Methodology and Experimental Protocol for Studying Learning and Motor Control in Neuromuscular Structures in Pilates.

The benefits of Pilates have been extensively researched for their impact on muscular, psychological, and cardiac health, as well as body composition, among other aspects. This study aims to investigate the influence of the Pilates method on the learning process, motor control, and neuromuscular trunk stabilization, specifically in both experienced and inexperienced practitioners. This semi-randomized controlled trial compares the level of experience among 36 Pilates practitioners in terms of motor control and learning of two Pilates-based skills: standing plank and side crisscross. Data will be collected using various assessment methods, including abdominal wall muscle ultrasound (AWMUS), shear wave elastography (SWE), gaze behavior (GA) assessment, electroencephalography (EEG), and video motion. Significant intra- and inter-individual variations are expected, due to the diverse morphological and psychomotor profiles in the sample. The adoption of both linear and non-linear analyses will provide a comprehensive evaluation of how neuromuscular structures evolve over time and space, offering both quantitative and qualitative insights. Non-linear analysis is expected to reveal higher entropy in the expert group compared to non-experts, signifying greater complexity in their motor control. In terms of stability, experts are likely to exhibit higher Lyapunov exponent values, indicating enhanced stability and coordination, along with lower Hurst exponent values. In elastography, experienced practitioners are expected to display higher transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle elasticity, due to their proficiency. Concerning GA, non-experts are expected to demonstrate more saccades, focus on more Areas of Interest (AOIs), and shorter fixation times, as experts are presumed to have more efficient gaze control. In EEG, we anticipate higher theta wave values in the non-expert group compared to the expert group. These expectations draw from similar studies in elastography and correlated research in eye tracking and EEG. They are consistent with the principles of the Pilates Method and other scientific knowledge in related techniques.

Movement variability in Pilates: a scoping review.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to identify studies that analyzed movement variability in Pilates. Following a systematic approach to mapping evidence on this topic would highlight concepts, theories, sources, and knowledge gaps in this area. Methods: This review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) criteria for the selection, reading, and analysis of studies in this area. We searched five literature databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, library catalog of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Coimbra-EBSCO Discovery Services, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar). Eligible articles contained the word "Pilates," and the human movement variability was analyzed. Any type of study (except reviews) could be eligible and must have been published between 1 January 2002 and 30 November 2022, in Portuguese, Spanish, French, or English. Results: Our search identified five eligible entries. Only one study used the Pilates method in its intervention, pointing to a more significant variability of hip-knee coordination, suggesting more diversified coordination patterns, and maintaining the variability of the angular position of the joint. Conclusion: Very few studies have examined movement variability in Pilates, and only one applied an ecological framework.

Benefits of Pilates in the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review is to collect and summarize the benefits of Pilates in the elderly population (>60 years old), within the current scientific production, assessing its contribution to Healthy Ageing (HA). We used PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) to select, collect, and analyse this thematic. The methodological procedures were registered in the PROSPERO database. The main results of the studies analysed (n = 30) point to significant differences between the intervention and the control groups in dynamic balance, strength, mobility, functional capacity, risk of falling reduction, and mental and psychological health. Thus, the results showed that Pilates may be beneficial for the health of the elderly. The meta-analysis found statistical differences between means on the dynamic balance (mean difference (MD) = −0.0, 95% CI [−0.71, −0.50]; I2: 0%) and the aerobic capacity and aerobic resistance [(MD) = 38.29, 95% CI [6.82, 69.77]; I2: 0%). Thus, it is concluded that the efficacy of Pilates has been shown in various areas of HA and has proven to be affordable and safe for the majority of people, using just a mat on the floor. Future studies should focus on the analysis of the relationship between the cost and the benefit of a Pilates intervention in the elderly population, to better understand how health costs can be minimized and to contribute to a multidisciplinary and generalized HA. Pilates has practical application for the clinicians, therapists, and health professionals that work with the elderly population.

Repair of Critical Size Bone Defects Using Synthetic Hydroxyapatite or Xenograft with or without the Bone Marrow Mononuclear Fraction: A Histomorphometric and Immunohistochemical Study in Rat Calvaria.

