Influence of prolonged flaxseed ( Linum usitatissimum ) consumption over epididymis and testicle histoarchitecture of Wistar rats / Influência do consumo prolongado de semente de linhaça ( Linum usitatissimum ) sobre a histoarquitetura dos testículo e epidídimo de ratos Wistar

Flaxseed is considered a functional food with several health benefits. However, because of its high phytoestrogen content, flaxseed influences hormone metabolism and affects the gonadal biomorphology. In this study, computerized histomorphometry was used to evaluate seminiferous and epididymal tubules, considering the different regions of the epididymis (head, body and tail) of rats subjected to a prolonged diet of flaxseed. Young adult male Wistar rats (n=20) were divided into 2 groups during their lactation period: Control Group (CG), fed casein-based meals and Flaxseed Group (FG), fed a 25% flaxseed meal. After 250 days of continuous ingestion, the animals were euthanized and a blood sample was collected. The testicles and epididymis were removed and fixed in buffered formalin solution. The samples were subjected to routine histological paraffin techniques and stained with hematoxilin and eosin. Immunostaining was performed using an antivimentin antibody for Sertoli cell identification. For morphometry, images of the slides were scanned and analyzed using Image J to determine the epithelial height, tubular and luminal diameter and tubular and luminal area. In the hormonal evaluation, FG had a higher serum concentration of estrogen (P=0.001), but no change was observed in the concentration of testosterone. The morphometric assay of seminiferous tubules and epididymal regions revealed no significant differences between the analyzed groups. Similarly, Sertoli cell quantification showed no significant differences in the FG (P=0.98). These results revealed that the continuous and prolonged intake of 25% flaxseed meals from gestation to 250 days of age, even with a significant increase in serum levels of estradiol, does not exert adverse effects on the testicular and epididymal structure or on the cells participating in the spermatogenesis of rats.(AU)

A semente de linhaça é considerada um alimento funcional com vários efeitos benéficos à saúde. Entretanto, devido ao seu elevado teor de fitoestrógenos, esta semente pode influenciar no metabolismo hormonal e interferir na biomorfologia gonadal. Neste estudo, utilizamos a histomorfometria computadorizada para avaliar os túbulos seminíferos e epididimários, considerando as diferentes regiões do epidídimo (cabeça, corpo e cauda) de ratos submetidos a uma dieta prolongada de semente de linhaça. Foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos adultos jovens (n=20) divididos em 2 grupos, durante o período de lactação: Grupo Controle (GC) a base de caseína e Grupo Linhaça (GL) alimentados com 25% de semente de linhaça. Ao final de 250 dias de ingestão contínua, os animais foram sacrificados e amostra de sangue foi coletada. Os testículos e epidídimos foram retirados e fixados em formol tamponado. As amostras foram submetidas ao processamento histológico de rotina para parafina e coradas em hematoxilina e eosina. Foi feita a imunomarcação com anticorpo antivimentina para identificação das células de Sertoli. Para morfometria, as imagens das lâminas foram digitalizadas e analisadas pelo software ImageJ para obtenção dos dados de altura epitelial, diâmetro e área tubular e luminal. Na avaliação hormonal o GL teve maior concentração de estrógeno sérico (p=0,001), mas nenhuma mudança na concentração de testosterona foi observada. Nos parâmetros morfométricos dos túbulos seminíferos e das regiões epididimárias, não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos analisados. Da mesma forma, a quantificação das células de Sertoli não apresentaram diferenças significativas no GL (p=0,98). Estes resultados mostraram que o consumo contínuo e prolongado de 25% de semente de linhaça desde período gestacional até 250 dias de idade, mesmo com o aumento significativo nos níveis séricos de estradiol, não exerceram efeitos adversos sobre a estrutura testicular e epididimária, assim como nas células participantes da espermatogênese em ratos.(AU)

Stereological study of the elastic fiber and smooth muscle cell system in the bovine and buffalo penis / Estereologia do sistema elástico e das células musculares lisas no pênis fibroelástico zebuino e bubalino

Samples of ten penises of Mediterranean buffaloes and ten penises of Red Sindhi cattle were used. The thickness of the tunica albuginea (TA), distribution of smooth muscle cells (SMC) and volume density (Vv) of elastic system fibers in TA, corpus cavernosum (CC) and corpus spongiosum (CS) were evaluated. The Vv of elastic system fibers in buffalo and bovine penis was respectively 4.07% ±0.88% and 3.36% ±1.21% in TA; 17.32% ±2.21% and 13.14% ±1.27% (CC), 26.58% ±4.31% and 31.36% ±3.67% (CS). The CC of buffalo presented higher Vv of elastic fibers than bovine, while in the CS the Vv of elastic fibers in buffaloes was smaller than in cattle. The TA thickness showed a significant difference among the species studied. The arrangement of SMC in the bovine penises and in the water buffalo suggests that this pattern is common to animals that have fibroelastic penises.

