Efficacy and safety of levetiracetam as adjunctive therapy for refractory focal epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy affects about 50 million people worldwide and around 30% of these patients have refractory epilepsy, with potential consequences regarding quality of life, morbidity and premature mortality. OBJECTIVE: The aim of treatment with antiseizure medications (ASMs) is to allow patients to remain without seizures, with good tolerability. Levetiracetam is a broad-spectrum ASM with a unique mechanism of action that differs it from other ASMs. It has been shown to be effective and safe for treating adults and children with epilepsy. METHODS: This was a phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in children and adults (4-65 years) as an adjuvant treatment for focal-onset seizures. It was conducted among 114 patients undergoing treatment with up to three ASMs. The primary efficacy analysis was based on the proportion of patients who achieved a reduction of ≥ 50% in the mean number of focal seizures per week, over a 16-week treatment period. The patients were randomized to receive placebo or levetiracetam, titrated every two weeks from 20 mg/kg/day or 1,000 mg/day up to 60 mg/kg/day or 3,000 mg/day. RESULTS: Levetiracetam was significantly superior to placebo (p = 0.0031); 38.7% of the participants in the levetiracetam group and 14.3% in the control group shows reductions in focal seizures. Levetiracetam was seen to have a favorable safety profile and an adverse event rate similar to that of placebo. CONCLUSION: Corroborating the results in the literature, levetiracetam was shown to be effective and safe for children and adults with refractory focal-onset epilepsy.

Efficacy and safety of levetiracetam as adjunctive therapy for refractory focal epilepsy / Eficácia e segurança do levetiracetam como terapia adjunta na epilepsia focal refratária

ABSTRACT Background: Epilepsy affects about 50 million people worldwide and around 30% of these patients have refractory epilepsy, with potential consequences regarding quality of life, morbidity and premature mortality. Objective: The aim of treatment with antiseizure medications (ASMs) is to allow patients to remain without seizures, with good tolerability. Levetiracetam is a broad-spectrum ASM with a unique mechanism of action that differs it from other ASMs. It has been shown to be effective and safe for treating adults and children with epilepsy. Methods: This was a phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in children and adults (4-65 years) as an adjuvant treatment for focal-onset seizures. It was conducted among 114 patients undergoing treatment with up to three ASMs. The primary efficacy analysis was based on the proportion of patients who achieved a reduction of ≥ 50% in the mean number of focal seizures per week, over a 16-week treatment period. The patients were randomized to receive placebo or levetiracetam, titrated every two weeks from 20 mg/kg/day or 1,000 mg/day up to 60 mg/kg/day or 3,000 mg/day. Results: Levetiracetam was significantly superior to placebo (p = 0.0031); 38.7% of the participants in the levetiracetam group and 14.3% in the control group shows reductions in focal seizures. Levetiracetam was seen to have a favorable safety profile and an adverse event rate similar to that of placebo. Conclusion: Corroborating the results in the literature, levetiracetam was shown to be effective and safe for children and adults with refractory focal-onset epilepsy.

RESUMO Introdução: A epilepsia afeta cerca de 50 milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo e aproximadamente 30% desses pacientes apresentam epilepsia refratária, com possíveis consequências na qualidade de vida, morbidade e mortalidade prematura. Objetivo: O objetivo do tratamento com fármacos antiepilépticos (FAEs) é permitir que os pacientes permaneçam sem crises epilépticas com boa tolerabilidade. O levetiracetam (LEV) é um FAE de amplo espectro, com mecanismo de ação único, diferente dos demais e que demonstra ser eficaz e seguro no tratamento de adultos e crianças. Métodos: Estudo de fase III, multicêntrico, randomizado, duplo-cego e controlado por placebo avalia a eficácia e a segurança do LEV em crianças e adultos (4-65 anos) como tratamento adjuvante para crises de início focal em 114 pacientes já tratados com até três FAEs. A análise de eficácia primária foi baseada na proporção de pacientes que apresentaram redução ≥50% no número médio de crises epilépticas focais semanais, durante 16 semanas. Os pacientes foram randomizados para receber placebo ou LEV, titulado a cada duas semanas de 20 mg/kg/dia ou 1.000 mg/dia até 60 mg/kg/dia ou 3.000 mg/dia. Resultados: LEV foi significativamente superior ao placebo (p=0,0031), com 38,7% dos participantes no grupo LEV e 14,3% no grupo controle que apresentaram redução das crises focais. LEV apresenta bom perfil de segurança com eventos adversos semelhantes ao placebo. Conclusão: Corroborando com os resultados da literatura, o levetiracetam mostra-se eficaz e seguro para crianças e adultos com epilepsia focal refratária.

