Effects of chronic restraint stress in the prostate of prepubertal and adult rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of chronic stress in the prostate of prepubertal and adult rats. METHODS: Thirty-two male rats were assigned into four groups depending on the type of treatment (control or stressed) and the age at which stress was initiated (prepubertal or adult). Restraint stress stimuli were applied for six weeks. Stressed prepubertal and adult rats evaluated immediately after the last stress stimuli were named SP and SA groups, respectively. Age-matched rats were used as control groups (CP and CA). At the end of the experiment, the rats were euthanized, and prostate morphological parameters were evaluated and statistically compared. RESULTS: Application of stress stimuli to the SP group resulted in reduced body weight, but no prostate morphological modification was noted. The SA group showed reduced testosterone level and prostatic epithelium surface density, in comparison to CA group. Further, the prostatic lumen surface density was increased in adult stressed animals, in comparison to adult controls. CONCLUSIONS: The stress stimuli promoted changes in hormonal and morphological parameters in the prostate of adult stressed rats. Prepubertal stressed animals did not presented modifications of prostate morphology.

Use of homologous platelet gel to manage refractory diabetic lower extremity ulcers: additional experience at a tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: DLEUs are a major cause of morbidity. Appropriate treatment is essential, and newer methods to achieve ulcer healing have been described, including application of PG. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of homologous PG in patients with chronic noninfected DLEU refractory to standard treatment as well as possible correlations between patient comorbidities and response to treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from patients with chronic refractory DLEU managed with homologous PG between January 2014 and October 2022 were evaluated (comorbidities, wound characteristics, number and time of treatment, outcome). Outcome was classified as complete response (complete ulcer healing with reepithelialization), partial response (≥50% reduction in area and/or improvement of pain), or absence of response. The chi-square test was used to compare groups, with alpha level set at less than .05. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients (63 male, 18 female; median age, 65 years; median HbA1c, 7.6%; median ulcer area, 2.9 cm2) were proposed for PG application. A total of 62 patients had 3 or more comorbidities. Outcome was evaluated in 69 patients, with response observed in 49% (complete, 32%; partial, 17%). Worse outcomes occurred in patients with polyneuropathy (chi-square statistic: 4.183; P = .041). CONCLUSION: Homologous PG is a safe and possibly effective therapeutic alternative for DLEU that is unresponsive to standard therapies.

Effects of chronic stress on bladder morphology of rats and impact of comfort food diet as an ameliorating agent.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of chronic stress on bladder morphology and the impact of food preference (standard or comfort foods) on the bladder of stressed rats. METHODS: In total, 32 Wistar male rats (3 months old) were divided into four groups: control (C), stressed (S), control + comfort food (C + CF), and stressed + comfort food (S + CF). Groups C and C + CF were maintained under normal conditions, while groups S and S + CF were subjected to chronic stress by the restraint method. Groups C and S received standard rat chow, while groups C + CF and S + CF received comfort food (Froot Loops®) and standard chow. The stress stimuli were induced daily for 2 h over 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, all animals were killed, and the bladders were removed and used for histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Body mass was similar among the groups. Stress did not promote differences regarding food intake, but animals receiving comfort food showed higher calories intake (in kcal/Kg) than animals receiving only standard chow. The C + CF and S + CF groups preferred comfort food over the standard chow; this preference was higher in the S + CF than in the C + CF group. The surface density of smooth muscle was reduced in stressed animals, while connective tissue and elastic system fiber content were increased in stressed groups. Further, epithelial height was increased in rats submitted to chronic stress. The surface density of elastic system fibers was decreased by the consumption of comfort food. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic stress induces morphological modifications on the bladder wall and epithelium. These modifications may be related to lower urinary tract symptoms. Additionally, chronic stress caused a higher preference for comfort food intake which did not ameliorate or aggravate the stress-induced bladder alterations.

