[Technology for access to water in the Amazonian floodplain: positive impacts on the lives of riverine communities in the Middle Solimões, Amazonas State, Brazil]. / Tecnologia para acesso à água na várzea amazônica: impactos positivos na vida de comunidades ribeirinhas do Médio Solimões, Amazonas, Brasil.

The study presents an assessment of the health and social impacts from the implementation of water supply systems in riverine communities in the Middle Solimões region, Amazonas State, Brazil. Data were collected in 21 rural communities, 19 of which received the water access technology experimentally in the last 14 years. For comparison, three rural communities that had not received the technology participated in the study. A quantitative/qualitative methodology was used with the following techniques: focus groups, semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, parasitological tests, and water quality analysis. Even without a reduction in the prevalence of parasite infections, the systems showed impacts on comfort, privacy, and reduction in the time spent on household chores such as fetching water or having to wash clothes and pots and pans outdoors and far from home. The impacts point to an improvement in living conditions from the perspective of wellbeing.

Este estudo apresenta uma avaliação dos impactos de saúde e social com base na implantação de sistemas de abastecimento de água em comunidades ribeirinhas na Região do Médio Solimões, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil. Os dados foram levantados em 21 comunidades rurais, dentre elas 19 que receberam a tecnologia de acesso à água de forma experimental nos últimos 14 anos. Para a comparação, participaram da pesquisa três comunidades rurais que não receberam a tecnologia. A metodologia utilizada foi quanti/quali, com aplicação das técnicas: grupos focais, entrevistas semiestruturadas, questionários, exames parasitólogicos e análise da qualidade da água. Avaliou-se que mesmo não ocorrendo a redução da prevalência de parasitoses, os sistemas apresentaram impactos quanto ao conforto, a privacidade e na redução do tempo gasto em atividades domésticas, como buscar água no rio ou lavar roupas e vasilhas fora do domicílio. Os impactos apontam para a melhoria das condições de vida com base na perspectiva do bem-estar.

Este estudio presenta una evaluación de los impactos de salud y social, a partir de la implementación de sistemas de abastecimiento de agua en comunidades ribereñas en la región del Médio Solimões, estado de Amazonas, Brasil. Los datos se recabaron en 21 comunidades rurales, entre las cuales 19 contaron con tecnología de acceso al agua de forma experimental durante los últimos 14 años. Para la comparación, participaron en la investigación tres comunidades rurales que no recibieron esta tecnología. La metodología utilizada fue cuanti/cualitativa, con aplicación de las siguientes técnicas: grupos focales, entrevistas semiestructuradas, cuestionarios, exámenes parasitológicos, así como análisis de la calidad del agua. Se evaluó que, incluso no produciéndose la reducción de la prevalencia de parasitosis, los sistemas presentaron impactos en cuanto al confort, la privacidad y en la reducción del tiempo empleado en actividades domésticas, como buscar agua en el río o lavar la ropa y la vajilla fuera del domicilio. Los impactos apuntan hacia una mejoría de las condiciones de vida, desde el punto de vista del bienestar.

The sustainable development goals in two sustainable development reserves in central amazon: achievements and challenges.

The 2030 Agenda was set in 2015 by the United Nations, with 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The Amazonian riverine people are recognized as traditional communities that have their own culture and use the local natural resources of their territories in an ancestral and traditional way. The Sustainable Development Reserve is a Brazilian protected area category which aims to ensure the protection of the natural environment while allowing the residence and the use of these lands by traditional populations. This article reports and discusses the achievements and challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals in two sustainable development reserves in Central Amazonia. The goals were evaluated in the Mamirauá and Amanã Sustainable Development Reserves, due to the large research programs developed in those areas along the past 20 years. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals have a clear connection with the mission of these sustainable development reserves in Central Amazon. Despite the many achievements conquered over the years, there are many challenges yet to overcome; and while striving to achieve the goals from the 2030 Agenda, new challenges will emerge. The current main challenges to reach the Sustainable Development Goals in the Mamirauá and Amanã Sustainable Development Reserves, in Central Amazon, are connecting to the reality of rural areas.