O pênis dos zebuinos e bubalinos são classificados como do tipo fibroelástico, sendo grande parte de sua rigidez conferida pelas fibras colágenas e elásticas presentes na matriz extracelular. Embora alguns estudos tenham abordado estes componentes em bovinos europeus, os dados na literatura sobre zebuínos e bubalinos são escassos. Nós avaliamos a espessura da túnica albugínea, a distribuição das células musculares lisas e a densidade volumétrica (Vv) das fibras do sistema elásticona túnica albugínea, no corpo cavernoso e esponjoso do pênis de animais jovens adultos inteiros.Foram utilizados 10 fragmentos de pênis de búfalos da raça Mediterrâneo e 10 fragmentos de pênis de bovinos da raça Red Sindi. Os fragmentos de pênis foram processados de acordo com a técnica histológica de rotina para inclusão em parafina e corados pela Fucsina Resorcina de Weigert, Picro Sirius Red, Tricrômio de Gomori e anticorpo anti α actina. As fibras elásticas foram determinadas em 25 campos aleatórios de cada fragmento, utilizando o sistema teste modelo M42. A Vv das fibras do sistema elástico no pênis do búfalo e bovino foram(média e desvio padrão respectivamente) de 4,07% ±0,88 e 3,36% ±1,21 na túnica albugínea; 17,32% ±2,21 e 13,14% ±1,27 no corpo cavernoso; 26,58% ±4,31 e 31,36% ±3,67 no corpo esponjoso, respectivamente. Houve diferença na Vv das fibras elásticas entre as duas espécies, no corpo cavernoso e no corpo esponjoso. Na espessura da túnica albugínea houve diferença significativa entre o búfalo Mediterrâneo (1,4mm ±0,11) e o bovino Red Sindi (1,76mm ±0,23). Nas duas espécies, as fibras musculares lisas foram encontradas apenas associadas ao endotélio de revestimento dos seios cavernosos. Com base nestes resultados, podemos concluir que existem diferenças na proporção entre os componentes da matriz extracelular nas espécies estudadas, fato que deve ser considerado nos procedimentos clínicos e cirúrgicos veterinários e continua a ser investigado.

The penis in diabetes: structural analysis of connective tissue and smooth muscle alterations in a rabbit model.

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE • To assess the volumetric density of collagen, elastic system fibres and smooth muscle cells in the corpus cavernosum (CC), corpus spongiosum (CS) and tunica albuginea (TA) in the penis of diabetic rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: • Twenty-six New Zealand white rabbits were used. Diabetes was induced at 8 weeks of age in 13 rabbits by i.v. injection of 100 mg/kg of alloxan. The remaining 13 rabbits served as a control group. After 10 weeks, the rabbits were killed using sodium thiopenthal. • Midshaft penile fragments were obtained and processed by routine histological techniques. Stereological analysis of collagen, elastic system fibres and smooth muscle was performed in 5-µm sections by using a M42 test grid system. • Data were expressed as volumetric density (Vv; %). Collagen organization was evaluated by Picrosirius red staining under polarization. RESULTS: • In the TA of diabetic rabbits, thickness increased by 88% (P < 0.001) with an enhanced collagen turnover. Moreover, the elastic fibre content was 34% higher (P < 0.001). In the CC of diabetics, collagen was diminished by 45% (P < 0.001) with a more organized collagen. • The elastic fibres were decreased by 46% (P < 0.001). Diabetes induced a 11% increase in CS collagen (P < 0.024) with an enhanced collagen turnover. • Smooth muscle in the CC of diabetic rabbits was increased by 40% (P < 0.001), whereas, in the CS, it was decreased by a similar amount (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: • Penile tissues were affected differently by diabetes, possibly as a result of cellular heterogeneity. • These changes could have an impact on blood flow and tissue resistance, and therefore might adversely affect erection.