Bone defects are a challenging clinical situation, and the development of hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials is a prolific research field that, in addition, can be joined by stem cells and growth factors in order to deal with the problem. This study compares the use of synthetic hydroxyapatite and xenograft, used pure or enriched with bone marrow mononuclear fraction for the regeneration of critical size bone defects in rat calvaria through histomorphometric (Masson's staining) and immunohistochemical (anti-VEGF, anti-osteopontin) analysis. Forty young adult male rats were divided into five groups (n = 8). Animals were submitted to critical size bone defects (Ø = 8 mm) in the temporoparietal region. In the control group, there was no biomaterial placement in the critical bone defects; in group 1, it was filled with synthetic hydroxyapatite; in group 2, it was filled with xenograft; in group 3, it was filled with synthetic hydroxyapatite, enriched with bone marrow mononuclear fraction (BMMF), and in group 4 it was filled with xenograft, enriched with BMMF. After eight weeks, all groups were euthanized, and histological section images were captured and analyzed. Data analysis showed that in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 (received biomaterials and biomaterials plus BMMF), a significant enhancement in new bone matrix formation was observed in relation to the control group. However, BMMF-enriched groups did not differ from hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials-only groups. Therefore, in this experimental model, BMMF did not enhance hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials' potential to induce bone matrix and related mediators.

Morphometric analysis of nerve fibers in neural leprosy.

BACKGROUND: The present study assesses the contributions of axonal degeneration and demyelination in leprosy nerve damage. New clinical strategies can emerge from an in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of neural leprosy (NL). METHODS: Morphometric analysis of myelinated nerve fibers was performed on 44 nerve biopsy samples collected from leprosy patients. Measures of density, diameter distribution, g-ratios, and the counting of axonal ovoids on the myelinated fibers were taken and compared to those in the control group. RESULTS: The proportion of small myelinated fibers increased in the leprosy group while large fiber frequency decreased. Indicative of axonal atrophy, the g-ratio was lower in the leprosy group. The frequency of axonal ovoids was identical to that found in the non-leprosy neuropathies. CONCLUSIONS: Axonal atrophy, Wallerian degeneration, and demyelination coexist in NL. Axonal degeneration predominates over demyelination in the chronic course of the disease; however, this may change during leprosy reactive episodes. This study regards demyelination and axon degeneration as concurrent mechanisms of damage to nerve fibers in leprosy. It also calls into question the view that demyelination is the primary and predominant mechanism in the complex pathogeny of NL.

Evaluation of the temperature of posterior lower limbs skin during the whole body vibration measured by infrared thermography: Cross-sectional study analysis using linear mixed effect model.

BACKGROUND: Whole body vibration exercise (WBVE) has been shown to improve muscular strength and power, and increase peripheral blood flow. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of the skin temperature (Tsk) on regions of the lower limbs from an acute bout of WBVE. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Cross-sectional study approved by local ethics committee (Certificado de Apresentação para Apreciação Ética-CAAE-19826413.8.0000.5259) and Trial registration (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos-REBEC-RBR-738wng). Using Infrared thermography (IRT), Tsk and thermal symmetry of the posterior lower extremities (thigh, knee, calf and heel) were examined in 19 healthy participants. IRT was assessed during 60-second WBVE exposures of 0, 30 and 50 Hz. From the adjusted linear mixed effects model, vibration frequency, time and regions of the lower extremity were significant (p<0.001). However, the variable laterality was not significant (p = 0.067) and was excluded from the adjusted statistical model. The adjusted model was significant (p<0.00001) and all variables in the model were significant (p<0.01) indicating that Tsk decreases with time, independently of the vibration frequency. The value of the Pseudo-R-Squared for the model was 0.8376. The presented mathematical model of the current study may be useful to justify the patterns observed for all vibration frequencies between and 0 and 50 Hz. The main limitations of the study were the reduced time of the intervention and not having evaluated other regions of the body. CONCLUSIONS: The acute exposure of 60-second mechanical vibration has effect on the behavior of Tsk of the posterior region of the lower limbs, which is likely to be associated with a decrease on the blood flow due to WBVE. It is speculated that during WBVE a greater supply of blood is required where the body responds by shunting blood flow from the skin to working muscle in the first seconds of exercise. Further investigative work is required to verify this hypothesis.

