Benthic macrofauna associated to the invasive bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Dreissenidae) in a coastal lagoon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The invasion record for the estuarine bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata in Brazil is in Rio de Janeiro city, including the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, where high densities of this invader were registered. This work aimed to (1) assess the composition and structure of the benthic macrofauna associated with this invader in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, (2) analyze the spatiotemporal variation of richness, density and diversity of the associated benthic community, and (3) correlate changes on the density of the associated benthic species with some water quality variables and the density of M. leucophaeata. Clusters of M. leucophaeata were collected monthly (two years) in four sites. Nine taxa associated with M. leucophaeata were found; Heleobia sp. (Gastropoda) and Melita mangrovi (Amphipoda) showed the highest densities. The structure of the benthic macrofauna slightly differed among sampling sites, but not between dry and wet seasons. The water quality parameters, specific patterns of each taxon and high densities of M. leucophaeata contribute to variations in density of the associated species. Oscillations in the densities of M. leucophaeata and the native bivalve Brachidontes darwinianus suggest some agonistic relationship between them, such as a competition for space.

Portuguese Football Federation consensus statement 2020: nutrition and performance in football.

Nutrition is an undeniable part of promoting health and performance among football (soccer) players. Nevertheless, nutritional strategies adopted in elite football can vary significantly depending on culture, habit and practical constraints and might not always be supported by scientific evidence. Therefore, a group of 28 Portuguese experts on sports nutrition, sports science and sports medicine sought to discuss current practices in the elite football landscape and review the existing evidence on nutritional strategies to be applied when supporting football players. Starting from understanding football's physical and physiological demands, five different moments were identified: preparing to play, match-day, recovery after matches, between matches and during injury or rehabilitation periods. When applicable, specificities of nutritional support to young athletes and female players were also addressed. The result is a set of practical recommendations that gathered consensus among involved experts, highlighting carbohydrates periodisation, hydration and conscious use of dietary supplements.

The spreading of the invasive bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Dreissenidae) into estuaries of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

An extensive field survey was conducted to evaluate the spreading of the invasive estuarine bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata into the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), in which the single invaded site so far recorded is Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. A novel record is made to the Marapendi coastal lagoon, where M. leucophaeata mainly colonizes mangrove roots. A reef composed of druses above the unconsolidated substratum is recorded for the first time for this species. The fauna associated to agglomerates of M. leucophaeata was composed of eight taxa: polychaetes Alitta succinea and Polydora sp., amphipods Melita mangrovi and Elasmopus sp., barnacles Amphibalanus eburneus and A. improvisus, the crab Eurypanopeus cf. dissimilis and the gastropod Heleobia spp. Based on COI sequences, the haplotype diversity of M. leucophaeata invasion in Marapendi Lagoon is high, like that previously recorded in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. The expansion of M. leucophaeata demands a continuous investigation, including the knowledge of its impacts on the biota.

Nutrition and Supplementation in Soccer.

Contemporary elite soccer features increased physical demands during match-play, as well as a larger number of matches per season. Now more than ever, aspects related to performance optimization are highly regarded by both players and soccer coaches. Here, nutrition takes a special role as most elite teams try to provide an adequate diet to guarantee maximum performance while ensuring a faster recovery from matches and training exertions. It is currently known that manipulation and periodization of macronutrients, as well as sound hydration practices, have the potential to interfere with training adaptation and recovery. A careful monitoring of micronutrient status is also relevant to prevent undue fatigue and immune impairment secondary to a deficiency status. Furthermore, the sensible use of evidence-based dietary supplements may also play a role in soccer performance optimization. In this sense, several nutritional recommendations have been issued. This detailed and comprehensive review addresses the most relevant and up-to-date nutritional recommendations for elite soccer players, covering from macro and micronutrients to hydration and selected supplements in different contexts (daily requirements, pre, peri and post training/match and competition).

