Prognostic value of pretreatment cardiovascular biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prognostic significance of pretreatment C-reactive protein (CRP), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels on all-cause mortality 3 years after head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) diagnosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data from 118 consecutive HNSCC patients, treated between 2012 and 2015, were evaluated prospectively. The impact of CRP, high-sensitive (hs)-cTnT, and NT-proBNP levels on the 3-year overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: During the 36-month follow-up, 37 patients (31.35%) died. Multivariate analysis revealed that elevated CRP (Hazard ratio: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.44-9.53, p = .007) and NT-proBNP levels (Hazard ratio: 5.04, 95% CI: 2.02-12.55, p = .001) were associated with negative prognosis, independent on age, sex, smoking and alcohol status, TNM classification, tumor site, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and treatment modality (except for radiotherapy). hs-cTnT had no influence over the prognosis, but it was correlated with TNM classification and SBP. CRP was significantly correlated with BMI and TNM classification, and NT-proBNP with SBP and hs-cTnT. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment CRP and NT-proBNP levels were identified as independent prognostic markers for poor clinical outcome 3 years after HNSCC diagnosis.

The fatty acid profile of adipose tissue as a predictor of the ponderal and inflammatory response in adult women six years after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue is involved in several metabolic changes. This study investigated the association between the fatty acid (FA) composition of subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue pre-surgery and the postsurgical response regarding the evolution of weight and concentrations of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in adult women who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n = 14) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 19) at one (T1), three (T3) and six (T6) years after surgery. METHODS: Blood samples were collected to obtain plasma for the measurement of IL-6 and TNF. Anthropometric measurements were performed, collecting samples of VAT and SAT during surgery to assess the FA profiles. RESULTS: Weight loss had a positive correlation with the percentage of VAT-C17:0 (T1, T3) and SAT-C18:2 (T1, T3, T6), and it had a negative correlation with SAT-C22:0 (T1, T3) and VAT-C22:0 (T3). Regarding the inflammatory response, SAT-C14:0 (T6), VAT-C14:0 (T6), SAT-C14:1 (baseline), SAT-C15:0 (T6), SAT-C16:1 (T6), VAT-C16:1 (baseline), SAT-C17:1 (T6), VAT-C17:1 (baseline), VAT-C18:1 (T6), and VAT-C20:1 (T6) exhibited positive correlations with the concentration of IL-6, which were different from the correlations of IL-6 concentrations with SAT-C18:2, VAT-C18:2 (T6), and VAT-C18:3 (T6). The FA SAT-C18:0 (T1) was negatively correlated with TNF concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Saturated FAs were predominantly proinflammatory, primarily in the late postoperative period. Alternately, the polyunsaturated FAs exhibited anti-inflammatory potential and predicted weight loss. Thus, the FA profile of the adipose tissue of obese adult women may be a predictor of the ponderal and inflammatory response 6 years after bariatric surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the ethics committee of Federal University of Viçosa; Registration n. 17287913.2.0000.5153; Date: 07/05/2013.

Serca2a and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger are involved in left ventricular function following cardiac remodelling of female rats treated with anabolic androgenic steroid.

UNLABELLED: Anabolic-androgenic steroids are misused, including by women, but little is known about the cardiovascular effects of these drugs on women. AIM: To evaluated the effects of nandrolone decanoate (ND) and resistive physical exercise on cardiac contractility in young female rats. MAIN METHODS: Female Wistar rats were separated into 4 groups: C (untrained animals); E (animals were submitted to resistance exercise by jumping in water 5 times per week); ND (animals were treated with ND, 20mg/kg/week for 4weeks); and NDE (trained and treated). The haemodynamic parameters (+dP/dtmax, -dP/dtmin and Tau) were assessed in the left ventricle. The heart was collected for histological analyses and collagen deposition. The gastrocnemius muscle was weighed, and hypertrophy was assessed by the ratio of their weights to gastrocnemius/tibia length. The expression of calcium handling proteins was measured by western blot analysis. RESULTS: ND treatment and physical exercise increased cardiac contractility and relaxation. In addition, ND promoted increases in phospholamban phosphorylated (p-PLB) and isoforms of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 (SERCA2a) expression, while resistance exercise increased the phosphorylation of PLB and expression of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchangers (NCX). Cardiac hypertrophy and collagen deposition were observed after ND treatment. CONCLUSION: Regulatory components of cytosolic calcium, such as SERCA2a and p-PLB, play important roles in modulating the contractility and relaxation effects of ND in females.

