Testicular morphometry of rats with Walker 256 tumor supplemented with L-glutamine

Glutamine is often used to treat metabolic changes associated with anorexia-cachexia syndrome in patients with malignant neoplasms. Walker 256 tumor is an excellent model for studying these changes associated with cancer in different organs, including injuries in testicular functions. However, the effects of supplementing glutamine on testicular morphometry in this model have not yet been investigated. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of L-glutamine supplementation on testicular morphometry in rats transplanted with Walker 256 tumor cells. Forty puberty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control without L-glutamine (C); control supplemented with L-glutamine (CG); inoculated with Walker 256 tumor cells (WT) and inoculated with Walker 256 tumor cells and supplemented with L-glutamine (WTG). The testicles were removed, weighed, fixed in Bouin, and included in paraffin for histomorphometric analysis. Walker 256 tumor caused quantitative changes in the tubular and intertubular compartments and tunica albuginea, with reductions in the percentages of lumen and tunica albuginea, number of Sertoli cells per gram of testis; number of Leydig cells; percentage of blood vessels and connective tissue in intertubule. However, glutamine supplementation prevented part of these changes caused by the tumor, presenting mainly a protective effect on the tunica albuginea and percentage of blood and lymph vessels in the intertubule. These results indicate the potential of L-glutamine was able to recover for testicular dysfunction associated with cancer.(AU)

Relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and testicular and hormonal parameters of sexually active male greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus)

The current upsurge in intensive farming practices of greater cane rat has not only lead to higher growth rate but is accompanied by increased fat deposition especially in the males. This study attempts to characterize one of the most commonly used fat estimation parameter, the body mass index (BMI) as well as evaluates its relationship with testicular and hormonal parameters in seventy-two sexually active male cane rats over a period of one year. Six animals, kidded and raised in a farm, with known ages were used each month. The experimental protocols entail body measurements of weight, height and length; histology; orchidometry; and hormonal immunoassay of testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, LH and FSH using their various kits. The mean values of the body mass (BMI) and Lee (LI) indices of male greater cane rats were 1.18±0.20g/cm2 and 0.30±0.02g/cm respectively with the testicular histology indicating normal spermatogenesis. BMI/LI, both of which followed the same pattern, neither correlate with testicular parameters nor with serum testosterone, progesterone, LH and FSH concentrations but had low correlations with serum estradiol concentration (r2 = 0. 2; p = 0.0023). So, these relationships may provide clue on obesity and its effect on reproductive performance and strengthened the possibility of the characterized BMI/LI as obesity marker for breeding selection in male cane rat.

Relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and testicular and hormonal parameters of sexually active male greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus)

The current upsurge in intensive farming practices of greater cane rat has not only lead to higher growth rate but is accompanied by increased fat deposition especially in the males. This study attempts to characterize one of the most commonly used fat estimation parameter, the body mass index (BMI) as well as evaluates its relationship with testicular and hormonal parameters in seventy-two sexually active male cane rats over a period of one year. Six animals, kidded and raised in a farm, with known ages were used each month. The experimental protocols entail body measurements of weight, height and length; histology; orchidometry; and hormonal immunoassay of testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, LH and FSH using their various kits. The mean values of the body mass (BMI) and Lee (LI) indices of male greater cane rats were 1.18±0.20g/cm2 and 0.30±0.02g/cm respectively with the testicular histology indicating normal spermatogenesis. BMI/LI, both of which followed the same pattern, neither correlate with testicular parameters nor with serum testosterone, progesterone, LH and FSH concentrations but had low correlations with serum estradiol concentration (r2 = 0. 2; p = 0.0023). So, these relationships may provide clue on obesity and its effect on reproductive performance and strengthened the possibility of the characterized BMI/LI as obesity marker for breeding selection in male cane rat.(AU)

Relations of neuropeptide Y and heme oxygenase-1 expressions with fetal brain injury in rats with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Purpose: To investigate the relations of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions with fetal brain injury in rats with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Methods: Sixty rats pregnant for 15 days were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The ICP model was established in experimental group. On the 21st day, the blood biochemical test, histopathological examination of pregnant rat liver and fetal brain tissues and immunohistochemical analysis of fetal rat brain tissues were performed. Results: On the 21st day, the alanineaminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bile acid levels in experimental group were significantly higher than control group (P<0.01). Compared with control group, there was obvious vacuolar degeneration in pregnant rat liver tissue and fetal brain tissue in experimental group. NPY expression in fetal brain tissue was negative in control group and positive in experimental group. HO-1 expression in fetal brain tissue was strongly positive in control group and positive in experimental group. There was significant difference of immunohistochemical staining optical density between two groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: In fetal brain of ICP rats, the NPY expression is increased, and the HO-1 expression is decreased, which may be related to the fetal brain injury.(AU)

