Oral health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: paired cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of oral health conditions on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and compare with children and adolescents without CP. METHODS: This was a paired cross-sectional study, consisting of 121 children and adolescents with CP and 121 without CP, aged 6 to 14 years. Caregivers filled a socioeconomic-demographic and the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ). Physical examination of the oral cavity assessed the dental caries experience, need for treatment, consequences of untreated dental caries, presence of dental trauma, bruxism and malocclusion. A descriptive analysis and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05) were performed. Variables with p values ≤ 0.20 in the bivariate analysis were included in the adjusted model analysis. Variables with a p value < 0.05 remained in the final Poisson Regression model. RESULTS: Caries experience had a negative impact on the quality of life of both groups, with and without CP. Presence of gastroesophageal reflux and difficulty to opening the mouth also had a negative impact on the OHRQoL of the group with CP. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with CP suffered a greater negative impact on OHRQoL than individuals without CP. Difficulty in opening the mouth and the presence of GER had a negative effect on the quality of life of individuals with CP, while dental caries had a negative impact on the OHRQoL of children and adolescents of both groups.

Gut capacity of broiler breeder hens.

1. Broiler breeders are subjected to qualitative or quantitative feed restrictions to prevent obesity, which causes major health and welfare problems. Diluting their feed by adding inert or low nutrient, bulky materials can reduce obesity, but the capacity of the gut needs to be determined to apply this strategy successfully. Two trials were conducted to measure the bulk capacity of Ross 308 broiler breeders prior to and after the onset of lay. The trial was completely randomised, with nine individually-caged breeders, with each cage as a replicate, totalling 189 birds per trial2. Birds were given ad libitum access to one of 21 maize-soyabean based feeds, an undiluted control or progressive dilution (10, 20, 30 and 40%) with either cellulose fibre, rice husk, sand, vermiculite or sawdust. Feeds were analysed for density, crude-, acid detergent- and neutral detergent-fibre, water-holding capacity (WHC), cation-exchange capacity and oil-holding capacity.2. In general, feed intake (scaled to body weight0.67) increased and then declined as the proportion of each diluent increased. Intake increased linearly when rice hulls and sand were used as diluents.3. Water holding capacity was the most appropriate measure to define the gut capacity of broiler breeders.4. The trial data was used to estimate the maximum-scaled feed intake (SFImax) in broiler breeders, which was 240-56.1WHC + 4.34WHC2 g/kg0.67/d.

Physiologic and behavioural signs during a dental appointment in children and teenagers with Cerebral Palsy: a comparative cross-sectional study.

AIM: To evaluate the heart rate (HR) and behaviour of children and teenagers with Cerebral Palsy (CP) when having a dental appointment. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out with 60 participants with CP, between 2 and 14 years old (study group-SG), and 60 normotypical individuals (CG). The sample was paired according to age, gender and socioeconomic status. Behaviour was evaluated during dental prophylaxis using the Frankl Scale, and HR was measured at five moments: before the appointment, when sitting in the dental chair, during the clinical examination, during prophylaxis and immediately after prophylaxis. Mann-Whitney, Friedman and Chi-square tests were applied at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: SG presented significantly higher HR (p < 0.001) and more participants with uncooperative behaviour (p < 0.001) than CG in all observational periods. Furthermore, SG participants with uncooperative behaviour presented higher HR values than those in SG who were cooperative in all observational periods (p ≤ 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with CP have a higher HR before and during the clinical session, and are frequently more uncooperative with the procedure than normotypical individuals.

Exploring the association of predisposing factors of Cerebral Palsy and developmental defects of enamel: a case-control study.

