Papel de la plasticidad celular en la regeneración intestinalinducida por lesiones / Role of cell plasticity in injury-induced intestinal regeneration

El sistema intestinal posee una capacidad regenerativa intrínseca y fisiológica que tiene lugar a partir de las células madreLgr5+ ubicadas en el fondo de las criptas intestinales, las cuales se diferencian hacia las células progenitoras secretoras y absortivas con sus respectivas células especializadas mediante la activación de señalizaciones intracelulares como Wnt, Hippo y Notch. Condiciones adversas como lesiones e infecciones tisulares inducen esta actividad regenerativa promovida por variados mecanismos que influyen en el microambiente celular. El sistema inmunológico detecta alteraciones en el tejido intestinal y, a través de la activación de células inmunocompetentes y la secreción de citoquinas proinflamatorias, favorece la desdiferenciación de células especializadas hacia células madre para desencadenar la respuesta regenerativa. En cuanto al sistema nervioso entérico, su influencia está sujeta a modificaciones en la microbiota y los hábitos alimenticios, y se encuentra determinada en gran parte, por las células gliales entéricas y la expresión de distintos marcadores de plasticidad, que permiten limitar la lesión y reparar el tejido. Por su parte, la epigenéticamodifica la expresión genética y consecuentemente, la capacidadregenerativa intestinal, variando de acuerdo a cada paciente porla influencia de factores externos como la dieta o el estadopsicobiológico. De esta forma, la respuesta regenerativa intestinalinducida por lesiones, integra múltiples mecanismos y poseeimportantes repercusiones clínicas en cuanto a EII, disbiosise incluso tumorogénesis; conocer los mecanismos que regulanesta actividad puede sentar las bases para la creación de terapias innovadoras en el mismo ámbito(AU)

The intestinal system has an intrinsic and physiological regenerative capacity that takes place from the Lgr5+ stem cells located at the bottom of the intestinal crypts, which differentiate into secretory and absorptive progenitor cells with their specialized cells by activating intracellular signalslike Wnt, Hippo and Notch. Adverse conditions such asinjuries and tissue infections induce this regenerative activity promoted by various mechanisms that influence the cellular microenvironment. The immune system senses disturbances in the intestinal tissue and, through the activation of immunocompetent cells and the secretion of proinflammatorycytokines, favors the dedifferentiation of specialized cells intostem cells to trigger the regenerative response. Regarding theenteric nervous system, its influence is subject to modificationsin the microbiota and dietary habits, and is largely determinedby enteric glial cells and the expression of different plasticitymarkers, which enable to limit injuries and repair tissue. On the other hand, epigenetics modifies genetic expressionand, consequently, intestinal regenerative capacity, varying according to each patient due to the influence of external factors such as diet or psychobiological status. There fore, the intestinal regenerative response induced by lesions integrates multiple mechanisms and has important clinical repercussions in terms of IBD, dysbiosis, and even tumorigenesis; knowing themechanisms that regulate this activity can lay the foundations for the creation of innovative therapies in the same field (AU)

Effect of probiotic therapy on periodontal tissues and intestinal mucosa of rats with ligature-induced periodontitis / Efeito da terapia probiótica nos tecidos periodontais e mucosa intestinal de ratos com periodontite induzida por ligadura

INTRODUCTION: As periodontitis is caused by dysbiotic biofilm, it is believed that therapy with probiotics can act to control the mechanisms of adhesion and colonization, competing with invading microorganisms. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate probiotic therapy effect on periodontal tissues and intestinal mucosa of rats with ligature-induced periodontitis. METHODS: 32 Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=8): Control Group (CG); Periodontal disease (PD); Probiotic (PROB); PD + probiotic (PDPRO). PD and PDPRO received a ligature over the first lower molars and PROB and PDPRO the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus based were given orally for 44 days. The animals were euthanized and the blood was collected for evaluation of triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations. The hemimandibles were collected for histomorphometric and radiographic analysis. The duodenum was removed for morphological evaluation and gingival tissue around the molars was collected for analysis of IL-17. RESULTS: The ANOVA one-way test was used followed by Tukey Test. PDPRO had a significantly lower bone loss than the PD (p<0.05) and a smaller number of osteoclasts on PDPRO when compared to the PD. As for IL-17, there was a decrease in the PDPRO when compared to the PD. The histomorphometry of the duodenum showed that there was a significant increase in the width of the villi in PROB only. CONCLUSION: The therapy with probiotics was effective to avoid the development of periodontitis by reducing alveolar bone loss and inflammation modulation and increasing the width of the duodenum villi, which may help to restabilize the balance of the gastrointestinal tract.

INTRODUÇÃO: Como a periodontite é causada por biofilme disbiótico, acredita-se que a terapia com probióticos possa atuar no controle dos mecanismos de adesão e colonização, competindo com microrganismos invasores. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da terapia probiótica nos tecidos periodontais e mucosa intestinal de ratos com periodontite induzida por ligadura. MÉTODOS: 32 ratos Wistar foram divididos em quatro grupos (n=8): Grupo Controle (GC); Doença periodontal (PD); Probiótico (PROB); PD + probiótico (PDPRO). PD e PDPRO receberam ligadura sobre os primeiros molares inferiores e PROB e PDPRO, o probiótico à base de Lactobacillus acidophilus dado via oral por 44 dias. Os animais foram sacrificados e o sangue coletado para avaliação das concentrações de triglicerídeos e colesterol total. As hemimandíbulas foram coletadas para análise histomorfométrica e radiográfica. O duodeno foi removido para avaliação morfológica e o tecido gengival ao redor dos molares foi coletado para análise de IL-17. RESULTADOS: Foi usado Teste ANOVA seguido pelo Teste de Tukey. PDPRO teve uma perda óssea significativamente menor do que o PD (p<0.05) e um menor número de osteoclastos no PDPRO quando comparado ao PD. Já para IL-17, houve diminuição do PDPRO em relação ao PD. A histomorfometria do duodeno mostrou que houve aumento significativo da largura das vilosidades no PROB somente. CONCLUSÃO: A terapia com probiótico foi eficaz para evitar o desenvolvimento de periodontite por reduzir a perda óssea alveolar e a modulação da inflamação e aumentar a largura das vilosidades duodenais, o que pode ajudar a estabilizar o equilíbrio do trato gastrointestinal.

