Neutrophil activity in sepsis: a systematic review.

The neutrophil is an important cell in host defense against infections, acting as the first line of microorganism control. However, this cell exhibits dysregulated activity in sepsis and may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. This systematic review aimed to highlight the major scientific findings regarding neutrophil activity in sepsis reported in clinical and experimental research published in the last 10 years. The search was conducted in the Virtual Health Library of PAHO-WHO (BVS) and PubMed databases, and articles published between January 2007 and May 2017 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were eligible. Article selection was carried out independently by two reviewers (CB and IB). A total of 233 articles were found, of which 87 were identified on PubMed and 146 on BVS. Eighty-two articles were duplicates. Of the remaining 151 articles, 19 met the inclusion criteria after title, abstract, and full-text analysis. Overall, research in clinical samples and animal models of sepsis showed reduced capacity of neutrophils to migrate and delayed apoptosis, but there was no consensus on the phagocytic activity of neutrophils in sepsis. Molecules, such as pentraxin 3 (PTX3), have been analyzed as potential diagnostic markers in sepsis but the diversity of soluble molecules detected in blood samples of sepsis patients did not enable further understanding of the correlation of these circulating molecules with neutrophil activity during sepsis. Optimal understanding of the function of neutrophils in sepsis remains a challenge that, if overcome, would eventually allow targeted therapeutic interventions in patients affected by this severe syndrome.

Neutrophil activity in sepsis: a systematic review

The neutrophil is an important cell in host defense against infections, acting as the first line of microorganism control. However, this cell exhibits dysregulated activity in sepsis and may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. This systematic review aimed to highlight the major scientific findings regarding neutrophil activity in sepsis reported in clinical and experimental research published in the last 10 years. The search was conducted in the Virtual Health Library of PAHO-WHO (BVS) and PubMed databases, and articles published between January 2007 and May 2017 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were eligible. Article selection was carried out independently by two reviewers (CB and IB). A total of 233 articles were found, of which 87 were identified on PubMed and 146 on BVS. Eighty-two articles were duplicates. Of the remaining 151 articles, 19 met the inclusion criteria after title, abstract, and full-text analysis. Overall, research in clinical samples and animal models of sepsis showed reduced capacity of neutrophils to migrate and delayed apoptosis, but there was no consensus on the phagocytic activity of neutrophils in sepsis. Molecules, such as pentraxin 3 (PTX3), have been analyzed as potential diagnostic markers in sepsis but the diversity of soluble molecules detected in blood samples of sepsis patients did not enable further understanding of the correlation of these circulating molecules with neutrophil activity during sepsis. Optimal understanding of the function of neutrophils in sepsis remains a challenge that, if overcome, would eventually allow targeted therapeutic interventions in patients affected by this severe syndrome.

Effects of IGF-1 on In Vitro Culture of Bovine Preantral Follicles are Dose-Dependent.

This study aimed at assessing the effect of different concentrations of the growth factor similar to insulin 1 (IGF-1) in the development, survival and ultrastructure of the bovine preantral follicles cultured in situ. Fragments of bovine ovarian cortical tissue were cultured during 1 and 7 days in 1 ml of α-MEM(+) , supplemented with different concentrations of human recombinant IGF-1 (0, 30, 70 and 100 ng/ml), in an incubator at 37°C and 5% of CO2 in 24-well plates with total replacement of the medium every 2 days. Non-cultured ovarian fragments (control) and ovarian fragments cultured during 1 and 7 days were processed for classic histology, mechanical isolation and electron transmission microscopy (ETM). Parameters such as normality, viability, activation, development, diameter and ultrastructure were evaluated. All statistical analyses were carried out using sas Version 9.2. The results showed that the percentage of follicles morphologically normal in the IGF-1 30 ng/ml treatment was similar to the fresh control (p > 0.05) both on the day 1 and on the day 7 of in vitro culture. In the viability analysis, the cultured treatments maintained the percentage of viable follicles during the entire culture period (p > 0.05). After 7 days of culture, the IGF-1 30 ng/ml treatment showed higher percentages of developing follicles (48.33%) than those of the fresh control (22.22%) and the cultured treatments (p < 0.05). Also, after 7 days of culture, IGF-1 30 ng/ml presented a higher follicular diameter when compared to the control and other concentrations of IGF-1 tested. Ultrastructurally, the non-cultured control and IGF-1 30 ng/ml, after 7 days of culture, showed conserved oocytes, nuclei and organelles. Hence, it is concluded that IGF-1 30 ng/ml was the most efficient concentration for the development of bovine preantral follicles cultured in vitro.

