Effector CD4+ T-cell subsets in Takayasu arteritis-differences between the peripheral blood and the aorta.

Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a granulomatous vasculitis that affects large arteries. T cells are important in TAK pathophysiology as these cells orchestrate granulomatous infiltration in arteries. This study aims to evaluate effector CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood and the aortic wall of TAK patients and to analyze associations with disease activity and therapy. We performed a longitudinal study including 30 TAK patients and 30 controls. CD3+ T cells, CD3+CD4- T cells, CD4+ T cells, and Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells were evaluated in peripheral blood by flow cytometry, and the expression of CD4, CD8, Tbet, GATA-3, and RORγT was analyzed in the aorta of six patients by immunohistochemistry. TAK patients presented lower CD3+ T cells and CD4+ T cells (P = 0.031 and P = 0.039, respectively) than controls. Patients with active disease and those in remission had higher proportions of Th17 cells than controls (P = 0.016 and P = 0.004, respectively). Therapy for TAK did not result in significant differences concerning CD4+ effector T-cell subpopulations. Disease duration correlated with the number and percentage of Th2 cells (rho = -0.610 and rho = -0.463, respectively) and with Th17 cells (rho = -0.365 and rho = -0.568). In the aorta, the expression of CD8 was higher than CD4, whereas GATA-3, Tbet, and RORγT were expressed in this order of frequency. In conclusion, TAK patients present an increased Th17 response in the peripheral blood regardless of disease activity, whereas in the aortic tissue CD8 cells and the Th2 response were predominant.

Quantitative histology as a diagnostic tool for celiac disease in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the villous height, the crypt depth, and the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes/100 enterocytes of the small intestinal mucosa of children and adolescents with celiac disease; and to classify these findings according to Q- Marsh and Q-histology scales. METHODS: Retrospective study of a database from the Department of Pathology of biopsies from the second portion of the duodenum of pediatric patients. According to the histological report, three groups were established: celiac disease at diagnosis (n = 50), controls (n = 26), giardiasis (n = 10). In each biopsy, software (cellSens and Image J) evaluated 5 villous heights, 5 crypt depth and the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes/100 enterocytes. RESULTS: The celiac group had the lowest mean villous height (197.83 µm) of all three groups (control = 477.70 µm; giardiasis = 397.04 µm. The celiac group's villous:crypt ratio (0.78) was significantly lower than the control group (1.89). The number of intraepithelial lymphocytes ≥25 was exclusive to the celiac group, with a sensitivity and specificity of 100 %. Only celiac patients were included in types 2 and 3 of the Q-histology classification. CONCLUSION: Celiac disease patients showed shorter villous height than other groups, and the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes ≥25 was the best parameter to differentiate celiac from controls and giardiasis groups. Intraepithelial lymphocytes ≥25/100 enterocytes associated with any degree of villous atrophy, the classic Marsh 3 type, set the histological parameters of celiac disease. Quantitative histology is a valuable tool for diagnosing celiac disease, enabling histological changes in a short time, and the Q-histology scale appears to be more suitable than the Q-Marsh scale.

Grape juice concentrate (G8000™) modulates apoptosis but not oxidative stress following rat colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate if grape juice concentrate is able to protect against experimental colon carcinogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, a total of 35 male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into seven groups: G1: SHAM animals receiving only saline; G2: animals receiving 15 mg/kg azoxymethane (AOM); G3: animals receiving 1% grape juice concentrate 2 weeks before the administration of AOM; G4: animals receiving 2% grape juice concentrate 2 weeks before the administration of AOM; G5: animals receiving 1% grape juice concentrate 4 weeks after the last administration of AOM; G6: animals receiving 2% grape juice concentrate 4 weeks after the last administration of AOM; G7: animals receiving only 2% grape juice concentrate. RESULTS: The group that received 2% grape juice concentrate before induction with AOM showed the decreased expression of Bcl-2 compared to those animals that were induced by AOM (positive control). Regarding Bax, animals that received grape juice at 2% decreased Bax immunoexpression when compared to AOM group. Furthermore, animals that intake grape juice at 1% after induced by AOM decreased Bax immunoexpression as well. 8-OHdGLI did not show significant statistically differences (p > 0.05) among groups. CONCLUSION: In summary, our results demonstrate that grape juice is able to modulate rat colon carcinogenesis as a result of induction of apoptosis.

