Glutamine dipeptide supplementation improves clinical responses in patients with diabetic foot syndrome

ABSTRACT The effect of glutamine dipeptide (GDP) supplementation in patients with diabetic foot syndrome was evaluated. A total of 22 patients took part in the study. GDP was supplied in 10 g sachets, and was dissolved in water immediately before use, with ingestion once a day, after lunch or after dinner (20 g/day) over a period of 30 days. Quantification of foot insensitive areas, oxidative stress, blood cytokines, and biochemical, hematological and toxicological parameters was performed before and after GDP supplementation. We observed an increase in blood levels of interferon-α (P=0.023), interferon-γ (P=0.038), interleukin-4 (P=0.003), interleukin-6 (P=0.0025), interleukin-7 (P=0.028), interleukin-12 p40 (P=0.017), interleukin-13 (P=0.001), leukocytes (P=0.037), eosinophils (P=0.049), and typical lymphocytes (P<0.001) due to GDP administration. In addition, we observed a reduced number (P=0.048) of insensitive areas on the foot, and reduction (P=0.047) of fasting hyperglycemia. Patients also showed increased blood high density lipoprotein (P<0.01) and protein thiol groups (P=0.004). These favorable results were associated with the absence of renal and hepatic toxicity. These results are of clinical relevance, since supplementation with GDP over 30 days improved clinical responses in patients with diabetic foot syndrome.

Effects of chromium picolinate supplementation in type 2 diabetic patients / Efeitos da suplementação com picolinato de cromo em pacientes portadores de Diabetes mellitus tipo 2

The effects of chromium picolinate in Type 2 diabetic patients are investigated. Seventeen Type 2 diabetic patients were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received fiber-rich hypocaloric diet and chromium picolinate whereas the control group received fiber-rich hypocaloric diet and placebo. The chromium picolinate was offered twice a day at the dose of 100 µg. Anthropometric data such as blood pressure, fasting glycemia and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured and these parameters were evaluated again after 90 days. No difference was reported in rates of body weight, waist, hip, body mass index, blood pressure and fasting glycemia (Control vs. Experimental groups) after treatment. However, a decrease (p = 0.0405) of HbA1c occurred in the experimental group when the pre-and post-treatment rates were compared. HbA1c data showed that chromium picolinate improved the glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes.

Neste estudo investigamos os efeitos do picolinato de cromo em pacientes portadores de Diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Para alcançar este objetivo 17 pacientes foram aleatoriamente divididos em 2 grupos. O grupo Experimental recebeu dieta hipocalórica rica em fibras e picolinato de cromo enquanto o grupo Controle recebeu dieta hipocalórica rica em fibras e placebo. Picolinato de cromo foi oferecido na dose de 100 µg, 2 vezes ao dia. Avaliamos os dados antropométricos, pressão arterial, glicemia de jejum e hemoglobina glicada A1c (HbA1c), sendo estes parâmetros reavaliados após 90 dias. Os resultados de peso, cintura, quadril, índice de massa corpórea, pressão arterial e glicemia de jejum, antes e após o tratamento não foram diferentes (Controle vs. Experimental). Contudo, houve redução (p = 0,0405) da HbA1c no grupo Experimental, ao compararmos os valores antes e após o tratamento. Portanto, a partir dos dados de HbA1c foi possível evidenciar que o picolinato de cromo melhora o controle glicêmico no Diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

Oxidative stress parameters as biomarkers of risk factor for diabetic foot among the patients with type 2 diabetes

The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma levels of carbonylated proteins, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reduced protein thiols could be suitable biomarkers of risk factors for diabetic foot. Individuals with type 2 diabetes with normal protective sensation (normal foot group) vs. loss of protective sensation and/or signs of peripheral arterial disease and/or foot deformities and/or history of ulcers and/or neuropathic fractures and/or amputation (diabetic foot group) were compared. The diabetic foot group showed higher carbonylated protein levels (P = 0.0457) and lower levels of TAC (P = 0.0148) and reduced protein thiols (P = 0.0088), compared with the normal foot group. In general, several other parameters of risk of diabetes complication (blood levels of glycated hemoglobin, glucose and cholesterol, duration of diabetes, body mass index and waist circumference) showed a tendency of higher values in the diabetic foot group. The results suggest that the plasma levels of carbonylated proteins, TAC and reduced protein thiols could furnish information about the risk of diabetic foot, considering that the changes in these biomarkers were associated with the loss of sensitivity and foot ulcerations.