Adubação fosfatada associada à cama de frango e sua influência na produtividade e no teor de flavonoides da Marcela (Achyrocline satureioides (Lam. ) DC. ) em duas épocas de colheita / Total biomass and flavonoid contents of Achyrocline satureioides in response to phosphate fertilizer and broiler litter at two successive harvests

RESUMO: Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a produção de massa e o teor de flavonoides de plantas de marcela cultivadas com fósforo e cama de frango e colhidas em duas épocas. Estudou-se a combinação de doses de P2O5 (0, 100, 200 e 300 kg ha-1) na forma de superfosfato triplo, com e sem cama de frango (10 t ha-1), arranjados como fatorial 4x2, no delineamento blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Foram feitas duas colheitas das plantas, consideradas como parcelas subdivididas no tempo. A propagação foi indireta, com semeio em bandejas e transplante ao campo. As plantas foram colhidas aos 195 e 223 dias após o transplantio - DAT. A altura máxima das plantas foi de 1,14 m com uso da cama de frango e de 0,97 m sem cama, aos 195 dias após o transplantio. A produção máxima de massa fresca de parte aérea das plantas foi de 30,31 t ha-1 na colheita aos 223 DAT, enquanto a de massa seca foi de 11,38 t ha-1, ambas com o uso de 300 kg ha-1 de P2O5.A massa fresca de inflorescências foi maior (4,08 t ha-1) com adição de cama de frango ao solo e menor (3,49 t ha-1) sem cama de frango; em resposta às doses de fósforo, cresceram linearmente, sendo a máxima de 4,65 t ha-1 com uso de 300 kg ha-1 de P2O5, independente da época de colheita. A massa seca de inflorescências foi máxima de 2,38 t ha-1 com o uso de 300 kg ha-1 P2O5 na colheita aos 223 DAT. A maior produção de massa seca e o maior teor de flavonoides das inflorescências foram obtidos com o cultivo das plantas de marcela em solo com cama de frango (10 t ha-1) e com P2O5 (300 kg ha-1) na colheita aos 223 dias após o transplantio.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the biomass yield and flavonoid contents of Achyrocline satureioides grown under different levels of phosphate fertilizer in association with broiler litter, during two successive harvests. Four levels of P2O5 (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1), as triple superphosphate, and two levels of broiler litter (0 and 10 t ha-1) were arranged as a 4x2 factorial design in randomized blocks with four replications. Two harvests of plants, considered as split-plot, were made. Seeds were sown in polystyrene trays then transplanted to the experimental field and harvested at 195 and 223 days after transplanting (DAT). The maximum heights of the plants were 1.14 m under the addition of broiler litter and 0.97 m without it, at 195 days after transplanting. The highest yields of total fresh weight (30.31 ton ha-1) and dry weight (11.38 ton ha-1) were obtained at 223 DAT, both with the concentration of 300 kg ha-1 P2O5. The fresh weight of the inflorescences was greater under the addition of broiler litter (4.08 ton ha-1) than without it (3.49 ton ha-1). The plants grew linearly in response to the use of phosphate, and the maximum yield was 4.65 ton ha-1 under the concentration of 300 kg ha-1 P2O5, regardless of the harvest season. The dry weight of the inflorescences reached maximum yield (2.38 ton ha-1) at 223 DAT, in response to the use of 300 kg ha-1 P2O5. The highest yield of dry weight and the highest contents of flavonoids from the inflorescences were obtained when A. satureioides was grown under the concentration of P2O5 (300 kg ha-1) with the addition of broiler litter (10 ton ha-1) and harvested at 223 DAT.

Crescimento inicial de Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg sob diferentes composições de substratos / Initial growth of Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg under different substrate compositions

RESUMO: O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes composições de substratos no crescimento inicial de Campomanesia xanthocarpa, bem como avaliar índices fisiológicos. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em Dourados-MS, no período de janeiro a outubro de 2008. Foi estudada a Campomanesia xanthocarpa sob cinco diferentes substratos (LVd/A/O= Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico+areia grossa lavada+Organosuper® (5:4:1 v/v); LVd/A/C= Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico+areia grossa lavada+cama-de-frango (5:4:1 v/v); LVd/A/O2= Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico+areia grossa lavada+Organosuper® (7:2:1 v/v); LVd/A/C2= Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico+areia grossa lavada+cama-de-frango (7:2:1 v/v); LVd/A= Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico+areia grossa lavada (6:4 v/v)), em vasos de 7 dm3, e mantidos em ambiente protegido com 100% de luminosidade. O substrato composto por Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico + areia grossa lavada proporcionou maior diâmetro de caule (8,29 mm), massa seca de raiz, caule e folhas (6,98; 4,49 e 9,06 g/planta, respectivamente) e aumento nos índices fisiológicos nas avaliações finais, indicando que este substrato pode ser utilizado no desenvolvimento de Campomanesia xanthocarpa.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different compositions of substrates on the initial growth of Campomanesia xanthocarpa and to evaluate the physiological rate. The study was conduct in the city of Dourados - state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in the period from January to October 2008. The Campomanesia xanthocarpa was studying under five different substrates (LVd/A/O= Oxisol+coarse sand+Organosuper® (5:4:1 v/v); LVd/A/C= Oxisol+ coarse sand+ chicken manure (5:4:1 v/v); LVd/A/O2= Oxisol+ coarse sand+Organosuper® (7:2:1 v/v); LVd/A/C2= Oxisol+ coarse sand+chicken manure (7:2:1 v/v); LVd/A= Oxisol+ coarse sand (6:4 v/v)) in 7 dm3 pots and kept in a protected environment with 100% brightness. The substrate consisting of Oxisol + coarse sand provided greater stem diameter (8.29 mm), dry weight of the root, stem and leaf (6.98, 4.49 and 9.06 g / plant, respectively) and increased the physiological indices in the final evaluations, which indicates that this substrate can be used in the development of Campomanesia xanthocarpa.