Efeito dos aminoácidos de cadeia ramificada na modulação da resposta inflamatória induzida por LPS em células intestinais Caco-2 / Effect of branched-chain amino acids on the inflammatory response modulation induced by LPS in Caco-2 intestinal cells

Introdução: A inflamação é um fator presente na fisiopatologia de doenças, e, o intestino, órgão susceptível a disfunções e à disbiose, que está em constante exposição a microrganismos, pode estar associado a este processo. Por outro lado, aminoácidos de cadeia ramificada (ACR) podem apresentar efeitos anti-inflamatórios em linhagem celular intestinal. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos da suplementação de ACR, in vitro, na modulação da resposta inflamatória e do estresse oxidativo induzida por LPS em modelo de células intestinais Caco-2. Métodos: As culturas de células foram distribuídas em seis grupos, sendo: dois grupos controle - controle com meio Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium sem ACR (CTL0) e com ACR (CTL) - e quatro grupos suplementados - grupo leucina (LEU), grupo isoleucina (ISO), grupo valina (VAL) e associação de ACR (LIV). Foi adotado um protocolo de pré-tratamento, com os ACR e o LPS. A viabilidade celular foi avaliada pelo ensaio de redução do MTT (brometo de [3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2yl 2,5-difenil tetrazolium]). A análise de proteínas (mTOR, AKT, AMPK, NF-kB, TAK-1 e JNK) foi feita por Western Blotting. A dosagem de citocina IL-8 no sobrenadante de cultura celular foi realizada por meio do kit Multiplex para imunoensaio. Foram avaliados componentes do sistema antioxidante relacionado à glutationa (GSH, GSSG e GPx) por meio de kit comercial. Os resultados foram expressos como média ± erro padrão. Resultados: No teste de viabilidade celular por MTT, verificou-se que os grupos tratados com ACR e LPS não apresentaram comprometimento da viabilidade celular em relação ao grupo CTL sem LPS. Os grupos CTL0, CTL, VAL e LIV, quando estimulados com LPS, apresentaram maior capacidade de síntese, in vitro, de IL-8, bem como maior fosforilação das proteínas JNK e NF-kB em relação aos seus respectivos grupos sem LPS. A suplementação. Todavia, as células estimuladas com LPS e suplementadas com leucina e isoleucina apresentaram capacidade de síntese, in vitro, de IL-8 e fosforilação das proteínas JNK e NF-kB que não diferiram significativamente das células suplementadas com esses aminoácidos e não estimuladas com LPS. A ausência de ACR (grupo CTL0) e a suplementação desses aminoácidos, in vitro, em células intestinais Caco-2, tratadas com ou sem LPS, não induziram alteração da atividade da enzima GPx e da razão intracelular GSH/GSSG. Conclusões: Os aminoácidos leucina e isoleucina apresentaram potencial efeito anti-inflamatório nas células Caco-2 por meio da modulação da fosforilação das proteínas JNK e NF-kB, cujo fato está associado à modulação da síntese, in vitro, de IL-8, a qual está envolvida na resposta inflamatória no intestino.

Introduction: Inflammation is a factor present in the pathophysiology of diseases, and the intestine, an organ susceptible to dysfunction and dysbiosis, which is constantly exposed to microorganisms, may be associated with this process. On the other hand, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) may have anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal cell lines. Objective: To investigate the effects of ACR supplementation, in vitro, on the modulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress induced by LPS in a model of intestinal Caco-2 cells. Methods: The cell cultures were divided into six groups, as follows: two control groups - control with Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium without ACR (CTL0) and with ACR (CTL) - and four supplemented groups - leucine group (LEU), isoleucine group (ISO), valine group (VAL) and ACR association (LIV). A pre-treatment protocol was adopted, with ACR and LPS. Cell viability was assessed by MTT reduction assay ([3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium] bromide)) Protein analysis (mTOR, AKT, AMPK, NF-kB, TAK -1 and JNK) was performed by Western Blotting. The dosage of cytokine IL-8 in the cell culture supernatant was performed using the Multiplex kit for immunoassay. Components of the antioxidant system related to glutathione (GSH, GSSG, and GPx) were evaluated by commercial kit. The results were expressed as mean ± standard error. Results: In the cell viability test by MTT, it was verified that the groups treated with ACR and LPS did not show impairment of cell viability compared to the CTL group without LPS. The CTL0, CTL, VAL, and LIV groups, when stimulated with LPS, showed a greater capacity for in vitro synthesis of IL-8, as well as greater phosphorylation of JNK and NF-kB proteins in relation to their respective groups without LPS. However, cells stimulated with LPS and supplemented with leucine and isoleucine showed in vitro synthesis capacity of IL-8 and phosphorylation of JNK and NF-kB proteins that did not differ significantly from cells supplemented with these amino acids and not stimulated with LPS. The absence of ACR (CTL0 group) and the supplementation of these amino acids, in vitro, in intestinal Caco-2 cells, treated with or without LPS, did not induce changes in the activity of the GPx enzyme and the intracellular GSH/GSSG ratio. Conclusions: The amino acids leucine and isoleucine had a potential anti-inflammatory effect on Caco-2 cells by modulating the phosphorylation of JNK and NF-kB proteins, which fact is associated with the modulation of the in vitro synthesis of IL-8, which is involved in the inflammatory response in the gut.