Coexistence of insulin resistance and increased glucose tolerance in pregnant rats: a physiological mechanism for glucose maintenance.

AIM: The contribution of insulin resistance (IR) and glucose tolerance to the maintenance of blood glucose levels in non diabetic pregnant Wistar rats (PWR) was investigated. MAIN METHODS: PWR were submitted to conventional insulin tolerance test (ITT) and glucose tolerance test (GTT) using blood sample collected 0, 10 and 60 min after intraperitoneal insulin (1 U/kg) or oral (gavage) glucose (1g/kg) administration. Moreover, ITT, GTT and the kinetics of glucose concentration changes in the fed and fasted states were evaluated with a real-time continuous glucose monitoring system (RT-CGMS) technique. Furthermore, the contribution of the liver glucose production was investigated. KEY FINDINGS: Conventional ITT and GTT at 0, 7, 14 and 20 days of pregnancy revealed increased IR and glucose tolerance after 20 days of pregnancy. Thus, this period of pregnancy was used to investigate the kinetics of glucose changes with the RT-CGMS technique. PWR (day 20) exhibited a lower (p<0.05) glucose concentration in the fed state. In addition, we observed IR and increased glucose tolerance in the fed state (PWR-day 20 vs. day 0). Furthermore, our data from glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis suggested that the liver glucose production did not contribute to these changes in insulin sensitivity and/or glucose tolerance during late pregnancy. SIGNIFICANCE: In contrast to the general view that IR is a pathological process associated with gestational diabetes, a certain degree of IR may represent an important physiological mechanism for blood glucose maintenance during fasting.

Infecção experimental pelo Trypanosoma cruzi em camundongos: influência do exercício físico versus linhagens e sexos / Experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in mice: influence of exercise versus strains and sexes

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença de Chagas é uma infecção causada pelo Trypanosoma cruzi que afeta oito milhões de pessoas na América Latina. Um fator ligado ao estilo de vida que interfere significativamente na resposta à infecção é o exercício físico, dependendo do tipo, intensidade e frequência da atividade praticada. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do exercício físico aeróbio moderado crônico pré-infecção na evolução da infecção experimental pelo T. cruzi em camundongos de duas linhagens distintas pertencentes aos dois sexos. MÉTODOS: Camundongos Swiss e BALB/c (machos e fêmeas) com 30 dias de idade foram divididos em quatro grupos para cada linhagem e sexo (total de 16) e nomeados como segue: SM (Swiss machos), SF (Swiss fêmeas), BM (BALB/c machos) e BF (BALB/c fêmeas). Os grupos foram: NT+NI (não treinado+não infectado), T+NI (treinado+não infectado), NT+I (não treinado+infectado) e T+I (treinado+infectado). O programa de exercício físico aeróbio moderado crônico pré-infecção foi realizado durante oito semanas, com uma sessão diária de treinamento, cinco vezes na semana. O inóculo foi de 1.400 tripomastígotas sanguíneos da cepa Y do T. cruzi, via intraperitoneal. Foi avaliado o pico de parasitos, parasitemia total média e as medidas das atividades séricas de CK e CK-MB. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: O treinamento físico promoveu nas duas linhagens e em ambos os sexos redução no pico de parasitos e na parasitemia total média em animais infectados pelo T. cruzi. O treinamento físico promoveu redução nas atividades séricas de CK e CK-MB em animais infectados pelo T. cruzi, de ambos os sexos, das duas linhagens, exceto para fêmeas Swiss na atividade de CK e CK-MB.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease is an infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi that affects eight million people in Latin America. One factor linked to the lifestyle that significantly interferes in the response to infection is physical exercise, depending on the kind, intensity and frequency of the activity practiced. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of pre-infection chronic moderate aerobic exercise in the development of experimental infection with T. cruzi in mice of two distinct lineages from both sexes. METHODS: 30-day old Swiss and BALB/c mice (male and female) were divided into four groups for each strain and sex (total 16) and named as follows: SM (Swiss males), SF (Swiss females) BM (BALB/c mice) and BF (BALB/c mice). The groups were: NT NI (untrained uninfected) T NI (trained not infected); NT I (untrained infected), TI (trained infected). The aerobic exercise pre-moderate chronic infection training was performed with one daily session for eight weeks, five times a week. The inoculum was 1,400 blood trypomastigotes of Y strain of T. cruzi intraperitoneally. The peak of parasites, parasitemia total and average measurements of the serum activities of CK and CK-MB were evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The physical training promoted reduction in peak, parasitemia parasites and total average in animals infected with T. cruzi in both strains and sexes. Physical training induced reduction in serum activities of CK and CK-MB in animals infected with T. cruzi of both sexes and from the two strains, except for females in the Swiss CK activity.