Expression of p53 protein in the endometrial polyp in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate p53 protein expression in the endometrial polyp and compare with adenocarcinoma and atrophic endometrium of postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight postmenopausal women were included in this study and divided into three groups related to histopathologic diagnosis: Group A--endometrial adenocarcinoma (n = 40), Group B--endometrial polyp (n = 38), and Group C--endometrial atrophy (n = 20). The length of this study was from 1990 to 2004. The endometrial samples were collected from hysteroscopic biopsy or surgery then processed for histopathologic routine. One thousand cells of each histological section were evaluated for immunohistochemical analysis using p53 antibodies. The ANOVA test was performed for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The expression of p53 in adenocarcinoma samples was the highest. The expression of polyp was positive when associated to hyperplasia without atypia. All samples of atrophic endometrial were negative. CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggested that presence of hyperplasia in the endometrial polyp is factor to increase the expression of p53.

Ergonomic risks in mining companies: a study in Paraiba/Brazil.

The growing concern for the welfare of workers in the work environment, the importance of widespread use of ergonomics in the different sectors of industry. Yet most corporate practices that work with rudimentary or great need for human handling of materials is not fully in line with the ergonomic aspects. Given this, this article aims to identify ergonomic hazards in mining to later propose improvements in the process. After a series conducted plant visits, found that workers are exposed to various ergonomic risks, which entails the need for new healthy practices in the workplace. Finally, a series of proposals are submitted in order to avoid possible occupational diseases.

Sertraline inhibits formalin-induced nociception and cardiovascular responses

The objective of the present study was to determine the antihyperalgesic effect of sertraline, measured indirectly by the changes of sciatic afferent nerve activity, and its effects on cardiorespiratory parameters, using the model of formalin-induced inflammatory nociception in anesthetized rats. Serum serotonin (5-HT) levels were measured in order to test their correlation with the analgesic effect. Male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were divided into 4 groups (N = 8/per group): sertraline-treated group (Sert + Saline (Sal) and Sert + Formalin (Form); 3 mg·kg-1·day-1, ip, for 7 days) and saline-treated group (Sal + Sal and Sal + Form). The rats were injected with 5 percent (50 µL) formalin or saline into the right hind paw. Sciatic nerve activity was recorded using a silver electrode connected to a NeuroLog apparatus, and cardiopulmonary parameters (mean arterial pressure, heart rate and respiratory frequency), assessed after arterial cannulation and tracheotomy, were monitored using a Data Acquisition System. Blood samples were collected from the animals and serum 5-HT levels were determined by ELISA. Formalin injection induced the following changes: sciatic afferent nerve activity (+50.8 ± 14.7 percent), mean arterial pressure (+1.4 ± 3 mmHg), heart rate (+13 ± 6.8 bpm), respiratory frequency (+4.6 ± 5 cpm) and serum 5-HT increased to 1162 ± 124.6 ng/mL. Treatment with sertraline significantly reduced all these parameters (respectively: +19.8 ± 6.9 percent, -3.3 ± 2 mmHg, -13.1 ± 10.8 bpm, -9.8 ± 5.7 cpm) and serum 5-HT level dropped to 634 ± 69 ng/mL (P < 0.05). These results suggest that sertraline plays an analgesic role in formalin-induced nociception probably through a serotonergic mechanism.

Sertraline inhibits formalin-induced nociception and cardiovascular responses.

