Physiochemical and nutritional evaluation of whole kumquat fruits powder and its protective effect on thyroid hormones and blood sugar levels in diabetic rats / Avaliação físico-química e nutricional de frutas inteiras de kumquat em pó e seu efeito protetor sobre os hormônios da tireoide e os níveis de açúcar no sangue em ratos diabéticos

The present study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and hypoglycemic effects of whole kumquat (Ku) powder in diabetic rats fed a high-fat-high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using stable 1,1-diphenyl 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethyl benzo thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Total phenolic content was (51.85 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content was (0.24 mg Cateachin Equivalent, CE/g). DPPH and ABTS values were 3.32 and 3.98 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g where FRAP value was 3.00 mM Fe²+/kg dry material. A total of 90 albino rats were used in the present study. Rats group were as follows: normal diet; normal treated (2, 4, and 6% Ku.), diabetic rats (non-treated), diabetic + HFHC diet (non-treated), HFHC (non-treated), Diabetic (treated), HFHC (treated) and Diabetic + HFHC (treated). The diets were followed for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Serum glucose was recorded and thyroid hormones (T4, Thyroxine and T3, Triiodothyronine) were conducted. Diet supplemented with Kumquat at different concentrations have a hypoglycemic effect and improve the thyroid hormones of both diabetic rats and HFHC diabetic rats.

O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar a composição química, a atividade antioxidante e os efeitos hipoglicêmicos do pó de kumquat (Ku) em ratos diabéticos alimentados com uma dieta rica em gordura e colesterol (HFHC). As atividades antioxidantes foram avaliadas usando o método de eliminação de radicais livres de 1,1-difenil 2-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (ácido 3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-sulfônico) radical cátion (ABTS) e antioxidante redutor férrico potência (FRAP). O conteúdo fenólico total foi (51,85 mg GAE / g) e o conteúdo total de flavonoides foi (0,24 mg Cateachin Equivalent, CE / g). Os valores de DPPH e ABTS foram 3,32 e 3,98 mg equivalente de Trolox (TE) / g, em que o valor de FRAP foi de 3,00 mM Fe²+ / kg de material seco. Um total de 90 ratos albinos foi usado no presente estudo. O grupo dos ratos foi o seguinte: dieta normal: tratados normais (2, 4 e 6% Ku.), ratos diabéticos (não tratados), diabéticos + dieta HFHC (não tratados), HFHC (não tratados), diabéticos (tratados), HFHC (tratados) e diabéticos + HFHC (tratados). As dietas foram seguidas por 8 semanas. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas ao final do experimento. A glicose sérica foi registrada e os hormônios tireoidianos (T4, Tiroxina e T3, Triiodotironina) foram conduzidos. A dieta suplementada com kumquat em diferentes concentrações tem um efeito hipoglicêmico e melhora os hormônios tireoidianos tanto de ratos diabéticos quanto de ratos diabéticos com HFHC.

Physiochemical and nutritional evaluation of whole kumquat fruits powder and its protective effect on thyroid hormones and blood sugar levels in diabetic rats / Avaliação físico-química e nutricional de frutas inteiras de kumquat em pó e seu efeito protetor sobre os hormônios da tireoide e os níveis de açúcar no sangue em ratos diabéticos

The present study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and hypoglycemic effects of whole kumquat (Ku) powder in diabetic rats fed a high-fat-high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using stable 1,1-diphenyl 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethyl benzo thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Total phenolic content was (51.85 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content was (0.24 mg Cateachin Equivalent, CE/g). DPPH and ABTS values were 3.32 and 3.98 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g where FRAP value was 3.00 mM Fe²+/kg dry material. A total of 90 albino rats were used in the present study. Rats group were as follows: normal diet; normal treated (2, 4, and 6% Ku.), diabetic rats (non-treated), diabetic + HFHC diet (non-treated), HFHC (non-treated), Diabetic (treated), HFHC (treated) and Diabetic + HFHC (treated). The diets were followed for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Serum glucose was recorded and thyroid hormones (T4, Thyroxine and T3, Triiodothyronine) were conducted. Diet supplemented with Kumquat at different concentrations have a hypoglycemic effect and improve the thyroid hormones of both diabetic rats and HFHC diabetic rats.(AU)