Rivastigmine prevents injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion in rat liver.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether pre-treatment with rivastigmine is able to attenuate the I/R induced lesions in rat liver. METHODS: SHAM animals or those submitted to I/R, non-treated or pre-treated with rivastigminine (2mg/kg) either 50 or 15 minutes before ischemia, were used. After I/R protocol, these animals were killed and their livers were harvested to measurement of the mitochondrial swelling as well as the malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite and nitrate tissue concentration. Blood was also harvested for serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) determinations. RESULTS: I/R promoted a significant increase of mitochondrial swelling in the studied animals. This increase of mitochondrial swelling was partially prevented by rivastigmine, but only if administered 50 minutes before ischemia. No significant modification of MDA, nitrite or nitrate tissue concentrations was observed in consequence of I/R, followed or not by rivastigmine treatments. In addition, I/R elevated both AST and ALT. These elevations of serum enzymes were not reversed by the different rivastigmine treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Rivastigmine administered 50 minutes before ischemia attenuates I/R-induced mitochondrial swelling, that indicates liver injury. This protective effect may be related to a greater stimulation of α7nAChR present in the Kupffer cells by the non-methabolized ACh, leading to an attenuation of I/R-induced inflammation.

Prophylactic application of laser light restores L-FABP expression in the livers of rats submitted to partial ischemia.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of pre-conditioning treatment with laser light on hepatic injury in rats submitted to partial ischemia using mitochondrial function and liver fatty acid binding protein as markers. METHODS: Rats were divided into four groups (n=5): 1) Control, 2) Control + Laser, 3) Partial Ischemia and 4) Partial Ischemia + Laser. Ischemia was induced by clamping the hepatic pedicle of the left and middle lobes of the liver for 60 minutes. Laser light at 660 nm was applied to the liver immediately prior to the induction of ischemia at 22.5 J/cm2, with 30 seconds of illumination at five individual points. The animals were sacrificed after 30 minutes of reperfusion. Blood and liver tissues were collected for analysis of mitochondrial function, determination of malondialdehyde and analysis of fatty acid binding protein expression by Western blot. RESULTS: Mitochondrial function decreased in the Partial Ischemia group, especially during adenosine diphosphate-activated respiration (state 3), and the expression of fatty acid binding protein was also reduced. The application of laser light prevented bioenergetic changes and restored the expression of fatty acid binding protein. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic application of laser light to the livers of rats submitted to partial ischemia was found to have a protective effect in the liver, with normalization of both mitochondrial function and fatty acid binding protein tissue expression.

Liver ischemia and reperfusion injury. Pathophysiology and new horizons in preconditioning and therapy.

It is well known that during hepatic operative procedures, it is often critical that the irrigation is interrupted to avoid possible bleeding, blood transfusions, variable intensities, and their short and long-term consequences. It was believed in the past that the flow interruption should not exceed 20 minutes, which limited the use of this maneuver. However, it has been postulated that ischemia could be maintained for more than 60 minutes in healthy livers. The present paper review includes: 1) A brief introduction to justify the rationale of the review design; 2) Aspects of the pathophysiology of the three stages of the liver ischemia-reperfusion injury; 3) The innate and acquired immunity; 4) Oxidative stress; 5) Apoptosis and autophagy, Some essential biomarkers (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, nitric oxide, metalloproteinases); and, finally; 6) Preventive ("cheating") strategies, non-pharmacological and pharmacological options to treat the liver IR injury.

Effect of liver ischemic preconditioning in cirrhotic rats submitted to hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to determine the influence of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on rat liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Cirrhosis was induced in Wistar rats by occlusion of the hepatic duct. The animals were divided into four groups of six animals each: non-cirrhotic group (simulated operation only), cirrhotic control group (simulated operation in cirrhotic rats), I/R group (40-minute ischemia without IPC), and IPC group (cirrhotic rats with ischemia, previously submitted to IPC). The IPC procedure consisted of partial hepatic ischemia for five minutes, followed by 10 minutes of reperfusion. In the case of the IPC group, the animals were submitted to liver ischemia for 40 minutes after the preconditioning procedure, followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum aminotransferases (ALT and AST). The respiratory control ratio (RCR), the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and malondialdehyde (MDA) values in the hepatic tissue were analyzed. Nonparametric statistical analysis was used and a value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Ischemia did not induce significant increase in ALT and AST levels. MDA values were significantly higher in cirrhotic animals. MMP did not significantly change in cirrhosis and liver ischemia. Mitochondrial RCR decreased in liver cirrhosis, accentuated upon liver ischemia, and did not significantly change with IPC. CONCLUSION: Ischemic preconditioning does not protect the liver from hepatic injury induced by the ischemia/reperfusion process.