The objective of the present study was to determine the antihyperalgesic effect of sertraline, measured indirectly by the changes of sciatic afferent nerve activity, and its effects on cardiorespiratory parameters, using the model of formalin-induced inflammatory nociception in anesthetized rats. Serum serotonin (5-HT) levels were measured in order to test their correlation with the analgesic effect. Male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were divided into 4 groups (N = 8/per group): sertraline-treated group (Sert + Saline (Sal) and Sert + Formalin (Form); 3 mg·kg-1·day-1, ip, for 7 days) and saline-treated group (Sal + Sal and Sal + Form). The rats were injected with 5% (50 µL) formalin or saline into the right hind paw. Sciatic nerve activity was recorded using a silver electrode connected to a NeuroLog apparatus, and cardiopulmonary parameters (mean arterial pressure, heart rate and respiratory frequency), assessed after arterial cannulation and tracheotomy, were monitored using a Data Acquisition System. Blood samples were collected from the animals and serum 5-HT levels were determined by ELISA. Formalin injection induced the following changes: sciatic afferent nerve activity (+50.8 ± 14.7%), mean arterial pressure (+1.4 ± 3 mmHg), heart rate (+13 ± 6.8 bpm), respiratory frequency (+4.6 ± 5 cpm) and serum 5-HT increased to 1162 ± 124.6 ng/mL. Treatment with sertraline significantly reduced all these parameters (respectively: +19.8 ± 6.9%, -3.3 ± 2 mmHg, -13.1 ± 10.8 bpm, -9.8 ± 5.7 cpm) and serum 5-HT level dropped to 634 ± 69 ng/mL (P < 0.05). These results suggest that sertraline plays an analgesic role in formalin-induced nociception probably through a serotonergic mechanism.

Consórcio de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L. ) e alface sob dois arranjos de plantas / Intercrop of basil (Ocimum basilicum L. ) and lettuce under two plant arrangements

Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae) é comercialmente utilizada como aromatizante ou condimento preparado com suas folhas verdes e aromáticas, que podem ser usadas frescas ou secas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de biomassa de manjericão sob duas ou três fileiras no canteiro, consorciado ou não com alface. O manjericão e a alface foram alocados no campo em experimento conjunto, sendo constituídos cinco tratamentos da seguinte forma: duas fileiras solteiras de manjericão (M2) espaçadas de 0,50 m; três fileiras solteiras de manjericão espaçadas de 0,33 m (M3); quatro fileiras solteiras de alface espaçadas de 0,25 m (A4); duas fileiras solteiras de manjericão consorciadas com quatro fileiras de alface (M2A4) e três fileiras de manjericão consorciada com quatro fileiras de alface (M3A4). O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com oito repetições. As plantas de alface foram colhidas aos 48 dias após o transplantio e as de manjericão, em duas épocas, aos 96 e 113 dias após o transplantio (DAT). O consórcio não influenciou as áreas foliares nem as produções de folhas ou inflorescências do manjericão nem de cabeças comerciais ou não-comerciais da alface. No entanto, quanto ao arranjo de plantas, na segunda época de colheita, as plantas de manjericão cultivadas sob duas fileiras tiveram maior área foliar (2.076,99 cm² planta-1) e maior massa fresca de folhas (5.012,53 kg ha-1). Considerando-se que os valores da Razão de Área Equivalente - RAE na primeira e segunda colheita do manjericão foram maiores que 1,0, conclui-se que o consórcio manjericão com alface é viável. Recomenda-se o arranjo de três fileiras de manjericão alternadas com quatro fileiras de alface, e colheita aos 96 DAT, por ter tido RAE de 2,01.

Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae) is used commercially as flavoring or seasoning that was prepared with its green and aromatic leaves, which can be used fresh or dried. The aim of this work was to evaluate yield of biomass of basil under two or three rows per plot, intercropped or not with lettuce. Basil and lettuce were planted at field in joined experiment, which established five treatments: two rows of basil in monocrop system (M2) spaced 0.50 m; three rows of basil in monocrop system spaced 0.33 m (M3); four rows of lettuce in monocrop system spaced 0.25 m (A4); two rows of basil in monocrop system and intercropped with four rows of lettuce (M2A4) and three rows of basil intercropped with four rows of lettuce (M3A4). Used design was randomized blocks with eight replications. Lettuce plants were harvested on 48 days after transplanting and basil plants were harvested in two dates, on 96 and on 113 days after transplanting (DAT). Intercrop did not influence on foliar area neither on yields of leaves of inflorescences of basil neither on commercial or non-commercial lettuce heads. Although, regarding plant arrangement, on second harvest date, basil plants that were cultivated under two rows had the greatest foliar area (2,076.99 cm² plant-1) and the greatest fresh masses of leaves (5,012.53 kg ha-1). Considering that the values of Equivalent Area Ration in the first and the second harvest of basil were higher than 1.0. It was concluded that to intercrop basil with lettuce is viable. It is recommended the arrangement of three rows of basil alternated with four rows of lettuce, with harvested at 96 DAT, because it had EAR of 2.01.