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Fixed-Dose Combination of Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe Compared with a Fixed-Dose Combination of Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Brazilian Patients with Primary Hypercholesterolemia or Mixed Dyslipidemia: A Multicenter, Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: The addition of ezetimibe to statin therapy has been reported to result in increased efficacy for reduction of LDL-C levels and achievement of lipid targets, compared with monotherapy. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to demonstrate the noninferiority of therapy with fixed-dose rosuvastatin plus ezetimibe formulations versus fixed dose simvastatin and ezetimibe formulations for reduction of LDL-C levels in Brazilian patients with hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. METHODS: Phase III, multicenter, randomized, parallel, open-label, noninferiority study that included male and female participants (aged 21-80 years) with hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. After a 1-week screening period with washout of lipid-lowering medications when needed, patients were treated with simvastatin 20 mg/d for 5 weeks. Participants with LDL-C levels ≥100 mg/dL after the initial treatment were submitted to a 1-week washout period, and then randomized 1:1 to receive either combined rosuvastatin 10 mg + ezetimibe 10 mg (R/E) or simvastatin 20 mg + ezetimibe 10 mg (S/E) for 4 weeks and, if they still did not achieve the stipulated target, doses were readjusted to rosuvastatin 20 mg + ezetimibe 10 mg or simvastatin 40 mg + ezetimibe 10 mg, respectively, for 4 weeks. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-nine participants were enrolled, including 66 in R/E and 63 in S/E. At the end of simvastatin 20 mg treatment period, mean LDL-C values were 124.79 mg/dL and 121.27 mg/dL for participants randomized to R/E and S/E arms, respectively. After 4 weeks of R/E 10 mg + 10 mg or S/E 20 mg + 10 mg combined treatments, adjusted mean LDL-C values were 74.21 mg/dL and 85.58 mg/dL, respectively (P = 0.0005), and after 9 weeks, with dose adjustment to R/E 20 mg + 10 mg in 6 patients and to S/E 40 mg +10 mg in 19 patients, LDL-C adjusted mean values were 75.29 mg/dL and 86.62 mg/dL, respectively (P = 0.0006). There was a statistically significant difference between the association R/E and S/E (P = 0.0013) in percentage change of LDL-C after 9 weeks of combined treatments. The adjusted mean difference was estimated at -10.32% (95% CI, -16.94% to -3.70%). The LDL-C <100 mg/dL target was achieved in a significantly greater proportion of participants at week 4 in the R/E compared with the S/E arm (84.8% vs 68.2%; P = .0257), and at week 9, the proportion was 81.2% versus 73.0%, respectively (P = 0.23). LDL-C <70 mg/dL was achieved at a significantly greater proportion in the R/E arm, both at week 4 (45.4% vs 15.9%; P = 0.003) and week 9 (40.9% vs 15.9%; P = 0.0017). A statistically significant difference at week 9 (P = 0.0106) was observed in fasting blood glucose in the R/E arm, but the overall incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Rosuvastatin and ezetimibe fixed dose combination in both 10 mg/10 mg and 20 mg/10 mg doses, respectively, provided significantly lower levels of LDL-C compared with simvastatin and ezetimibe in doses of 20 mg/10 mg and 40 mg/10 mg, respectively. The fixed-dose combinations were both effective and well tolerated in this Brazilian study population. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01420549. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 81:XXX-XXX).

Imbalance of Steroid Hormones in Hamsters Infected with Schistosoma mansoni.

OBJECTIVE: Schistosomiasis is a debilitating disease that affects 200 million people worldwide. Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni are the major causative agents of this disease. Cancer-association and infertility-association in Schistosoma haematobium infection have already been described and it is known that the parasite produces a catechol-estrogen molecule that induces a hormonal imbalance in the host. METHODS: In order to better understand the relation of hormonal imbalance in experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection, we investigated a serum panel of steroid hormones in Schistosoma mansoni infected hamsters. RESULTS: We found a decrease in the serum levels of Estradiol (E2), Testosterone and Progesterone in infected females and an increase of Testosterone and a decrease in Progesterone in infected males in comparison with controls. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that S. mansoni alters the levels of steroid hormones in infected males and females and it will increase the repertoire of data about the host-parasite molecular interplay and its relation with the endocrine system.

