Effects of vitamin D administration on nociception and spinal cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in neuropathic pain, a complicated condition after nerve tissue lesion. Vitamin D appears to improve symptoms of pain and exhibits antioxidant properties. We investigated the effects of oral administration of vitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D, on nociception, the sciatic functional index (SFI), and spinal cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, a model of neuropathic pain. Vitamin D3 (500 IU/kg per day) attenuated the CCI-induced decrease in mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency (indicators of antinociception) and SFI. The vitamin prevented increased lipid hydroperoxide levels in injured sciatic nerve without change to total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Vitamin D3 prevented increased lipid hydroperoxide, superoxide anion generation (SAG), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in the spinal cord, which were found in rats without treatment at 7 and 28 days post-CCI. A significant negative correlation was found between mechanical threshold and SAG and between mechanical threshold and H2O2 at day 7. Vitamin D3 also prevented decreased spinal cord total thiols content. There was an increase in TAC in the spinal cord of vitamin-treated CCI rats, compared to CCI rats without treatment only at 28 days. No significant changes were found in body weight and blood parameters of hepatic and renal function. These findings demonstrated, for first time, that vitamin D modulated pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in the spinal cord. Since antinociception occurred in parallel with oxidative changes in the spinal cord, the oxidative changes may have contributed to vitamin D-induced antinociception.

Oxidative stress is involved in LLLT mechanism of action on skin healing in rats

The skin injury healing process involves the main phases of homoeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on hematological dynamics, oxidative stress markers, and its relation with tissue healing following skin injury. Wistar rats were divided into control, sham, skin injury, and skin injury LLLT. The biochemical and morphological analyses were performed in the inflammatory (1 and 3 days) and regenerative phases (7, 14, and 21 days) following injury. The skin injury was performed in the dorsal region, between the intrascapular lines, using a surgical punch. LLLT (Al-Ga-In-P, λ=660 nm, energy density of 20 J/cm2, 30 mW power, and a time of 40 s) was applied at the area immediately after injury and on every following day according to the experimental subgroups. LLLT maintained hematocrit and hemoglobin levels until the 3rd day of treatment. Surprisingly, LLLT increased total leukocytes levels compared to control until the 3rd day. The effects of LLLT on mitochondrial activity were demonstrated by the significant increase in MTT levels in both inflammatory and regenerative phases (from the 1st to the 7th day), but only when associated with skin injury. The results indicated that LLLT modulated the inflammatory response intensity and accelerated skin tissue healing by a mechanism that involved oxidative damage reduction mostly at early stages of skin healing (inflammatory phase).

Aging and low-intensity exercise change oxidative biomarkers in brain regions and radiographic measures of femur of Wistar rats

We investigated changes in oxidative biomarkers in brain regions such as brainstem, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex of 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. We also assessed the effects of low-intensity exercise on these biomarkers in these regions of 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats that started exercise on a treadmill at 3, 15, and 21 months of age, respectively. Radiographic images of the femur were taken for all rats. A total of 25 rats (age: twelve 6-, ten 18-, ten 24-, and three 30-month-old rats) were used. Lipid hydroperoxide levels increased in cerebellum at 18 months. Total antioxidant activity exhibited lowest values in brainstem at 3 months. Superoxide dismutase activity did not exhibit significant changes during aging. Total thiol content exhibited lowest values in brain regions of 24- and 30-month-old rats. Exercise reduced total thiol content in brainstem at 6 months, but no change occurred in other regions and other ages. Femur increased its length and width and cortical thickness with advancing age. No change occurred in medullary width. Radiolucency increased and sclerosis was found in cortical and medullary bone with advancing age. Exercise reduced radiolucency and medullary sclerosis. Therefore, aging differentially changed oxidative biomarkers in different brain regions and radiographic measures of the femur. Low-intensity exercise only ameliorated some radiographic measurements of femur. Since the present study possessed limitations (small number of rats per group), a beneficial effect of regular low-intensity exercise on oxidative markers in brain cannot be ruled out.