Antioxidant effect of the pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense) on the hepatic tissue of rats trained by exhaustive swimming exercises / Efeito antioxidante do óleo de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense ) no tecido hepático de ratos treinados por exercícios de natação exaustivos

Increased oxygen consumption and activation of specific metabolic pathways during or after physical exercise lead to the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. An investigation was made into the effects of pequi oil supplementation in protecting liver cells against injury resulting from oxidative stress. The experiments involved 20 male adult Wistar rats ( Rattus norvegicus). The animals were divided into four experimental groups: Group 1: sedentary control group; Group 2: exercise control group; Group 3: supplemented sedentary group; and Group 4: supplemented exercise group. Supplementation consisted of pequi oil administered by oral gavage (400 mg). The animals of the exercised groups were subjected to 20 swimming sessions for 5 weeks (with progressive increase of 10 minutes until exhaustion). Samples were collected from the right hepatic lobe for histopathological analysis and determination of malondialdehyde levels. The histopathological analyses revealed that the animals of the exercised control group had moderate liver damage, while the animals of the supplemented exercised group had slight tissue damage, and the sedentary control and sedentary supplemented groups showed no tissue damage. The malondialdehyde levels showed higher and statistically significant in exercise control group when compared to the other evaluated groups (p 0.05). In conclusion the supplementation with pequi oil had a protective effect on liver cells against damage caused by oxygen free radicals during strenuous exercise, as demonstrated by the indicator of lipid peroxidation.(AU)

Aumento do consumo de oxigênio e ativação de vias metabólicas específicas durante ou após a atividade física conduz para formação de espécies reativas de oxigênio e nitrogênio. Uma investigação foi realizada sobre os efeitos da suplementação com óleo de pequi na proteção das células hepáticas contra lesões resultantes do estresse oxidativo. Na realização dos experimentos foram utilizados 20 ratos machos adultos da linhagem Wistar (Rattus novergicus ). Os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos experimentais: grupo 1: grupo sedentário controle; grupo 2: grupo treinado controle; grupo 3: grupo sedentário suplementado e grupo 4: grupo treinado suplementado. Na suplementação foi utilizado o óleo de pequi ministrado por gavagem oral (400 mg). Os animais dos grupos treinados foram submetidos a 20 sessões de natação por um período de 5 semanas (com aumento progressivo de 10 minutos até a exaustão). Foram retiradas amostras do lobo hepático direito para análises histopatológicas, e dosagem de malondialdeído. As análises histopatológicas revelaram que os animais do grupo treinado controle tiveram danos hepáticos moderados; já os animais do grupo treinado suplementado tiveram danos teciduais leves; os grupos sedentário controle e sedentário suplementado não apresentaram injúrias teciduais. Os níveis de malondialdeído mostraram-se maiores e estatisticamente significativos no grupo treinado controle quando comparados aos outros grupos avaliados (p 0,05). Podemos concluir que a suplementação com óleo de pequi teve efeito protetor nas células hepáticas contra os danos causados pelos radicais livres de oxigênio durante os exercícios exaustivos, conforme demonstrado pelo indicador de peroxidação lipídica.(AU)

Benefícios da condroitinase abc associada a células-tronco mesenquimais na lesão espinhal aguda em ratos / Benefits of chondroitinase abc associated with mesenchymal stem cells in acute spinal cord injury in rats

Com o objetivo de estudar o efeito da condroitinase associada às células-tronco mesenquimais na lesão aguda da medula espinhal, utilizaram-se 50 ratos Lewis, distribuídos igualmente nos grupos: controle negativo (CN), tratamento com placebo (PLA), condroitinase (CDN), células-tronco mesenquimais (CTM) e condroitinase mais células-tronco mesenquimais (CDN+CTM). Todos os animais tiveram a medula espinhal exposta por laminectomia, e os grupos PLA, CDT, CTM e CDT+CTM sofreram também trauma medular compressivo. Após sete dias, procedeu-se à reexposição da medula espinhal, quando os grupos PLA e CTM receberam 4µL de líquido cefalorraquidiano artificial via intralesional, e os grupos CDT e CDT+CTM receberam o mesmo líquido contendo 2,2U de condroitinase. Após 14 dias da cirurgia inicial, todos os animais receberam 0,2mL de PBS via endovenosa, contudo, nos grupos CTM e CDT+CTM, esse líquido continha 1x106 CTM. Avaliou-se a capacidade motora até o 28o dia pós-trauma e, posteriormente, as medulas espinhais foram analisadas por RT-PCR, para quantificação da expressão gênica para BDNF, NT-3, VEGF, KDR e PECAM-1, e por imunoistoquímica, para detecção das células-tronco GFP injetadas (anti-GFP), quantificação dos neurônios (anti-NeuN) e da GFAP e vimentina, para avaliação da cicatriz glial. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com o auxílio do Prism 5 for Windows, com o nível de significância de 5%. Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à capacidade motora. O grupo CDT+CTM apresentou maior imunoexpressão de neurônios viáveis do que o placebo. No CTM, houve maior expressão dos fatores neurotróficos BDNF e VEGF. E no CDT, houve menor imunoexpressão de vimentina. Concluiu-se que a associação CDT+CTM favorece a viabilidade neuronal após o trauma, que o tratamento com CTM promove aumento na expressão dos fatores tróficos BDNF e VEGF e que o tratamento com condroitinase é efetivo na redução da cicatriz glial.(AU)

