Efeito do extrato de Bidens pilosa L, Mel e pomadas homeopática e alopática na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas de ratos Wistar / [Effect of Bidens pilosa L, Honey extract and homeopathic and allopathic ointments on the healing of skin wounds of Wistar rats]

Cicatrização de ferida é um processo dinâmico, que tem por objetivo restaurar a continuidade do tecido lesionado. No entanto, em alguns casos, é necessário favorecer condições adequadas para viabilizar o processo fisiológico. Neste estudo foram utilizados ratos Wistar, divididos aleatoriamente entre cinco grupos, com 12 animais cada, sendo eles: grupo P (Bidens pilosa L.), grupo mel, grupo Co1 (pomada comercial alopática), grupo Co2 (pomada comercial homeopática) e grupo CT (controle). As lesões foram geradas por incisão com punch de 8mm, sendo tratadas diariamente de forma tópica. Foram eutanasiados quatro animais por grupo, no terceiro, sétimo e 14º dias do experimento, e o material coletado foi armazenado em formalina 10% e encaminhado para processamento histológico. Posteriormente, realizou-se a contagem de leucócitos mononucleares, fibroblastos e neovasos e avaliou-se a arquitetura de fibras colágenas. Os resultados da contagem foram analisados pela ANOVA, seguida pelo teste de Tukey (P<0,05). O modelo experimental proposto neste estudo demonstrou que todos os tratamentos apresentaram potencial cicatrizante, com exceção do mel. A aplicação tópica do creme do extrato de Bidens pilosa L. a 10% apresentou melhor perfil anti-inflamatório; a pomada alopática apresentou boa aderência à superfície da lesão e a pomada homeopática, grande potencial angiogênico, com menor tempo de cicatrização.(AU)

Wound healing is a dynamic process that aims to restore the continuity of injured tissue. However, in some cases it is necessary to favor adequate conditions to enable the physiological process. Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups with 12 animals each, namely: group P (Bidens pilosa L.), group honey, group Co1 (commercial allopathic ointment), group Co2 (commercial homeopathic ointment) and group CT (control). The lesions were generated by an 8mm punch incision and were treated topically daily. Four animals per group were euthanized on the 3rd, 7th and 14th day of the experiment and the collected material was stored in 10% formalin and sent for histological processing, after which mononuclear, fibroblasts and neovascular leukocytes were counted and collagen fiber architecture was evaluated. Counting results were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by Tukey test (p <0.05). The experimental model proposed in this study showed that all treatments had healing potential, except honey. The topical application of 10% Bidens pilosa L. extract cream showed the best anti-inflammatory profile; Allopathic ointment showed good adhesion to the surface of the lesion and homeopathic ointment showed great angiogenic potential with shorter healing time.(AU)

Effect of Camellia sinensis teas on left ventricular hypertrophy and insulin resistance in dyslipidemic mice.

The control of dyslipidemia using plants is an important subject of studies since it has numerous benefits in cardiovascular protection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three Camellia sinensis L. teas (green, red, and white) on left ventricular hypertrophy and insulin resistance in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLr-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. The LDLr-/- mice were divided into four experimental groups: Group C: standard feed; Group CT: standard feed and three teas, Group HL: high-fat feed; HLT Group: high-fat feed and three teas. The three types of tea (green, red, and white) originated from different processing of the Camellia sinensis L. plant, and were administered associated once a day at a dose of 25 mg/kg by gavage for 60 days. The teas partially prevented hyperlipidemia, the decrease of the serum levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), insulin resistance, and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and completely prevented left ventricular hypertrophy in LDLr -/- mice of the HLT group. In conclusion, the three Camellia sinensis L. teas used to control genetic dyslipidemia associated with a high-fat diet can be used as an auxiliary treatment associated with the control of lipid intake, thus promoting cardiac protection against hyperlipidemia.

Effect of Camellia sinensis teas on left ventricular hypertrophy and insulin resistance in dyslipidemic mice

The control of dyslipidemia using plants is an important subject of studies since it has numerous benefits in cardiovascular protection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three Camellia sinensis L. teas (green, red, and white) on left ventricular hypertrophy and insulin resistance in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLr-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. The LDLr-/- mice were divided into four experimental groups: Group C: standard feed; Group CT: standard feed and three teas, Group HL: high-fat feed; HLT Group: high-fat feed and three teas. The three types of tea (green, red, and white) originated from different processing of the Camellia sinensis L. plant, and were administered associated once a day at a dose of 25 mg/kg by gavage for 60 days. The teas partially prevented hyperlipidemia, the decrease of the serum levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), insulin resistance, and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and completely prevented left ventricular hypertrophy in LDLr -/- mice of the HLT group. In conclusion, the three Camellia sinensis L. teas used to control genetic dyslipidemia associated with a high-fat diet can be used as an auxiliary treatment associated with the control of lipid intake, thus promoting cardiac protection against hyperlipidemia.