IMMUNOEXPRESSION OF DEK AND PHOSPHO-P38 PROTEINS IN RECTAL CANCER BEFORE CHEMORADIATION THERAPY.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the third cause of cancer worldwide and a quarter of them are in the rectum. DEK oncogene is involved in several nuclear processes and can accelerate tumorigenesis. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the immunoexpression of DEK and Phospho-P38 proteins before neoadjuvant therapy in patients with rectum adenocarcinoma and correlate it with a clinical response and survival. METHODS: Patients with adenocarcinoma of the middle and low rectum who underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed by surgical tumor resection were included. The expression and quantification were studied by immunohistochemistry in the tumor biopsy tissues using a HScore system. Score ≥4 were considered positive and those with <4 negative. RESULTS: 22 patients were included with a mean age of 63.55 years (SD: ±13.49). The clinical-stage before treatment was T3 on 72.7%, T4 on 18.2%, 31.8% were N1, 50% N0 and all M0. After chemo and radiotherapy, 54.6% were T3; 22.7% were classified as T2; 9.1% as T1, and 13.6% were T0. Among the tumors, 22.7% were positive for DEK and 63.6% positive for Phospho-P38. There was a positive correlation between DEK protein before treatment and pTNM stage (P=0.011). Phospho-P38 protein showed no correlation with these parameters. Patients with a negative HScore had a mean survival of 141.33 months (95%CI: 112.41-170.25) and those with a positive HSscore had a mean survival of 25.10 months (95%CI: 17.36-32.84; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: A higher expression of DEK was observed in advanced stages. Patients who presented DEK expression <4 had a higher survival, being a factor of worst prognosis.

Analysis of tissue inflammatory response, fibroplasia, and foreign body reaction between the polyglactin suture of abdominal aponeurosis in rats and the intraperitoneal implant of polypropylene, polypropylene/polyglecaprone and polyester/porcine collagen meshes.

PURPOSE: To compare tissue inflammatory response, foreign body reaction, fibroplasia, and proportion of type I/III collagen between closure of abdominal wall aponeurosis using polyglactin suture and intraperitoneal implant of polypropylene, polypropylene/polyglecaprone, and polyester/porcine collagen meshes to repair defects in the abdominal wall of rats. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were placed in four groups, ten animals each, for the intraperitoneal implant of polypropylene, polypropylene/polyglecaprone, and polyester/porcine collagen meshes or suture with polyglactin (sham) after creation of defect in the abdominal wall. Twenty-one days later, histological analysis was performed after staining with hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius red. RESULTS: The groups with meshes had a higher inflammation score (p < 0.05) and higher number of gigantocytes (p < 0.05) than the sham group, which had a better fibroplasia with a higher proportion of type I/III collagen than the tissue separating meshes (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups with meshes. CONCLUSIONS: The intraperitoneal implant of polypropylene/polyglecaprone and polyester/porcine collagen meshes determined a more intense tissue inflammatory response with exuberant foreign body reaction, immature fibroplasia and low tissue proportion of type I/III collagen compared to suture with polyglactin of abdominal aponeurosis. However, there were no significant differences in relation to the polypropylene mesh group.

p53, Cyclin-D1, ß-catenin, APC and c-myc in Tumor Tissue from Colorectal and Gastric Cancer Patients with Suspected Lynch Syndrome by the Bethesda Criteria.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent neoplasms worldwide, and up to 15% have a family history. Lynch syndrome (LS) is a hereditary cause of CRC and gastric (GC). Individuals with LS have mutations in mismatch genes repair. p53, cyclin D1, ß-catenin, APC and c-myc proteins are involved in the cell cycle and carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of p53, Cyclin D1, ß-catenin, APC and c-myc proteins in patients with CRC and GC with at least one of the Bethesda positive criteria. Compare the expression of these proteins with the presence or absence of expression of the DNA repair proteins. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 70 individuals with CRC or GC with at least one of the Bethesda positive criteria. Protein expression of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, p53, cyclin D1, ß-catenin, APC and c-myc were analized by immunohistochemistry tumours tissues. RESULTS: Deficient expression of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 were respectively 38.7%; 17.7%; 26.22% and 48.38%. We found a negative association between deficiency of PMS2 and age, and positive association between PMS2 deficiency and APC positive. The positive imunoexpression of APC increases by 4 times the chance of having deficiency of PMS2. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with loss of expression of PMS2 had a higher risk of mutation or deletion of APC and tumours with positive immunoexpression of cyclin D1 had an increased risk of loss of expression of MSH2. These results suggest that tumours with loss of expression of DNA repair proteins had a higher loss of cell control cycle.
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Comparative study of four different types of intraperitoneal mesh prostheses in rats.

