Use of rainbow trout skin treated with glutaraldehyde as a mesh for abdominal hernioplasty in rats.

PURPOSE: To test the use of rainbow trout skin as a surgical mesh in abdominal hernioplasties in rats. METHODS: The experiment involved 20 Wistar rats receiving implants of trout skin processed for disinfection in 0.5% glutaraldehyde and preserved in 100% glycerin. The animals were divided into four groups, divided at 7, 15, 30, and 90 days postoperatively. Clinical and infrared thermography evaluations were performed, and after euthanasia, assessments of adhesion formations and sample collection for histological evaluation were conducted. RESULTS: The implant was observed to be intact, ensuring the integrity of the abdominal wall, support for the viscera, and normal mobility for the rats for up to 90 days. Low rates of clinical alterations were observed, with an intense inflammatory reaction up to day 7, chronic inflammation and the onset of angiogenesis at day 15, and a low inflammatory reaction with collagenous infiltrate and fibrosis at day 30. At day 90, the implants showed a collagenous and fibrotic infiltrate with a minimal inflammatory infiltrate. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical mesh of trout skin performed well, making it a potential alternative for surgical procedures in muscle aponeurotic corrections in the abdominal wall.

Histochemical analysis, smooth muscle immunolocalization and volumetric density of the elastic system fibres of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) phallus.

There are few scientific reports on the histology of the phallus of ratite birds. The aim of this study was to conduct a histochemical analysis to determine the distribution of smooth muscle cells and the volumetric density (Vv) of the fibres of the elastic system in the ostrich phallus. Adult ostriches, 14 months old, were used. The phalluses were fixed in Bouin's solution and then transferred to a buffered formalin solution. They were then processed using standard histological stains for paraffin and slices were obtained. The following techniques were performed: HE, Picrosirius red, Alcian Blue at pH 1.0 and 2.5. The Periodic acid-Schiff reagent and Weigert's Resorcin-Fuchsin with previous oxidation were performed. The M42 test system was used to quantify the elastic system fibres. For immunohistochemical analysis, an anti alpha smooth muscle actin monoclonal antibody was used. The surface of the phallus is covered by a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, which becomes stratified cylindrical in the region of the spermatic sulcus. No glands associated with the connective tissue were observed. The Vv of the elastic system fibres was 4.75%. Smooth muscle cells were visualized only in the walls of blood vessels through immunostaining, with an absence in the lymphatic sinuses. Despite similarities with other birds, such as the presence of a fibrous external axis, a lymphatic core, and a spermatic groove, the ostrich phallus shows marked differences, including the absence of an elastic core, a non-keratinized lining epithelium, and the absence of glands throughout its extension.

Use of rainbow trout skin treated with glutaraldehyde as a mesh for abdominal hernioplasty in rats

Purpose: To test the use of rainbow trout skin as a surgical mesh in abdominal hernioplasties in rats. Methods: The experiment involved 20 Wistar rats receiving implants of trout skin processed for disinfection in 0.5% glutaraldehyde and preserved in 100% glycerin. The animals were divided into four groups, divided at 7, 15, 30, and 90 days postoperatively. Clinical and infrared thermography evaluations were performed, and after euthanasia, assessments of adhesion formations and sample collection for histological evaluation were conducted. Results: The implant was observed to be intact, ensuring the integrity of the abdominal wall, support for the viscera, and normal mobility for the rats for up to 90 days. Low rates of clinical alterations were observed, with an intense inflammatory reaction up to day 7, chronic inflammation and the onset of angiogenesis at day 15, and a low inflammatory reaction with collagenous infiltrate and fibrosis at day 30. At day 90, the implants showed a collagenous and fibrotic infiltrate with a minimal inflammatory infiltrate. Conclusions: The surgical mesh of trout skin performed well, making it a potential alternative for surgical procedures in muscle aponeurotic corrections in the abdominal wall.

Avocado Oil (Persea americana) Reduces Epithelial Proliferation on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of avocado oil on the histoarchitecture of the prostate of normal rats and on rats with induced benign prostatic hyperplasia using computerized histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. METHODS: Twenty-eight Wistar rats were divided into four groups: the control group (CG), the avocado oil group (AOG) fed with avocado oil-based diet, the induced group (IG), and the avocado oil testosterone-induced group (AOIG). Prostate hyperplasia was induced by subcutaneous implantation of silicone pellets, filled with testosterone, to promote androgen stimulation. After 12 weeks, the rats were euthanized, and their prostates were removed. The material was prepared for paraffin processing and stained using hematoxylin-eosin and immunostaining for p63 nuclear antigen. RESULTS: The mean epithelial thickness obtained from AOIG (19.44 ± 2.62 µm) was significantly reduced compared to that from IG (27.02 ± 4.1 µm). The average alveolar area in AOIG was 0.100 ± 0.03, which was greater than that of CG. The immunostaining for p63 in basal cells in AOIG was 17.77% ± 2.72 of the total area, a result greater than that in AOG (12.13% ± 2.04) and CG (12.01 ± 2.05). Collagen remodeling was observed with thicker fibers predominating in CG and AOG over thinner fibers in IG and AOIG. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that avocado oil has a protective effect on the prostatic epithelium of Wistar rats subjected to long-term induced prostate hyperplasia.