AIM: To evaluate the occurrence of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and to analyze the effect of common factors in the etiology of CP on the occurrence of DDE. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out using the modified DDE index to classify enamel defects. The study group (SG) consisted of 45 participants with CP aged between three and 14 years. The control group (CG) consisted of 88 normotypical schoolchildren, paired by gender and age group. Caregivers answered a questionnaire on their socioeconomic status and medical history. The Chi-square tests, bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed (level significance < 0.05). RESULTS: The occurrence of DDE in SG and CG was 60% and 64.8%, respectively (p value = 0.726). The most frequent defect observed in SG was diffuse opacity (44.4%), followed by demarcated opacity (26.7%) and enamel hypoplasia (2.2%). No difference was observed in the defect's distribution among both groups (p value = 0.083). For SG, the bivariate analysis revealed a statically significant association between the presence of DDE and age group 7-14 years old and maternal schooling below 11 years. After adjusting for confounding variables, age, family income and maternal schooling were not associated with DDE. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the occurrence of DDE was high and similar in both groups. The pre, peri or post-natal factors associated with CP were not significant for the presence of DDE.

Chronic aerobic exercise associated to low-dose L-NAME improves contractility without changing calcium handling in rat cardiomyocytes.

Nitric oxide (NO) inhibition by high-dose NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) is associated with several detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. However, low-dose L-NAME increases NO synthesis, which in turn induces physiological cardiovascular benefits, probably by activating a protective negative feedback mechanism. Aerobic exercise, likewise, improves several cardiovascular functions in healthy hearts, but its effects are not known when chronically associated with low-dose L-NAME. Thus, we tested whether the association between low-dose L-NAME administration and chronic aerobic exercise promotes beneficial effects to the cardiovascular system, evaluating the cardiac remodeling process. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control (C), L-NAME (L), chronic aerobic exercise (Ex), and chronic aerobic exercise associated to L-NAME (ExL). Aerobic training was performed with progressive intensity for 12 weeks; L-NAME (1.5 mg·kg-1·day-1) was administered by orogastric gavage. Low-dose L-NAME alone did not change systolic blood pressure (SBP), but ExL significantly increased SBP at week 8 with normalization after 12 weeks. Furthermore, ExL promoted the elevation of left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic pressure without the presence of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Time to 50% shortening and relaxation were reduced in ExL, suggesting a cardiomyocyte contractile improvement. In addition, the time to 50% Ca2+ peak was increased without alterations in Ca2+ amplitude and time to 50% Ca2+ decay. In conclusion, the association of chronic aerobic exercise and low-dose L-NAME prevented cardiac pathological remodeling and induced cardiomyocyte contractile function improvement; however, it did not alter myocyte affinity and sensitivity to intracellular Ca2+ handling.

Chronic aerobic exercise associated to low-dose L-NAME improves contractility without changing calcium handling in rat cardiomyocytes

Nitric oxide (NO) inhibition by high-dose NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) is associated with several detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. However, low-dose L-NAME increases NO synthesis, which in turn induces physiological cardiovascular benefits, probably by activating a protective negative feedback mechanism. Aerobic exercise, likewise, improves several cardiovascular functions in healthy hearts, but its effects are not known when chronically associated with low-dose L-NAME. Thus, we tested whether the association between low-dose L-NAME administration and chronic aerobic exercise promotes beneficial effects to the cardiovascular system, evaluating the cardiac remodeling process. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control (C), L-NAME (L), chronic aerobic exercise (Ex), and chronic aerobic exercise associated to L-NAME (ExL). Aerobic training was performed with progressive intensity for 12 weeks; L-NAME (1.5 mg·kg-1·day-1) was administered by orogastric gavage. Low-dose L-NAME alone did not change systolic blood pressure (SBP), but ExL significantly increased SBP at week 8 with normalization after 12 weeks. Furthermore, ExL promoted the elevation of left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic pressure without the presence of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Time to 50% shortening and relaxation were reduced in ExL, suggesting a cardiomyocyte contractile improvement. In addition, the time to 50% Ca2+ peak was increased without alterations in Ca2+ amplitude and time to 50% Ca2+ decay. In conclusion, the association of chronic aerobic exercise and low-dose L-NAME prevented cardiac pathological remodeling and induced cardiomyocyte contractile function improvement; however, it did not alter myocyte affinity and sensitivity to intracellular Ca2+ handling.

