Anti-inflammatory mechanism of electroacupuncture involves the modulation of multiple systems, levels and targets and is not limited to "driving the vagus-adrenal axis" / 中西医结合学报

In October 2021, an international collaborative study on the use of electroacupuncture (EA) to treat inflammation was published in the journal Nature by Dr. Qiufu Ma's team. Based on the results of EA on inflammation in the mouse model of lipopolysaccharide inflammatory storm, the study showed that the distal effect of acupuncture can be achieved by "driving the vagus-adrenal axis (through the adrenal medulla, by releasing catecholamines)." PROKR2Cre-marked sensory neurons, which innervate the deep hindlimb fascia but not the abdominal fascia, are crucial for driving this axis. The study suggests the existence of specificity distribution of acupoints, that different EA stimulation intensities or different needle penetration depths have different therapeutic effects, that photosensitive stimulation may be a substitute for needle acupuncture, and that massage, stretching and body movements may also activate PROKR2Cre-markable dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons and elicit anti-inflammatory effects. However, results of some other studies are contrary to the conclusions of Ma's team. For examples: low-intensity EA at GB30 point significantly reduced the inflammation in the rat model of persistent inflammation, which is more relevant to the real daily acupuncture practice, and this effect was partly related to the adrenal cortex and associated with the stimulation of corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone; manual acupuncture (similar to the low-intensity EA) at KI3, Zhichuan point (an extra point), etc. was effective in a severe COVID-19 patient with sepsis; stimulating ST25 with low-intensity EA or manual acupuncture was effective against gastrointestinal inflammations; the above mentioned points are not in an area enriched with PROKR2Cre-marked sensory nerve endings. Evidence shows that the mechanism of EA against inflammation includes modulating multi-systems, multi-levels and multi-targets, which does not limit to "driving the vagus-adrenal axis." Please cite this article as: Fan AY. Anti-inflammatory mechanism of electroacupuncture involves the modulation of multiple systems, levels and targets and is not limited to "driving the vagus-adrenal axis." J Integr Med. 2023; 21(4):320-323.

Neuronal GRK2 regulates microglial activation and contributes to electroacupuncture analgesia on inflammatory pain in mice

BACKGROUND: G protein coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the development of chronic pain. Acupuncture is an alternative therapy widely used for pain management. In this study, we investigated the role of spinal neuronal GRK2 in electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia. METHODS: The mice model of inflammatory pain was built by subcutaneous injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) into the plantar surface of the hind paws. The mechanical allodynia of mice was examined by von Frey test. The mice were subjected to EA treatment (BL60 and ST36 acupuncture points) for 1 week. Overexpression and down-regulation of spinal neuronal GRK2 were achieved by intraspinal injection of adeno associated virus (AAV) containing neuron-specific promoters, and microglial activation and neuroinflammation were evaluated by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Intraplantar injection with CFA in mice induced the decrease of GRK2 and microglial activation along with neuroinflammation in spinal cord. EA treatment increased the spinal GRK2, reduced neuroinflammation, and significantly decreased CFA-induced mechanical allodynia. The effects of EA were markedly weakened by non-cell-specific downregulation of spinal GRK2. Further, intraspinal injection of AAV containing neuron-specific promoters specifically downregulated neuronal GRK2, and weakened the regulatory effect of EA on CFA-induced mechanical allodynia and microglial activation. Meanwhile, overexpression of spinal neuronal GRK2 decreased mechanical allodynia. All these indicated that the neuronal GRK2 mediated microglial activation and neuroinflammation, and subsequently contributed to CFA-induced inflammatory pain. CONCLUSION: The restoration of the spinal GRK2 and subsequent suppression of microglial activation and neuroinflammation might be an important mechanism for EA analgesia. Our findings further suggested that the spinal GRK2, especially neuronal GRK2, might be the potential target for EA analgesia and pain management, and we provided a new experimental basis for the EA treatment of pain.

Effects of different courses of moxibustion treatment on intestinal flora and inflammation of a rat model of knee osteoarthritis / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#This study was done to determine the effects of different courses of moxibustion on a rat knee osteoarthritis (KOA) model, and explore the dose-effect relationship of moxibustion on KOA from the perspectives of intestinal flora and inflammatory factors.@*METHODS@#Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal, model, moxibustion for 2 weeks, moxibustion for 4 weeks and moxibustion for 6 weeks groups (n = 5 each group). A KOA rat model was induced by monosodium iodoacetate, and moxibustion intervention was performed at the acupoints "Dubi" (ST35) and "Zusanli" (ST36), once every other day. Pathologic changes in the cartilage of rat knee joints were assessed after intervention, and fecal samples were subjected to 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing for microbial diversity analysis.@*RESULTS@#Damage to the knee articular cartilage was obvious in the model group, which also had increased levels of pro-inflammatory factors, decreased levels of anti-inflammatory factors, and intestinal flora disorders with decreased diversity. The degree of cartilage damage in the 4 and 6 weeks of moxibustion groups was significantly improved compared with the model group. The 4 and 6 weeks of moxibustion groups also demonstrated reduced levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α and increased levels of interleukin-10 (P < 0.05). Both the abundance and diversity of the intestinal flora were increased, approaching those of the normal group. Abundances of probiotics Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 increased, while that of the pathogenic bacteria Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group decreased (P < 0.05). Although the abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group decreased in the 2 weeks of moxibustion group compared with the model group (P < 0.05), there was no statistically significant difference in serum inflammatory factors, flora species diversity or degree of pathological damage compared with the model group.@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion treatment led to significant improvements in the intestinal flora and inflammatory factors of rats with KOA. Moxibustion treatment of 4 and 6 weeks led to better outcomes than the 2-week course. Moxibustion for 4 and 6 weeks can regulate intestinal flora dysfunction with increased probiotics and reduced pathogenic bacteria, reduce pro-inflammatory factors and increase anti-inflammatory factors. No significant differences were seen between the effects of moxibustion for 4 weeks and 6 weeks.