Proliferative effect of the aqueous extract of Hyptis pectinata on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats.

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to assess the effects of the aqueous extract of Hyptis pectinata leaves on liver regeneration and on serum enzymes (AST, ALT and gamma-GT) after 67% partial hepatectomy in rats. METHODS: AST, ALT and gamma-GT, were determined by conventional procedures using a spectrophotometer (Model E2250-CELM). Liver regeneration was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). RESULTS: Oral pretreatment during 4 days at 100 mg/kg increased liver regeneration index. At 200 mg/kg, AST level was statistically decreased in comparison to the group submitted to distilled water administration. The other enzymes assessed disclosed no difference when all groups were compared. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that the aqueous extract of Hyptis pectinata leaves contains some biological active principles that stimulate liver regeneration at 100 mg/kg and cause slight hepatic protection at 200 mg/kg.

Effect of irradiation with different laser wavelengths on oxidative stress of non-hepatectomized rats.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of two laser wavelengths, either separate or combined, on intact rat livers. METHOD: Nineteen male Wistar rats (200-300 g) were submitted to laser irradiation at 5 different sites on the liver surface.Wavelengths 660 and 780 nm were used, with a dose of irradiation of 60 J/cm2/site.The animals were divided into the groups:control (C) and animals irradiated with 660 nm laser (L1), with 780 nm laser (L2) or withboth wavelengths (L3).Mitochondrial function, mitochondrial swelling, and hepatocellular malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined.Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test, with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: There was a reduction of ADP-activated respiration (state 3) in group L1 compared to group C (p=0.0016), whereas the values of group L2 were similar to control.Group L3 also showed a reduction of state 3 (p=0.0159).There was a reduction of RCR in group L1 compared to control (p=0.0001) and to group L2 (p=0.0040).Mitochondrial swelling only differed between group L3 and control (p=0.0286).There was a increase in MDA levels in group L3 compared to control (p=0.0476) and to group L2 (p=0.0286) and in group L1 compared to group L2 (p=0.0132). CONCLUSION: Although laser irradiation reduced mitochondrial function,it did not interfere with the hepatocellular energy status.

Tecnologia para acesso à água na várzea amazônica: impactos positivos na vida de comunidades ribeirinhas do Médio Solimões, Amazonas, Brasil / Technology for access to water in the Amazonian floodplain: positive impacts on the lives of riverine communities in the Middle Solimões, Amazonas State, Brazil / Tecnología para acceso al agua en la cuenca amazónica: impactos positivos en la vida de comunidades ribereñas del Médio Solimões, Amazonas, Brasil

Resumo: Este estudo apresenta uma avaliação dos impactos de saúde e social com base na implantação de sistemas de abastecimento de água em comunidades ribeirinhas na Região do Médio Solimões, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil. Os dados foram levantados em 21 comunidades rurais, dentre elas 19 que receberam a tecnologia de acesso à água de forma experimental nos últimos 14 anos. Para a comparação, participaram da pesquisa três comunidades rurais que não receberam a tecnologia. A metodologia utilizada foi quanti/quali, com aplicação das técnicas: grupos focais, entrevistas semiestruturadas, questionários, exames parasitólogicos e análise da qualidade da água. Avaliou-se que mesmo não ocorrendo a redução da prevalência de parasitoses, os sistemas apresentaram impactos quanto ao conforto, a privacidade e na redução do tempo gasto em atividades domésticas, como buscar água no rio ou lavar roupas e vasilhas fora do domicílio. Os impactos apontam para a melhoria das condições de vida com base na perspectiva do bem-estar.