Age-related changes and effects of regular low-intensity exercise on gait, balance, and oxidative biomarkers in the spinal cord of Wistar rats

The present study aimed to analyze age-related changes to motor coordination, balance, spinal cord oxidative biomarkers in 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. The effects of low-intensity exercise on these parameters were also analyzed in 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats. Body weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were assessed for all rats. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio was used to estimate skeletal muscle mass loss. Body weight increased until 24 months; only 30-month-old rats exhibited decreased blood glucose and increased total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio increased until 18 months, followed by a small decrease in old rats. Exercise did not change any of these parameters. Stride length and step length increased from adult to middle age, but decreased at old age. Stride width increased while the sciatic functional index decreased in old rats. Performance in the balance beam test declined with age. While gait did not change, balance improved after exercise. Aging increased superoxide anion generation, hydrogen peroxide levels, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase activity while total thiol decreased and lipid hydroperoxides did not change. Exercise did not significantly change this scenario. Thus, aging increased oxidative stress in the spinal cord, which may be associated with age-induced changes in gait and balance. Regular low-intensity exercise is a good alternative for improving age-induced changes in balance, while beneficial effects on gait and spinal cord oxidative biomarkers cannot be ruled out because of the small number of rats investigated (n=5 or 6/group).

Mechanisms involved in anti-aging effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in Caenorhabditis elegans

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is habitually ingested by people in the Amazon region and is a key ingredient in various energy drinks consumed worldwide. Extension in longevity and low prevalence of chronic age-related diseases have been associated to habitual intake of guarana. Anti-aging potential of guarana was also demonstrated in Caenorhabditis elegans; however, the mechanisms involved in its effects are not clear. Herein, we investigated the putative pathways that regulate the effects of guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) on lifespan using C. elegans. The major known longevity pathways were analyzed through mutant worms and RT-qPCR assay (DAF-2, DAF-16, SKN-1, SIR-2.1, HSF-1). The possible involvement of purinergic signaling was also investigated. This study demonstrated that GEE acts through antioxidant activity, DAF-16, HSF-1, and SKN-1 pathways, and human adenosine receptor ortholog (ADOR-1) to extend lifespan. GEE also downregulated skn-1, daf-16, sir-2.1 and hsp-16.2 in 9-day-old C. elegans, which might reflect less need to activate these protective genes due to direct antioxidant effects. Our results contribute to the comprehension of guarana effects in vivo, which might be helpful to prevent or treat aging-associated disorders, and also suggest purinergic signaling as a plausible therapeutic target for longevity studies.

Cinética de fermentação ruminal in vitro de silagens de híbridos de sorgo / Ruminal fermentation kinetics of sorghum hybrid silages

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar as silagens de 23 híbridos de sorgo por meio da técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com 23 tratamentos e três repetições, sendo os tratamentos as silagens de híbridos de sorgo. Os híbridos foram cultivados na estação experimental do Instituto Nacional do Semiárido (INSA), no município de Campina Grande - PB. A produção de gases foi estimada por intermédio do modelo logístico bicompartimental, ajustado às curvas de produção cumulativa de gases. Com relação ao volume final de carboidratos fibrosos (VfCF), houve efeito de híbrido (P<0,05), com resultados variando de 105,99 a 144,53mL/g de MS. Os valores de taxa de degradação dos carboidratos fibrosos (KdCF) variaram (P<0,05), e o híbrido 866041 apresentou o maior resultado 0,015h-1. Os valores de volume final total (VfT) variaram (P<0,05), e os híbridos 870085, Volumax e XBS 60329 apresentaram maiores (P<0,05) valores de VfT em relação aos demais. Pela análise multivariada, foram formados seis grupos distintos. O grupo 2, composto pelos híbridos 22 (Volumax) e 23 (XBS60329), apresentou os maiores valores médios para os volumes de gás, tanto para os carboidratos fibrosos quanto para os não fibrosos. O grupo 4, composto pelo híbrido 1 (866005), apresentou as menores médias para volume de gás produzido e o maior lag time (3,15 horas). Todos os híbridos estudados apresentam potencial para ensilagem, de acordo com a cinética de fermentação ruminal...

The aim of this research was to evaluate the silage of 23 sorghum hybrids using the in vitro semi-automatic gas production technique. A completely randomized design with 23 treatments was used, with three replications, and treatments were the sorghum-hybrids silages. Hybrids were grown at the experimental station of the Instituto Nacional do Semiárido (INSA), in Campina Grande - PB. The gas production was estimated using the bicompartimental logistic model, adjusted to the curves of cumulative gas production. A significant effect (P<0.05) was observed for final gas of fibrous carbohydrates (VfCF), which results ranged from 105.99 to 144.53mL/g of DM. Degradation rate of fibrous carbohydrates (KdCF) values ranged (P<0.05) for the hybrid 866041, which showed the highest result 0.015h-1. Final total volume (VFT) was affected by hybrid (P<0.05), in which hybrids 870085, Volumax and XBS60329 had the highest (P<0.05) values compared to other hybrids. By multivariate analysis were formed six distinct groups. Group 2, consisting of hybrids 22 (Volumax) and 23 (XBS60329) showed the highest average values for gas volumes, both for fibrous carbohydrates and for the non-fibrous. Group 4, comprising the hybrid 1 (866005), had the lowest gas volume produced means and a highest lag time (3.15 hours). All hybrids studied have potential to silage, according to the ruminal fermentation kinetics...