Comparative performance of lab tests and blood testing device to monitor glucose, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol in type 2 diabetic patients / Desempenho comparativo de testes de laboratório e de dispositivos de teste de sangue para monitorar glicose, colesterol total e triglicérides em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2

The performance of lab tests (LT) and blood testing devices (BTD) to monitor glycemia vs. glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1c) were compared. In addition, the performance of blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol measured by LT and BDT were compared. All parameters were measured based on the same blood samples from overnight fasted type 2 diabetic patients (T2DP). Linear regression analysis was used for all comparisons. The results showed that A1c correlated better with LT-glucose (r = 0.58) than BTD-glucose (r = 0.42). Moreover, LT vs. BTD showed r values of 0.90, 0.82 and 0.92 for glucose, TC and triacylglycerol, respectively. It was concluded that the performance of LT-glucose was better than BDT-glucose. Moreover, since triacylycerol and TC measured by BTD correlated better with LT compared to BDT-glucose vs. LT-glucose, the inclusion of BTD-TC and BTD-triacylglycerol for detecting and monitoring hyperlipidemia in T2DP should be considered.

Comparou-se a performance de avaliação da glicemia através de dosagens laboratoriais (DL) ou dispositivo para teste de sangue capilar (DTSC) vs. hemoglobina glicada A1c (A1c). Comparou-se ainda a performance de avaliação da glicemia, colesterol total (CT) e triacilglicerol (DL vs. DTSC). Avaliou-se estes parametros a partir das mesmas amostras de sangue coletadas em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 (PDT2) em jejum noturno, sendo as comparações realizadas através de análise de regressão linear. A A1c correlacionou-se melhor com a glicemia-DL (r = 0,58) em relação a glicemia-DTSC (r = 0,42). Comparou-se DL vs. DTSC obtendo se r = 0,90, 0,82 e 0,92 para glicemia, CT e triacilglicerol, respectivamente. Concluiu-se que houve melhor performance da glicose-DL em relação a glicose-DTSC. Além disso, considerando que o triacilglicerol e TC avaliado através de DTSC correlaciona-se melhor com DL em comparação a DTSC-glicose vs. DL-glicose, a inclusão de DTSC-TC e DTSC-triacilglicerol visando detectar e monitorar hyperlipidemia in PDT2 deve ser considerada.

Biological effects of hydrolyzed quinoa extract from seeds of Chenopodium quinoa Willd.

An extract from seeds of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (quinoa), termed hydrolyzed quinoa (HQ), was obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis from seeds of the quinoa variety BRS-Piabiru. Analysis of the physical and chemical properties of quinoa and HQ showed that the hydrolyzed extract is rich in essential amino acids, particularly those with branched chains (leucine, isoleucine, and valine). In addition, we evaluated the biological effects of HQ, particularly the toxicological potential. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were assigned randomly to four groups: (1) sedentary supplemented group, which received HQ (2,000 mg/kg); (2) sedentary control group, non-supplemented; (3) exercised supplemented group (i.e., rats subjected to aerobic physical exercise that received HQ [2,000 mg/kg]); and (4) exercised control group (i.e., rats subjected to aerobic physical exercise, non-supplemented). After 30 days, all groups were analyzed for levels of serum glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, and urea and activities of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. Body weight gain, dietary intake, and lipid deposition were also analyzed. The results showed no hepatic and renal toxicity of HQ. Moreover, decreased food intake, body weight, fat deposition, and blood triacylglycerol level were observed in the supplemented groups (sedentary and exercised supplemented groups). These results suggest a potential use of HQ in human nutrition.

