytokines were comparable between groups. Histological findings were distinct in three regions evaluated. Microvesicular steatosis was comparable between 24-hour fasting and non-fasted control groups in periportal region of hepatic lobe. In contrast, steatosis was more pronounced in zones 2 and 3 of ischemic liver samples of fasting compared to control groups. Conclusions: These data indicates that fasting does not protect, but it can be also detrimental to liver submitted to ischemia/reperfusion damage. At that time, using long fasting before liver surgery in the real world may be contraindicated.

Qualidade de vida da população com sobrepeso na Atenção Básica de Saúde / Quality of life of the overweight population in Primary Health Care / Calidad de Vida de la Población con Sobrepeso en la Atención Primaria de Salud

Objetivo: Analisar a qualidade de vida (QV) da população com sobrepeso referenciada ou assistida pela Atenção Básica de Saúde (ABS), evidenciando fatores clínicos e sociodemográficos associados aos aspectos da QV. Métodos: Estudo transversal analítico de caráter epidemiológico, desenvolvido em 2017-2020, em um município de Minas Gerais, Brasil, com 269 pessoas com sobrepeso e índice de massa corpórea (IMC) igual ou acima de 25 kg/m². Aplicaram-se instrumentos para avaliação da QV, contendo dados sociodemográficos, ansiedade, depressão, compulsão alimentar periódica e percepção da autoimagem. Utilizou-se análise univariada, regressão linear simples e múltipla com p<0,05. Resultados: Encontrou-se 74,3% (n=200) do sexo feminino, idade média de 39,43 ± 14,46 anos, 55% (n=149) obesidade moderada. 50% (n=134) apresentaram sintomas de ansiedade, 42,4% (n=114) sintomas depressivos, 20% (n=54) com compulsão alimentar e 32% (n=86) consideraram comprometimento negativo na sua autoimagem. 62,1% (n=167) apresentaram insuficiência na dimensão vitalidade. Quanto aos aspectos de correlação, IMC elevado, uso de medicação, aumento da idade, estado civil viúvo, presença de sintomas de ansiedade, depressão, compulsão alimentar e ausência de atividade física apresentaram diminuição em dimensões da QV. Conclusão: O estudo apontou que, entre as oito dimensões analisadas, apenas a dimensão "vitalidade" apresentou dados significativamente baixos entre os participantes, sendo possível identificar variáveis sociodemográficas que se correlacionaram, tendendo a diminuir aspectos ou dimensões da qualidade de vida: obesidade grave, fazer uso de medicação, apresentar estado civil viúvo, não realizar atividades físicas regularmente, apresentar sintomas de ansiedade, depressão e compulsão alimentar periódica em nível grave.

Objective: To analyze the Quality of Life (QoL) of the overweight population referred to or assisted by Primary Health Care (PHC), evidencing clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with aspects of QoL. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study, carried out in 2017-2020, in a municipality of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with 269 overweight people with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or above 25 kg/m². Instruments were applied to assess QoL, sociodemographic data, anxiety, depression, binge eating, and self-image perception. Simple and multiple linear regression were used. Results: 74.3% (n=200) were female, mean age of 39.43 ± 14.46 years, 55% (n=149) were moderately obese. 50% (n=134) had symptoms of anxiety, 42.4% (n=114) had depressive symptoms, 20% (n=54) had binge eating and 32% (n=86) considered their self-image to be negatively affected. 62.1% (n=167) showed insufficiency in the vitality dimension. As for the correlation aspects, high BMI, medication use, increasing age, widowed marital status, symptoms of anxiety, depression, binge eating, and lack of physical activity showed a decrease in QOL dimensions. Conclusion: The study showed that among the eight dimensions analyzed, only the "vitality" dimension presented significantly low data among the participants, making it possible to identify sociodemographic variables that were correlated, tending to decrease aspects or dimensions of quality of life: severe obesity, using of medication, being widowed, not performing physical activities regularly, presenting symptoms of anxiety, depression, and binge eating at a severe level.