Effect of Regulatory Element DNA Methylation on Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Gene Expression.

Expression of the tissue-type plasminogen activator gene (t-PA; gene name PLAT) is regulated, in part, by epigenetic mechanisms. We investigated the relationship between PLAT methylation and PLAT expression in five primary human cell types and six transformed cell lines. CpG methylation was analyzed in the proximal PLAT gene promoter and near the multihormone responsive enhancer (MHRE) -7.3 kilobase pairs upstream of the PLAT transcriptional start site (TSS, -7.3 kb). In Bowes melanoma cells, the PLAT promoter and the MHRE were fully unmethylated and t-PA secretion was extremely high. In other cell types the region from -647 to -366 was fully methylated, whereas an unmethylated stretch of DNA from -121 to +94 was required but not sufficient for detectable t-PA mRNA and t-PA secretion. DNA methylation near the MHRE was not correlated with t-PA secretion. Specific methylation of the PLAT promoter region -151 to +151, inserted into a firefly luciferase reporter gene, abolished reporter gene activity. The region -121 to + 94 contains two well-described regulatory elements, a PMA-responsive element (CRE) near -106 and a GC-rich region containing an Sp1 binding site near +59. Methylation of double-stranded DNA oligonucleotides containing the CRE or the GC-rich region had little or no effect on transcription factor binding. Methylated CpGs may attract co-repressor complexes that contain histone deacetylases (HDAC). However, reporter gene activity of methylated plasmids was not restored by the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin. In conclusion, efficient PLAT gene expression requires a short stretch of unmethylated CpG sites in the proximal promoter.

Effects of TachoSil and 5-fluorouracil on colonic anastomotic healing.

BACKGROUND: The administration of intraperitoneal (IP) 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) during the early postoperative period after cytoreductive surgery can decrease local cancer recurrence but may also cause impairment of the anastomotic healing. This study examined the effects of the use of this therapy and of the anastomotic sealing with TachoSil, a fibrin-thrombin coated sealant (FTCS), on the healing of colon anastomoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male rats were divided into four groups (1-4, 10 rats each) that underwent transection and anastomosis of the left colon. The anastomoses were covered with FTCS in groups 2 and 4. Saline solution (2 mL/d-groups 1 and 2) or 5-FU (20 mg/kg/d; groups 3 and 4) was administered IP once daily for 3 d. Bursting pressure (BP) was recorded, and the anastomoses were examined macroscopically and graded histologically. RESULTS: The relative weight loss was significantly higher in group 3 than in the other groups (P = 0.0004). Anastomotic dehiscence, postoperative adhesion formation, perianastomotic collections, and preanastomotic dilatation did not differ significantly among groups. BP was significantly lower in group 3 compared with all other groups (P = 0.001). Neoangiogenesis was significantly lower in group 3 compared with groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.05). Fibroblastic activity was significantly higher in group 1 compared with group 3 (P = 0.035). Inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition did not differ significantly among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results shown that the early postoperative IP chemotherapy with 5-FU impaired the healing of colon anastomoses. However, anastomotic sealing with FTCS reversed some of the negative effects of this therapy.

Esteatose hepática não alcoólica: relação com a síndrome metabólica e os fatores de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes obesos / Esteatosis hepática no alcohólica: relación con el síndrome metabólico y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular em adolescentes obesos / Nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis: association with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors in obese adolescents