Congenital hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism due to aldosterone synthase deficiency type I in a Portuguese patient - Case report and review of literature.

Hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism due to aldosterone synthase (AS) deficiency is a rare condition typically presenting as salt-wasting syndrome in the neonatal period. A one-month-old Portuguese boy born to non-consanguineous parents was examined for feeding difficulties and poor weight gain. A laboratory workup revealed severe hyponatremia, hyperkaliaemia and high plasma renin with unappropriated normal plasma aldosterone levels, raising the suspicion of AS deficiency. Genetic analysis showed double homozygous of two different mutations in the CYP11B2 gene: p.Glu198Asp in exon 3 and p.Val386Ala in exon 7. The patient maintains regular follow-up visits in endocrinology clinics and has demonstrated a favourable clinical and laboratory response to mineralocorticoid therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first Portuguese case of AS deficiency reported with confirmed genetic analysis.

Congenital hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism due to aldosterone synthase deficiency type I in a Portuguese patient - Case report and review of literature

SUMMARY Hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism due to aldosterone synthase (AS) deficiency is a rare condition typically presenting as salt-wasting syndrome in the neonatal period. A one-month-old Portuguese boy born to non-consanguineous parents was examined for feeding difficulties and poor weight gain. A laboratory workup revealed severe hyponatremia, hyperkaliaemia and high plasma renin with unappropriated normal plasma aldosterone levels, raising the suspicion of AS deficiency. Genetic analysis showed double homozygous of two different mutations in the CYP11B2 gene: p.Glu198Asp in exon 3 and p.Val386Ala in exon 7. The patient maintains regular follow-up visits in endocrinology clinics and has demonstrated a favourable clinical and laboratory response to mineralocorticoid therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first Portuguese case of AS deficiency reported with confirmed genetic analysis.

Retinal toxicity due to hydroxychloroquine: frequency in an Ophthalmology ambulatory / Toxicidade retiniana pela hidroxicloroquina: frequência em um ambulatório de Oftalmologia

Abstract Hydroxychloroquine is widely used by rheumatologists for the treatment of various diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis because of its safety and low cost. However, it can cause retinal abnormalities. Until today, there is no Brazilian protocol for screening for retinal changes in these patients. We reviewed the medical records and optical coherence tomography of all patients who had attended at Hychloroquine Ambulatory of HFSE, in the period from March/ 2015 until November/2016.

Resumo A Hidroxicloroquina é amplamente utilizada por reumatologistas para o tratamento de várias condições, como os lúpus eritematoso sistêmico e artrite reumatoide, pelo seu baixo custo e relativa segurança. Porém, esta droga pode causar danos à retina. Até o presente momento, não há protocolo brasileiro para o screening de alterações retinianas devido ao uso desta medicação. Foi realizada revisão de prontuário e análise de imagens de tomografia de coerência óptica de pacientes atendidos no período de Março de 2015 a Novembro de 2016 no ambulatório de Hidroxicloroquina do Hospital Federal dos Servidores do Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Azul de toluidina como método para avaliação da integridade da cromatina de espermatozoides canino extraídos do tecido testicular fresco / Toluidine blue as a method for assessment of chromatin integrity canine spermatozoa extracted from fresh testicular tissue

Conservation of gonadal tissue is important for maintenance of endangered wild species. However, thepreservation can lead to cell damage and loss. Thus, it is necessary testicular tissue evaluation before and afterstorage in order to determine damage. The evaluation of sperm chromatin integrity ensures a better assessmentof sperm quality. The toluidine blue is a simple and sensitive test to evaluate the sperm chromatin integrity fromseveral species, but there are not reports in the dog. The aim of this study was evaluating canine spermatozoaextracted from fresh testicular tissue of seven post-pubertal mongrel dogs by toluidine blue and spermmorphology. For statistical analysis, it was used normality test (Shapiro Wilk) and Wilcoxon test (P<0.05).Toluidine blue showed 83% condensed chromatin. Morphological analysis presented 69.34% normalspermatozoa. Toluidine blue was sensitive for the evaluation. However, it still needs some adjustments for amore accurate result for such specie.(AU)

Análise da integridade de membrana de espermatozoides extraídos de fragmentos frescos de testículos de cães / Sperm membrane integrity analysis from dog fresh testis