PURPOSE: To compare four types of mesh regarding visceral adhesions, inflammatory response and incorporation. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats were divided into four groups, with different meshes implanted intraperitoneally: polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE group); polypropylene with polydioxanone and oxidized cellulose (PCD); polypropylene (PM) and polypropylene with silicone (PMS). The variables analyzed were: area covered by adhesions, incorporation of the mesh and inflammatory reaction (evaluated histologically and by COX2 immunochemistry). RESULTS: The PMS group had the lowest adhesion area (63.1%) and grade 1 adhesions. The ePTFE and PM groups presented almost the total area of their surface covered by adherences (99.8% and 97.7% respectively) The group ePTFE had the highest percentage of area without incorporation (42%; p <0.001) with no difference between the other meshes. The PMS group had the best incorporation rate. And the histological analysis revealed that the inflammation scores were significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The PM mesh had higher density of adherences, larger area of adherences, adherences to organs and percentage of incorporation. ePTFE had the higher area of adherences and lower incorporation. The PMS mesh performed best in the inflammation score, had a higher incorporation and lower area of adherences, and it was considered the best type of mesh.

Development and validation of a whole-cell ELISA for serologically diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection in Brazilian children and adults: a diagnostic accuracy study.

BACKGROUND: Serological tests are practical, with low cost, but no noninvasive tests are available for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Brazil. The aim here was to develop and validate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) serological tests to detect anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G antibodies, based on cultured strains from Brazilian patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional, diagnostic accuracy study comparing a locally developed and validated ELISA and invasive tests among dyspeptic patients at two public hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: An ELISA test was prepared using whole-cell antigen from 56 strains. After genotypic characterization, it was standardized and optical density (OD) cutoffs were determined based on the serum antibody response of 100 H. pylori-negative samples, compared with 82 H. pylori-positive samples. Validation was performed on 174 symptomatic patients. RESULTS: The optimal OD cutoffs established (for monoclonal and polyclonal tests, respectively) were 0.167 and 0.164; overall ELISA sensitivity: 84.3%, 78.9%; specificity: 88.6%, 90.6%; positive predictive value (PPV): 75.4%, 80%; negative predictive value (NPV): 93.1%, 81.8%; accuracy: 87.3%, 86.2%; child and adolescent ELISA sensitivity: 74.2%, 81.8%; specificity: 90.8%, 86.7%; PPV: 66.6%, 84.3%; NPV: 95.8%, 84.8%; accuracy: 88.5%, 84.6; adult ELISA sensitivity: 84.4%, 75%; specificity: 86.9%, 93%; PPV: 81.8%, 78.3%; NPV: 88.9%, 91.8%; accuracy: 85.9%, 88.5%. CONCLUSION: The polyclonal serological test developed using local strains presented better diagnostic performance among children and adolescents, while the monoclonal test was better among adults. The results from both tests suggest that these in-house serological tests could be used to detect anti-H. pylori antibodies in our population, for screening purposes.

Expression of VEGF and Cox-2 in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal cancer is a highly aggressive neoplasm. In Brazil, it is the sixth most frequent among men and fifteenth among women. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), responsible for 96% of cases. Twenty-eight specimens of Esophael squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) were obtained by surgery procedures.The tissues were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. In each case, all available hematoxylin and eosin stained sections were examined and a representative block was selected. The ages of these patients ranged from 40 to 93 years, with a mean age of 60 years. Results: The histological grade of tumors was 4 well-differentiated, 19 moderately differentiated and 5 poorly differentiated. Expression of Cox-2 and VEGF in ESCC was demonstrated in 23 (82,14%) and 13 (44,43%) cases, respectively. Adjacent normal mucosa was positive in 11 (39,29%) samples and 9 (32,15%) samples for Cox-2 and VEGF, respectively. No relationship between the expression of Cox-2 and VEGF with the clinicopathological parameters, including gender, age, surgical margin, lymph node status and tumor differentiation. The median follow-up period was 60 months. Survival analysis of patients with ESCC showed no relationship with the expression of Cox-2 and VEGF. Conclusion: VEGF and Cox-2 are expressed in ESCC. Cox-2, VEGF, play a significant role in the origin and development of ESCC and the inhibitors of these proteins could prove to be an important therapeutic tool in the control of this disease.