Efficacy and limitations of different approaches to anticipate the diagnosis of pregnancy in cattle / Eficácia e limitações de diferentes abordagens para antecipar o diagnóstico de gestação em bovinos

The study evaluated sonographic and serologic exams performed for early (20 to 30d) diagnosis of pregnancy. One hundred-twenty (n= 120) bovine recipients were synchronized (estrous=D0) and timed embryo transferred (TET, D7) with fresh in vitro produced embryos. In the first trial (n= 46), diagnosis of pregnancy was performed on day 20 (D20) by detecting CL blood flow (BF) and by Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) serology. In the second trial (n= 30), pregnancy diagnosis was performed on D25 by ultrasound visualization of uterine contents and by PAGs serology. In the last trial, PAG's serology was performed on D30. Ultrasonographic detection of the uterine contents and embryo viability performed on D30 (DG30) was considered the gold standard. The PROC FREQ procedure was used to test the agreement between diagnostic methods. On D20, the Doppler ultrasonography of the CL had showed high sensitivity (100%), but only moderate specificity (53.3%). On the same day, serologic diagnostic had no agreement (k= -0.08, P< 0.46) with the gold standard, with very low sensitivity (6.3%). However, the sensitivity of the serologic exam increased dramatically (from 6.3 to 100%) from D20 to D25, and it contributed to detect false negatives from the ultrasound diagnosis, improving the overall accuracy from 90% to 96.7%.(AU)

O estudo foi planejado para correlacionar exames ultrassonográficos e sorológicos realizados para o diagnóstico precoce (20 a 30d) de gestação. Cento e vinte (n= 120) receptoras bovinas foram sincronizadas (estro=D0), e embriões frescos produzidos in vitro foram transferidos em tempo fixo (TETF, D7). No experimento 1 (n= 46), o diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado no D20, pela detecção do fluxo sanguíneo do CL e pela sorologia de glicoproteínas associadas à gestação (PAGs). No experimento 2 (n= 30), a detecção da gestação foi realizada por meio da visualização do conteúdo do útero e também pela sorologia para PAGs. No experimento 3, a sorologia para PAGs foi realizada no D30. Em todos os experimentos, a visualização ultrassonográfica da vesícula e da viabilidade embrionária, realizada no D30, foi considerada padrão-ouro. O procedimento PROC FREQ testou o nível de concordância dos métodos diagnósticos. No D20, o diagnóstico baseado na vascularização do CL mostrou alta sensibilidade (100%) e apenas moderada especificidade (53,3%). Nesse mesmo dia, o diagnóstico sorológico não apresentou concordância (k=-0,08, P<0,46) com o padrão-ouro, além de baixa sensibilidade (6,3%). No entanto, a sensibilidade do exame sorológico aumentou drasticamente (6,3 para 100%) do D20 para o D25, contribuindo para detectar falsos negativos diagnosticados pela ultrassonografia, melhorando a acurácia (90 para 96,7%).(AU)

Soy milk versus simvastatin for preventing atherosclerosis and left ventricle remodeling in LDL receptor knockout mice.

Functional food intake has been highlighted as a strategy for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases by reducing risk factors. In this study, we compared the effects of oral treatment with soy milk and simvastatin on dyslipidemia, left ventricle remodeling and atherosclerotic lesion of LDL receptor knockout mice (LDLr-/-) fed a hyperlipidic diet. Forty 3-month old male LDLr-/- mice were distributed into four groups: control group (C), in which animals received standard diet; HL group, in which animals were fed a hyperlipidic diet; HL+SM or HL+S groups, in which animals were submitted to a hyperlipidic diet plus soy milk or simvastatin, respectively. After 60 days, both soy milk and simvastatin treatment prevented dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic lesion progression and left ventricle hypertrophy in LDLr-/- mice. These beneficial effects of soy milk and simvastatin were associated with reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory state in the heart and aorta caused by the hyperlipidic diet. Treatment with soy milk was more effective in preventing HDLc reduction and triacylglycerol and VLDLc increase. On the other hand, simvastatin was more effective in preventing an increase in total cholesterol, LDLc and superoxide production in aorta, as well as CD40L both in aorta and left ventricle of LDLr-/-. In conclusion, our results suggest a cardioprotective effect of soy milk in LDLr-/- mice comparable to the well-known effects of simvastatin.

Effects of ethanol consumption and alcohol detoxification on the biomechanics and morphology the bone in rat femurs.