Efeitos da suplementação com simbióticos sobre a função intestinal e a inflamação sistêmica de idosos inseridos na comunidade - análises secundárias de um estudo clínico-randomizado / Effects of synbiotic supplementation on gut functioning and systemic inflammation of community-dwelling elders - secondary analyses from a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Aging is a complex process marked by alterations on gut functioning and physiology, accompanied by an increase on the inflammatory status, leading to a scenario called "inflammaging". OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a synbiotic substance on systemic inflammation, gut functioning of community-dwelling elders. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis from a randomized clinical trial, lasting 24 weeks, including 49 elders, distributed into two groups: SYN (n=25), which received a synbiotic substance (Frutooligossacaride 6g, Lactobacillus paracasei LPC-31 109 to 108 UFC, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 109 to 108 UFC, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM 109 to 108 UFC e Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 109 to 108 UFC), or PLA (n=24), receiving placebo. The evaluations consisted of serum IL-10 e TNF-α (after overnight fasting), evaluation of chronic constipation (by Rome III Criteria) and faeces types (by Bristol Stool Form Scale). Data were compared before and after the supplementation time, and between groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between baseline and final values of serum inflammatory markers. Some subtle beneficial changes were observed in SYN, concerning both gut functioning and faeces types. CONCLUSION: From our data, synbiotic supplementation showed a subtle benefit in gut functioning in apparently healthy community-dwelling elders. Our findings can suggest that the benefits in healthy individuals were less expressive than the ones presented in studies with individuals previously diagnosed as dysbiosis. Future studies, comparing elders with and without gut dysbiosis can confirm our findings.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O envelhecimento é um processo complexo marcado por alterações no funcionamento e fisiologia intestinais, acompanhado de alterações no estado inflamatório, o que leva ao quadro denominado inflammaging. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos de uma substância simbiótica sobre o funcionamento intestinal e a inflamação sistêmica de idosos inseridos na comunidade. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma análise secundária de um estudo clínico randomizado, com 24 meses de duração, que incluiu 49 idosos, distribuídos em dois grupos: SIM (n=25), que receberam uma substância simbiótica (Frutooligossacaride 6g, Lactobacillus paracasei LPC-31 109 to 108 UFC, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 109 to 108 UFC, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM 109 to 108 UFC e Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 109 to 108 UFC), ou PLA (n=24), que receberam placebo. As avaliações foram realizadas antes e após o período de suplementação, e incluíram: concentrações de IL-10 e TNF-α no soro (após uma noite de jejum); investigação de constipação crônica (pelo Critério de Roma III) e dos tipos de fezes (pela Escala de Bristol). Os dados foram comparados entre antes e após a suplementação, e entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre valores iniciais e finais nos marcadores de inflamação; alguns benefícios sutis foram observados no grupo SIM, no funcionamento intestinal e nos tipos de fezes. CONCLUSÃO: A suplementação com simbióticos mostrou um benefício sutil nessa população. Nossos resultados apontam que idosos aparentemente saudáveis não se beneficiam tanto da suplementação de simbióticos quanto pessoas previamente identificadas com disbiose. Estudos futuros, comparando idosos com e sem disbiose poderão confirmar esses achados.

Influência da laserterapia de baixa intensidade no processo inflamatório e na imunomarcação da interleucina­23 e do fator indutor de hipóxia 1-alfa no tecido pulpar de dentes clareados / Influence of low-level laser therapy on the inflammatory process and immunolabeling of interleukin-23 and hypoxia-inducing factor 1-alpha in the pulp tissue of bleached teeth

Introdução: O uso do laser infravermelho (LIV) através da fotobiomodulação, tem demonstrado efeitos benéficos aos tecidos. Objetivos: Avaliar a influência do LIV sobre o processo inflamatório, por meio da imunomarcação da interleucina próinflamatória IL-23, e sobre a angiogênese, por meio da imunomarcação do fator induzível por hipóxia-1 alfa (HIF-1α), no tecido pulpar de dentes clareados. Materiais e métodos: Quarenta ratos Wistar foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 4 grupos de 20 hemi-maxilas cada: Grupo Controle ­ recebeu o tratamento com o gel placebo; Grupo Cla - recebeu 30 minutos do gel clareador H2O2 a 35%; Grupo LIV ­ recebeu uma aplicação de LIV (808 nm, 30 segundos, 3J); Grupo Cla-LIV ­ imediatamente após a aplicação do H2O2 a 35%, recebeu uma aplicação de LIV, como descrito no grupo LIV. Após 2 e 30 dias (n = 10), os animais foram eutanasiados e as maxilas removidas e processadas para avaliação histológica (H.E.) e imunoistoquímica. Forma de análise: Os cortes teciduais seriados e com espessura de 5 µm corados em H.E. foram avaliados por escores atribuídos à inflamação, e a análise imunoistoquímica foi realizada através de escores atribuídos à imunomarcação. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes de Wilcoxon e Mann Whitney (p < 0,05). Resultados: Aos 2 dias, houve inflamação severa e necrose nos terços oclusal e médio do tecido pulpar no grupo Cla, diferente do grupo Cla-LIV com inflamação leve à moderada (p < 0,05). No terço cervical, houve inflamação moderada a severa no grupo Cla, e leve no grupo Cla-LIV (p < 0,05). Aos 30 dias, houve ausência de inflamação e os grupos clareados apresentaram deposição de dentina terciária. Em relação à IL-23, aos 2 dias foi observada imunomarcação severa no grupo Cla e moderada no grupo Cla-LIV (p < 0,05); aos 30 dias, houve redução na imunomarcação de IL-23 nos grupos clareados, onde o grupo Cla apresentou imunomarcação moderada, e o grupo Cla-LIV leve imunomarcação, sem diferença significante (p > 0,05). HIF-1α foi mais presente aos 2 dias no grupo Cla, sem diferença significativa com Cla-LIV (p > 0,05). Foi observada diferença entre os grupos clareados e seus respectivos controles, que não apresentaram imunomarcação (p < 0,05); aos 30 dias, o grupo Cla apresentou redução na imunomarcação para HIF-1α, enquanto o grupo Cla-LIV apresentou aumento da imunomarcação, mas a diferença permaneceu apenas entre os grupos clareados e seus controles (p > 0,05). Conclusão: O laser infravermelho minimizou o infiltrado inflamatório e a imunomarcação de IL-23 no tecido pulpar após a clareação dentária, mas não influenciou a imunomarcação de HIF-1α(AU)