Relationship between male hormonal status, Bezold-Jarisch reflex function, and ACE activity (cardiac and plasmatic).

The negative relationship between androgens and the Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR) has been demonstrated, but no studies evaluated the physiological influence of testosterone on this reflex. We evaluated the influence of male rat castration on the BJR, cardiac morphometric parameters, and the plasmatic and the cardiac angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity. After castration (CAS), the rats were divided into 24 and 72 h (CAS24H, CAS72H), and 7 and 21 days (CAS7D, CAS21D) groups. The BJR was studied by administering increasing doses of phenylbiguanide (PBG; 1.5-24 µg/kg) at different times after castration. Castration results in the following: (i) reduction in testosterone levels (SHAM: 238.7 ± 15.1; CAS24H: 9.0 ± 0.5; CAS72H: 6.7 ± 0.4; CAS7D: 5.2 ± 0.2; and CAS21D: 2.2 ± 0.3 ng/dL; p < 0.05); (ii) no changes in 17ß-estradiol; (iii) a reduced BJR sensitivity (PBG 6 µg/kg; SHAM: 77 ± 7; CAS24H: 63 ± 10; CAS72H: 55 ± 6; CAS7D: 54 ± 4; and CAS21D: 35 ± 2%; p < 0.01); (iv) a decrease in cardiac (SHAM: 107 ± 6; CAS24H: 92 ± 2; CAS72H: 82 ± 3; CAS7D: 54 ± 3; and CAS21D: 43 ± 4%; p < 0.05) and plasmatic (SHAM: 135 ± 8; CAS24H: 102 ± 5; CAS72H: 99 ± 3; CAS7D: 89 ± 4; and CAS21D: 56 ± 6%; p < 0.05) ACE activity. No changes were observed in cardiac morphometry and hemodynamic parameters. Therefore, castration leads to decrease in testosterone levels as early as 24 h, reduction in ACE activity and loss of BJR sensitivity 7 days after castration. The loss of BJR sensitivity was not related to cardiac morphometric changes and cardiovascular hemodynamics.

Cardiopulmonary reflex, cardiac cytokines, and nandrolone decanoate: response to resistance training in rats.

This study evaluated the effects of nandrolone associated with resistance training (RT) on cardiac cytokines, angiotensin-converting enzyme activity (ACEA), and the sensitivity of the Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR). Male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: CONT (received vehicle, no training); EXERC (RT: after one week of water adaptation, rats were exercised by jumping into water twice a week for 4 weeks), and ND+EXERC (received nandrolone decanoate 10 mg/kg, twice/week, i.m, associated with RT). The BJR was analysed by measuring bradycardic and hypotensive responses elicited by serotonin administration. Myocyte hypertrophy and matrix collagen deposition were determined by morphometric analysis of H&E and picrosirius red-stained samples, respectively. TNF-α and ACEA were also studied. RT promoted physiological myocyte hyrpertrophy but did not cause changes in the other parameters. The association of ND with RT increased myocyte hypertrophy, deposition of matrix type I collagen, TNF-α and ACEA; decreased IL-10, and impairment in the BJR were observed in ND+EXERC compared with CONT and EXERC. ND is associated with alterations in cardiac structure and function as a result of the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy (cardiac cytokine imbalance, elevation of ACEA) and cardiac injury, even when combined with resistance training.