Retroperitoneal unicentric Castleman's disease (giant lymph node hyperplasia): case report.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Castleman's disease, or giant lymph node hyperplasia, is a rare disorder of the lymphoid tissue that causes lymph node enlargement. It is considered benign in its localized form, but aggressive in the multicentric type. The definitive diagnosis is based on postoperative pathological findings. The aim here was to describe a case of retroperitoneal unicentric Castleman's disease in the retroperitoneum. CASE REPORT: A 61-year old white male with weight loss and listlessness presented with moderate arterial hypertension and leukopenia. Abdominal tomography revealed a 5 x 4 x 5 cm oval mass of low attenuation, with inner calcification and intense enhancement on intravenous contrast, located in the retroperitoneal region, between the left kidney and the aorta, at the renal hilus. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a non-pulsatile solid oval mass situated in the retroperitoneum, adjacent to the left renal hilus. The retroperitoneal lesion was removed in its entirety. Examination of frozen samples revealed benign lymph node tissue and histopathological examination of the surgical sample revealed hyaline-vascular giant lymph node hyperplasia (Castleman's disease). The patient was discharged on the 12th day without significant events. Two months after the operation, the patient was readmitted with severe cardiac insufficiency, acute renal failure and bronchopneumonia, which progressed to acute respiratory insufficiency, sepsis and death.

Immunoexpressão das proteínas DEK e Fosfo-P38 no câncer retal antes da quimiorradioterapia / Immunoexpression of dek and phospho-p38 proteins in rectal cancer before chemoradiation therapy

ABSTRACT Background: Colorectal cancer is the third cause of cancer worldwide and a quarter of them are in the rectum. DEK oncogene is involved in several nuclear processes and can accelerate tumorigenesis. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the immunoexpression of DEK and Phospho-P38 proteins before neoadjuvant therapy in patients with rectum adenocarcinoma and correlate it with a clinical response and survival. Methods: Patients with adenocarcinoma of the middle and low rectum who underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed by surgical tumor resection were included. The expression and quantification were studied by immunohistochemistry in the tumor biopsy tissues using a HScore system. Score ≥4 were considered positive and those with <4 negative. Results: 22 patients were included with a mean age of 63.55 years (SD: ±13.49). The clinical-stage before treatment was T3 on 72.7%, T4 on 18.2%, 31.8% were N1, 50% N0 and all M0. After chemo and radiotherapy, 54.6% were T3; 22.7% were classified as T2; 9.1% as T1, and 13.6% were T0. Among the tumors, 22.7% were positive for DEK and 63.6% positive for Phospho-P38. There was a positive correlation between DEK protein before treatment and pTNM stage (P=0.011). Phospho-P38 protein showed no correlation with these parameters. Patients with a negative HScore had a mean survival of 141.33 months (95%CI: 112.41-170.25) and those with a positive HSscore had a mean survival of 25.10 months (95%CI: 17.36-32.84; P<0.001). Conclusion: A higher expression of DEK was observed in advanced stages. Patients who presented DEK expression <4 had a higher survival, being a factor of worst prognosis.

RESUMO Contexto: O câncer colorretal é mundialmente, a terceira causa de câncer e um quarto destes estão localizados no reto. O oncogene DEK está envolvido em vários processos nucleares e pode acelerar a tumorigênese. Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a imunoexpressão das proteínas DEK e Fosfo-P38 antes da terapia neoadjuvante em pacientes com adenocarcinoma de reto e correlacioná-la com resposta clínica e sobrevida. Métodos: Foram incluídos pacientes com adenocarcinoma de reto médio e baixo submetidos à quimio e radioterapia seguida de ressecção cirúrgica do tumor. A expressão e quantificação foram estudadas por imuno-histoquímica nos tecidos de biópsia tumoral utilizando um sistema HScore. Escores ≥4 foram considerados positivos e aqueles com <4 negativos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 22 pacientes com média de idade de 63,55 anos (DP: ±13,49). O estágio clínico antes do tratamento era T3 em 72,7%, T4 em 18,2%, 31,8% eram N1, 50% N0 e todos M0. Após a quimio e radioterapia, 54,6% eram T3; 22,7% eram T2; 9,1% eram T1 e 13,6% T0. Entre os tumores, 22,7% foram positivos para DEK e 63,6% positivos para Phospho-P38. Houve uma correlação positiva para a imunoexpressão da proteína DEK e o estágio pTNM (P=0,011). A proteína fosfo-P38 não apresentou correlação com esses parâmetros. Pacientes com HScore negativo para DEK tiveram sobrevida média de 141,33 meses (IC95%: 112,41-170,25) e aqueles com HScore positivo tiveram sobrevida média de 25,10 meses (IC95%: 17,36-32,84) (P<0,001). Conclusão: Observou-se maior expressão de DEK em estágios avançados. Os pacientes que apresentaram expressão de DEK <4 tiveram maior sobrevida, sendo um fator de pior prognóstico.