Introduction: The use of infrared laser (IRL) through photobiomodulation has shown beneficial effects on tissues. Objectives: To evaluate the influence of LLL on the inflammatory process, by immunolabeling IL-23 pro-inflammatory interleukin, and on angiogenesis, by immunolabeling hif-1 alpha inducible factor (HIF-1α) in the pulp tissue of bleached teeth (HIF-1α). Materials and methods: Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 20 hemimaxilla each: control group - received treatment with placebo gel; Ble group - received 30 minutes of 35% H2O2 bleaching gel; IRL group - received one application of IRL (808 nm, 30 seconds, 3 J); Ble-IRL group - immediately after application of 35% H2O2, received an application of IRL, as described in the IRL group.. After 2 and 30 days (n = 10), the rats were euthanized and the jaws removed and processed for histological evaluation (H.E.) and immunohistochemistry. Form of analysis: Serial tissue sections with thickness of 5 µm stained in H.E. were evaluated by scores attributed to inflammation, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed by scores attributed to immunolabeling. The data were submitted to the Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney tests (P < 0.05). Results: At 2 days, there was a severe inflammation and the presence of necrosis in the occlusal and middle thirds of the pulp tissue in the Ble group, different compared to the Ble-IRL group with moderate to mild inflammation (P < 0.05). In the cervical third, there was moderate to severe inflammation in the Ble group, and mild in the Ble-IRL group (P < 0.05). At 30 days, there was absence of inflammation and bleached groups had an extensive deposition of tertiary dentin. Regarding IL-23, at 2 days was observed severe immunolabeling in the Ble group and moderate in the Ble-IRL group (P < 0.05); at 30 days, there was a reduction in IL-23 immunolabeling in the bleached groups, where Ble group had moderate immunolabeling, and Ble-IRL group had mild immunolabeling, without significant difference (P > 0.05). HIF-1α was more evident at 2 days in the Ble group, without significant difference with Ble-IRL (P > 0.05). The difference was observed between the bleached groups and their respective controls, which had no immunolabeling (P < 0.05); at 30 days, the Ble group had a reduction in HIF-1α immunolabeling, while the Ble-IRL group had an increase in immunolabeling from moderate to severe; however, the difference remained only between the bleached groups and their controls (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Infrared laser minimized the inflammatory infiltrate and IL-23 immunolabeling in the pulp tissue after dental bleaching, but did not influenced HIF-1α immunolabeling(AU)

Effect of moxibustion on clinical symptoms, peripheral inflammatory indexes and T lymphocyte subsets in COVID-19 patients / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the therapeutic effect and the mechanism of the adjuvant treatment with moxibustion on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).@*METHODS@#A total of 95 patients with COVID-19 were randomly divided into a moxibustion group (45 cases) and a basic treatment group (50 cases). The routine treatment of western medicine was applied in the patients of both groups. In the moxibustion group, on the base of the treatment of western medicine, moxibustion was applied to Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), Qihai (CV 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), once daily and consecutively for 14 days. At the end of treatment courses, clinical symptom scores for cough, asthmatic breathing, chest oppression and short breath, as well as their remission rates were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Before and after treatment, the white blood cell (WBC) count, the levels of c-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the absolute number of T lymphocyte subsets, i.e. , and of the peripheral blood were compared in the patients between the two groups. The principal component analysis was adopted to analyze the common data extracted from the above 10 clinical indexes variables and comprehensively evaluate the differences in the therapeutic effect of two regimens.@*RESULTS@#The clinical symptom scores were all decreased after treatment in both of the moxibustion group and the basic treatment group as compared with those before treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#On the base of the routine treatment with western medicine, moxibustion therapy supplemented relieves the clinical symptoms, reduces the levels of inflammatory indexes, i.e. IL-6 and CRP as well as improves the absolute number of peripheral T lymphocyte subsets. The clinical therapeutic effect of such regimen with moxibustion supplemented is significantly better than the simple routine treatment of western medicine.

Biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms of Glucose Uptake Stimulated by Physical Exercise in Insulin Resistance State: Role of Inflammation / Mecanismos Bioquímicos e Moleculares da Captação da Glicose Estimulada pelo Exercício Físico no Estado de Resistência à Insulina: Papel da Inflamação

Abstract Obesity associated with systemic inflammation induces insulin resistance (IR), with consequent chronic hyperglycemia. A series of reactions are involved in this process, including increased release of proinflammatory cytokines, and activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) receptors. Among the therapeutic tools available nowadays, physical exercise (PE) has a known hypoglycemic effect explained by complex molecular mechanisms, including an increase in insulin receptor phosphorylation, in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, in the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) pathway, with subsequent activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), Rac1, TBC1 domain family member 1 and 4 (TBC1D1 and TBC1D4), in addition to a variety of signaling molecules, such as GTPases, Rab and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attached protein receptor (SNARE) proteins. These pathways promote greater translocation of GLUT4 and consequent glucose uptake by the skeletal muscle. Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase (PDK), atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) and some of its isoforms, such as PKC-iota/lambda also seem to play a fundamental role in the transport of glucose. In this sense, the association between autophagy and exercise has also demonstrated a relevant role in the uptake of muscle glucose. Insulin, in turn, uses a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent mechanism, while exercise signal may be triggered by the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The objective of this review is to describe the main molecular mechanisms of IR and the relationship between PE and glucose uptake.