O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar a composição química, a atividade antioxidante e os efeitos hipoglicêmicos do pó de kumquat (Ku) em ratos diabéticos alimentados com uma dieta rica em gordura e colesterol (HFHC). As atividades antioxidantes foram avaliadas usando o método de eliminação de radicais livres de 1,1-difenil 2-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (ácido 3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-sulfônico) radical cátion (ABTS) e antioxidante redutor férrico potência (FRAP). O conteúdo fenólico total foi (51,85 mg GAE / g) e o conteúdo total de flavonoides foi (0,24 mg Cateachin Equivalent, CE / g). Os valores de DPPH e ABTS foram 3,32 e 3,98 mg equivalente de Trolox (TE) / g, em que o valor de FRAP foi de 3,00 mM Fe²+ / kg de material seco. Um total de 90 ratos albinos foi usado no presente estudo. O grupo dos ratos foi o seguinte: dieta normal: tratados normais (2, 4 e 6% Ku.), ratos diabéticos (não tratados), diabéticos + dieta HFHC (não tratados), HFHC (não tratados), diabéticos (tratados), HFHC (tratados) e diabéticos + HFHC (tratados). As dietas foram seguidas por 8 semanas. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas ao final do experimento. A glicose sérica foi registrada e os hormônios tireoidianos (T4, Tiroxina e T3, Triiodotironina) foram conduzidos. A dieta suplementada com kumquat em diferentes concentrações tem um efeito hipoglicêmico e melhora os hormônios tireoidianos tanto de ratos diabéticos quanto de ratos diabéticos com HFHC.(AU)

Pouteria ramiflora leaf extract on emulgel in wound healing activity in diabetic rats / Ação do extrato de folhas de Pouteria ramiflora em emulgel na atividade de cicatrização de feridas em ratos diabéticos

The genus Pouteria has been studied because it presents various activities, among which is its anti-inflammatory potential. The effects of Pouteria ramiflora Carbopol gel on the healing of skin wounds in diabetic rats were evaluated by microscopic imaging. Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally in animals that had fasted for 12 hours, a situation confirmed by the glycemic index (> 240 mg dL-¹). An excision on the back of the animals was performed and three groups were formed: Control (Gel), Ethanolic extract (Ext) and Gel + extract 2% (Ext+gel); the histopathological evaluation occurred on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 30th days after the post-operative period. The results of the phytochemical prospecting of P. ramiflora extract demonstrated the major presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids; the assessment of the inflammatory infiltrate on the 7th day was higher on group Ext and Ext+gel when compared to group Control; on the 14th day control and Ext (p<0.05). The quantification of fibroblasts was higher on the 7th day among the three treatments, control and Ext (p<0.05), on the 21st day. Angiogenesis showeda higher number of vessels in Ext+gel group (p<0.05) on the 7th day; in Control, Ext and Ext+gel (p<0.05) on the 14th day; and Control and Ext (p<0.05)on the 21st day. The histopathological results showed that the formulation Ext+gel was efficient in tissue reparation and decrease in inflammatory cells on the diabetic's animals.

O gênero Pouteria apresenta várias aplicações terapêuticas e, dentre elas, grande potencial antiflamatório. Os efeitos do gel de Pouteria ramiflora sobre a cicatrização de feridas na pele de ratos diabéticos foram avaliados pela histomorfometria. A estreptozotocina foi administrada por via intraperitoneal em animais após jejum de 12 horas, a confirmação de indução da diabetes foi confirmada pelo índice glicêmico (> 240 mg dL-1). Foi realizada uma incisão no dorso do animal e foram criados 3 grupos de tratamento: controle (gel carbopol), extrato etanólico (Ext) e Gel + extrato etanólico à 2% (Ext+gel); a avaliação histopatológica foi realizada no 7º, 14º, 21º e 30º dias após o período pós operatório. Os resultados da prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos de P. ramiflora demonstraram majoritariamente a presença de compostos fenólicos e flavonóides; o infiltrado inflamatório avaliado no 7º dia foi maior para animais do grupo controle em relação aos grupos Ext (p<0.05) e Ext+gel 2% (p<0.05); no 14º dia o controle e Exp (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento significativo dos infiltrados inflamatórios. A presença de fibroblastos foi elevada no 7º dia em todos os tratamentos. O processo da angiogênese mostrou um maior número de vasos sanguíneos entre os grupos Ext e Ext+gel (p<0.05) no 7º dia; no 14º dia o grupo controle, Ext (p<0.05), Control e Ext+gel (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento de vascularização, e no 21º dia apenas os grupos controle e Ext (p<0.05). Os resultados histopatológicos mostraram que a formulação gel carbopol + extrato etanólico a 2% foi eficiente na reparação de tecidos e na diminuição de células inflamatórias nos animais diabéticos.