Avaliar a associação entre esteatose hepática não alcoólica (EHNA), síndrome metabólica (SM) e fatores de risco cardiovascular (FRCs) em adolescentes obesos. Métodos: Estudo observacional do tipo transversal com abordagem quantitativa, realizado de junho a agosto de 2011. Os voluntários foram aleatoriamente selecionados e encaminhados para avaliação clínica no setor de endocrinologia e cardiologia do hospital de clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia. Participaram 34 adolescentes de 14 a 19 anos, acima do percentil 95 da curva de crescimento. A EHNA foi analisada por ultrassonografia. A SM e os FRCs foram identificados pelos critérios da International Diabetes Federation. Resultados: A amostra foi composta de 14 indivíduos do sexo masculino e 20 do sexo feminino, com idade (16,8±1,6) e índice de massa corporal (IMC) (35,7±3,9). A ocorrência de EHNA e SM foi de 76,5% (n=26) e 50% (n=17), respectivamente. O sexo masculino apresentou maior ocorrência de EHNA (78,6%, n=11), SM (64,3%, n=09) e associação de EHNA com SM (50%, n=07). Em relação aos FRCs 100% (n=34), 61,8% (n=21) e 52,9% (n=18) dos adolescentes apresentaram valores aumentados da circunferência da cintura (CC), da lowdensity- lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) e pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), respectivamente, e 52,9% (n=18) apresentaram baixos valores de high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Houve correlações entre SM e triglicerídeos, PAS e diastólica e HDL-C, e entre EHNA, IMC e CC. Conclusão: Observou-se uma alta ocorrência de EHNA, SM e FRCs em adolescentes obesos. Uma forte correlação foi observada entre EHNA e SM, e entre FRCs com EHNA e SM...

To evaluate the association between nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis (NAHS),metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) in obese adolescents.Methods: Cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative approach, carried out from June to August 2011. The volunteers were randomly selected and referred to clinical evaluation in the endocrinology and cardiology units at the clinics hospital of the Federal University of Uberlândia, being included 34 adolescents of 14-19 years above the 95th percentile of the growth curve. NAHS was assessed by ultrasonography. The MS and CRF were diagnosed by the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Results: The sample consisted of 14 male and 20 female patients aged 16.8 ± 1.6 and body mass index (BMI) of 35.7 ± 3.9. The occurrence of NAHS and MS was 76.5% and 50%, respectively. Males had a higher incidence of NAHS (78.6%), SM (64.3%) and association of NAHS with MS (50%). Regarding the CRF, 100% (n=34), 61.8% (n=21) and 52.9% (n=18) of the adolescents had elevated values of waist circumference (WC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and systolic blood pressure (SBP), respectively, and 52.9% (n=18) showed low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). There were correlations between MS and triglycerides; systolic and diastolic blood pressure and HDL-C; and between NAHS and BMI and WC. Conclusion: A high occurrence of NAHS, SM and CRF was observed in obese adolescents. A strong correlation was observed between MS and NAHS, and between FRC and NAHS and SM...

Evaluar la asociación entre la esteatosis hepática no alcohólica (EHNA), síndrome metabólico (SM) y factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCs) en adolescentes obesos. Métodos: Estudio observacional del tipo trasversal com abordaje cuantitativo realizado entre junio y agosto de 2011. Los voluntarios fueron seleccionados al azar y encaminados para evaluación clínica en el sector de endocrinología y cardiología delhospital de la Universidad Federal de Uberlandia. Participaron 34 adolescentes entre 14 y 19 años que estaban por encima Del percentil 95 de la curva de crecimiento. La EHNA fue analizada con la ultrasonografía. La SM y los FRCs fueron identificados a través de criterios de la International Diabetes Federtion. Resultados: La muestra fue constituida de 14 individuos del sexo masculino y 20 del sexo femenino con media de edad de 16,8±1,6años y media del índice de masa corporal (IMC) de 35,7±3,9. La ocurrencia de EHNA y SM fue del 76,5% (n=26) y 50% (n=17), respectivamente. El sexo masculino presentó mayor ocurrencia de EHNA (78,6%, n=11), SM (64,3%, n=09) y asociación de EHNA y SM (50%, n=07). Respecto a los FRCs, el 100% (n=34), 61,8% (n=21) y el 52,9% (n=18) de los adolescentes presentaron valores mayores de la circunferencia de cintura (CC), de la low-densitylipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) y tensión arterial sistólica (TAS), respectivamente, y el 52,9% (n=18) presentó bajos niveles de high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Hubieron correlaciones entre SM y triglicérides, TAS y diastólica y HDL-C, y entre EHNA, IMC y CC. Conclusión: Se observó una elevada ocurrencia de EHNA, SM y FRCs en adolescentes obesos. Uma fuerte correlación fue observada entre EHNA y SM, y entre FRCs y EHNA y SM...