The objective of this study was to verify the effects of ethanol consumption and alcohol detoxification on the biomechanics, area and thickness of cortical and trabecular bone in rat femur. This was an experimental study in which 18 male Wistar rats were used, with 40 days of age, weighing 179 ± 2.5 g. The rats were divided into three groups (n=06): CT (control), AC (chronic alcoholic), DT (detoxification). After experimental procedures, the animals were euthanized by an overdose of the anesthetic and their femurs were collected for mechanical testing and histological processing. All animals did not present malnutrition or dehydration during experimentation period. Morphometric analysis of cortical and trabecular bones in rat femurs demonstrated that AC animals showed inferior dimensions and alcohol detoxification (DT) allowed an enhancement in area and thickness of cortical and trabecular bone. Material and structural properties data of AC group highlighted the harmful effects of ethanol on bone mechanical properties. The results of this study demonstrated that chronic alcoholic rats (AC) presented major bone damage in all analyzed variables. Those findings suggested that alcohol detoxification is highly suggested in pre-operative planning and this corroborates to the success of bone surgery and bone tissue repair. Thanks to the financial support offered by PROBIC - UNIFENAS.

Effects of ethanol consumption and alcohol detoxification on the biomechanics and morphology the bone in rat femurs / Efeitos do consumo de etanol e da desintoxicação alcóolica sobre a biomecânica e morfologia óssea em fêmur de ratos

Abstract The objective of this study was to verify the effects of ethanol consumption and alcohol detoxification on the biomechanics, area and thickness of cortical and trabecular bone in rat femur. This was an experimental study in which 18 male Wistar rats were used, with 40 days of age, weighing 179±2.5 g. The rats were divided into three groups (n=06): CT (control), AC (chronic alcoholic), DT (detoxification). After experimental procedures, the animals were euthanized by an overdose of the anesthetic and their femurs were collected for mechanical testing and histological processing. All animals did not present malnutrition or dehydration during experimentation period. Morphometric analysis of cortical and trabecular bones in rat femurs demonstrated that AC animals showed inferior dimensions and alcohol detoxification (DT) allowed an enhancement in area and thickness of cortical and trabecular bone. Material and structural properties data of AC group highlighted the harmful effects of ethanol on bone mechanical properties. The results of this study demonstrated that chronic alcoholic rats (AC) presented major bone damage in all analyzed variables. Those findings suggested that alcohol detoxification is highly suggested in pre-operative planning and this corroborates to the success of bone surgery and bone tissue repair. Thanks to the financial support offered by PROBIC – UNIFENAS.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos do consumo de etanol e da desintoxicação alcoólica sobre a biomecânica, área e espessura do osso cortical e trabecular em fêmur de ratos. Este foi um estudo experimental no qual foram utilizados 18 ratos Wistar machos, com 40 dias de vida, pesando 179±2,5 g. Os ratos foram divididos em três grupos (n=06): CT (controle), AC (alcoolista crônico), e DT (desintoxicado). Após os procedimentos experimentais os animais foram eutanaziados por uma overdose de anestésico e os fêmures coletados para os testes mecânicos e processamento histológico. Todos os animais não apresentaram desnutrição ou desidratação durante o período de experimentação. As análises morfométrica do osso cortical e trabecular demonstraram que os animais do grupo AC apresentavam dimensões inferiores, enquanto nos animais do grupo DT observou-se um aumento na área e espessura do osso cortical e trabecular. Dados dos materiais e das propriedades estruturais óssea do grupo AC destacam os efeitos nocivos do etanol sobre as propriedades mecânicas do osso. Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que os ratos do grupo AC apresentaram danos significativos no osso em todas as variáveis ​​analisadas. Esses resultados sugerem que a desintoxicação alcoólica é recomendada no planejamento pré-operatório e isso corrobora para o sucesso de cirurgias e reparação no tecido ósseo. Agradecemos ao apoio financeiro oferecido pelo PROBIC – UNIFENAS.

Propolis and swimming in the prevention of atherogenesis and left ventricular hypertrophy in hypercholesterolemic mice.

AIMS: The present study verified the effect of propolis alone and its association with swimming in dyslipidemia, left ventricular hypertrophy and atherogenesis of hypercholesterolemic mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: The experiments were performed in LDLr-/- mice, fed with high fat diet for 75 days, and were divided into four experimental groups (n=10): HL, sedentary, subjected to aquatic stress (5 min per day, 5 times per week); NAT submitted to a swimming protocol (1 hour per day, 5 times per week) from the 16th day of the experiment; PRO, sedentary, submitted to aquatic stress and which received oral propolis extract (70 uL/animal/day) from the 16th day of the experiment; HL+NAT+PRO, submitted to swimming and which received propolis as described above. After 75 days, blood was collected for analysis of serum lipids. The ratio between the ventricular weight (mg) and the animal weight (g) was calculated. Histological sections of the heart and aorta were processed immunohistochemically with anti-CD40L antibodies to evaluate the inflammatory process; stained with hematoxylin/eosin and picrosirius red to assess morphological and morphometric alterations. The HL animals showed severe dyslipidemia, atherogenesis and left ventricular hypertrophy, associated with a decrease in serum HDLc levels and subsequent development of cardiovascular inflammatory process, characterized by increased expression of CD40L in the left ventricle and aorta. Swimming and propolis alone and\or associated prevented the LVH, atherogenesis and arterial and ventricular inflammation, decreasing the CD40L expression and increasing the HDLc plasmatic levels. CONCLUSION: Propolis alone or associated with a regular physical activity is beneficial in cardiovascular protection through anti-inflammatory action.