Objetivo: Analizar la calidad de vida (CV) de la población con sobrepeso referenciada o asistida por la Atención Primaria de Salud (APS), evidenciando factores clínicos y sociodemográficos asociados a los aspectos de la CV. Métodos: Estudio transversal analítico de carácter epidemiológico, desarrollado en 2017-2020, en un municipio de Minas Gerais, Brasil, con 269 personas consobrepeso e índice de masa corporal (IMC) igual o superior a 25kg/m². Fueron aplicados instrumentos para evaluación de la CV, conteniendo datos sociodemográficos, ansiedad, depresión, trastorno de hiperfagia compulsiva y percepción de autoimagen. Fue utilizado análisis univariado, regresión linear simple y múltiple con p<0,05. Resultados: Se encontró 74,3% (n=200) del sexo femenino, edad média de 39,43 ± 14,46 años, 55% (n=149) obesidad moderada. 50% (n=134) presentaron síntomas de ansiedad, 42,4% (n=114) síntomas depresivos, 20% (n=54) con trastorno de hiperfagia compulsiva e 32% (n=86) consideraron comprometimiento negativo en su autoimagen. 62,1% (n=167) presentaron insuficiencia en la dimensión vitalidad. Cuanto a los aspectos de correlación, IMC alto, uso de medicación, aumento de la edad, estado civil viudo, presencia de síntomas de ansiedad, depresión, trastorno de hiperfagia compulsiva y ausencia de actividad física presentaron disminución en dimensiones de la CV. Conclusión: El estudio indicó que, entre las ocho dimensiones analizadas, solamente la dimensión "vitalidad" presentó datos significativamente bajos entre los participantes, posibilitando la identificación de variables sociodemográficas que se correlacionaron, tendiendo a disminuir aspectos o dimensiones de la calidad de vida: obesidad grave, uso de medicación, presentar estado civil viudo, no realizar actividades físicas regularmente, presentar síntomas de ansiedad, depresión y trastornode hiperfagia compulsiva en nivel grave.

Comparison of the printed and online administration of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2) / Comparação da administração impressa e on-line do Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2)

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the traditional printed form of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire with a proposed online form in terms of validity, reliability, and applicability. Methods: A crossover design study was conducted with 157 undergraduate students. Half of the sample answered the printed questionnaire first and then answered the online questionnaire 7 days later, while the other half of the sample did the inverse. Cronbach's alpha was used to analyze the internal consistency of both the online and printed questionnaires. The construct validity was analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis, using a weighted least square mean and adjusted variance estimation and oblique rotation. The quality of the model was tested with fit indices. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis showed the 19-item structure with five factors: χ2 of 230.718; degrees of freedom of 142; χ2/degrees of freedom of 1.625; comparative fit index of 0.978 and root mean square error of approximation of 0.073. All items presented factorial loads above 0.5. There was also excellent consistency between the formats of administration in all dimensions, with Cronbach's alpha values above 0.70. The stability between the formats of administration varied between 0.78 (95%CI: 0.69-0.85) and 0.84 (95%CI: 0.77-0.89), suggesting desirable confidence between both formats of administration. Conclusion: The five-factor model of the online Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire shows internal consistency both in terms of the scale dimensions as well as in terms of the total items.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a forma tradicional impressa do Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire com uma proposta de formulário on-line, em termos de validade, confiabilidade e aplicabilidade. Métodos: Estudo de delineamento cruzado (crossover) realizado com 157 estudantes universitários de graduação. Metade da amostra respondeu primeiro ao questionário impresso e, 7 dias depois, ao questionário on-line, enquanto a outra metade da amostra fez o inverso. O coeficiente alfa de Cronbach foi usado para analisar a consistência interna dos questionários on-line e impressos. A validade de construção foi verificada por análise fatorial confirmatória, utilizando-se um estimador de mínimos quadrados ajustados pela média e variância e rotação oblíqua. A qualidade do modelo foi testada com índices de ajuste. Resultados: A análise fatorial confirmatória mostrou a estrutura de 19 itens com cinco fatores: χ2 de 230,718; graus de liberdade de 142; χ2/grau de liberdade de 1,625; índice de ajuste comparativo de 0,978 e raiz do erro quadrático médio de aproximação de 0,073. Todos os itens apresentaram cargas fatoriais acima de 0,5. Também houve excelente consistência entre os formatos de administração em todas as dimensões, com valores de alfa de Cronbach acima de 0,70. A estabilidade entre os formatos de administração variou entre 0,78 (IC95%: 0,69-0,85) e 0,84 (IC95%: 0,77-0,89), sugerindo confiança desejável entre os dois formatos de administração. Conclusão: O modelo de cinco fatores do Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire on-line apresenta consistência interna tanto em relação às dimensões da escala quanto em relação ao total de itens.