Assessment Through the Short Physical Performance Battery of the Functionality in Individuals With Metabolic Syndrome Exposed to Whole-Body Vibration Exercises.

Physical activity is recommended in the management of individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and recent studies have suggested whole-body vibration exercise (WBVe) for this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functionality through the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in individuals with MetS after WBVe. The SPPB evaluates the balance, the gait speed, and the lower limb strength (five-chair stand [5CS] test). Forty-four individuals with MetS were divided into WBVe (WBVeG) and control (CG) groups. The individuals of the WBVeG performed 10 sessions of WBVe in an oscillating/vibratory platform (OVP), barefoot, for 3 minutes at the peak-to-peak displacements of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mm, with a resting period of 1 minute (total time: 18 minutes/session). The frequencies ranged from 5 up to 14 Hz. The individuals of the CG performed all the steps of the study, but the OVP was turned off. Before the first and after the tenth session, the individuals performed the SPPB. Significant responses were found in the WBVeG, analyzing the total score of the SPPB (P = .005), the balance test (P = .01), the gait speed (P = .006), and the 5CS test (P = .03), resulting in the improvement of the functionality of individuals with MetS.

Erythema multiforme in leprosy

The clinical course of leprosy is often interrupted by reactions, which are acute inflammatory episodes that can be classified as type I or type II. Type II reactions can present as cutaneous lesions that resemble erythema multiforme (EM). EM is classically associated with drug allergies or pre-existing viral infections. However, the differential diagnostic criteria of the diverse causative agents remain controversial. The aim of this study was to determine both the clinical relevance and the morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the EM-like lesions during the course of type II leprosy reactions. Twenty-seven skin biopsies were taken from typical EM-like lesions of multibacillary patients and reviewed; their histological features were correlated to their clinical aspects. Then, a computer-assisted morphometric analysis was performed to measure the extent of angiogenesis during these acute episodes. The histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of the EM lesions revealed that they shared the same features that have been previously described for ENL, including immunopositivity in the identical cell-mediated immune markers. Our results point to leprosy as the cause of the EM-like lesions in our patients. Therefore, leprosy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of EM.

Erythema multiforme in leprosy.

The clinical course of leprosy is often interrupted by reactions, which are acute inflammatory episodes that can be classified as type I or type II. Type II reactions can present as cutaneous lesions that resemble erythema multiforme (EM). EM is classically associated with drug allergies or pre-existing viral infections. However, the differential diagnostic criteria of the diverse causative agents remain controversial. The aim of this study was to determine both the clinical relevance and the morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the EM-like lesions during the course of type II leprosy reactions. Twenty-seven skin biopsies were taken from typical EM-like lesions of multibacillary patients and reviewed; their histological features were correlated to their clinical aspects. Then, a computer-assisted morphometric analysis was performed to measure the extent of angiogenesis during these acute episodes. The histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of the EM lesions revealed that they shared the same features that have been previously described for ENL, including immunopositivity in the identical cell-mediated immune markers. Our results point to leprosy as the cause of the EM-like lesions in our patients. Therefore, leprosy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of EM.

Appetite-related hormone levels in obese women with and without binge eating behavior / Hormônios reguladores do apetite em mulheres obesas com e sem compulsão alimentar