The aim of this work was to study the effect of chondroitinase associated with mesenchymal stem cells in acute spinal cord injury. Therefore, 50 Lewis rats were distributed in the following groups: negative control (NC), treatment with placebo (PLA), chondroitinase (CDT), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and chondroitinase associated with mesenchymal stem cells (CDT + MSC). All animals had their spinal cord exposed by laminectomy, and the groups named PLA, CDT, MSC and CDT + MSC also suffered compressive spinal cord trauma. After seven days, the spinal cord was re-exposed, when the PLA and MSCs groups received 4uL of artificial cerebrospinal fluid through the lesion, and the CDT group and CDT + MSC received the same fluid containing 2,2U of chondroitinase. 14 days after the first surgery, all animals received 0.2ml of PBS intravenously; however, the MSC and CDT + MSC groups received the same liquid also containing 1x106 MSCs. The motor skills were evaluated up to 28 days post-injury and, subsequently, the spinal cords were analyzed by RT-PCR for BDNF, NT-3, VEGF, PECAM-1 and KDR gene expression quantification, immunohistochemistry to detect injected stem cells GFP (anti-GFP), to quantify neurons (anti-NeuN), GFAP and detect vimentin in order to evaluate the glial scar. Statistical analyzes were performed by Prism 5 for Windows using a 5% level of significance. There was no difference between groups with regarding motor capacity. The CDT + MSC group showed increased immunoreactivity of viable neurons than placebo. In MSC, there was a greater expression of neurotrophic factors BDNF and VEGF. Also, there was less vimentin immunostaining in group CDT. It was concluded that CDT + MSC association promotes neuronal viability after trauma, in which treatment with MSC promotes increased expression of BDNF and VEGF trophic factors, and also that treatment with chondroitinase is effective in reducing the glial scar.(AU)

Benefícios da condroitinase abc associada a células-tronco mesenquimais na lesão espinhal aguda em ratos / Benefits of chondroitinase abc associated with mesenchymal stem cells in acute spinal cord injury in rats

Com o objetivo de estudar o efeito da condroitinase associada às células-tronco mesenquimais na lesão aguda da medula espinhal, utilizaram-se 50 ratos Lewis, distribuídos igualmente nos grupos: controle negativo (CN), tratamento com placebo (PLA), condroitinase (CDN), células-tronco mesenquimais (CTM) e condroitinase mais células-tronco mesenquimais (CDN+CTM). Todos os animais tiveram a medula espinhal exposta por laminectomia, e os grupos PLA, CDT, CTM e CDT+CTM sofreram também trauma medular compressivo. Após sete dias, procedeu-se à reexposição da medula espinhal, quando os grupos PLA e CTM receberam 4µL de líquido cefalorraquidiano artificial via intralesional, e os grupos CDT e CDT+CTM receberam o mesmo líquido contendo 2,2U de condroitinase. Após 14 dias da cirurgia inicial, todos os animais receberam 0,2mL de PBS via endovenosa, contudo, nos grupos CTM e CDT+CTM, esse líquido continha 1x106 CTM. Avaliou-se a capacidade motora até o 28o dia pós-trauma e, posteriormente, as medulas espinhais foram analisadas por RT-PCR, para quantificação da expressão gênica para BDNF, NT-3, VEGF, KDR e PECAM-1, e por imunoistoquímica, para detecção das células-tronco GFP injetadas (anti-GFP), quantificação dos neurônios (anti-NeuN) e da GFAP e vimentina, para avaliação da cicatriz glial. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com o auxílio do Prism 5 for Windows, com o nível de significância de 5%. Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à capacidade motora. O grupo CDT+CTM apresentou maior imunoexpressão de neurônios viáveis do que o placebo. No CTM, houve maior expressão dos fatores neurotróficos BDNF e VEGF. E no CDT, houve menor imunoexpressão de vimentina. Concluiu-se que a associação CDT+CTM favorece a viabilidade neuronal após o trauma, que o tratamento com CTM promove aumento na expressão dos fatores tróficos BDNF e VEGF e que o tratamento com condroitinase é efetivo na redução da cicatriz glial.(AU)