Effects of depomedroxyprogesterone acetate on the development and maintenance of Candida albicans in the vagina of oophorectomized Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) / Efeitos do acetato de depomedroxyprogesterone sobre o desenvolvimento e manutenção de Candida albicans na vagina de ooforectomizado ratos Wistar ( Rattus norvegicus )

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) on the development and maintenance of Candida albicans in the vagina of oophorectomized Wistar rats. The animals were divided into negative control groups (NCG), which received injections of sterile saline; positive control groups (PCG), which were given injections of estradiol valerate; and progesterone groups (PG), which were given injections of Depo-Provera®. After one week of hormonal induction, vaginal infection by C. albicans was induced in all the groups and detected by vaginal yeast culture and Papanicolaou smear. In addition, scanning and transmission electron microscopy images were obtained to confirm the vaginal infection by yeast in PG. A difference in progesterone levels in PG was observed between the basal level and after hormonal induction (P<0.0001). In this group, 100 percent of the rats acquired vaginal infection in the first week, but did not maintain it until the third week. The pharmaceutical brand of DMPA was effective for inducing the metestrus or diestrus phase of the estrous cycle in rats, similar to the use of pure progesterone. In contrast to estrogen treatment, progesterone alone could not support an experimental vaginal infection by C. albicans for any significant period of time.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar os efeitos do acetato de depomedroxyprogesterona (ADMP) no desenvolvimento e manutenção de Candida albicans na vagina de ratas Wistar ooferectomizadas. Os animais foram divididos em grupos controle negativos (GCN), que receberam injeções de salina estéril; grupos controle positivos (GCP), que receberam injeções de valerato de estradiol; e grupos progesterona (GP), nos quais foram feitas injeções de Depo-Provera®. Após uma semana da aplicação hormonal, foi induzida a infecção vaginal por C. albicans em todos os grupos, detectada por cultura para leveduras vaginais e esfregaço de Papanicolaou. Foram feitas ainda imagens por microscopia eletrônica de varredura e transmissão para confirmar a infecção pela levedura no GP. Foram observados diferentes níveis de progesterona em GP, entre os valores basais e após a indução hormonal (P<0,0001). Neste grupo, 100,0 por cento das ratas contraíram a infecção vaginal na primeira semana, mas não a mantiveram até a terceira semana. A forma farmacêutica de ADMP foi efetiva em induzir as fases de metaestro e diestro do ciclo estral das ratas, da mesma forma que usando progesterona pura. Em contraste com o que ocorre no tratamento com estrógeno, a progesterona não pôde manter a infecção vaginal experimental por C. albicans por um período significativo de tempo.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Kaingang native americans in southern Brazil

The aim of this work was to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and obesity among a Brazilian indigenous population. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2008 among Kaingang native Americans from the central region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Eighty two of the inhabitants aged 15 or older were selected. Height, weight, blood pressure, waistline circumference, and hip circumference were measured. After fasting, the blood was collected for the measurement of glucose, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, total cholesterol, AI and B apolipoprotein, and hemoglobin. The prevalences found were: fasting hyperglycemia (9.8 percent), hypercholesterolemia (4.9 percent), reduced HDL cholesterol (13.4 percent), hypertriglyceridemia (11 percent), abdominal obesity (37.8 percent), generalized obesity (26.8 percent), arterial hypertension (26.8 percent), and anemia (46.3 percent). The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among the Kaingang was 11 percent, all in females 20 to 49 years of age. The results suggested that the changes in the indigenous lifestyle, especially in eating habits and physical activity, have occurred.