Effects of comfort food diet on the penile morphology of stressed rats.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of chronic stress, associated or not with comfort food, on the morphology of the penis. Materials & methods: Thirty-two adult Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: Control group (C), receiving standard rat chow, and under normal conditions; Stressed group (S), receiving standard chow, and submitted to stressful situations; Control + comfort food group (C + CF), receiving standard chow and comfort food, and under normal conditions; and Stressed + comfort food group (S + CF), receiving standard chow and comfort food, and submitted to stressful situations. At 10 weeks of age, food supply and stress were initiated. All groups had ad libitum access to standard chow and water, and groups receiving comfort food also had access to Froot Loops®. Chronic stress was induced by restriction, animals were contained daily in polypropylene tubes for 2 h, for eight weeks. After eight weeks all animals were killed; penises were removed for histomorphometric analysis. Results: Body mass was similar among the groups. Food intake in S + CF group was lower than in other groups. Concerning food preference, groups C + CF and S + CF preferred comfort food over the standard chow, with this preference being higher in S + CF than in C + CF. The area of the corpora cavernosa without tunica albuginea was lower in group S + CF than in group C. Most interestingly, the surface density of connective tissue in the corpora cavernosa was higher in groups S and S + CF compared to group C. In contrast, smooth muscle surface density was markedly lower in S + CF compared to groups C and C + CF, while group S also had reduced smooth muscle in comparison to group C. Conclusion: Chronic stress caused a morphological alteration on penile histomorphometry. Also, stress increased the preference for comfort foods which caused more deleterious effects in some parameters.

Effects of chronic restraint stress in the prostate of prepubertal and adult rats

Purpose: To investigate the effects of chronic stress in the prostate of prepubertal and adult rats. Methods: Thirty-two male rats were assigned into four groups depending on the type of treatment (control or stressed) and the age at which stress was initiated (prepubertal or adult). Restraint stress stimuli were applied for six weeks. Stressed prepubertal and adult rats evaluated immediately after the last stress stimuli were named SP and SA groups, respectively. Age-matched rats were used as control groups (CP and CA). At the end of the experiment, the rats were euthanized, and prostate morphological parameters were evaluated and statistically compared. Results: Application of stress stimuli to the SP group resulted in reduced body weight, but no prostate morphological modification was noted. The SA group showed reduced testosterone level and prostatic epithelium surface density, in comparison to CA group. Further, the prostatic lumen surface density was increased in adult stressed animals, in comparison to adult controls. Conclusions: The stress stimuli promoted changes in hormonal and morphological parameters in the prostate of adult stressed rats. Prepubertal stressed animals did not presented modifications of prostate morphology.

Histomorphometric comparison of the corpus cavernosum of rats submitted to euthanasia with ketamine and xylazine or isoflurane.

PURPOSE: To compare the penile histoarchitecture of rats euthanized with isoflurane or with ketamine and xylazine. METHODS: Fourteen male rats were divided into two groups: ISO, with animals euthanized with isoflurane; and K+X, with animals euthanized with ketamine (150 mg/kg) associated with xylazine (15 mg/kg). Immediately after the death, the penises were dissected, fixed in a 4% buffered formalin solution, and processed for histomorphometric analysis. The surface densities (Sv) of the corpus cavernosum structures (connective tissue, smooth muscle, sinusoidal space, and elastic fibers) were evaluated using Image J software. The distribution of collagen types I and III was qualitatively assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student's t test for data comparison, considering it statistically significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: Regarding the Sv of connective tissue, smooth muscle and sinusoidal space, there were no differences between animals in both groups. On the other hand, the animals euthanized with the association of ketamine and xylazine showed the Sv of elastic fibers 24.8% higher in relation to animals euthanized with isoflurane. CONCLUSIONS: The euthanasia method affected one of the morphological parameters of the rat penises. The choice of euthanasia method must be standardized to reduce bias and to obtain reliable and reproducible results.