The aim of this work was to study the effect of chondroitinase associated with mesenchymal stem cells in acute spinal cord injury. Therefore, 50 Lewis rats were distributed in the following groups: negative control (NC), treatment with placebo (PLA), chondroitinase (CDT), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and chondroitinase associated with mesenchymal stem cells (CDT + MSC). All animals had their spinal cord exposed by laminectomy, and the groups named PLA, CDT, MSC and CDT + MSC also suffered compressive spinal cord trauma. After seven days, the spinal cord was re-exposed, when the PLA and MSCs groups received 4uL of artificial cerebrospinal fluid through the lesion, and the CDT group and CDT + MSC received the same fluid containing 2,2U of chondroitinase. 14 days after the first surgery, all animals received 0.2ml of PBS intravenously; however, the MSC and CDT + MSC groups received the same liquid also containing 1x106 MSCs. The motor skills were evaluated up to 28 days post-injury and, subsequently, the spinal cords were analyzed by RT-PCR for BDNF, NT-3, VEGF, PECAM-1 and KDR gene expression quantification, immunohistochemistry to detect injected stem cells GFP (anti-GFP), to quantify neurons (anti-NeuN), GFAP and detect vimentin in order to evaluate the glial scar. Statistical analyzes were performed by Prism 5 for Windows using a 5% level of significance. There was no difference between groups with regarding motor capacity. The CDT + MSC group showed increased immunoreactivity of viable neurons than placebo. In MSC, there was a greater expression of neurotrophic factors BDNF and VEGF. Also, there was less vimentin immunostaining in group CDT. It was concluded that CDT + MSC association promotes neuronal viability after trauma, in which treatment with MSC promotes increased expression of BDNF and VEGF trophic factors, and also that treatment with chondroitinase is effective in reducing the glial scar.(AU)

Magnesium sulfate protects testis against unilateral varicocele in rat

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on experimental unilateral varicocele-induced in rats. Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 10).The Control group had no received any medications and surgery. The Sham group had noreceived any medication, abdominal cavity was opened without varicocele-induced. Varicocele group: abdominal cavity was opened, varicocele done without any medication treatment. In group abdominal cavity was opened, varicocele-induced then animals orally treated with MgSO4 (25mg/kg) for 42 days. The groups 5 and 6 were similar to group 4, except animals received 50 and 100 mg/kg of MgSO4, respectively. At the end of days 21 and 42, the abdomen was opened, the left testis extracted for histopathological studies. Also, from the cauda epididymis semen samples were collected to determine malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase values. According to the results, there was a significant difference in testis damage grade in Varicocele group compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). The MgSO4 significantly improved testis damage grade on day 42 (P < 0.05). The MgSO4 treatment, dose dependently improved seminiferous tubules with many spermatocytes in the seminiferous tubules in experimental unilateral varicocele established rats after 21 and 42 days (P< 0.05). Also, administration of the MgSO4 via a dose dependent manner significantly normalized malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase values to the physiologic level in varicocele-induced rats after 21 and 42 days (P< 0.05).These results suggest administration of the MgSO4 protects testis against unilateral varicocele in rat.

Magnesium sulfate protects testis against unilateral varicocele in rat

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on experimental unilateral varicocele-induced in rats. Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups (n = 10).The Control group had no received any medications and surgery. The Sham group had noreceived any medication, abdominal cavity was opened without varicocele-induced. Varicocele group: abdominal cavity was opened, varicocele done without any medication treatment. In group abdominal cavity was opened, varicocele-induced then animals orally treated with MgSO4 (25mg/kg) for 42 days. The groups 5 and 6 were similar to group 4, except animals received 50 and 100 mg/kg of MgSO4, respectively. At the end of days 21 and 42, the abdomen was opened, the left testis extracted for histopathological studies. Also, from the cauda epididymis semen samples were collected to determine malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase values. According to the results, there was a significant difference in testis damage grade in Varicocele group compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). The MgSO4 significantly improved testis damage grade on day 42 (P < 0.05). The MgSO4 treatment, dose dependently improved seminiferous tubules with many spermatocytes in the seminiferous tubules in experimental unilateral varicocele established rats after 21 and 42 days (P< 0.05). Also, administration of the MgSO4 via a dose dependent manner significantly normalized malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase values to the physiologic level in varicocele-induced rats after 21 and 42 days (P< 0.05).These results suggest administration of the MgSO4 protects testis against unilateral varicocele in rat.(AU)

Heat shock proteins (HSP)-60, -70, -90, and 105 display variable spatial and temporal immunolocalization patterns in the involuting rat uterus