Perfil de resistência antimicrobiana de Klebsiella pneumoniae isoladas de animais domésticos e silvestres / Antimicrobial resistance profile of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from domestic and wild animals

Klebsiella pneumoniae é um patógeno oportunista, responsável por diversos tipos de infecções nosocomiais, e é considerado um microrganismo multirresistente. Dados na literatura que forneçam informações a respeito da resistência desse microrganismo a antimicrobianos em amostras de animais são escassos. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o perfil e o seu aumento das resistências a antimicrobianos dentro da medicina veterinária. Um total de 67 isolados de K. pneumoniae, provenientes de diferentes sítios de isolamento de animais domésticos (39/67) e silvestres (28/67), foi confirmado por sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA. O maior percentual de isolamento de K. pneumoniae foi de amostras de urina, com 16% (11/67), fezes, com 15% (10/67), e pulmão, com 13,5% (09/67). No perfil de resistência, foram testadas 11 categorias de antibióticos, sendo a maior taxa de resistência ao metronidazol 97% (65/67), à ampicilina 94% (63/67), à amoxicilina 93% (62/67), às sulfonamidas 93% (62/67), à colistina 93% (62/67) e à nitrofurantoína 88% (59/67). Aqueles que apresentaram menor taxa de resistência foram: meropenem 3% (2/67), imipenem 6% (4/67) e amicacina 16% (11/67). Todos os isolados foram considerados bactérias multirresistentes (MRD), com o índice de resistência múltipla aos antibióticos (IRMA) variando de 0,15 a 0,85 e com 60 tipos de padrões de resistência. O resultado deste estudo reforça que os animais são reservatórios de K. pneumoniae multirresistentes.(AU)

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for several types of nosocomial infections and is considered a multiresistant microorganism. Data in the literature that provide information regarding the resistance of this microorganism to antimicrobials in animal samples are scarce. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the profile and its increase of antimicrobial resistance within Veterinary Medicine. A total of 67 K. pneumoniae isolates from different domestic (39/67) and wild (28/67) isolation sites were confirmed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. The highest percentage of K. pneumoniae isolation was from urine samples with 16% (11/67), faeces 15% (10/67) and lung 13.5% (09/67). In the resistance profile, 11 categories of antibiotics were tested, with the highest resistance to metronidazole being 97% (65/67), ampicillin 94% (63/67), amoxicillin 93% (62/67), sulfonamides 93% (62 / 67), 93% colistin (62/67), and 88% nitrofurantoin (59/67). The ones with the lowest resistance were: meropenem 3% (2/67), imipenem 6% (4/67) and amikacin 16% (11/67). All isolates were considered multiresistant bacteria (MDR), with the Multiple Resistance to Antibiotics Index (IRMA) ranging from 0.15 to 0.85 and with 60 types of resistance patterns. The result of this study reinforces that the animals are reservoirs of multiresistant K. pneumoniae.(AU)

Perfil de resistência antimicrobiana de Klebsiella pneumoniae isoladas de animais domésticos e silvestres / Antimicrobial resistance profile of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from domestic and wild animals