Quercetin as a nephroprotector after warm ischemia: histomorphometric evaluation in a rodent model

ABSTRACT Purpose: To quantitatively evaluate the possible long-term protective effects of quercetin during renal warm ischemia. Materials and Methods: Male rats were allocated into 4 groups: sham (S), sham quercetin (SQ), ischemia (I), and ischemia quercetin (IQ). Groups SQ and IQ received quercetin (50mg/kg) before and after surgery. Groups I and IQ had their left renal vessels clamped for 60 minutes. All animals were euthanized four weeks after the procedure, and serum urea and creatinine levels were measured. Renal weight and volume, cortex-non-cortex area ratio (C-NC), cortical volume (CV), glomerular volumetric density (Vv[glom]), volume-weighted glomerular volume (VWGV) and number of glomeruli per kidney (N[glom]) were evaluated by stereological methods. Results were considered statistically significant when p <0.05. Results: Serum urea levels in group I increased by 10.4% in relation to group S, but no differences were observed among the other groups. The C-NC of group I was lower than those of all other groups, and group IQ had similar results to sham groups. The Vv[glom] and N[glom] of group I were lower than those of group S (33.7% and 28.3%, respectively) and group IQ had no significant difference compared to the S group. Conclusions: Quercetin was effective as a nephroprotective agent in preventing the glomerular loss observed when the kidney was subjected to warm ischemia. This suggests that this flavonoid may be used preventively in kidney surgery, when warm ischemia is necessary, such as partial nephrectomy.

Quercetin as a nephroprotector after warm ischemia: histomorphometric evaluation in a rodent model.

PURPOSE: To quantitatively evaluate the possible long-term protective effects of quercetin during renal warm ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats were allocated into 4 groups: sham (S), sham quercetin (SQ), ischemia (I), and ischemia quercetin (IQ). Groups SQ and IQ received quercetin (50mg/kg) before and after surgery. Groups I and IQ had their left renal vessels clamped for 60 minutes. All animals were euthanized four weeks after the procedure, and serum urea and creatinine levels were measured. Renal weight and volume, cortex-non-cortex area ratio (C-NC), cortical volume (CV), glomerular volumetric density (Vv[glom]), volume-weighted glomerular volume (VWGV) and number of glomeruli per kidney (N[glom]) were evaluated by stereological methods. Results were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: Serum urea levels in group I increased by 10.4% in relation to group S, but no differences were observed among the other groups. The C-NC of group I was lower than those of all other groups, and group IQ had similar results to sham groups. The Vv[glom] and N[glom] of group I were lower than those of group S (33.7% and 28.3%, respectively) and group IQ had no significant difference compared to the S group. CONCLUSIONS: Quercetin was effective as a nephroprotective agent in preventing the glomerular loss observed when the kidney was subjected to warm ischemia. This suggests that this flavonoid may be used preventively in kidney surgery, when warm ischemia is necessary, such as partial nephrectomy.

The bovine kidney as an experimental model: Simulated partial nephrectomy of the cranial pole and proportional analysis of the arterial segments.

Previous studies have shown that the pig kidney is not a good model for some procedures. This study aimed to describe the relationship between the collecting system and the intrarenal arteries, the arterial segments, and to evaluate the bovine kidney as an experimental model for partial nephrectomy of the cranial pole. Polyester resin endocasts of the kidney collecting system together with the intrarenal arteries were prepared. Thirty-two kidneys were used to evaluate the relationship between the collecting system and the intrarenal arteries, while 25 kidneys were transversally sectioned at different points to simulate partial nephrectomy of the cranial pole. Polyester resin of different colors was injected into each segmental artery of the 24 kidneys to evaluate the arterial segments proportionally. The renal artery was divided into cranial and caudal primary branches in 75% of the cases. The cranioventral branch curved on the cranial pole and ran toward the ventral mid-zone in 56.3% of the cases, resembling the retropelvic artery of the human kidney. The kidney was divided into two (25%) or three (75%) arterial segments. The caudal arterial segment had the highest proportional volume (62%). The cranioventral branch was damaged in 28.6% of the kidneys sectioned 1 cm inside the hilum. The arterial branching pattern, the arterial segmentation, and the impairment of the arterial supply after the simulated partial nephrectomy of the cranial pole are quite different from those found in humans. Thus, all differences should be taken into account when using the bovine kidney as a model.