Produção da fáfia [Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng. ) Pedersen] com cama-de-frango e fósforo incorporados ao solo / Yield of fáfia [Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng. ) Pedersen] with chicken manure, with or without the use of phosphorus incorporated to the soil

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito da incorporação ao solo de cama-de-frango e de fósforo sobre o crescimento e a produção da fáfia. Os tratamentos foram cinco doses de cama-de-frango semidecomposta (0, 5, 10, 15 e 20 t ha-1), com e sem o uso de fósforo (200 kg ha-1 de P2O5, na forma de superfosfato triplo), arranjados em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, no delineamento experimental blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. As alturas das plantas variaram em função das doses da cama-de-frango, sendo maiores (138,50 cm) sob 20 t ha-1. As produções de massas frescas e secas de folhas, caules e raízes foram influenciadas significativamente pela interação cama-de-frango e fósforo. As maiores produções de massa fresca e seca de folhas (597 kg ha-1 e 100 kg ha-1, respectivamente) foram obtidas com a dose de 20 t ha-1 de cama-de-frango, sem o uso de fósforo. Para caules, as maiores produções de massa fresca e seca (7.757 kg ha-1 e 2.633 kg ha-1, respectivamente) foram obtidas com a dose de 20 t ha-1 de cama-de-frango, com o uso de fósforo. As maiores produções de massa fresca e seca de raízes (9.065 kg ha-1 e 377 kg ha-1, respectivamente) foram obtidas com a dose de 20 t ha-1 de cama-de-frango, sem o uso de fósforo. Os teores médios de N, P e K das folhas foram de 8,60; 0,88 e 4,46 g kg-1, respectivamente. Os teores de Ca e Mg foram máximos (7,56 e 5,12 g kg-1, respectivamente) com o uso de 20 t ha-1 de cama-de-frango, independente do uso de P. Nas raízes os teores médios de N, P e Mg foram de 2,74; 0,27 e 0,96 g kg-1, respectivamente. O teor de K reduziu linearmente com as doses de cama-de-frango e o de Ca foi máximo com o uso de 20 t ha-1. Para se obter maiores produções de massas frescas e secas de folhas e raízes, as plantas de fáfia devem ser cultivadas com cama-de-frango (20 t ha-1) incorporada ao solo, sem necessidade de adição de fósforo.

The aimed of this study was to evaluate the effect of of chicken manure and phosphorus incorporated to the soil on growth and yield of fáfia. Treatments were five doses of chicken manure (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t ha-1), with and without the use of phosphorus (200 kg ha-1 of P2O5, in triple superphosphate form), arranged in 5 x 2 factorial scheme in randomized block design with four replications. Plant heights varied as a function of chicken manure doses, which the highest (138.50 cm) under 20 t ha-1. Yields of fresh and dried weight of leaves, stems and roots were influenced significantly by the interaction chicken manure x phosphorus. The highest yields of fresh and dried leaves (597 kg ha-1 and 100 kg ha-1, respectively) were obtained with the dose of 20 t ha-1 of chicken manure, without the use of phosphorus. For stems, the highest yields of fresh and dried weight (7.757 kg ha-1 and 2.633 kg ha-1, respectively) were obtained with the dose of 20 t ha-1 of chicken manure, with the use of phosphorus. The highest yields of fresh and dried weight of roots (9.065 kg ha-1 and 377 kg ha-1, respectively) were obtained with the dose of 20 t ha-1 of chicken manure, without the use of phosphorus. Average contents of N, P and K of leaves were 8.60; 0.88 and 4.46 g kg-1, respectively. Contents of Ca and Mg were maximum (7.56 and 5.12 g kg-1, respectively) with the use of 20 t ha-1 of chicken manure, independent on the use of phosphorus. In roots, average contents of N, P and Mg were 2.74, 0.27 and 0.96 g kg-1, respectively. K content reduced linearly with chicken manure doses and of Ca was maximum with the use of 20 t ha-1. For obtaining the highest yields of fresh and dried weight of leaves and roots, the fáfia plants must be grown with chicken manure (20 t ha-1) incorporated to the soil within the use of phosphorus.

Sex differences in the coronary vasodilation induced by 17 ß-oestradiol in the isolated perfused heart from spontaneously hypertensive rats.