Klebsiella pneumoniae é um patógeno oportunista, responsável por diversos tipos de infecções nosocomiais, e é considerado um microrganismo multirresistente. Dados na literatura que forneçam informações a respeito da resistência desse microrganismo a antimicrobianos em amostras de animais são escassos. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o perfil e o seu aumento das resistências a antimicrobianos dentro da medicina veterinária. Um total de 67 isolados de K. pneumoniae, provenientes de diferentes sítios de isolamento de animais domésticos (39/67) e silvestres (28/67), foi confirmado por sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA. O maior percentual de isolamento de K. pneumoniae foi de amostras de urina, com 16% (11/67), fezes, com 15% (10/67), e pulmão, com 13,5% (09/67). No perfil de resistência, foram testadas 11 categorias de antibióticos, sendo a maior taxa de resistência ao metronidazol 97% (65/67), à ampicilina 94% (63/67), à amoxicilina 93% (62/67), às sulfonamidas 93% (62/67), à colistina 93% (62/67) e à nitrofurantoína 88% (59/67). Aqueles que apresentaram menor taxa de resistência foram: meropenem 3% (2/67), imipenem 6% (4/67) e amicacina 16% (11/67). Todos os isolados foram considerados bactérias multirresistentes (MRD), com o índice de resistência múltipla aos antibióticos (IRMA) variando de 0,15 a 0,85 e com 60 tipos de padrões de resistência. O resultado deste estudo reforça que os animais são reservatórios de K. pneumoniae multirresistentes.(AU)

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for several types of nosocomial infections and is considered a multiresistant microorganism. Data in the literature that provide information regarding the resistance of this microorganism to antimicrobials in animal samples are scarce. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the profile and its increase of antimicrobial resistance within Veterinary Medicine. A total of 67 K. pneumoniae isolates from different domestic (39/67) and wild (28/67) isolation sites were confirmed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. The highest percentage of K. pneumoniae isolation was from urine samples with 16% (11/67), faeces 15% (10/67) and lung 13.5% (09/67). In the resistance profile, 11 categories of antibiotics were tested, with the highest resistance to metronidazole being 97% (65/67), ampicillin 94% (63/67), amoxicillin 93% (62/67), sulfonamides 93% (62 / 67), 93% colistin (62/67), and 88% nitrofurantoin (59/67). The ones with the lowest resistance were: meropenem 3% (2/67), imipenem 6% (4/67) and amikacin 16% (11/67). All isolates were considered multiresistant bacteria (MDR), with the Multiple Resistance to Antibiotics Index (IRMA) ranging from 0.15 to 0.85 and with 60 types of resistance patterns. The result of this study reinforces that the animals are reservoirs of multiresistant K. pneumoniae.(AU)

Chronic Cadmium Exposure Accelerates the Development of Atherosclerosis and Induces Vascular Dysfunction in the Aorta of ApoE-/- Mice.

Cadmium exposure is related to cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, increased oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and specific biochemical changes induced by this metal. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether cadmium exposure induces endothelial dysfunction, accelerates atherosclerotic plaque formation in the aorta, and enhances oxidative stress in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice. Experiments were performed in 14-week-old male wild-type and ApoE-/- mice. ApoE-/- mice received cadmium (CdCl2 100 mg/L in drinking water for 28 days) or vehicle (distilled water). After treatment, vascular reactivity to phenylephrine, acetylcholine, and sodium nitroprusside was analyzed using isolated aorta. Bone marrow cells were isolated to assess the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. ApoE-/- cadmium-treated mice had higher cholesterol levels than non-exposed mice. Cadmium exposure decreased the vasodilatation response to acetylcholine in aortic ring of ApoE-/- mice, though no changes in phenylephrine or sodium nitroprusside responses were observed. L-NAME reduced vasodilator responses to acetylcholine; this effect was lower in ApoE-/- cadmium-treated mice, suggesting reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Moreover, in bone marrow cells, cadmium decreased cytoplasmic levels of NO and increased superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxynitrite in ApoE-/- mice. Morphological analysis showed that cadmium exposure increased plaque deposition in the aorta by approximately 3-fold. Our results suggest that cadmium exposure induces endothelial dysfunction in ApoE-/- mice. Moreover, cadmium increased total cholesterol levels, which may promote the early development of atherosclerosis in the aorta of ApoE-/- mice. Our findings support the hypothesis that cadmium exposure might increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