Pé diabético: perfil metabólico e socioeconômico de pacientes atendidos pelo laboratório de ensino e pesquisa da Universidade Estadual De Maringá / Diabetic foot: socioeconomic and metabolic profile of patients treated in the laboratory of educationand research in the University of Maringá

O pé diabético é uma das complicações crônicas mais devastadoras em pacientes diabéticos, gerando alto impacto social e econômico, além de diminuir a qualidade de vida. Neste estudo exploratório-descritivo foram avaliados 39 pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 (PDT2), atendidos pelo Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (agosto/2009 e abril/2010). Os pacientes foram submetidos a uma entrevista para obtenção de informações sobre o perfil socioeconômico e a avaliação laboratorial da glicemia e lipidemia (perfil metabólico). Os resultados revelaram: prevalência do gênero feminino, média de idade de 60,1 ± 9,5 anos, 71,8% tinham Ensino Fundamental incompleto, 61,5% eram casados, 74,3% eram sedentários, o tempo de doença foi de 9,2 ± 7,3 anos, 53,8% desconheciam os cuidados e complicações do pé e 70,6% estavam com a hemoglobina glicada alterada. Conclui-se que a baixa escolaridade e pouco conhecimento em relação à doença comprometem o processo de autocuidado, aumentando as chances do aparecimento das complicações crônicas.

Diabetic foot is one of the most devastating chronic complications of diabetic patients, causing high social and economic impact and decreased quality of life. In this exploratory-descriptive study were evaluated 39 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DP) attended by the Clinical Analysis Teaching and Research Laboratory of the State University of Maringá (August/2009 and April/2010). Patients underwent an interview to obtain information on the socioeconomic profile and laboratory evaluation of blood glucose and lipids (metabolic profiling) The results revealed prevalence of female, mean age was 60.1 ± 9.5 years, 71.8% had incomplete primary education, 61.5% were married, 74.3% were sedentary, disease duration was 9.2 ± 7.3 years, 53.8% were unaware of the care and foot complications and 70.6% had glycated hemoglobin altered. We conclude that low education and little knowledge about the disease decreased the process of self-care, increasing the chances of development of chronic complications.

Efeito do tratamento com etanol sobre a gliconeogênese em ratos intolerantes à glicose / Effect of ethanol treatment on gluconeogenesis in glucose-intolerant rats

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do tratamento com etanol (Et)sobre a gliconeogênese em ratos intolerantes à glicose. A intolerância à glicose foi induzida pela injeção de dexametasona (DEXA) (0,1 mg kg-1; s.c., quatro dias). O teste de tolerância à glicose (GTT) e os experimentos de perfusão de fígado in situ (avaliação da gliconeogênese) foram realizados em ratos submetidos a jejum de 15h dos grupos experimentais: Controle (salina 0,9%, s.c., quatro dias); DEX (DEXA 0,1 mg kg-1; s.c., quatro dias); DEX+Et 3% (per os, 14 dias); DEX+Et 20% (per os, 14 dias); DEX+Met (Mettformina 300 mg kg-1, per os, quatro dias). Os animais tratados com DEX apresentaram elevada concentração de glicose sanguínea e também no perfusato coletado. O tratamento com metformina promoveu redução significativa na concentração de glicose no perfusato obtido de animais intolerantes à glicose. Entretanto, somente o tratamento com Et 3% promoveu redução na intolerância à glicose, mas não na produção da glicose hepática observada em animais DEX. Os dados obtidos demonstram que a administração de Et 3% melhora a intolerância à glicose induzida pela DEX sem influenciar na gliconeogênese, diferentemente do observado pelo tratamento com a metformina.

In this work, the influence of ethanol (Et) treatment on gluconeogenesis in glucose-intolerance rats was evaluated. Glucose intolerance in rats was induced by dexamethasone (DEXA) injection (0.1 mg kg-1; s.c., 4 days). The glucose tolerance test (GTT) and liver perfusion in situ experiments (gluconeogenesis evaluation) were performed with 15-hour fasted rats in the following experimental groups: Control (saline 0.9%, s.c., 4 days); DEX (DEXA 0.1 mg kg-1; s.c., 4 days); DEX+Et 3% (per os, 14 days); DEX+Et 20% (per os, 14 days); DEX+Met (Metformin 300 mg kg-1, per os, 4 days). DEX-treated animals showed high glucose concentration in blood and also in the perfusate collected. Metformin treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the concentration of perfusate glucose in intolerant animals. However, only the Et 3% treatment reduced glucose intolerance, but not glucose hepatic production observed in DEX animals. Data showed that Et 3% administration improves glucose intolerance induced by DEX without influence on gluconeogenesis, unlike the result observed with Metformin treatment.