Effect of Concentrated Apple Extract on Experimental Colitis Induced by Acetic Acid.

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) play a crucial role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exacerbating the chronic inflammatory process. Endogenous and diet antioxidants can neutralize these compounds. The apple is widely consumed, with several antioxidant activity compounds. The present study evaluated the effects of concentrated apple extract (CAE) in acetic acid induced colitis. 29 Wistar male rats were randomized into 5 groups. G1-Sham/saline solution, G2-CAE/control, G3-acetic acid/control, G4-curative- CAE treatment and G5-preventive-CAE treatment. Eight days later, the animals were euthanized and the colonic segment resected for macroscopic and histological analysis. Gene expression was evaluated for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), catalase and copper and zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) by quantitative real time PCR, while protein expression was assessed for iNOS, COX-2 and 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) via immunohistochemistry. The groups G3, G4 and G5 had weight loss, while G5 had weight increase at the end of the experiment. The treatment with CAE reduced the macroscopic and microscopic injury, decreased iNOS mRNA expression and increased CuZnSOD mRNA expression in animals with induced acetic acid-colitis. The findings of the present study suggest that CAE treatment exerts an antioxidant role by downregulating iNOS and upregulating CuZnSOD.

Compartilhando conhecimento sobre o novo coronavírus: relato de experiência / Sharing knowledge about the new coronavirus: experience report / Compartir conocimientos sobre el nuevo coronavirus: informe de experiencia

Introdução: Em março de 2020 a Organização Mundial da Saúde decretou pandemia pelo novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2), causador da doença COVID-19. Objetivo: relatar a experiência sobre a disseminação de informações acerca do coronavírus. Método: Trata-se de um relato de experiência de graduandos do curso de enfermagem e pós-graduandos em patologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, na campanha Pílulas do conhecimento sobre a pandemia do novo coronavírus, realizada em março de 2020. Foi elaborado um boletim informativo e um vídeo educativo, baseado na literatura, com informações sobre o coronavírus (o que é, sintomas, transmissão, grupos de risco, prevenção, ação, uso de máscara e vacina) e o material foi disponibilizado virtualmente. Resultado: O boletim informativo e o vídeo educativo foram elaborados baseados na literatura. O vídeo obteve 151 visualizações no canal do Clube do Saber no YouTube e 490 pessoas no Facebook. Conclusão: A disseminação de informações sobre o novo coronavírus obteve grande alcance da população.

Introduction: In March 2020, World Health Organization declared a pandemic due tothenew coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19. Objective: to promote health education, bringing relevant, clear and objective information about diseases. Methods: Thisisan experience report of undergraduate nursing students and graduate students in pathology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, in the Pills of Knowledge campaign on the new coronavirus pandemic, held in March 2020. A newsletter and an educational video, withinformation about the coronavirus (what is, symptoms, transmission, risk groups, prevention, action, use of mask and vaccine) and, the material was made available virtually. Result: Thevideo obtained 151 views on the Clube do Saber channel on YouTube and 490 peoplebyFacebook. Conclusion: The dissemination of information about the coronavirus has reachedawide reach of the population

Introducción: en marzo de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud declaró una pandemia debido al nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), que causa COVID-19. Objetivo: realizar uninforme de experiencia acerca de la difusión de la información sobre el coronavirus. Métodos: Este es un informe de experiencia de estudiantes de la carrera de enfermería y estudiantes de posgrado en patología de la Universidad Federal de San Pablo, en la campaña Píldoras del conocimiento sobre la pandemia del nuevo coronavirus, realizada en marzo de 2020. Se elaboró un boletín informativo y un video educativo, con información sobre el coronavirus (qué es, síntomas, transmisión, grupos de riesgo, prevención, acción, uso de mascarilla y vacuna) y el material se puso a disposición de forma virtual. Resultado: la elaboración del boletín informativo y del video educativo se realizó en base a la literatura. El videoobtuvo151 visitas en el canal Clube do Saber en YouTube y llegó a 490 personas en Facebook. Conclusión: La difusión de información sobre el coronavirus tuvo un gran alcance en la población.

[Assessment of angiogenesis expression and its relationship with prognosis of colorectal cancer by conventional and computer-assisted histopathological image analysis]. / Investigação da expressão da angiogênese e sua relação com o prognóstico do câncer colorretal pela análise convencional e informatizada da imagem histopatológica.