Campsiandra laurifolia reduces oxidative stress and Iiflammation in rats with ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) affects the mucosa and submucosa of the large intestine. One of the mechanisms involved in its etiology is oxidative stress (OS), directly involved in the inflammatory process characteristic of UC. The Campsiandra laurifolia, known as acapurana, was described as possessing antioxidant properties. We used 24 male Wistar rats, divided into control (CO), control + acapurana (CO + A), colitis (CL), and colitis + acapurana (CL + A) groups. This study performed histological analysis, measuring anal sphincter pressure (ASP) and lipoperoxidation (LPO). The activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated. The expression of the nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The statistical analysis used was the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test; values were expressed as mean ± standard error, and the significance level was p < 0.05. In the animals of the CL group, we observed the destruction of the crypts and the presence of mucosal ulcers, edema, and submucosal inflammatory infiltrate, as well as increased damage to the intestinal mucosa, reduced ASP, increased LPO and SOD activity, reduced GSH levels, and increased expression of NFkB and iNOS. The administration of C. laurifolia in the CL + A group was shown to cause regeneration of crypts, reduction of inflammatory infiltrate, reduction of damage to the intestinal mucosa, increase in ASP, and reduction in LPO with the restoration of SOD activity and GSH levels. The immunohistochemistry of NFkB and iNOS was significantly reduced. Therefore, the C. laurifolia aqueous extract appears to exert an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect in rats with AA-induced colitis. (AU)

Avaliação de ressecção de mucosa endoscópica sob imersão d'água de pólipos colorretais em um centro ambulatorial no Brasil / Evaluation of underwater endoscopic mucosal resection for colorectal polyps in an outpatient clinic in brazil

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Since 2012, a new technique for resection of large polyps has been described, the underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR). Some advantages that emerge from it is the needless of injection in submucosal layer and a greater chance of complete capture of the polyp. OBJECTIVE: There are few studies of UEMR in Brazil. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in one Brazilian center. METHODS: This case series was conducted from February to December of 2020. Colorectal polyps greater than 9 mm without features of deep submucosal invasion were resected using UEMR. RESULTS: Twenty-four large polyps were resected with the UEMR approach from 24 patients. The mean size of the polys was 19 mm, ranging from 12 to 35 mm. All lesions were successful resected and 66% (16/24) were resected en bloc. In histologic analyses, most of them were adenomas (70.8%) and only one had deep submucosal invasion. There were no cases of acute complications, such perforation or acute bleeding. CONCLUSION: The UEMR is a safe and feasible procedure. With the emerging data on the procedure, it seems to be a wonderful tool in preventing colorectal cancer and its applicability and scope should be encourage to surpass reference centers.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Desde 2012, uma nova técnica para ressecção de pólipos grandes tem sido descrita, a ressecção da mucosa endoscópica sob imersão d'água (REMS). Algumas vantagens que surgem desta técnica são evitar a injeção na camada submucosa e a maior chance de captura completa do pólipo. Objetivo - Há poucos estudos com REMS no Brasil. Nosso objetivo é avaliar a segurança e a eficácia da técnica em um centro brasileiro. MÉTODOS: Esta série de casos foi conduzida de fevereiro a dezembro de 2020. Pólipos colorretais maiores que 9 mm sem sinais endoscópicos de invasão de submucosa foram ressecados utilizando RMES. RESULTADOS: Vinte e quatro pólipos foram ressecados com RMES em 24 pacientes diferentes. O tamanho médio dos pólipos era de 19 mm, variando de 12 a 35 mm. Todas as lesões foram ressecadas e 66% (16/24) foram ressecadas em monobloco. Na análise histológica, a maioria era adenoma (70.8%) e apenas uma havia invasão profunda da submucosa. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de REMS é um procedimento seguro e factível. Com o aumento de dados relativos ao procedimento, esta parece ser uma excelente ferramenta na prevenção do câncer colorretal e sua aplicabilidade deve ser encorajada para fora dos centros de referência.

Ressecção endoscópica sob imersão d'água de pequenos tumores neuroendócrinos retais / Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection for small rectal neuroendocrine tumors

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: A common site of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is the rectum. The technique most often used is endoscopic mucosal resection with saline injection. However, deep margins are often difficult to obtain because submucosal invasion is common. Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) is a technique in which the bowel lumen is filled with water rather than air, precluding the need for submucosal lifting. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of UEMR for removing small rectal neuroendocrine tumors (rNETs). METHODS: Retrospective study with patients who underwent UEMR in two centers. UEMR was performed using a standard colonoscope. No submucosal injection was performed. Board-certified pathologists conducted histopathologic assessment. RESULTS: UEMR for small rNET was performed on 11 patients (nine female) with a mean age of 55.8 years and 11 lesions (mean size 7 mm, range 3-12 mm). There were 9 (81%) patients with G1 rNET and two patients with G2, and all tumors invaded the submucosa with only one restricted to the mucosa. None case showed vascular or perineural invasion. All lesions were removed en bloc. Nine (81%) resections had free margins. Two patients had deep margin involvement; one had negative biopsies via endoscopic surveillance, and the other was lost to follow-up. No perforations or delayed bleeding occurred. CONCLUSION: UEMR appeared to be an effective and safe alternative for treatment of small rNETs without adverse events and with high en bloc and R0 resection rates. Further prospective studies are needed to compare available endoscopic interventions and to elucidate the most appropriate endoscopic technique for resection of rNETs.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Um local comum de tumores neuroendócrinos (TNEs) é o reto. A técnica mais utilizada é a ressecção endoscópica da mucosa com injeção de solução salina. No entanto, as margens profundas costumam ser difíceis de ressecar porque a invasão da submucosa é comum. A ressecção endoscópica sob imersão d'água (RESI) é uma técnica em que o lúmen intestinal é preenchido com água em vez de ar, evitando a necessidade de elevação submucosa. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia e segurança da RESI para a remoção de pequenos TNEs retais (rTNEs). MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo com pacientes que realizaram RESI em dois centros. RESI foi realizada usando um colonoscópio padrão. Nenhuma injeção submucosa foi realizada. Patologistas certificados conduziram avaliação histopatológica. RESULTADOS: RESI foi realizada para pequenos rTNEs em 11 pacientes (nove mulheres) com média de idade de 55,8 anos e 11 lesões (tamanho médio de 7 mm, variando de 3-12 mm). Havia 9 (81%) pacientes com G1 rTNEs e dois pacientes com G2, sendo que todos os tumores invadiam a submucosa sendo apenas um restrito a mucosa. Nenhum caso mostrou invasão vascular ou perineural. Todas as lesões foram removidas em bloco. Nove (81%) ressecções tiveram margens livres. Dois pacientes tiveram envolvimento de margens profundas; um teve biópsias negativas por meio de vigilância endoscópica e o outro perdeu o acompanhamento. Não ocorreram perfurações ou sangramento tardios. CONCLUSÃO: A RESI parece ser uma alternativa eficaz e segura para o tratamento de pequenos rTNEs sem eventos adversos e com altas taxas de ressecção em bloco e R0. Mais estudos prospectivos são necessários para comparar as intervenções endoscópicas disponíveis e para elucidar a técnica endoscópica mais adequada para ressecção de rTNEs.