Estudos anteriores demonstraram que o rim do porco não é um bom modelo para alguns procedimentos. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a relação entre o sistema coletor e as artérias intrarrenais, os segmentos arteriais, e avaliar o rim bovino como modelo experimental para a nefrectomia parcial do polo cranial. Foram confeccionados moldes de resina de poliéster do sistema coletor renal associado às artérias intrarrenais. Para a avaliação da relação entre o sistema coletor e as artérias intrarrenais foram utilizados trinta e dois rins, enquanto outros trinta e cinco rins foram cortados transversalmente em diferentes regiões para simular a nefrectomia parcial do polo cranial. Resina de poliéster de diferentes cores foi injetada em cada segmento arterial de 24 rins para avaliar proporcionalmente os segmentos arteriais. A artéria renal se dividiu em ramos primários cranial e caudal em 75% dos casos. O ramo cranioventral contornou o polo cranial e seguiu para a região média ventral em 56,3% dos casos, lembrando a artéria retropiélica do rim humano. O rim estava dividido em dois (25%) ou três (75%) segmentos arteriais. O segmento arterial caudal apresentou o maior volume proporcional (62%). O ramo cranioventral foi lesionado em 28,6% dos rins seccionados 1 cm internamente ao hilo. O padrão da ramificação arterial, os segmentos arteriais, e o dano ao suprimento arterial após a nefrectomia simulada parcial do polo cranial são bem diferentes daqueles encontrados em humanos. Então, todas as diferenças devem ser levadas em consideração quando se usa o rim bovino como modelo.

Histomorphometric comparison of the corpus cavernosum of rats submitted to euthanasia with ketamine and xylazine or isoflurane

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the penile histoarchitecture of rats euthanized with isoflurane or with ketamine and xylazine. Methods: Fourteen male rats were divided into two groups: ISO, with animals euthanized with isoflurane; and K+X, with animals euthanized with ketamine (150 mg/kg) associated with xylazine (15 mg/kg). Immediately after the death, the penises were dissected, fixed in a 4% buffered formalin solution, and processed for histomorphometric analysis. The surface densities (Sv) of the corpus cavernosum structures (connective tissue, smooth muscle, sinusoidal space, and elastic fibers) were evaluated using Image J software. The distribution of collagen types I and III was qualitatively assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student's t test for data comparison, considering it statistically significant when p < 0.05. Results: Regarding the Sv of connective tissue, smooth muscle and sinusoidal space, there were no differences between animals in both groups. On the other hand, the animals euthanized with the association of ketamine and xylazine showed the Sv of elastic fibers 24.8% higher in relation to animals euthanized with isoflurane. Conclusions: The euthanasia method affected one of the morphological parameters of the rat penises. The choice of euthanasia method must be standardized to reduce bias and to obtain reliable and reproducible results.

αIIbß3 variants in ten families with autosomal dominant macrothrombocytopenia: Expanding the mutational and clinical spectrum.

BACKGROUND: Rare pathogenic variants in either the ITGA2B or ITGB3 genes have been linked to autosomal dominant macrothrombocytopenia associated with abnormal platelet production and function, deserving the designation of Glanzmann Thrombasthenia-Like Syndrome (GTLS) or ITGA2B/ITGB3-related thrombocytopenia. OBJECTIVES: To describe a series of patients with familial macrothrombocytopenia and decreased expression of αIIbß3 integrin due to defects in the ITGA2B or ITGB3 genes. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and laboratory records of 10 Portuguese families with GTLS (33 patients and 11 unaffected relatives), including the functional and genetic defects. RESULTS: Patients had absent to moderate bleeding, macrothrombocytopenia, low αIIbß3 expression, impaired platelet aggregation/ATP release to physiological agonists and low expression of activation-induced binding sites on αIIbß3 (PAC-1) and receptor-induced binding sites on its ligand (bound fibrinogen), upon stimulation with TRAP-6 and ADP. Evidence for constitutive αIIbß3 activation, occurred in 2 out of 9 patients from 8 families studied, but also in 2 out of 12 healthy controls. We identified 7 missense variants: 3 in ITGA2B (5 families), and 4 in ITGB3 (5 families). Three variants (αIIb: p.Arg1026Trp and p.Arg1026Gln and ß3: p.Asp749His) were previously reported. The remaining (αIIb: p.Gly1007Val and ß3: p.Thr746Pro, p.His748Pro and p.Arg760Cys) are new, expanding the αIIbß3 defects associated with GTLS. The integration of the clinical and laboratory data allowed the identification of two GTLS subgroups, with distinct disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Previously reported ITGA2B and ITGB3 variants related to thrombocytopenia were clustered in a confined region of the membrane-proximal cytoplasmic domains, the inner membrane clasp. For the first time, variants are reported at the outer membrane clasp, at the transmembrane domain of αIIb, and at the membrane distal cytoplasmic domains of ß3. This is the largest single-center series of inherited macrothrombocytopenia associated with αIIbß3 variants published to date.