Abstract: The study presents an assessment of the health and social impacts from the implementation of water supply systems in riverine communities in the Middle Solimões region, Amazonas State, Brazil. Data were collected in 21 rural communities, 19 of which received the water access technology experimentally in the last 14 years. For comparison, three rural communities that had not received the technology participated in the study. A quantitative/qualitative methodology was used with the following techniques: focus groups, semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, parasitological tests, and water quality analysis. Even without a reduction in the prevalence of parasite infections, the systems showed impacts on comfort, privacy, and reduction in the time spent on household chores such as fetching water or having to wash clothes and pots and pans outdoors and far from home. The impacts point to an improvement in living conditions from the perspective of wellbeing.

Resumen: Este estudio presenta una evaluación de los impactos de salud y social, a partir de la implementación de sistemas de abastecimiento de agua en comunidades ribereñas en la región del Médio Solimões, estado de Amazonas, Brasil. Los datos se recabaron en 21 comunidades rurales, entre las cuales 19 contaron con tecnología de acceso al agua de forma experimental durante los últimos 14 años. Para la comparación, participaron en la investigación tres comunidades rurales que no recibieron esta tecnología. La metodología utilizada fue cuanti/cualitativa, con aplicación de las siguientes técnicas: grupos focales, entrevistas semiestructuradas, cuestionarios, exámenes parasitológicos, así como análisis de la calidad del agua. Se evaluó que, incluso no produciéndose la reducción de la prevalencia de parasitosis, los sistemas presentaron impactos en cuanto al confort, la privacidad y en la reducción del tiempo empleado en actividades domésticas, como buscar agua en el río o lavar la ropa y la vajilla fuera del domicilio. Los impactos apuntan hacia una mejoría de las condiciones de vida, desde el punto de vista del bienestar.

Avaliação microbiológica do pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) manejado nas Reservas de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá e Amanã (resultados preliminares) / Microbiological evaluation of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) managed in Mamirauá and Amanã Sustainable Development Reserves (preliminary results)

O pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) é um peixe carnívoro da Amazônia e é considerado um dos peixes mais importantes da região. Ele é manejado de forma sustentável por Acordos de Pesca da Reserva de Desenvolvimento sustentável Mamirauá. Dados microbiológicos são necessários para verificar a qualidade higiênico-sanitária dos peixes manejados nessa região. Devido a essa importância o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica do pirarucu manejado nas Reservas de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá e Amanã. Foram avaliados 16 amostras no total, provenientes de dois Acordos de Pesca diferentes (AP1 e AP2). Os microrganismos analisados foram Mesófilos, Staphylococcus aureus, Coliformes Totais e Escherichia coli. As amostras dos dois Acordos de Pesca tiveram presença para todas as bactérias e grupos de bactérias analisados, com valores mais elevados para o AP1. Tendo assim a partir desses resultados a necessidade de um controle maior das condições higiênico-sanitária no fluxograma de beneficiamento dos locais estudados.

Assessment of WASH scenarios in urban and rural schools of a small city in the Brazilian Amazon / Avaliação do cenário WASH (água, saneamento e higiene) em escolas urbanas e rurais de uma pequena cidade na Amazônia brasileira

ABSTRACT This study analyzed environmental aspects of county and state managed public schools within Tefé county in the Brazilian Amazon, using the WASH concept (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) developed by UNICEF and OMS. WASH is a strategy used since 1995, when child mortality rates were on the rise. Research was conducted using a questionnaire applied to employees of 19 primary and secondary schools, and based on WASH principles. After its application, we used an observation checklist to assess the state of the schools' physical structure. We also conducted water quality analyses. All schools presented water contamination with total coliforms and 26% did not conduct any type of water treatment. The number of toilets in all schools was insufficient, and 47% of schools presented bathroom irregularities. The presence of flies was observed in 52%, and the accumulation of rubbish in 31% of the schools. This study demonstrates an emerging need to improve issues of water, sanitation, and hygiene in Tefé schools in order to minimize the risk of illness, which influences school routines and individual learning processes. We suggest greater investments in and care of educational institutions, stemming from both public policies and the mobilization of the local population around these issues.