To evaluate testicular tissue before cryopreservation is important to quantify and qualify losses ofsperm during the freezing/thawing of testicular tissue. The aim of this study was to analyze the sperm plasmamembrane structural and functional integrity on post-pubertal dogs (n = 7) fresh testis. The sperm fromtesticular tissue were submitted to plasma membrane structural and functional integrity analysis by fluorescentmicroscopy using SYBR 14 and Propidium Iodide and the hiposmotic test, respectively. For statistical analysis,it was used normality test (Shapiro Wilk) and Wilcoxon test (R 3.3.1; P > 0.05). It was observed 94.9% and91.8% spermatozoa presenting structural and functional integrity, respectively. Thus, analysis of the membraneintegrity is an important tool to analyze spermatozoa extracted from testicles. Despite the fluorescence be apractical method, it has a high cost.(AU)

Azul de toluidina como método para avaliação da integridade da cromatina de espermatozoides canino extraídos do tecido testicular fresco / Toluidine blue as a method for assessment of chromatin integrity canine spermatozoa extracted from fresh testicular tissue

Conservation of gonadal tissue is important for maintenance of endangered wild species. However, thepreservation can lead to cell damage and loss. Thus, it is necessary testicular tissue evaluation before and afterstorage in order to determine damage. The evaluation of sperm chromatin integrity ensures a better assessmentof sperm quality. The toluidine blue is a simple and sensitive test to evaluate the sperm chromatin integrity fromseveral species, but there are not reports in the dog. The aim of this study was evaluating canine spermatozoaextracted from fresh testicular tissue of seven post-pubertal mongrel dogs by toluidine blue and spermmorphology. For statistical analysis, it was used normality test (Shapiro Wilk) and Wilcoxon test (P<0.05).Toluidine blue showed 83% condensed chromatin. Morphological analysis presented 69.34% normalspermatozoa. Toluidine blue was sensitive for the evaluation. However, it still needs some adjustments for amore accurate result for such specie.(AU)

Comparação entre diferentes concentrações de gema de ovo na qualidade de espermatozoides epididimários caninos resfriados a 4°C / Comparison between different egg yolk concentrations on canine epipdidymal spermatozoa cooled at 4ºC

The epididymal spermatozoa recovering allow reproduction even with the death of a breeder. Using aproper extender is important and ACP-106c®extender presented good results for canine ejaculate. Egg yolk hasbeen used as a protective membrane against thermal shock, being necessary to determine optimal concentrationfor dog epididymal spermatozoa using ACP-106c®. Thirteen pairs of epididymis were used and spermatozoawere recovered by epididymal tail compression by glass blade. ACP-106® was used as extender and the sampleswere divided into 3 different concentrations of egg yolk (0, 10 or 20%), then analyzes of motility (%) and vigour(0-5) were made at times 0, 60, 120 and 180 minutes as well as after 24 hours. There was no difference in theevaluation of motility and vigour between the three egg yolk concentrations. The concentration of 20% egg yolkshowed higher number of functional membrane.(AU)

Andrologia e criopreservação de sêmen em cães / Andrology and dog semen cryopreservation

O objetivo dessa revisão foi apresentar os aspectos relevantes para avaliação reprodutiva do cãoreprodutor e fatores inerentes à congelação de sêmen canino. O exame andrológico é indicado na avaliação dacapacidade fértil do cão previamente à cópula, inseminação artificial, e/ou conservação do material genético,bem como na seleção de reprodutores e no diagnóstico de infertilidade e suas causas. Composto principalmentepor anamnese, exame físico completo, avaliação do comportamento sexual, espermograma e examescomplementares. Durante o exame físico deve-se atentar para doenças congênitas hereditárias, bem como daruma atenção especial aos testículos e epidídimos. O espermograma constitui parte importantíssima no exameandrológico, desta forma, a avaliação do macho deve ser realizada por um médico veterinário especializado naárea para um diagnóstico preciso. Em relação à criopreservação de sêmen na espécie canina, assim como emoutras espécies, depende de fatores como diluidor, crioprotetores, velocidade de congelação/descongelação,dentre outros. Apesar do progresso na criopreservação de sêmen canino, tal biotécnica merece uma maioratenção no que diz respeito a fatores inerentes ao ejaculado, o que leva a insucesso na preservação da qualidadeespermática.(AU)