Resumo A obesidade associada à inflamação sistêmica induz resistência à insulina (RI), com consequente hiperglicemia crônica. Este processo envolve o aumento na liberação de citocinas pró-inflamatórias, ativação da enzima c-Jun N-terminal cinase (JNK), do fator nuclear kappa-B (NF-κB) e dos receptores do tipo Toll 4 (TLR4). Dentre as ferramentas terapêuticas disponíveis, o exercício físico (EF) tem efeito hipoglicemiante conhecido, explicado por mecanismos moleculares complexos. Dentre eles, ocorre aumento na fosforilação do receptor da insulina, na atividade da proteína quinase ativada por AMP (AMPK), na via da proteína cinase cinase dependente de Ca+2/calmodulina (CaMKK), com posterior ativação do coativador-1α do receptor ativado por proliferador do peroxissoma (PGC-1α), proteínas Rac1, TBC1 membro das famílias de domínio 1 e 4 (TBC1D1 e TBC1D4), além de uma variedade de moléculas de sinalização, como as proteínas GTPases, Rab e proteína solúvel de fusão sensível a N-etil-maleimida (SNARE); estas vias promovem maior translocação de transportador de glicose do tipo 4 (GLUT4) e consequente captação de glicose pelo músculo esquelético. A cinase fosfatidilinositol-dependente (PDK), proteína quinase C atípica (aPKC) e algumas das suas isoformas, como a PKC-iota/lambda também parecem desempenhar papel fundamental no transporte de glicose. Nesse sentido, a associação entre autofagia e EF também tem demonstrado papel relevante na captação de glicose muscular. A insulina, por sua vez, utiliza um mecanismo dependente da fosfatidilinositol-3-quinase (PI3K), enquanto que o sinal do EF pode ter início mediante liberação de cálcio pelo retículo sarcoplasmático e concomitante ativação da AMPK. O objetivo desta revisão é descrever os principais mecanismos moleculares da RI e da relação entre o EF e a captação de glicose.

Terapia de oxigenación hiperbárica en el tratamiento del dolor / Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy in pain treatment

El dolor crónico constituye un reto terapéutico especial. Se presenta una revisión narrativa sobre el papel del tratamiento de oxigenación hiperbárica (TOHB) en el tratamiento del dolor neuropático, y sus aplicaciones en dolor crónico, síndromes neurosensitivos disfuncionales y oncodolor. El conocimiento de las indicaciones de TOHB en algiología y su aplicación en la práctica médica puede contribuir a mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente. (AU)

Chronic pain represents a special therapeutic challenge. We present a narrative review on the role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in the treatment of neuropathic pain, and its applications in chronic pain, dysfunctional neurosensitive syndromes and oncological pain. The knowledge of the indications of HBOT in algiology and its application in medical practice can contribute to improve the quality of life of the patient. (AU)

The effectiveness of the cold therapy (cryotherapy) in the management of inflammatory parameters after removal of mandibular third molars: a meta-analysis

Introduction: Cold therapy (cryotherapy) is a common procedure recommended by dental surgeons after surgical removal of thirdmolars, which is an invasive intervention that often deals with an expressive inflammatory response. Objective: To investigate whether cryotherapy interferes with clinical outcomes such as pain, edema, and trismus in the postoperative period of mandibular third molar surgeries. Data Synthesis: An electronic search was conducted in the OVID, PubMed, VHL, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, through March 2018. The eligibility criteria included clinical trials that evaluated the effect of cryotherapy in at least one of the following variables: pain, swelling, and trismus. Two independent reviewers assessed the studies. The methodological quality of each article was analyzed. The search strategy resulted in 1,088 articles. Following the selection process, 11 studies were included in the systematic review and 4 of them in the meta-analysis. High risk of bias was found in most of the studies according to the Cochrane Handbook assessment. Patients receiving cryotherapy had less edema than patients in the control group at second day follow-up (mean difference [MD]: -0.94; 95%CI [-1.49; -0.39]). There were no statistically significant results when comparing trismus between experimental and control group (MD: 0.43; 95%CI [-0.34;1.20]). There were insufficient available data to support influences in postoperative pain. Conclusions: Cryotherapy applied on thefirstday aftermandibular third molar removal can manage edema in the patients.Well-designed randomized clinical trials to test the efficacy of cryotherapy after surgical removal of third molars are needed to justify its indication (AU)

Fantasmas e inflamaciones: reflexiones sobre las interpelaciones terapéuticas a la religión en India / Phantoms and inflammations: reflections on the intersections between therapeutics and religion in India

RESUMEN Este artículo trata sobre la presencia y el rol clave de seres no humanos dotados de intención en el diagnóstico y la cura. Desde la corriente de estudios dedicados al pluralismo y los itinerarios de cura, se analiza la persistencia de la categoría del fantasma -entidad no humana dotada de intencionalidad- en los recorridos de curación, a la par de la biomedicina y sus categorías diagnósticas. Los datos que constituyen la base de este artículo fueron recogidos en el curso de numerosas estadías de campo etnográficas llevadas a cabo entre 2005 y 2015 en una red de pueblos situados en la región del Garhwal, en el distrito de Uttarkashi, que ocupa el área noroccidental de Uttarkhand, India. A partir de estos datos se intenta reflexionar sobre las razones por las cuales los pacientes, en determinados contextos, en el proceso de diagnóstico y curación, se dirigen a diferentes especialistas, incluso de forma simultánea.

ABSTRACT This article looks at the presence and key role of nonhuman beings endowed with intention in the diagnosis and cure of illness. Based on the framework of studies of pluralism and itineraries of healing, the article reflects on the persistence of the category of the phantom - a nonhuman entity endowed with intentionality - in such paths of curation, alongside biomedicine and its diagnostic categories. The data upon which this article is based were collected over the course of numerous ethnographic field visits carried out between 2005 and 2015 in a network of villages located in the Garhwal region of the Uttarkashi district, in the area northwest of Uttarkhand, India. Using these data, the article attempts to reflect on the reasons why patients, in certain contexts throughout the diagnosis and healing process, seek out different specialists, often at the same time.

Induced aerocystitis and hemato-immunological parameters in Nile tilapia fed supplemented diet with essential oil of Lippia alba / Aerocistite induzida e parâmetros hemato-imunológicos em tilápia do Nilo suplementada com óleo essencial de Lippia alba

