Notch signaling pathway inhibitor DAPT improves alcohol-induced neuronal differentiation impairment in zebrafish / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the role of the Notch signaling pathway in regulating neuronal differentiation and sensorimotor ability in a zebrafish model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.@*METHODS@#Zebrafish embryos treated with DMSO or 50 μmol/L DAPT (a Notch signaling pathway inhibitor) were examined for mortality rate, hatching rate, malformation rate, and body length at 15 days post fertilization (dpf). The mRNA expression levels of sox2, neurogenin1 and huc in the treated zebrafish embryos were detected using in situ hybridization and qRT-PCR, and their behavioral responses to strong light and vibration stimulation were observed. The zebrafish embryos were then exposed to DMSO, 1.5% ethanol, DAPT, or both ethanol and DAPT, and the changes in mRNA expression levels of sox2, neurogenin1, huc, and the Notch signaling pathway genes as well as behavioral responses were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Exposure to 50 μmol/L DAPT significantly increased the mortality rate of 1 dpf zebrafish embryos (P < 0.01), decreased the hatching rate of 2 dpf embryos (P < 0.01), increased the malformation rate of 3 dpf embryos (P < 0.001), and reduced the body length of 15 dpf embryos (P < 0.05). DAPT treatment significantly downregulated sox2 mRNA expression (P < 0.01) and increased neurogenin1 (P < 0.05) and huc (P < 0.01) mRNA expressions in zebrafish embryos. The zebrafish with DAPT treatment exhibited significantly shortened movement distance (P < 0.001) and lowered movement speed (P < 0.05) in response to all the stimulation conditions. Compared with treatment with 1.5% ethanol alone, which obviously upregulated notch1a, her8a and NICD mRNA expressions in zebrafish embryos (P < 0.05), the combined treatment with ethanol and DAPT significantly increased neurogenin1 and huc mRNA expression, decreased sox2 mRNA expression (P < 0.01), and increased the moving distance and moving speed of zebrafish embryos in response to strong light stimulation (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Ethanol exposure causes upregulation of the Notch signaling pathway and impairs neuronal differentiation and sensorimotor ability of zebrafish embryos, and these detrimental effects can be lessened by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway.

Coronavirus versus 70% Alcohol: Comments and Some Fundamental Definitions

Abstract The new coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is a global problem that is having severe impacts on health systems worldwide. One particular characteristic of this virus is its high transmission rate, which has led to a high demand for personal care materials such as masks, gloves, and alcohol for asepsis. Seventy percent is the ideal concentration for the ethanol used in hand sanitizers; however, this concentration can be expressed in different ways, and, consequently, the different solutions will have different antiseptic activity. In this manuscript we comment on some characteristics of alcohol-based preparations and the different ways of expressing the concentrations.

The benefit of Silybum marianum in ethanol-induced reprotoxicity of male Wistar rat

Abstract This study investigates the toxic effects of ethanol (Eth) on the reproductive system of male rats and the possible protective role of Silybum marianum seeds-infused solution (SMI) over six consecutive weeks of administration. Animals were divided into the following groups: control, SMI positive control (200 mg/kg/day), Eth1 (1 g/kg/day), Eth2 (2 g/kg/day), Eth1+SMI, and Eth2+SMI. Plasma testosterone concentration, epididymal spermatozoa biology, and testicular and epididymal MDA, GSH and GPx levels were evaluated. The results indicated a significant decrease in testis and epididymis weight, testosterone level, sperm concentration, sperm vitality and sperm motility (total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, velocity average path, beat cross frequency, and lateral head displacement) in both Eth1 and Eth2 compared to the control groups and the combined-treatment groups (Eth1+SMI and Eth2+SMI). Furthermore, results showed a significant elevation in MDA concentration with a significant decrease of testicular and epididymal GSH concentration and GPx activity in theEth1 and Eth2 groups compared to the combined-treatment groups. The administration of SMI succeeded in improving the parameters cited above in the combined-treatment groups compared to the Eth1 and Eth2 groups, and bring them to the levels seen in the control groups. To conclude, SMI has clearly protected reproductive indices against ethanol-induced reprotoxicity in male rats

Pharmacokinetics of isoniazid in Wistar rats exposed to ethanol

Abstract Tuberculosis treatment consists of a drug combination, where isoniazid is the core drug and alcoholism is a factor highly related to poor patient compliance with the therapy. CYP2E1 is an enzyme involved both in the metabolism of ethanol and in the formation of hepatotoxic compounds during the metabolism of isoniazid. The shared metabolism pathway accounts for the possibility of pharmacokinetic interaction in cases of concomitant alcohol use during tuberculosis treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated exposure of Wistar rats (males, 250 g, n=6) to ethanol on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of isoniazid in combination with pyrazinamide and rifampicin (100 mg/kg, 350 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively). An animal group received the combination of drugs and ethanol and was compared to a control group, which received the combination of drugs without exposure to ethanol. The plasma concentrations of isoniazid were determined by a UHPLC/UV bioanalytical method that was previously validated. Biochemical markers of liver function were measured to assess potential damage. A lower elimination half-life of isoniazid was observed in the ethanol group than in the control group (t1/2 0.91 h versus 1.34 h). There was no evidence of hepatotoxicity through the biomarker enzymes evaluated. The results allow us to infer that although there are no biochemical changes related to liver damage, there is a slight influence of ethanol exposure on the pharmacokinetic profile of isoniazid. This change may have a relevant impact on the efficacy of isoniazid in the outcome of tuberculosis treatment.