A commented list of Scaphopoda (Mollusca) found along the Brazilian coast, with two new synonymies in the genus Gadila Gray, 1847

This review aims to present an updated checklist of scaphopods, based mainly on literature database. There is a total of 40 species (six families) for Brazil, including information about the distribution and bathymetric range of each taxon. We propose two synonyms with the aid of morphometry of the shell, for the genus Gadila: G. longa as junior synonym of G. elongata and G. robusta as junior synonym of G. pandionis.

Uma lista atualizada dos escafópodes da costa brasileira pertencentes a seis famílias é apresentada baseada principalmente em dados da literatura. Há um total de 40 espécies para o Brasil, incluindo informações sobre a distribuição e a faixa batimétrica de cada táxon. Nós propomos dois sinônimos com o auxílio da morfometria da concha, para o gênero Gadila: G. longa como sinônimo júnior de G. elongata e G. robusta como sinônimo júnior de G. pandionis.

L-arginine and glycine supplementation in the repair of the irradiated colonic wall of rats.

PURPOSE: Radiotherapy is widely used for cancer treatment but has harmful effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of L-arginine and glycine supplementation on the colon wall of rats submitted to abdominal irradiation. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: I-healthy, II-irradiated with no amino acid supplementation, III-irradiated and supplemented with L-arginine, and IV-irradiated and supplemented with glycine. The animals received supplementation for 14 days, with irradiation being applied on the eighth day of the experiment. All animals underwent laparotomy on the 15th day for resection of a colonic segment for stereologic analysis. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at p ≤0.05. RESULTS: Stereologic analysis showed that irradiation induced a reduction of the total volume of the colon wall of group II and III animals compared to healthy controls, but not of group IV animals supplemented with glycine. The mucosal layer of the irradiated animals of all groups was reduced compared to healthy group I animals, but supplementation with L-arginine and glycine was effective in maintaining the epithelial surface of the mucosal layer. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that glycine supplementation had a superior effect on the irradiated colon wall compared to L-arginine supplementation since it was able to maintain the thickness of the wall and the epithelial surface of the mucosa, whereas L-arginine maintained the partial volume of the epithelium and the epithelial surface, but not the total volume of the intestinal wall.

Plasma lipid levels of rats fed a diet containing pork fat as a source of lipids after splenic surgery.

Experimental studies have suggested an important role of the spleen in lipid metabolism, although with controversial results. Our purpose was to analyze the effect of a nutritionally balanced (NB) diet and a diet containing pork fat (PF) as source of lipids on the lipid profile of rats submitted to splenic surgery. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups of 10 animals each: 1 sham-operated, NB diet; 2 sham-operated, PF diet; 3 total splenectomy (TS), NB diet; 4 TS, PF diet; 5 TS followed by splenic autotransplantation (SA), NB diet; and 6 SA, PF diet. Blood samples were collected at the beginning (D0) and after 12 weeks of the experiment (D + 12) for plasma lipid determination. Morphologic regeneration of splenic tissues was observed, with no differences between groups 5 and 6. When D + 12 plasma lipid levels were compared to D0 levels there were no differences in groups 1, 3, and 5, while in groups 2, 4, and 6 total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triacylglycerols (TAG) increased, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) decreased. At D + 12, groups 2, 4, and 6 had lower HDL than group 3. In conclusion, regardless of the surgical procedure applied to the spleen, an NB diet maintained plasma lipid levels while a diet with PF as source of lipids changed the animals' lipid profile.