Risk factors for Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia in nonventilated adults

Although most recent publications focus on Ventilator-associated Pneumonia, Non-Ventilator-associated Hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP) is still worrisome. We studied risk factors for NVHAP among patients admitted to a small teaching hospital. Sixty-six NVHAP case patients and 66 controls admitted to the hospital from November 2005 through November 2006 were enrolled in a case-control study. Variables under investigation included: demographic characteristics, comorbidities, procedures, invasive devices and use of medications (Sedatives, Antacids, Steroids and Antimicrobials). Univariate and multivariable analysis (hierarchical models of logistic regression) were performed. The incidence of NVHAP in our hospital was 0.68 percent (1.02 per 1,000 patients-day). Results from multivariable analysis identified risk factors for NVHAP: age (Odds Ratio[OR]=1.03, 95 percent Confidence Interval[CI]=1.01-1.05, p=0.002), use of Antacids (OR=5.29, 95 percentCI=1.89-4.79, p=0.001) and Central Nervous System disease (OR=3.13, 95 percentCI=1.24-7.93, p=0.02). Although our findings are coherent with previous reports, the association of Antacids with NVHAP recalls a controversial issue in the physiopathology of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia, with possible implications for preventive strategies.

Risk factors for hospital-acquired pneumonia in nonventilated adults.

Although most recent publications focus on Ventilator-associated Pneumonia, Non-Ventilator-associated Hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP) is still worrisome. We studied risk factors for NVHAP among patients admitted to a small teaching hospital. Sixty-six NVHAP case patients and 66 controls admitted to the hospital from November 2005 through November 2006 were enrolled in a case-control study. Variables under investigation included: demographic characteristics, comorbidities, procedures, invasive devices and use of medications (Sedatives, Antacids, Steroids and Antimicrobials). Univariate and multivariable analysis (hierarchical models of logistic regression) were performed. The incidence of NVHAP in our hospital was 0.68% (1.02 per 1,000 patients-day). Results from multivariable analysis identified risk factors for NVHAP: age (Odds Ratio[OR]=1.03, 95% Confidence Interval[CI]=1.01-1.05, p=0.002), use of Antacids (OR=5.29, 95%CI=1.89-4.79, p=0.001) and Central Nervous System disease (OR=3.13, 95%CI=1.24-7.93, p=0.02). Although our findings are coherent with previous reports, the association of Antacids with NVHAP recalls a controversial issue in the physiopathology of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia, with possible implications for preventive strategies.

Action of celecoxib on hepatic metabolic changes induced by the Walker-256 tumour in rats.

The purpose of the present work was to investigate the influence of celecoxib on some hepatic metabolic parameters affected by the Walker-256 tumour in rats. Celecoxib was administered daily (5-50 mg/kg body weight) beginning at the day in which the tumour cells were inocculated. At day 14, the liver was isolated and perfused in order to measure alanine transformation, glycolysis and arginine transformation. Maximal reduction of tumour growth (75%), accompanied by an almost normal weight gain, was attained with a celecoxib dose of 12.5 mg/kg. Diminution of glucose utilization (glycolysis) and inhibition of gluconeogenesis and ureogenesis from alanine caused by the tumor were totally reversed by celecoxib. Oxygen uptake by the liver was also normalized by the drug. Hepatic arginine transformation, which is normally enhanced in rats bearing the Walker-256 tumour, remained elevated in celecoxib-treated animals. It was concluded that preservation of gluconeogenesis and normalization of hepatic glucose utilization can explain, partly at least, the clinical improvement of cancer patients treated with the drug. The lack of action of celecoxib on arginine hydrolysis might indicate that reduction in polyamine synthesis is not a factor contributing to the diminished tumour growth.