Tissue content of metalloproteinase-9 and collagen in the colon with and without fecal stream after intervention with infliximab in rats subjected to Hartmann's surgery

ABSTRACT Purpose Quantify the tissue content of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and collagen in colic mucosa with and without intestinal transit after infliximab administration in rats subjected to Hartmann's surgery. Methods Twenty-two rats underwent colon diversion by Hartmann's surgery. Animals were maintained with intestinal bypass for 12 weeks to induce development of diversion colitis (DC). Afterwards, animals were divided into three groups: first group received subcutaneous application of saline solution (SS) 0.9%, while the remaining two groups received infliximab subcutaneously at doses of 5 or 10 mg·kg-1·week-1 for five consecutive weeks. After the intervention, animals were sacrificed, removing the segments with and without intestinal transit. Diversion colitis was diagnosed by histological study, and its intensity was determined by a validated inflammatory scale. Tissue expression of MMP-9 was assessed byimmunohistochemistry, while total collagen was assessed by histochemistry. Tissue content of both was measuredby computerized morphometry. Results Colon segments without intestinal transit had a higher degree of inflammation, which improved in animals treated with infliximab. Collagen content was always lower in those without intestinal transit. There was an increase in the collagen content in the colon without transit in animals treated with infliximab, primarily at a dose of 10 mg·kg-1·week-1. There was an increase in the content of MMP-9 in the colon without fecal transit, and a reduction was observed in animals treated with infliximab, regardless of the dose used. Conclusions Application of infliximab reduces inflammation, increases the total collagen content and decreases the content of MMP-9 in the colon without intestinal transit.

Sucralfate enemas reduce the oxidative tissue damage and preserves the contents of E-cadherin and Β-catenin in colonic mucosa without fecal stream

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the effects of sucralfate enemas in tissue contents of E-cadherin and ?-catenin in an experimental diversion colitis. Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were submitted to a proximal colostomy and a distal mucous fistula. They were allocated into three groups: first group received daily saline enemas (2 mL/day) and the two other groups daily enemas with sucralfate at dosage of 1 or 2 g/kg/day, respectively. Six animals of each group were euthanized after two weeks and six animals after four weeks. The inflammation of the excluded mucosa was evaluated by histological analysis. The oxidative damage was quantified by measurement of malondialdehyde tissue levels. The expression of E-cadherin and ?-catenin was identified by immunohistochemistry, and its contents were quantified by computer-assisted image analysis. Results: Sucralfate enemas reduced inflammation in animals subjected to treatment with 2 g/kg/day by four weeks, and the levels of oxidative damage in mucosa without fecal stream irrespective of concentration and time of intervention. E-cadherin and ?-catenin content increased in segments without fecal stream in those animals subjected to treatment with sucralfate. Conclusions: Sucralfate reduces the inflammation and oxidative stress and increases the tissue content of E-cadherin and ?-catenin in colonic mucosa devoid to the fecal stream.

Association of colonoscopy and histopathological findings of the canine large intestine and ileum abnormalities: 54 cases series / Associação de achados de colonoscopia e histopatologia do intestino grosso e íleo de cães: série de 54 casos

Colonoscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to assess the large intestine through direct inspection of the intestinal mucosa. When associated with histopathological examination of fragments collected from the intestine, the definitive diagnosis can be obtained. This retrospective study evaluated colonoscopy and histopathological exams of the large intestine and ileum of dogs with gastrointestinal disorders admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and the Veterinary Hospital São Francisco de Assis to determine the frequency of injuries, their distribution in the intestinal segments, and the relationship of the findings observed in these two analyzes. The colonoscopy and histopathological findings of the case series were described using absolute and relative frequencies, as well as nature and intensity classification of the findings. Cohen's Kappa coefficient was obtained to assess the concordance of nature and intensity classifications between colonoscopy and histopathology, and its 95% confidence interval constructed. The analyses were performed using the Software SAS University Edition. It was observed a moderate agreement between the classification of the nature of the findings by endoscopy and histopathology (Kappa coefficient = 0.39, CI = 0.20-0.59). This can also be observed when assessing the frequency of similar diagnoses between the methods, since only 39 (72.22%) were consistent, i.e., 15 (22.78%) diagnoses differed depending on the nature of the finding, which could have a great influence on the final diagnosis if histopathology was disregarded. For the intensity of the injuries, little agreement was observed between the methods (Kappa coefficient = 0.1243, C = -0.05-0.30). This was even more evident in the frequency of similar diagnoses in terms of intensity, of which 20 (37.04%) were similar and 34 (62.96%) were different. Inflammatory affections are the most frequently observed alterations in the large intestine and ileum of dogs. The most common finding that reveals inflammatory changes is the lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. As for the proliferative and neoplastic lesions, adenomatous polyps and lymphoma were common. The most affected sites of the large intestine were the descending colon and the rectum. Findings such as edema and reddening of the mucosa were frequent by macroscopy. Although the changes observed by colonoscopy and histopathology may not be similar, these techniques are complementary, which makes biopsies mandatory for a diagnostic conclusion.(AU)