Effects of probiotic supplementation on markers of acute pancreatitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal barrier disruption followed by bacterial translocation seems to play a role in secondary pancreatic infection in acute pancreatitis. The use of probiotics as a possible adjuvant strategy in the treatment of acute pancreatitis needs to be investigated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with a prophylactically administered multispecies probiotic mixture on the markers of acute pancreatitis and on the occurrence of bacterial translocation. METHODS: Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups of 10 rats each: (1) the PS group, in which the rats were given probiotic supplementation prior to induction of acute pancreatitis; (2) the WP group, in which the rats underwent surgery to induce acute pancreatitis without prior probiotic supplementation; and (3) the control group, in which the rats underwent sham surgery. For 14 days before surgery, animals in the PS group received a single daily dose containing ~1.2 × 10(9) colony-forming units of a probiotic mixture administered intragastrically as a bolus. On day 15, the animals underwent surgery to induce acute pancreatitis (PS and WP groups) or simulated surgery (control group). Blood samples were collected to determine leukocyte count, amylase and lipase activities, and glucose and calcium concentrations immediately before and 6 and 12 hours after the beginning of the procedure. Samples of pancreas, spleen, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes were harvested for microbiologic and histopathologic analysis after the last blood sample collection. The pathologist examining the histopathology was blinded to treatment assignment. RESULTS: The mean leukocyte count was significantly increased in the PS group compared with the WP group (P = 0.018), whereas the serum amylase and lipase activities and the serum glucose and calcium concentrations were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Comparing the risk for tissue colonization in the PS group with that of the WP group, the odds ratio (OR) for pancreas was 2.91 (95% CI, 0.13-67.10); liver, 66.55 (95% CI, 1.89-2282.66); spleen, 88.58 (95% CI, 3.04-2583.08); and mesenteric lymph nodes, 1.23 (95% CI, 0.06-25.48). When the risks for histopathologic changes were compared between the 2 groups, the OR for acinar necrosis was 1.73 (95% CI, 0.21-12.17); steatonecrosis, 12.08 (95% CI, 1.26-115.54); hemorrhage, 1.38 (95% CI, 0.21-9.53); and leukocyte infiltration, 5.91 (95% CI, 0.64-54.89). CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplementation before the induction of acute pancreatitis was associated with a greater degree of bacterial translocation and pancreatic tissue damage in this animal model.

Laminin expression during bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation in hepatectomized rats.

The adult bone marrow retains two populations of stem cells with emerging importance for the treatment of diverse liver diseases: hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the mechanisms that control liver regeneration after bone marrow cell transplantation are still controversial. Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy is a complex process that requires the proliferation of all hepatic cells. Growth factors, cytokines and extracellular matrix molecules are key elements in this process. Laminins are a family of extracellular matrix proteins with adhesive and chemotactic functions, expressed in the portal and centrolobular veins of the normal liver. The aim of this study was to investigate laminin expression during liver regeneration induced by partial hepatectomy followed by bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMNC) transplantation. Rat BMMNCs were isolated by Ficoll-gradient centrifugation, stained with DAPI and injected into recently hepatectomyzed rats via the portal vein. Liver sections obtained 15 min, 1 day and 3 days after the surgery were immunolabeled with anti-rat CD34 and/or laminin primary antibodies and observed under a laser scanning confocal microscope. Results showed that 15 min after partial hepatectomy, a transplanted CD34+ HSC was found in contact with laminin, which was localized in the portal and centrolobular veins of rat livers. Furthermore, 1 and 3 days after hepatectomy, transplanted BMMNCs were found in the hepatic sinusoids expressing laminin. These results strongly suggest that laminin might be an important extracellular matrix component for bone marrow cell attachment and migration in the injured liver.

Evidence for elevated production of methylmercury in salt marshes.