El consumo semicrónico moderado de alcohol altera la foliculogénesis y la calidad núcleo-citoplasmática oocitaria, en el ratón / Moderate semi-chronic alcohol consumption alters folliculogenesis and oocyte nuclear-cytoplasmic quality in mice

Resumen El consumo crónico de alcohol es un problema de salud mundial que afecta particularmente a la población femenina. Sin embargo, los efectos de la ingesta semicrónica en cantidades moderadas a bajas en el ovario y el oocito son poco conocidos. En un modelo murino, se administró etanol al 10% en agua de bebida (hembras tratadas) o agua (hembras control) por 15 días, y luego de la superovulación o no (ovulación espontánea), se analizó el ciclo estral y la calidad ovárico-gamética. En las hembras tratadas, la frecuencia y duración del diestro aumentó, y las frecuencias de folículos y cuerpos lúteos disminuyeron vs hembras controles, valores que se restauraron luego de la superovulación. Sin embargo, en las hembras tratadas, la tasa de proliferación celular folicular y el desbalance de la expresión ovárica de VEGF (factor de crecimiento endotelial) persistieron luego de la superovulación. El número de ovocitos ovulados con metafase II anormal, fragmentados y activados partenogenéticamente fue mayor en las hembras tratadas respecto las controles. En conclusión, el consumo semicrónico moderado de alcohol produce anestro, ciclo estral irregular, foliculogénesis deficiente y anomalías núcleo-citoplasmáticas en los oocitos ovulados. Estas alteraciones podrían constituirse en un factor etiológico de pérdida gestacional temprana y desarrollo embrionario anormal luego del consumo de alcohol.

Abstract Chronic alcohol consumption is a global health problem that particularly affects the female population. However, the ef-fects of semi-chronic ethanol intake in low-moderate amounts on the ovary and oocyte are poorly understood. In a mouse model, 10% ethanol was administered in drinking water (treated females) or water (control females) for 15 days, and after superovulation or not (spontaneous ovulation), the estrous cycle and ovarian-gametic quality were analyzed. In treated females, the frequency and duration of the diestrus increased, and the frequencies of follicles and corpus luteum decreased vs control females, values that restored after superovulation. However, in treated females, the follicular cell proliferation rate and the imbalance in ovarian expression of VEGF (endothelial growth factor) persisted after superovulation. The number of ovulated oocytes with abnormal metaphase II, fragmented and parthenogenetically activated was higher in treated females than in control ones. In conclusion, moderate semi-chronic alcohol consumption produces anestrum, irregular estrous cycle, poor folliculogenesis, and nuclear-cytoplasmic abnormalities in ovulated oocytes. These alterations could constitute an etiological factor of early gestational loss and abnormal embryonic development after alcohol consumption.

Análisis de los efectos del consumo de alcohol en la morbi-mortalidad por trauma craneoencefálico / Analysis of the effects of alcohol consumption in traumatic brain injury´s morbidity and mortality

Resumen La intoxicación con alcohol está frecuentemente asociada con trauma craneoencefálico (TCE), pero el impacto del alcohol en la patogénesis y el pronóstico del TCE sigue siendo poco clara. La literatura actual provee evidencia en términos de datos clínicos y experimentales que respaldan los efectos neuroprotectores del alcohol en pacientes con TCE. Para establecer de manera significativa esta relación es necesario el desarrollo de estudios prospectivos observacionales fuertes, con el fin de comprender los efectos del alcohol en los resultados clínicos a largo plazo (incluyendo el resultado neurológico) en pacientes con TCE con una apropiada selección y ajuste del riesgo basal.

Abstract Alcohol intoxication is often associated with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), but the impact of alcohol on the pathogenesis and prognosis of TBIs remains unclear. Current literature provides evidence in terms of experimental and clinical data supporting alcohol's neuroprotective effects in patients with TBIs. To establish in a significative way this association, there lies a need for strong prospective observational studies, in order to comprehend the effects of alcohol on the long-term outcomes (including the neurological outcome) in patients with TBI with proper selection and baseline risk adjustment.

Efeito do consumo de etanol em padrão binge sobre o estresse oxidativo sistêmico / Effect of ethanol consumption in a binge pattern on systemic oxidative stress

O consumo intermitente de etanol, denominado binge drinking está relacionado a prejuízos para a saúde do indivíduo. Binge drinking descreve o padrão de consumir bebidas alcoólicas que resulta em concentração sanguínea de etanol igual ou superior a 0,08 g/dL (consumo de 70/56 gramas de etanol para homens/ mulheres) em um período de 2 horas. Os mecanismos que medeiam os danos orgânicos induzidos pelo consumo de etanol em padrão binge não são conhecidos. Portanto, o desenvolvimento de modelos experimentais que permitam o melhor entendimento desses mecanismos é de interesse. A hipótese desse estudo é a de que o consumo em binge ative os receptores AT1 que irá promover aumento do estresse oxidativo sistêmico. Portanto, o presente projeto foi delineado de forma a investigar a participação dos receptores AT1 no estresse oxidativo sistêmico induzido pelo consumo de etanol em padrão binge. Com esse propósito, ratos Wistar Hannover com idade entre 60 e 70 dias (270 a 300 g) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 4 grupos: 1) Controle: os animais tiveram livre acesso a água e receberam diariamente água por gavagem; 2) Etanol binge: os animais tiveram livre acesso a água e receberam etanol na dose de 2 g/kg (10 mL/kg de uma solução 26% v./v.) por gavagem por período de 5 semanas. A administração de etanol foi realizada 4 dias por semana; 3) Losartan: os animais tiveram livre acesso a água e receberam losartan (10 mg/kg) diariamente por gavagem; 4) Etanol binge + losartan: os animais tiveram livre acesso a água e receberam etanol na dose de 2 g/kg por gavagem por período de 5 semanas. Esses animais também receberam losartan (10 mg/kg) diariamente por gavagem. Ao término do tratamento os animais foram anestesiados com uretana 1,25 g/kg em solução 25% (5 mL/kg) e mortos por exsanguinação seguida do rompimento do diafragma. O sangue e o coração (ventrículo esquerdo) foram coletados para realização de análises bioquímicas. O tratamento com etanol não alterou o peso dos animais ao longo do tratamento. Não foram detectadas diferenças do consumo de ração e de água entre os grupos ao longo das 5 semanas de tratamento. Os resultados mostraram que o consumo de etanol em padrão binge não alterou a concentração plasmática de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e do peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) bem como a atividade plasmática das enzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD), da concentração plasmática de glutationa reduzida (GSH) e da atividade plasmática da catalase. Perfil semelhante foi observado no ventrículo esquerdo, além da não observação da expressão proteica da ERK 1/2. Com isso, o consumo de etanol em binge não alterou o estresse oxidativo sistêmico e tecidual ou alteração dos sistemas de defesa antioxidante.

