Smoking Intensity Increases Diaphragm Muscle Injury: A Clinicopathologic Study.

BACKGROUND: Studying the effects of smoking intensity is important to evaluate the risk of tobacco use on a range of illnesses, such as as sarcopenia among the elderly. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of pack-years of cigarette smoking on the diaphragm muscle (DIAm) histopathology of postmortem samples. METHODS: Subjects were divided into three groups: never-smoker (n = 46); less than 30 pack-years of smoking (n = 12); and more than 30 pack-years of smoking (n = 30). Diaphragm samples were stained with Picrosirius red and hematoxylin and eosin stain for general structure. RESULTS: Participants with more than 30 pack-years of cigarette smoking had a significant increase in adipocytes, blood vessels and collagen deposit, as well as an increase in histopathological alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Pack-years of smoking was associated with DIAm injury. However, further clinicopathological studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Smoking intensity increases diaphragm muscle injury: a clinicopathologic study

BACKGROUND: Studying the effects of smoking intensity is important to evaluate the risk of tobacco use on a range of illnesses, such as sarcopenia among the elderly. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of pack-years of cigarette smoking on the diaphragm muscle (DIAm) histopathology of postmortem samples. METHODS: Subjects were divided into three groups: never-smoker (n = 46); less than 30 pack-years of smoking (n = 12); and more than 30 pack-years of smoking (n = 30). Diaphragm samples were stained with Picrosirius red and hematoxylin and eosin stain for general structure. RESULTS: Participants with more than 30 pack-years of cigarette smoking had a significant increase in adipocytes, blood vessels and collagen deposit, as well as an increase in histopathological alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Pack-years of smoking was associated with DIAm injury. However, further clinicopathological studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Aerobic exercise modulates visceral adipose tissue of estrogen deprived rats in na experimental model of Dyslipidemia

INTRODUCTION Menopausal women have an increase deposition of body fat and changes in the lipid profile, being especially susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes. However, physical activity can mitigate this situation. Thus, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of moderate aerobic exercise on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of female LDL-receptor knockout ovariectomized mice. METHODS We used 48 animals, divided into six groups (n » 8/per group): sedentary control (SC), sedentary ovariectomized control (SCO), trained ovariectomized control (TCO), sedentary non-ovariectomized LDL-receptor knockout (KS), sedentary ovariectomized LDL-receptor knockout (KOS), and trained LDL-receptor knockout ovariectomized (KOT). We analyzed the VAT through morphometric and stereological parameters in hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. Additionally, we evaluated biochemical parameters as glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Finally, immunohistochemical techniques for matrix remodeling, inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were evaluated. RESULTS We observed thatmenopause is related to increased visceral adiposity, inflammation, oxidative stress, macrophages activity, serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. However, exercise was effective in reducing these parameters, as well as being associated with increased vascularization of VAT and interstitial volume density. CONCLUSIONS Moderate exercise is a key factor in mitigating the effects of dyslipidemia in estrogen deprivation. However, further studies are needed to corroborate with our findings.

Effects of resistance training on kidney morphology of aged ovariectomized rats.

With the advancing age, there is an increase of the incidence of chronic renal diseases. However, it is suggested that exercise, as resistance training, is a key factor in positively modulate the kidney structure and function. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of estrogen deprivation and a moderate resistance protocol on the right kidney structure of rats. A total of 32 animals were randomly divided in four groups (n = 8/per group): control group (CG); resistance trained animals (RT); control ovariectomized animals (OvxC); and trained ovariectomized animals (OvxT). Sections of the right kidney were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for morphometry and blood was collected for biochemical analysis. Our results showed that the group submitted to both ovariectomy and resistance training had significant impact on renal corpuscle components (Bowman's space, renal corpuscle area, and visceral layer), and proximal and distal tubules. Additionally, resistance training, with or without estrogen deprivation, increases creatine phosphokinase and decreases ultrasensitive C-reactive protein. In summary, we suggested that moderate resistance training may be a key factor to maintain the kidney structure and function across age. However, future studies are need to corroborate with our findings.