Uterine involution involves substantial tissue destruction and subsequent repair and remodelling, with similarities to the microenvironments present during wound healing. Although involution is a physiologically normal process, it may generate a stressful microenvironment for the uterine cells, and thus it can induce the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), which were originally identified as stress-responsive proteins. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal expression and localization of four heat shock proteins (HSPD1/HSP60, HSPA/HSP70, HSPC/HSP90 and HSPH1/HSP105/110) in the involuting rat uterus using immunohistochemistry. The HSPs were expressed in the luminal (LE) and glandular epithelium (GE), fibroblasts, mast cells, myometrial myocytes, perimetrial mesothelium and blood vessels, and each of the uterine tissues had distinctive patterns of HSP immunostaining. HSPD1/HSP60 was located in the cytoplasm, often with the granular appearance that is typical of organellar localization, whereas HSPA/HSP70, HSPC/HSP90 and HSPH1/HSP105 were located in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The immunolocalization patterns of all HSPs in the LE showed alterations that accompanied involution, but no difference was observed in the other uterine cells. HSPs were localized in the apical and basal cytoplasm of the LE on postpartum days 1, 5 and 10, but only in the apical cytoplasm on day 3. Furthermore, on day 3, HSPA/HSP70, HSPC/HSP90 and HSPH1/HSP105 immunostaining in the crypts and GE were stronger than those in the LE, whereas on day 10, the nuclear HSP90 immunoreaction was stronger in the LE than in the GE. These observations suggest that HSPs may be involved in many physiological processes, such as cell cycle control, cell proliferation, regulation of cell death and survival, and differentiation during the involution process.

Heat shock proteins (HSP)-60, -70, -90, and 105 display variable spatial and temporal immunolocalization patterns in the involuting rat uterus

Uterine involution involves substantial tissue destruction and subsequent repair and remodelling, with similarities to the microenvironments present during wound healing. Although involution is a physiologically normal process, it may generate a stressful microenvironment for the uterine cells, and thus it can induce the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), which were originally identified as stress-responsive proteins. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal expression and localization of four heat shock proteins (HSPD1/HSP60, HSPA/HSP70, HSPC/HSP90 and HSPH1/HSP105/110) in the involuting rat uterus using immunohistochemistry. The HSPs were expressed in the luminal (LE) and glandular epithelium (GE), fibroblasts, mast cells, myometrial myocytes, perimetrial mesothelium and blood vessels, and each of the uterine tissues had distinctive patterns of HSP immunostaining. HSPD1/HSP60 was located in the cytoplasm, often with the granular appearance that is typical of organellar localization, whereas HSPA/HSP70, HSPC/HSP90 and HSPH1/HSP105 were located in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The immunolocalization patterns of all HSPs in the LE showed alterations that accompanied involution, but no difference was observed in the other uterine cells. HSPs were localized in the apical and basal cytoplasm of the LE on postpartum days 1, 5 and 10, but only in the apical cytoplasm on day 3. Furthermore, on day 3, HSPA/HSP70, HSPC/HSP90 and HSPH1/HSP105 immunostaining in the crypts and GE were stronger than those in the LE, whereas on day 10, the nuclear HSP90 immunoreaction was stronger in the LE than in the GE. These observations suggest that HSPs may be involved in many physiological processes, such as cell cycle control, cell proliferation, regulation of cell death and survival, and differentiation during the involution process.(AU)

Effects of chronic consumption of green tea on weight and body fat distribution of Wistar rats evaluated by computed tomography

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of chronic consumption of green tea on body weight and distribution of visceral fat by Computed tomography in female Wistar rats. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into control group (n = 5), which received water and feed ad libitum, and green tea group (n = 8), in which water has been replaced by green tea. The animals were weighed weekly and Computed Tomography was used at the beginning (1st week) and end (18th week) of the experiment for evaluating the distribution of visceral fat. The animals were followed for 18 weeks. Results: There was no significant difference in body weight between the groups. However, there was significant difference in visceral fat area. The green tea group had less visceral fat area at the end of the experiment, 3.67 ± 1.2 cm2, while the control group showed an area of 6.25 ± 2.2 cm (p = 0.00). Conclusions: Chronic consumption of green tea leads to decreased visceral adipose tissue area.(AU)

Roles of the ERK1/2 and PI3K/PKB signaling pathways in regulating the expression of extracellular matrix genes in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