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou alguns aspectos do ambiente das escolas públicas municipais e estaduais do município de Tefé, localizado na Amazônia brasileira, através do conceito WASH (água, saneamento e higiene) desenvolvido por UNICEF e a OMS. O WASH é uma estratégia utilizada desde 1995, quando os índices de mortalidade infantil estavam em crescimento. O estudo foi realizado a partir da aplicação de um questionário para os funcionários de 19 escolas de ensino primário ao médio, elaborado com base nos preceitos de WASH. Na sequência, foi utilizada uma lista de observação para verificação da estrutura física. Também foram realizadas analises da qualidade da água. Todas as escolas apresentaram contaminação da água por coliformes totais e 26% não aplicam nenhum tipo de tratamento à água. Em todas as escolas a quantidade de sanitários foi insuficiente, e em 47% as instalações sanitárias apresentarem irregularidades. A presença de moscas foi observada em 52% das escolas, além do acúmulo de entulho em 31% dessas instituições. Com este estudo, constatou-se a necessidade emergente de melhorias nas questões de água, saneamento e higiene nas escolas de Tefé, visando minimizar riscos de doenças que influenciam a vida escolar e o aprendizado dos alunos. Recomendamos maiores investimentos e cuidados nas instituições escolares, tanto a partir de políticas públicas, quanto partindo da mobilização da população.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on liver function during intermittent ischemia.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on liver function in rats previously subjected to ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: A randomly distribution of 23 Wistar rats was conducted into three groups: SHAM, animals subjected to surgical stress without restricting blood flow by clamping the hepatic pedicle, IR, rats underwent hepatic vascular occlusion intermittently for two complete cycles of 15 minutes of ischemia followed by 5 min of reperfusion, IR / HBO, rats underwent hepatic pedicle clamping and thereafter exposed to hyperbaric oxygen pressure of 2 absolute atmospheres for 60 minutes. We evaluated liver function through mitochondrial function, determined by the stages 3 and 4 of respiration, respiratory control ratio (RCR) and mitochondrial permeability transition (Swelling). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were also quantified . We analyzed the results using the Mann-Whitney test and were considered significant all results with p <0.05. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the results of stage 3 in SHAM vs IR group ; of the stage 4 in the groups IR vs SHAM and SHAM vs IR /HBO; of the Respiratory Control Ratio (RCR) in the group IR vs IR / HBO ; of alanine aminotransferase in the groups IR vs SHAM , SHAM vs IR/HBO and IR vs IR / HBO; aspartate aminotransferase in the groups SHAM vs IR and SHAM vs IR / HBO. CONCLUSION: The whole analysis of the mitochondrial function indicators permits us to conclude that the hyperbaric oxygen therapy acted as a protective agent of the mitochondrial function, minimizing the ischemia-reperfusion injury of the hepatic parenchyma.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), as pre-conditioning in liver of rats submitted to periodic liver ischemia/reperfusion.

PURPOSE: to assess the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) as pre-conditioning on periodic liver ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (SHAM, I/R , HBO-I/R and CONTROL). The surgical technique consisted of total clamping of the hepatic pedicle for 15 min followed by twice repeated reperfusion for 5 min (unclamping). HBO was applied in a collective chamber (simultaneous exposure of 4 rats) directly pressurized with oxygen at 2 ATA for 60 min. Hepatic mitochondrial function was determined using samples of the median lobe obtained after exactly 5 min of reperfusion for the analysis of mitochondrial respiration based on the determination of states 3 and 4, the respiratory control ratio and the transition of mitochondrial permeability (mitochondrial swelling).Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in state 3 between the CONTROL and I/R and HBO-I/R groups, in state 4 between the CONTROL and I/R and HBO-I/R groups; in respiratory control ratio (RCR) between the CONTROL and I/R and HBO-I/R groups and between the CONTROL and Sham groups, and in mitochondrial swelling between the CONTROL and I/R and HBO-/R groups and between the Sham and I/R and HBO-I/R groups. CONCLUSION: In this process of periodic ischemia and reperfusion, hyperbaric pre-conditioning did not improve significantly hepatic mitochondrial function.