Depth variations of total mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations were obtained in cores from nonvegetated sediments, sediments colonized by Sarcocornia fruticosa, Halimione portulacoides, and Spartina maritima and below-ground biomass in three Portuguese estuaries. Similar analyses were also performed on the above-ground plant tissues. Concentrations in below-ground biomass exceeded up to 9 (Hg) and 44 (MeHg) times the levels in sediments. Mercury and MeHg in below-ground biomass were up to 400 (Hg) and 4700 (MeHg) times higher than those found in above-ground parts, indicating a weak upward translocation. Methylmercury in colonized sediments reached 18% of the total Hg, which was 70 times above the maximum values found in nonvegetated sediments. Concentrations of MeHg in vegetated sediments were not related to plant type but were linearly proportional to the total mercury levels. The analysis of below-ground biomass at high depth resolution (2 cm) provided evidence that Hg and MeHg were elevated. The higher enrichment factors were found where the shifting of redox conditions suggested high microbial activity. Mercury and MeHg in below-ground tissues were a function of total levels in sediments and again were not plant-specific. These results suggest that the bioremediation of mercury-contaminated sediments is likely to increase the formation of methylmercury.

Role of L-glutamine and glycine supplementation on irradiated colonic wall.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Radiotherapy is frequently used for cancer treatment, but it may be associated with several complications. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the role of L-glutamine and/or glycine supplementation on the colonic wall in rats submitted to abdominal radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: I-healthy, II (control)-irradiated rats without amino acid supplementation, III-irradiated rats with glycine supplementation, IV-irradiated rats with L-glutamine supplementation, V-irradiated rats with glycine supplementation 7 days before irradiation and with L-glutamine supplementation 7 days after irradiation, and VI-irradiated rats with L-glutamine supplementation 7 days before irradiation and with glycine supplementation 7 days after irradiation. Abdominal irradiation was employed with a dose of 1,000 cGy on the eighth day of the experiment. All animals underwent laparotomy on the 15th day for resection of a colonic segment for stereologic analysis. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis, with the level of significance set at p

Lipidic profile among rats submitted to total splenectomy isolated or combined with splenic autotransplant.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the alterations on plasmatic lipids levels among rats submitted to total splenectomy isolated or combined with splenic autotransplant receiving standard chow during the postoperative period. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (C)-- sham-operated, total splenectomy--isolated (TS) or combined with splenic autotransplantation (SA). Since the postoperative period, all animals received standard rat chow manipulated in accordance to the American Institute of Nutrition Rodents Diets (1993). The plasmatic levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and glucose (GLUC) were analyzed before the surgical procedure and after 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: All the animals presented significant increase of TG and VLDL levels. In relation to the other parameters there was no difference among the weeks 0 and 12 in the animals of group C. In TS group significant increase was observed in TC and GLUC levels during the experiment. In SA group TC, HDL, and GLUC levels remained unaffected while HDL levels increased. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that isolated total splenectomy alters lipids metabolism in rats fed with standard chow and splenic autotransplantation is effective in restoring its control.

Lipidic profile among rats submitted to total splenectomy isolated or combined with splenic autotransplant