Performance, Growth Curves and Carcass Yield of Four Strains of Broiler Chicken

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, carcass yield and growth curves of different commercial strains of broiler chicken. 2400 day-old chicks, males and females of the Cobb500, RossAp95, Hubbard Flex and a new Francesa line were used. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement 4x2 (line x sex), forming eight treatments with 10 replicates each. The birds were fed with the same diet. Feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion were determined. At 42 days, it was determined at the request of carcass and cuts of each lineage. The Gompertz model was applied to a growth curve for each line. The RossAP95 line shows the best performance results. Growth curves showed lower sexual dimorphism in the Hubbard Flex line. The Hubbard Flex strain presented higher thigh yield and a Cobb500 genetics the higher breast yield. Based on the results found it was observed that the RossAP95 performed better. Hubbard Flex line exhibits the least sexual dimorphism. The Cobb500 have better yield for breast and as Hubbard Flex birds greater thigh yield.(AU)

Performance, Growth Curves and Carcass Yield of Four Strains of Broiler Chicken

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, carcass yield and growth curves of different commercial strains of broiler chicken. 2400 day-old chicks, males and females of the Cobb500, RossAp95, Hubbard Flex and a new Francesa line were used. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement 4x2 (line x sex), forming eight treatments with 10 replicates each. The birds were fed with the same diet. Feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion were determined. At 42 days, it was determined at the request of carcass and cuts of each lineage. The Gompertz model was applied to a growth curve for each line. The RossAP95 line shows the best performance results. Growth curves showed lower sexual dimorphism in the Hubbard Flex line. The Hubbard Flex strain presented higher thigh yield and a Cobb500 genetics the higher breast yield. Based on the results found it was observed that the RossAP95 performed better. Hubbard Flex line exhibits the least sexual dimorphism. The Cobb500 have better yield for breast and as Hubbard Flex birds greater thigh yield.

Activation of endogenous angiotensin converting enzyme 2 prevents early injuries induced by hyperglycemia in rat retina

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus that may result in blindness. We evaluated the effects of activation of endogenous angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 on the early stages of DR. Rats were administered an intravenous injection of streptozotocin to induce hyperglycemia. The ACE2 activator 1-[[2-(dimethylamino) ethyl] amino]-4-(hydroxymethyl)-7-[[(4-methylphenyl) sulfonyl] oxy]-9H-xanthone 9 (XNT) was administered by daily gavage. The death of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) was evaluated in histological sections, and retinal ACE2, caspase-3, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. XNT treatment increased ACE2 expression in retinas of hyperglycemic (HG) rats (control: 13.81±2.71 area%; HG: 14.29±4.30 area%; HG+XNT: 26.87±1.86 area%; P<0.05). Importantly, ACE2 activation significantly increased the RCG number in comparison with HG animals (control: 553.5±14.29; HG: 530.8±10.3 cells; HG+XNT: 575.3±16.5 cells; P<0.05). This effect was accompanied by a reduction in the expression of caspase-3 in RGC of the HG+XNT group when compared with untreated HG rats (control: 18.74±1.59; HG: 38.39±3.39 area%; HG+XNT: 27.83±2.80 area%; P<0.05). Treatment with XNT did not alter the VEGF expression in HG animals (P>0.05). Altogether, these findings indicate that activation of ACE2 reduced the death of retinal ganglion cells by apoptosis in HG rats.