AIM: The relaxation induced by oestrogen in the coronary vascular bed from normotensive rats has been well described. However, almost nothing is known about this action in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We investigated the effect of 17 ß-oestradiol (E(2) ) in coronary arteries from SHR as well as the contribution of the endothelium and the vascular smooth muscle to this action. METHODS: Coronary arteries from male and female rats were used. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and baseline coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) were determined. The effects of 10 µm E(2) were assessed by in bolus administration before and after endothelium denudation (0.25 µm sodium deoxycholate) or perfusion with 100 µm N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 2.8 µm indomethacin, 0.75 µm clotrimazole, 100 µm L-NAME after endothelium denudation (0.25 µm sodium deoxycholate), 100 µm L-NAME plus 2.8 µm indomethacin, 0.75 µm clotrimazole plus 2.8 µm indomethacin and 4 mm tetraethylammonium (TEA). RESULTS: MAP was higher in the male group, while CPP was higher in the female group (P<0.05). There were no differences in E(2)-induced relaxation between females and males (-17±1.6 vs. -17±2% respectively). Only in the female group the E(2) response was significantly attenuated after endothelium removal or perfusion with clotrimazole. The response to E(2) was reduced in both groups with L-NAME, L-NAME plus indomethacin, L-NAME after endothelium removal or TEA. CONCLUSIONS: Nitric oxide, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor and potassium channels may have the most important role to E(2) response in the female group, whereas nitric oxide and potassium channels may have the most important role in the male group.

Implicações da lipoclasia dermossônica no metabolismo energético e na composição corporal de ratos Wistar saudáveis / Implications of dermosonic lipoclasis for energy metabolism and body composition of healthy Wistar rats

OBJETIVOS: Investigar as implicações da lipoclasia dermossônica (LCD), lipólise do tecido adiposo branco subcutâneo induzido por ultrassom (US), no metabolismo energético e na composição corporal de ratos saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Utilizaram-se 20 ratos Wistar saudáveis, com 4 meses de idade, pesando ±380g, divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos: 1) controle-sham (CS), 2) terapia ultrassônica de baixa intensidade (TUSBI). Durante 10 dias, após sedação (halotano-3 por cento vaporizado), os animais eram submetidos à TUSBI (I SATA=3MHz, 1W.cm-2, modo pulsado 2:8ms, ciclo de 30 por cento por 3 minutos) em região infra-abdominal e inguinal. Medidas de peso, comprimento naso-anal e parâmetros metabólicos (ingestão e excreção) foram controlados durante o estudo. Ao final do tratamento, amostras de sangue foram coletadas para dosagens bioquímicas, e então avaliadas adiposidades retroperitoneal (RET), perirenal (PR), epididimal (EP) e inguinal (ING). O HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment) foi calculado para estimar resistência insulínica (RI). Para análise estatística, utilizou-se ANOVA, teste de Tukey e teste t de Student, com diferenças estabelecidas em p<0,05. RESULTADOS: No peso corporal, não houve alteração nos animais CS (384±9g), no entanto reduziu (p<0,01) no grupo TUSBI (337±2g), assim como a ingestão de comida (25±1g) vs.(21±1g). Houve ainda reduções (p<0,05) nos coxins RET, PR e ING, índice de obesidade, níveis de triglicerídeos e lipoproteínas plasmáticas. A hiperinsulinemia, sem alterações da glicemia, caracterizou estado de RI confirmado pelo HOMA-IR. CONCLUSÕES: A LDC reduziu a ingestão de comida e o peso corporal, além de modificar a deposição de gordura nos depósitos RET, PR e ING em ratos, o que alterou o perfil lipoprotéico produzindo importante quadro de RI.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the implications of Dermosonic lipoclasis (DLC), i.e. lipolysis on subcutaneous white adipose tissue induced by ultrasound, for the energy metabolism and body composition of healthy rats. METHODS: Twenty four-month-old male Wistar rats weighting ±380g were randomly divided into two groups: 1) sham control (SC) and 2) low-intensity ultrasound therapy (LIUST). For 10 days, after sedation with 3 percent vaporized halothane, the animals underwent LIUST (I SATA =3MHz, 1 Wcm-2, pulsed mode 2:8ms, 30 percent cycles for 3 minutes) in the infra-abdominal and inguinal regions. Weight measurements, naso-anal length and metabolic parameters (food and water intake and excretion) were monitored during the study. At the end of the treatment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses. Retroperitoneal (RET), perirenal (PR), epididymal (EP) and inguinal (ING) adiposity was evaluated. HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment) was calculated to estimate insulin resistance. For statistical analyses, the Student t test, ANOVA and the Tukey test were used, and differences were established as p<0.05. RESULTS: Regarding body weight, the SC group (384±9g) did not show any changes, while the treated group (337±2g) showed reductions (p<0.01). This was also seen in relation to food intake: (25±1g) vs. (21±1g). There were also reductions (p<0.05) in the RET, PR and ING fat-pads, obesity index, triglyceride levels and plasma lipoprotein levels. Hyperinsulinemia without changes in glycemia characterized a state of insulin resistance, which was confirmed by HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: DLC reduced the food intake and body weight and modified the fat deposition in the RET, PR and ING stores in rats. This changed the lipid profile to produce a significant state of insulin resistance.