Factors Associated With Medication Adherence In Elderly Retired Outpatients In São Paulo, Brazil

Objective: To evaluate medication adherence and associated socioeconomic factors in elderly Brazilians. Methodology: This observational study was conducted with 159 elderly retired in an outpatient clinic in the city of São Paulo. Treatment adherence was assessed with the questions from the Morisky Green Levine Medication Adherence Questionnaire, and medications were classified using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical system. Statistical tests and adjusted Poisson regression models were used to analyze variables. Results: The study population was mostly female (67.5%), had an average age of, and took an average of 6.5 medications per day. The most commonly used drugs were agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system (67.9%), statins (62.3%), antithrombotic agents (48.4%), and biguanides (37.1%) for the treatment of hypertension (76.7%), dyslipidemia (54.1%), and diabetes (47.8%). The rate of adherence was below 60% in the groups of participants that were analyzed except for the high household income category, which had a rate of 75.8%. Conclusion: Medication adherence among the elderly was low in all categories except for the high household income category, a relevant finding that will help to understand medication adherence patterns in elderly Brazilians.

Hypertonic saline and pentoxifylline enhance survival, reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress in a rat model of strangulated closed loop small bowel obstruction

OBJECTIVES: Intestinal obstruction has a high mortality rate when therapeutic treatment is delayed. Resuscitation in intestinal obstruction requires a large volume of fluid, and fluid combinations have been studied. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of hypertonic saline solution (HS) with pentoxifylline (PTX) on apoptosis, oxidative stress and survival rate. METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to intestinal obstruction and ischemia through a closed loop ligation of the terminal ileum and its vessels. After 24 hours, the necrotic bowel segment was resected, and the animals were randomized into four groups according to the following resuscitation strategies: Ringer's lactate solution (RL) (RL-32 ml/kg); RL+PTX (25 mg/kg); HS+PTX (HS, 7.5%, 4 ml/kg), and no resuscitation (IO-intestinal obstruction and ischemia). Euthanasia was performed 3 hours after resuscitation to obtain kidney and intestine samples. A malondialdehyde (MDA) assay was performed to evaluate oxidative stress, and histochemical analyses (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling [TUNEL], Bcl-2 and Bax) were conducted to evaluate kidney apoptosis. Survival was analyzed with another series of animals that were observed for 15 days. RESULTS: PTX in combination with RL or HS reduced the MDA levels (nmol/mg of protein), as follows: kidney IO=0.42; RL=0.49; RL+PTX=0.31; HS+PTX=0.34 (p<0.05); intestine: IO=0.42; RL=0.48; RL+PTX=0.29; HS+PTX=0.26 (p<0.05). The number of labeled cells for TUNEL and Bax was lower in the HS+PTX group than in the other groups (p<0.05). The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was lower in the HS+PTX group than in the other groups (p<0.05). The survival rate on the 15th day was higher in the HS+PTX group (77%) than in the RL+PTX group (11%). CONCLUSION: PTX in combination with HS enhanced survival and attenuated oxidative stress and apoptosis. However, when combined with RL, PTX did not reduce apoptosis or mortality.

Oxidative stress on ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice with non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis or steatohepatitis