A colonoscopia é uma técnica pouco invasiva utilizada para avaliação do intestino grosso por meio de inspeção direta da mucosa intestinal. Quando associada ao exame histopatológico, com a coleta de fragmentos do intestino, o diagnóstico definitivo pode ser obtido. O objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo foi associar os achados de exames de colonoscopia e histopatologia do intestino grosso e íleo em 54 cães com distúrbios gastrointestinais dos Hospitais Veterinários da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) e São Francisco de Assis. Na colonoscopia, as alterações mais frequentemente observadas foram edema, friabilidade e avermelhamento de mucosa. Quanto à distribuição de lesões por segmento intestinal, houve maior incidência de alterações inflamatórias, das quais foram as mais frequentes, com o infiltrado linfoplasmocitário sendo o mais comum em todos segmentos analisados (i.e. reto, cólon, ceco e íleo). O cólon ascendente e o reto foram os locais de alterações mais frequentes na colonoscopia e na histopatologia. Os pólipos hiperplásicos e o linfoma foram as lesões proliferativas de ocorrência mais comum. Houve baixa concordância entre as classificações por natureza e intensidade dos achados na colonoscopia e histopatologia. Assim, não foi possível associar alterações descritas nos exames histopatológicos quanto à natureza e intensidade das lesões utilizando a colonoscopia, o que leva à conclusão de que é essencial a realização de biópsias em todos os exames para conclusão diagnóstica.(AU)

Ressecção da mucosa endoscópica sob imersão dágua para lesões colorretais não pediculadas. Um estudo prospectivo de braço único / Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection for non-pedunculated colorectal lesions. a prospective single-arm study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) has emerged as a revolutionary method allowing resection of colorectal lesions without submucosal injection. Brazilian literature about this technique is sparse. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was evaluate the efficacy and safety of UEMR technique for removing non-pedunculated colorectal lesions in two Brazilian tertiary centers. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between June 2016 and May 2017. Naïve and non-pedunculated lesions without signs of submucosal invasion were resected using UEMR technique. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with 65 lesions were included. All lesions, except one, were successfully and completely removed by UEMR (success rate 98.5%). During UEMR, two cases of bleeding were observed (3.0%). One patient had abdominal pain on the day after resection without pneumoperitoneum. There was no perforation or delayed bleeding. CONCLUSION: This study supports the existing data indicating acceptable rates of technical success, and low incidence of adverse events with UEMR. The results of this Brazilian study were consistent with previous abroad studies.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A ressecção endoscópica da mucosa sob imersão d'água (REMS) surgiu como um método revolucionário que permite a ressecção de lesões colorretais sem injeção submucosa. A literatura brasileira sobre essa técnica é escassa. OBJETIVO: A finalidade deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia e segurança da técnica REMS na remoção de lesões colorretais não pediculadas em dois centros terciários brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Este estudo prospectivo foi realizado entre junho de 2016 e maio de 2017. As lesões sem tentativa de ressecção prévia, não pediculadas e sem sinais de invasão submucosa foram ressecadas pela técnica REMS. RESULTADOS: Um total de 55 pacientes com 65 lesões foram incluídos. Todas as lesões, exceto uma, foram removidas com sucesso e completamente por REMS (taxa de sucesso de 98,5%). Durante a REMS, foram observados dois casos de sangramento (3,0%). Uma paciente apresentou dor abdominal no dia seguinte à ressecção sem pneumoperitônio. Não houve perfuração ou sangramento tardio. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo apoia os dados existentes, indicando taxas aceitáveis de sucesso técnico e baixa incidência de eventos adversos com a REMS. Os resultados deste estudo brasileiro foram consistentes com estudos internacionais prévios.

Could the intestinal epithelial alterations promoted by roux-en-y gastric bypass explain higher tendency for colonic diseases in bariatric patients? / As alterações epiteliais intestinais promovidas pelo bypass em y-de-roux podem explicar maior tendência a doenças colônicas em pacientes bariátricos?

ABSTRACT Background: Intestinal diversions have revolutionized the treatment of morbid obesity due to its viability and sustained response. However, experimental studies suggest, after these derivations, a higher risk of colon cancer. Aim: To analyze the histological and immunohistological changes that the jejunojejunal shunt can produce in the jejunum, ileum and ascending colon. Method: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups, control (n=12) and experiment (n=12) and subdivided into groups of four. Nine weeks after the jejunojejunal shunt, segmental resection of the excluded jejunum, terminal ileum and ascending colon was performed. Histological analysis focused on the thickness of the mucosa, height of the villi, depth of the crypts and immunohistochemistry in the expression of Ki-67 and p53. Results: Significant differences were found between the experiment and control groups in relation to the thickness of the mucosa in the jejunum (p=0.011), in the ileum (p<0.001) and in the colon (p=0.027). There was also a significant difference in relation to the height of the villus in the ileum (p<0.001) and the depth of the crypts in the jejunum (p0.001). The results indicated that there is a significant difference between the groups regarding the expression of Ki-67 in the colon (p<0.001). No significant differences were found between the groups regarding the expression of Ki-67 in the jejunum and ileum. In the P53 evaluation, negative nuclear staining was found in all cases. Conclusion: The jejunojejunal deviation performed in the Roux-in-Y gastrojejunal bypass, predispose epithelial proliferative effects, causing an increase in the thickness of the mucosa, height of the villi and depth of the crypts of the jejunum, ileum and ascending colon.

RESUMO Racional: As derivações intestinais revolucionaram o tratamento da obesidade mórbida pela sua viabilidade e resposta sustentada. Porém, estudos experimentais sugerem, após estas derivações, risco maior de câncer de cólon. Objetivo: Analisar as alterações histológicas e imunoistológicas que a derivação jejunojejunal possa produzir no jejuno, íleo e cólon ascendente. Método: Foram utilizados 24 ratos Wistar machos randomicamente divididos em dois grupos, controle (n=12) e experimento (n=12) e subdivididos em grupos de quatro. Nove semanas após a derivação jejunojejunal procedeu-se a ressecção segmentar do jejuno excluso, íleo terminal e cólon ascendente. Análise histológica focou na espessura da mucosa, altura dos vilos, profundidade das criptas e a imunoistoquímica na expressão do Ki-67 e p53. Resultados: Foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos experimento e controle em relação à espessura da mucosa no jejuno (p=0,011), no íleo (p<0,001) e no cólon (p=0,027). Também houve diferença significativa em relação à altura dos vilos no íleo (p<0,001) e profundidade das criptas no jejuno (p<0,001). Os resultados indicaram que existe diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação à expressão do Ki-67 no cólon (p<0,001). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos em relação à expressão do Ki-67 no jejuno e no íleo. Na avaliação do P53, foi encontrada coloração nuclear negativa em todos os casos. Conclusão: O desvio realizado na derivação gastrojejunal em Y-de-Roux, predispõem efeitos proliferativos epiteliais, causando aumento da espessura da mucosa, altura dos vilos e profundidade das criptas do jejuno, íleo e cólon ascendente.