The present study evaluated the dietary supplementation with essential oil of Lippia alba on the hemato-immunological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) submitted to acute inflammation induced by carrageenin injection in the swim bladder. For a period of 45 days, 96 fish were divided in four treatments in triplicate, as follows: fish fed supplemented diet with essential oil of L. alba (4 mL kg-1 dry ration) injected with carrageenin; fish fed supplemented diet with cereal alcohol injected with carrageenin; fish fed unsupplemented diet with essential oil injected with carrageenin; fish fed unsupplemented diet and noninjected. Cortisol levels, erythrogram, leukogram and the inflammatory infiltrate were analyzed 6 h after inflammatory stimulus. Carrageenin-injected fish showed acute inflammatory reaction in the swim bladder characterized by higher infiltrate of neutrophils and monocytes. The circulating neutrophils number was significantly higher in fish fed L. alba when compared to other treatments. No difference in cortisol levels was found. For dose, time and administration form tested, supplementation with essential oil of L. alba did not present anti-inflammatory activity. On the other hand, influence of dietary supplementation was observed on the neutrophils number after induced aerocystitis highlighting its immunomodulatory characteristic.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou a suplementação dietária com óleo essencial de Lippia alba sobre os parâmetros hemato-imunológicos em tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) submetidas à inflamação aguda induzida por carragenina na bexiga natatória. Pelo período de 45 dias, 96 peixes foram divididos em quarto tratamentos em triplicata: a) peixes suplementados com óleo esencial de L. alba (4 mL kg-1 de ração) injetados com carragenina; b) peixes suplementados com álcool de cereais injetados com carragenina; peixes não suplementados com óleo essencial injetados com carragenina; c) peixes não suplementados não injetados. Os níveis de cortisol, eritrograma, leucograma e o infiltrado inflamatório foram analisados seis horas após o estímulo inflamatório. Peixes injetados com carragenina apresentaram reação inflamatória aguda na bexiga natatória caracterizada por maior infiltrado de neutrófilos e monócitos. O número de neutrófilos circulantes foi significativamente maior nos peixes suplementados com L. alba quando comparado aos outros tratamentos. Não houve diferença nos níveis de cortisol. Para a dose, o tempo e a forma de administração testada, a suplementação com óleo essencil de L. alba não apresentou atividade anti-inflamatória. Por outro lado, foi constatada influência da suplementação dietária no número de neutrófilos após a aerocistite enfatizando a sua característica imunomoduladora.(AU)

A utilização de coberturas oclusivas: a influência sobre a cicatrização de feridas excisionais em camundongos / The use of occlusive coverages: the influence on the healing of excisional wounds in mice

INTRODUÇÃO: O cuidado do paciente com feridas é um constante desafio na prática clínica do enfermeiro. As coberturas oclusivas e não oclusivas são utilizadas no tratamento de feridas e existe uma lacuna de conhecimento sobre a influência dessas indicações no processo de cicatrização. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a influência de coberturas oclusivas sobre a cicatrização de feridas cutâneas excisionais em camundongos C57BL/6. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo translacional pré-clínico, comparativo e controlado. Os camundongos foram divididos em três grupos experimentais e o tratamento das feridas excisionais deles foram classificados como: animais que receberam oclusão com hidrocolóide (HD), animais que receberam oclusão com filme transparente de poliuretano (FT) e animais sem oclusão (SO). Os grupos foram avaliados quanto: a taxa de fechamento das feridas, o infiltrado de neutrófilos e macrófagos, dosagem da citocina TNF-α, o fator de crescimento angiogênico VEGF, a expressão protéica de HIF-1α e, histologicamente, o desenvolvimento de novos vasos sanguíneos. As cicatrizes das feridas foram analisadas por juízes independentes quanto à apresentação estética no décimo quarto dia de segmento. RESULTADO: No terceiro dia do processo de cicatrização, foi possível observar, macroscopicamente, que o fechamento das feridas cutâneas excisionais foi acelerado nos animais cuja ferida foi ocluída, utilizando-se tanto filme transparente quanto o hidrocolóide. Ainda no período de três dias, observou-se diminuição nos níveis da citocina pró-inflamatória TNF-α nas feridas ocluídas com hidrocolóide quando comparada com os grupos SO e FT. O acúmulo de neutrófilos também diminuiu, significativamente, ao terceiro dia de cicatrização no grupo tratado com hidrocolóide, quando comparado aos grupos SO e FT, respectivamente. O conteúdo dos macrófagos apresentou níveis significativamente mais altos ao terceiro dia no grupo FT quando comparado a SO. Ao sexto dia de estudo, evidenciaram-se dosagens significativamente aumentadas de macrófagos no grupo HD, contrastando com os grupos SO e FT. Os níveis de VEGF apresentaramse expressivamente aumentados ao sexto dia de cicatrização, nos animais cujas feridas estavam ocluídas com filme transparente de poliuretano e hidrocolóide. Houve aumento dos níveis do fator indutor de hipóxia 1-alfa nos animais submetidos a oclusão quando comparados aos sem oclusão. A análise qualitativa do reparo em cicatriz das feridas permitiu afirmar que houve concordância moderada e significativa entre os juízes no grupo HD e concordância substancial e significativa nas cicatrizes dos animais SO. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Considerando-se que a resposta inflamatória é um processo imunológico fundamental para o processo de reparo de feridas, quando ocorre de forma controlada, sugere-se que a oclusão modula a resposta inflamatória. Tal achado é evidenciado por meio da inibição parcial da citocina pró-inflamatória TNF- α, da redução de acúmulo de neutrófilos e dos níveis mais altos de macrófagos. A oclusão das feridas não evidenciou aumento quantitativo de capilares em relação ao grupo sem oclusão.(AU)

INTRODUCTION: The care of the wounded patient is a constant challenge in the nurse's clinical practice. Occlusive and non-occlusive coverages are used to treat wounds and there is a lack of knowledge about the impact of these indications on the healing process. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of occlusive coatings on the cicatrization of cutaneous excisional wounds in C57BL / 6 mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a pre-clinical, comparative and controlled translational study. The mice were divided into three experimental groups and the treatment of excisional wounds of these were classified as: animals that received occlusion with hydrocolloid (HD), animals that received occlusion with transparent polyurethane film (FT) and animals without occlusion (SO). The groups were evaluated for: wound closure rate, neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, TNF-α cytokine dosing, VEGF angiogenic growth factor, HIF-1α protein expression and, histologically, the development of new blood vessels. Wound scars were analyzed by independent judges regarding the aesthetic presentation on the fourteenth day of the segment. RESULTS: On the third day of the healing process it was possible to observe, macroscopically, that the closure of excisional skin wounds was accelerated in animals whose wound was occluded using both transparent and hydrocolloid films. Also, in the three-day period, there was a decrease in TNF-α proinflammatory cytokine levels in the hydrocolloid occluded wounds when compared to the SO and FT groups. Neutrophil accumulation also significantly decreased on the third day of healing in the group treated with hydrocolloid occlusion when compared to the SO and FT groups, respectively. Macrophage content had significantly higher levels, on day 3, in the FT group, when compared to OS. On the sixth day of the study, significantly increased dosages of macrophages were detected in the HD group, contrasting with the SO and FT groups. VEGF levels were expressively increased on the sixth day of healing in animals whose wound was occluded with transparent polyurethane film and hydrocolloid film. There was an increase in levels of the factor inducing 1-alpha hypoxia in the animals submitted to occlusion when compared to those without occlusion. The qualitative analysis of the wound healing repair allowed to affirm that there was moderate and significant agreement, between the judges, in the HD group and substantial and significant concordance in the scars of the SO animals. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Considering that the inflammatory response is a fundamental immunological process for the wound repair process, when it occurs in a controlled way, it is suggested that the occlusion modulates the inflammatory response. Such a finding is evidenced by partial inhibition of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, reduction of neutrophil accumulation, and higher levels of macrophages. The wounds occlusion did not show a quantitative increase of capillary vessels in relation to the group without occlusion.(AU)