Intermittent consumption of ethanol, called binge drinking, is related to damage to the individual's health. Binge drinking describes the pattern of consuming alcoholic beverages that results in blood ethanol concentration equal to or greater than 0.08 g / dL (consumption of 70/56 grams of ethanol for men / women) in a period of 2 hours. The mechanisms that mediate organic damage induced by ethanol consumption in a binge pattern are not known. Therefore, the development of experimental models that allow a better understanding of these mechanisms is of interest. The hypothesis of this study is that consumption in binge activates AT1 receptors that will promote an increase in systemic oxidative stress. Therefore, the present project was designed to investigate the participation of AT1 receptors in systemic oxidative stress induced by the consumption of ethanol in a binge pattern. For this purpose, Wistar Hannover rats aged between 60 and 70 days (270 to 300 g) were randomly assigned to 4 groups: 1) Control: the animals had free access to water and received daily water by gavage; 2) Binge ethanol: the animals had free access to water and received ethanol at a dose of 2 g / kg (10 mL / kg of a 26% v./v. Solution) by gavage for a period of 5 weeks. Ethanol was administered 4 days a week; 3) Losartan: the animals had free access to water and received losartan (10 mg / kg) daily by gavage; 4) Ethanol binge + losartan: the animals had free access to water and received ethanol at a dose of 2 g / kg per gavage for a period of 5 weeks. These animals also received losartan (10 mg / kg) daily by gavage. At the end of the treatment, the animals were anesthetized with 1.25 g / kg urethane in 25% solution (5 mL / kg) and killed by exsanguination followed by rupture of the diaphragm. Blood and heart (left ventricle) were collected for biochemical analysis. Treatment with ethanol did not change the weight of the animals during the treatment. There were no differences in feed and water consumption between groups over the 5 weeks of treatment. The results showed that the consumption of ethanol in a binge pattern did not alter the plasma concentration of substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as well as the plasma activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), the plasma concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and plasma catalase activity. A similar profile was observed in the left ventricle, in addition to not observing ERK 1/2 protein expression. As a result, ethanol consumption in binge did not alter systemic and tissue oxidative stress or alter antioxidant defense systems.

Utilização da técnica da dentina úmida por etanol na adesão dentinária: influência in vitro da smear layer, avaliação clínica com diferentes protocolos adesivos e revisão sistemática / Use of etanol-wet-bonding technique in dentin adhesion: smear layer in vitro influence, clinical trial with different adhesives protocols and systematic review

Este estudo foi composto por um estudo in vitro, um estudo clínico randomizado, controlado e duplo cego e uma revisão sistemática, com objetivo de compreender e avaliar a aplicabilidade da técnica da dentina úmida por etanol (EWBT) em procedimentos restauradores. Estudo laboratorial: 48 incisivos bovinos foram divididos em 2 grupos, com a utilização ou não de etanol anterior ao sistema adesivo universal (Single Bond Universal) no modo autocondicionante. Em seguida blocos de resina composta (Filtek Z350 xt) foram confeccionados. A interface adesiva foi analisada, antes e após envelhecimento por 6 meses em água, com relação à nanodureza e módulo de elasticidade e em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) após a realização de nanoinfiltração com nitrato de prata. Os dados de nanodureza e módulo de elasticidade foram analisados estatisticamente com ANOVA e teste de Tukey (α=5%). Houve diferença estatística para as áreas avaliadas (p<0.001) e também para a aplicação do etanol (p<0.001). A dentina apresentou valores maiores de nanodureza quando comparado com a camada híbrida. EWBT foi capaz de manter as propriedades da interface adesiva mesmo após envelhecimento. Estudo clínico randomizado: Os voluntários receberam restaurações em cavidades do tipo classe V, provenientes de lesões cervicais não cariosas, com extensão e profundidade de no mínimo 1 mm. As restaurações foram realizadas aleatoriamente, de acordo com a divisão dos grupos, sendo o grupo controle sem pré-tratamento dentinário (SE) e três grupos com a intervenção, sendo associado com adesivo de 3 passos (E); hidrófobo (EB) ou com adesivo de 2 passos (EU). As restaurações foram avaliadas, por examinadores devidamente calibrados no início do estudo, após 7 dias, 6 e 18 meses, utilizando o critério USPHS modificado. Os dados foram analisados com testes chi-quadrado e KaplanMeier. O grupo com adesivo hidrófobo apresentou maior taxa de falha para retenção quando comparada aos demais grupos, tanto em 6 quanto em 18 meses. Revisão sistemática: Foram pesquisadas as principais bases de dados eletrônicas com a estratégia de busca definida de acordo com a pergunta de pesquisa e estratégia PICO, sendo P: dentes com lesões cervicais não cariosas; I: protocolo adesivo utilizando EWBT; C: protocolo adesivo convencional. Após análise do título e resumo dos artigos pré-selecionados, seguindo a questão PICO, 19 artigos laboratoriais e 3 estudos clínicos relacionados ao tema tiveram os dados extraídos. O risco de viés dos artigos selecionados foi estimado, sendo que para a maioria dos estudos laboratoriais e clínicos foi considerado baixo. Para os estudos laboratoriais houve diferença, sendo que o grupo controle apresentou melhores resultados quando comparado à EWBT. Com relação aos estudos clínicos não houve diferença entre os grupos controle e EWBT(AU)

This study was composed by an in vitro study, a randomized, controlled and double blind clinical trial, and a systematic review, aiming to understand and evaluate the applicability of ethanol-wet-bonding technique (EWBT) in restorative procedures. Laboratory study: 48 bovine incisors were divided into 2 groups, according to EWBT use prior to the universal adhesive system (Single Bond Universal) in the self-etch mode. Blocks of composite resin (Filtek Z350 xt) were made. The adhesive interface was analyzed, on baseline and 6 months of water aging, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after nanoleakage with silver nitrate, besides the nanohardness and elastic modulus. The data of nanohardness and elastic modulus were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey test (α=5%). There was a statistically significant difference for the areas evaluated, in which dentin presented higher values, for nanohardness, than the hybrid layer (p<0.001) and for the use of ethanol (p<0.001). The use of ethanol was able to maintain the properties of the adhesive layer even after aging. Randomized clinical trial: The volunteers received restorations in class V cavities from non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL), with cavity extension and depth of at least 1 mm. The restorations were randomly performed according to group division: no ethanol dentin pretreatment (SE), with ethanol dentin pretreatment in association with 3-step (E) or 2-step (EU) or adhesive, or hydrophobic adhesive (EB). The restorations were evaluated by calibrated examiners at baseline, after 7 days, 6 and 18 months using the modified USPHS criteria. All data were statistically analyzed at Chi square and survival test (α=5%). The hydrophobic adhesive group presented higher failure rate for retention when compared to the other groups, both at 6 and 18 months followup. Systematic review: Main electronic databases were used for search and the strategy was defined according to the research question and PICO strategy, where P: teeth with NCCL; I: adhesive protocol using EWBT; C: conventional adhesive protocol; O: long-term clinical outcome after EWBT. After analyzing the title and abstract of the pre-selected articles, following the PICO question, 19 laboratory studies and 3 clinical trials related to EWBT. The data from selected studies were extracted and then, the risk of bias was estimated. For laboratory studies it was considered high and for clinical trials was considered low risk of bias. After statistical analysis, for laboratory studies the control group presented better results when compared to EWBT. Regarding the clinical studies, there was no difference between control and EWBT groups(AU)