Efeitos da crioterapia, estimulação elétrica transcutânea e da sua associação na atividade elétrica do nervo femoral em ratos / Effects of cryotherapy, transcutaneous electrical stimulation and their combination on femoral nerve electrical activity in rats

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Relatos clínicos sugerem que a associação terapêutica entre crioterapia (CRIO) e estimulação elétrica transcutânea (TENS) favorece analgesia local. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a atividade elétrica do nervo femoral (ANF), em repouso e durante a aplicação isolada, e associada de TENS e CRIO em ratos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados nove ratos (Wistar) adultos com peso de ±300g. Após anestesia (Uretana, 1mg/g i.p.), o nervo femoral direito foi isolado para registro da ANF basal e durante as modalidades analgésicas. Depois da fixação dos eletrodos no terço inferior da coxa direita, foram aplicadas TENS (50Hz, 10mÅ) por cinco minutos, CRIO isolada e terapia associada (TA) por dez minutos. Os registros contínuos da ANF foram realizados por meio de um amplificador de potenciais de ação, avaliados posteriormente no primeiro, quinto e décimo minuto em unidades arbitrárias (Ua). Utilizaram-se a análise de variância (ANOVA) uma via e o teste de Dunnett como post-hoc. Valores expressos como média ±EPM e as diferenças fixadas em p<0,05. RESULTADOS: A atividade do nervo femoral aumentou (p<0,01) na TENS (0,358±0,09Ua) e na TA (0,230±0,07Ua) e ficou inalterada após CRIO (0,063±0,003Ua), em relação ao basal inicial (0,009±0,0003Ua). No quinto minuto, observou-se uma significante (p<0,05) atenuação da ANF na modalidade TA (0,144±0,027Ua) versus TENS isolada (0,324±0,089Ua). CONCLUSÕES: A associação entre as modalidades analgésicas não-invasivas CRIO e TENS atenua significativamente os efeitos produzidos pela TENS isoladamente sobre a ANF de ratos anestesiados.

BACKGROUND: Clinical reports suggest that the therapeutic association between cryotherapy (CRYO) and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) favors local analgesia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the electrical activity of the femoral nerve (FNA), at rest and during single and combined application of TENS and CRYO, in rats. METHODS: Nine adult Wistar rats weighting ±300g were used in this study. After inducing anesthesia (Urethane, 1mg/g i.p.), the right femoral nerve was isolated in order to record the FNA at baseline and during the therapeutic modalities. After attaching the electrodes to the lower third of the right thigh, TENS (50Hz, 10mÅ) was applied for five minutes, and CRYO and the combined therapy (CT) for ten minutes. The FNA was recorded continuously by means of an action potential amplifier and the recordings from the first, fifth and tenth minutes were subsequently evaluated using arbitrary units (aU). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used, with Dunnett's test as post-hoc analysis. The values were expressed as the mean ±SEM and differences were established at p<0.05. RESULTS: The femoral nerve activity increased (p<0.01) after TENS (0.358±0.09aU) and CT (0.230±0.07aU) and was unchanged after CRYO (0.063±0.003aU), in relation to the baseline (0.009±0.0003aU). In the fifth minute, we observed significant (p<0.05) attenuation of FNA in the CT (0.144±0.027aU) in relation to TENS alone (0.324±0.089aU). CONCLUSIONS: The association between CRYO and TENS noninvasive analgesia significantly attenuates the effects produced by TENS alone on the FNA of anesthetized rats.

Influence of He-Ne laser therapy on the dynamics of wound healing in mice treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.

We determined the effects of helium-neon (He-Ne) laser irradiation on wound healing dynamics in mice treated with steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Male albino mice, 28-32 g, were randomized into 6 groups of 6 animals each: control (C), He-Ne laser (L), dexamethasone (D), D + L, celecoxib (X), and X + L. D and X were injected im at doses of 5 and 22 mg/kg, respectively, 24 h before the experiment. A 1-cm long surgical wound was made with a scalpel on the abdomens of the mice. Animals from groups L, D + L and X + L were exposed to 4 J (cm(2))-1 day-1 of He-Ne laser for 12 s and were sacrificed on days 1, 2, or 3 after the procedure, when skin samples were taken for histological examination. A significant increase of collagen synthesis was observed in group L compared with C (168 +/- 20 vs 63 +/- 8 mm(2)). The basal cellularity values on day 1 were: C = 763 +/- 47, L = 1116 +/- 85, D = 376 +/- 24, D + L = 698 +/- 31, X = 453 +/- 29, X + L = 639 +/- 32 U/mm(2). These data show that application of L increases while D and X decrease the inflammatory cellularity compared with C. They also show that L restores the diminished cellularity induced by the anti-inflammatory drugs. We suggest that He-Ne laser promotes collagen formation and restores the baseline cellularity after pharmacological inhibition, indicating new perspectives for laser therapy aiming to increase the healing process when anti-inflammatory drugs are used.