Anatomical background of ovine kidney for use as animal model: analysis of arterial segmentation, proportional volume of each segment and arterial injury after cranial pole partial nephrectomy

ABSTRACT Objective To study the arterial segments of ovine kidney, present a proportional volume analysis of each kidney arterial segment, and analyze arterial injuries caused by simulated partial nephrectomy of cranial pole. Materials and Methods Forty-eight ovine kidneys injected with polyester resin into the renal arteries and collecting system were used in this study. Eighteen kidneys were used to study the arterial segments and the proportional volume of each renal segment. Other 30 kidneys were submitted to superior pole resection at a distance of 1.0cm, 0.5cm, or exactly at the cranial hilar edge, just before the resin hardening. These endocasts were used to evaluate the arterial injuries caused by these different resection planes. Results Ovine renal artery divided into two (ventral and dorsal) or three segmental arteries. Dorsal segment presented higher proportional volume than ventral segment. For kidneys with three segments, the third segment was on the caudal region (caudo-ventral or caudo-dorsal segment) and presented the lowest proportional volume. None of the resected kidneys (at 1.0, 0.5 or at the cranial hilar edge) presented injury of arterial branches that irrigate non-resected region. Conclusion The segmental distribution of renal artery, the proportional volume of each segment and arterial injuries after cranial pole resection in ovine kidneys are different from what is observed in human kidneys. Meanwhile, ovine kidneys show a primary segmental division on anterior and posterior, as in humans, but different from swine. These anatomical characteristics should be considered when using ovine as animal models for renal experimental and/or training procedures.

Anatomical background of ovine kidney for use as animal model: analysis of arterial segmentation, proportional volume of each segment and arterial injury after cranial pole partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the arterial segments of ovine kidney, present a proportional volume analysis of each kidney arterial segment, and analyze arterial injuries caused by simulated partial nephrectomy of cranial pole. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight ovine kidneys injected with polyester resin into the renal arteries and collecting system were used in this study. Eighteen kidneys were used to study the arterial segments and the proportional volume of each renal segment. Other 30 kidneys were submitted to superior pole resection at a distance of 1.0cm, 0.5cm, or exactly at the cranial hilar edge, just before the resin hardening. These endocasts were used to evaluate the arterial injuries caused by these different resection planes. RESULTS: Ovine renal artery divided into two (ventral and dorsal) or three segmental arteries. Dorsal segment presented higher proportional volume than ventral segment. For kidneys with three segments, the third segment was on the caudal region (caudo-ventral or caudo-dorsal segment) and presented the lowest proportional volume. None of the resected kidneys (at 1.0, 0.5 or at the cranial hilar edge) presented injury of arterial branches that irrigate non-resected region. CONCLUSION: The segmental distribution of renal artery, the proportional volume of each segment and arterial injuries after cranial pole resection in ovine kidneys are different from what is observed in human kidneys. Meanwhile, ovine kidneys show a primary segmental division on anterior and posterior, as in humans, but different from swine. These anatomical characteristics should be considered when using ovine as animal models for renal experimental and/or training procedures.

Histomorphometric and biochemical data of rat kidney submitted to warm ischemia associated with resveratrol treatment.