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the oxidative stress, resulting from ischemia and hepatic reperfusion, in mice with non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis. Methods: C57BL/6 male mice were used. Part of them were ob/ob mice, and the other part was fed with standard or MCD diets - this last used to develop steatohepatitis. The animals - MCD-I/R, ob/ob-I/R and I/R groups - were submitted to 30 minutes of partial hepatic ischemia, followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. The blood was collected, for biochemical analysis of AST, and the liver removed for assessment of TBARS and nitrite, and of histology. Results: After the I/R, the animal fed with MCD diet presented higher AST levels (MCD-I/R: 967±349U/L / ob/ob-I/R: 606±18 U/L / I/R: 311±172 U/L), TBARS (MCD-I/R: 7±1 nM/mg protein / ob/ob-I/R: 3±1 nM/mg protein / I/R: 3±1 nM/mg protein) and nitrite (MCD-I/R: 614±87 µg/mL / ob/ob-I/R: 512±81 µg/mL / I/R: 459±29 µg/mL) than the ob/ob mice, when both groups were compared to animals fed with standard diet. Regarding histology, the steatosis level (azonal macrovesicular steatosis of level 3 - >66%) and hepatic fibrosis (periportal and perisinusoidal of level 2) was also more intense, but both animal models presented lobular inflammation of level 3 (>66%). Conclusions: The murine model fed with MCD diet is suitable for the assessment of oxidative stress in hepatic I/R injury associated with the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Although both murine models showed inflammatory infiltrate and macro and micro vesicular steatosis.

Serum selenium and selenoprotein-P levels in autoimmune thyroid diseases patients in a select center: a transversal study

ABSTRACT Objective: Selenium (Se) supplementation has been used to help prevent the progression of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) patients. We investigated Se serum and selenoprotein P (SePP) levels in Graves' disease (GD) with and without GO, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients and in 27 control individuals (C). Subjects and methods: We studied 54 female and 19 male patients: 19 with GD without GO, 21 GD with GO, 14 with HT and 19 with HT+LT4. Se values were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum SePP levels were measured by ELISA. Results: Median Se levels were similar among all groups; GD patients: 54.2 (46.5-61.1 μg/L), GO: 53.6 (43.5-60.0 μg/L), HT: 51.9 (44.6-58.5 μg/L), HT+LT4 54.4 (44-63.4) and C group patients: 56.0 (52.4-61.5 μg/L); P = 0.48. However, serum SePP was lower in GO patients: 0.30 (0.15-1.05 μg/mL) and in HT patients: 0.35 (0.2-1.17 μg/mL) compared to C group patients: 1.00 (0.564.21 μg/mL) as well as to GD patients: 1.19 (0.62-2.5 μg/mL) and HT+LT4 patients: 0.7 (0,25-1.95); P = 0.002. Linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between SePP and TPOAb values (r = 0.445, R2 = 0.293; P < 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis found no independent variables related to Se or SePP. Conclusion: A serum Se concentration was lower than in some other countries, but not significantly among AITD patients. The low serum SePP levels in GO and HT patients seems to express inflammatory reactions with a subsequent increase in Se-dependent protein consumption remains unclear.

Bacterial translocation and mortality on rat model of intestinal ischemia and obstruction

Abstract Purpose: To develop an experimental model of intestinal ischemia and obstruction followed by surgical resection of the damaged segment and reestablishment of intestinal transit, looking at bacterial translocation and survival. Methods: After anesthesia, Wistar rats was subject to laparotomy, intestinal ischemia and obstruction through an ileal ligature 1.5cm of ileum cecal valve; and the mesenteric vessels that irrigate upstream of the obstruction site to approximately 7 to 10 cm were ligated. Abdominal wall was closed. Three, six or twenty-four hours after, rats were subject to enterectomy followed by an end to end anastomosis. After 24h, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen and lung tissues were surgically removed. It was studied survival rate and bacterial translocation. GraphPadPrism statistical program was used. Results: Animals with intestinal ischemia and obstruction for 3 hours survived 24 hours after enterectomy; 6hx24h: survival was 70% at 24 hours; 24hx24h: survival was 70% and 40%, before and after enterectomy, respectively. Culture of tissues showed positivity on the 6hx24h and negativity on the 3hx24h. Conclusion: The model that best approached the clinic was the one of 6x24h of ischemia and intestinal obstruction, in which it was observed bacterial translocation and low mortality rate.