Antihypertensive effect of Carica papaya via a reduction in ACE activity and improved baroreflex.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the antihypertensive effects of the standardised methanolic extract of Carica papaya, its angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory effects in vivo, its effect on the baroreflex and serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity, and its chemical composition. The chemical composition of the methanolic extract of C. papaya was evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass/mass and mass/mass spectrometry. The angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory effect was evaluated in vivo by Ang I administration. The antihypertensive assay was performed in spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar rats that were treated with enalapril (10 mg/kg), the methanolic extract of C. papaya (100 mg/kg; twice a day), or vehicle for 30 days. The baroreflex was evaluated through the use of sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine. Angiotensin converting enzyme activity was measured by ELISA, and cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by morphometric analysis. The methanolic extract of C. papaya was standardised in ferulic acid (203.41 ± 0.02 µg/g), caffeic acid (172.60 ± 0.02 µg/g), gallic acid (145.70 ± 0.02 µg/g), and quercetin (47.11 ± 0.03 µg/g). The flavonoids quercetin, rutin, nicotiflorin, clitorin, and manghaslin were identified in a fraction of the extract. The methanolic extract of C. papaya elicited angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activity. The antihypertensive effects elicited by the methanolic extract of C. papaya were similar to those of enalapril, and the baroreflex sensitivity was normalised in treated spontaneously hypertensive rats. Plasma angiotensin converting enzyme activity and cardiac hypertrophy were also reduced to levels comparable to the enalapril-treated group. These results may be associated with the chemical composition of the methanolic extract of C. papaya, and are the first step into the development of a new phytotherapic product which could be used in the treatment of hypertension.

Acute poisoning by chlorpyrifos differentially impacts survival and cardiorespiratory function in normotensive and hypertensive rats.

Hypertension is the most important and well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recently, acute organophosphate (OP) poisoning has also been pointed as a CVD risk factor. Despite this evidence, no studies have contrasted the acute toxicosis and cardiovascular (CV) effects of OP poisoning under conditions of normotension and hypertension. In this work, adult male normotensive Wistar and Spontaneously Hypertensive rats (SHR) were intraperitoneally injected with saline or chlorpyrifos (CPF), an OP compound, monitored for acute toxicosis signs and 24-h survival. After poisoning, blood pressure, heart rate and ventilation were recorded, the Bezold-Jarisch Reflex (BJR), the Chemoreflex (CR) were chemically activated, as well as the cardiac autonomic tone (AUT) was assessed. Erythrocyte and brainstem acetylcholinesterase and plasmatic butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities were measured as well as lipid peroxidation, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), nitrite/nitrate levels, expression of catalase, TNFα and angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE-1) within the brainstem. CPF induced a much more pronounced acute toxicosis and 33 % lethality in SHR. CPF poisoning impaired ventilation in SHR, the BJR reflex responses in Wistar rats, and the chemoreflex tachypneic response in both strains. CPF inhibited activity of cholinesterases in both strains, increased AOPP and nitrite/nitrate levels and expression of TNFα and ACE-1 in the brainstem of Wistar rats. Interestingly, SHR presented a reduced intrinsic BuChE activity, an important bioscavenger. Our findings show that, CPF at sublethal doses in normotensive rats lead to lethality and much more pronounced acute toxicity signs in the SHR. We also showed that cardiorespiratory reflexes were differentially impacted after CPF poisoning in both strains and that the cardiorespiratory disfunction seems to be associated with interference in cholinergic transmission, oxidative stress and inflammation. These results points to an increased susceptibility to acute toxicosis in hypertension, which may impose a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Sex differences in the participation of endothelial mediators and signaling pathways involved in the vasodilator effect of a selective GPER agonist in resistance arteries of gonadectomized Wistar rats.

AIM: Endothelial mechanisms underlying the vascular effects of estrogen modulated by the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) are not well understood, especially in gonadal sex hormone deprivation. Thus, we investigated vascular function and endothelial signaling pathways involved in the selective activation of GPER in resistance arteries of gonadectomized rats. METHODS: Gonadectomy was performed in Wistar rats of both sexes. After 21 days, the animals were euthanized. Concentration-response curves were obtained by cumulative additions of G-1 in third-order mesenteric arteries. The vasodilatory effects of G-1 were evaluated before and after endothelium removal or incubation with pharmacological inhibitors. Tissue protein expression was measured by western blotting. Assays with 4-amino-5-methylamino-2',7'-difluorofluorescein diacetate (DAF-FM) and 2',7' dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate (H2DCF-DA) were performed in the arteries investigated. Immunolocalization was assessed by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: G-1 induced partially endothelium-dependent relaxation in both sexes. The three isoforms of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase contributed to the production and release of nitric oxide in both gonadectomized groups, but the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase is more expressive in males. The mechanistic pathway by which endothelial nitric oxide synthase is phosphorylated appears to differ between sexes, with the rapid signaling pathway phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (PI3k-Akt-eNOS) being identified for males and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (MEK-ERK-eNOS) for females. The contribution of hydrogen peroxide as an endothelial relaxation mediator seems to be greater in females. CONCLUSION: These results provide new insights into the effects of estrogen-induced responses via GPER on vascular function in gonadal sex hormone deprivation.

