Chronic exposure to mercury increases arrhythmia and mortality post-acute myocardial infarction in rats.

Introduction: Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that causes a variety of toxic effects in eukaryotic cells. Previous studies have reported detrimental effects of mercury toxicity in the cardiovascular system. Given the importance of understanding the relationship between Hg and cardiovascular disease, we sought to investigate if the Hg could worsen the myocardial repercussions following ischemic injury. We demonstrated that once mercury toxicity is established, it can influence the outcome of myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Male Wistar rats received intramuscular injections of either saline (NaCl 0.9%) or mercuric chloride (HgCl2, first dose of 4.6 µg/kg, and subsequent doses of 0.07 µg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Three weeks post-exposure, we induced transmural infarction in the left ventricle free wall through coronary artery occlusion surgery. Results: ECG recordings obtained from MI groups demonstrated alterations in the rhythm of the heartbeat/heart electrical activity, as expected, including ventricular extrasystoles and ventricular tachycardia. However, the MI group exposed to Hg (MI-Hg) exhibited augmented ventricular extrasystoles and ventricular tachycardia compared to the MI group. Also, Basckó coefficient revealed that the arrhythmic events-after MI-were aggravated by Hg exposure. Discussion: Our results indicate that the significantly increased mortality in MI-Hg groups when compared to MI (21%, MI vs 32%, MI-Hg) is correlated with greater occurrence of arrhythmias. In conclusion, this study further supports the idea that exposure to mercury (Hg) should be recognized as a significant risk factor that exacerbates the impact of cardiac ischemic injury, potentially leading to an increased mortality rate among patients experiencing acute MI.

Zoledronic acid and atorvastatin inhibit αvß3-mediated adhesion of breast cancer cells.

Bone metastases represent common long term complications of patients with breast cancer. Zoledronic acid, an amino-bisphosphonate and mevalonate pathway inhibitor, is an established agent for the treatment of bone metastases. Direct antitumor effects of zoledronic acid have been proposed in breast cancer. Statins are another group of mevalonate pathway inhibitors that have been repeatedly discussed for potential anti-tumor activity. In this study, we tested the hypothesis, whether these agents regulate adhesion of breast cancer cells to extracellular matrix components. Treatment of breast cancer cells with zoledronic acid and atorvastatin, significantly impaired MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell adhesion on the αvß3 ligands gelatin and vitronectin, but had no effect on collagen type 1 (α2ß1-ligand) and fibronectin (α5ß1-ligand). Anti-adhesive effects of zoledronic acid were fully reversed by geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), but not by farnesylpyrophosphate (FPP). Furthermore, effects of zoledronic acid and atorvastatin were mimicked by a specific inhibitor of geranylgeranylation GGTI-298. Functional (using integrin array) and quantitative (using FACS) integrin analyses on MDA-231 cells following zoledronic acid exposure revealed decreased levels of αv and αvß3 expression. In addition to its effects on integrin mediated adhesion of breast cancer cells, the presence of zoledronic acid caused pronounced morphological changes in MDA-231 cells as seen by F-actin and vinculin rearrangement. Furthermore, phosphorylation of the focal adhesion kinase was inhibited by zoledronic acid. In both cases, changes were fully reversed by GGPP. These results emphasize the role of mevalonate pathway mediated impairment of geranylgeranylation in the anti-adhesive effects of zoledronic acid in breast cancer cells.

Consequências do Abuso Sexual Infantil Masculino Exercido por uma Mulher: Resgates Possíveis na Adultez Através da Terapia Individual Sistêmica / Consequences of Male Child Sexual Abuse Exercised by a Woman: Possible Redemptions in Adulthood Through the Individual Systemic Therapy

O presente estudo tem por objetivo trazer uma reflexão sobre como o abuso sexual permeia a vida de um homem, trazendo sentimentos de desvalia que afetam os relacionamentos nas várias áreas da vida. Este trabalho se refere a estudo de caso realizado em uma clínica-escola com um homem de 67 anos. O processo terapêutico através do enfoque sistêmico levou a reflexões, realizando assim associações entre os prejuízos nos relacionamentos nas várias áreas da vida e as dificuldades decorrentes do abuso. Desta forma, o presente artigo aponta para a importância do estudo e da reflexão sobre o abuso masculino, tema ainda pouco discutido na literatura especializada, auxiliando, assim, com a prática clínica de outros profissionais interessados em áreas próximas à Psicologia e em especial à Psicologia Clínica.(AU)

This study aims to reflect on how sexual abuse permeates the life of a man, bringing feelings of worthlessness that affect relationships in several areas of his life. This paper refers to a case study conducted in a clinic school with a 67-years-old man. The therapeutic process through the systemic approach led to reflections, thus creating associations between the damage in relationships in several areas of his life and the difficulties arisen from the abuse. Thus, this article points to the importance of the study and the reflection on the male abuse subject, still little discussed in the literature, helping thus to the clinical practice of other interested professionals in areas related to Psychology and specially to Psychology clinic.(AU)