Consumo de semente de linhaça durante a lactação afeta peso e nível de hemoglobina na prole de ratas / Maternal consumption of flaxseed during lactation affects weight and hemoglobin level of offspring in rats

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do consumo da semente de linhaça durante a lactação sobre o peso corporal, indicadores hematológicos e massa de gordura visceral dos filhotes de ratas na idade adulta. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas 16 ratas Wistar que, após o parto, foram divididas em dois grupos que receberam, durante a lactação, as seguintes dietas: grupo-controle (GC), ração à base de caseína, e grupo linhaça (GL), ração à base de caseína contendo 25 por cento de semente de linhaça. Ao desmame, os filhotes machos passaram a receber ração comercial até a idade adulta, quando foram sacrificados aos 170 dias de vida para coleta de sangue e avaliação da massa de gordura visceral. RESULTADOS: Foi encontrado menor peso corporal da prole do GL (GL = 42,69±3,06 g; GC = 47,31±4,72 g; p = 0,036) ao desmame. Aos 170 dias de idade foram observados menores valores na hemoglobina do GL (GL = 12,30±1,28 g/dL; GC = 13,88±0,91 g/dL; p = 0,02). Não foram verificadas diferenças estatísticas na massa de gordura visceral entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: O consumo materno da ração à base de semente de linhaça durante a lactação promoveu menor peso ao desmame e níveis menores de hemoglobina na idade adulta quando comparados ao GC.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of maternal flaxseed consumption during lactation on the body weight, hematological indicators and visceral fat mass of male offspring in adulthood. METHODS: Sixteen female Wistar rats were divided into two groups after giving birth. During lactation the control group (CG) was fed a casein-based diet and the flaxseed group (FG) was fed a casein-based diet containing 25 percent flaxseed. After weaning, male offspring were fed on commercial chow until adulthood and euthanized at 170 days for blood collection and visceral fat mass assessment. RESULTS: Offspring of rats in the FG had lower body weight (FG = 42.69±3.06 g; CG = 47.31±4.72 g; p = 0.036) at weaning. At 170 days, lower hemoglobin levels were observed in the FG (FG = 12.30±1.28 g/dL; CG = 13.88±0.91 g/dL; p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in visceral fat mass between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal consumption of a flaxseed-based diet during lactation resulted in lower body weight at weaning and lower hemoglobin levels in adulthood, when compared with the control group.

Maternal consumption of flaxseed during lactation affects weight and hemoglobin level of offspring in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of maternal flaxseed consumption during lactation on the body weight, hematological indicators and visceral fat mass of male offspring in adulthood. METHODS: Sixteen female Wistar rats were divided into two groups after giving birth. During lactation the control group (CG) was fed a casein-based diet and the flaxseed group (FG) was fed a casein-based diet containing 25% flaxseed. After weaning, male offspring were fed on commercial chow until adulthood and euthanized at 170 days for blood collection and visceral fat mass assessment. RESULTS: Offspring of rats in the FG had lower body weight (FG = 42.69+/-3.06 g; CG = 47.31+/-4.72 g; p = 0.036) at weaning. At 170 days, lower hemoglobin levels were observed in the FG (FG = 12.30+/-1.28 g/dL; CG = 13.88+/-0.91 g/dL; p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in visceral fat mass between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal consumption of a flaxseed-based diet during lactation resulted in lower body weight at weaning and lower hemoglobin levels in adulthood, when compared with the control group.

The impact of non- and genetically modified soybean diets in aorta wall remodeling.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of nongenetically modified soybean (non-GMS) and genetically modified soybean (GMS) meal on growth and cardiometabolic parameters in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n= 10): non-GMS, GMS, and control group (CG). All animals received water and an isocaloric diet ad libitum for 455 d. Blood was drawn by cardiac puncture, and serum was separated for subsequent biochemical analyses (total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, insulin, glucose, and testosterone). The aorta was quickly harvested and fixed; the body fat mass was removed and weighed. Non-GMS and GMS had a growth index (GI) similar to CG but with a lower body weight (P < 0.05) and a lower amount of body fat mass (P < 0.05). Total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, glucose concentrations, and aortic tunics were reduced (P < 0.05) in non-GMS and GMS compared to CG. Non-GMS and GMS are able to reduced serum cholesterol, triacylglycerols, glucose, and aortic remodeling in aged rats. No differences were observed between non-GMS and GMS in all parameters.