Pouteria ramiflora leaf extract on emulgel in wound healing activity in diabetic rats / Ação do extrato de folhas de Pouteria ramiflora em emulgel na atividade de cicatrização de feridas em ratos diabéticos

The genus Pouteria has been studied because it presents various activities, among which is its anti-inflammatory potential. The effects of Pouteria ramiflora Carbopol gel on the healing of skin wounds in diabetic rats were evaluated by microscopic imaging. Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally in animals that had fasted for 12 hours, a situation confirmed by the glycemic index (> 240 mg dL-¹). An excision on the back of the animals was performed and three groups were formed: Control (Gel), Ethanolic extract (Ext) and Gel + extract 2% (Ext+gel); the histopathological evaluation occurred on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 30th days after the post-operative period. The results of the phytochemical prospecting of P. ramiflora extract demonstrated the major presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids; the assessment of the inflammatory infiltrate on the 7th day was higher on group Ext and Ext+gel when compared to group Control; on the 14th day control and Ext (p<0.05). The quantification of fibroblasts was higher on the 7th day among the three treatments, control and Ext (p<0.05), on the 21st day. Angiogenesis showeda higher number of vessels in Ext+gel group (p<0.05) on the 7th day; in Control, Ext and Ext+gel (p<0.05) on the 14th day; and Control and Ext (p<0.05)on the 21st day. The histopathological results showed that the formulation Ext+gel was efficient in tissue reparation and decrease in inflammatory cells on the diabetic's animals.(AU)

O gênero Pouteria apresenta várias aplicações terapêuticas e, dentre elas, grande potencial antiflamatório. Os efeitos do gel de Pouteria ramiflora sobre a cicatrização de feridas na pele de ratos diabéticos foram avaliados pela histomorfometria. A estreptozotocina foi administrada por via intraperitoneal em animais após jejum de 12 horas, a confirmação de indução da diabetes foi confirmada pelo índice glicêmico (> 240 mg dL-1). Foi realizada uma incisão no dorso do animal e foram criados 3 grupos de tratamento: controle (gel carbopol), extrato etanólico (Ext) e Gel + extrato etanólico à 2% (Ext+gel); a avaliação histopatológica foi realizada no 7º, 14º, 21º e 30º dias após o período pós operatório. Os resultados da prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos de P. ramiflora demonstraram majoritariamente a presença de compostos fenólicos e flavonóides; o infiltrado inflamatório avaliado no 7º dia foi maior para animais do grupo controle em relação aos grupos Ext (p<0.05) e Ext+gel 2% (p<0.05); no 14º dia o controle e Exp (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento significativo dos infiltrados inflamatórios. A presença de fibroblastos foi elevada no 7º dia em todos os tratamentos. O processo da angiogênese mostrou um maior número de vasos sanguíneos entre os grupos Ext e Ext+gel (p<0.05) no 7º dia; no 14º dia o grupo controle, Ext (p<0.05), Control e Ext+gel (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento de vascularização, e no 21º dia apenas os grupos controle e Ext (p<0.05). Os resultados histopatológicos mostraram que a formulação gel carbopol + extrato etanólico a 2% foi eficiente na reparação de tecidos e na diminuição de células inflamatórias nos animais diabéticos.(AU)

Blood metabolic and hematology parameters and survivorship in mice after application of the rabies challenge virus standard in vaccine potency test

Background: Rabies virus can cause intensive and lethal infection of the central nervous system (CNS) in animals andhumans. Metabolic examinations are conducted at the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and it has been found that many metabolicchanges occur during RABV infection. However, although it is a neurotropic virus, it can cause damage to extraneuraltissues - lungs, heart, kidneys and liver. This study aimed to determine differences in metabolic, endocrinology and hematologic parameters in blood of mice after application of rabies challenge with virus standard 27 strain (CVS-27).Materials, Methods & Results: This study included 30 survived, and 30 dead mice that were part of the standard procedureof NIH (National Institute of Health) test in Pasteur Institute in Novi Sad. Tests were performed in the following order: twogroups of mice were vaccinated in a 7 day period with different dilutions of standard vaccine and the examined vaccine.Seven days after the last vaccination, immunized animals and animals in the control group received test virus CVS-27.Blood samples were collected from a heart puncture. Differences in hematologic and biochemical parameters were determined by t-test. Due to a high number of blood parameters, we performed a joint analysis of multiple dependent variables.Higher pH value and higher concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK),albumin, urea, creatinine, α-amylase, magnesium (Mg), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)and lactate were noted in dead mice. Higher granulocytes and mean platelet volume (MPV) were noted in mice whichdied, but also reduced lymphocytes, erythrocytes, haemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets count. Higher values of insulin,cortisol and HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance) were noted in the group of dead mice comparedto the surviving one. Reduced QUICKI...