The objective of this review was to present the relevant aspects to reproductive evaluation of thebreeder male dog and factors involved in canine semen freezing. The breeding soundness examination isindicated in evaluation of dog breeding potential prior to copulation, artificial insemination, and/or geneticmaterial conservation, as well as in sire selection and diagnosis of infertility and its causes. Mainly composed byanamnesis, complete physical examination, assessment of sexual behavior, semen analysis and complementarytests. During the physical examination, some attention should be paid to hereditary congenital diseases, as wellas a special attention to the testis and epididymis. Semen analysis is a very important part of the breedingsoundness examination, therefore, the evaluation of the male should be performed by a veterinarian specializedfor an accurate diagnosis. Regarding semen cryopreservation in dogs, as in other species, it depends on factorssuch as extender, cryoprotectants, freezing/ thawing rates, among others. Despite progress in cryopreservationof canine semen, such biotechnical deserves greater attention regarding the inherent ejaculate factors, whichleads to failure in preserving sperm quality.(AU)

Andrologia e criopreservação de sêmen em cães / Andrology and dog semen cryopreservation

O objetivo dessa revisão foi apresentar os aspectos relevantes para avaliação reprodutiva do cãoreprodutor e fatores inerentes à congelação de sêmen canino. O exame andrológico é indicado na avaliação dacapacidade fértil do cão previamente à cópula, inseminação artificial, e/ou conservação do material genético,bem como na seleção de reprodutores e no diagnóstico de infertilidade e suas causas. Composto principalmentepor anamnese, exame físico completo, avaliação do comportamento sexual, espermograma e examescomplementares. Durante o exame físico deve-se atentar para doenças congênitas hereditárias, bem como daruma atenção especial aos testículos e epidídimos. O espermograma constitui parte importantíssima no exameandrológico, desta forma, a avaliação do macho deve ser realizada por um médico veterinário especializado naárea para um diagnóstico preciso. Em relação à criopreservação de sêmen na espécie canina, assim como emoutras espécies, depende de fatores como diluidor, crioprotetores, velocidade de congelação/descongelação,dentre outros. Apesar do progresso na criopreservação de sêmen canino, tal biotécnica merece uma maioratenção no que diz respeito a fatores inerentes ao ejaculado, o que leva a insucesso na preservação da qualidadeespermática.

The objective of this review was to present the relevant aspects to reproductive evaluation of thebreeder male dog and factors involved in canine semen freezing. The breeding soundness examination isindicated in evaluation of dog breeding potential prior to copulation, artificial insemination, and/or geneticmaterial conservation, as well as in sire selection and diagnosis of infertility and its causes. Mainly composed byanamnesis, complete physical examination, assessment of sexual behavior, semen analysis and complementarytests. During the physical examination, some attention should be paid to hereditary congenital diseases, as wellas a special attention to the testis and epididymis. Semen analysis is a very important part of the breedingsoundness examination, therefore, the evaluation of the male should be performed by a veterinarian specializedfor an accurate diagnosis. Regarding semen cryopreservation in dogs, as in other species, it depends on factorssuch as extender, cryoprotectants, freezing/ thawing rates, among others. Despite progress in cryopreservationof canine semen, such biotechnical deserves greater attention regarding the inherent ejaculate factors, whichleads to failure in preserving sperm quality.

Análise da integridade de membrana de espermatozoides extraídos de fragmentos frescos de testículos de cães / Sperm membrane integrity analysis from dog fresh testis

To evaluate testicular tissue before cryopreservation is important to quantify and qualify losses ofsperm during the freezing/thawing of testicular tissue. The aim of this study was to analyze the sperm plasmamembrane structural and functional integrity on post-pubertal dogs (n = 7) fresh testis. The sperm fromtesticular tissue were submitted to plasma membrane structural and functional integrity analysis by fluorescentmicroscopy using SYBR 14 and Propidium Iodide and the hiposmotic test, respectively. For statistical analysis,it was used normality test (Shapiro Wilk) and Wilcoxon test (R 3.3.1; P > 0.05). It was observed 94.9% and91.8% spermatozoa presenting structural and functional integrity, respectively. Thus, analysis of the membraneintegrity is an important tool to analyze spermatozoa extracted from testicles. Despite the fluorescence be apractical method, it has a high cost.