Although with intact mucosa at colonoscopy, chagasic megacolons have an overexpression of Gal-3 / Embora com mucosa íntegra à colonoscopia, megacólons chagásicos apresentam superexpressão de Gal-3

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the density of anti-galectin-3-immunostained cells, collagen percentage, mast cell density and presence of pathological processes in intestinal muscle biopsies of patients. Methods Thirty-five patients who underwent intestinal biopsy were selected from 1997 to 2015. Patients were divided into three groups: chagasic patients with mucosal lesion (n=13), chagasic patients with intact mucosa (n=12) and non-chagasic patients with no mucosal lesion (n=10). Histological processing of the biopsied fragments and immunohistochemistry for galectin-3 were performed. Additional sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate the general pathological processes, picrosirius for evaluation of collagen and toluidine blue to evaluate the mast cell density. Results Patients of mucosal lesion group had a significantly higher frequency of ganglionitis and myositis when compared to the chagasic patients with intact mucosa and non-chagasic group. The density of anti-galectin-3-immunostained cells was significantly higher in the chagasic patients with intact mucosa group when compared to the non-chagasic group. The group of chagasic patients with intact mucosa presented a higher percentage of collagen in relation to the patients with mucosal lesion and to the non-chagasic group, with a significant difference. There was no significant difference in mast cell density among the three groups. Conclusion The higher density of anti-galectin-3-immunostained cells in patients in the chagasic patients with intact mucosa group suggested the need for greater attention in clinical evaluation of these patients, since this protein is associated with neoplastic transformation and progression.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a densidade de células imunomarcadas por anti-galectina-3, a percentagem de colágeno, a densidade de mastócitos e a presença de processos patológicos na musculatura intestinal de pacientes biopsiados. Métodos Foram selecionados 35 pacientes submetidos à biópsia de intestino entre 1997 a 2015. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: chagásicos com lesão de mucosa (n=13), chagásicos com mucosa íntegra (n=12) e não chagásicos sem lesão de mucosa (n=10). Foram realizados processamento histológico dos fragmentos biopsiados e imunohistoquímica para galectina-3. Cortes adicionais foram corados por hematoxilina e eosina, para avaliar os processos patológicos gerais, pelo picrosírius, para avaliação do colágeno, e pelo azul de toluidina, para avaliar a densidade de mastócitos. Resultados Os pacientes do grupo chagásicos com lesão de mucosa apresentaram frequência significativamente maior de ganglionite e miosite quando comparados aos dos grupos chagásico com mucosa íntegra e não chagásicos. A densidade das células imunomarcadas por anti-galectina-3 foi significativamente maior no grupo chagásicos com mucosa íntegra quando comparada ao grupo não chagásico. O grupo de chagásicos com mucosa íntegra apresentou maior percentagem de colágeno em relação aos grupos chagásicos com mucosa lesada e ao grupo de não chagásicos, com diferença significativa. Não houve diferença significativa com relação à densidade de mastócitos entre os três grupos. Conclusão A maior densidade de células imunomarcadas por anti-galectina-3 nos pacientes do grupo chagásico com mucosa íntegra sugere a necessidade de maior atenção na avaliação clínica desses pacientes, uma vez que essa proteína está associada com transformação e progressão neoplásica.

Alanyl-glutamine protects the intestinal barrier function in trained rats against the impact of acute exhaustive exercise

Strenuous exercise triggers deleterious effects on the intestinal epithelium, but their mechanisms are still uncertain. Here, we investigated whether a prolonged training and an additional exhaustive training protocol alter intestinal permeability and the putative effect of alanyl-glutamine (AG) pretreatment in this condition. Rats were allocated into 5 different groups: 1) sedentary; 2 and 3) trained (50 min per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks) with or without 6 weeks oral (1.5 g/kg) AG supplementation; 4 and 5) trained and subjected to an additional exhaustive test protocol with or without oral AG supplementation. Venous blood samples were collected to determine gasometrical indices at the end of the 12-week protocol or after exhaustive test. Lactate and glucose levels were determined before, during, and after the exhaustive test. Ileum tissue collected after all experimental procedures was used for gene expression analysis of Zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), occludin, claudin-2, and oligopeptide transporter 1 (PepT-1). Intestinal permeability was assessed by urinary lactulose/mannitol test collected after the 12-week protocol or the exhaustive test. The exhaustive test decreased pH and base excess and increased pCO2. Training sessions delayed exhaustion time and reduced the changes in blood glucose and lactate levels. Trained rats exhibited upregulation of PEPT-1, ZO-1, and occludin mRNA, which were partially protected by AG. Exhaustive exercise induced intestinal paracellular leakage associated with the upregulation of claudin-2, a phenomenon protected by AG treatment. Thus, AG partially prevented intestinal training adaptations but also blocked paracellular leakage during exhaustive exercise involving claudin-2 and occludin gene expression.

Glutamine protects intestine against ischemia-reperfusion injury by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress induced apoptosis in rats

Abstract Purpose Glutamine, as an essential part of enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition agent, has been widely recognized to be a kind of important intestinal mucosa protectant in clinical practice and experimental research. However, the mechanisms of its protective effects are still not fully understand. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of glutamine on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in intestine. Methods An experimental model of intestinal I/R in rats was established by 1 hour occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery followed by 3 hours of reperfusion. Morphologic changes of intestinal mucosa, apoptosis of epithelial cells, and expression of intestinal Grp78, Gadd153, Caspase-12, ATF4, PERK phosphorylation (P-PERK) and elF2αphosphorylation(P-elF2α) were determined. Results After I/R, the apoptotic index of intestinal mucosa epithelial cells observably increased with notable necrosis of intestinal mucosa, and the expressions of Grp78, Gadd153, Caspase-12, ATF4, P-PERK and P-elF2αall were increased. However, treatment with glutamine could significantly relieve intestinal I/R injury and apoptosis index. Moreover, glutamine could clearly up-regulate the expression of Grp78, restrain P-PERK and P-elF2α, and reduce ATF4, Gadd153 and Caspase-12 expressions. Conclusion Glutamine may be involved in alleviating ER stress induced intestinal mucosa cells apoptosis.