Blood metabolic and hematology parameters and survivorship in mice after application of the rabies challenge virus standard in vaccine potency test

Background: Rabies virus can cause intensive and lethal infection of the central nervous system (CNS) in animals andhumans. Metabolic examinations are conducted at the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and it has been found that many metabolicchanges occur during RABV infection. However, although it is a neurotropic virus, it can cause damage to extraneuraltissues - lungs, heart, kidneys and liver. This study aimed to determine differences in metabolic, endocrinology and hematologic parameters in blood of mice after application of rabies challenge with virus standard 27 strain (CVS-27).Materials, Methods & Results: This study included 30 survived, and 30 dead mice that were part of the standard procedureof NIH (National Institute of Health) test in Pasteur Institute in Novi Sad. Tests were performed in the following order: twogroups of mice were vaccinated in a 7 day period with different dilutions of standard vaccine and the examined vaccine.Seven days after the last vaccination, immunized animals and animals in the control group received test virus CVS-27.Blood samples were collected from a heart puncture. Differences in hematologic and biochemical parameters were determined by t-test. Due to a high number of blood parameters, we performed a joint analysis of multiple dependent variables.Higher pH value and higher concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK),albumin, urea, creatinine, α-amylase, magnesium (Mg), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)and lactate were noted in dead mice. Higher granulocytes and mean platelet volume (MPV) were noted in mice whichdied, but also reduced lymphocytes, erythrocytes, haemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets count. Higher values of insulin,cortisol and HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance) were noted in the group of dead mice comparedto the surviving one. Reduced QUICKI...(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)

Automated method and not automated: the evaluation of hematological parameters of rats / Método automatizado e não automatizado:na avaliação dos parâmetros hematológicos de ratos

The aim of this study was to verify blood compatibility between automated and non-automated methodology in rats. Counts were made of haematological variables 10 Wistar rat, Rattus norvegicus. For the automated method were used the ABX-Pentra-60c + equipment and Celldyn-3200. For non-automated method the hemocytometer was used, the counts of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets using the liquid Hayem (1: 200), the liquid Türker (1:20) and the liquid Brecher and Conqrite (1: 200), respectively. The determination of the hematocrit was obtained using a microhematocrit centrifuge, hemoglobin concentration by cyanmethaemoglobin method (Drabkin liquid) and absolute RBC indices, calculated by the results of red series. The differential leukocyte count was performed on blood extensions (fast Panotic). Data were analyzed by analysis of variance - ANOVA followed by Tukey test at 5% significance level. The values obtained by hemocytometer compared to hematological counters showed significant differences (p 0.05) for neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. The results showed that the counts made with the devices used were reliable and fast, but are not indicated for the differential count of white blood cell.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar em sangue de rato a compatibilidade entre a metodologia automatizada e a não automatizada.Foram realizadas contagens das variáveis hematológicas de 10 ratos Wistar, Rattus norvegicus. Para o método automatizadoforam utilizados os aparelhos ABX-Pentra-60c+ e Celldyn-3200. Para o método não automatizado foi utilizado o hemocitômetronas contagens de eritrócitos, de leucócitos e de plaquetas, utilizando o líquido de Hayem (1:200), o líquido de Türk (1:20) e olíquido de Brecher e Cronkite (1:200), respectivamente. A determinação do hematócrito foi obtida utilizando-se uma centrífugade micro-hematócrito, a concentração de hemoglobina pelo método de cianometa-hemoglobina (líquido de Drabkin) e os índiceshematimétricos absolutos calculados através dos resultados da série vermelha. A contagem diferencial de leucócitos foi realizadaem extensões de sangue (panótico rápido). Os dados foram analisados através da variância ANOVA, seguida pelo teste Tukey,com nível de significância de 5%. Os valores obtidos pelo hemocitômetro comparadas aos contadores hematológicos mostraramdiferenças significativas (p < 0,05) para neutrófilos, eosinófilos e basófilos. Os resultados permitiram concluir que as contagensrealizadas com os aparelhos utilizados foram confiáveis e rápidas, mas não são indicadas para a contagem diferencial de leucócito.(AU)