PURPOSE: To quantify the degree of angiogenesis by conventional method (microvessel density, MVD) and computerized method (endothelial area, EA), and to evaluate their relationships with the prognosis of patients operated on for colorectal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Tumoral angiogenesis was studied by means of an immunohistochemical technique, using CD 34, on 126 patients; to quantify the angiogenesis, MVD (defined as number of microvessels per mm(2)) and EA measurement (defined as the area occupied by EA in the microscope field). A computerized method, IMAGELab software was utilized to quantify endothelial area. RESULTS: The mean number of microvessels was 128.6 MV/mm(2) (SD = 44.5) and the mean EA was 4.3% (SD = 2.1). The Pearson method demonstrated a low correlation coefficient between MVD and EA (r = 0.429). No relationship between MVD and EA was observed with regard to relapse-free interval and overall survival. CONCLUSION: The histological analysis of angiogenesis expression in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma can be performed either by computer-assisted image analysis of endothelial area or by conventional microvessels counting. Both methods did not show any significant relationship between these angiogenesis parameters with relapse-free interval and overall survival.

GROWTH FACTORS AND COX2 IN WOUND HEALING: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY WITH EHRLICH TUMORS.

Background: Healing is an innate biological phenomenon, and carcinogenesis acquired, but with common humoral and cellular elements. Carcinogenesis interferes negatively in healing. Aim: To evaluate the histological changes in laparotomy scars of healthy Balb/c mice and with an Ehrlich tumor in its various forms of presentation. Methods: Fifty-four mice were divided into three groups of 18 animals. First group was the control; the second had Ehrlich tumor with ascites; and the third had the subcutaneous form of this tumor. Seven days after tumor inoculation, all 54 mice were submitted to laparotomy. All of the animals in the experiment were operated on again on 7th day after surgery, with resection of the scar and subsequent euthanasia of the animal. The scars were sent for histological assessment using immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate Cox-2 (cyclooxygenase 2), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and FGF (fibroblast growth factor). Semi-quantitatively analysis was done in the laparotomy scars and in the abdominal walls far away from the site of the operation. Results: Assessing the weight of the animals, the correct inoculation of the tumor and weight gain in the group with tumoral ascites was observed. The histological studies showed that groups with the tumor showed a statistically significant higher presence of Cox-2 compared to the control. In the Cox-2 analysis of the abdominal wall, the ascites group showed the most significant difference. VEGF did not present any significant differences between the three groups, regardless of the site. The FGF showed a significant increase in animals with the tumor. Conclusion: Histological findings in both laparotomy scar and the abdominal wall showed that with Ehrlich's neoplasia there was an exacerbated inflammatory response, translated by more intense expression of Cox-2 and greater fibroblast proliferation, translated by more intense expression of FGF, that is, it stimulated both the immediate inflammatory reactions, observed with Cox-2 reactions, and late scarring by fibroblasts and FGF.

Racional: A cicatrização é fenômeno biológico inato, e a carcinogênese adquirido, mas com elementos humorais e celulares comuns. A carcinogênese interfere de forma negativa na cicatrização. Objetivo: Avaliar as modificações histológicas nas cicatrizes laparotômicas de camundongos Balb/c sadios como controles, e com a neoplasia de Ehrlich, em suas diferentes formas de apresentação. Métodos: Foram utilizados 54 camundongos, divididos em três grupos de 18 animais cada um. O primeiro era controle; o segundo com a neoplasia de Ehrlich em sua forma ascítica; e o terceiro na forma subcutânea. Sete dias após a inoculação do tumor, todos os 54 camundongos foram submetidos à laparotomia e reoperados no sétimo dia de pós-operatório, com ressecção da cicatriz e posterior eutanásia. As cicatrizes foram encaminhadas para estudo histológico com técnicas imunoistoquímicas para avaliar Cox-2 (ciclo-oxigenase 2), VEGF (fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular) e FGF (fator de crescimento dos fibroblastos) e analisadas de forma semiquantitativana tanto na cicatriz laparotômica como na parede abdominal mais distante do local operado. Resultados: Avaliando o peso, observou-se a correta inoculação do tumor e o aumento de peso no grupo com a neoplasia na modalidade ascítica. Os estudos histológicos mostraram que os grupos com a neoplasia apresentaram maior presença da Cox-2 em relação ao controle, estatisticamente significante. No estudo da Cox-2 da parede abdominal foi o local em que o grupo ascítico apresentou a diferença mais expressiva. O VEGF não apresentou diferenças significantes entre os três grupos, independentemente do local estudado. O FGF teve aumento significante nos animais com neoplasia. Conclusão: Os achados histológicos encontrados tanto na cicatriz das laparotomias quanto na parede abdominal mostraram que com a neoplasia de Ehrlich houve resposta inflamatória exacerbada, traduzida por expressão mais intensa da Cox-2 e maior proliferação fibroblástica, traduzida por expressão mais intensa do FGF, ou seja, estimulou tanto as reações inflamatórias imediatas, observadas nas reações da Cox-2, como nas cicatriciais tardias com os fibroblastos e o FGF.