Associações entre polimorfismos genéticos da álcool: desidrogenase e o transtorno por uso de álcool / Associations between genetic polymorphisms of alcohol: dehydrogenase and alcohol use disorder

O transtorno por uso de álcool (TUA) é influenciado pela genética, principalmente na metabolização do etanol. Os genes da álcool desidrogenase (ADH1B/ADH1C), enzima que transforma o etanol, apresentam SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) que resultam em isoenzimas com diferentes taxas catalíticas. Estudos demonstraram que os SNPs Arg48His, Arg370Cys, Arg272Gln e Ile350Val contribuem para o TUA. Este artigo revisou os estudos que investigaram SNPs em ADH1B (Arg48His/Arg370Cys) e ADH1C (Arg272Gln/Ile350Val), bem como avaliou as variações nas frequências alélicas desses genes e a influência no TUA nas diferentes populações no mundo. As frequências alélicas dos polimorfismos foram comparadas pelos testes qui-quadrado de Pearson e exato de Fisher (p < 0,05). O SNP Arg48His confere proteção para o TUA em euroamericanos, latino-americanos, europeus, brasileiros, asiáticos e australianos. O SNP Arg370Cys confere proteção para o TUA em afrodescendentes. Os SNPs Arg272Gln e Ile350Val predispõem o TUA principalmente em europeus. Os SNPs Arg48His, Arg370Cys e Arg272Gln/Ile350Val foram mais frequentes em amostras de leste-asiáticos (69,7%), africanos (19,1%) e europeus (40,5%), respectivamente (p < 0,01). Os diferentes alelos dos genes ADH1B/ADH1C devido a SNPs têm uma importante contribuição no TUA. As frequências desses alelos variam conforme a população, resultando em diferentes efeitos no TUA. (AU)

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is influenced by genetics, especially in the metabolism of ethanol. The ethanol dehydrogenase genes (ADH1B/ADH1C), which convert ethanol, have single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that result in isoenzymes with different catalytic rates. Studies have shown that the Arg48His, Arg370Cys, Arg272Gln, and Ile350Val SNPs contribute to AUD. This article reviewed the studies that investigated SNPs in ADH1B (Arg48His/Arg370Cys) and ADH1C (Arg272Gln/Ile350Val) and evaluated variations in the allele frequencies of these genes and their influence on AUD in different populations worldwide. The allele frequencies of the polymorphisms were compared by Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05). The Arg48His SNP provides protection against AUD in Euro-Americans, Latin Americans, Europeans, Brazilians, Asians, and Australians. The Arg370Cys SNP provides protection against AUD in Afro-descendants. The Arg272Gln and Ile350Val SNPs predispose to AUD mainly in Europeans. The Arg48His, Arg370Cys, and Arg272Gln/Ile350Val SNPs were more frequent in East Asians (69.7%), Africans (19.1%), and Europeans (40.5%), respectively (p < 0.01). The different alleles of the ADH1B/ADH1C genes due to SNPs make an important contribution to AUD. The frequencies of these alleles vary among different populations, resulting in different effects on AUD..(AU)

Rol del consumo de alcohol y antioxidantes sobre la metilación global del ADN y cáncer / Role of alcohol consumption and antioxidants on global methylation of DNA and cancer

RESUMEN: El alcoholismo es una enfermedad crónica recidivante asociada a disfunción psicológica, social y física. El alcohol no sólo es una droga adictiva, también produce alteraciones en las actividades y funciones de múltiples sistemas y órganos. Actualmente, diversos estudios demuestran que el ambiente puede modular la expresión génica del ADN mediante mecanismos epigenéticos, sugiriendo de esta manera, que el consumo de alcohol es un factor que puede alterar los patrones epigenéticos y, por lo tanto, los niveles de expresión génica. La metilación del ADN es un proceso epigenético que participa en la regulación de la expresión génica, impidiendo la unión de factores de transcripción y propiciando la estructura cerrada de la cromatina. En este sentido, los cambios en la metilación del ADN se reconocen como una de las formas más comunes de alteración molecular en la dependencia al alcohol y los procesos neoplásicos humanos. El alcohol puede ser un factor importante en la iniciación del cáncer, aumentando la expresión de ciertos oncogenes o reprimiendo la capacidad de las células para reparar el ADN, lo que aumenta la probabilidad de que se produzcan mutaciones oncogénicas. Sin embargo, los mecanismos exactos de la patogénesis del cáncer ligada al consumo de alcohol aún permanecen sin ser dilucidados. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de la presente revisión fue describir los mecanismos de metilación del ADN y su relación con el consumo de alcohol y cáncer.

SUMMARY: Alcoholism is a chronic relapsing disease associated with psychological, social and physical dysfunction. Alcohol is not only an addictive substance, it also alters action and function of multiple systems and organs. Currently, several studies show that the environment can modulate gene expression of DNA by epigenetic mechanisms, thereby suggesting that alcohol consumption is a factor that can alter epigenetic patterns and therefore, the levels of gene expression. DNA methylation is an epigenetic process, that is a part of gene expression regulation preventing binding of transcription factors and encouraging the closed structure of chromatin. In this sense, changes in DNA methylation are recognized as one of the most common forms of molecular alteration in alcohol dependence and human neoplastic processes. Alcohol can be an important factor in activating the cancer by increasing the expression of certain oncogenes or repressing the ability of cells to repair DNA, which increases the likelihood of oncogenic mutations. However, the exact mechanisms of the pathogenesis of cancer linked to alcohol consumption remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of this review was to describe the mechanisms of DNA methylation and its relation to alcohol consumption and cancer.