Effects of diazoxide in experimental acute necrotizing pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the effects of diazoxide on the mortality, pancreatic injury, and inflammatory response in an experimental model of acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (200-400 g) were divided randomly into two groups. Fifteen minutes before surgery, animals received physiological (0.9%) saline (3 mL/kg) (control group) or 45 mg/kg diazoxide (treatment group) via the intravenous route. Acute pancreatitis was induced by injection of 2.5% sodium taurocholate via the biliopancreatic duct. Mortality (n=38) was observed for 72 h and analyzed by the Mantel-Cox Log-rank test. To study pancreatic lesions and systemic inflammation, rats (10 from each group) were killed 3 h after acute pancreatitis induction; ascites volume was measured and blood as well as pancreases were collected. Pancreatic injury was assessed according to Schmidt's scale. Cytokine expression in plasma was evaluated by the multiplex method. RESULTS: Mortality at 72 h was 33% in the control group and 60% in the treatment group (p=0.07). Ascites volumes and plasma levels of cytokines between groups were similar. No difference was observed in edema or infiltration of inflammatory cells in pancreatic tissues from either group. However, necrosis of acinar cells was lower in the treatment group compared to the control group (3.5 vs. 3.75, p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with diazoxide can reduce necrosis of acinar cells in an experimental model of acute pancreatitis, but does not affect the inflammatory response or mortality after 72 h.

Remote ischemic preconditioning and tacrolimus in the fetal small bowel transplant in mice

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (IPC-R) in the fetal small bowel transplantation model. METHODS: Two groups were constituted: The Isogenic transplant (ISO, C57BL/6 mice, n=24) and the allogenic transplant (ALO, BALB/c mice, n=24). In each group, the animals were distributed with and without IPC-R. It was obtained the following subgroups: Tx, IPC-R, Fk, IPC-Fk, in both strains. Intestinal grafts were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The graft development evaluation in ISO group showed that IPC-R reduced the development compared with ISO-Tx (5.2±0.4 vs 9.0±0.8) and IPC-R-Fk increased the graft development compared with IPC-R (11.2±0.7 and 10.2±0.8). In ALO group, IPC-Fk increased the development compared with ALO-Tx and ALO with IPC-R (6.0±0.8, 9.0±1.2, 0.0±0.0, 0.5±0.3). The PCNA expression was increased in ISO group treated with Fk and IPC-R compared to other groups (12.2±0.8 vs Tx: 8.8±0.9, IPC-R: 8.0±0.4 and Fk: 9.0±0.6). The graft rejection was lower in groups treated with IPC-R (-18%), Fk (-68%) or both (-61%) compared with ALO-Tx. CONCLUSION: Remote ischemic preconditioning showed benefic effect even associate with Tacrolimus on the development and acute rejection of the fetal small bowel graft in the Isogenic and Allogenic transplants.

Appropriate adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the Alto Paranaiba, Minas Gerais, Brazil / Aderência adequada ao tratamento antiretroviral no Alto Paranaíba, Minas Gerais, Brasil

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the adherence to antiretroviral treatment of HIV-infected patients at the Centro de Referência Viva Vida in Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: As a descriptive and quantitative retrospective cross-sectional study, we enlisted HIV-infected patients, over 18 years old, users of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) from June 2011 to July 2012. Data on withdrawal of medication and viral load were collected from the drug logistics management information system and from the medical records, respectively. Sociodemographic and data regarding HAART use were collected manually, using appropriate forms. The CEAT-HIV questionnaire was filled out by140 patients who were using HAART. For data analysis, we used ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis Rank Sum tests, complemented with Dunn's test, when necessary. P < 0.05 was adopted as the limit for significance. RESULTS: The age group 18-30 years presented lower adherence compared with the group aged over 60 years (p = 0.047). Regarding the HAART usage time, there was no difference between groups (p = 0.515). For the number of pills taken per day, there was greater adherence for patients taking up to 4 pills compared to those taking 5-10 pills daily (p = 0.037). Concerning adherence measured by the CEAT-HIV questionnaire, there was strict/rigorous adherence in 57.8% of patients, with 21.4% of the patients classified as having adequate adherence, according to the data on dispensation of medicines. CONCLUSION: Patients participating in HAART and taking up to 4 pills had good adherence to treatment.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral de pacientes infectados pelo HIV no Centro de Referência Viva Vida em Patos de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo transversal retrospectivo, descritivo e quantitativo, alistamos pacientes infectados pelo HIV, maiores de 18 anos, usuários de terapia antirretroviral altamente ativa (HAART), de junho de 2011 a julho de 2012. Os dados sobre a retirada da medicação e da carga viral foram coletados a partir do sistema de informação de gestão logística de drogas e dos registros médicos, respectivamente. Dados sociodemográficos e dados sobre o uso da HAART foram colhidas manualmente, usando formulários apropriados. O questionário CEAT-HIV foi preenchido by140 pacientes que estavam usando HAART. Para análise dos dados, foram utilizados os testes ANOVA e Kruskal-Wallis Rank Sum, complementados com o teste de Dunn, quando necessário. Foi adotado um valor de P < 0,05 como o limite para significância. RESULTADOS: O grupo etário 18-30 anos apresentou menor adesão em comparação com o grupo com idade superior a 60 anos (p = 0,047). Em relação ao tempo de uso da HAART, não houve diferença entre os grupos (p = 0,515). Para o número de comprimidos tomados por dia, houve maior adesão por parte dos doentes medicados com até 4 comprimidos em comparação com aqueles que tomam 5-10 comprimidos por dia (p = 0,037). No que diz respeito a aderência, medida pelo questionário CEAT-VIH, houve a adesão estrita/rigorosa em 57,8% dos pacientes, com 21,4% dos pacientes classificados como tendo a aderência adequada, de acordo com os dados relativos à dispensação de medicamentos. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes participantes de HAART e tomando até 4 comprimidos/dia apresentaram boa adesão ao tratamento.