Purpose: To investigate the mechanisms by which PD98059 and LY294002 interfere with the abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix regulated by connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Methods: Rat PASMCs were cultured and separated into a control group. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression of collagen III and fibronectin mRNA. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses were performed to detect the expression of collagen III protein. Results: The expression of collagen III and fibronectin mRNA was greater in PASMCs stimulated with CTGF for 48 h, than in the control group. After 72h of stimulation, the expression of collagen III protein in the PASMCs was greater than in the control. The equivalent gene and protein expression of the CPL group were much more significant. Conclusions: CTGF can stimulate the gene expression of collagen III and fibronectin in PASMCs, which may be one of the factors that promote pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR) under the conditions of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PD98059 and LY294002 can inhibit the ERK1/2 and PI3K/PKB signaling pathways, respectively, thus interfering with the biological effects of CTGF. This may be a new way to reduce PAH-PVR.(AU)

Intestinal inflammatory and redox responses to the perioperative administration of teduglutide in rats

Purpose: To investigate the inflammatory and redox responses to teduglutide on an animal model of laparotomy and intestinal anastomosis. Methods: Wistar rats (n=62) were allocated into four groups: Ileal Resection and Anastomosis vs. Laparotomy, each one split into Postoperative Teduglutide Administration vs. No Treatment; and euthanized at the third or the seventh day. Ileal and blood samples were recovered at the baseline and at the euthanasia. Flow cytometry was used to study the inflammatory response (IL-1, MCP-1, TNF-, IFN- and IL-4 levels), oxidative stress (cytosolic peroxides, mitochondrial reactive species, intracellular glutathione and mitochondrial membrane potential) and cellular viability and death (annexin V/propidium iodide double staining). Results: Postoperative teduglutide treatment was associated with higher cellular viability index and lower early apoptosis ratio at the seventh day; higher cytosolic peroxides level at the third day and mitochondrial overgeneration of reactive species at the seventh day; higher tissue concentration of IL-4 and lower local pro-to-anti-inflammatory cytokines ratio at the seventh day. Conclusion: Those findings suggest an intestinal pro-oxidative and anti-inflammatory influence of teduglutide on the peri-operative context with a potential interference in the intestinal anastomotic healing.(AU)

Mesenchymal stem cells promote augmented response of endogenous neural stem cells in spinal cord injury of rats / Células-tronco mesenquimais ampliam a resposta de células-tronco neurais endógenas no trauma da medula espinhal em ratos

Traumatic spinal cord injury results in severe neurological deficits, mostly irreversible. The cell therapy represents a strategy for treatment particularly with the use of stem cells with satisfactory results in several experimental models. The aim of the study was to compare the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) with and without mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), to investigate whether MSCs migrate and/or remain at the site of injury, and to analyze the effects of MSCs on inflammation, astrocytic reactivity and activation of endogenous stem cells. Three hours after SCI, animals received bone marrow-derived MSCs (1×107 in 1mL PBS, IV). Animals were euthanized 24 hours, 7 and 21 days post-injury. The MSC were not present in the site of the lesion and the immunofluorescent evaluation showed significant attenuation of inflammatory response with reduction in macrophages labeled with anti-CD68 antibody (ED1), decreased immunoreactivity of astrocytes (GFAP+) and greater activation of endogenous stem cells (nestin+) in the treated groups. Therefore, cell transplantation have a positive effect on recovery from traumatic spinal cord injury possibly due to the potential of MSCs to attenuate the immune response.(AU)

A lesão medular resulta em déficits neurológicos graves, a maioria irreversíveis. A terapia celular representa uma estratégia para o tratamento, especialmente com a utilização de células-tronco, com resultados satisfatórios em vários modelos experimentais. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o tratamento de lesões da medula espinal (SCI), com e sem o uso de células-tronco mesenquimais (MSC), para investigar se as MSCs migram e/ou permanecem no local de lesão, e para analisar os efeitos de MSCs sobre a inflamação, reatividade astrocitária e ativação das células-tronco endógenas. Três horas depois da SCI, os animais receberam as MSC derivadas da medula óssea (1 × 107 em 1 mL de PBS, IV). Os animais foram sacrificados 24 horas, 7 e 21 dias pós-lesão. As MSC não estavam presentes no local da lesão e a avaliação por imunofluorescência demonstrou atenuação significativa da resposta inflamatória com redução em macrófagos marcados com anticorpo anti CD68 (ED1), diminuição da imunorreatividade de astrócitos (GFAP +) e maior ativação das células-tronco endógenas (nestin+) nos grupos tratados. Assim, o transplante de células teve efeito positivo sobre a recuperação de lesão traumática da medula espinal, possivelmente devido ao potencial das MSCs para atenuar a resposta imunológica.(AU)