Analysis of tissue inflammatory response, fibroplasia, and foreign body reaction between the polyglactin suture of abdominal aponeurosis in rats and the intraperitoneal implant of polypropylene, polypropylene/polyglecaprone and polyester/porcine collagen meshes

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare tissue inflammatory response, foreign body reaction, fibroplasia, and proportion of type I/III collagen between closure of abdominal wall aponeurosis using polyglactin suture and intraperitoneal implant of polypropylene, polypropylene/polyglecaprone, and polyester/porcine collagen meshes to repair defects in the abdominal wall of rats. Methods Forty Wistar rats were placed in four groups, ten animals each, for the intraperitoneal implant of polypropylene, polypropylene/polyglecaprone, and polyester/porcine collagen meshes or suture with polyglactin (sham) after creation of defect in the abdominal wall. Twenty-one days later, histological analysis was performed after staining with hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius red. Results The groups with meshes had a higher inflammation score (p < 0.05) and higher number of gigantocytes (p < 0.05) than the sham group, which had a better fibroplasia with a higher proportion of type I/III collagen than the tissue separating meshes (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups with meshes. Conclusions The intraperitoneal implant of polypropylene/polyglecaprone and polyester/porcine collagen meshes determined a more intense tissue inflammatory response with exuberant foreign body reaction, immature fibroplasia and low tissue proportion of type I/III collagen compared to suture with polyglactin of abdominal aponeurosis. However, there were no significant differences in relation to the polypropylene mesh group.

Chemopreventive activity of grape juice concentrate (G8000TM) on rat colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide in both sexes, with similar geographic patterns between genders. This neoplasm has good prognosis if the disease is diagnosed at early stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of red grape juice on the expression of COX-2 and Ki-67 expression following colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane (AOM). Thirty-five rats were randomly distributed into seven groups (n=5 per group): G1: SHAM or negative control received only saline; G2 (positive control): animals received 15 mg/kg AOM; G3: animals received 1% red grape juice 2 weeks before the administration of AOM; G4: animals received 2% red grape juice 2 weeks before the administration of AOM; G5: animals received 1% red grape juice 4 weeks after the last administration of AOM; G6: animals received 2% red grape juice 4 weeks after the last administration of AOM; G7: animals received only 2% red grape juice. COX-2 mRNA expression was reduced in animals treated with 1% red grape juice before AOM induction or 2% red grape juice after AOM induction. COX-2 immunoexpression was also reduced to groups treated with red grape juice at 1% before and after AOM induction or 2% red grape juice after AOM induction. Decreased immunoexpression of Ki-67 positive cells was observed in animals treated with 1% grape juice before AOM-treated animals. Taken together, grape juice concentrate is able to exert some chemopreventive activity on rat colon carcinogenesis.

Entendendo o câncer de mama: educação em saúde / Understanding breast cancer: health education

Objetivo: Demonstrar os benefícios da educação em saúde sobre o câncer de mama para a população. Métodos: Trata-se de um relato de experiência sobre educação em saúde, utilizando boletins informativos e banners elaborados pelos discentes, monitorado pelos alunos de pós-graduação em patologia e supervisionados pelos colaboradores e coordenadores do projeto, divulgados presencialmente para a comunidade. Resultados: Essa experiência trouxe como resultado maior aproveitamento das atividades didáticas e dinâmicas do ambulatório, com uma metodologia ativa, assim como o empoderamento dos usuários para a autonomia, capacidade de identificar determinantes para sua saúde e cuidar de si e dos outros a sua volta. Conclusão: Conclui-se então que esta atividade de educação foi enriquecedora tanto para os discentes que a organizaram quanto para clientes do ambulatório, expondo uma relação entre a prevenção e a promoção da saúde dos usuários e com um projeto de extensão que visa compartilhar o conhecimento adquirido na academia, transcendendo seus muros para todos. (AU)