Relationship between alcoholism addiction and periodontitis. an in vivo study using drinking-in-darkness protocol in rats

Periodontal disease (PD) has been considered a probable risk factor for several systemic diseases. among them, PD is presumed to be one of the possible etiologies of chronic illness of the central nervous system. In this context, poor oral health and PD is associated with substance abuse in humans. however, if periodontal lesions can produce addiction is unknown. this paper aims to evaluate the possibility that chronic periodontal injury (CPL) can cause ethanol binge intake in drink-in-darkness (DID) protocol in rats. in CPL group (n=10) experimental damage was done to the periodontal tissue of the second maxillary molar, the control group (n=9) received sham injury. forty-three days after CPL the intake of ethanol was assessed using several concentrations in DID experiment. during the DID experiment, we observed significant differences between the binge-type consumption of ethanol at the lowest concentration of 10 percent (p=0.01). differences in consumption of 20 percent ethanol are observed during a few days (p=0.04), and there are no differences in consumption at 40 percent concentration of ethanol (p=0.2). it is concluded that chronic periodontal lesion leads to alcoholism in wistar rats.

Prevenção da síndrome alcoólica fetal: subsídios para a prática de enfermeiras obstétricas / Prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome: input to obstetrical nurses' practice / Prevención del síndrome de alcoholismo fetal: subsidios para la práctica de las enfermeras

Objetivo: discutir a prevenção da Síndrome Alcoólica Fetal por profissionais da área da saúde. Método: revisão integrativa de literatura; foram utilizados artigos indexados em português e inglês, publicados entre 2004 e 2013. Dados coletados em fevereiro de 2014 na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde em três bases de dados. Identificaram-se 653 artigos, 638 excluídos e selecionados 15 artigos. Utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: levantamento de informações sobre atitudes, conhecimento e uso de álcool na gravidez, disseminação de informações às mulheres e gestantes, efetividade do uso de intervenção breve, informações transmitidas por rádio, televisão ou por enfermeiras, transmissão de conhecimentos por profissionais da divulgação dos riscos para a jovem antes de engravidar. Conclusão: a dificuldade em diagnosticar a Síndrome Alcoólica Fetal revela a necessidade de ampliar a discussão relativa a políticas públicas preventivas. Os profissionais de saúde realizam prevenção da síndrome e devem intensificá-la em vários níveis, a saber: primário, secundário, educacional e parental.

Objective: to discuss the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome by health personnel. Method: integrative literature review, using articles indexed in Portuguese and English, published from 2005 to 2013. Data collection, in February 2014 in the Virtual Health Library in three databases, identified 653 articles, of which 638 were excluded and 15 selected. Content analysis was used. Results: information on attitudes to, and knowledge and use of, alcohol in pregnancy, information to women and pregnant women, the effectiveness of brief intervention, information conveyed by radio, television or nurses, and knowledge transmission by health personnel making risks known to young women before they become pregnant. Conclusion: the difficulty of diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome reveals the need to broaden the discussion of preventive policymaking. Health personnel work to prevent the syndrome and should intensify that endeavor at various levels: primary, secondary, educational and parental.

Objetivo: discutir la prevención del síndrome de alcoholismo fetal por profesionales de la salud. Método: revisión integrada de la literatura; se utilizaron artículos indexados en portugués e inglés, publicados entre 2004 y 2013. Los datos se recolectaron en febrero de 2014 en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud en tres bases de datos. Se identificaron 653 artículos, 638 fueron excluidos y se seleccionaron 15. Se utilizó el análisis de contenido. Resultados: recopilación de información sobre actitudes, conocimiento e ingestión de alcohol durante el embarazo, difusión de información a las mujeres y las embarazadas, eficacia del uso de intervención breve, información difundida por radio, televisión o por enfermeras, transmisión de conocimientos por profesionales sobre los riesgos a la joven antes de quedarse embarazada. Conclusión: la dificultad en diagnosticar el síndrome de alcoholismo fetal revela la necesidad de ampliar la discusión relativa a políticas preventivas. Los profesionales sanitarios realizan la prevención del síndrome y deben intensificarla en los distintos niveles: primario, secundario, educacional y parental.

Cooking with alcohol: a matched case-control study in Italy and germany assessing the risk of alcoholism due to an early exposure to alcohol in childhood

The study aims at understanding the role of early exposure to ethanol during childhood, in particular in the form of alcohol used in food preparation. A matched case control study was conducted in Italy and Germany. 300 cases were selected from the lists of the Alcoholics Anonymous Associations and 300 controls were matched from the general population. A CATI system was used for collecting information on drinking habits, family risk factors, age at first ethanol consumption, binge drinking episodes and alcohol ingestion as a food ingredient during childhood. Association of variables with the status of case were analysed using a multivariable conditional logistic regression. In the multivariable model four variables were selected: education, father drinking status, age at first ethanol consumption and binge drinking during adolescence. Consumption of food containing alcohol in common recipes was not associated with an increased risk of alcoholism in older ages. Drinkers having their first contact directly with alcoholic beverage before age 13 were more likely to suffer from alcohol dependence at some time during their life. On the contrary, using alcohol in food preparation during childhood does not appear to be related with subsequent risk for alcohol abuse(AU)