PURPOSE: To evaluate the alterations on plasmatic lipids levels among rats submitted to total splenectomy isolated or combined with splenic autotransplant receiving standard chow during the postoperative period. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (C) - sham-operated, total splenectomy - isolated (TS) or combined with splenic autotransplantation (SA). Since the postoperative period, all animals received standard rat chow manipulated in accordance to the American Institute of Nutrition Rodents Diets (1993). The plasmatic levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and glucose (GLUC) were analyzed before the surgical procedure and after 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: All the animals presented significant increase of TG and VLDL levels. In relation to the other parameters there was no difference among the weeks 0 and 12 in the animals of group C. In TS group significant increase was observed in TC and GLUC levels during the experiment. In SA group TC, HDL, and GLUC levels remained unaffected while HDL levels increased. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that isolated total splenectomy alters lipids metabolism in rats fed with standard chow and splenic autotransplantation is effective in restoring its control.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações nos níveis de lipídios plasmáticos em ratos submetidos a esplenectomia total isolada ou combinada com auto-implante esplênico, recebendo dieta padrão no período pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: Trinta ratos Wistar foram distribuídos em três grupos: controle (C) - operação simulada, esplenectomia total isolada (ET) ou combinada com auto-implante esplênico (AE). A partir do período pós-operatório, todos os animais receberam ração padrão, manipulada segundo o American Institute of Nutrition (1993). Os níveis plasmáticos de colesterol total (CT), triglicerídeos (TG), lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL), lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL), lipoproteína de muito baixa densidade (VLDL) e glicose (GLIC) foram analisados antes do procedimento e após 6 e 12 semanas. RESULTADOS: Todos os animais apresentaram aumento de TG e VLDL. Em relação aos demais parâmetros, não ocorreu diferença entre as semanas 0 e 12 nos animais do grupo C. No grupo ET, observou-se aumento de CT e GLIC durante o experimento. No grupo AE, os níveis de CT, HDL e GLIC permaneceram inalterados enquanto os níveis de HDL se elevaram. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos achados sugerem que a esplenectomia total isolada altera o metabolismo lipídico em ratos alimentados com ração padrão e que o auto-implante esplênico é eficaz na restauração do seu controle.

[Effect of oral supplement of l-glutamine in colonic wall of rats subjected to abdominal irradiation]. / Efeito da suplementação oral de l-glutamina na parede colônica de ratos submetidos ' irradiação abdominal.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the structural alterations of the irradiated colonic wall in rats, verifying if L-glutamine supplementation is able to prevent them. METHODS: We used 30 male adult Wistar rats, divided into three groups: I--control, II--irradiated, and III-irradiated with L-glutamine supplementation during the 14 days of the study. Control group was maintained in laboratory standard conditions while groups II and three were submitted to abdominal radiation with an only dose of 1000 cGy in the 8th day of experimentation. All the animals were submitted to laparotomy in the 15th day for resection of the colonic segment for stereological analysis. RESULTS: Group II presented total volume of colonic wall significantly smaller than control group without altering the partial volumes of each layer. Compared to groups II and III, group II exhibited maintenance of total volume of colonic wall, nearing control group. Compared to control group, animals of group III exhibited maintenance of epithelial partial volume without altering significantly epithelial surface. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that L-glutamine supplementation can be of benefit in the irradiated colonic wall in rats.

[Towards a Brazilian regimentation for use of animals in teaching and in scientific research]. / Rumo à regulamentação da utilizaço de animais no ensino e na pesquisa científica no Brasil.

PURPOSE: To describe the current situation of Brazilian regimentation for use of animals in teaching and in scientific research. METHODS: It was identified and discussed the legislation about the use of animals in teaching and in scientific research in Brazil and in Rio de Janeiro State. RESULTS: There is not an updated general and systematizing rule with focus on animal vivisection and experimentation, neither for didactic nor scientific purposes. The only specific law dates from 1979 and it was not regimented. More recent laws equate the practice of scientific experiments to the abuse acts and bad handling of animals, when exists alternative technology. In the city of Rio de Janeiro, vivisection practice and experimentation with animals in public veterinary institutions is forbidden since 2001. Currently, there is a substitutive in discussion at the Chamber of Deputies as a result of the evaluation of more recent law projects, representing an inestimable advance without however corresponding to a body of principles and directives that can adequately guide the question. CONCLUSION: In our country there is not regimentation for using animals in teaching and in scientific research. It becomes imperative to make lucid and realistic arrangements which can assure the continuity of the use of animals. The scientific community is ready to contribute to that purpose.