Objective: To demonstrate the benefits of health education on breast cancer for the population. Methods: Descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach, using newsletters and banners prepared by students, monitored by graduate students in pathology and supervised by project collaborators and coordinators and disseminated to the community. Results: This experience resulted in greater use of the didactic and dynamic activities of the clinic, with an active methodology, as well as the empowerment of users for autonomy, the ability to identify determinants for their health and to take care of themselves and others around them. Conclusion: We conclude then that the campaign was enriching both for the students who organized it and for clients of the outpatient clinic, exposing a relationship between prevention and health promotion of users and with an extension project that aims to share the knowledge acquired in the academy, transcending their walls for everyone. (AU)

Objetivo: Demostrar los beneficios de la educación para la salud sobre el cáncer para la población. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo-exploratorio con un enfoque cualitativo, utilizando boletines y pancartas preparados por estudiantes, monitoreados por estudiantes graduados en patología y supervisados por colaboradores y coordinadores del proyecto y entregado a la comunidad. Resultados: Esta experiencia resultó en un mayor uso de las actividades didácticas y dinámicas de la clínica, con una metodología activa, así como el empoderamiento de los usuarios para la autonomía, la capacidad de identificar determinantes para su salud y para cuidarse a sí mismos y a los demás a su alrededor. Conclusión: Concluimos entonces que la campaña fue enriquecedora tanto para los estudiantes que la organizaron como para los clientes de la clínica ambulatoria, exponiendo una relación entre prevención y promoción de la salud de los usuarios y con un proyecto de extensión que tiene como objetivo compartir el conocimiento adquirido en la academia, trascendiendo sus muros para todos. (AU)

Concentrated grape juice (G8000™) reduces immunoexpression of iNOS, TNF-alpha, COX-2 and DNA damage on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced-colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by alternating periods of remission and active intestinal inflammation. Flavonoids exert several biological activities, which are mainly related to their ability to inhibit inflammatory process and/or to their antioxidant properties, and are able to regulate the immune response. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether phenolic compounds present in grape juice could reduce the inflammatory effects induced by experimental colitis. A total of 41 male Wistar rats were randomized into seven groups, as follows: G1--Sham group: sham induced-colitis rats; G2--(2,4,6-rinitrobenzenesulfonic acid) TNBS group: nontreated induced-colitis; G3--2% grape juice control group; G4--1% grape juice 24h after TNBS colitis induction; G5--1% grape juice on day 7 after colitis induction; G6--2% grape juice 24h after colitis induction; G7--2% grape juice on day 7 after colitis induction. Genotoxicity was evaluated by comet assay. Immunohistochemistry was determined using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method being analyzed in control (normal tissue) and "hot spot" areas i.e., presenting inflammatory process being graded as 1 (weak), 2 (moderate), or 3 (strong). Both parameters were evaluated in the cytoplasm of epithelial or inflammatory cells. TNF-immunoexpression and iNOS were reduced after drinking grape juice 24 h or after 7 days for all doses tested. COX-2 was reduced in the groups exposed to 1% grape juice 24 h or 7 days of exposure. The grape juice at 1% dose in the last 7 days of treatment as well as grape juice at 2% dose decreased the peripheral blood genotoxicity. Taken together, the grape juice mainly at 1% dose exerts anti-inflammatory effects in chronic colitis caused by TNBS as a result of down regulation in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduction of genotoxicity in peripheral blood cells.

Evaluation of P53, E-cadherin, Cox-2, and EGFR protein immunoexpression on prognostic of resected gallbladder carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder carcinoma presents a dismal prognosis. Choice treatment is surgical resection that is associated a high levels of both morbidity and mortality. Best knowledgement of prognostic factors may result a better selection of patients either for surgical or multimodal treatment. AIM: To evaluate tecidual immunoexpression of P53, E-cadherin, Cox-2, and EGFR proteins and to correlate these findings with resected gallbladder adenocarcinoma survival. METHODS: Clinical, laboratorial, surgical, and anatomopathological reports of a series of gallbladder adenocarcinoma patients were collected by individualized questionary. Total sample was 42 patients. Median of age was 72 years (35-87). There were seven men and 35 women. Lesion distribuition in according TNM state was the following: T1 (n=2), T2 (n=5), T3 (n=31), T4 (n=4). Twenty-three patients underwent radical resection (R0), while 19 palliative surgery (R1-R2). A block of tissue microarray with neoplasic tissue of each patient was confected. It was performed evaluation of P53, E-Caderine, COX-2, and EGFR proteins imunoexpression. These findings were correlated with overall survival. RESULTS: Five-year survival was 28%. The median of global survival was eight months. Only immunoexpression of EGFR protein was considered independent variable at multivariated analysis. CONCLUSION: Final prognosis was influenced by over-expression of EGFR protein in tumoral tissue.