Ellagic Acid prevents vascular dysfunction in small mesenteric arteries of ovariectomized hypertensive rats.

Cardiovascular diseases rank the top causes of death worldwide, with a substantial increase in women compared to men. Such increase can beexplained by the drastic decrease in 17-ß-estradiol hormone during menopause and associated with endothelium-dependent vascular dysfunction. The current treatments for cardiovascular diseases (e.g., hypertension), are only palliative and therefore, feasible, non-invasive options for preventing further vascular damage are needed. The polyphenol ellagic acid (EA) has risen as a candidate with possible vascular protection properties. This study evaluated the effects of EA in small mesenteric arteries of ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats. Our findings showed that EA oral treatment for 4 weeks preserved vasodilation endothelial-dependent in acetylcholine pre-constricted arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats to the same extent as 17-ß-estradiol treatment, an effect that was abolished in the presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NitroG-L-Arginine Methyl Ester. Moreover, EA induced vascular nitric oxide release, by increasing both the activitation site phosphorylation and total levels of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Finally, EA decreased superoxide anion while increased total levels of the antioxidant enzymes Superoxide Dismutase 2 and catalase. We concluded that EA has vasodilation properties acting via endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation and a potential antioxidant effect by stimulating the Superoxide Dismutase 2-catalase pathway.

Intermittent exposure to chlorpyrifos results in cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress in rats.

Forbidden in some countries due to its proven toxicity to humans, chlorpyrifos (CPF) still stands as an organophosphate pesticide (OP) highly used worldwide. Cardiotoxicity assessment is an unmet need in pesticide regulation and should be deeply studied through different approaches to better inform and generate an appropriate regulatory response to OP use. In the present study, we used our 4-week intermittent OP exposure model in rats to address the CPF effects on cardiac morphology allied with cardiovascular functional and biomolecular evaluation. Rats were intermittently treated with CPF at doses of 7 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg or saline (i.p.) and assessed for cardiac morphology (cardiomyocyte diameter and collagen content), cardiopulmonary Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR) function, cardiac autonomic tone, left ventricle (LV) contractility, cardiac expression of NADPH oxidase (Nox2), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and cardiac levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) and brainstem acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were also measured. Intermittent exposure to CPF induced cardiac hypertrophy, increasing cardiomyocyte diameter and collagen content. An impairment of cardioinhibitory BJR responses and an increase in cardiac vagal tone were also observed in CPF-treated animals without changes in LV contractility. CPF exposure increased cardiac Nox-2, CAT, SOD1, and TBARS levels and inhibited plasma BuChE and brainstem AChE activities. Our data showed that intermittent exposure to CPF induces cardiac hypertrophy together with cardiovascular reflex impairment, imbalance of autonomic tone and oxidative stress, which may bring significant cardiovascular risk to individuals exposed to OP compounds seasonally.

Role of the renin-angiotensin system in the nandrolone-decanoate-induced attenuation of the Bezold-Jarisch reflex.

The androgen nandrolone decanoate (ND) is known to cause cardiovascular abnormalities, such as attenuation of the Bezold-Jarisch Reflex (BJR), cardiac hypertrophy, and elevation of mean arterial pressure (MAP). Futhermore, a relationship between androgens and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of RAS on the BJR, cardiac and prostatic hypertrophy, and MAP evoked by ND. For this, male Wistar rats were treated with ND (10 mg·(kg body mass)(-1) for 8 weeks; DECA), or vehicle (control animals; CON), or enalapril (10 mg·(kg body mass)(-1), daily; CONE), or ND and enalapril (10 mg ND + 10 mg enalapril per kilogram of body mass; DECAE). After 8 weeks of treatment, the BJR was evaluated by bradycardia and hypotensive responses that were elicited by serotonin administration (2-32 µg·(kg body mass)(-1)). MAP was assessed; cardiac and prostate hypertrophy were determined by the ratio of the tissue mass:body mass, and by histological analysis of the heart. Animals from the DECA group showed prostatic and cardiac hypertrophy, elevation in mean arterial pressure, and an impairment of BJR. Co-treatment with enalapril inhibited these changes. The data from the present study suggest that RAS has an impact on BJR attenuation, cardiac and prostatic hypertrophy, and the elevation in MAP evoked by ND.