Inflammatory biomarkers responses after acute whole body vibration in fibromyalgia

The aims of this study were 1) to characterize the intensity of the vibration stimulation in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to a control group of healthy women (HW) matched by age and anthropometric parameters, and 2) to investigate the effect of a single session of whole body vibration (WBV) on inflammatory responses. Levels of adipokines, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFr1, sTNFr2), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was estimated by a portable gas analysis system, heart rate (HR) was measured using a HR monitor, and perceived exertion (RPE) was evaluated using the Borg scale of perceived exertion. Acutely mild WBV increased VO2 and HR similarly in both groups. There was an interaction (disease vs vibration) in RPE (P=0.0078), showing a higher RPE in FM compared to HW at rest, which further increased in FM after acute WBV, whereas it remained unchanged in HW. In addition, there was an interaction (disease vs vibration) in plasma levels of adiponectin (P=0.0001), sTNFR1 (P=0.000001), sTNFR2 (P=0.0052), leptin (P=0.0007), resistin (P=0.0166), and BDNF (P=0.0179). In conclusion, a single acute session of mild and short WBV can improve the inflammatory status in patients with FM, reaching values close to those of matched HW at their basal status. The neuroendocrine mechanism seems to be an exercise-induced modulation towards greater adaptation to stress response in these patients.

Efeito da suplementação com ômega-3 associado à hidrocinesioterapia em idosos com osteoartrite de joelho: ensaio clínico randomizado / Effect of supplementation with omega-3 associated with hydrotherapy in elderly with osteoarthritis of the knee: randomized controlled trial

Introdução: A osteoartrite (OA) é causada por fatores mecânicos e inflamatórios que reduz a qualidade de vida (QV) de idosos. Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos da suplementação com ômega-3 associado à hidrocinesioterapia sobre a QV e o perfil inflamatório em idosos com OA de joelho. Metodologia: Dezesseis idosos com idade média 65±3,5 anos divididos em 2 grupos. Oito pacientes no Grupo Ômega-3 (GO) suplementado com 2g de ômega-3 por dia durante 30 dias e oito pacientes no Grupo Ômega-3 associado à hidrocinesioterapia (GOH). Foram avaliadas a proteína C reativa de alta sensibilidade (PCR-AS), velocidade de sedimentação globular (VSG) e questionário de QV (SF-36). Resultados: A associação do ômega-3 com a hidrocinesioterapia promoveu redução significativa (p=0,02) da PCR-AS e da VSG (p<0,05) comparado aos valores pré-intervenção. Houve melhora significativa (p<0,05) na QV no GOH. Conclusão: A associação da hidrocinesioterapia com ômega-3 promoveu melhora no perfil inflamatório e na QV em idosos com OA de joelho.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by mechanical and inflammatory factors that reduce the quality of life (QOL) in elderly. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of supplementation with omega-3 associated with hydrotherapy on the quality of life and inflammatory profile in elderly suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Sixteen elderly patients, average age 65±3.5 years old divided into 2 groups. Eight patients allocated in the Omega-3 Group (OG) supplemented with 2g of omega-3 per day for 30 days and eight patients in the Omega-3 Group associated with Hydrotherapy (OGH). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the QOL questionnaire (SF-36) were evaluated. Results: The association of Omega-3 with hydrotherapy promoted a significant reduction (p=0.02) of hs-CRP and ESR (p<0.05) compared to before intervention. There was significant improvement (p<0.05) on QOL in GOH. Conclusion: The association of hydrotherapy with omega-3 promoted improvement in inflammatory profile and QOL in elderly with knee OA.

Fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas por inquérito telefônico nas capitais brasileiras, Vigitel 2014 / Risk and protective factors for chronic diseases by telephone survey in capitals of Brazil, Vigitel 2014

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever as prevalências dos fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas na população adulta brasileira no ano de 2014, e investigar os fatores sociodemográficos associados. Métodos: Análise dos dados provenientes do inquérito telefônico Vigitel 2014, a partir de amostras probabilísticas da população adulta (≥ 18 anos) das capitais dos 26 estados brasileiros e Distrito Federal, residentes em domicílios com telefone fixo. Apresentadas prevalências por sexo, idade e escolaridade e razões de prevalências (RP) ajustadas, por meio da Regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Entre 40.853 adultos entrevistados, 10,8% são fumantes atuais e 21,2% ex-fumantes. O consumo abusivo de bebidas alcoólicas foi relatado por 16,5 e 52,5% apresentaram excesso de peso, fatores mais frequentes entre os homens. A prevalência do consumo recomendado de frutas e hortaliças foi de 24%, de doces de 18,1% e de substituição das refeições por lanches de 16,2%, maiores entre as mulheres. Atividade física no tempo livre alcançou 35,3% e aumentou com a escolaridade. A hipertensão arterial foi a doença mais frequente, com 24,8%, foi maior entre as mulheres, aumentando com idade. Conclusão: Os resultados do Vigitel 2014 indicam que os fatores de risco investigados costumam ser mais frequentes entre os homens, adultos de maior idade, e menos escolarizados, caracterizando o gradiente socioeconômico e cultural na determinação de doenças crônicas.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To describe the prevalence of risk and protective factors for chronic diseases in Brazilian adult population in 2014 and investigate the associated sociodemographic factors. Methods: Analyses were performed based on data from telephone interviews (Vigitel 2014) on probabilistic samples of adult population (≥ 18 years old) from the capitals of the 26 Brazilian States and the Federal District, living in households with landline phones. Prevalence is presented by gender, age and educational level, and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) are estimated using Poisson Regression model. Results: Among the 40.853 adults who were interviewed, 10.8% were smokers and 21.2% ex-smokers. Among the respondents, 16.5% reported alcohol abuse and 52.5% were overweight, factors that were more frequent among men. The prevalence of recommended intake of fruits and vegetables was 24%, intake of sweets was 18.1% and replacements of main meals for snacks was 16.2%, factors that were higher among women. Leisure time physical activity reached 35.3% and increased with the level of education. Hypertension was the most frequent disease achieving 24.8%, which was higher among women and increased with age. Conclusion: The results from Vigitel 2014 indicate that risk factors are, in general, more frequent among men, older adults and less educated individuals, characterizing the socioeconomic and cultural dimensions in determining chronic diseases.