El estudio tiene como objetivo comprender el papel de la exposición temprana al etanol durante la infancia, en particular, la forma en la que se utiliza el alcohol en la preparación de alimentos. Este estudio de emparejamiento de casos y controles se llevó a cabo en Italia y Alemania. Se seleccionaron 300 casos de las listas de las Asociaciones de Alcohólicos Anónimos y se los emparejó con 300 controles obtenidos de la población general. Se utilizó el sistema CATI para la recolección de información sobre hábitos de consumo, factores de riesgo de la familia, edad del primer consumo de etanol, episodios de consumo excesivo de alcohol, e ingesta de alcohol como ingrediente alimentario durante la infancia. Se analizó la asociación de las variables con la situación de cada caso mediante una regresión logística condicional multivariable. En el modelo multivariable se seleccionaron cuatro factores: educación, relación del padre con el alcohol, edad del primer consumo de etanol y episodios de consumo excesivo de alcohol durante la adolescencia. El consumo de alimentos que contienen alcohol en las recetas comunes no se asoció con un mayor riesgo de alcoholismo en edades más avanzadas. Aquellos bebedores que han tenido su primer contacto directo con bebidas alcohólicas antes de los 13 años eran más propensos a sufrir de dependencia al alcohol en algún momento de su vida. Por el contrario, el uso de alcohol en la preparación de alimentos durante la infancia no parece estar relacionado con un riesgo posterior de abuso en el consumo de alcohol(AU)

Intoxicación alcohólica / Alcohol intoxication

Resumen:La intoxicación se considera como una manifestación patológica definida por los signos y síntomas que secundarios a la acción de una o varias dosis de un agente tóxico y su evolución puede llevar al sujeto a un estado irreversible e incluso a la muerte. Cada año mueren alrededor de un millón de personas a consecuencia de diversos envenenamientos. La intoxicación alcohólica es causada por alcoholes, compuestos orgánicos que se derivan de los hidrocarburos y están formados por grupos hidroxilos. El etanol es el alcohol que con más frecuencia produce intoxicaciones ya que es el más común y el que más al alcance de la población se encuentra, este produce múltiples alteraciones a nivel del sistema nervioso y de otros sistemas del organismo.

Abstract:Intoxication is considered a pathological manifestation defined by the signs and symptoms secondary to the action of one or more doses of a toxic agent and its evolution may lead to an irreversible subject to state and even to death.Every year about a million people as a result of various poisonings. Alcohol intoxication is caused by alcohols, organic compounds derived hydrocarbons and consist of hydroxyl groups. Ethanol is the alcohol intoxication occurs more frequently because it is the most common and the most accessible to the population is, this results in multiple abnormalities in the nervous system and other body systems.

Análise dos acidentes por queimadura com álcool líquido em Unidade de Tratamento de Queimados em Sergipe / Evaluation of burn accidents with liquid alcohol at a Burns Care Unit in Sergipe / Análisis de las quemaduras por accidente con alcohol líquido en Unidad de Tratamiento de Quemados en Sergipe

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico e a gravidade dos pacientes internados na Unidade de Tratamento de Queimados (UTQ) do Hospital de Urgências de Sergipe (HUSE) devido a queimadura por acidente com álcool líquido. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, quantitativo e descritivo com análise secundária de dados coletados no sistema de registro do serviço de Cirurgia Plástica da UTQ do HUSE referentes ao período de janeiro de 2010 a junho de 2016. Analisouse sexo, idade, gravidade, área (s) acometida (s), porte, tempo de internação e óbito. Resultados: Foram analisados 157 registros (12%), notando-se maior prevalência de adultos 130 (82,8%), do sexo masculino 95 (60,51%). Todos os pacientes internados apresentaram queimaduras de 2º grau, sendo que houve registro de 10 pacientes (6,37%) com queimaduras de 1º grau e de 23 pacientes (14,65%) de 3º grau associadas. As áreas mais acometidas foram face 76 (48,40%), membros superiores 61 (38,85%), tronco 52 (33,12%), membros inferiores 51 (32,48%), região cervical 50 (31,84%), tórax 40 (25,47%), abdome 28 (17,83%), dorso 12 (7,64%), região glútea sete (4,45%) e genitália cinco (3,18%). Foram registrados 89 (56,7%) como médios queimados. A média de dias de internação foi de 26,63. Foram registrados 13 óbitos (8,3%). Conclusões: O maior grupo de internados na UTQ do HUSE devido a queimadura por acidente com álcool líquido foi de adultos do sexo masculino. As queimaduras de 2º grau em face e membros superiores foram as mais prevalentes. O tempo de internação faz atentar quanto aos gastos no Sistema Único de Saúde por paciente queimado. O número de óbitos foi relativamente alto.

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological profile and the severity of patients admitted to the Burn Care Unit of the Hospital of Urgencies of Sergipe (HUSE) due to burning by accident with liquid alcohol. Methods: Retrospective, quantitative, and descriptive study with secondary analysis of data collected through the registration system of the Plastic Surgery Service of the burn care unit HUSE for the period from January 2010 to June 2016. Data were analyzed according to sex, age, severity, affected(s) area(s), size, length of hospital stay, and death. Results: We analyzed 157 records (12%), noting a higher prevalence of adults 130 (82.8%) and male 95 (60.51%). All hospitalized patients had 2nd degree burns, and were recorded in 10 patients (6.37%) 1st degree and 23 patients (14.65%) 3rd degree associated. The most affected areas were face 76 (48.40%), upper limbs 61 (38.85%), trunk 52 (33.12%), lower limbs 51 (32.48%), neck 50 (31.84 %), chest 40 (25.47%), abdomen 28 (17.83%), back 12 (7.64%), the gluteal region seven (4.45%) and genitalia five (3.18%). They recorded 89 (56.7%) and average burned. The mean length of hospital stay was 26.63. Thirteen deaths (8.3%) were recorded. Conclusions: The largest group hospitalized in the burn care unit of HUSE due to burn by accident with liquid alcohol was adult males. Burns 2nd degree in the face and upper limbs were the most prevalent. The length of stay is to pay attention as to costs in public health system in Brazil. The number of deaths was relatively high.