Cirrhosis in rats does not resolve in the long-term after induction by thioacetamide model

Introductions: Hepatic cirrhosis is a final common pathway of all chronic liver diseases, characterized by deposit of fibrillar collagen and liver failure. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, hepatic cirrhosis was induced in 15 female Wistar rats by a 14-week period, with thioacetamide solution in a 200 mg/kg dosage, via intraperitoneal. Animals were submitted to liver biopsy, and euthanized after a 80-day post-induction period. Serum biochemical analysis was performed, in addition to histopathology by H.E., Picrosirius, Alcian Blue and P.A.S. stainings, following analysis of histological activity index and staging of fibrosis. Morphometric analysis of collagen on Picrosirius slides was also performed. Results: Mortality during experimental period was low (13.33%), and after 80-day period, liver function improved, cellular changes did not altered, and deposition of acidic mucopolysaccharides and glycogen were increased. Liver histological activity did not change significantly (7.25 ± 1.30 to 6.41 ± 1.32), but staging of fibrosis was altered (3.91 ± 0.76 to 4.70 ± 1.11). Interlobular collagen showed a significant decrease (5.14 ± 2.00 to 4.00 ± 1.20), while intralobular collagen was increased (0.23 ± 0.06 to 0.36 ± 0.08). Conclusions: These findings characterize thioacetamide as a safe experimental model for induction cirrhosis, which may be used for future therapy studies.(AU)

Atividades antioxidante e antimicrobiana de Ziziphus joazeiro mart. (Rhamnaceae): avaliação comparativa entre cascas e folhas / Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Ziziphus joazeiro mart. (Rhamnaceae): comparison between bark and leaves

Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar as atividades antioxidante e antimicrobiana de extratos de cascas e folhas de uma notável árvore da Caatinga (semi-árido brasileiro), usado em remédios populares, Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada através do método de captação pelo DPPH, enquanto a atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada pelo método de difusão em ágar seguido pela determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CMI). Os resultados mostraram que ambos os extratos de Z. joazeiro possuem atividade antioxidante com EC50 de 461,88 e 1.743,05mg/mL para as folhas e casca, respectivamente. As amostras foram ativas contra 70% das bactérias testadas. O extrato de folhas mostrou CMI entre 0,25-0,5 mg/mL contra Micrococcus luteus e entre 0,125-0,250 mg/mL contra Mycobacterium smegmatis, enquanto o extrato da casca apresentou CMI entre 0,5-1,0 mg /ml M. smegmatis.

The objectives of this study were to determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic extracts of the bark and leaves of a notable tree of the caatinga (Brazilian semiarid scrubland) used in many popular remedies, Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. The antioxidant activity was assessed by the DPPH free-radical scavenging assay, while the antimicrobial activity, against a range of Gram positive and negative bacteria and a yeast, was determined by the agar disk diffusion method, followed by an assay of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results showed that both extracts of Z. joazeiro have antioxidant activity, the EC50 of leaf extract being 461.88 and that of bark 1743.05 mg/mL, with respect to DPPH absorbance in a standard assay. Samples were active against 70% of the bacterial species tested. The leaf extract showed MICs of 0.25-0.5 mg/mL against Micrococcus luteus and 0.125-0.250 mg/mL against Mycobacterium smegmatis, while the bark extract showed a MIC of 0.5-1.0 mg/mL against M. smegmatis.

Efeitos de diferentes fontes de energia sobre taxa ovulatória, fertilidade e sobrevivência embrionária em marrãs cíclicas / Effects of different energy sources on ovulation rate, pregnancy rate and embryo survival in cyclic gilts

Cinqüenta e quatro marrãs cíclicas, uniformizadas quanto à linhagem, família, ganho de peso, espessura de toucinho, peso, precocidade sexual, número de cios e escore clínico, foram alocadas em dois grupos experimentais com dietas isocalóricas, isoprotéicas e isolisínicas. Duas fontes de energia foram testadas: amido de milho (T1) e óleo de soja (T2). Sincronizou-se o segundo estro com allyl-trenbolone, para inseminação no terceiro estro. Foi realizada cateterização não cirúrgica em 21 marrãs, submetidas a dois ciclos de coleta para dosagem de glicose e insulina, aos 14 e 21 dias do ciclo. Todas as marrãs foram abatidas aos 28,6 dias de gestação média, para análises biométricas do trato reprodutivo. Marrãs do T1 apresentaram maior taxa ovulatória em relação às do T2 (16,52 vs 14,70, P<0,01). Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos nas taxas de prenhez e sobrevivência embrionária. É possível alterar a eficiência reprodutiva por intermédio de manipulação dietética, mesmo em marrãs em estado anabólico. O uso do amido de milho na fase pré-cobertua melhorou a eficiência reprodutiva dos animais avaliados.