Relationship of comorbidities and heart failure mortality in the city of São Paulo, Brazil / Relação de co-morbidades e mortalidade por insuficiência cardíaca na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil

OBJECTIVE: The epidemiology of heart failure mortality in the city of São Paulo, Brazil has not been studied. The present study aims to characterize comorbities associated to cardiac heart failure deaths in São Paulo between 2000 and 2012. METHOD: The mortality information system (SIM/DataSUS) was evaluated and the following parameters were retrieved: age, sex, race, level of education and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Socioeconomic status was estimated by years of schooling, as: lower (0-3 years) and higher (> 3 years). We analyzed 14,814 death certificates. RESULTS: There was a prevalence of subjects in the subgroup: female, white, married or divorced, aged 78 years and lower socioeconomic status. Hypertension and diabetes were the most frequent comorbidities. There were associations of (a) diabetes with age, (b) age, gender and educational level with hypertension in individuals belonging to both the lower and higher socioeconomic levels. CONCLUSION: Individuals who died of congestive heart failure in São Paulo are mostly elderly, women, caucasian, with little education. Hypertension and diabetes are the two most common chronic diseases associated with death bycongestive heart failure.

OBJETIVO: O perfil epidemiológico da mortalidade por insuficiência cardíaca na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil ainda não foi estudado. O presente estudo tem como objetivo caracterizar comorbidades associadas a mortes por insuficiência cardíaca em São Paulo entre 2000 e 2012. MÉTODO: O sistema de informações sobre mortalidade (SIM/DATASUS) foi examinado, obtendo-se os seguintes parâmetros: idade, sexo, raça, nível de educação e comorbidades (hipertensão, diabetes, obesidade, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica). O nível socioeconômico foi estimado por anos deescolaridade, a saber: inferior (0-3 anos) e superior (> 3 anos). Foram analisados 14.814 atestados de óbito. RESULTADOS: Houve uma prevalência de indivíduos do subgrupo: sexo feminino, cor branca, casadas ou divorciadas, com idades entre 78 anos e nível socioeconômico baixo. Hipertensão e diabetes foram as comorbidades mais frequentes. Houve associações de (a) diabetes com a idade, (b) a idade, sexo e nível educacional com hipertensão arterial em indivíduos pertencentes a ambos os níveis socioeconômicos mais baixos e mais altos. CONCLUSÃO: Os indivíduos que morreram de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva em São Paulo são na sua maioria mulheres idosas, caucasianas, com pouca educação. Hipertensão e diabetes são as duas doenças crônicas mais comuns associadas à morte por insuficiência cardíaca congestiva.