Objectivo: Evaluar el perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes admitidos a la Unidad de Tratamiento de Quemaduras del Hospital de Urgencias de Sergipe (HUSE) debido a la quemadura por accidente con alcohol líquido. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, cuantitativo y descriptivo con análisis secundaria, recolectados a través del sistema de registro del Servicio de Cirugía Plástica de la unidad de cuidados de quemados del periodo de enero del 2010 hasta junio del 2016. Fueron analizados sexo, edad, gravedad, área(s) afectada(s), porte, estadía en el hospital y muerte. Resultados: Analizamos 157 registros (12%), notando una prevalencia prevalencia de adultos (130; 82,8%) y sexo masculino (95; 60,51%). Todos los pacientes hospitalizados tenían quemaduras de segundo grado, en 10 pacientes (6,37%) fueron registrados quemaduras de primer grado primer grado y en 23 pacientes (14,65%) quemaduras de tercer grado asociados. Las áreas más afectadas fueron el rostro (76; 48,40%), extremidades superiores (61; 38,85%), tronco (32; 33,12%), extremidades inferiores (51; 32,48%), cuello (50; 31,84%), pecho (40; 25,47%), abdomen (28; 17,83%), espalda (12; 7,64%), región del glúteo (7; 4,45) y los genitales (5; 3,18%). Registraron 89 (56.7%). Fueron clasificados 89 pacientes (56,7%) como medios queimados. La media de estadía en el hospital fue de 26,63 dias. Trece muertes (8.3%) fueron registradas. Conclusiones: El mayor grupo de internados en la UTQ del HUSE fue devido a accidente con alcohol liquido y de sexo masculino. Quemaduras de segundo grado en el rostro y extremidades superiores fueron las que más prevalecieron. El tiempo de permanencia en el hospital llama la atención para los gastos ocasionados para el sistema de salud pública brasileño. El número de muertes es relativamente alto.

Effect of 15% Alcohol Dependence on Alveolar Bone Loss and TNF-α Secretion in Wistar Rats

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 15% alcohol dependence on ligature-induced alveolar bone loss and TNF- secretion in Wistar rats. Thirty-three male Wistar rats aged 45-60 days (mean weight=253 g) were randomly allocated test or control groups. Test group (n=18) received 15% alcohol as liquid intake and control group (n=15) received water during the experimental period. TNF-α was analyzed by ELISA assay in 11 animals per group. After 14 days of alcohol/water intake, alcohol dependency was assessed and silk ligatures were placed around the left second upper molars. Ligature presence and body weight were checked weekly. After 40 days, animals were sacrificed and the maxillae were defleshed for morphometric analysis using standardized images. All animals in the test group displayed signs of alcohol dependency at day 14. No statistically significant differences in final body weight (334.83±21.38 vs. 322.48±30.65 g, p=0.20) were observed between groups. In relation to alveolar bone loss, no statistically significant difference was observed among test and control groups both for ligated teeth (0.76±0.06 vs. 0.74±0.10 mm, p=0.60) and unligated teeth (0.41±0.16 vs. 0.35±0.05 mm, p=0.22). The TNF-α secretion also did not display statistically significant differences between test and control groups (10.78±1.84 vs. 12.13±2.11 pg/mL, p=0.12). It may be concluded that 15% alcohol dependency was not capable to alter alveolar bone loss and TNF-α secretion in Wistar rats.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da dependência de álcool a 15% sobre a perda óssea alveolar induzida e secreção de TNF-α em ratos Wistar. Trinta e três ratos wistar com idade entre 45 e 60 dias (peso médio=253 g) foram alocados aleatoriamente para o grupo teste ou controle. O grupo teste (n=18) recebeu álcool a 15% como ingestão líquida e o grupo controle (n=15) recebeu água durante o período experimental. TNF-α foi analisado por meio de ELISA em 11 animais por grupo. Após 14 dias de ingestão de álcool/água a dependência do álcool foi determinada e ligaduras de seda foram colocadas ao redor dos segundos molares superiores esquerdos. A presença das ligaduras e o peso corporal foram verificadas semanalmente. Depois de 40 dias os animais foram sacrificados e as maxilas foram preparadas para análise morfométrica em fotografias estandardizadas. Todos os animais do grupo teste apresentaram sinais de dependência de álcool no dia 14. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas no peso corporal final entre os grupos (334,83±21,38 vs. 322,48±30,65 gramas, p=0,20) Em relação a perda óssea alveolar, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos teste e controle tanto para dentes com (0,76±0,06 vs. 0,74±0,10 mm, p=0,60) como para dentes sem ligadura (0,41±0,16 vs. 0,35±0,05 mm, p=0,22). A secreção de TNF-α também não demonstrou diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos teste e controle (10,78±1,84 vs. 12,13±2,11 pg/mL, p=0,12). Pode-se concluir que a dependência de álcool a 15% não foi capaz de alterar a perda óssea alveolar e a secreção de TNF-α em ratos Wistar.

Concomitant stress potentiates the preference for, and consumption of, ethanol induced by chronic pre-exposure to ethanol

Ethanol abuse is linked to several acute and chronic injuries that can lead to health problems. Ethanol addiction is one of the most severe diseases linked to the abuse of this drug. Symptoms of ethanol addiction include compulsive substance intake and withdrawal syndrome. Stress exposure has an important role in addictive behavior for many drugs of abuse (including ethanol), but the consequences of stress and ethanol in the organism when these factors are concomitant results in a complex interaction. We investigated the effects of concomitant, chronic administration of ethanol and stress exposure on the withdrawal and consumption of, as well as the preference for, ethanol in mice. Male Swiss mice (30-35 g, 8-10 per group) were exposed to an ethanol liquid diet as the only source of food for 15 days. In the final 5 days, they were exposed to forced swimming stress. Twelve hours after removal of the ethanol liquid diet, animals were evaluated for ethanol withdrawal by measuring anxiety-related behaviors and locomotor activity. Twenty-four hours after evaluation of ethanol withdrawal, they were evaluated for voluntary consumption of ethanol in a "three-bottle choice" paradigm. Mice exposed to chronic consumption of ethanol had decreased locomotor activity during withdrawal. Contrary to our expectations, a concomitant forced swimming stress did not aggravate ethanol withdrawal. Nevertheless, simultaneous ethanol administration and stress exposure increased voluntary consumption of ethanol, mainly solutions containing high concentrations of ethanol. These results showed that stressful situations during ethanol intake may aggravate specific addiction-related behaviors.