A serological survey of agents causing leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis in Rattus rattus in the city of Umuarama, northwest Paraná, Brazil / Inquérito sorológico de agentes causadores de leptospirose e toxoplasmose em Rattus rattus da cidade de Umuarama, Noroeste do Paraná, Brasil

Synanthropic rodents, present in both urban and rural areas, are responsible for the zoonotic transmission of several diseases to humans as well as for significant economic losses. They act as reservoirs for important viral diseases, bacterial diseases such as leptospirosis, and parasitic diseases such as toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis. The aim of the present study was to assess the seropositivity of synanthropic rodents in Umuarama city, located in the northwestern region of Paraná State, Brazil, to agents causing leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis. The microscopic agglutination technique (MAT) was used to detect anti-Leptospira antibodies, and the indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IIFR) was used to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Of 178 animals collected, four (2.24%) were seropositive for Leptospira spp. and ten (5.62%) for Toxoplasma gondii. Ninety-five (53.38%) of the collected animals were male and 83 (46.62%) were female, and two (1.23%) originated from urban areas while 176 (98.87%) originated from peri-urban areas. Serological results showed that the synanthropic rodents examined here had low seroreactivity for agents causing both leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis, in both urban and peri-urban regions of Umuarama city. This could be associated with the high Human Development Index for the study area. However, preventative measures must continue to be observed, as rodents are important reservoirs for, and disseminators of, disease causing agentes.(AU)

Os roedores sinantrópicos determinam grandes prejuízos econômicos, e são responsáveis pela transmissão de várias zoonoses ao homem tanto em áreas urbanas quanto nas rurais, atuando como reservatórios de importantes doenças que incluem a leptospirose, toxoplasmose, leishmaniose e algumas de etiologia viral. O presente trabalho investigou a sororeatividade para leptospirose e toxoplasmose em roedores sinantrópicos da cidade de Umuarama, cidade localizada na região noroeste do estado do Paraná, Brasil. A técnica Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM) foi utilizada para a detecção de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp e a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) para a detecção de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii. Dos 178 animais examinados, quatro (2,24%) foram reagentes para Leptospira spp. e 10 (5,62%) para o Toxoplasma gondii. Destes animais, 95 (53,38%) eram machos e 83 (46,62%) fêmeas, dois (1,23%) eram provenientes da área urbana e 176 (98,87%) da área periurbana. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que os roedores sinantrópicos examinados apresentaram baixa freqüência de sororeatividade para as duas zoonoses investigadas, tanto na região urbana como na periurbana da cidade de Umuarama, fato que pode estar associado ao alto Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano encontrado, contudo, as medidas preventivas devem ser mantidas, pois os roedores são importantes elos na cadeia epidemiológica das doenças analisadas.(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)

Evaluation of quantitative parameters of Leydig cell in diabetic adults rats / Avaliação de parâmetros quantitativos de células de Leydig em ratos diabéticos adultos

The goal of present study was to evaluate the effects of diabetes on quantitative parameters of Leydig cells. Twelve adults Wistar rats were divided in: 1) Diabetic Group (DG), which was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg kg-1 of body weight); and 2) Control Group (CG), which received citrate buffer intraperitoneal. After eight weeks of diabetic induction, the animals were weighted, anesthetized and testicles were removed and routinely processed to paraffin embedded. Body weight (40%) and testicular weight (18%) of diabetic rats were significantly lower than control group.  Diabetic rats showed an increase in interstitial compartment but the tubular compartment did not differ. The individual volume of Leydig cells and nuclear diameter were lower in DG. However, the population of these cells was increased. In conclusion, diabetes induced by streptozotocin in adult rats promoted alterations in testicular compartments and changes on volume, nuclear diameter and population of Leydig cells, compromising the testicular function.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do diabetes nos parâmetros quantitativos de células de Leydig. Doze ratos machos adultos foram divididos em: 1) Grupo Diabético (GD) induzidos por injeção intraperitoneal única de estreptozotocina (60 mg kg-1 de peso corporal); e 2) Grupo Controle (GC) receberam tampão citrato, via intraperitoneal. Após oito semanas da indução, os animais foram pesados, anestesiados, os testículos foram removidos e processados rotineiramente em parafina. O peso corporal (40%) e testicular (18%) dos ratos diabéticos reduziu significativamente em relação ao grupo controle. Ratos diabéticos mostraram aumento no compartimento intersticial, mas o compartimento tubular não apresentou diferença significativa. O volume individual e o diâmetro nuclear de células de Leydig reduziram em GD. No entanto, a população dessas células aumentou. Em conclusão, o diabetes induzido por estreptozotocina, em ratos adultos, promoveu alterações nos compartimentos testiculares e mudanças no volume, diâmetro nuclear e população das células de Leydig, comprometendo a função testicular.(AU)

