Impact of castration with or without alpha-tocopherol supplementation on the urethral sphincter of rats.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of low levels of testosterone induced by orchiectomy and the effect of alpha-tocopherol supplementation on oxidative stress in the urethral sphincter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were divided into four groups with 10 each: Sham group; Orchiectomy group: bilateral orchiectomy; Orchiectomy-pre-Tocopherol group: bilateral orchiectomy preceded by alpha-tocopherol supplementation for four weeks; Orchiectomy-full-Tocopherol group: bilateral orchiectomy with alpha-tocopherol supplementation for four weeks preceding the procedure and for eight weeks afterwards. At the protocol end, animals were euthanized and had the sphincter analyzed stereologically focusing on collagen and muscle fibers percentage. Oxidative stress levels were determined using 8-epi-PGF2. RESULTS: The 8-epi-PGF2 levels were statistically higher (p < 0.0003) in the Orchiectomy group compared to others groups while Sham and Orchiectomy-full-Tocopherol groups presented statistically similar values (p = 0.52). Collagen volumetric densities were significantly lower in Sham and Orchiectomy-full-Tocopherol groups (p < 0.022). Sham group presented statistically greater muscle fiber percent. CONCLUSION: Castration caused oxidative stress in the urethral sphincter complex, with increased collagen deposition. Alpha-tocopherol had a protective effect and its supplementation for twelve weeks provided the greatest protection.

Impact of castration with or without alpha-tocopherol supplementation on the urethral sphincter of rats

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of low levels of testosterone induced by orchiectomy and the effect of alpha-tocopherol supplementation on oxidative stress in the urethral sphincter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats weighing 250-300g were divided into four groups with 10 each: Sham group; Orchiectomy group: bilateral orchiectomy; Orchiectomy-pre-Tocopherol group: bilateral orchiectomy preceded by alpha-tocopherol supplementation for four weeks; Orchiectomy-full-Tocopherol group: bilateral orchiectomy with alpha-tocopherol supplementation for four weeks preceding the procedure and for eight weeks afterwards. At the protocol end, animals were euthanized and had the sphincter analyzed stereologically focusing on collagen and muscle fibers percentage. Oxidative stress levels were determined using 8-epi-PGF2. RESULTS: The 8-epi-PGF2 levels were statistically higher (p < 0.0003) in the Orchiectomy group compared to others groups while Sham and Orchiectomy-full-Tocopherol groups presented statistically similar values (p = 0.52). Collagen volumetric densities were significantly lower in Sham and Orchiectomy-full-Tocopherol groups (p < 0.022). Sham group presented statistically greater muscle fiber percent. CONCLUSION: Castration caused oxidative stress in the urethral sphincter complex, with increased collagen deposition. Alpha-tocopherol had a protective effect and its supplementation for twelve weeks provided the greatest protection.

Treinamento esfincteriano por meio de biofeedback no tratamento de crianças portadoras de micção incoordenada / Sphincter training with biofeedback in children with uncoordinated voiding

Vinte crianças portadoras de micção incoordenada foram tratadas por meio de treinamento vesicoesfincteriano, utilizando-se técnicas fisioterapêuticas associadas com equipamento de eletromiografia com eletrodos de superfície – biofeedback (EMG–biofeedback). O grupo foi composto por 16 meninas e quatro meninos (média de idade 10 anos). O diagnóstico de micção incoordenada MINI baseou-se no histórico, exame físico, ultra-som, uretrocistografia miccional e avaliação urodinâmica. Os parâmetros avaliados antes e depois do tratamento foram: troca de roupas íntimas ao dia, resíduo pós-miccional, fluxo urinário máximo, número dos episódios de infecção do trato urinário e alteração no grau de refluxo vesicoureteral. O treinamento envolveu a monitorização da atividade eletromiográfica da musculatura da parede abdominal e Musculatura do Assoalho Pélvico (MAP), por meio de eletrodos de superfície. O tratamento consistiu em ensinar a criança a relaxar a musculatura pélvica durante a micção. Ao final de cada sessão, realizou-se um estudo com urofluxometria + EMG, visando identificar eventuais contrações da musculatura pélvica durante a micção. O protocolo de tratamento incluiu uma sessão semanal de fisioterapia com treinamento do assoalho pélvico, durante um período médio de 25 semanas (variando de 20 a 35 sessões). Os dados do estudo demonstraram que houve diminuição significativa no número de trocas de roupas íntimas diárias, diminuição dos episódios de infecção no trato urinário, melhora do fluxo miccional, diminuição do resíduo pós-miccional e do grau de refluxo vesicoureteral. O treinamento fisioterapêutico com o EMG-biofeedback no tratamento da micção incoordenada em crianças demonstrou-se uma opção terapêutica não invasiva, segura e de resultados satisfatórios no presente estudo.

Twenty children with uncoordinated voiding were treated through bladder sphincter training, using physiotherapy associated with electromyography with surface electrodes - biofeedback (EMG - biofeedback). The group included 16 girls and four boys (mean age 10 y.o.). Diagnosis of uncoordinated voiding (MINI) was based on medical history, physical evaluation, ultrasonography, cystogram to evaluate reflux, and urodynamic evaluation. Outcome measures included changes of underwear during the day, post-voiding residue, maximum urinary flow, number of episodes of urinary tract infection, and change in the level of vesicoureteral reflux. The training included monitoring electromyographic activity of abdominal wall and pelvic floor muscles, through electrodes located on the surface. The children were taught to relax pelvic floor muscles while voiding. At the end of each session, urinary flow measure and EMG were performed to identify pelvic floor muscle contractions during voiding. The protocol of treatment included a weekly physiotherapy session training pelvic floor muscles, spanning a mean period of 25 weeks (ranging from 20 to 35 sessions). Study findings demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of daily changes of underwear, a decrease in the number of urinary tract infection episodes, an improvement in urinary flow, a decrease of post-voiding residue and an improvement in the level of vesicoureteral reflux. This study showed that physiotherapeutic training associated with EMG-biofeedback in the treatment of children with uncoordinated voiding to be a safe, non-invasive therapeutic method, yielding satisfactory results.