Periplaneta americana extract promotes intestinal mucosa repair of ulcerative colitis in rat

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the mechanism of Periplaneta americana extract promoting intestinal mucosal repair of OXZ-induced colitis in rat. Methods: All experiments used an equal number of male and female SD rats (n=48). We injected OXZ into the colon to induce UC rat model. To determine the optimal concentration of P. Americana's extract (PA-40), it was classified into low (L), medium (M), and high (H) doses. After OXZ treatment, each drug was administered by enema for 7 consecutive days. Rats were divided into the following 6 groups: (1) Saline treatment group (NC), (2) OXZ treatment UC model group (MC), (3) OXZ + budesonide group (BUN), (4) OXZ + PA-40 L group, (5) OXZ + PA-40 M group, (6) OXZ + PA-40 H group. Disease activity index (DAI) scores, colon length, histopathological score, serum cytokine level (IL-4, IL-10, iNOS, tNOS), and amount of MPO, EGF, IL-13 in colonic mucosa were measured. Results: PA treatment had a significant healing effect on the OXZ-colitis model and significantly reduced the lesioned area, especially in the PA-40H groups. PA treatment did not alter the expression of IL-10 and MPO level, but increased EGF (epidermal growth factor) and decrease IL-13 in the colonic tissue. PA inhibited the rise of NOSs (nitric oxide synthase) and decreased the serum IL-4 level. Conclusions: The data suggest that Periplaneta americana extract may be a potential compound for the treatment of colonic lesions. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the secretion of IL-13 and promoting the formation of EGF.

Probióticos en el síndrome de intestino irritable con predominio de diarrea / Probiotics for the treatment of diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Una mujer de 36 años, diagnosticada con síndrome de intestino irritable a predominio de diarrea (SII-D) acude a la consulta médica. Ella pregunta si el uso de probióticos sería útil para controlar los episodios de diarrea, ya que los fármacos con los que está siendo tratada no le resultan eficaces. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica con el objetivo de en contrar evidencia en respuesta a su consulta, tras la cual se seleccionaron dos ensayos clínicos y una revisión sistemática. Se evidenciaron diversos resultados en cuanto al uso de probióticos en el SII-D y se discutieron los riesgos y beneficios del tratamiento, así como las implicancias en la vida de la paciente. (AU)

A 36-year-old woman diagnosed with diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) goes to meet the doctor. She raises whether the use of probiotics would be useful for controlling diarrhea episodes, since the drugs which she is being treated with, are not effective. A bibliographic search was conducted with the objective of finding evidence in response toher query. Two clinical trials and a systematic review were found. Variable results were found regarding the use of probioticsin D-IBS. The risks and benefits of the treatment were discussed, as well as the implications in the patient's lifestyle. (AU)

Mast cells-derived MiR-223 destroys intestinal barrier function by inhibition of CLDN8 expression in intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND: Mast cells (MCs) have been found to play a critical role during development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that characterized by dysregulation of inflammation and impaired intestinal barrier function. However, the function of MCs in IBD remains to be fully elucidated. RESULTS: In our study, we used exosomes isolated from human mast cells-1 (HMCs-1) to culture with NCM460, HT-29 or CaCO2 of intestinal epithelial cells (lECs) to investigate the communication between MCs and lECs. We found that MCs-derived exosomes significantly increased intestinal epithelial permeability and destroyed intestinal barrier function, which is attributed to exosome-mediated functional miRNAs were transferred from HMCs-1 into lECs, leading to inhibit tight junction-related proteins expression, including tight junction proteins 1 (TJP1, ZO-1), Occludin (OCLN), Claudin 8 (CLDN8). Microarray and bioinformatic analysis have further revealed that a panel of miRNAs target different tight junction-related proteins. Interestingly, miR-223 is enriched in mast cell-derived exosome, which inhibit CLDN8 expression in IECs, while treatment with miR-223 inhibitor in HT-29 cells significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of HMCs-1-derived exosomes on CLDN 8 expression. Most importantly, enrichment of MCs accumulation in intestinal mucosa of patients with IBD compared with those healthy control. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that enrichment of exosomal miR-223 from HMCs-1 inhibited CLDN8 expression, leading to destroy intestinal barrier function. These finding provided a novel insight of MCs as a new target for therapeutic treatment of IBD.

Papel del ultrasonido endoscópico en el manejo de las lesiones subepiteliales del tracto digestivo superior / Role of endoscopic ultrasound in the management of subepithelial lesions of the upper digestive tract

INTRODUCCIÓN. Desde la aparición del ultrasonido endoscópico, el campo de la gastroenterología y de manera principal, la endoscopia ha evolucionado, permite la realización de múltiples procedimientos, tanto diagnósticos como terapéuticos, con mínimas complicaciones con baja mortalidad. OBJETIVO. Determinar las caracte-rísticas de las lesiones subepiteliales en el tracto digestivo superior, mediante ul-trasonido endoscópico, sus opciones de diagnóstico y tratamiento. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio retrospectivo, de revisión bibliográfica y análisis sistemático de 95 artículos científicos y selección de muestra de 40 encontradas en las bases de datos Medline y PubMed y cuyas fechas de publicación corresponden a los últimos 10 años; el criterio de búsqueda empleado consistió en términos sobre el diagnósti-co y tratamiento de lesiones subepiteliales, mediante ultrasonido endoscópico. RE-SULTADOS. Se evidenció que las lesiones mayores de 1cm, tuvieron alto riesgo de malignización, la cuarta capa fue el sitio más frecuente de localización de este tipo de lesiones. La histopatología fue el método complementario confirmatorio. CON-CLUSIÓN. El ultrasonido endoscópico fue el método de elección para caracterizar y evaluar las lesiones subepiteliales, sean estas sintomáticas o incidentales, el acceso al mismo fue limitado.