Redução da resposta superovulatória de fêmeas bovinas superestimuladas com FSH em doses split / Reduced superovulatory response of bovine females overstimulated with FSH in split doses

Objetivou-se avaliar a superovulação (SOV) de vacas zebuínas, utilizando protocolo convencional ou protocolo com número menor de aplicações e similar dosagem (dose split). Utilizaram-se 16 fêmeas (total 32 SOV), com idade entre 17-42 meses e escore de condição corporal 2,5-4 (escala de 1-5), em delineamento tipo cross-over. No início do tratamento (D0), os animais receberam um dispositivo de progesterona e 2mg de benzoato de estradiol. As fêmeas do grupo convencional receberam 250UI de FSH/LH divididas em oito doses decrescentes administradas em intervalos de 12h (FSH/LH no D4, D5, D6 e D7 no período da manhã e tarde, nas respectivas dosagens: 50,0 UI; 37,5 UI; 25,0 UI; 12,5 UI). No D7 pela manhã, as fêmeas foram tratadas com 150μg de D+cloprostenol, e a remoção da progesterona foi realizada no D7 à tarde. As fêmeas do grupo split também receberam 250 UI de FSH/LH. No D4 de manhã, administraram-se 62,5 UI de FSH/LH via IM e 125 UI por via SC. Quarenta e oito horas após (D6) administraram-se 62,5 UI via SC e na manhã do D7 foi removida a progesterona e aplicaram-se 150μg de D+cloprostenol. As fêmeas de ambos os grupos receberam 50μg de análogo de GnRH no D8 pela manhã e foram inseminadas 12 e 24 horas após. No D15 realizou-se a colheita dos embriões em ambos os tratamentos. Avaliou-se a resposta superovulatória pela contagem do número de folículos e CLs de cada ovário, com auxílio de ultrassom. Todas as variáveis foram submetidas ao teste T de Student para amostras pareadas. Houve diferença (P<0,05) na quantidade de folículos acima de 8mm no D8 (9,06±4,54 e 5,50±4,59); número de CLs no dia da colheita (8,12± 3,26 e 4,69±3,46), número de embriões totais (6,69±3,05 e 3,37±2,50) e de embriões viáveis (5,25±2,29 e 2,37±1,78) nas vacas do grupo convencional em relação às do split, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o protocolo split tem pior resposta superovulatória e de produção in vivo de embriões, em vacas zebuínas, quando comparado ao protocolo convencional...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the superovulation (SOV) response of zebu cows, using conventional protocol or other protocol with similar dose but smaller number of applications (split dose). 16 females (32 SOV), aged 17-42 months, and body condition score of 2.5-4 (1-5 scale) were used in randomized cross-over. At the start of treatment (D0), the animals received progesterone device and 2mg of estradiol benzoate. The females from the conventional group received 250 IU of FSH/LH divided into eight decreasing doses administered at intervals of 12 hours (FSH/LH in D4, D5, D6 and D7, with their respective strengths: 50.0 IU, 37.5 IU, 25.0 IU, 12.5 IU). In D7, the females were treated with 150μg of D+cloprostenol, and the removal of progesterone device was held in the afternoon. The females from the split group also received 250 IU of FSH/LH. In the morning D4 was administered in 62.5 IU FSH/LH IM and 125 IU subcutaneously. Forty eight hours later (D6) 62.5 IU was administered subcutaneously in the morning and on D7, the progesterone device was removed and 150 μg of D+cloprostenol was applied. The females in both groups were given 50 μg of GnRH in the morning and on D8 were inseminated after 12 and 24 hours. On D15 the embryo collection was performed in both treatments. The evaluation of superovulatory response was done by counting the number of follicles and corpus luteum (CL) in each ovary, with the aid of ultrasound. The variables were assessed by Student's t test for paired samples...

Efeitos da própolis na proliferação de fibroblastos em lesões cutâneas de ratos / Effect of propolis on fibroblast proliferation in skin lesions in rats