The data presented here come from the article "Histomorphometric evaluation of the rat kidney submitted to warm ischemia and the protective effect of resveratrol" [1]. Rats of Wistar lineage (n = 39; 9 weeks of age) were obtained and apportioned into 4 groups at random. Both groups Sham (S) and Sham Resveratrol (SR) were submitted to open laparotomy and dissection of the left renal pedicle, the same as groups Ischemia (I) and Ischemia Resveratrol (IR), being the last two also submitted to 1 h left warm renal ischemia. SR and IR were treated with 30 mg/kg of resveratrol intraperitoneally 1 h before the surgical procedure, while S and I received saline injections. Rats were killed a month after surgery by anesthetic overdose. A blood sample was collected by cardiac puncture for determination of serum urea and creatinine serum by biochemical analysis at automated enzymatic method. Kidneys were weighted, Sherle´s method was used for measurement of their volume and then both were fixated in buffered formalin for 48 h. Cortex-non-cortex areas ratio (C-NC) was assessed by Cavalieri's method using a stereoscope. The product of multiplying the renal volume by the C-NC is the cortical volume (CV). Left kidneys fragments were processed for histology resulting in slides that were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. For histomorphometric analyses, 25 random cortical fields were photographed at 200x magnification using a camera attached to a light microscope. The estimation of glomerular volumetric density (Vv [Glom]), indication of proportional volume occupied by glomeruli in the cortex, was performed by the point-counting method. The point-sampled intercepts method was used to estimate the volume-weighted mean glomerular volume (VWGV). Total number of glomeruli per kidney (N [Glom]) estimation was achieved through the formula CVxVv [Glom]/VWGV. All the data were tabulated in spreadsheets. The quantitative results were compared by one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-test using GraphPad Prism software. All results were considered significant when the value of p <0.05.

Histomorphometric evaluation of the rat kidney submitted to warm ischemia and the protective effect of resveratrol.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the protective effects of resveratrol for using during renal warm ischemia. METHODS: Rats were allocated into 4 groups: Sham, Sham Resveratrol, Ischemia, Ischemia Resveratrol. Sham Resveratrol and Ischemia Resveratrol received resveratrol before surgery. Ischemia and Ischemia Resveratrol had renal vessels clamped. Animals were euthanized four weeks after. Serum urea and creatinine were measured. Renal weight and volume, cortex-non-cortex areas ratio, cortical volume, glomerular volumetric density, volume-weighted mean glomerular volume and number of glomeruli per kidney were evaluated. RESULTS: Serum urea in Ischemia increased by 10.4% compared to Sham and no differences were observed among Ischemia Resveratrol and sham groups. The glomerular volumetric density and number of glomeruli of Ischemia were lower than Sham but Ischemia Resveratrol had no difference compared to sham groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative administration of resveratrol has renoprotective effects, preventing the glomerular number reduction observed in warm ischemia.

Antioxidants as Renoprotective Agents for Ischemia during Partial Nephrectomy.

Small renal masses have been diagnosed increasingly in recent decades, allowing surgical treatment by partial nephrectomy. This treatment option is associated with better renal function preservation, in comparison with radical nephrectomy. However, for obtaining a bloodless field during surgery, occlusion of renal artery and veins is often required, which results in transitory ischemia. The renal ischemia-reperfusion injury is associated with increased reactive oxygen species production leading to renal tissue damage. Thus, the use of antioxidants has been advocated in the partial nephrectomy perioperative period. Several antioxidants were investigated in regard to renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. The present manuscript aims to present the literature on the most commonly studied antioxidants used during partial nephrectomy. The results of experimental and clinical studies using antioxidants during partial nephrectomy are reported. Further, alimentary sources of some antioxidants are presented, stimulating future studies focusing on perioperative antioxidant-rich diets.