Long-Term Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) Antioxidant Therapy Reduces Damage in the Cardiovascular System of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Cellular damage, lipid oxidation and the action of inflammatory cytokines are implicated in the evolution of vascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) hyperglycemia. In contrast, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to evaluate the overall effects of ALA supplementation by assessing its long-term systemic action on the vascular morphology of rats with induced diabetes. A total of 28 male rats were divided into 4 groups with seven animals each. For diabetes induction, two groups received streptozotocin. The animals in the lipoic and diabetic lipoic groups received ALA supplement. After 8 weeks the animals were anesthetized and blood collected was for hematological, biochemical and serological analyses. The thoracic aorta was removed, processed for paraffin and histological sections were stained for morphometric analysis. In diabetic groups, an improvement in hematological profile was observed, with platelet reduction in the diabetic lipoic group. ALA addition to the diet attenuated the negative effects in lipid profile; moreover, renal, hepatic and inflammatory parameters reduced or displayed values close to the values of the normal control. The anti-inflammatory effect of ALA was observed in diabetic animals, with a reduction of inflammatory citokines, accompanied by the improvement of morphological parameters in the aorta. In conclusion, long-term supplementation with ALA promoted systemic improvement, thus reducing the risk of vascular diseases. The changes in the renal and hepatic parameters without any negative impact in the hematological profile also show that ALA can be indicated as a low-risk prophylaxis or complementary therapy.

Exposição a dieta hiperlipídica no período perinatal e pós desmame aumenta risco cardiometabólico e altera histomorfometria aórtica em ratos jovens / Exposure to high-fat diet in the perinatal and post-weaning period increases cardiometabolic risk and alters aortic histomorphometry in young rats

Introdução: estudos sugerem forte associação da exposição perinatal e pós-natal a dietas ricas em gordura e complicações cardiovasculares. Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos da exposição a dieta hiperlipídica no período perinatal e pós desmame sobre indicadores de risco cardiometabólico e alterações histomorfometrica na aorta em ratos. Metodologia: Ratas Wistar foram separadas em grupos de acordo com a dieta durante a gestação e lactação: dieta controle (n=3) e dieta hiperlipídica (n=3). No 21º dia de vida filhotes machos foram divididos em subgrupos (n=6): CC: formado por ratos expostos a dieta controle durante toda a vida; CH: formado por ratos cuja a mãe consumiu dieta controle e após o desmame os filhotes consumiram dieta hiperlipídica; HH: formado por filhotes expostos a dieta hiperlipídica durante toda a vida e HC: formado por ratos cuja a mãe consumiu dieta hiperlipídica e após o desmame os filhotes consumiram dieta controle. No 60º dia de vida, IMC, índices aterogênicos, proteína C reativa e histomorfometria da aorta dos descendentes foram avaliados. Resultados: o grupo HC apresentou maior IMC em comparação aos grupos HH e CH (p= 0,0004). A razão colesterol total / HDL-colesterol foi maior para o grupo CH comparado ao CC e HC (p = 0,016). Coeficiente aterogênico (p = 0,003), espessura da aorta (p = 0,003) e quantidade de lamelas elásticas (p = 0,0002) foram maiores nos grupos CH e HH em comparação a CC e HC. Conclusão: exposição a dieta hiperlipídica nos períodos perinatal e pós desmame aumentou o risco cardiometabólico e alterou a histomorfometria aórtica de ratos.