INTRODUCTION. Since the appearance of endoscopic ultrasound, the field of gas-troenterology and, in a main way, endoscopy has evolved, allowing the performance of multiple procedures, both diagnostic and therapeutic, with minimal complications with low mortality. OBJECTIVE. To determine the characteristics of subepithelial le-sions in the upper digestive tract, using endoscopic ultrasound, its diagnostic and treatment options. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Retrospective, literature review and systematic analysis of 95 scientific articles and sample selection of 40 found in the Medline and PubMed databases and whose publication dates correspond to the last 10 years; The search criteria used consisted of terms on the diagnosis and treatment of subepithelial lesions, by endoscopic ultrasound. RESULTS. It was shown that le-sions larger than 1 cm, had a high risk of malignancy, the fourth layer was the most frequent site of location of this type of lesions. Histopathology was the complemen-tary confirmatory method. CONCLUSION. Endoscopic ultrasound was the method of choice to characterize and evaluate subepithelial lesions, whether symptomatic or incidental, access to it was limited.

Effects of anti-TNF-α in experimental diversion colitis

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of infliximab on the inflammation of the colonic mucosa devoid from fecal stream. Methods: Twenty-four rats were submitted to a Hartmann's procedure. They remained for 12 weeks with the fecal derivation to development of diversion colitis on excluded colorectal stump. After this period, they were divided into 3 groups: one group received intervention with saline (2.0 mL / week), other group infliximab at doses of 5 mg/kg/week and the other 10 mg/kg/week for five consecutively weeks. Concluded the intervention period, the animals were euthanized to remove colon segments with and without fecal stream. Colitis was diagnosed by histological analysis and the degree of inflammation by validated score. The neutrophilic infiltrate was evaluated by tissue expression of myeloperoxidase identified by immunohistochemical. The tissue content of myeloperoxidase was measured by computer-assisted image analysis. Results: The inflammatory score was high in colonic segments without fecal stream. The intervention with infliximab reduced the inflammatory score in excluded colonic segments. The content of myeloperoxidase was reduced in colonic segments of animals treated with infliximab mainly in high concentrations. Conclusion: Intervention with infliximab reduced the inflammation and the neutrophil infiltrate in colonic segments devoid of the fecal stream.

A suplementação com quercetina previne mudanças em células imunorreativas à serotonina e caspase-3 do jejuno de ratos diabéticos / Quercetin supplementation prevents changes in the serotonin and caspase-3 immunoreactive cells of the jejunum of diabetic rats

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Serotonin (5-HT) is present in the epithelial enterochromaffin cells (EC), mast cells of the lamina propria and enteric neurons. The 5-HT is involved in regulating motility, secretion, gut sensation, immune system and inflammation. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of diabetes and quercetin supplementation on serotoninergic cells and its cell loss by apoptosis in jejunal mucosa of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-rats). METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: normoglycemic (C), normoglycemic supplemented with 40 mg/day quercetin (Q), diabetic (D) and diabetic supplemented with 40 mg/day quercetin (DQ). After 120 days, the jejunum was collected and fixated in Zamboni's solution for 18 h. After obtaining cryosections, immunohistochemistry was performed to label 5-HT and caspase-3. Quantification of 5-HT and caspase-3 immunoreactive (IR) cells in the lamina propria, villi and crypts were performed. RESULTS: The diabetic condition displayed an increase of the number of 5-HT-IR cells in villi and crypts, while decreased number of these cells was observed in lamina propria in the jejunum of STZ-rats. In the diabetic animals, an increased density of apoptotic cells in epithelial villi and crypts of the jejunum was observed, whereas a decreased number of caspase-3-IR cells was observed in lamina propria. Possibly, quercetin supplementation slightly suppressed the apoptosis phenomena in the epithelial villi and crypts of the STZ-rats, however the opposite effect was observed on the 5-HT-IR cells of the lamina propria. Quercetin supplementation on healthy animals promoted few changes of serotoninergic function and apoptotic stimuli. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that quercetin supplementation mostly improved the serotonergic function affected by diabetes maybe due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of quercetin.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A serotonina (5-HT) está presente nas células epiteliais enterocromafins (CE), nos mastócitos da lâmina própria e nos neurônios entéricos. A 5-HT está envolvida na regulação da motilidade, secreção, nocepção intestinal, sistema imunológico e inflamação. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do diabetes e da suplementação de quercetina sobre a função serotoninérgica e a perda celular por apoptose na mucosa jejunal de ratos diabéticos induzidos por estreptozotocina (ratos STZ). MÉTODOS: Vinte e quatro ratos Wistar machos foram divididos em quatro grupos: normoglicêmico (C), normoglicêmico suplementado com quercetina 40 mg/dia (Q), diabético (D) e diabético suplementado com quercetina 40 mg/dia (DQ). Após 120 dias, o jejuno foi coletado e fixado na solução de Zamboni por 18 horas. Após a obtenção de cortes em criostato, a imuno-histoquímica foi realizada para marcar 5-HT e caspase-3. A quantificação de células imunorreativas (IR) à 5-HT e caspase-3 foram realizadas na lâmina própria, vilosidades e criptas. RESULTADOS: A condição diabética ocasionou um aumento do número de células 5-HT-IR nas vilosidades e criptas, enquanto que na lâmina própria houve uma redução dessas células, no jejuno de ratos STZ. Nos animais diabéticos, foi observada uma densidade aumentada de células apoptóticas no epitélio do jejuno, tanto nas vilosidades quanto nas criptas, por outro lado um número reduzido de células caspase-3-IR foi observado na lâmina própria. Possivelmente, a suplementação de quercetina suprimiu ligeiramente os fenômenos de apoptose no epitélio de vilosidades e criptas do jejuno de ratos STZ, no entanto, o efeito oposto foi observado nas células 5-HT-IR da lâmina própria. A suplementação com quercetina em animais saudáveis promoveu poucas alterações na função serotoninérgica e nos estímulos apoptóticos. CONCLUSÃO: Estes resultados sugerem que a suplementação de quercetina melhorou principalmente a função serotoninérgica afetada pelo diabetes, talvez devido às propriedades antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórias da quercetina.