O presente estudo teve por objetivo verificar o efeito tópico da própolis na proliferação de fibroblastos e a disposição e volume de fibras colágenas presentes durante o processo de reparo tecidual. Foram utilizados ratos wistar, machos, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo Controle (CC) n=16 lesão tratada com creme não-iônico; Grupo Própolis (PP) n=16 lesão tratada com creme não-iônico + Própolis 10%. Nos 4º, 7°, 14° e 21° dias de tratamento foram sacrificados 4 animais de cada grupo em câmara de gás carbônico. O tecido lesionado foi coletado e fixado em formalina a 10% por 48 horas, incluído em álcool a 70%, fixado em parafina e depositado em lâminas para análise histológica. Os resultados demonstraram um aumento no número de fibroblastos e também maior e melhor disposição de fibras colágenas no grupo PP em relação ao grupo CC. Assim, as evidências obtidas no estudo mostraram que o efeito da própolis na aceleração do processo de reparo tecidual não é somente por sua ação antiinflamatória, conforme diversos estudos demonstram, mas também por sua ação direta sobre a proliferação de fibroblastos, acelerando a reversão de fibrócito para fibroblasto, e, consequentemente favorecendo a síntese e deposição de fibras colágenas, melhorando o reparo tecidual e reduzindo o tempo de cicatrização...

This study aimed to verify the effect of topical propolis on fibroblast proliferation and disposicao and volume of collagen fibers present in the tissue repair process. We used male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (CC) n = 16 lesions treated with non-ionic cream; Propolis Group (PP) n = 16 lesion treated with non-ionic cream + 10% propolis. At 4, 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment where sacrificed four animals from each group in a carbon dioxide chamber. The injured tissue was collected and fixed in 10% formalin for 48 hours, then in 70% alcohol, embedded in paraffin and placed on slides for histological analysis. The results showed an increase in the number of fibroblasts and also bigger and better arrangement of collagen fibers in PP group than in CC group. Thus, the evidence obtained in the study showed that the effect of propolis to speed up tissuerepair process is not only for its anti-inflammatory action, as several studies show, but also by its direct action on the proliferation of fibroblasts, accelerating the rate at which fibrocytes revert to fibroblasts, and collagen fiber arrangement, improving tissue repair and reducing the healing time...

Florfenicol associado ou não ao cloprostenol no tratamento de retenção de placenta em vacas leiteiras / Florfenicol and sodium cloprostenol for the treatment of retained placenta in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to compare the reproductive efficiency in dairy cows with retained placenta (RP), treated with Florfenicol associated or not with Cloprostenol. One hundred and eight cows with RP from dairy herds in southern Minas Gerais state and northern São Paulo state, were included for this purpose. The experiment was designed in factorial 2X2 . The four treatments encompassed two levels of each factor : 1 ) Florfenicol - 4 0mg/kg ( IM) divided in two injections or 40mg / kg ( SC) in one injection after calving; 2) Cloprostenol (0.530mg) - two injections associated with florfenicol treatment or without cloprostenol. The analysis of discrete variables used the Kruskal - Wallis (fou r groups) or Wilcoxon (two groups) statistic to compare groups. The Student "T" test was used to compare means of continuous variables. The overall occurrence of RP was 20.7%. The florfenicol groups had no effects on postpartum uterine health or subsequent reproductive efficiency of the cows. The cloprostenol injections of RP hastened the uterine involution and decreased the occurrence of uterine infection, and increased the percentage of animals with corpus luteum between 25 and 40 days after parturition. The intervals from parturition to first artificial insemination (AI) and to conception, as well as the number of AI per conception were reduced in the cloprostenol treatment.

Inseminação artificial em tempo fixo em primíparas Nelore lactantes acíclicas / Fixed-time artificial insemination in primiparous lactating Nelore acyclic cows

Avaliou-se a eficiência de um protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF), para melhorar o desempenho reprodutivo de vacas Nelore primíparas, lactantes e acíclicas. Utilizaram-se 350 vacas com escore de condição corporal médio de 2,65±0,01 e média de dias pós-parto de 67,35±1,0 dias. A estação de monta (EM) foi de 180 dias. Os animais foram distribuídos em: G1(n=61) e G3(n=116) - vacas com presença de folículos ovarianos ≤8mm de diâmetro e sem corpo lúteo (CL); G2(n=57) e G4(n=116) - vacas com folículos ≥8mm e sem CL. As vacas do G1 e do G2 permaneceram em monta natural (MN) a partir do dia zero da EM. G3 e G4 foram tratados (dia zero) com 2mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE), IM, e dispositivo com 1,0g de P4 por oito dias. Retirou-se a P4, administraram-se 400UI de eCG e 75µg de cloprostenol, IM, 24h após, e 1mg BE, IM. A IATF foi realizada 51-54h após retirar P4. Aos cinco dias após término da IATF, as vacas do G3 e do G4 também foram mantidas em MN. Avaliou-se, por ultrassonografia, a presença de CL e realizou-se o diagnóstico de gestação, aos 45 e 210 dias após início da EM. Aos 45 dias, mais animais do G3, 42,2%, e do G4, 51,7%, estavam gestantes (P<0,05), em relação aos do G1, 0%, e do G2, 3,5%. A porcentagem de CL foi de 6,6%; 28,1%; 50,9%; 62,9% em G1, G2, G3 e G4, respectivamente. Aos 210 dias, 22,9% do G1; 45,6% do G2; 40,5% do G3 e 65,5% do G4 estavam gestantes. Os períodos de serviço foram: em G1, 134,00±11,70 dias; em G2, 119,65±8,27 dias; em G3, 79,91±5,38 dias; e em G4, 81,40±4,59 dias. A IATF foi eficiente para melhorar o desempenho reprodutivo de vacas Nelore primíparas lactantes acíclicas em relação ao manejo apenas da MN.