Background: studies suggest a strong association of perinatal and postnatal exposure to high-fat diets and cardiovascular complications. Objective: to evaluate the effects of exposure to a high-fat diet in the perinatal and post-weaning period on indicators of cardiometabolic risk and aorta histomorphometric changes in the rats. Methodology: Wistar rats were separated into groups according to the diet during pregnancy and lactation: control diet (n=3) and high fat diet (n=3). On the 21st day of life, male pups were divided into subgroups (n=6): CC: formed by rats exposed to a control diet for all life; CH: formed by rats whose mother consumed a control diet and after weaning the pups consumed a high-fat diet; HH: formed by pups exposed to a high-fat diet for all life and HC: formed by rats whose mother consumed a high-fat diet and after weaning the pups consumed a control diet. On the 60th day of life, BMI, atherogenic indices, C-reactive protein and histomorphometry of the aorta of the offspring were evaluated. Results: the HC group showed higher BMI compared to the HH and CH groups (p=0.0004). The total cholesterol / HDL-cholesterol ratio was higher for the CH group compared to CC and HC (p = 0.016). Atherogenic coefficient (p= 0,003), aortic thickness (p = 0.003) and amount of elastic lamellae (p = 0.0002) were higher in CH and HH groups compared to CC and HC. Conclusion: exposure to a high-fat diet in the perinatal and post-weaning periods increased cardiometabolic risk and altered aortic histomorphometry in rats.

Maternal Intake of Flaxseed During Lactation and Exercise Training Protect Against Salt Overload-Induced Aortic Remodeling in Adult Offspring

Abstract Background High dietary sodium intake can induce endothelial stiffness even without changes in blood pressure. Objectives To evaluate the effects of exercise training and chronic intake of sodium chloride solution on aortic morphology of male offspring of rat dams who consumed flaxseed during lactation. Methods Female rats were fed with a control diet or a flaxseed diet during lactation. At weaning, two male offspring of each rat dam were allocated into eight groups for 180 days: four groups received a control diet e four received a flaxseed diet, with /without exercise and with/without NaCl solution supply. Aorta was collected for histomorphometric analysis. The one-way analysis of variance was used and P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The chronic use of 1% NaCl solution led to changes in aortic histoarchitecture in the control group: increase in aortic intima-media thickness (10,4%, p<0.0001) and reduced number of elastic lamellae (-8,1%, p<0.0001). Groups of offspring of mother that consumed flaxseed during lactation, the chronic use of 1% NaCl alone did not lead to an increase in the aortic intima-media thickness. Exercise training of adult offspring increased aortic intima-media thickness (13.3%, p<0.0001), with preservation of elastic components and aortic flexibility. Conclusion Chronic salt overload caused adverse effects on the aorta of rats, and maternal consumption of the flaxseed diet during lactation protected against aortic remodeling. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

Consumption of avocado oil (Persea americana) improves the biochemical profile of rats submitted to long-term androgenic stimulation.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: indiscriminate use of anabolic steroids is associated with cardiovascular diseases, renal damage, and hepatic toxicity. Contrastingly, nutraceutical foods such as avocados prevent and control several diseases, as they can reduce the effects of oxidative stress. Objective: this study evaluates the benefits of consuming an avocado oil-based diet to attenuate the systemic damage caused by supraphysiological doses of testosterone, by analyzing the biochemical profile of 28 42-day-old male Wistar rats. Methods: silicone pellets containing testosterone were surgically implanted, and they received control or avocado oil-based feed. After 20 weeks, all the male rats were anesthetized and their blood samples collected. Results: although the high hormone concentration had a negative influence on the biochemical profile of these animals, the groups that consumed avocado oil exhibited a reduction in serum triacylglycerols (-21 %; p = 0.0001), VLDL (-20 %; p = 0.0085), LDL (-78 %; p < 0.0001), and total cholesterol (-12 %; p < 0.0001), along with positive changes in their HDL concentrations (+7 %; p = 0.001). The avocado oil groups also manifested a reduction in the total concentration of serum proteins (-24 %; p = 0.0357), albumin (-26 %; p = 0.0015), urea (-14 %; p = 0.04), and creatinine (-33 %; p < 0.0001). The concentration of liver transaminases was found to be higher in the animals included in the induced group (ALT, +66 %; p = 0.0005, and AST, +23 %; p = 0.0021), whereas they remained stable in the avocado oil group. Conclusion: from the above, it may be concluded that supraphysiological doses of testosterone are related to increased risk factors for cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic diseases, and that the consumption of avocado oil shields the biochemical profile, thus reducing the associated risk factors.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el uso indiscriminado de esteroides anabólicos se asocia con enfermedades cardiovasculares, daño renal y toxicidad hepática. En cambio, los alimentos nutracéuticos como el aguacate previenen y controlan varias enfermedades, ya que pueden reducir los efectos del estrés oxidativo. Objetivo: este estudio evalúa los beneficios de consumir una dieta basada en aceite de aguacate para atenuar el daño sistémico causado por dosis suprafisiológicas de testosterona mediante el análisis del perfil bioquímico de 28 ratas Wistar macho de 42 días de edad. Métodos: se implantaron quirúrgicamente perdigones de silicona que contenían propionato de testosterona y los animales recibieron una alimentación de control o una basada en el aceite de aguacate. Después de 20 semanas se anestesiaron todos los animales y se recogieron sus muestras de sangre. Resultados: aunque la alta concentración de hormonas tuvo una influencia negativa en el perfil bioquímico de estos animales, los grupos que consumieron aceite de aguacate mostraron una reducción de los triglicéridos séricos (-21 %; p = 0,0001), las VLDL (-20 %; p = 0,0085), las LDL (-78 %; p < 0,0001) y el colesterol total (-12 %; p < 0,0001), con cambios positivos en las LDL (+7 %; p = 0,001). Los grupos alimentados con aceite de aguacate manifestaron una reducción de la concentración total de proteínas séricas (-24 %; p = 0,0357), albúmina (-26 %; p = 0,0015), urea (-14 %; p = 0,04) y creatinina (-33 %; p < 0,0001). Se encontró que la concentración sérica de transaminasas hepáticas era mayor en los animales del grupo inducido (ALT: +66 %; p = 0,0005, y AST: +23 %; p = 0,0021), mientras que en los grupos con aceite de aguacate, los parámetros hepáticos se mantuvieron estables. Conclusión: de todo ello se puede concluir que las dosis suprafisiológicas de testosterona están relacionadas con un aumento de los factores de riesgo de sufrir enfermedades cardiovasculares, renales y hepáticas, y que el consumo de aceite de aguacate protege el perfil bioquímico, lo que reduce los factores de riesgo asociados.