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of appetite-related hormones (peptide YY3-36, total ghrelin, leptin and insulin) before and after consumption of a meal in obese women with and without binge eating episodes and normal weight women. METHODS: Twenty-five women aged 32-50 years were invited to participate in this study, including 9 normal weight women without binge eating episodes (20-25kg/m², group 1), 9 obese women with binge eating episodes (³30kg/m², group 2), and 7 obese women without binge eating episodes (group 3). Four blood samples were collected from each participant, one being 60 minutes before and three being 15, 45 and 90 minutes after a meal. The composition of the meal was 55 percent carbohydrates, 15 percent protein and 30 percent lipids. RESULTS: Group 3 presented increased HOMA-IR (M=2.5, SD=1.04) when compared with group 1 (M=1.5, SD=0.53) and group 2 (M=1.8, SD=0.58), p=0.04. Body mass index (p<0.0001), leptin (p<0.0001) and insulin (p=0.01) were higher in group 3 than in the other groups before and after the meal. Additionally, total ghrelin (p=0.003) and PYY3-36 (p=0.02) levels were lower in group 2 than in the other groups before and after the meal. After adjustment for body mass index, only the lower PYY3-36 level of group 2 remained statistically different from the other groups (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that lower levels of PYY 3-36 are associated with binge eating in obese women.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, antes e após a refeição, as concentrações séricas de hormônios ligados ao controle do apetite (peptídeo YY3-36, grelina total, leptina e insulina) em mulheres obesas com e sem episódios de compulsão alimentar e compará-las às mulheres de peso normal. MÉTODOS: Vinte e cinco mulheres com idade entre 32 e 50 anos foram convidadas a participar deste estudo, incluindo 9 mulheres com peso normal (20-25kg/m²) sem episódios de compulsão alimentar (grupo 1), 9 mulheres obesas (³30 kg/m²) com episódios de compulsão alimentar (grupo 2) e 7 mulheres obesas sem episódios de compulsão alimentar (grupo 3). Foram coletadas quatro amostras de sangue pós-prandiais a 60 minutos (1 hora antes), bem como 15, 45 e 90 minutos após uma refeição composta de 55 por cento de carboidratos, 15 por cento de proteínas e 30 por cento de lipídeos. RESULTADOS: O maior HOMA-IR foi observado no grupo 3 (M=2,5, DP=1,04) quando comparado ao grupo 1 (M=1,5, DP=0,53) e ao grupo 2 (M=1,8, DP=0,58), p=0,04. O índice de massa corporal (p<0,0001), a leptina (p<0,0001) e a insulina (p=0,01) foram maiores no grupo 3 antes e após a refeição. A grelina total (p=0,003) e o PYY3-36 (p=0,02) foram menores no grupo 2 antes e após a refeição. Após o ajuste do índice de massa corporal, apenas a baixa concentração de PYY3-36 no grupo 2 manteve-se estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos (p=0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo sugere que níveis baixos do PYY-3-36 estejam associados à compulsão alimentar em mulheres obesas.

Rosuvastatin beneficially alters the glomerular structure of kidneys from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

The incidence of chronic renal diseases is increasing worldwide, and there is a great need to identify therapies capable of arresting or reducing disease progression. The current treatment of chronic nephropathies is limited to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, but increasing clinical and experimental evidence suggests that statins could play a therapeutic role. Ultrastructural studies have shown the presence of gap junctions within all the cells of the glomerulus and podocytes have been found to contain primarily connexin-43. The present study aims to observe the beneficial effects of rosuvastatin on structural and ultrastructural renal morphology and on glomerular connexin-43 expression in normotensive rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Rats were randomly allocated into four groups: WKY-C: normotensive animals no receiving rosuvastatin; WKY-ROS: normotensive animals receiving rosuvastatin; SHR-C: hypertensive animals no receiving rosuvastatin; SHR-ROS: hypertensive animals receiving rosuvastatin. Our results show no differences in blood urea, creatinine, uric acid and creatine phosphokinase levels between the groups, however, there was an decreasing of 24-h protein excretion in SHR-ROS. Capsular area in SHR-ROS was decreased, however, there was no alteration in urinary space. By transmission electron microscopy the slit diaphragm and podocyte foot processes were more preserved in SHR-ROS. By scanning electron microscopy the podocyte foot processes were more preserved in SHR-ROS. Increased connexin-43 immunofluorescence was observed in glomeruli of WKY-ROS and SHR-ROS. In conclusion, we hypothesize that renal pleiotropic effect of rosuvastatin can be a therapeutic tool for improving kidney ultrastructure and, consequently, renal function in hypertensive individuals.