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the efficiency of a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol to improve the reproductive performance of lactating primiparous acyclic Nelore cows. A total of 350 cows with average body condition score of 2.65±0.01 and average postpartum days of 67.35±1.0 were used. The breeding season (MS) was 180 days. The animals were distributed into G1 (n = 61) and G3 (n = 116) - cows with ovarian follicles ≤8mm in diameter and without corpus luteum (CL). G2 (n = 57) and G4 (n = 116) groups - cows with follicles ≥8mm and without CL. Cows in G1 and G2 remained in natural mating (NM) from day 0 of MS. G3 and G4 were treated (Day 0) with 2mg of oestradiol benzoate (EB), IM, and 1.0g P4 device for eight days. The withdrawal of P4 was administered with 400IU of eCG and cloprostenol 75μg, IM, after 24h, and 1mg BE, IM. The artificial insemination was performed at 51-54h after removing the P4 device. Five days after the end of the artificial insemination, cows from G3 and G4 were also held in MN. Ultrasonography was performed to evaluate the presence of CL and the pregnancy diagnosis at days 45 and 210 after the onset of MS. At 45 days more animals in G3, 42.2% and G4, 51.7% were pregnant (P <0.05) than in G1, 0% and G2, 3.5%. The CL percentage was 6.6%, 28.1%, 50.9%, 62.9% in G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively. At 210 days 22.9% in G1, 45.6% in G2, 40.5% in G3 and 65.5% in G4 were pregnant. The service periods were: G1, 134.00±11.70 days; G2, 119.65±8.27 days, in G3, 79.91±5.38 days, and G4, 81.40±4.59 days. The fixed-time artificial insemination was efficient to improve the reproductive performance of primiparous lactating Nelore acyclic cows compared to animals that remained only with natural mating.

Effects of cigarette smoke inhalation and coffee consumption on bone formation and osseous integration of hydroxyapatite implant.

The present study aims to assess the effects of cigarette smoke inhalation and/or coffee consumption on bone formation and osseous integration of a dense hydroxyapatite (DHA) implant in rats. For this study, 20 male rats were divided into four groups (n = 5): CT (control) group, CE (coffee) group, CI (cigarette) group and CC (coffee + cigarette) group. During 16 weeks, animals in the CI group were exposed to cigarette smoke inhalation equivalent to 6 cigarettes per day; specimens in the CE group drank coffee as liquid diet; and rats in the CC group were submitted to both substances. In the 6th week a 5 mm slit in the parietal bone and a 4 mm slit in the tibia were performed on the left side: the former was left open while the latter received a DHA implant. As soon as surgeries were finished, the animals returned to their original protocols and after 10 weeks of exposure they were euthanised (ethically sacrificed) and the mentioned bones collected for histological processing. Data showed that exposure to cigarette smoke inhalation and coffee consumption did not interfere in weight gain and that solid and liquid diet consumption was satisfactory. Rats in the CC group showed a decrease in bone neoformation around the tibial DHA implant (31.8 ± 2.8) as well as in bone formation in the parietal slit (28.6 ± 2.2). On their own, cigarette smoke inhalation or coffee consumption also led to diminished bone neoformation around the implant and delayed the bone repair process in relation to the CT group. However, reduction in the bone repair process was accentuated with exposure to both cigarette smoke inhalation and coffee consumption in this study.

Efeito da Lecitina de Soja sobre os Lipídeos e Proteína C reativa e na prevenção da Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda de Camundongos Hiperlipidêmicos / Effect of soy lecithin on lipids and C-reactive protein and the prevention of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in hyperlipidemic mice