Effects of resistance training on kidney morphology of aged ovariectomized rats

ABSTRACT: With the advancing age, there is an increase of the incidence of chronic renal diseases. However, it is suggested that exercise, as resistance training, is a key factor in positively modulate the kidney structure and function. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of estrogen deprivation and a moderate resistance protocol on the right kidney structure of rats. A total of 32 animals were randomly divided in four groups (n = 8/per group): control group (CG); resistance trained animals (RT); control ovariectomized animals (OvxC); and trained ovariectomized animals (OvxT). Sections of the right kidney were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for morphometry and blood was collected for biochemical analysis. Our results showed that the group submitted to both ovariectomy and resistance training had significant impact on renal corpuscle components (Bowman's space, renal corpuscle area, and visceral layer), and proximal and distal tubules. Additionally, resistance training, with or without estrogen deprivation, increases creatine phosphokinase and decreases ultrasensitive C-reactive protein. In summary, we suggested that moderate resistance training may be a key factor to maintain the kidney structure and function across age. However, future studies are need to corroborate with our findings.

Remodeling of the soleus muscle of ovariectomized old female rats submitted to resistance training and different diet intake.

Sarcopenia is a common condition that is associated mainly with hormonal factors, nutritional status, physical activity, leading to a lower quality of life. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets with vegetable or animal proteins (AP) associated with resistance training on the structure of the soleus muscle in aged Wistar rats. The histochemical technique was used for the typing of muscle fibers, the cross-sectional area of myocytes, and volume densities of myocytes and interstitium. Picrosirius stain was used to quantify the collagen density. Diet intake, mainly animal protein, associated with resistance training leaded to muscle remodeling, and increased deposit of collagen fibers. We observed hypertrophy in animal groups that consumed animal protein diet, even the sedentary group, although more evident in those trained.

Effects of moderate aerobic exercise on thoracic aortic remodeling of female LDL-receptor knockout ovariectomized mice.

Menopause is a major factor involved in dyslipidemia increasing the risk of atherosclerosis which may be reversed by a routine of aerobic physical activity. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of aerobic training on the thoracic aorta of female LDL-receptor knockout mice submitted to estrogen deprivation. Fifteen genetically modified female mice, knockout for the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-Knockout group) were used as experimental groups and fifteen wild female mice (C57BL/6 J) were used as control groups. Animals were divided as (n = 5/per group): sedentary control (SC); sedentary control ovariectomized (SCO); trained control ovariectomized (TCO); LDL-Knockout sedentary (KS); LDL-Knockout sedentary ovariectomized (KOS); and LDL-Knockout trained ovariectomized (KOT). Immunohistochemical techniques for TIMP-1 and metalloproteinases 2 and 9 were used to evaluate thoracic aorta remodeling. Picrosirius stain was used to highlight the collagen fibers. Verhoff-Van Gienson was used for the quantitative analyses of elastic lamellae. Our results demonstrate a positive remodeling promoted by physical exercise in ovariectomized and dyslipidemic animals. However, further studies are needed including the evaluation of inflammatory markers present in dyslipidemia.

Effects of moderate aerobic exercise on thoracic aortic remodeling of female LDL-receptor knockout ovariectomized mice

Menopause is a major factor involved in dyslipidemia increasing the risk of atherosclerosis which may be reversed by a routine of aerobic physical activity. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of aerobic training on the thoracic aorta of female LDL-receptor knockout mice submitted to estrogen deprivation. Fifteen genetically modified female mice, knockout for the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-Knockout group) were used as experimental groups and fifteen wild female mice (C57BL/6 J) were used as control groups. Animals were divided as (n = 5/per group): sedentary control (SC); sedentary control ovariectomized (SCO); trained control ovariectomized (TCO); LDL-Knockout sedentary (KS); LDL-Knockout sedentary ovariectomized (KOS); and LDL-Knockout trained ovariectomized (KOT). Immunohistochemical techniques for TIMP-1 and metalloproteinases 2 and 9 were used to evaluate thoracic aorta remodeling. Picrosirius stain was used to highlight the collagen fibers. Verhoff-Van Gienson was used for the quantitative analyses of elastic lamellae. Our results demonstrate a positive remodeling promoted by physical exercise in ovariectomized and dyslipidemic animals. However, further studies are needed including the evaluation of inflammatory markers present in dyslipidemia.