Leptin/adiponectin ratio in obese women with and without binge eating disorder.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue-derived hormones are involved in the pathophysiology of eating disorders and other mental disorders. Studies have suggested that the serum leptin/adiponectin ratio is highly correlated with BMI. Furthermore, it is associated with a number of metabolic processes and inflammatory markers that are involved in obesity and mental disorders, such as the physiopathology of binge eating disorder (BED). We investigated whether variations in leptin and adiponectin serum concentrations differed between adult women with and without BED before and after a meal. METHODS: The study group was composed of 8 normal weight women (20-25 kg/m2) without BED, 8 obese women (>/=30 kg/m2) with BED, and 7 obese women without BED (non-BED). Blood samples were collected before and after the consumption of a meal composed of 55% carbohydrates, 15% protein, and 30% lipids. RESULTS: Body mass index (p<0.0001), leptin (p<0.0001) and the leptin/adiponectin ratio (p<0.0001) were higher in obese non-BED women than in obese BED and normal weight groups. Adiponectin (p=0.01) concentrations were lower in the obese BED group than in the other groups before and after the meal. CONCLUSIONS: The hypoadiponectinemia followed by the altered levels of leptin in obese BED woman may predispose these subjects to an inadequate energy balance, which could promote weight gain and an increased food intake in woman that may contribute to obesity and binge eating in these subjects.

Acetylsalicylic acid and morphology of red blood cells

This work evaluated the effect of in vitro and in vivo treatment with ASA on the morphology of the red blood cells. Blood samples or Wistar rats were treated with ASA for one hour. Blood samples or animals treated with saline were used as control group. Blood smears were prepared, fixed, stained and the qualitative and quantitative morphology of red blood cells were evaluated under optical microscopy. Data showed that the in vitro treatment for one hour with ASA at higher dose used significantly (p<0.05) modified the perimeter/area ratio of the red blood cells. No morphological alterations were obtained with the in vivo treatment. ASA use at highest doses could interfere on shape of red blood cells.

Este trabalho avaliou o efeito do tratamento in vitro e in vivo com AAS na morfologia dos eritrócitos. Amostras de sangue ou ratos Wistar foram tratadas com AAS por uma hora. Amostras sangüíneas ou animais tratados com salina foram utilizados como grupos controle. Distensões de sangue foram preparadas, fixadas, coradas e a análise morfológica qualitativa e quantitativa dos eritrócitos foi realizada em microscópio óptico. Os dados mostraram que o tratamento in vitro por uma hora com AAS na maior dose utilizada modificou significativamente (p<0.05) a relação perímetro/área dos eritrócitos. Não foram obtidas alterações morfológicas com o tratamento in vivo. O uso do AAS em doses altas poderia interferir na forma dos eritrócitos.

Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and nitric oxide synthase III in the thyroid gland of ovariectomized rats are upregulated by estrogen and selective estrogen receptor modulators.

BACKGROUND: Estrogen promotes the growth of thyroid cells. Therefore, we analyzed the influence of estrogen and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide synthase III (NOS III) in the thyroid gland of ovariectomized (Ovx) rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into five groups, and bilateral ovariectomies were performed, except on the Sham-operated controls (Sham). Rats were grouped as follows: Sham; Ovx; and Ovx rats treated with daily subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate 3.5 microg/kg, tamoxifen 2.5 mg/kg, or raloxifene 2.5 mg/kg for 50 consecutive days. Control animals received vehicle (propyleneglycol), and at the end of the treatment, rats were sacrificed. The thyroid glands were excised, weighed, and processed for analysis of the expression of VEGF or NOS III by immunohistochemistry. The mean vascular areas were evaluated by immunodetection of alpha-smooth muscle actin. RESULTS: Thyroid weight and mean vascular area were lower in Ovx as compared with Sham, Ovx + estradiol benzoate, Ovx + Tam, or Ovx + Ral (p < 0.01). VEGF (p < 0.01) and NOS III expressions (p < 0.05) were significantly lower in the Ovx group, as compared with Sham, Ovx + estradiol benzoate, Ovx + Tam, and Ovx + Ral. Immunoreactivity for both VEGF and NOS III was mainly detected in the cytoplasm of the follicular epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that estrogen and SERMs regulate the thyroid gland vascularization and that tamoxifen and raloxifene behave like estrogen does. Estrogen and SERMs upregulate VEGF and NOS III in such a way as to reverse the effects detected on the thyroid microvasculature of the Ovx rats.