Rumo à regulamentação da utilização de animais no ensino e na pesquisa científica no Brasil / Towards a Brazilian regimentation for use of animals in teaching and in scientific research

A comunidade científica brasileira clama por uma sistematização definitiva e por uma norma federal abrangente e realista, mais orientadora e reguladora, e menos sancionadora, onde a questão da pesquisa científica com animais possa ser mais bem contemplada. OBJETIVO: Descrever a situação em que se encontra a regulamentação para o uso de animais em treinamento e pesquisa científica, no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi identificada e discutida a legislação existente no Brasil e no Estado do Rio de Janeiro acerca da utilização de animais no treinamento e na pesquisa científica. RESULTADOS: Não existe norma geral sistematizadora atualizada referente à vivissecção e experimentação com animais, nem para fins didáticos, nem científicos. A única lei referente a esse tópico data de 1979 e não chegou a ser regulamentada. Leis mais recentes equiparam a prática de experimentos científicos aos atos de abuso e maus tratos de animais, na presença de tecnologia alternativa. No município do Rio de Janeiro, a prática de vivissecção e de experiências com animais em instituições veterinárias públicas municipais está proibida, desde 2001. Atualmente, existe um substitutivo em discussão, na Câmara Federal, resultado da avaliação de projetos de leis mais recentes, que representa um avanço inestimável, sem, contudo, corresponder a um corpo de princípios e diretrizes que possam nortear eficazmente a questão. CONCLUSÃO: Ainda não existe uma regulamentação para a utilização de animais no ensino e na pesquisa científica em nosso país. Torna-se imperativo adotar dispositivos lúcidos e realistas que garantam a continuação dessa utilização. A comunidade científica dispõe-se a contribuir explicitamente para esse objetivo.

Efeito da suplementação oral de l-glutamina na parede colônica de ratos submetidos à irradiação abdominal

PURPOSE: To evaluate the structural alterations of the irradiated colonic wall in rats, verifying if L-glutamine supplementation is able to prevent them. METHODS: We used 30 male adult Wistar rats, divided into three groups: I - control, II - irradiated, and III - irradiated with L-glutamine supplementation during the 14 days of the study. Control group was maintained in laboratory standard conditions while groups II and three were submitted to abdominal radiation with an only dose of 1000 cGy in the 8th day of experimentation. All the animals were submitted to laparotomy in the 15th day for resection of the colonic segment for stereological analysis. RESULTS: Group II presented total volume of colonic wall significantly smaller than control group without altering the partial volumes of each layer. Compared to groups II and III, group III exhibited maintenance of total volume of colonic wall, nearing control group. Compared to control group, animals of group III exhibited maintenance of epithelial partial volume without altering significantly epithelial surface. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that L-glutamine supplementation can be of benefit in the irradiated colonic wall in rats.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações estruturais na parede do cólon irradiado, em ratos, verificando se a suplementação de L-glutamina pode prevení-las. MÉTODOS: Foram empregados 30 ratos Wistar, machos, adultos, divididos em três grupos: I - controle, II- irradiado e III - irradiado, com suplementação de L-glutamina durante os 14 dias do estudo. O Grupo Controle foi mantido em condições-padrão de laboratório, enquanto os grupos II e III foram submetidos à irradiação abdominal, com dose única de 1000 cGy, no 8°. dia da experimentação. Todos os animais foram operados no 15°. dia, para ressecção de segmento colônico para análise estereológica. RESULTADOS: O grupo II apresentou volume total da parede colônica significativamente menor que o Grupo Controle, sem alterar os volumes parciais de cada camada histológica. No grupo III, houve manutenção do volume total da parede do cólon, próxima ao Grupo Controle, com aumento significativo da camada mucosa, quando comparada aos grupos I e II. Na camada mucosa do grupo III, houve a manutenção do volume parcial do epitélio, comparado ao Grupo Controle, sem melhora significativa da superfície epitelial. CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se que a suplementação de L-glutamina seja benéfica na parede do cólon irradiado, em ratos.