Influence of alpha lipoic acid supplementation on urinary bladder morphology of diabetic rats / Influencia de la suplementación con ácido alfa lipoico en la morfología de la vejiga urinaria de ratas diabéticas

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a condition marked by hyperglycaemia that causes systemic complications, including urinary vesicle dysfunction due to oxidative stress. Further, antioxidants, as well as alpha lipoic acid (ALA), may be a response to this pathological condition. The present study verified the action of ALA as a supplement in ration on glycemia and urinary vesicle structures of rats induced by streptozotocin. The rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (CG), Alpha Lipoic (ALAG), Diabetic control (DCG), and the Diabetic alpha lipoic (DALAG) group. For induction, the diabetic groups were initially induced with streptozotocin (dose 60 mg/kg). Subsequently, group glycemia was evaluated weekly. After 8 weeks, the rats were euthanized and the bladder was collected. The bladders were histologically processed and the slides were stained with Masson's Trichrome for the histomorphometry of epithelial height, connective and muscular tissue and coloration of PicroSirius Red for further analysis of collagen fibers of the bladder. The data of the glycemia demonstrated an inferior median in DALAG compared to DGC (p<0.01). The epithelial height and percentage of the muscle tissue were greater in DALAG compared to the DGC, but not significant. However, GDAL showed improvement in the organization of collagen fibers. In conclusion, bladder the morphology alterations caused by DM were not alleviated by the administration of ALA in 8 weeks of the experiments.

La diabetes mellitus (DM) es una afección marcada por hiperglucemia que causa complicaciones sistémicas, incluida la disfunción de la vejiga urinaria debido al estrés oxidativo. Además, los antioxidantes, así como el ácido alfa lipoico (ALA), pueden ser una respuesta a esta condición patológica. El presente estudio verificó la acción de ALA como suplemento en la ración sobre la glucemia y las estructuras de la vejiga urinaria de ratas inducidas por estreptozotocina. Las ratas se dividieron en 4 grupos: control (CG), alfa lipoico (ALAG), control diabético (DCG) y el grupo diabético alfa lipoico (DALAG). Para la inducción, los grupos diabéticos se aplicó estreptozotocina (dosis 60 mg/kg). Posteriormente, la glucemia grupal se evaluó semanalmente. Después de 8 semanas, las ratas se sacrificaron y se retiró la vejiga urinaria. Las vejigas se procesaron histológicamente y las muestras se tiñeron con tricromo de Masson para la histomorfometría y así evaluar la altura epitelial, el tejido conectivo y muscular. Además se tiñeron cond PicroSirius Red para un análisis posterior de las fibras colágenas de la vejiga urinaria. Los datos de la glucemia demostraron una mediana inferior en DALAG en comparación con DGC (p <0,01). La altura epitelial y el porcentaje de tejido muscular fueron mayores en DALAG en comparación con el DGC, pero no estadísticamente significativos. Sin embargo, GDAL mostró una mejora en la organización de las fibras de colágeno. En conclusión, la morfología de las alteraciones de la vejiga causada por DM no se alivió con la administración de ALA en 8 semanas de estudio.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) consumption improves hepatic and renal parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