Laser Therapy as a Preventive Approach for Oral Mucositis in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: The Potential Role of Superoxide Dismutase.

PURPOSE: Oral mucositis is a painful condition that occurs in patients who undergo chemotherapy. Due to the worsening of oral mucositis, the patient may progress to a worse clinical condition and interrupt antineoplastic treatment. There is little literature on low-power laser therapy in chemotherapy for other solid tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT) applied before chemotherapy could prevent oral mucositis in patients with solid tumors. METHODS: Laser therapy was applied at a frequency of 630nm, with a dose of 2J / cm2, for the prevention of oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy specifically for non-hematological tumors. Epidemiological data, total neutrophils, general side effects, development of oral mucositis and degree, and the performance of low-power laser therapy to prevent oral mucositis were collected. The involvement of oxidative stress was evaluated by the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) through blood samples, before and after chemotherapy treatments. RESULTS: LLLT in the proposed protocol is efficient in reducing the development of oral mucositis (only at grade I/II) in patients under chemotherapy and able to reduce the severity of oral mucosal lesions, in patients who developed mucositis after the use of the laser for prevention. All individuals who underwent LLLT protocol did not show a significant reduction of SOD activity after the last chemotherapy cycle. CONCLUSIONS: The prophylactic laser therapy protocol proposed by the study, defined at a frequency of 630nm, a dose of 2J / cm2, demonstrated the ability to decrease the occurrence of oral mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy protocols to solid tumors. This effect could be related to preserved SOD activity, as it was observed that oral mucositis is related to leukopenia and reduced SOD activity and LLLT protocol prevented the decrease of SOD activity.

Low and high doses of oxandrolone promote pathological cardiac remodeling in young male rats.

Oxandrolone (OXA) used in clinical practice, however, its misuse is frequent, including by adolescents pursuing an aesthetic goal. However, the impacts of noxious doses on the cardiovascular system remain unknown. AIM: To investigate cardiac effects of OXA in low (LD) and high (HD) doses. METHODS: Male Wistar prepubescent rats were separated into 3 experimental groups: control (CON), LD, and HD. Only the CON group received the carrier (carboxymethylcellulose, 0.5%), while the LD and HD groups received, respectively, 2.5 and 37.5 mg/kg/day of OXA via gavage for 4 weeks. The hemodynamic parameters (+dP/dtmax, -dP/dtmin, and Tau) and cardiac autonomic tonus were assessed. Hearts were retrieved for histological analyses and oxidative stress evaluation. Expression levels of calcium-handling proteins were measured by western blot. RESULTS: The OXA treatment changed neither the cardiac contractility nor the cardiac autonomic tonus. However, cardiac hypertrophy, collagen deposition, and increased angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) expression were observed in a dose-dependent way. Also, the p-phospholamban (p-PLB)/PLB ratio was observed to decrease and increase, respectively, in the LD and HD groups; the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a)/PLB ratio being higher in both groups. OXA increased SOD1 expression and decreased catalase expression only in the LD group, and protein oxidation was increased in HD. CONCLUSION: Both doses of OXA could promote pathological cardiac remodeling, probably via increased ACE, and these effects were exacerbated in the HD treatment, but cardiac contractility was not affected regardless of the dose.

Involvement of sex hormones, oxidative stress, ACE and ACE2 activity in the impairment of renal function and remodelling in SHR.

AIMS: Hypertension is a relevant sex and sex hormones-dependent risk factor where the cardiovascular and renal health of the population are concerned. Men experience greater losses of renal function (RF) than women, but the mechanisms remain somewhat unclear. Our goal was to evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress (OS), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activities and RF in male and female SHR. MAIN METHODS: Twelve-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were submitted to either castration or SHAM surgery and divided into 4 groups, SHAM or Castrated (CAST) males or females. After 51 days we evaluated RF (inulin and sodium para-aminohippurate), ACE and ACE2 activities (fluorimetry), OS (flow cytometry), collagen deposition (picrosirius red) and protein expression (western blot). KEY FINDINGS: Males presented lower RF than females and castration impaired this parameter in both groups. Sexual dimorphism was not observed regarding OS and inflammation; however, castration increased this parameter more severely in males than in females. SHAM males exhibited higher collagen deposition than females, though castration increased it in both sexes, eliminating the difference. We found sexual dimorphism regarding renal ACE and ACE2 activities, which were lower in males than in females. Although castration did not alter ACE activity, it reduced ACE2 activity in females and increased it in males. SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicate that sex hormones affect RF in SHR. As alterations in the oxidative system were capable of promoting podocyte injury, inflammation, and collagen deposition, we put forward that these effects are differently modulated by ACE and ACE2.