Long-term effects of overfeeding during lactation on insulin secretion--the role of GLUT-2.

Overnutrition during critical developmental periods is believed to be a risk factor for the emergence of metabolic disorders in adulthood. The present study investigated the effects of pups overfeeding during lactation on offspring's insulin secretion. To study the consequences of overnutrition early in life in rats, litter size reduction has been shown to be an appropriate experimental model. To induce early postnatal overnutrition, litter size was reduced to three pups per litter at the third day following birth [overfed group (OG)]. In the control group (CG), the litter size was adjusted to 10 pups per litter. Metabolic parameters and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion were assessed. OG pups ingested more milk at 10 and 21 days and had an augmented food intake at 1 year compared to the CG. Consistently, body weight, body fat, and fasting plasma levels of insulin were higher in 1-year-old OG rats. In addition, OG rats exhibited enhanced insulin secretion, accompanied by elevated content of GLUT-2 in pancreatic islets compared to CG. These findings indicate that early postnatal overnutrition during a critical developmental period in life may program permanent alterations in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.

Associação de POMC, NPY e IRS2 hipotalâmicos com padrões de comportamento alimentar em ratos Wistar normais e sobrepeso / Association of POMC, NPY and hypothalamic IRS2 with patterns of eating behavior in overweight and normal Wistar rats

O comportamento alimentar de uma espécie é determinado por um conjunto de características filogenéticas, ontogenéticas, e epigenéticas, e regulado por fatores internos e externos ao organismo. Os fenômenos naturais que regem a vida no nosso planeta são periódicos em sua maioria, e a oferta de alimentos não é exceção. Cada safra é seguida de uma entressafra, e este ritmo sincroniza diversos outros ritmos, exógenos e endógenos, capazes de determinar a sobrevivência de espécies. Uma das estratégias adaptativas mais primitivas e bem sucedidas na dinâmica oscilatória da natureza, é o acúmulo de reservas. Nossa espécie, nos últimos 50 anos, vive uma situação de grande oferta de alimentos, período este extremamente pequeno, se visto sob a ordem de grandeza da evolução humana. Este fenômeno tem sido determinante na prevalência do depósito de energia e em decorrência, do surgimento da obesidade e suas consequentes patologias. O hipotálamo está intimamente associado à homeostase energética e ao comportamento alimentar. No núcleo arqueado hipotalâmico encontram-se populações neuronais orexigênicas e anorexigênicas, dentre as quais, as que expressam os neuroreceptores POMC, NPY e o substrato de receptor de insulina IRS2. A modificação da expressão destas proteínas tem sido associada à alterações do comportamento alimentar, bem como à impressão e programação metabólica, capazes de induzir obesidade em ratos adultos. A correlação desta circuitaria neuronal com o comportamento alimentar, porém, ainda não está suficientemente compreendida. A detecção do estado de fome-saciedade nos ratos, fundamental no estudo da neurofisiologia relacionada ao comportamento alimentar, vem sendo obtida via de regra, por meio de procedimentos complexos de observação comportamental. O presente estudo contribui para o conhecimento de padrões de alimentação determinados por condições nutricionais, e sua relação com a expressão neurofisiológica hipotalâmica dos neurônios POMC, NPY e IRS2 ...