INTRODUCTION: Objective: this study aims to evaluate the protective action of the guarana compound on the biochemical profile of alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. Method: twenty-eight male Wistar Furth rats were divided into four groups of seven animals each: the control group (CG) was fed a standard diet; the guarana group (GG) was fed a standard diet supplemented with guarana; the diabetic group (DG) included alloxan-induced diabetic rats fed a standard diet; and the diabetic guarana group (DGG) included alloxan-induced diabetic rats fed a standard diet supplemented with guarana. Induction was performed by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan 150 mg/kg. Results: LDL (CG: 24.64 ± 2,59; GG: 38.93 ± 7.19; DG: 14.9 ± 3.96; DGG: 20.8 ± 4.04 mg/dL); HDL (CG: 14.8 ± 4.86; GG: 13 ± 1.41; DG: 22.5 ± 7.81; DGG: 30.66 ± 9.02 mg/dL); ALT (CG: 31.8 ± 4.81; GG: 22.16 ± 1.83; DG: 38 ± 1.4; DGG: 26.83 ± 2.13 U/L); AST (CG: 101.8 ± 5.07; GG: 117.5 ± 9.73; DG: 183.6 ± 4.21; DGG: 116.16 ± 12 U/L); urea (CG: 51.4 ± 5.03; GG: 42.5 ± 8.24; DG: 129.16 ± 31.72; DGG: 150.5 ± 36.02 mg/dL); creatinine (CG: 0.6 ± 0.12; GG: 0.53 ± 0.05; DG: 0.78 ± 0.11; DGG: 0.61 ± 0.07 mg/dL). Conclusions: consumption of guarana (Paullinia cupana) by male Wistar Furth rats with alloxan induced diabetes without treatment had a beneficial effect on hepatic and renal function parameters, and raises the possibility of being used as supportive therapy in the treatment of diabetes.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: este estudio tiene el objetivo de evaluar la posible acción protectora de este compuesto sobre el perfil bioquímico de ratas con diabetes inducida por aloxano. Material y métodos: veintiocho ratas macho Wistar Furth se dividieron en cuatro grupos de siete animales cada uno: el grupo de control (CG) se alimentó con la dieta estándar; el grupo de guaraná (GG) se alimentó con la dieta estándar complementada con guaraná; el grupo diabético (DG) se formó con ratas con diabetes inducida por aloxano que se alimentaron con la dieta estándar; el grupo diabético con guaraná (DGG) se formó con ratas con diabetes inducida por aloxano que se alimentaron con la dieta estándar complementada con guaraná. La inducción se realizó através de una inyección intraperitoneal de aloxano en dosis de 150 mg/kg. Resultados: LDL (CG: 24,64 ± 2,59; GG: 38,93 ± 7,19; DG: 14,9 ± 3,96; DGG: 20,8 ± 4,04 mg/dl); HDL (CG: 14,8 ± 4,86; GG: 13 ± 1,41; DG: 22,5 ± 7,81; DGG: 30,66 ± 9,02 mg/dl); ALT (CG: 31,8 ± 4,81; GG: 22,16 ± 1,83; DG: 38 ± 1,4; DGG: 26,83 ± 2,13 U/L); AST (CG: 101,8 ± 5,07; GG: 117,5 ± 9,73; DG: 183,6 ± 4,21; DGG: 116,16 ± 12 U/L); urea (CG: 51,4 ± 5,03; GG: 42,5 ± 8,24; DG: 129,16 ± 31,72; DGG: 150,5 ± 36,02 mg/dl); creatinina (CG: 0,6 ± 0,12; GG: 0,53 ± 0,05; DG: 0,78 ± 0,11; DGG: 0,61 ± 0,07 mg/dl). Conclusión: el consumo de guaraná (Paullinia cupana) por ratas Wistar con diabetes inducida por aloxano y sin tratamiento actuó de forma beneficiosa sobre los parámetros hepáticos y de función renal, planteando la posibilidad de poder ser utilizado como terapia de soporte en el tratamiento de la diabetes.