Estudo histopatológico dos órgãos reprodutivos de ratos tratados com extrato etanólico de Simarouba versicolor em ensaio de toxicidade sub-crônica / Histopathological study of the reproductive organs of rats treated with ethanol extract of Simarouba versicolor in test sub-chronic toxicity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive organs on the effect of Simarouba versicolorethanol extract (EEOH-Sv) at a dose of 10mg / kg administered for 60 days / VO. The testes, epididymis,prostate and seminal vesicles were sectioned and placed in vials Boan solution for 24 hours and then preservedin alcohol at 70%. Histopathology of organs were dehydrated in xylol, impregnated and embedded in paraffin.Subsequently cut in the microtome at a thickness of 3 m and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin. The results of thehistopathology of the testis was observed that the EEOH-Sv caused concretions in 100% of animals evaluatedand 20% of the animals showed sharp associated with degeneration of the seminiferous tubules. In theepididymis was observed in 40% epithelial thickening, and there was 100% of benign prostatic hypertrophyassociated in 20% of animals inflammatory infiltrate. Thus, it is concluded that-Sv EEOH was toxic to thisorgans except the seminal vesicle.(AU)

Estudo histopatológico dos órgãos reprodutivos de ratos tratados com extrato etanólico de Simarouba versicolor em ensaio de toxicidade sub-crônica / Histopathological study of the reproductive organs of rats treated with ethanol extract of Simarouba versicolor in test sub-chronic toxicity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive organs on the effect of Simarouba versicolorethanol extract (EEOH-Sv) at a dose of 10mg / kg administered for 60 days / VO. The testes, epididymis,prostate and seminal vesicles were sectioned and placed in vials Boan solution for 24 hours and then preservedin alcohol at 70%. Histopathology of organs were dehydrated in xylol, impregnated and embedded in paraffin.Subsequently cut in the microtome at a thickness of 3 m and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin. The results of thehistopathology of the testis was observed that the EEOH-Sv caused concretions in 100% of animals evaluatedand 20% of the animals showed sharp associated with degeneration of the seminiferous tubules. In theepididymis was observed in 40% epithelial thickening, and there was 100% of benign prostatic hypertrophyassociated in 20% of animals inflammatory infiltrate. Thus, it is concluded that-Sv EEOH was toxic to thisorgans except the seminal vesicle.

Mesenchymal stem cells promote augmented response of endogenous neural stem cells in spinal cord injury of rats / Células-tronco mesenquimais ampliam a resposta de células-tronco neurais endógenas no trauma da medula espinhal em ratos

Traumatic spinal cord injury results in severe neurological deficits, mostly irreversible. The cell therapy represents a strategy for treatment particularly with the use of stem cells with satisfactory results in several experimental models. The aim of the study was to compare the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) with and without mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), to investigate whether MSCs migrate and/or remain at the site of injury, and to analyze the effects of MSCs on inflammation, astrocytic reactivity and activation of endogenous stem cells. Three hours after SCI, animals received bone marrow-derived MSCs (1×107 in 1mL PBS, IV). Animals were euthanized 24 hours, 7 and 21 days post-injury. The MSC were not present in the site of the lesion and the immunofluorescent evaluation showed significant attenuation of inflammatory response with reduction in macrophages labeled with anti-CD68 antibody (ED1), decreased immunoreactivity of astrocytes (GFAP+) and greater activation of endogenous stem cells (nestin+) in the treated groups. Therefore, cell transplantation have a positive effect on recovery from traumatic spinal cord injury possibly due to the potential of MSCs to attenuate the immune response.

A lesão medular resulta em déficits neurológicos graves, a maioria irreversíveis. A terapia celular representa uma estratégia para o tratamento, especialmente com a utilização de células-tronco, com resultados satisfatórios em vários modelos experimentais. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o tratamento de lesões da medula espinal (SCI), com e sem o uso de células-tronco mesenquimais (MSC), para investigar se as MSCs migram e/ou permanecem no local de lesão, e para analisar os efeitos de MSCs sobre a inflamação, reatividade astrocitária e ativação das células-tronco endógenas. Três horas depois da SCI, os animais receberam as MSC derivadas da medula óssea (1 × 107 em 1 mL de PBS, IV). Os animais foram sacrificados 24 horas, 7 e 21 dias pós-lesão. As MSC não estavam presentes no local da lesão e a avaliação por imunofluorescência demonstrou atenuação significativa da resposta inflamatória com redução em macrófagos marcados com anticorpo anti CD68 (ED1), diminuição da imunorreatividade de astrócitos (GFAP +) e maior ativação das células-tronco endógenas (nestin+) nos grupos tratados. Assim, o transplante de células teve efeito positivo sobre a recuperação de lesão traumática da medula espinal, possivelmente devido ao potencial das MSCs para atenuar a resposta imunológica.