Liver ischemia and reperfusion injury. Pathophysiology and new horizons in preconditioning and therapy

Abstract It is well known that during hepatic operative procedures, it is often critical that the irrigation is interrupted to avoid possible bleeding, blood transfusions, variable intensities, and their short and long-term consequences. It was believed in the past that the flow interruption should not exceed 20 minutes, which limited the use of this maneuver. However, it has been postulated that ischemia could be maintained for more than 60 minutes in healthy livers. The present paper review includes: 1) A brief introduction to justify the rationale of the review design; 2) Aspects of the pathophysiology of the three stages of the liver ischemia-reperfusion injury; 3) The innate and acquired immunity; 4) Oxidative stress; 5) Apoptosis and autophagy, Some essential biomarkers (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, nitric oxide, metalloproteinases); and, finally; 6) Preventive ("cheating") strategies, non-pharmacological and pharmacological options to treat the liver IR injury.

Rivastigmine prevents injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion in rat liver

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate whether pre-treatment with rivastigmine is able to attenuate the I/R induced lesions in rat liver. Methods: SHAM animals or those submitted to I/R, non-treated or pre-treated with rivastigminine (2mg/kg) either 50 or 15 minutes before ischemia, were used. After I/R protocol, these animals were killed and their livers were harvested to measurement of the mitochondrial swelling as well as the malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite and nitrate tissue concentration. Blood was also harvested for serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) determinations. Results: I/R promoted a significant increase of mitochondrial swelling in the studied animals. This increase of mitochondrial swelling was partially prevented by rivastigmine, but only if administered 50 minutes before ischemia. No significant modification of MDA, nitrite or nitrate tissue concentrations was observed in consequence of I/R, followed or not by rivastigmine treatments. In addition, I/R elevated both AST and ALT. These elevations of serum enzymes were not reversed by the different rivastigmine treatments. Conclusions: Rivastigmine administered 50 minutes before ischemia attenuates I/R-induced mitochondrial swelling, that indicates liver injury. This protective effect may be related to a greater stimulation of α7nAChR present in the Kupffer cells by the non-methabolized ACh, leading to an attenuation of I/R-induced inflammation.

Prophylactic application of laser light restores L-FABP expression in the livers of rats submitted to partial ischemia

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of pre-conditioning treatment with laser light on hepatic injury in rats submitted to partial ischemia using mitochondrial function and liver fatty acid binding protein as markers. METHODS: Rats were divided into four groups (n=5): 1) Control, 2) Control + Laser, 3) Partial Ischemia and 4) Partial Ischemia + Laser. Ischemia was induced by clamping the hepatic pedicle of the left and middle lobes of the liver for 60 minutes. Laser light at 660 nm was applied to the liver immediately prior to the induction of ischemia at 22.5 J/cm2, with 30 seconds of illumination at five individual points. The animals were sacrificed after 30 minutes of reperfusion. Blood and liver tissues were collected for analysis of mitochondrial function, determination of malondialdehyde and analysis of fatty acid binding protein expression by Western blot. RESULTS: Mitochondrial function decreased in the Partial Ischemia group, especially during adenosine diphosphate-activated respiration (state 3), and the expression of fatty acid binding protein was also reduced. The application of laser light prevented bioenergetic changes and restored the expression of fatty acid binding protein. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic application of laser light to the livers of rats submitted to partial ischemia was found to have a protective effect in the liver, with normalization of both mitochondrial function and fatty acid binding protein tissue expression.

Biochemical liver function after partial hepatic resection with or without partial hepatic vascular exclusion.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess the advantages and disadvantages of liver vascular partial exclusion (LVPE) (liver dysfunction due to ischemia) during liver resection in patients submitted to partial hepatectomy. METHODS: A total of 114 patients were submitted to partial hepatectomy (minor versus major resections) with LPVE being used in 57 of them but not in the remaining 57. Patient age ranged from 35 to 73 years and 57 % were women. Mitochondrial function was assessed 30 minutes after liver resection in the remnant liver and serum aminotransferases were determined before surgery and for seven days postoperatively. LPVE time ranged from 30 to 60 minutes. Data were analyzed statistically by the Student T test (5 % level of significance). RESULTS: Mitochondrial function was similar in the minor and major liver resections. The maximum postoperative aminotransferase peak was similar in the groups with and without LPVE. CONCLUSION: LPVE did not induce mitochondrial changes in hepatic tissue in either type of surgery, and aminotransferase levels were similar for patients with and without LPVE. Thus, the results show that LPVE is a safe procedure that does not induce the significant changes typical of ischemia and reperfusion in the liver remnant.