Fifty four cyclic gilts were randomly selected and uniformized according to genetic background, litter of origin, weight gain, backfat, number of cycles and clinical score. Gilts were alloted to one of two groups fed isocaloric, isoproteic and isolysinic diets. Two energy sources were tested: corn starch (T1) and soybean oil (T2). Second estrus was synchronized with oral allyl-trenbolone, so that insemination was carried out at third estrus. Indweeling catheters were implanted by non-surgical technic in 21 gilts, which were submitted to consecutive blood samplings for glicose and insulin determination. Timing of ovulation was estimated by means of ultrasonography. All gilts were slaughtered at an average gestation lenght of 28.6 days. Starch-fed gilts (T1) showed higher ovulation rates than T2 gilts (16.52 vs 14.70; P<0.01). There was no effect of treatments on pregnancy rate and embryo survival. Results indicate it is possible to manipulate reproductive efficiency through diet even in anabolic experimental models like cyclic gilts. Feeding starch as main energy source during pre-mating flushing phase improved reproductive efficiency of cyclic gilts.

Estudo fitoquímico e bioensaio toxicológico frente a larvas de Artemia salina Leach. de três espécies medicinais do gênero Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) / Phytochemical screening and toxicological bioassay with brine shrimp larvae (Artemia salina Leach) of three medicinal species of the genus Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae)

Avaliou-se o perfil fitoquímico e a toxicidade de três espécies do gênero Phyllanthus (P. niruri, P. amarus eP. tenellus), coletadas em diferentes localidades do estado de Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil. Os extratos brutos das três espécies foram submetidos a testes convencionais por cromatografia em camada delgada analítica para verificação das classes de metabólitos presentes, e testados frente a larvas de Artemia salina para obtenção das concentrações letais médias (CL50).Os testes fitoquímicos demonstraram a presença de flavonóides, saponinas, terpenos, naftoquinonas, alcalóides, antraquinonas, lignanas e taninos. As três espécies de Phyllanthus apresentaram variações na composição fitoquímica e na toxicidade frente a A.salina. Dependendo do local de coleta, os valores de CL50 variaram de 404,43 mais ou menos 49,64 miug/mL a 770,84 mais ou menos 51,78 miug/mL para P. niruri, 837,65 mais ou menos 61,45 miug/mL a 1075,89 mais ou menos70,72 miug/mL para P. amarus e 534,60 mais ou menos 46,83 miug/mL a 1003,62 mais ou menos 65,15 miug/mL para P. tenellus.

Serological survey for rabies in serum samples from vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) in Botucatu region, SP, Brazil

The chiropterans constitute 25% of the world's mammal fauna. Due to the destruction of their natural ecosystem, the vampire bats have moved from nature to artificial roosts closer to man and domestic animals. This phenomenon has happened particularly in rural areas. Rabies is a viral anthropozoonosis, 100% lethal, and vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) represent an important role in its epidemiology. D. rotundus were captured at night with mesh nets in partnership with the Botucatu Defense Office and sent to the Zoonosis Diagnostic Service, at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, UNESP. Serum samples from 204 bats were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fluorescent antibody viral neutralization test (FAVN) for rabies antibody detection. The results showed 7.4% of sera with titers higher or equal to 0.5 U for rabies antibodies, which demonstrated viral flow circulation among the studied region. Data suggest a need for constant monitoring accomplished by epidemiological and sanitary measures.(AU)

Co-infections with bovine herpesvirus type 5 and bovine viral diarrhoea virus

During a series of experiments attempting to reproduce clinically apparent bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) infections, a group of calves was inadvertently infected with bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV). Another group of calves was infected with BoHV-5 only. This paper reports the outcome of such infections. Two out of six calves solely infected with BoHV-5 displayed moderate to severe clinical signs. Three out of four calves of the group co-infected with BoHV-5 and BVDV developed severe clinical signs, two of them died. BoHV-5 virus was isolated to higher titres and for a longer period from the group of calves infected with both viruses. These results suggest that BVDV may enhance clinical signs induced by BoHV-5 and may also play a role in extending the period of BoHV-5 shedding.