Azul de toluidina como método para avaliação da integridade da cromatina de espermatozoides canino extraídos do tecido testicular fresco / Toluidine blue as a method for assessment of chromatin integrity canine spermatozoa extracted from fresh testicular tissue

Conservation of gonadal tissue is important for maintenance of endangered wild species. However, thepreservation can lead to cell damage and loss. Thus, it is necessary testicular tissue evaluation before and afterstorage in order to determine damage. The evaluation of sperm chromatin integrity ensures a better assessmentof sperm quality. The toluidine blue is a simple and sensitive test to evaluate the sperm chromatin integrity fromseveral species, but there are not reports in the dog. The aim of this study was evaluating canine spermatozoaextracted from fresh testicular tissue of seven post-pubertal mongrel dogs by toluidine blue and spermmorphology. For statistical analysis, it was used normality test (Shapiro Wilk) and Wilcoxon test (P<0.05).Toluidine blue showed 83% condensed chromatin. Morphological analysis presented 69.34% normalspermatozoa. Toluidine blue was sensitive for the evaluation. However, it still needs some adjustments for amore accurate result for such specie.

Comparação entre diferentes concentrações de gema de ovo na qualidade de espermatozoides epididimários caninos resfriados a 4°C / Comparison between different egg yolk concentrations on canine epipdidymal spermatozoa cooled at 4ºC

The epididymal spermatozoa recovering allow reproduction even with the death of a breeder. Using aproper extender is important and ACP-106c®extender presented good results for canine ejaculate. Egg yolk hasbeen used as a protective membrane against thermal shock, being necessary to determine optimal concentrationfor dog epididymal spermatozoa using ACP-106c®. Thirteen pairs of epididymis were used and spermatozoawere recovered by epididymal tail compression by glass blade. ACP-106® was used as extender and the sampleswere divided into 3 different concentrations of egg yolk (0, 10 or 20%), then analyzes of motility (%) and vigour(0-5) were made at times 0, 60, 120 and 180 minutes as well as after 24 hours. There was no difference in theevaluation of motility and vigour between the three egg yolk concentrations. The concentration of 20% egg yolkshowed higher number of functional membrane.

Azul de toluidina como método para avaliação da integridade da cromatina de espermatozoides canino extraídos do tecido testicular fresco / Toluidine blue as a method for assessment of chromatin integrity canine spermatozoa extracted from fresh testicular tissue

Conservation of gonadal tissue is important for maintenance of endangered wild species. However, thepreservation can lead to cell damage and loss. Thus, it is necessary testicular tissue evaluation before and afterstorage in order to determine damage. The evaluation of sperm chromatin integrity ensures a better assessmentof sperm quality. The toluidine blue is a simple and sensitive test to evaluate the sperm chromatin integrity fromseveral species, but there are not reports in the dog. The aim of this study was evaluating canine spermatozoaextracted from fresh testicular tissue of seven post-pubertal mongrel dogs by toluidine blue and spermmorphology. For statistical analysis, it was used normality test (Shapiro Wilk) and Wilcoxon test (P<0.05).Toluidine blue showed 83% condensed chromatin. Morphological analysis presented 69.34% normalspermatozoa. Toluidine blue was sensitive for the evaluation. However, it still needs some adjustments for amore accurate result for such specie.

Terapêutica hormonal aplicada à reprodução na cadela / Hormonal therapy applied to reproduction in the bitch

Tradicionalmente, quando se discutia a respeito da reprodução na cadela, objetivava-se apenas a contracepção seja de forma cirúrgica ou através do uso de progestágenos de longa duração. No entanto, com a criação comercial de cães ganhando um destaque no cenário internacional, busca-se incrementar o potencial reprodutivo dos animais, bem como tratar condições reprodutivas que prejudicassem a fertilidade de cadelas e antes resolvidas apenas com uso de cirurgias e interrompendo de forma definitiva a capacidade reprodutiva de tais pacientes. Dentre as classes hormonais mais recentes, destaca-se o uso de bloqueadores dos receptores de progesterona, que já está há aproximadamente 15 anos no mercado e tem uso indicado para tratamento de patologias uterinas como metrite, piometra, bem como indução de parto e interrupção da gestação. Por outro lado, os agonistas do GnRH como a deslorelina agem suprimindo o estro e podem ser utilizados em cadelas nas quais se deseje a contracepção temporária, mas sem os possíveis efeitos colaterais dos progestágenos. Ao se indicar uma terapia à base de hormônios na qual se visa incrementar o potencial reprodutivo ou mesmo solucionar problemas que estejam prejudicando a fertilidade de cadelas, devem-se considerar a relação custo-benefício de tal tratamento.