Topic platelet gel application in chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

In this observational study performed during 45 months we evaluated patients with chronic and recalcitrant diabetic ulcers who were treated with homologous platelet gel. METHODS: platelet gels were obtained from homologous platelet concentrates that were aliquoted and freezed, being then activated with calcium gluconate and applied in the ulcer after cleaning and debridement. We evaluated patient's comorbidities, wound characteristics (size, tissue, inflammatory signs, pain), number and time of treatment as well as outcome (classified as complete epithelialization; partial improvement- 50% reduction in wound size or pain relief; no evolution). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (42 males, 10 females), with a median age of 65 years (range 43-85) were proposed for platelet gel. The following associated comorbidities were observed: hypertension (n = 41), dyslipidemia (n = 29), polyneuropathy (n = 30), peripheral arteriopathy (n = 32), retinopathy (n = 21), nephropathy (n = 15), cardiac ischemic disease (n = 14), obesity (n = 9). Thirty-eight patients presented with 3 or more associated comorbidities. The more frequent ulcer locations were sole of the foot (n = 13) and heel (n = 10). The median number of applications was 16, during 8.5 weeks. Nineteen patients (44%) achieved complete healing, 3 patients (7%) had a partial response and 21 (49%) had no progression. We did not observe a statistically significant relationship between patient age and response nor between number of comorbidities and response. We observed a more favorable evolution in patients with good compliance and good glycemic control. CONCLUSION: Platelet gel is an effective therapeutic alternative, provided compliance and effective metabolic control are ensured.

Evaluation of the effects of chronic stress applied from the prepubertal to the adult stages or only during adulthood on penile morphology in rats.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic stress from the prepubertal to the adult stages or during adulthood on penile morphology in rats. The animals were immobilized in a cylinder for 2 h daily for a total of six weeks to simulate stress. Ten rats were exposed to stress stimulus beginning from the prepubertal age, while nine rats were exposed to stress stimulus only during adulthood. Animals were killed at 24 h after the last stress session for short-term evaluation (SP-S and SA-S), while other age-matched rats were sacrificed at 6 weeks after the last stress session for long-term evaluation (SP-L and SA-L). Age-matched animals were used as controls (CP-S, CA-S, CP-L and CA-L). After treatment, serum testosterone levels and areas of cavernosum structures were evaluated. We observed no changes in serum testosterone levels after stress treatment. Results revealed that the area of the corpus cavernosum without the tunica albuginea in animals in the SA-S group was 16% lower than that in the CA-S group. The smooth muscle was 31% lower in the SP-L group than in the SP-S group and 42% lower in the SA-S group than in the CA-S group. The elastic fiber system was 48% lower in the SP-L group than in the CP-L group and 59% lower in the SA-S group than in the CA-S group. Chronic stress promoted morphological changes in the rat penis and was significantly more pronounced when the stress occurred throughout the adulthood. Chronically applied single stress stimulus caused greater damage to the penis when induced directly during adulthood than when introduced before puberty to adulthood and could be associated with erectile dysfunction.

Immediate and Late Effects of Stress on Kidneys of Prepubertal and Adult Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Stress had been related to physiological and morphological alterations in different organs, however kidney morphology and function after stress conditions are not well-known. To evaluate the effects of chronic stress on renal morphology in prepubertal and adult rats, and to investigate if the effects of induced stress remain stable or worsen following removal of the stress stimuli. METHODS: Forty prepubertal rats (4 weeks old) and thirty six adult rats (10 weeks old) were used. Each age group was divided a into control group and a stressed group. Stressed animals were restrained in rigid tubes 2 hours per day for 6 weeks. Animals were euthanized 24 hours after the last stress stimulus for immediate evaluation (50% of the groups), and 6 weeks after the last stress stimulus for late evaluation (50% of the groups). Kidney weight and volume, cortical-medullar ratio, glomerular volumetric density, volume-weighted glomerular volume, and number of glomeruli per kidney were evaluated using the Image J software. RESULTS: Prepubertal stressed animals showed reduced kidney weight and volume, and increased cortical-medullar ratio in comparison to its control group when evaluated immediately. Furthermore, stressed prepubertal and adult animals evaluated immediately had reduced glomerular volumetric density. Most importantly, all stressed groups exhibited reduced number of glomeruli per kidney. Other analyzed parameters did not difeer significantly the groups. CONCLUSION: Chronic stress induced before and after puberty led to irreversible glomerular loss, however, renal impairment was interrupted by removal of the stress stimuli.