Celiac artery in New Zealand rabbit: anatomical study of its origin and arrangement for experimental research and surgical practice / Artéria celíaca em coelhos Nova Zelândia: estudo anatômico de sua origem e arranjo para a pesquisa experimental e a prática cirúrgica

Rabbits have been used as an experimental model in many diseases and for the study of toxicology, pharmacology and surgery in many universities. However, some aspects of their macro anatomy need a more detailed description, especially the abdominal and pelvic arterial vascular system, which has a huge variability in distribution and trajectory. Thirty cadaveric adult New Zealand rabbits, 13 male and 17 female, with an average weight and rostrum-sacral length of 2.5 kg and 40cm, respectively, were used. The thoracic aorta was cannulated and the vascular system was filled with stained latex S-65. The celiac artery and its proximal branches were dissected and lengthened in order to evidence origin and proximal ramifications. The celiac artery emerged between the 12th and 13th thoracic vertebra in 11 (36.7 percent) rabbits; at the level of the 13th thoracic vertebra in 6 (20 percent) rabbits; between the 13th thoracic vertebra and the 1st lumbar vertebra in 12 (40 percent) rabbits; and at the level of the 1st lumbar vertebra in only one (3.3 percent) rabbit. The mean length of the celiac artery was 0.5cm. The celiac artery first branch was the lienal artery, the second branch was the left gastric artery and the hepatic artery arose from the left gastric artery in all the dissected rabbits. No relation was observed between the celiac artery length and the rostrum-sacral length in rabbits. The number of left gastric and lienal artery branches and the distribution of celiac artery origin are not gender dependent.

Os coelhos têm sido usados como modelo experimental em diferentes patologias e para estudos de toxicologia, farmacologia e cirurgia em várias universidades. Entretanto apesar de sua grande utilização, muitos aspectos de sua macroanatomia, em especial os que se referem ao sistema vascular arterial que irrigam as viscerais abdomino-pélvicas ainda carecem de uma descrição mais detalhada, pois os vasos arteriais apresentam grande variabilidade na sua distribuição e trajeto. Foram utilizados 30 coelhos, 13 machos e 17 fêmeas, pesando em media 2,5 kg e apresentando comprimento rostro-sacral em torno de 40cm. A artéria aorta torácica foi canulada e através da mesma foi feita à fixação com solução de formaldeído a 10 por cento e repleções vasculares com solução de Petrolátex S65 corado. A artéria celíaca e suas ramificações proximais foram dissecadas ao longo do seu percurso, registrando com auxílio de um paquímetro seu comprimento e sua esqueletopia. A artéria celíaca teve sua emergência de forma única diretamente da artéria aorta abdominal em todos os animais dissecados. Emitiu inicialmente a artéria lienal e a seguir a artéria gástrica esquerda que se continuou como hepática em todos os 30 animais. A artéria celíaca teve sua origem entre a 12ªe 13ª vértebra torácica em 11 animais (36,7 por cento), na 13ª vértebra torácica em 6 (20 por cento), entre a 13ª vértebra torácica e a 1ª vértebra lombar em 12 (40 por cento) e na 1ª vértebra lombar em apenas 1 animal (3,3 por cento). O comprimento médio da artéria celíaca foi de 0,5cm. Não foi observada relação entre o comprimento da artéria celíaca e o comprimento rostro-sacral dos coelhos. O número de artérias gástricas esquerdas, ramificações principais da artéria lienal, bem como a origem da artéria celíaca independeram do sexo do animal.

Volumetric density of elastic and reticular fibers in transition zone of controls and patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the volumetric density (Vv) of elastic and reticular fibers in the transition zone of controls and patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Prostatic tissue samples were obtained from 25 patients (age range 63 to 79 years, mean 68) with clinical symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction who had undergone open prostatectomy. The control group was composed of 25 transition zone samples from prostates obtained during autopsy of adults aged younger than 30 years (killed in accidents). The Vv of the elastic and reticular fibers was determined in 25 random fields per prostate, using the point-count method with an M-42 grid test system. The data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk W, and Mann-Whitney U tests. The Vv of these components was determined by stereologic methods. RESULTS: The Vv in the control and BPH groups was 12.47% +/- 3.6% and 16.55% +/- 9.11% in the elastic system fibers (difference not statistically significant) and 22.75% +/- 1.66% and 29.33% +/- 1.08% in the reticular fibers (difference statistically significant), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Reticular fibers showed a statistically significant increase in the BPH samples, and this finding suggests that stromal network fibers play a significant role in BPH.