Curbing Inflammation in hemorrhagic trauma: a review / "Curbing Inflammation" e hemorragia por trauma: uma revisão

Trauma is one of the world's leading causes of death within the first 40 years of life and thus a significant health problem. Trauma accounts for nearly a third of the lost years of productive life before 65 years of age and is associated with infection, hemorrhagic shock, reperfusion syndrome, and inflammation. The control of hemorrhage, coagulopathy, optimal use of blood products, balancing hypo and hyperperfusion, and hemostatic resuscitation improve survival in cases of trauma with massive hemorrhage. This review discusses inflammation in the context of trauma-associated hemorrhagic shock. When one considers the known immunomodulatory effects of traumatic injury, allogeneic blood transfusion, and the overlap between patient populations, it is surprising that so few studies have assessed their combined effects on immune function. We also discuss the relative benefits of curbing inflammation rather than attempting to prevent it.

O Trauma é uma das principais causas de morte até 40 anos de idade em todo o mundo e, portanto, um significativo problema de saúde. Esta doença é ainda responsável por quase um terço dos anos perdidos de vida produtiva até os 65 anos de idade e esta associada com infecção, choque hemorrágico, síndrome de reperfusão e inflamação. O controle da hemorragia, coagulopatia, utilização dos produtos derivados do sangue, equilibrando hipo e hiperperfusão, e reanimação hemostática melhoraram a sobrevida em casos de trauma com hemorragia volumosa. Esta revisão discute a inflamação no contexto de choque hemorrágico associado ao trauma. Quando consideradosos efeitos imunomoduladores conhecidos da lesão traumática e transfusão de sangue alogênico em relação aos doentes, é surpreendente que tão poucos estudos avaliaram os seus efeitos combinados sobre a função imunológica. Discutimos também os benefícios relativos de reduzir a inflamação ao invés de tentar impedi-la.

Perfil inflamatório de pacientes submetidos à endarterectomia de carótida e sua relação com doença periodontal crônica / Inflammatory profile of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy and its relationship to chronic periodontal disease

A relação entre periodontite e doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) tem sido amplamente discutida, embora os mecanismos de interação não estejam claros. Foi sugerido que pacientes com periodontite apresentam inflamação sistêmica e um pequeno aumento no risco cardiovascular. Patógenos periodontais foram encontrados em placas de ateroma, mas a influência destes microrganismos na aterosclerose ainda não é compreendida. O objetivo primário deste estudo foi delinear o perfil inflamatório sistêmico de pacientes submetidos à endarterectomia carotídea. Os objetivos secundários foram associar o perfil inflamatório dos participantes à condição periodontal e à presença de patógenos orais encontrados na cavidade oral e em placas de ateroma. Trinta e cinco pacientes submetidos à endarterectomia carotídea foram incluídos neste estudo. Antes da cirurgia vascular, um exame clínico periodontal foi realizado e foram coletadas amostras de sangue, saliva e biofilme subgengival. Durante a endarterectomia, uma amostra da placa de ateroma foi coletada. As amostras de soro foram testadas com o ensaio imunoenzimático de alta sensibilidade Multiplex para dezessete marcadores de células Th17. Amostras de saliva, biofilme subgengival e placa de ateroma foram submetidas ao PCR quantitativo para avaliação de dez patógenos periodontais. Este estudo foi capaz de detectar vários marcadores inflamatórios circulantes, o que indica a presença de inflamação sistêmica como uma característica da população...

T. forsythia foi o microrganismo mais frequentemente encontrado em amostras de ateroma (37% das amostras). Níveis de T. forsythia em amostras de ateroma foram positivamente correlacionados com os níveis séricos de IL-7, IL-6, IL-17, IL-13, IL-12p70, IFN-?, GCS-F (p<0,05) e IL-10 (p<0,01). Níveis séricos de IL-2 foram positivamente correlacionados com os concentrações salivares de P. intermedia, P. endodontalis (p<0,05) e T. denticola (p<0,01). Níveis séricos de TNF-? foram positivamente correlacionados com concentrações salivares de P. endodontalis (p<0,01). Concentrações de P. endodontalis em amostras subgengivais foram correlacionadas positivamente com IL-2 (p<0,05). A inflamação periodontal (PISA) foi positivamente correlacionada com IL-2 (p<0,05). A coexistência de patógenos periodontais comuns na cavidade oral e na placa de ateroma está associada a um estado inflamatório sistêmico, o que poderia ser relevante para a compreensão dos mecanismos que ligam periodontite com DCV...