A regulação do metabolismo lipídico com drogas ou alimentos naturais é um alvo importante para diminuir o risco de doenças cardiovasculares. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito da lecitina de soja na dislipidemia e na hipertrofia ventricular de camundongos hipercolesterolêmicos. Utilizaram-se quatro grupos de camundongos LDLr-/- com 3 meses de idade que receberam a seguintes dietas: Grupo S- ração padrão; Grupo S+Lec- ração padrão e lecitina de soja; Grupo HL- ração hiperlipídica; e Grupo HL+Lec- ração hiperlipídica e lecitina de soja. Após 15 dias, o sangue foi coletado para análise sérica dos lipídeos e da proteína C reativa. O ventrículo esquerdo foi separado, a proporção peso ventricular (mg) pelo peso do animal (g) foi calculada e, em seguida, processado histologicamente. Cortes histológicos foram corados com hematoxilina/eosina e picrosírius red para avaliar alterações morfológicas e morfométricas ventriculares. A lecitina de soja apresentou efeito antidislipidêmico e aumentou os níveis séricos de HDL nos camundongos do grupo S+Lec. Entretanto, nos camundongos do grupo HL+lec, a lecitina de soja não preveniu a dislipidemia, apenas aumentou o nível sérico do HDL. Este efeito nestes animais influenciou no processo inflamatório cardiovascular, reduzindo o nível sérico de proteína C reativa; e prevenindo a hipertrofia ventricular esquerda. A utilização da lecitina de soja representa um tratamento e/ou uma prevenção alternativa de baixo custo para as dislipidemias não associadas com dieta hiperlipídica. Contudo, a lecitina de soja aumenta os níveis séricos do HDL prevenindo o desenvolvimento da HVE mesmo em dislipidemias associadas com dieta hiperlipídica.

The regulation of lipid metabolism with drugs or natural foods is an important target for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of soy lecithin on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and dyslipidemia in hypercholesterolemic mice. We used four experimental groups of LDLr-/- mice (aged 3 months), which received the following diets: Group S: standard diet, Group S+Lec: standard diet and soy lecithin; Group HL: hyperlipidic diet and Group HL+Lec: hyperlipidic diet and soy lecithin. After 15 days on these diets, blood was collected for analysis of serum lipids and C-reactive protein. The left ventricle was dissected out and weighed and the ratio of its weight to the body weight of the animal was calculated, after which it was processed histologically. Sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius red, to assess morphological and morphometric changes in the ventricle. In Group S+Lec, the soy lecithin had an antidyslipidemic effect and enhanced the serum levels of HDL. However, in the mice in group HL+Lec, soy lecithin did not prevent dyslipidemia, only increasing the serum level of HDL. These effects in these animals influenced the cardiovascular inflammatory process, reducing the level of serum C-reactive protein and preventing LVH. Soy lecithin could thus be used as a treatment or a low-cost alternative preventative measure against dyslipidemia associated with a non-fat diet. However, soy lecithin increases the serum level of HDL, reducing the risk of LVH even in dyslipidemia associated with a high-fat diet.

Efeitos da fumaça de cigarro sobre a osteogênese e a resistência mecânica óssea em ratos / Effects of cigarette smoke on osteogenesis and bone mechanical resistance in rats

This paper reports a study of the effects of exposure to cigarette smoke on osteogenesis and the mechanical strength of bone in rats. Twelve male rats were separated into two groups (n=6): CT (control) and CI (cigarette). All the animals had free access to rat chow and water throughout the experiment. Group CI was exposed to the smoke of 6 cigarettes/day for 12 weeks. After 6 weeks of exposure to cigarette smoke, a defect was produced on the parietal bone and dense hydroxyapatite (DHA) ceramic bodies were implanted into cavities made surgically in the tibia of the animals, in each group. After surgery, the CT and CI groups returned to normal experimental conditions and, at the end of 12 weeks, they were euthanized, and their tibiae and parietal bones removed for histological processing, while the femurs were subjected to biomechanical tests in a MTS TestStar II three-point flexion module. Consumption of solid and liquid diet was satisfactory in both groups, all animals gaining weight throughout the experiment. CI animals showed a smaller volume of newly formed bone in the parietal defect (8.l9±0.2) and around the DHA implant in the tibia (33±0.5) than the rats in the CT group (14.4±0.5 and 39±1 respectively). The maximum force needed to break the femur was smaller in CI (119±3.2) than in CT (140±6.5). The results of this study led to the conclusion that exposure to cigarette smoke interfered with osteogenesis in the bone defect and around the DHA implant and reduced the maximum force required to completely break the femur, revealing that bone fragility can be caused by tobacco smoke.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da exposição à fumaça de cigarro sobre a osteogênese e a resistência mecânica do osso em ratos. Foram utilizados doze ratos machos, divididos em dois grupos (n=6): grupo CT (controle) e grupo CI (cigarro). Durante 12 semanas, os animais do grupo CI foram expostos à fumaça de seis cigarros/dia. Após seis semanas de exposição à fumaça de cigarro, uma falha óssea de 5mm foi produzida no osso parietal e corpos cerâmicos de hidroxiapatita densa (HAD) foram implantados em cavidade produzida cirurgicamente na tíbia dos animais do grupo CI e CT. Após as cirurgias, os animais retornaram aos protocolos experimentais e, ao término de doze semanas de experimentação, foram eutanasiados, as tíbias e os ossos parietais foram coletados para processamento histológico e os fêmures encaminhados para ensaio biomecânico em um módulo MTS TestStar II®. A exposição à fumaça do cigarro não interferiu no ganho de peso dos animais e os consumos de dieta líquida e sólida foram satisfatórios entre os grupos. Os animais do grupo CI apresentaram menor volume de osso neoformado na falha óssea (8,9±0,2) produzida no osso parietal e ao redor do implante de HAD na tíbia (33±0,5). A força máxima necessária para romper o fêmur dos animais foi menor no grupo CI (119±3,2) do que no grupo CT (140±6,5). Com bases nos resultados obtidos no presente trabalho, pôde-se concluir que a exposição à fumaça do cigarro interferiu na osteogênese da falha óssea e ao redor do implante de HAD, diminuiu a força máxima necessária para a ruptura completa dos fêmures e demonstrando a fragilidade óssea causada pelo hábito tabagista.