Ethanol during adolescence decreased the BDNF levels in the hippocampus in adult male Wistar rats, but did not alter aggressive and anxiety-like behaviors / O etanol durante a adolescência reduziu os níveis de BDNF no hipocampo de ratos Wistar machos adultos, mas não alterou os comportamentos agressivos e a ansiedade

Objective:To investigate the effects of ethanol exposure in adolescent rats during adulthood by assesssing aggression and anxiety-like behaviors and measuring the levels of inflammatory markers.Methods:Groups of male Wistar rats (mean weight 81.4 g, n = 36) were housed in groups of four until postnatal day (PND) 60. From PNDs 30 to 46, rats received one of three treatments: 3 g/kg of ethanol (15% w/v, orally, n = 16), 1.5 g/kg of ethanol (12.5% w/v, PO, n = 12), or water (n = 12) every 48 hours. Animals were assessed for aggressive behavior (resident x intruder test) and anxiety-like behaviors (elevated plus maze) during adulthood.Results:Animals that received low doses of alcohol showed reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus as compared to the control group. No significant difference was found in prefrontal cortex.Conclusions:Intermittent exposure to alcohol during adolescence is associated with lower levels of BDNF in the hippocampus, probably due the episodic administration of alcohol, but alcohol use did not alter the level agression toward a male intruder or anxiety-like behaviors during the adult phase.

Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos da exposição ao etanol em ratos adolescentes durante a idade adulta sobre os comportamentos agressivos e semelhantes à ansiedade, bem como sobre as medidas de níveis de marcadores inflamatórios.Métodos:Os grupos de ratos Wistar machos (peso médio de 81,4 g; n = 36) foram alojados em grupos de quatro até o dia pós-natal (DPN) 60. Entre os DPNs 30 e 46, os ratos receberam um dos três tratamentos: 3 g/kg de etanol (15% w/v, oralmente, n = 16), 1.5 g/kg de etanol (12,5% w/v, oralmente, n = 12), ou água (n = 12) a cada 48 horas. Os comportamentos agressivos (teste residente-intruso) e semelhantes à ansiedade (labirinto em cruz elevado) foram avaliados durante a idade adulta dos animais.Resultados:Os animais que receberam doses menores de álcool mostraram níveis reduzidos de fator neurotrófico derivado do cérebro (BDNF) no hipocampo quando comparados ao grupo controle. Nenhuma diferença significativa foi verificada no córtex pré-frontal.Conclusões:A exposição intermitente ao álcool durante a adolescência é associada com menores níveis de BDNF no hipocampo, provavelmente divido a administração episódica de álcool, mas o uso não alterou o nível de agressão contra o macho intruso ou os comportamentos semelhantes à ansiedade durante a fase adulta.

A review on alcohol: from the central action mechanism to chemical dependency / Uma revisão sobre o álcool: do mecanismo de ação central à dependência química

SummaryIntroduction:alcohol is a psychotropic depressant of the central nervous system (CNS) that promotes simultaneous changes in several neuronal pathways, exerting a profound neurological impact that leads to various behavioral and biological alterations.Objectives:to describe the effects of alcohol on the CNS, identifying the signaling pathways that are modified and the biological effects resulting from its consumption.Methods:a literature review was conducted and articles published in different languages over the last 15 years were retrieved.Results:the studies reviewed describe the direct effect of alcohol on several neurotransmitter receptors (gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA], glutamate, endocannabinoids AEA and 2-AG, among others), the indirect effect of alcohol on the limbic and opioid systems, and the effect on calcium and potassium channels and on proteins regulated by GABA in the hippocampus.Discussion and conclusion:the multiple actions of alcohol on the CNS result in a general effect of psychomotor depression, difficulties in information storage and logical reasoning and motor incoordination, in addition to stimulating the reward system, a fact that may explain the development of addiction. Knowledge on the neuronal signaling pathways that are altered by alcohol allows the identification of effectors which could reduce its central action, thus, offering new therapeutic perspectives for the rehabilitation of alcohol addicts.

ResumoIntrodução:o álcool é uma substância psicotrópica depressora do sistema nervoso central (SNC), que promove alteração simultânea de inúmeras vias neuronais, gerando profundo impacto neurológico e traduzindo-se em diversas alterações biológicas e comportamentais.Objetivos:descrever as ações do álcool sobre o SNC, identificando as vias de sinalização modificadas e os efeitos biológicos gerados pelo seu consumo.Métodos:revisão bibliográfica, priorizando trabalhos multilinguísticos publicados nos últimos 15 anos.Resultados:são descritas ação direta do álcool em inúmeros receptores de neurotransmissores (ácido gama-aminobutírico – GABA, glutamato, endocanabinoides AEA e 2-AG, entre outros), ação indireta do álcool no sistema límbico e opioide, ação sobre canais de cálcio, potássio e proteínas reguladas por GABA no hipocampo, além de ações centrais mediadas pela deficiência de vitamina B1.Conclusão:a ação multifocal do álcool sobre o SNC resulta em efeito geral de depressão psicomotora, dificuldades no armazenamento de informações e no raciocínio lógico, incoordenação motora, além da estimulação do sistema de recompensa, o que pode explicar o desenvolvimento da dependência química. O conhecimento das vias de sinalização neuronais alteradas pelo álcool permite reconhecer a descrição de efetores que possam reduzir sua ação central e, assim, vislumbrar novas perspectivas terapêuticas para a reabilitação de adictos a essa substância.

Effects of estrogen deficiency combined with chronic alcohol consumption on rat mandibular condyle

Estrogen deficiency and chronic alcohol consumption may have a synergistic and deleterious effect on bone tissue. AIM: To investigate the effects of estrogen deficiency associated with chronic alcohol consumption on the mandibular condyle in rats. METHODS: Fifty-four female rats were first divided equally into two groups: ovariectomized Ovx and simulated ovariectomy Sham. One month after the surgeries, these groups were equally sub-divided according to their dietary treatment: G1: Sham/ad-libitum diet; G2: Sham/alcohol; G3: Sham/isocaloric; G4: Ovx/ad-libitum diet; G5: Ovx/alcohol, G6: Ovx/isocaloric. Eight weeks after starting the diets, all animals were anesthetized and sacrificed. The condyles were analyzed histologically, histomorphometrically, and immunohistochemically using the antibodies for bone sialoprotein BSP, osteocalcin OCC and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand RANKL. RESULTS: Histological analysis of the mandibular condyles showed that Ovx and Sham groups presented almost the same characteristics. The histomorphometric analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference only between Ovx/isocaloric and Ovx/ad-libitum groups p=0.049. No difference was observed in the intensity of BSP, OCC, and RANKL antibody staining between the Ovx/alcohol and the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: It may be concluded that there was no histomorphometric, histological, or RANKL, BSP, and OCC staining differences between the Ovx/alcohol group and other experimental groups...