Borage oil attenuates progression of cardiac remodeling in rats after myocardial infarction

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of Borage oil on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: Male Wistar rats underwent ligation of the left coronary artery and divided into three groups: MI (control), BO-18 (18 mg/kg of borage oil) and BO-180 (180 mg/kg of borage oil). After seven days, heart was arrested in diastole and processed for histological evaluation of: MI size, LV dilation, myocyte hypertrophy, inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis in MI region and in remote region. The relative weight of the lung was used as a marker of heart failure. The MI size was comparable among groups. RESULTS: Compared to control, BO treated groups showed lower weight of heart and lungs, reduced LV dilation and myocyte hypertrophy. Hemodynamic measurements were comparable. The treatment attenuated the inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis in remote myocardium. CONCLUSION: Borage oil attenuates progression of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine in hearts of rats submitted to controlled hemorrhagic shock / Efeito da N-acetilcisteína em corações de ratos submetidos ao choque hemorrágico controlado

Abstract Introduction: Pharmacological therapy is a strategy for the prevention of complications associated with ischemia and reperfusion injury that occurs after volume replacement in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of N-acetylcysteine associated with fluid resuscitation in cardiac injury in a rat hemorrhagic shock model. Methods: Mice Wister male rats were randomly and subjected to controlled hemorrhagic shock for 60 min. and then, subjected to resuscitation with Ringer lactate. In a group of six animals, 150mg/kg of N-acetylcysteine were added to fluid volume replacement. The animals were observed for 120 min and after this period, were euthanized and cardiac tissue was collected for histopathological analysis and measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and pro-and anti-inflammatory interleukin. Results: Cardiac tissue of the group treated with N-acetylcysteine showed lower concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (0.20±0.05 vs. 0.27±0.05, P=0.014) and reduced histopathological damage and edema when compared to the group whose volume replacement occurred only with Ringer lactate. There was no difference in the expression of cytokines interleukin 6 (2,138.29±316.89 vs. 1,870.16±303.68, P=0.091) and interleukin 10 (1.019,83±262,50 vs. 848.60±106.5, P=0.169) between the treated groups. Conclusion: The association of N-acetylcysteine on volume replacement attenuates oxidative stress in the heart, as well myocardial damage and edema, but does not modify the expression of inflammatory cytokines. .

Resumo Introdução: A terapia farmacológica é uma estratégia de prevenção das complicações associadas à lesão de isquemia e reperfusão tecidual que ocorre após a reposição volêmica no tratamento do choque hemorrágico. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a repercussão da N-acetilcisteína associada à reposição volêmica na lesão cardíaca em modelo de choque hemorrágico em ratos. Métodos: Ratos Wistar, machos, foram randomizados e submetidos ao choque hemorrágico controlado por 60 minutos e, depois, submetidos à reposição volêmica com Ringer Lactato. Em um grupo de seis animais, foram adicionados 150 mg/Kg de N-acetilcisteína ao fluido de reposição volêmica. Os animais foram observados por 120 minutos e após este período foram submetidos à eutanásia e coleta do tecido cardíaco para análise histopatológica e dosagem de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico e interleucinas pró e anti-inflamatórias. Resultados: Foi observada menor concentração de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (0,20±0,05 vs. 0,27±0,05, P=0,014) e menor dano histopatológico e edema no tecido cardíaco do grupo tratado com N-acetilcisteína em relação ao grupo cuja reposição volêmica ocorreu somente com Ringer Lactato. Não foi observada diferença da expressão das citocinas interleucina 6 (2.138,29±316,89 vs. 1.870,16±303,68, P=0,091) e interleucina 10 (1.019,83±262,50 vs. 848,60±106,5, P=0,169) entre os grupos tratados. Conclusão: A associação da N-acetilcisteína na reposição volêmica atenua o estresse oxidativo no coração, assim como dano e edema miocárdicos, porém, não modifica a expressão de citocinas inflamatórias. .

Bariatric surgery. Analysis of hospital admissions for obesity in the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) in Sao Paulo

PURPOSE: To characterize the comorbidities associated with hospitalizations for obesity and the relationship of these co-morbidities with bariatric surgery and hospitalization costs during the period between 2000 and 2010 in Sao Paulo that were financed by the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS). METHODS: We used data from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH-SUS) for selected individuals hospitalized for obesity according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD10). RESULTS: The total cost of hospitalizations was approximately two million dollars, with 67% of the total cost for bariatric and reconstructive surgery. Women accounted for 87% of hospitalizations, and 77% of subjects were aged between 30 and 59 years; the main comorbidity found was hypertension, and the procedures performed were bariatric surgery and reconstructive surgery (post-bariatric surgery). CONCLUSION: Obesity is a major public health problem that affects people of productive age, causing high costs of hospitalization, which reinforces the requirement for preventive interventions beginning from childhood. .