Activation of endogenous angiotensin converting enzyme 2 prevents early injuries induced by hyperglycemia in rat retina.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus that may result in blindness. We evaluated the effects of activation of endogenous angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 on the early stages of DR. Rats were administered an intravenous injection of streptozotocin to induce hyperglycemia. The ACE2 activator 1-[[2-(dimethylamino) ethyl] amino]-4-(hydroxymethyl)-7-[[(4-methylphenyl) sulfonyl] oxy]-9H-xanthone 9 (XNT) was administered by daily gavage. The death of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) was evaluated in histological sections, and retinal ACE2, caspase-3, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. XNT treatment increased ACE2 expression in retinas of hyperglycemic (HG) rats (control: 13.81±2.71 area%; HG: 14.29±4.30 area%; HG+XNT: 26.87±1.86 area%; P<0.05). Importantly, ACE2 activation significantly increased the RCG number in comparison with HG animals (control: 553.5±14.29; HG: 530.8±10.3 cells; HG+XNT: 575.3±16.5 cells; P<0.05). This effect was accompanied by a reduction in the expression of caspase-3 in RGC of the HG+XNT group when compared with untreated HG rats (control: 18.74±1.59; HG: 38.39±3.39 area%; HG+XNT: 27.83±2.80 area%; P<0.05). Treatment with XNT did not alter the VEGF expression in HG animals (P>0.05). Altogether, these findings indicate that activation of ACE2 reduced the death of retinal ganglion cells by apoptosis in HG rats.

Coenzyme Q10 and α-Tocopherol Prevent the Lipid Peroxidation of Cooled Equine Semen.

Biotechnology applied for equine semen increases the levels of reactive oxygen species and reduces the natural antioxidant defence, by both dilution and removal of seminal plasma. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of adding coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and α-tocopherol (α-TOH) to the cooling extender, singly or in combination, on sperm parameters, and their effectiveness in preventing lipid peroxidation (LPO) of equine semen during cooling at 5°C for 72 h. Ten adult stallions of proven fertility were used, using two ejaculates each, subjecting them to the treatments with the following concentrations: α-TOH: 2 mm; CoQ10: 40 µg/ml; and CoQ10 + α-TOH: 40 µg/ml + 2 mm for control (C) without the addition of antioxidants and for vehicle control (EtOH) with 100 µl ethanol. The CoQ10 group had a higher percentage of total motility (69.1 ± 16.2%) compared to control (62.1 ± 16.2%) and EtOH (58.1 ± 18.6%). CoQ10 + α-TOH and α-TOH groups were most effective in preventing LPO compared to controls (1765.9 ± 695.9, 1890.8 ± 749.5, 2506.2 ± 769.4 ng malondialdehyde/10(8) sptz, respectively). In conclusion, CoQ10 and α-TOH were effective during the cooling process of equine semen at 5°C for 72 h, providing increased levels of total motility, as well as lower LPO.

Atividade gastroprotetora do extrato etanólico de Pavonia alnifolia A. St. -Hil / Gastro protective activity of the Pavonia alnifolia A.St. -Hil. extract

RESUMO No Brasil, a família Malvaceae está representada por aproximadamente 200 espécies e algumas foram descritas como gastroproteroras. Pavonia alnifolia A.St.-Hil. (Malvaceae) foi selecionada após uma abordagem quimiossistemática, considerando-se sua potencial capacidade em prevenir lesões gástricas. Assim, a atividade gastroprotetora do extrato etanólico de caules de P. alnifolia foi avaliada utilizando o modelo de indução aguda da lesão gástrica por etanol acidificado em camundongos. Além disso, foram quantificados o teor de flavonóides, pelo método de cloreto de alumínio, e de polifenóis, pelo método Folin-Ciocalteu, uma vez que a relação desses componentes com a proteção gástrica foi evidenciada. Os ensaios apontaram redução acentuada das lesões gástricas em camundongos tratados com o extrato da planta em todas as doses ensaiadas (10, 100 e 300 mg/kg). Esse efeito pode estar relacionado com a presença de polifenóis, cujo teor encontrado foi 74,3 ± 7,5 µg equivalente de pirogalol/mg do material vegetal examinado e 82,7 ± 7,1 µg equivalente de pirogalol /mg da amostra no extrato preparado por percolação e teor de flavonoides totais, que por sua vez apresentou um resultado de 17,1 ± 1,4 µg/mg de extrato. O extrato apresentou proteção da mucosa gástrica e este efeito pode estar relacionado à presença dos polifenóis e flavonóides encontrados