Influence of He-Ne laser therapy on the dynamics of wound healing in mice treated with anti-inflammatory drugs

We determined the effects of helium-neon (He-Ne) laser irradiation on wound healing dynamics in mice treated with steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Male albino mice, 28-32 g, were randomized into 6 groups of 6 animals each: control (C), He-Ne laser (L), dexamethasone (D), D + L, celecoxib (X), and X + L. D and X were injected im at doses of 5 and 22 mg/kg, respectively, 24 h before the experiment. A 1-cm long surgical wound was made with a scalpel on the abdomens of the mice. Animals from groups L, D + L and X + L were exposed to 4 J (cm²)-1 day-1 of He-Ne laser for 12 s and were sacrificed on days 1, 2, or 3 after the procedure, when skin samples were taken for histological examination. A significant increase of collagen synthesis was observed in group L compared with C (168 ± 20 vs 63 ± 8 mm²). The basal cellularity values on day 1 were: C = 763 ± 47, L = 1116 ± 85, D = 376 ± 24, D + L = 698 ± 31, X = 453 ± 29, X + L = 639 ± 32 U/mm². These data show that application of L increases while D and X decrease the inflammatory cellularity compared with C. They also show that L restores the diminished cellularity induced by the anti-inflammatory drugs. We suggest that He-Ne laser promotes collagen formation and restores the baseline cellularity after pharmacological inhibition, indicating new perspectives for laser therapy aiming to increase the healing process when anti-inflammatory drugs are used.

Sentinel lymph node in endometrial cancer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of identifying the sentinel lymph node and involvement of neoplastic cells in patients with endometrial carcinoma limited to the uterus, and also its correlation with the conditions of other pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes. Forty patients with endometrial carcinoma, clinical staging I and II, were submitted to complete surgical staging through laparotomy, as recommended by FIGO in 1988. The sentinel node was investigated using patent blue dye in the myometrial subserosa. The sentinel node was excised and submitted to frozen section examination of specimen, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Afterward, selective bilateral para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy, total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. The lymph nodes excised were examined by means of paraffin-embedded slices stained with H&E and of imunohistochemistry with antikeratin antibody AE1/AE3. The sentinel lymph node was identified in 77.5% of patients (31/40), and 16.1% (5/31) presented neoplastic involvement in the node. In 25 cases of negative sentinel node, 96% (24/25) had no neoplastic involvement, and 4% (1/25) had other lymph node affected (false negative). In nine cases with no sentinel node identified, 55.5% (5/9) had lymph node involvement. The results of this study allow us to conclude that it is possible to identify the sentinel node using the methods described, and the pathologic examination significantly represents the same conditions of other pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes.

Progesterone receptor (PROGINS) polymorphism and the risk of endometrial cancer development.

The progesterone receptor gene (PROGINS) has been identified as a risk modifier for benign and malignant gynecological diseases. The present case-control study is to evaluate the role of the PROGINS polymorphisms, as risk factor, for endometrial cancer development and to investigate the association between these genetics variants and clinical/pathologic variables of endometrial cancer. PROGINS polymorphism was examined in a total of 121 patients with endometrial cancer and 282 population-based control subjects, all located at the same area in São Paulo, SP, Brazil. The genotyping of PROGINS polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction. The frequencies of PROGINS polymorphism T1/T1, T1/T2, and T2/T2 were 82.6%, 14.9%, and 2.5% in the endometrial cancer patients and 78.4%, 21.6%, and 0% in the controls, respectively. The chi(2) test showed a higher incidence of the T2/T2 genotype in the endometrial cancer group subjects, these results were statistically different (P= 0.012). However, due to the fact that there were no women in the control group showing homozygosis for the allele T2, the correct evaluation of odds ratio could not be properly calculated. Regarding the clinical and pathologic findings observed within the group of patients with endometrial cancer, there was significant correlation between T1/T2 genotype and the presence of myoma (P= 0.048). No correlations were observed among the other variables. These data suggest that the PROGINS polymorphism T2/T2 genotype might be associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

Differential gene expression profile reveals overexpression of MAP3K8 in invasive endometrioid carcinoma.

Gene microarray technology is highly effective in screening for differential gene expression and has hence become a popular tool in the molecular investigation of cancer. In the present study, cDNA microarrays containing 2,000 different genes were used to analyze gene expression profiles in ten human postmenopausal endometrioid-paired carcinoma specimens versus corresponding adjacent normal tissue to identify differentially expressed genes. In our study several genes were found differentially expressed. One of them was the MAP3K8, a gene that has never been described to be overexpressed in this kind of malignancy. To validate the differential expression of this gene as well as the membrane array, we performed semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis. MAP3K8 was found overexpressed in 30% of the endometrial carcinoma samples. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report showing the MAP3K8 oncogene linked to human endometrial carcinoma suggesting that it may be another molecule involved in human endometrial cancer.