Efeitos da crioterapia vs correntes diadinâmicas na redução do edema de pata em ratas / Effects of cryotherapy vs diadynamic currents on the reduction of the rats paw edema

O edema inflamatório agudo é considerado um problema para a reabilitação, pois acarreta perda da mobilidade e dor, comprometendo a funcionalidade do indivíduo, sendo importante sua diminuição pós-lesão. O presente estudo comparou os efeitos da crioterapia e das correntes diadinâmicas de Bernard (CDB) na redução de edema induzido experimentalmente. O experimento incluiu 15 ratas Wistar com 256,16 ± 15,48 g, divididas em três grupos constituídos de 5 animais cada, sendo G1, G2 e G3. Foi realizado a hidropletismografia da pata direita de cada animal, seguida da indução do edema em todos os animais com carragenina 1% e solução salina 0,9%. Os animais foram reavaliados após 60; 120 e 180 minutos da indução do edema e após o tratamento. Os animais do G1 foram tratados através da crioterapia via imersão por 10 minutos; G2, submetidos à aplicação das CDB utilizando as correntes difásica, monofásica e curtos períodos, por 9 minutos e G3 representou o grupo controle. Para G1, o volume deslocado inicialmente foi 1,68 ± 0,18 ml; após 180 minutos 2,8 ± 0,28; e após o tratamento com crioterapia 2,4 ± 0,28 ml. Para G2, os valores foram 1,76 ± 0,22; 2,72 ± 0,33; e posteriormente à aplicação das correntes, o valor foi 2,32 ± 0,33 ml. Para G3, os valores foram 1,6 ± 0; 3,04 ± 0,35; ao término do tratamento proposto para G1 e G2, o G3 apresentou 3,12 ± 0,33 ml. Os resultados demonstraram redução não significativa do edema comparando G1 e G2, porém apresentou diminuição significativa (p < 0,01), quando comparado G1 e G2 com o G3. As duas modalidades terapêuticas avaliadas foram eficazes na redução do edema induzido experimentalmente, no entanto não diferiram significativamente quando comparadas entre si.

Acute inflammatory edema is considered a problem for the rehabilitation; because it leads to mobility loss and pain endangering the individual functionality, being important its reduction at post-lesion phase. The present study compared the effects of cryotherapy and Bernard's Diadynamic Currents (BDC) on reduction of a pharmacologically induced edema. The trial included 15 Wistar female rats with 256.16 ± 15.48 g, divided into three groups: G1 under cryotherapy treatment through immersion for 10 minutes; G2 under BDC application using diphasic current, monophasic current and short periods for a nine minutes, and G3 as control group. The volume measurement of right paw of each animal followed by edema induction in all animals with 1% carragenin solution was carried out by hidropletismography. The animals were re-evaluated 60; 120; and 180 minutes after the edema induction and treatment. For animals of G1 group, initial dislocated volume was 1.68 ± 0.18 ml; after 180 minutes, 2.8 ± 0.28; and after cryotherapy treatment, 2.4 ± 0.28 ml. For G2, values were 1.76 ± 0.22; 2.72 ± 0.33; and after currents application, 2.32 ± 0.33 ml. For G3, values were 1.6 ± 0; 3.04 ± 0.35; at the end of treatment proposed to G1 and G2, G3 showed 3.12 ± 0.33 ml. The results showed non-significant reduction when comparing G1 and G2 groups; however, significant reduction (p < 0,01), was observed when comparing G1 and G2 with G3 group. Both therapeutic modalities were efficient in reducing the pharmacologically induced edema, although they did not significantly differ when compared each other.

Macro- and micromorphology of the leaves, inflorescences and fruits of ficus sycomorus L. cultivated in Egypt. Part 1

Ficus sycomorus L. [gimmeiz] belongs to family Moraceae. The leaves and fruits have been used in the treatment of tuberculosis, inflammations, dysentery, diarrhea, cough and chest diseases. No detailed information could be traced concerning the macro- and micromorphology of the leaves, inflorescences and fruits of the plant, so this study is performed with the aim of finding their characters by which they could be identified and differentiated, in both the entire and powdered forms

Using an experimental model for the study of therapeutic touch / Utilização de um modelo experimental para estudo sobre o toque terapêutico / Uso de un modelo experimental para estudio sobre el toque terapéutico

OBJECTIVE: to verify whether the Paw Edema Model can be used in investigations about the effects of Therapeutic Touch on inflammation by measuring the variables pain, edema and neutrophil migration. METHOD: this is a pilot and experimental study, involving ten male mice of the same genetic strain and divided into experimental and control group, submitted to the chemical induction of local inflammation in the right back paw. The experimental group received a daily administration of Therapeutic Touch for 15 minutes during three days. RESULTS: the data showed statistically significant differences in the nociceptive threshold and in the paw circumference of the animals from the experimental group on the second day of the experiment. CONCLUSION: the experiment model involving animals can contribute to study the effects of Therapeutic Touch on inflammation, and adjustments are suggested in the treatment duration, number of sessions and experiment duration.

OBJETIVO: verificar se o modelo de edema de pata pode ser utilizado nas investigações acerca dos efeitos do toque terapêutico sobre a inflamação, mensurando-se as variáveis dor, edema e migração de neutrófilos. MÉTODO: trata-se de estudo piloto, experimental, com 10 camundongos machos da mesma linhagem genética, divididos em grupo experimental e controle, submetidos à indução química de inflamação local na pata direita traseira. O grupo experimental recebeu uma aplicação diária de toque terapêutico com duração de quinze minutos, por três dias. RESULTADOS: os dados evidenciaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas no limiar nociceptivo e na circunferência das patas dos animais do grupo experimental, no segundo dia do experimento. CONCLUSÃO: o modelo de experimento com animal pode contribuir para o estudo dos efeitos do toque terapêutico sobre a inflamação. Sugere-se ajuste no tempo de exposição, número de sessões e tempo de duração do experimento.

OBJETIVO: verificar si el Modelo de Edema de Pata puede ser utilizado en las investigaciones acerca de los efectos del Toque Terapéutico sobre la inflamación, mensurándose las variables dolor, edema y migración de neutrófilos. MÉTODO: se trata de un estudio piloto, experimental, con 10 ratones machos del mismo linaje genético, divididos en grupo experimental y control, sometidos a inducción química de inflamación local en la pata derecha trasera. O grupo experimental recibió una aplicación diaria de Toque Terapéutico con duración de quince minutos, por tres días. RESULTADOS: Los datos evidenciaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el umbral de nocicepción y circunferencia de las patas de los animales del grupo experimental durante el segundo día del experimento. CONCLUSIÓN: El modelo de experimento con animal puede contribuir al estudio de los efectos del Toque Terapéutico sobre la inflamación: se sugiere ajuste en el tiempo de exposición, número de sesiones y duración del experimento.