Durante a realização de experimentos envolvendo inoculações experimentais com herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 (BoHV-5), um grupo de bovinos foi acidentalmente também inoculado com vírus da diarréia viral bovina (BVDV). Os dados obtidos nesta co-infecção foram então comparados a aqueles observados em animais inoculados exclusivamente com BoHV-5. No grupo infectado com BoHV-5 somente, dois dos seis animais inoculados mostraram sinais clínicos de moderados a graves. No grupo co-infectado com BoHV-5 e BVDV, três dos quatro animais desenvolveram doença grave, e dois deles morreram. BoHV-5 foi isolado em títulos maiores e por um período de tempo mais longo no grupo co-infectado. Os resultados sugerem que o BVDV pode exacerbar os sinais clínicos induzidos pelo BoHV-5 e, ainda, aumentou os níveis de excreção deste último.

Caracterizaçäo de herpesvírus bovinos tipos 1 (BHV-1) e 5 (BHV-5) com anticorpos monoclonais / Monoclonal antibody characterization of bovine herpesviruses types 1 (BHV-1) and 5 (BHV-5)

O perfil antigênico de 45 herpesvírus (44 de bovinos, sendo seis amostras de referência de BHV-1 e 15 prováveis BHV-1; três amostras de referência de BHV-5 e 20 prováveis BHV-5) e uma amostra de herpesvírus bubalino (BuHV) foi examinado com um painel de anticorpos monoclonais (Acms) produzidos contra antígenos de herpesvírus bovinos. Para os exames, foi utilizada a prova de imunoperoxidase (IPX) sobre cultivos de células infectadas, tendo os Acms como anticorpos primários. A determinaçäo dos padröes de reatividade das amostras de vírus frente aos Acms permitiu a diferenciaçäo entre os tipos 1 e 5. Todas as amostras isoladas de casos de encefalite apresentaram perfil de BHV-5. Quatro amostras de BHV-5 isoladas de áreas geograficamente distintas apresentaram perfís de reatividade diferenciados em relaçäo às demais amostras do tipo 5. Duas amostras de vírus com perfil antigênico de BHV-5 foram isoladas de sêmen de animais infectados. Estes resultados comprovam a utilidade da caracterizaçäo antigênica com este painel de Acms na tipagem de amostras de BHV-1 e BHV-5

Retrospective histopathological classification of 1,108 skin biopsies from patients clinically suspected of having leprosy from Bahia, northeast Brazil

We report a retrospective histopathological classification carried out under laboratory conditions by the method of Ridley & Jopling of 1,108 skin biopsies from patients clinically suspected of having leprosy from Bahia, Northeast Brazil.

Apresenta-se a classificação histopatológica retrospectiva, segundo Ridley e Jopling de 1.108 biópsias de pele de pacientes clinicamente suspeitos de hanseníase provenientes do Estado da Bahia, Brasil.

Produçäo e caracterizaçäo de anticorpos monoclonais contra o vírus da rinotraqueíte infecciosa bovina (BHV-1) / Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (BHV-1)

Um painel de anticorpos monoclonais (AcM) foi produzido contra antígenos da amostra "Oxford" do Vírus de Rinotraqueíte Infecciosa Bovina ou Herpesvírus Bovino tipo 1 (BHV-1). Foram selecionados cinco AcM pertencentes à classe IgG que, embora näo-neutralizantes, reconheceram todas as amostras de BHV-1.1 e BHV-1.2 quando testados por imunoperoxidase sobre cultivos de células infectadas e ELISA. Os AcM näo foram capazes de distinguir entre os subtipos BHV-1.1 e BHV-1.2

Presença de pestivírus e anticorpos contra pestivírus em soros e cultivos celulares / Presence of pestiviruses and antibodies to pestiviruses in sera and cell cultures

Cultivos celulares e soro utilizados como suplemento de meios de cultivo foram examinados em busca de pestivírus ou anticorpos contra pestivírus, por técnicas de isolamento de vírus e soro-neutralizaçäo, seguidas de revelaçäo por imunoperoxidase. Sete de um total de 13 partidas de linhagens celulares, incluindo células de origem bovina (MDBK, GBK, BT), ovina (FLK) e suína (SK6, PK15), apresentavam-se contaminadas com pestivírus. Uma linhagem celular de origem de rim de coelho (RK13) näo apresentou contaminaçäo. Duas de sete partidas de cultivos primários de testículos de neonatos bovinos preparados no local também se encontraram infectados. Soros de neonatos bovinos obtidos de abatedouros continham pestivírus em oito de 80 amostras e anticorpos anti-pestivírus em 15 de 80 amostras examinadas. Soro fetal bovino adquirido comercialmente de diferentes firmas apresentou anticorpos anti-pestivírus em quatro de oito amostras examinadas