Consequences of Mesobuthus tamulus gangeticus (Pocock, 1900) envenomation in albino mice

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Mesobuthus tamulus gangeticus Pocock (Buthidae) venom on albino mice (NIH strain). Whole venom was obtained by electrical stimulation and its toxicity was determined in albino mice by subcutaneous envenomation. The venom LD50 was 2.5 mg kg-1 of mouse body weight. Toxic effects on different biochemical and enzymatic parameters in blood serum and other tissues of albino mice were determined after experimental envenomation with sublethal doses of M. tamulus gangeticus venom. Increased levels of glucose, uric acid and cholesterol, as well as decreased serum total proteins, were observed at 2 and 4 hours after the envenomation. In the liver and muscles, glycogen content dropped after venom injection. Moreover, M. tamulus gangeticus venom elevated the enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase (ACP), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the serum of albino mice. In conclusion, M. tamulus gangeticus can be considered a lethal scorpion species.(AU)

A serological survey of agents causing leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis in Rattus rattus in the city of Umuarama, northwest Paraná, Brazil / Inquérito sorológico de agentes causadores de leptospirose e toxoplasmose em Rattus rattus da cidade de Umuarama, Noroeste do Paraná, Brasil

Synanthropic rodents, present in both urban and rural areas, are responsible for the zoonotic transmission of several diseases to humans as well as for significant economic losses. They act as reservoirs for important viral diseases, bacterial diseases such as leptospirosis, and parasitic diseases such as toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis. The aim of the present study was to assess the seropositivity of synanthropic rodents in Umuarama city, located in the northwestern region of Paraná State, Brazil, to agents causing leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis. The microscopic agglutination technique (MAT) was used to detect anti-Leptospira antibodies, and the indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IIFR) was used to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Of 178 animals collected, four (2.24%) were seropositive for Leptospira spp. and ten (5.62%) for Toxoplasma gondii. Ninety-five (53.38%) of the collected animals were male and 83 (46.62%) were female, and two (1.23%) originated from urban areas while 176 (98.87%) originated from peri-urban areas. Serological results showed that the synanthropic rodents examined here had low seroreactivity for agents causing both leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis, in both urban and peri-urban regions of Umuarama city. This could be associated with the high Human Development Index for the study area. However, preventative measures must continue to be observed, as rodents are important reservoirs for, and disseminators of, disease causing agentes.

Os roedores sinantrópicos determinam grandes prejuízos econômicos, e são responsáveis pela transmissão de várias zoonoses ao homem tanto em áreas urbanas quanto nas rurais, atuando como reservatórios de importantes doenças que incluem a leptospirose, toxoplasmose, leishmaniose e algumas de etiologia viral. O presente trabalho investigou a sororeatividade para leptospirose e toxoplasmose em roedores sinantrópicos da cidade de Umuarama, cidade localizada na região noroeste do estado do Paraná, Brasil. A técnica Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM) foi utilizada para a detecção de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp e a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) para a detecção de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii. Dos 178 animais examinados, quatro (2,24%) foram reagentes para Leptospira spp. e 10 (5,62%) para o Toxoplasma gondii. Destes animais, 95 (53,38%) eram machos e 83 (46,62%) fêmeas, dois (1,23%) eram provenientes da área urbana e 176 (98,87%) da área periurbana. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que os roedores sinantrópicos examinados apresentaram baixa freqüência de sororeatividade para as duas zoonoses investigadas, tanto na região urbana como na periurbana da cidade de Umuarama, fato que pode estar associado ao alto Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano encontrado, contudo, as medidas preventivas devem ser mantidas, pois os roedores são importantes elos na cadeia epidemiológica das doenças analisadas.