ABSTRACT Gastro protective activity of the Pavonia alnifolia A.St.-Hil. extract. In Brazil, the Malvaceae family is represented by at about 200 species. Some of those species are known as gastro protective ones. The Pavonia alnifolia A.St.-Hil (Malvaceae) was selected after a chemosystematic approach. The gastro preventive activity of the ethanol extract of stems Pavonia alnifolia was evaluated through the use of the Ethanol:chlroridric acid model on mice. The quantification of the total flavonoids (aluminum chloride method) and total polyphenols (Folin-Ciocalteu method) was also performed since the relation of those components with gastric protection has been previously highlighted. The tests showed a significant reduction of the ulcer formation in the mice treated with the plant extract (10, 100 and 300 mg/kg). This effect may be related to the presence of polyphenols whose content was found to be 74.3 ± 7.5 µg/mg of vegetal material and 82.7 ± 7.1 µg/mg of crude extract and flavonoids, which in turn showed a content of 17.1 ± 1.4 µg/mg dry extract

Oral rapamycin attenuates atherosclerosis without affecting the arterial responsiveness of resistance vessels in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of the immunosuppressant rapamycin (Rapamune®, Sirolimus) on both resistance vessel responsiveness and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient 8-week-old male mice fed a normal rodent diet. Norepinephrine (NE)-induced vasoconstriction, acetylcholine (ACh)- and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced vasorelaxation of isolated mesenteric bed, and atherosclerotic lesions were evaluated. After 12 weeks of orally administered rapamycin (5 mg·kg-1·day-1, N = 9) and compared with untreated (control, N = 9) animals, rapamycin treatment did not modify either NE-induced vasoconstriction (maximal response: 114 ± 4 vs 124 ± 10 mmHg, respectively) or ACh- (maximal response: 51 ± 8 vs 53 ± 5 percent, respectively) and SNP-induced vasorelaxation (maximal response: 73 ± 6 vs 74 ± 6 percent, respectively) of the isolated vascular mesenteric bed. Despite increased total cholesterol in treated mice (982 ± 59 vs 722 ± 49 mg/dL, P < 0.01), lipid deposition on the aorta wall vessel was significantly less in rapamycin-treated animals (37 ± 12 vs 68 ± 8 µm² x 10³). These results indicate that orally administered rapamycin is effective in attenuating the progression of atherosclerotic plaque without affecting the responsiveness of resistance vessels, supporting the idea that this immunosuppressant agent might be of potential benefit against atherosclerosis in patients undergoing therapy.

Oral rapamycin attenuates atherosclerosis without affecting the arterial responsiveness of resistance vessels in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of the immunosuppressant rapamycin (Rapamune, Sirolimus) on both resistance vessel responsiveness and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient 8-week-old male mice fed a normal rodent diet. Norepinephrine (NE)-induced vasoconstriction, acetylcholine (ACh)- and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced vasorelaxation of isolated mesenteric bed, and atherosclerotic lesions were evaluated. After 12 weeks of orally administered rapamycin (5 mg.kg-1.day-1, N = 9) and compared with untreated (control, N = 9) animals, rapamycin treatment did not modify either NE-induced vasoconstriction (maximal response: 114 +/- 4 vs 124 +/- 10 mmHg, respectively) or ACh- (maximal response: 51 +/- 8 vs 53 +/- 5%, respectively) and SNP-induced vasorelaxation (maximal response: 73 +/- 6 vs 74 +/- 6%, respectively) of the isolated vascular mesenteric bed. Despite increased total cholesterol in treated mice (982 +/- 59 vs 722 +/- 49 mg/dL, P < 0.01), lipid deposition on the aorta wall vessel was significantly less in rapamycin-treated animals (37 +/- 12 vs 68 +/- 8 microm(2) x 10(3)). These results indicate that orally administered rapamycin is effective in attenuating the progression of atherosclerotic plaque without affecting the responsiveness of resistance vessels, supporting the idea that this immunosuppressant agent might be of potential benefit against atherosclerosis in patients undergoing therapy.