A novel experimental model of erectile dysfunction in rats with heart failure using volume overload.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure (HF) display erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the pathophysiology of ED during HF remains poorly investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the aortocaval fistula (ACF) rat model associated with HF as a novel experimental model of ED. We have undertaken molecular and functional studies to evaluate the alterations of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway, autonomic nervous system and oxidative stress in the penis. METHODS: Male rats were submitted to ACF for HF induction. Intracavernosal pressure in anesthetized rats was evaluated. Concentration-response curves to contractile (phenylephrine) and relaxant agents (sodium nitroprusside; SNP), as well as to electrical field stimulation (EFS), were obtained in the cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM) strips from sham and HF rats. Protein expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) and phosphodiestarese-5 in CSM were evaluated, as well as NOX2 (gp91phox) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) mRNA expression. SOD activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) were also performed in plasma. RESULTS: HF rats display erectile dysfunction represented by decreased ICP responses compared to sham rats. The neurogenic contractile responses elicited by EFS were greater in CSM from the HF group. Likewise, phenylephrine-induced contractions were greater in CSM from HF rats. Nitrergic response induced by EFS were decreased in the cavernosal tissue, along with lower eNOS, nNOS and phosphodiestarese-5 protein expressions. An increase of NOX2 and SOD mRNA expression in CSM and plasma TBARs of HF group were detected. Plasma SOD activity was decreased in HF rats. CONCLUSION: ED in HF rats is associated with decreased NO bioavailability in erectile tissue due to eNOS/nNOS dowregulation and NOX2 upregulation, as well as hypercontractility of the penis. This rat model of ACF could be a useful tool to evaluate the molecular alterations of ED associated with HF.

Hemicellulose dressing versus rayon dressing in the re-epithelialization of split-thickness skin graft donor sites: a multicenter study.

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a hemicellulose dressing with that of rayon dressing in the healing of split-thickness skin graft donor sites. Twenty-eight patients were selected from five different hospitals and randomized into two groups: hemicellulose dressing group and rayon dressing group. All patients underwent split-thickness skin grafting for various reasons, and the skin graft donor site wounds were covered with hemicellulose dressing (n=14) or rayon dressing (n=14). The donor site was assessed on postoperative days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 for hyperemia, pruritus, pain, exudate level, and adherence of the wound dressing. At the 60-day follow-up visit, the donor site was assessed again for pruritus and pain. Touch-pressure, thermal, and pain sensibility tests were performed preoperatively and on postoperative day 60 together with the assessment of color and texture of the re-epithelialized area. In all patients, re-epithelialization was completed between 14 and 21 days after surgery. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to pain, hyperemia, pruritus, exudate, and final appearance (color and texture) of the skin graft donor site. The rayon dressing provided significantly better adherence than the hemicellulose dressing, and both dressings showed similar results with regard to the parameters evaluated when used in the treatment of split-thickness skin graft donor sites.

Cellulose Dressing Versus Rayon Dressing in Skin Graft Donor Sites: Aspects of Patients' Health-related Quality of Life and Self-esteem .

UNLABELLED:  Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and self-esteem of patients who underwent split-thickness skin grafting, when either cellulose dressings or rayon dressings were applied to the donor sites. METHODS: A total of 25 patients, who were enrolled at five participant hospitals and required split-thickness skin grafting for various clinical reasons, were randomized into two treatment groups, the rayon dressing group (n = 13), or the cellulose dressing group (n = 12). All patients were assessed preoperatively and 60 days postoperatively. The HRQoL was assessed with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire, and self-esteem was evaluated using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE)/UNIFESP-EPM (Brazilian versions). There were no surgery-related complications during the study period. RESULTS: In both treatment groups, SF-36 scores for emotional role, mental health, vitality, and general health decreased from baseline. RSE scores increased from baseline in both treatment groups, showing a reduction in self-esteem after treatment. There was a statistical difference (P = 0.024) in the SF-36 bodily pain domain for the rayon group. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in HRQoL and self-esteem between treatment groups. In the rayon-dressing group, there was a significant decrease in bodily pain from baseline .