Effect of irradiation with different laser wavelengths on oxidative stress of non-hepatectomized rats

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of two laser wavelengths, either separate or combined, on intact rat livers. METHOD: Nineteen male Wistar rats (200-300 g) were submitted to laser irradiation at 5 different sites on the liver surface.Wavelengths 660 and 780 nm were used, with a dose of irradiation of 60 J/cm2/site.The animals were divided into the groups:control (C) and animals irradiated with 660 nm laser (L1), with 780 nm laser (L2) or withboth wavelengths (L3).Mitochondrial function, mitochondrial swelling, and hepatocellular malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined.Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test, with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: There was a reduction of ADP-activated respiration (state 3) in group L1 compared to group C (p=0.0016), whereas the values of group L2 were similar to control.Group L3 also showed a reduction of state 3 (p=0.0159).There was a reduction of RCR in group L1 compared to control (p=0.0001) and to group L2 (p=0.0040).Mitochondrial swelling only differed between group L3 and control (p=0.0286).There was a increase in MDA levels in group L3 compared to control (p=0.0476) and to group L2 (p=0.0286) and in group L1 compared to group L2 (p=0.0132). CONCLUSION: Although laser irradiation reduced mitochondrial function,it did not interfere with the hepatocellular energy status.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on liver function during intermittent ischemia / Efeito da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica sobre a função hepática na isquemia intermitente

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on liver function in rats previously subjected to ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: A randomly distribution of 23 Wistar rats was conducted into three groups: SHAM, animals subjected to surgical stress without restricting blood flow by clamping the hepatic pedicle, IR, rats underwent hepatic vascular occlusion intermittently for two complete cycles of 15 minutes of ischemia followed by 5 min of reperfusion, IR / HBO, rats underwent hepatic pedicle clamping and thereafter exposed to hyperbaric oxygen pressure of 2 absolute atmospheres for 60 minutes. We evaluated liver function through mitochondrial function, determined by the stages 3 and 4 of respiration, respiratory control ratio (RCR) and mitochondrial permeability transition (Swelling). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were also quantified . We analyzed the results using the Mann-Whitney test and were considered significant all results with p <0.05. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the results of stage 3 in SHAM vs IR group ; of the stage 4 in the groups IR vs SHAM and SHAM vs IR /HBO; of the Respiratory Control Ratio (RCR) in the group IR vs IR / HBO ; of alanine aminotransferase in the groups IR vs SHAM , SHAM vs IR/HBO and IR vs IR / HBO; aspartate aminotransferase in the groups SHAM vs IR and SHAM vs IR / HBO. CONCLUSION: The whole analysis of the mitochondiral function indicators permits us to conclude that the hyperbaric oxygen therapy acted as a protective agent of the mitochondrial function, minimizing the ischemia-reperfusion injury of the hepatic parenchyma.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica sobre a função hepática de ratos previamente submetidos à isquemia e reperfusão. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se a distribuição aleatória de 23 ratos Wistar em três grupos: SHAM, animais submetidos ao estresse cirúrgico sem restrição de fluxo sanguíneo por clampeamento do pedículo hepático; IR ratos submetidos a oclusão vascular hepática de maneira intermitente em dois ciclos completos de 15 minutos de isquemia, seguidos por 5 min de reperfusão; IR/HBO, ratos submetidos ao clampeamento do pedículo hepático e ,ulteriormente , expostos a oxigenoterapia hiperbárica a pressão de 2 atmosferas absolutas durante 60 minutos. Avaliou-se a função hepática através da função mitocondrial, determinada pelos estados 3 e 4 da respiração mitocondrial, razão de controle respiratório(RCR) e transição de permeabilidade mitocondrial (Swelling) .Quantificou-se também alanina aminotransferase e aspartato aminotransferase séricas. Analisou-se os resultados pelo teste de Mann-Whitney e foram considerados significativos os valores de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS:Houve diferença significativa nos valores do estado 3 no grupo SHAM vs IR; estado 4 nos grupos SHAM vs IR, SHAM vsIR/HBO; Razão de Controle Respiratório(RCR) no grupo IR vs IR/HBO; alanina aminotransferase nos grupos SHAM vs IR, SHAM vs IR/HBO, IR vs IR/HBO; aspartato aminotransferase nos grupos SHAM vs IR , SHAM vs IR/HBO. CONCLUSÃO: A análise dos parâmetros mitocondriais como um todo permitiu concluir que a oxigenoterapia hiperbárica atuou como agente protetor da função mitocondrial, minimizando os efeitos deletérios da lesão de isquemia e reperfusão do parênquima hepático.