The feeding behavior of a specie is determined by a group of phylogenetic, ontogenetic, and epigenetic features, and regulated by internal and external factors to the organism. The natura phenomena that govern life in our planet are mainly periodic, and the food stocks is not an exception. Each harvest is followed by a time between harvests, and this rhythm synchronizes other several exogenous and endogenous rhythms, capable of determining the survival of species. One of the most primitive strategies of adaptative evolution of species, and what usually happens regarding the oscillatory dynamics of nature, is the reserve accumulation. Our species, in the last 50 years, has been living a situation of great food offer, such period is exremely small if analysed under the greatness order of the human evolution. This phenomenon has been decisive in the prevalence of the energy deposit and, in consequence, determining the appearance of obesity and its consequent pathologies. The hypothalamus is intimately associated to the energy homeostasis and the feeding behavior. In the arcuate nucleous are orexigenic and anorexigenic neuronal populations, that express the neuroreceptors POMC, NPY and insulin receptor substratum IRS2. The modification of these proteins expression, has been associated to alterations of the feeding behavior, as well as to the metabolic imprinting and programming, capable to induce obesity in adult rats. The correlation of this neuronal circuits with the alimentary behavior, however, it is not yet sufficiently understood. The detection of the hunger-satiation state in the rat, crucial in the neurophysiology studies related to the alimentary behavior, has been obtained through complex procedures of behavioral observation. The present study contributed to the knowledge of certain feeding patterns for nutritional conditions, and its relationship with the neurophysiological expression of POMC, NPY and IRS2 neurons. Using the metabolic programming ...

Effects of chronic sucralose sweetener on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m, morphology of red blood cells and the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate in rats

This work evaluates effects of the sweetener with sucralose on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium- 99m (99mTc), on the morphology of red blood cells (RBC) and on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate in Wistar rats. Animals were treated with sweetener for 8 days. Blood samples were withdrawn and the assay of labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc was performed. Blood cells (BC) and plasma (P) were isolated. Aliquots of BC and P were also precipitated, soluble and insoluble fractions separated. The radioactivity in each fraction was counted and percentage of incorporated radioactivity (%ATI) determined. Blood smears were prepared, fixed, stained and the qualitative and quantitative morphology of the RBC was evaluated under optical microscopy. In biodistribution experiments, sodium pertechnetate was administrated, organs and tissues isolated, radioactivity was counted and percentage of incorporated radioactivity per gram (%ATI/g) determined. The data showed no significant alterations in %ATI, morphology of RBC and in %ATI/g in the studied organs.

Neste estudo foram avaliados efeitos do adoçante com sucralose na marcação de constituintes sangüíneos com 99mTc, na morfologia de hemácias e na biodistribuição do pertecnetato de sódio em ratos Wistar. Animais foram tratados com adoçante durante 8 dias. Amostras de sangue foram retiradas e a marcação de constituintes sangüíneos com 99mTc foi realizada. Células sangüíneas (CS) e plasma (P) foram isolados. Alíquotas de CS e P foram precipitadas, fraçõesinsolúvel e solúvel foram separadas. Aradioatividade em cada fração foi contada e o percentual de radioatividade incorporada (%ATI), determinado. Distensões sangüíneas foram preparadas, fixadas, coradas e análise morfológica, qualitativa e quantitativa, de hemácias foi avaliada sob microscopia óptica. Nos experimentos debiodistribuição, pertecnetato de sódio foiadministrado, órgãos e tecidos isolados, a radioatividade contada e o percentual de radioatividade incorporada por grama (%ATI/g), determinada. Os dados sugerem que não houve alterações significativas no %ATI, morfologia de hemácias e no %ATI/g.

Effects of fenoprofen on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m, the morphology of red blood cells and the plasmid

