Renovascular hypertension increases serum TNF and CX3CL1 in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Trypanosoma cruzi triggers a progressive inflammatory response affecting cardiovascular functions in humans and experimental models. Angiotensin II, a key effector of the renin-angiotensin system, plays roles in mediating hypertension, heart failure, and inflammatory responses. T. cruzi and AngII can induce inflammatory responses by releasing inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to evaluate systemic AngII, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and CX3CL1 mediators in a two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) renovascular hypertension model using Wistar rats infected with T. cruzi. Our data showed an increase in serum AngII in uninfected and T. cruzi-infected rats 1 week after 2K1C surgery compared to non-2K1C (Sham) animals. The baseline systolic blood pressure was higher in both uninfected and infected 2K1C rats. Despite no difference in circulating parasites in the acute phase of infection, elevated serum TNF and CX3CL1 were observed at 8 weeks post-infection in 2K1C rats in association with higher cardiac inflammatory infiltration. In summary, AngII-induced hypertension associated with T. cruzi infection may act synergistically to increase TNF and CX3CL1 in the 2K1C rat model, thereby intensifying cardiac inflammatory infiltration and worsening the underlying inflammation triggered by this protozoan.

Identification of differentially expressed genes in pathways of cerebral neurotransmission of anovulatory mice.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the classic example of loss of functional cyclicity and anomalous feedback. In this case, the excessive extra-glandular production and conversion of androgens to estrogens are the pathophysiological basis of the chronic anovulation. The literature describes an experimental model of the polymicrocystic ovary in obese diabetic mice with insulin resistance. The fact that these animals exhibit obesity, insulin resistance, and infertility demonstrates their skill as an experimental model for polycystic ovary. A recent study using long protocol for up to 40 weeks showed that anovulatory and obese mice transplanted with adipose tissue from animals with normal weight have multiple changes in their phenotype. These changes include reduction of body weight, prevention of obesity, insulin level normalization, and insulin tolerance tests, preventing the elevation of steroids and especially the reversal of fertility restoration with anovulation. Considering that there are close relationships between the ovulation process and the central nervous system, we propose to evaluate the gene expression levels of 84 different genes involved in neurotransmission and insulin pathways in addition to examining the neurolipidosis differential murine brain before and after reversal of anovulation. The present study showed changes in gene expression of molecular markers in brain tissue of animals for brain neurotransmission pathways as well as pathways for insulin. GABAergic genes, muscarinic, serotonin receptors, receptor tyrosine kinase, and genes of interleukin 6 showed overexpression profile. There was also a change in the lipid content in anovulatory brain, obesity, and insulin resistant mice (Ob-/Ob-) compared with controls. The re-introduction of leptin in these animals appears to reverse, at least in part, this profile.

Reproductive strategies in two inseminating species of Glandulocaudini, Mimagoniates microlepis and Mimagoniates rheocharis (Characiformes: Characidae: Stevardiinae).

The reproductive biology of two inseminating Glandulocaudini species, Mimagoniates microlepis and Mimagoniates rheocharis, was investigated and compared with reproductive patterns described for other inseminating and non-inseminating characids, hypothesizing the evolutionary history of these reproductive traits. The long reproductive period, with higher activity in colder months, distinguishes the reproductive strategy of these species when compared with most characiforms. The M. rheocharis population was structured in two groups of males throughout the year, mature males with high gonado-somatic index (IG = 2·0 and 4·4) and immature and maturing males with low IG values (0·0 and 1·2). Mimagoniates rheocharis and M. microlepis showed the lowest absolute mean fecundities known for characids, indicating that inseminating species allocate less energy to oocyte production and reinforcing the hypothesis that insemination has an adaptive advantage, which provides a higher chance of fertilization.

Paralisia braquial obstetrica. / Obstetric brachial plexus palsy

Os autores apresentam estudo de 196 casos de paralisia braquial obstetrica levantados durante o periodo de 1960-1981, no Servico do Prof. Jose Henrique G. Matta Machado. Um levantamento bibliografico e apresentado e as diversas tecnicas para tratamento sao discutidas. A prevencao das lesoes esta relacionada as qualificacoes dos servicos obstetricos e nao ha indicacao para aumentar a eleicao de cesarea com a finalidade de evitar a paralisia braquial obstetrica. A indicacao cirurgica precoce sobre o plexo braquial nao e uma boa solucao e, tambem aqui, o proprio autor de tecnica, recentemente, ja e muito menos intervencionista. As diversas tecnicas empregadas em nosso Servico, para correcao das deformidades e/ou melhoria funcional, sao apresentadas, concluindo-se que devem ser iniciadas pela mao e nao pelo ombro

Anastomose ileo-transversa latero lateral - tecnica asseptica. / Latero-lateral ileotransverse anastomosis - aseptic technic

Os autores apresentam os resultados preliminares com a utilizacao de anastomose asseptica do ileo ao colon transverso, em casos de obstrucao do hemicolo direito. Fazem referencias aos detalhes da tecnica cirurgica empregada. Consideram esta tecnica segura e eficiente, em casos de obstrucao, por dispensar a aspiracao previa do conteudo intestinal e as manobras tecnicas para adequar diametros das bocas intestinais a serem anastomosadas

Histiocitoma fibroso maligno dos ossos: um importante diagnostico diferencial entre as neoplasias osseas malignas. / Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bones an important differential diagnosis of malignant bone neoplasms

Sao relatados 3 casos de histiocitoma fibroso maligno primario dos ossos (HFMO), diagnosticados histologicamente, desde o inicio, como tal. Radiologicamente, o tumor caracterizouse por lesoes osteoliticas, unicas ou multiplas, de limites imprecisos, com expansao e/ ou destruicao cortical. Histologicamente, o tumor e constituido de histiocitos atipicos, com formas variaves, imitando varios outros tumores malignos. O prognostico,geralmente, e melhor que os dos outros tumores com que o HFMO e confundido. Entretanto, um dos casos faleceu com grande tumor e outro teve alta em precario estado geral, apos recusar qualquer forma de tratamento