Antioxidant action of alpha lipoic acid on the testis and epididymis of diabetic rats: morphological, sperm and immunohistochemical evaluation

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic hyperglycemia is caused by diabetes mellitus-committed genital morphophysiology, and oxidative stress is one of the main factors involved in this process. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can prevent metabolic and morphological changes in diabetic individuals. Objectives In present study, we evaluated the effects of regular ALA consumption on the spermatogenesis and histoarchitecture in the male genital system of diabetic rats. Materials and Methods Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into groups: Control (CG); Diabetic Control (DCG), receiving commercial diet: ALA Group (ALAG) and Diabetic ALA Group (DALAG), fed diets with added ALA (300 mg/Kg bw). The diabetic groups received a single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). After sixty days of the diet, the animals were euthanized, and semen, testis and epididymis samples were collected. A histomorphometric analysis was performed to determine the epithelial height, tubular and luminal diameter, tubular and luminal area of seminiferous tubules and each epididymal region. Sertoli cells were evidenced using the antivimenti antibody and were quantified. The results were statistically analyzed by the ANOVA test. Results At the end of the experiment, the DALAG glycemia was significantly lower than DCG. The histomorphometric parameters of the seminiferous and epididymal tubules did not show improvement in the DALAG. However, there was an improvement in the DALAG in terms of the concentration, motility and percentage of spermatic pathologies, as well as in the number of Sertoli cells (p<0.001). Conclusions The results demonstrated that supplementation with the ALA antioxidant retards testicular lesions and preserve the process of spermatogenesis in diabetes.

Antioxidant action of alpha lipoic acid on the testis and epididymis of diabetic rats: morphological, sperm and immunohistochemical evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic hyperglycemia is caused by diabetes mellitus-committed genital morphophysiology, and oxidative stress is one of the main factors involved in this process. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can prevent metabolic and morphological changes in diabetic individuals. OBJECTIVES: In present study, we evaluated the effects of regular ALA consumption on the spermatogenesis and histoarchitecture in the male genital system of diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into groups: Control (CG); Diabetic Control (DCG), receiving commercial diet: ALA Group (ALAG) and Diabetic ALA Group (DALAG), fed diets with added ALA (300 mg/Kg bw). The diabetic groups received a single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). After sixty days of the diet, the animals were euthanized, and semen, testis and epididymis samples were collected. A histomorphometric analysis was performed to determine the epithelial height, tubular and luminal diameter, tubular and luminal area of seminiferous tubules and each epididymal region. Sertoli cells were evidenced using the antivimentin antibody and were quantified. The results were statistically analyzed by the ANOVA test. RESULTS: At the end of the experiment, the DALAG glycemia was signifi cantly lower than DCG. The histomorphometric parameters of the seminiferous and epididymal tubules did not show improvement in the DALAG. However, there was an improvement in the DALAG in terms of the concentration, motility and percentage of spermatic pathologies, as well as in the number of Sertoli cells (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that supplementation with the ALA antioxidant retards testicular lesions and preserve the process of spermatogenesis in diabetes.

Effects of castration on penile extracellular matrix morphology in domestic cats.

Objectives This study was undertaken to verify the possible modifications caused by hormonal deprivation in the extracellular matrix in the penises of neutered cats. Methods Twenty-seven penises from domestic shorthair cats were collected: 14 samples from intact cats and 13 from neutered cats. Sections were stained with Weigert's resorcin-fuchsin, hematoxylin and eosin, and picrosirius red. Histomorphometric analysis was performed using light microscopy and image analysis software. The following parameters were analyzed: density of the elastic fibers and collagen fibers in the corpus spongiosum; density of the elastic fibers in the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum and the tunica albuginea of the corpus spongiosum; luminal area of the urethra; area of the corpus spongiosum; area of the corpus cavernosum; and thickness of the urethral epithelium. The data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test to verify the normal distribution, and groups were compared using Student's t-test; P <0.05 indicated statistically significant differences. Results Significant differences were observed between intact cats and neutered cats in the density of elastic fibers in the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum (8.13% ± 1.38% vs 3.11% ± 0.66%), tunica albuginea of the corpus spongiosum (4.37% ± 1.08% vs 3.30% ± 1.01%) and corpus spongiosum (6.28% ± 3.03% vs 4.10% ± 2.19%), and density of collagen fibers in the corpus spongiosum (34.11% ± 10.86% vs 44.21% ± 12.72%). Conclusions and relevance The results show a significant decrease in the density of the elastic fibers and a significant increase of the density of the collagen fibers in the corpus spongiosum in neutered animals. This suggests that the compliance of the periurethral region is reduced, and these changes could be a predisposing factor for urethral obstructive disease.