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of fenoprofen on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m, on the morphology of red blood cells and on the plasmid DNA. Blood samples from Wistar rats were incubated with fenoprofen and the assay of labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m (99mTc) was performed. Blood cells, plasma, soluble and insoluble fractions of blood cells and plasma were separated. The radioactivity in each fraction was counted and percentage of incorporated radioactivity ( percentATI) was determined. Blood smears were prepared, fixed, stained and the qualitative and quantitative morphology of the red blood cells (RBC) was evaluated. Plasmid (pBSK) was incubated with fenoprofen with stannous chloride, and agarose gel electrophoresis procedure was carried out to evaluate genotoxic and the protection of this drug against stannous chloride effect on DNA. In conclusion, under the conditions used in this work, our data suggest that fenoprofen would not (i) affect the fixation of the 99mTc on the blood constituents, (ii) alter the RBC membrane and (iii) present genotoxic and redox effects.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do fenoprofeno na marcação de constuintes sanguíneos com tecnécio-99m (99mTc), na morfologia de hemácias e no DNA plasmidial. Amostras de sangue de ratos Wistar foram incubadas com fenoprofeno e a marcação de constituintes sangüíneos com 99mTc foi realizada. Células sangüíneas (CS) e plasma (P) foram isolados. Alíquotas de CS e P foram precipitadas, frações insolúvel e solúvel foram separadas. A radioatividade em cada fração foi contada e o percentual de radioatividade incorporada ( por centoATI), determinada. Distensões sangüíneas foram preparadas, fixadas, coradas e análise morfológica, qualitativa e quantitativa, de hemácias foi realizada sob microscopia óptica. Plasmídios pBSK foram incubados com fenoprofeno na presença e ausência de cloreto estanoso, e o procedimento de eletroforese em gel de agarose realizado para avaliar o efeito genotóxico deste fármaco e seu efeito sobre a ação do cloreto estanoso no DNA. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que, nas condições utilizadas nesse estudo, o fenoprofeno não poderia: (i) afetar a fixação do 99mTc nos constituintes sanguíneos, (ii) alterar a membrana de hemácias e (iii) apresentar efeitos genotóxicos e redox.

Electron microscopy and morphometric analyses of microtubules in two differently sized types of axons in the protocerebral tract of a crustacean.

Despite several reports on the morphology and functions associated with the morphometry of the vertebrate axoplasm cytoskeleton, the subject has not been thoroughly explored in invertebrates. In vertebrates, among many other functions, microtubules (MTs) serve as scaffolding for axon assembly, and neurofilaments (NFs) as the elements that determine the axon caliber. Intermediate filaments have never been described by electron microscopy in arthropods, although NF proteins have been revealed in the MT side-arms of the axoplasm of certain species, such as the crab Ucides cordatus. Thus, it is not known which elements of the cytoskeleton of invertebrates are responsible for determination of the axon caliber. We studied, by electron microscopy and morphometric analyses, the MT and axon area variability in differently sized axons of the protocerebral tract of the crab Ucides cordatus. Our results revealed differences in the distance between MTs, in MT density and number, and in the areas of differently sized axons. The number of MTs increases with the axon area, but this relationship is not directly proportional. Therefore, MT density is greater in smaller axons than in medium axons, similar to the morphometry of the vertebrate axon MT. The distance between MTs is, however, directly related to the axonal area. On the basis of the results shown here, and on previous reports by us and others, we suggest that MTs may be involved in the determination of the axon caliber, possibly due to the presence of NF proteins found in the side-arms.

Effect of a chayotte (Sechium edule) extract on the labeling of red blood cells and plasma proteins with technetium-99m: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Sechium edule (chayotte) is used as food or as medication in popular medicine. The labeling of blood elements with technetium-99m (99mTc) has been altered by drugs (synthetic and natural). Some authors have reported biological effects concerning the chayotte. We have evaluated the influence of chayotte extracts (macerated and infusion) on the labeling of blood elements with 99mTc. In vitro study, blood was incubated with the extracts, (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100% v/v). In in vivo study, the animals were treated with the extracts (100% v/v), as drinking water (15 and 60 days) and samples of blood were withdrawn. The blood samples were incubated with stannous chloride and with 99mTc. Plasma (P) and blood cells (BC) were isolated, also precipitated with trichloroacetic acid and soluble (SF) and insoluble fractions (IF) separated. There was a (p < 0.05) decrease in the radioactivity in BC, IF-BC and IF-P with the infusion (100%) and a slight decrease in the uptake of 99mTc by BC and a strong decrease in the fixation in IF-P with the macerated when the extracts were administrated in vivo (15 days). In 60 days, there was a decrease in BC (98.77 to 53.53%), in IF-BC (90.36 to 21.20%) and in IF-P (77.20 to 11.01%). In vitro study no alterations on the labeling of blood elements were found, however, we have found alterations on the fixation of 99mTc in the in vivo study, probably, due to the metabolization of chayotte capable to induce the generation of active metabolites.