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), as pre-conditioning in liver of rats submitted to periodic liver ischemia/reperfusion / Efeitos da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica como pré-condicionamento em fígados de ratos submetidos à lesão hepática de isquemia/reperfusão intermitente

PURPOSE: to assess the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) as pre-conditioning on periodic liver ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (SHAM, I/R , HBO-I/R and CONTROL). The surgical technique consisted of total clamping of the hepatic pedicle for 15 min followed by twice repeated reperfusion for 5 min (unclamping). HBO was applied in a collective chamber (simultaneous exposure of 4 rats) directly pressurized with oxygen at 2 ATA for 60 min. Hepatic mitochondrial function was determined using samples of the median lobe obtained after exactly 5 min of reperfusion for the analysis of mitochondrial respiration based on the determination of states 3 and 4, the respiratory control ratio and the transition of mitochondrial permeability (mitochondrial swelling).Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference (p< 0.05) in state 3 between the CONTROL and I/R and HBO-I/R groups, in state 4 between the CONTROL and I/R and HBO-I/R groups; in respiratory control ratio (RCR) between the CONTROL and I/R and HBO-I/R groups and between the CONTROL and Sham groups, and in mitochondrial swelling between the CONTROL and I/R and HBO-/R groups and between the Sham and I/R and HBO-I/R groups. CONCLUSION: In this process of periodic ischemia and reperfusion, hyperbaric pre-conditioning did not improve significantly hepatic mitochondrial function.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (HBO), como pré-condicionamento, em lesão hepática de isquemia/reperfusão intermitente. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 36 ratos Wistar machos, distribuídos em 4 grupos (SHAM, I/R , HBO - I/R e CONTROLE). A técnica operatória consistiu em pinçamento total do pedículo hepático durante 15min, seguido de reperfusão por 5 min (desclampeamento), por duas vezes. A aplicação de HBO foi realizada em câmara coletiva (exposição simultânea de 4 ratos) diretamente pressurizada com oxigênio a 2ATA, durante 60min. Determinou-se a função mitocondrial hepática através de amostras do lobo mediano colhidas com exatos 5min de reperfusão para análise da respiração mitocondrial, através da determinação dos estados 3 e 4, razão de controle respiratório e transição de permeabilidade mitocondrial (intumescimento osmótico - swelling mitocondrial).Os resultados foram analisados pelo teste de Mann-Whitney e foi considerado significativo todo valor de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença estatistica significativa (p< 0,05) no Estado 3 nos grupos CONTROLE vs I/R e HBO - I/R, no Estado 4 nos grupos CONTROLE vs I/R e HBO - I/R; na Razão de controle respiratório(RCR) nos grupos CONTROLE vs I/R e HBO-IRe CONTROLE vs Sham e no Swelling mitocondrial nos grupos CONTROLE vs I/R e HBO - I/R, I/R vs HBO-IRe Sham vs I/R e HBO-IR. CONCLUSÃO: O pré-condicionamento hiperbárico não melhorou a função mitocondrial hepática significativamente neste processo de isquemia e reperfusão intermitente.