The effect of n-acetylcysteine on hepatic histomorphology during hypothermic preservation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the NAC effects on liver hypothermic preservation at different time intervals. METHODS: For this, we used livers of male Wistar rats weighing between 250 and 300g, undergoing preservation in Ringer solution at 4°C for up to 24 hours. Tissue samples were obtained at four moments of preservation for histological examination by hematoxylin and eosin staining: T0 = beginning of preservation, T12 = 12 hours, T18 = 18 hours and T24 = 24 hours. Will be analyzed vacuolation, hepatic apoptosis by optical microscopy and parenchymal. RESULTS: The results showed a progressive increase in hepatic injury in both groups and showed that NAC was effective at T0. The parenchyma preservation was better in the NAC group and no difference when vacuolization of the cells. CONCLUSION: Hypothermic preservation, over time, causes changes in the hepatic parenchyma with increased apoptosis, loss of architecture, vacuolization, culminating in severe injury. The administration of N-acetylcysteine protects against preservation liver injury. .

Effects of ischemic preconditioning and cilostazol on muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate effects of ischemic preconditioning and Cilostazol on muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were submitted to muscle ischemic and reperfusion injury (4h of the left common iliac artery occlusion followed by 1h of reperfusion). Five experimental groups were constituted: Control group (n=4); Ischemia-Reperfusion (IR, n=5); Ischemic preconditioning group (IP, n=6); Ischemia-Reperfusion group treated with cilostazol (IRCi, n=6) and Ischemic preconditioning group treated with cilostazol (IPCi, n=6). At the end, left gracile muscle was removed and embedded in paraffin. Histopathology, neutrophil infiltration, myocyte necrosis and edema were analyzed. RESULTS: When compared with the control group, IR group showed increased neutrophil infiltration, severe necrosis and edema. There was significant difference between myocytes necrosis of IR group and IP group. There was no difference between the histopathological changes between IP, IRCi and IPCi groups. CONCLUSIONS: The model of IR caused severe muscle injury in the rat hind limb and ischemic preconditioning has a protective effect, reducing myocyte necrosis, however, treatment with cilostazol and also the association between cilostazol and preconditioning has no protective effect on the skeletal muscle subjected to ischemia and reperfusion injury. .

N-acetylcysteine improves morphologic and functional aspects of ovarian grafts in rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate morphological and functional aspects of the ovarian graft in transplanted rats treated with NAC. METHODS: Female Wistar rats, virgin, 3 to 4 months old, weighing 200-250 grams were used in experiments. The rats have been kept in proper sanitary conditions, receiving food and water ad libitum. Five groups (n=10, each) were constituted: 4 groups treated subcutaneously with NAC, at doses of 150, 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg (NAC150, NAC300, NAC600 and NAC1200, respectively), one hour of before the ovarian transplantation and control group (GTx) - treated with physiological solution and submitted to ovarian transplantation. The rats were anesthetized and submitted to autologous left ovarian transplantation, without anastomosis in retroperitoneum, and contralateral oophorectomy. During follow-up of 4 or 15 days, the estrous cycle was evaluated by vaginal smears to determine cycle regularity. At the end of 4th or 15th days, rats were re-anesthetized and blood and graft were obtained to estradiol analysis and morphological assessment. Data were analysed by One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) or ANOVA on ranks complemented by Student-Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: At 4th day, viable follicles in the graft did not altered by NAC treatments. The NAC300 and NAC600 groups showed increasing in follicle atresia (p=0.012) compared to GTx and NAC1200 group. At 15th day, 50% of GTx, NAC150, and NAC300 rats showed regular oestrous cycle; 83% of NAC600 and 100% of NAC1200 rats returned to regular cycle. NAC1200 group showed increasing in primordial follicle compared to GTx, NAC150 or NAC300 (p=0.011). NAC did not interfere in estradiol levels after 4 or 15 days of transplantation. CONCLUSION: In autologous ovarian transplantation, high dose of NAC promotes graft viability with recovery of estrous cycle. .