Traditionally, discussing about the reproduction in dogs, is aimed only contraception, either surgically or through the use of progestogens of long duration. However, dog commercial breeding gaining a highlight on the international scene, we seek to increase the reproductive potential of animals and treat reproductive conditions that damage the fertility before resolved only using surgery and stopping permanently reproductive capacityof these patients. Among the newer hormone classes, we highlight the use of progesterone receptor blockers, which is commercially available for about 15 years and use has indicated for treatment of uterine pathologies such as metritis, pyometra, as well as induction of labor and termination of gestation. On the other hand, GnRH agonists, such as deslorelin, act by suppressing the oestrous and can be used in dogs in which contraception is desired temporary, but without the potential side effects of progestins. When indicating a hormone-based therapy in which it aims to increase the reproductive potential or even solve problems that are harming the fertility of bitches, one must consider the cost-benefit of such treatment.

Terapêutica hormonal aplicada à reprodução na cadela / Hormonal therapy applied to reproduction in the bitch

Tradicionalmente, quando se discutia a respeito da reprodução na cadela, objetivava-se apenas a contracepção seja de forma cirúrgica ou através do uso de progestágenos de longa duração. No entanto, com a criação comercial de cães ganhando um destaque no cenário internacional, busca-se incrementar o potencial reprodutivo dos animais, bem como tratar condições reprodutivas que prejudicassem a fertilidade de cadelas e antes resolvidas apenas com uso de cirurgias e interrompendo de forma definitiva a capacidade reprodutiva de tais pacientes. Dentre as classes hormonais mais recentes, destaca-se o uso de bloqueadores dos receptores de progesterona, que já está há aproximadamente 15 anos no mercado e tem uso indicado para tratamento de patologias uterinas como metrite, piometra, bem como indução de parto e interrupção da gestação. Por outro lado, os agonistas do GnRH como a deslorelina agem suprimindo o estro e podem ser utilizados em cadelas nas quais se deseje a contracepção temporária, mas sem os possíveis efeitos colaterais dos progestágenos. Ao se indicar uma terapia à base de hormônios na qual se visa incrementar o potencial reprodutivo ou mesmo solucionar problemas que estejam prejudicando a fertilidade de cadelas, devem-se considerar a relação custo-benefício de tal tratamento.(AU)

Traditionally, discussing about the reproduction in dogs, is aimed only contraception, either surgically or through the use of progestogens of long duration. However, dog commercial breeding gaining a highlight on the international scene, we seek to increase the reproductive potential of animals and treat reproductive conditions that damage the fertility before resolved only using surgery and stopping permanently reproductive capacity of these patients. Among the newer hormone classes, we highlight the use of progesterone receptor blockers, which is commercially available for about 15 years and use has indicated for treatment of uterine pathologies such as metritis, pyometra, as well as induction of labor and termination of gestation. On the other hand, GnRH agonists, such as deslorelin, act by suppressing the oestrous and can be used in dogs in which contraception is desired temporary, but without the potential side effects of progestins. When indicating a hormone-based therapy in which it aims to increase the reproductive potential or even solve problems that are harming the fertility of bitches, one must consider the cost-benefit of such treatment.(AU)

Infertilidade na cadela e na gata / Infertility in bitches and queens

Nas duas últimas décadas, o foco na área de reprodução de animais de companhia tem mudado, pois veterinários estão sendo procurados não somente para esterilização de animais e sim para solucionar problemas de infertilidade. Isto se deve a crescente popularidade de cães e gatos de raça pura, por razões financeiras ou mesmo afetiva. A maioria das cadelas e gatas que vão ao veterinário por ser supostamente inférteis é submetida a um manejo errado do seu ciclo reprodutivo. Os problemas de fertilidade em cadelas e gatas podem ainda estar relacionados com falhas na monta, problemas ovarianos, uterinos, bem como enfermidades que não envolvem diretamente o trato reprodutivo.(AU)

In the last two decades, the interest on reproduction of companion animals has been changed since veterinarians are requested not only for surgical sterilization of dogs and cats but to solve infertility problems. This fact is mainly due to the increased popularity of purebred dogs as well as for sentimental or financial reasons. The most of bitches and queens that are brought to veterinarian for be considered as infertile are subjected to a inappropriate breeding management. Infertility in dogs and cats females can be caused by failure on copule, ovarian disease, uterine disease and other problems not involving the reproductive system.(AU)