Influência dos níveis plasmáticos de lipoproteína de alta densidade na contagem de leucócitos e plaquetas em camundongos dislipidêmicos / Influence of plasma high density lipoprotein levels on leukocyte and platelet count in dyslipidemic mice

Neste estudo experimental investigou-se a influência da dislipidemia nos parâmetros do hemograma. Coletaram-se amostras de sangue de camundongos wild type, alimentados com dieta padrão, e de camundongos knockout para o gene do receptor de lipoproteína de baixa densidade, alimentados com dietas padrão e hiperlipídica. Determinaram-se os parâmetros do hemograma associando-os com os níveis plasmáticos de lipídeos. Os resultados mostraram uma associação negativa entre os níveis plasmáticos de lipoproteína de alta densidade e as contagens total e diferencial de leucócitos e plaquetas nos camundongos knockout para o gene do receptor de lipoproteína de baixa densidade. Essa relação demonstrou importante influência da lipoproteína de alta densidade na modulação da resposta imunológica e inflamatória na dislipidemia. Portanto, a avaliação dos resultados do hemograma correlacionada com os níveis plasmáticos de lipídeos, rotineiramente, pode ser promissora na prevenção e no prognóstico da severidade de quadros patológicos que envolvam respostas imunológicas nas dislipidemias.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dyslipidemia on the hemogram. Blood samples were collected from wild type mice fed a standard diet and from knockout mice for the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene fed on high-fat and standard diets. The blood cell counts were analyzed for their association with plasma lipid levels. The results showed a negative association between high density lipoprotein (HDL) plasma levels and complete and differential leukocyte and platelet counts in knockout mice for the LDL receptor gene. This relation revealed the important influence of the HDL on the modulation of the immune and inflammatory response in dyslipidemia. Therefore, routine analysis of the hemogram, correlated with the plasma lipid levels, may be valuable in the prevention and prognosis of the severity of pathological processes involving immune responses in dyslipidemia.

Effects of ethanol on the osteogenesis around porous hydroxyapatite implants.

Alcohol consumption compromises bone tissue, and thus may either impair or stop the fixation and maintenance of osseointegrated implants. To evaluate the effects of 5% and 15% ethanol on bone neoformation around porous hydroxiapatite implants. Fifteen rats were separated into 3 groups of 5 animals each: control (CT); 5% alcohol (A); and 15% alcohol (AA). After four weeks of ethanol consumption, the rats received porous hydroxiapatite implants into surgically made cavities in the femur. After surgery, the animals continued to consume ethanol until day 90 of the experiment, when they were euthanised and their femurs removed for histological processing. Bone tissue was found around the ceramic specimens of all the animals. The largest volume of neoformed bone around ceramic specimens occurred in the CT group, and the smallest in the AA group, followed by the A group. It was concluded that ethanol consumption produced a negative effect on osteogenesis around hydroxyapatite implants. Even small doses, such as the 5% ethanol dilution can interfere with bone repair.

Ascorbic acid for the healing of skin wounds in rats.

BACKGROUND: Healing is a complex process that involves cellular and biochemical events. Several medicines have been used in order to shorten healing time and avoid aesthetic damage. OBJECTIVE: to verify the topical effect of ascorbic acid for the healing of rats' skin wounds through the number of macrophages, new vessels and fibroblast verifications in the experimental period; and analyse the thickness and the collagen fibre organization in the injured tissue. METHODS: Male Rattus norvegicus weighing 270 +/- 30 g were used. After thionembutal anesthesia, 15 mm transversal incisions were made in the animals' cervical backs. They were divided into two groups: Control Group (CG, n = 12) - skin wound cleaned with water and soap daily; Treated Group (TG, n = 12) - skin wound cleaned daily and treated with ascorbic acid cream (10%). Samples of skin were collected on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days. The sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius red for morphologic analysis. The images were obtained and analysed by a Digital Analyser System. RESULTS: The ascorbic acid acted on every stage of the healing process. It reduced the number of macrophages, increased the proliferation of fibroblasts and new vessels, and stimulated the synthesis of thicker and more organized collagen fibres in the wounds when compared to CG. CONCLUSION: Ascorbic acid was shown to have anti-inflammatory and healing effects, guaranteeing a suiTable environment and conditions for faster skin repair.