Restrição proteica durante os períodos intrauterino e lactacional: efeitos no desenvolvimento testicular de ratos pré-púberes / Protein restriction during intrauterine and lactation periods: effects on testicular development in pre-puberty rats

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da restrição proteica materna durante prenhez e lactação no testículo de ratos imaturos. Fêmeas de ratos Wistar foram acasaladas e, uma vez confirmada a gestação, foram divididas em dois grupos e alimentadas durante a prenhez e a lactação: grupo desnutrido (GD), dieta com caseína 8%, e grupo controle (GC), dieta com caseína 17%. Após o desmame, os machos de ambas as proles receberam a dieta normal até os 35 dias de idade, quando ocorreu a eutanásia. O peso corporal e o peso testicular diminuíram no GD com relação ao GC. A densidade volumétrica dos túbulos seminíferos foi maior no GC, assim como o espaço intertubular aumentou no GD. O número de túbulos seminíferos luminados foi maior no GC comparado ao GD. Diâmetro tubular, altura do epitélio seminífero e comprimento total dos túbulos seminíferos diminuíram no GD. Espermátides arredondadas foram frequentemente encontradas nas seções transversais do GC. Por outro lado, espermatócitos I em prófase foram o tipo celular mais frequentemente encontrado no GD. A desnutrição durante a gestação e a lactação em ratos Wistar machos alteraram parâmetros morfométricos testiculares relacionados ao compartimento tubular e atrasou o início da espermatogênese.(AU)

Current study investigates the effects of maternal protein restriction during pregnancy and lactation on the testis of immature rats. Female Wistar rats were mated and, after confirming pregnancy, they were divided into two groups: undernourished group (UG) fed on a diet with casein 8%, and control group (CG) fed on a diet with casein 17 %, during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, male offspring from the two experimental groups were fed on normal diet up to 35 days old when they were euthanized. Body and testicular weights decreased in UG when compared to those in CG. Volumetric density of seminiferous tubules was higher in CG whilst intertubular space increased in UG. The number of lumenated seminiferous tubules was higher in CG than in UG. Tubular diameter, seminiferous epithelium height and total length of seminiferous tubules were lower in UG. Round spermatids were frequently found in seminiferous tubules cross-section of CG. On the other hand, spermatocytes I in prophases was the germ cell commonly found in seminiferous tubules cross-sections of UG. Undernutrition during pregnancy and lactation period of the male Wistar rats altered the morphometric testicular parameters related to tubular compartment and delayed the onset of spermatogenesis.(AU)

Blood pressure, heart rate and its autonomic modulation in malnourished rats at different ages / Pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca e sua modulação autonômica em ratos malnutridos de diferentes idades

Malnutrition is responsible for a number of alterations that occur in the organism, including alterations in the cardiovascular system. We hypothesize that long periods of malnutrition occurring after weaning may also be responsible for alterations in the cardiovascular system. Wistar rats were separated into the two following experimental groups: a labina® diet-fed control group (CG) and a malnourished group (MG), fed a multi-deficient diet. Results showed that the mg presented significantly lower body weight (p 0.001) in rats of all ages, higher heart rate (HR) (p 0.05) when rats were 3, 4 and 5 months old and lower HR in rats from 6 to 9 months of age, in relation to the CG. Spectral analysis showed a significant increase in the low frequencies (LF) components in the MG compared to the CG from the third month onwards (p 0.05), showing evidence of sympathetic predominance greater cardiac autonomic balance in the MG versus that of CG indicated that, although aging influences autonomic behavior, it may also be altered by nutrition. Morphologically, an increase in the ventricle weight/body weight ratio was seen in the MG. These results show that the hearts of rats in the MG were not spared from malnutrition age-related detrimental cardiac effects associated with malnutrition(AU)

A má nutrição é responsável por várias alterações que ocorrem no organismo, incluindo o sistema cardiovascular. Nossa hipótese é que longos períodos de desnutrição podem ser responsáveis por alterações no cardiovasculares. Ratos wistar foram separados em dois grupos experimentais: grupo controle (GC), alimentados com dieta labina® e um grupo malnutrido (GM), alimentados com dieta multideficiente. Resultados mostraram que GM apresentou menor peso corporal (p 0,001) em todas as idades, maior frequência cardíaca (FC) (p 0,05) nos ratos de três, quatro e cinco meses de idade e menor FC em ratos de seis a nove meses de idade, em relação ao GC. A análise espectral mostrou aumento nos componentes de baixas frequências (BF) no GM em relação ao GC a partir do terceiro mês (p 0,05), mostrando evidências de predominância do simpático. Maior balanço autonômico cardíaco no GM em relação ao GC indicou que, embora o envelhecimento influencie o comportamento autonômico, pode também ser alterado pela nutrição. Morfologicamente, o aumento da proporção de peso de ventrículos/peso corporal do ventrículo foi visto no GM. Esses resultados mostram que os corações do GM não foram poupados pela má nutrição associada com a idade. Em detrimento dos efeitos cardíacos associados com a má nutrição.(AU)