Flaxseed reduces epithelial proliferation but does not affect basal cells in induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the effects of a flaxseed-based diet on the histoarchitecture of the prostate of normal Wistar rats and of rats with induced BPH. METHODS: The study included four experimental groups of ten animals each: casein control group (CCG), who were fed a casein-based diet; flaxseed control group (FCG), who were fed a flaxseed-based diet; hyperplasia-induced casein group (HICG), who were fed a casein-based diet; and hyperplasia-induced flaxseed group (HIFG), who were fed a flaxseed-based diet. Hyperplasia was induced by the subcutaneous implantation of silicone pellets containing testosterone propionate. After 20 weeks, the rats were euthanized and their prostate fixed in buffered formalin. Tissue sections were stained with HE, picrosirius red and immunostained for nuclear antigen p63. Histomorphometric analysis evaluated the epithelial thickness, epithelial area, individual luminal area, and total area of prostatic alveoli. RESULTS: The mean epithelial thickness obtained for HIFG and HICG was 16.52 ± 1.65 and 20.58 ± 2.86 µm, respectively. The mean epithelial thickness in HICG was greater than that in the other groups tested. HIFG had a smaller epithelial thickness and lower percentage of papillary projections in the prostatic alveoli. No significant difference was observed between CCG and FCG. The total area and mean alveolar area showed no significant differences between the groups. The number of cells immunostained for p63 was not significantly different between the groups evaluated. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that flaxseed has a protective effect on the prostate epithelium in BPH-induced animals.

Evaluation of blood pressure and aortic elasticity of offspring of diabetic Wistar rats who have consumed flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether maternal use of flaxseed oil has effects on blood pressure and aorta elastic fibre in female offspring of diabetic mothers. METHODS: Diabetes was induced into the rats (n = 18) by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. After diabetes confirmation, rats were mated, and after pregnancy was confirmed, they were allocated into three groups: control group (CG); high-fat group (HFG); and flaxseed oil group (FOG). At weaning, female offspring (n = 6/group) received standard chow diet and were euthanized at 100 days of life. The following blood pressure and the percentage of the aortic elastic fibre were analysed. RESULTS: HFG showed higher blood pressure, and the use of flaxseed oil avoided this condition in FOG (p < 0.001) and increased the percentage of the aortic elastic fibre (p < 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Flaxseed oil reduced the damage caused by maternal hyperglycaemia, promoting normal blood pressure and elasticity of the aorta in female offspring.

Maternal exposure to diets containing flaxseed flour or flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation protects the aortic remodeling in adult male offspring of diabetic rat dams.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes during pregnancy is associated with cardiovascular complications in the fetus and extends into adulthood. Therapeutic applications of flaxseed have been studied in cardiovascular disorders, because its oilseed is the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acid, which is currently considered by researchers to be an essential protective against cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of flaxseed flour and oil on cardiovascular biochemical parameters and the histoarchitecture of the aorta in adult rats which were offspring of diabetic mothers. RESULTS: At 100 days of age in offspring it was observed that maternal consumption of a high-fat diet containing flaxseed oil (FOG) and flaxseed flour (FFG) did not affect the serum concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density-, low-density- or very-low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. However, the thickness of the intima media layer of the aorta was significantly smaller in FOG and FFG groups; the lumen area was similar among the groups; and a higher percentage of elastic fiber was found in FOG and FFG groups. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the use of both flaxseed flour and its oil reduces the remodeling of the aorta; however; it has not been possible to modify the cardiovascular biochemical parameters.

Prolonged flaxseed flour intake decreased the thickness of the aorta and modulates some modifiable risk factors related to cardiovascular disease in rats.

UNLABELLED: Cardiovascular diseases are a major public health problem. Different risk factors have been recognized as the main causes of the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Flaxseed is a source of dietary fiber, lignans, and alpha-linolenic acid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prolonged supplementation with flaxseed flour as preventive therapy on cardiovascular risk parameters in healthy Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups after giving birth and during lactation period: the control group was fed with diet based on casein and the flaxseed group was fed with diet based on casein containing 25% of flaxseed flour. At weaning, 10 male offspring from each group continued to receive the same diets from their mothers during 250 days. The body weight, visceral fat mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL, glucose and thickness of the aorta were analyzed. RESULTS: The body weight, visceral fat mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL, glucose and thickness of the aorta values were statistically lower when compared to control group. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that flaxseed flour supplementation in healthy wistar rats for a prolonged period may decrease the thickness of the aorta and may be used as a preventive measure in modulating some modifiable risk factors related to cardiovascular disease.

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son un problema de salud pública. Diferentes factores de riesgo han sido reconocidos como las principales causas del desarrollo y la progresión de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. La linaza es una fuente de fibra dietética, lignanos, y el ácido alfa-linolénico. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de la suplementación prolongada con harina de linaza como tratamiento preventivo de los parámetros de riesgo cardiovascular en ratas Wistar saludables. Material y métodos: Ratas hembras Wistar fueron divididas en dos grupos después de dar a luz y durante el perío do de lactancia: el grupo de control fue alimentado con una dieta basada en caseína y el grupo de la linaza se alimentó con una dieta basada en caseína que contiene 25% de harina de linaza. Al destete, 10 ratas macho de la camada de cada grupo siguió recibiendo las mismas dietas de sus madres durante 250 días. El peso corporal, la masa grasa visceral, colesterol, triglicéridos, HDL, VLDL, la glucosa y el grosor de la aorta fueron analizado. Resultados: El peso corporal, la masa grasa visceral, colesterol, triglicéridos, HDL, VLDL, la glucosa y el grosor de la aorta esos valores fueron estadísticamente menor en comparación con el grupo control. Conclusión: Los datos sugieren que la suplementación con harina de linaza en ratas Wistar saludables durante un período prolongado puede disminuir el espesor de la aorta y puede ser utilizado como una medida preventiva en la modulación de algunos factores de riesgo modificables relacionados con la enfermedad cardiovascular.