Ultrastructural effects of diabetes in the right atrium cardiomyocytes of elderly Wistar rats.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of diabetes on quantitative parameters of right atrial cardiomyocytes of elderly rats. Wistar rats (14 months of age) were divided into two groups: streptozotocin-diabetic rats (DG) and control rats (CG). The groups were sacrificed at 16 months. Ultrafine sections of the right atrium were analyzed by electron microscopy. In elderly diabetic animals, histograms of the frequency distribution of natriuretic peptides according to their size showed increased number of small and medium peptides in relation to large peptides, which increased its numerical density leading to a decrease in the mean diameter of both natriuretic peptides. However, elderly diabetic animals remained normotensive. No significant difference was observed between the groups for the volume density of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. In conclusion, elderly diabetic rats showed increased functional activity of atrial cardiomyocytes with greater production of natriuretic peptides in association with a quantitative maintenance of cytoplasmic components.

Effects of resistance training on liver structure and function of aged rats.

The aging process may cause negative physiological changes. However, exercises as resistance training (RT) have been considered an important intervention to attenuate these changes. Additionally, liver plays an important role in blood glucose homeostasis in exercise. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the effects of RT on the liver components of aged animals. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: 24 months' group (CONTROL); and group submitted to a progressive RT protocol for 16 weeks (EXERCISE). Both groups were sacrificed at 24 months. RESULTS: We observed a decrease in blood flow due to the practice of resistance exercises. Besides, our results showed that hepatic tissue plays an important role in glycemic homeostasis during RT. In addition, RT increased mitogen capacity of hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed many implications for the knowledge about the effects of strength training on old animals' liver.

Effects of Strength Training and Anabolic Steroid in the Peripheral Nerve and Skeletal Muscle Morphology of Aged Rats.

Thirty male 20-month-old Wistar rats were divided into groups: IC-initial control (n = 6), FC-final control (n = 6), AC-anabolic hormone control (n = 6), ST-strength trained (n = 6) and STA-strength trained with anabolic hormone (n = 6). All groups were submitted to adaptation, familiarization and maximum load carrying test (MLCT). Strength training (6-8×/session with loads of 50%-100% MLCT, 3×/week and pause of 120 s) was performed in ladder climbing (LC) for 15 weeks. The administration of testosterone propionate (TP) was performed 2×/week (10 mg/kg) in animals in the AC and STA groups. After the experimental period, animals were euthanized and the tibial nerve and plantaris muscle removed and prepared for electron transmission and histochemistry. To compare the groups we used one-way ANOVA (post hoc Bonferroni), student's t-tests for pre vs. post (dependent and independent variables) comparisons and significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. The following significant results were found: (a) aging decreased the number of myelinated axon fibers; (b) use of isolated TP increased the diameter of myelinated fibers, along with increased thickness of myelin sheath; (c) ST increased area of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers, together with the myelin sheath. These changes made it possible to increase the area occupied by myelinated fibers keeping their quantity and also reduce the interstitial space; and (d) association of anabolic steroid and ST increased the area of unmyelinated axons and thickness of the myelin sheath. Compared to ST, both strategies have similar results. However, Schwann cells increased significantly only in this strategy.

Effects of testosterone administration on liver structure and function in aging rats.

Aging males have a decrease in testosterone levels, by which the testosterone treatment may influence in a negatively fashion the liver. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the effects of aging with or without testosterone administration on the liver components of animals. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into three groups: 20 months' group (G20), 24 months' group (G24), group treated with testosterone for 16 weeks (GT). All groups were sacrificed at 24 months except for G20 that was sacrificed at 20 months. RESULTS: Aging and testosterone treatment alters the body weight (BW), liver weight (LW) and relative liver weight. Besides, testosterone increased the mitogen capacity of hepatocytes. Nonetheless, we reinforce the negative effects of testosterone on old animals' liver as chronic hepatic congestion and/or cholestasis. In addition, we observed that testosterone plays an important role on hepatic glycogen stores. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed many implications for the knowledge about the effects of aging with or without testosterone administration on old animals' liver.