Caracterização de leveduras isoladas da vagina e sua associação com candidíase vulvovaginal em duas cidades do sul do Brasil / Characterization of yeasts isolated from the vagina and their association with vulvovaginal candidíasis in two cities of the South of Brazil

OBJETIVOS: avaliar a distribuição de espécies de leveduras isoladas da vagina em duas localidades do sul do Brasil e comparar o perfil de suscetibilidade in vitro destas leveduras a antifúngicos usados na prática clínica. MÉTODOS: todas as mulheres atendidas entre janeiro e junho de 2004 para exames rotineiros de amostras vaginais, independente de serem sintomáticas ou não, foram incluídas neste estudo. Foram excluídas as que apresentavam imunodeficiências como AIDS ou outras infecções genitais. Amostras de conteúdo vaginal dessas mulheres (Jaraguá do Sul - SC (n=130) e Maringá - PR (n=97)) foram cultivadas. As leveduras isoladas foram identificadas e submetidas ao teste de suscetibilidade aos antifúngicos fluconazol, nistatina e anfotericina B. RESULTADOS: a freqüência de cultura positiva para levedura foi semelhante nas duas localidades, aproximadamente 24 por cento. Candida albicans foi a espécie prevalente, mas sua freqüência diferiu: em SC correspondeu a 77,4 por cento das leveduras e foi a mais freqüente tanto nas mulheres sintomáticas quanto nas assintomáticas. Já no PR foi 50,0 por cento, com predomínio mais evidente nos casos sintomáticos. Observamos altos índices de suscetibilidade ao fluconazol e anfotericina B, porém 51,1 por cento das leveduras apresentaram suscetibilidade dependente da dose (S-DD) para nistatina. C. albicans mostrou maior tendência de resistência à nistatina (52,8 por cento de S-DD) do que as espécies não-albicans (44,4 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: nossos dados mostram diferenças regionais quanto à espécie de levedura em amostras vaginais. Sugerem que a determinação da espécie pode ter implicação clínica, considerando as diferenças quanto à suscetibilidade, principalmente à nistatina, e que poderiam ter importância no manejo da candidíase vulvovaginal

Efeito do herbicida 2, 4-D (Ácido 2, 4-Diclorofenoxiacético) na morfologia e função renal de Ratos Wistar / Efect of the herbicide 2, 4-D (2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyaceticacid) on the renal morphology and function of Wistar Rats

O herbicida 2,4-D (ácido 2,4-diclorofenoxiacético) tem elevado potencial tóxico podendo causar efeitos indesejáveis a curto e longo prazo por seu emprego prolongado em diversas culturas de frutas e cereais. O objetivo deste estudo foi observar o efeito do 2,4-D na função e estrutura renal de ratos Wistar através da avaliação da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG), proteinúria e análise histológica. Foram utilizados 34 ratos Wistar (220-260 g) mantidos em gaiolas individuais, que foram separados em 2 lotes. No primeiro lote: G-I(n=5), G-II(n=4) e G-III(n=5) os animais receberam, respectivamente, por via oral, água, 2,5 e 5,0 mg/kg/dia de 2,4-D diluído em água durante 15 dias. No segundo lote: G-I(n=8), G-II(n=8) receberam, respectivamente, via oral, 2,5 e 5,0 mg/kg/dia de 2,4-D diluído em água e G-III(n=4) que recebeu água por 42 dias. Após o período de tratamento, fez-se coleta de sangue por punção cardíaca, urina de 24 horas e dos rins. Para análise histológica os rins foram fixados em “Bouin”, cortados em 5mm e corados pelo Tricrômico de Masson. Não foi observada alteração significativa (p<0,05) na TFG (G-I=7,3±0,8; G-II=7,0±0,9; G-III=7,6±0,6 mg/min/kg). Houve presença significativa de proteína na urina (p<0,05) nos animais que receberam o 2,4-D por 15 dias (G-I=3,7±07; G-II=21,3±2,9; G-III=22,9±7,9 mg/24 h). Entretanto, a análise histológica dos animais que receberam 2,4-D por 42 dias não mostrou presença de esclerose glomerular e fibrose tubulointersticial. Portanto, a proteinúria provocada pelo 2,4-D no período estudado não foi suficiente para provocar alterações na região tubulointersticial e nem na região glomerular dos rins destes animais