Sinusoidal constriction and vascular hypertrophy in the diabetes-induced rabbit penis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the morphological changes of penile vascular structures and the corpus cavernosum area in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male rabbits (2 months old) were divided into two groups with 10 rabbits each, the control group (CG) and the diabetic group (DG). The animals from DG received an intravenous injection of alloxan (100mg/kg) to induce the diabetes. Ten weeks after the induction of diabetes, all animals were euthanized. Two fragments of the penile shaft were harvested and samples were processed and paraffin embedded. Sections (5 µm) were cut and stained for histological and immunohistochemical markers. RESULTS: Nuclear protrusion toward the lumen, and cytoplasmic vacuolization were observed in the tunica intima of the dorsal artery of the penis in DG. The thicknesses of the tunica media increased significantly in DG (p = 0.0350). It was also observed a significant increase in the area of the tunica media (p = 0.0179). There was no significant change in smooth muscle cell density in the tunica media of the dorsal artery of the penis (p = 0.0855). The collagen fiber pattern of the tunica adventitia of the dorsal artery of the penis was different between the control and diabetic groups. There was a significant decrease in the area occupied by the cavernous sinuses in DG (p = 0.0013). CONCLUSION: Alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in rabbits promotes important changes in penile vascular structures, thereby decreasing blood supply and affecting penile hemodynamics, leading to erectile dysfunction.

Sinusoidal Constriction and Vascular Hypertrophy in the Diabetes-Induced Rabbit Penis

Objective To assess the morphological changes of penile vascular structures and the corpus cavernosum area in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Materials and Methods Twenty male rabbits (2 months old) were divided into two groups with 10 rabbits each, the control group (CG) and the diabetic group (DG). The animals from DG received an intravenous injection of alloxan (100mg/kg) to induce the diabetes. Ten weeks after the induction of diabetes, all animals were euthanized. Two fragments of the penile shaft were harvested and samples were processed and paraffin embedded. Sections (5µm) were cut and stained for histological and immunohistochemical markers. Results Nuclear protrusion toward the lumen, and cytoplasmic vacuolization were observed in the tunica intima of the dorsal artery of the penis in DG. The thicknesses of the tunica media increased significantly in DG (p = 0.0350). It was also observed a significant increase in the area of the tunica media (p = 0.0179). There was no significant change in smooth muscle cell density in the tunica media of the dorsal artery of the penis (p = 0.0855). The collagen fiber pattern of the tunica adventitia of the dorsal artery of the penis was different between the control and diabetic groups. There was a significant decrease in the area occupied by the cavernous sinuses in DG (p = 0.0013). Conclusion Alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in rabbits promotes important changes in penile vascular structures, thereby decreasing blood supply and affecting penile hemodynamics, leading to erectile dysfunction. .

Age-related changes in the concentration of elastic fibers in different regions of the rabbit penis.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether elastic fiber content in the corpus cavernosum (CC), corpus spongiosum (CS) and tunica albuginea (TA) of the rabbit penis undergoes modifications with age. METHODS: Rabbits were sacrificed, in groups of ten animals each, at 30, 120, 240, and 730 days of age. Histological sections were obtained from the penile middle shaft and were stained with Weigert's resorsin fuchsin. The content of elastic fibers was determined using stereological methods, and was expressed as volume fraction. RESULTS: At 730 days of age, elastic fiber content was increased by 54% (p<0.004), 78% (p<0.004), and 87% (p<0.004) in the TA, CC, and CS, respectively, compared with animals aged 30 days. After 30 days of age, the concentration gradually and significantly increased until 240 days of age. In 730-day old animals, the concentration, compared with the previous age group, was unchanged in the CC and decreased by 20% (p<0.004) in the TA. CONCLUSIONS: Elastic fiber contents in the rabbit penis correlate with properties of penile tissues. Although after one month of age there is a gradual increase in these concentrations, in two-year old animals this trend is interrupted, which suggests that this could be an early alteration due to senescence.