Eight weeks of treatment with nandrolone decanoate in female rats promotes disruption in the redox homeostasis and impaired renal function.

INTRODUCTION: Misuse of AAS is emergent among both genders, however, few studies were performed evaluating AAS effects on female body and none evaluate the impact of nandrolone decanoate (ND) in renal function. AIM: Determine the effects of chronic treatment with ND on kidney function of female rats and evaluate the influence of oxidative stress on it. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Female rats were separated into two groups (n = 8 each), the treated group (DECA), which received ND at a dose of 20 mg/kg/week (i.m), and the control group (C), which was treated with the vehicle (peanut oil, i.m.). All treatments were performed during eight weeks. After this period, 24 h urine, blood and organs (heart, gastrocnemius muscle, liver and kidney) were collected. Organ hypertrophy was calculated, and kidney collagen content was evaluated. AOPP, TBARS, SOD and catalase activity were determined in the kidney. Moreover, proteinuria and creatinine clearance were also investigated. KEY-FINDINGS: Hypertrophy was observed in the liver, gastrocnemius muscle, heart and kidney. Kidney hypertrophy was followed by a reduced organ function and an increase in collagen deposition. Oxidative stress upsurge occurred in both proteins and lipids, followed by a reduction in SOD activity. SIGNIFICANCE: Administration of DN in rats was followed by renal damage and kidney fibrosis due to increased oxidative stress on that organ.

Long-term treatment with supraphysiological doses of nandrolone decanoate reduces the sensitivity of Bezold-Jarisch reflex control of heart rate and blood pressure.

We investigated the influence of long-term treatment with supraphysiological doses of an anabolic-androgenic steroid on the Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR) control of heart rate (HR) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), and whether this treatment induced cardiac hypertrophy. Male rats were treated with nandrolone decanoate (ND) (10 mg kg(-1) body weight for 8 weeks; DECA) or vehicle (control animals; CON). After 8 weeks of treatment, the BJR was evaluated by bradycardia and hypotension responses that were elicited by serotonin administration (2-32 microg kg(-1)). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was assessed and cardiac hypertrophy was determined by the ratio of the left and right ventricle weight/body weight (LVW/BW and RVW/BW, respectively) and by histological analysis. Total body protein (TBP) content was also evaluated. Nandrolone decanoate treatment increased MAP (CON=99+/- 1 mmHg; DECA=109+/-2 mmHg; p<0.01) but did not change the mean basal HR (CON=356+/-13 bpm; DECA=367+/-11 bpm). The treatment also induced LV and RV hypertrophy (LVW/BW: CON=1.86+/-0.04 mg g(-1), DECA=2.17+/-0.04 mg g(-1), p<0.01; RVW/BW: CON=0.42+/-0.02 mg g(-1), DECA=0.53+/-0.03 mg g(-1), p<0.05) and reduced the number of myocyte nuclei/high-power field (CON=23.0+/-2; DECA=9.4+/-1.0; p<0.01). ND treatment blunted the HR and DAP decreases induced by serotonin. ND determines an increase in the TBP content in DECA group (35+/-3%; p<0.01) compared with control animals (18+/-1%). We conclude that 8 weeks of ND treatment induces anabolic effect, cardiac hypertrophy and an elevation of MAP. This treatment also reduces the sensitivity of the BJR control of bradycardia and blood pressure, possibly due to cardiac hypertrophy. The blunted BJR response could contribute to the MAP elevation in DECA animals.

Ultrasound lipoclasia on subcutaneous adipose tissue to produce acute hyperglycemia and enhance acute inflammatory response in healthy female rats.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound lipoclasia (USL) on white adipose tissue (WAT) has been largely used in the treatment of cellulite. Nevertheless, the acute consequences of this therapy on metabolism and biochemical profile are significant and should be taken into account. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the acute metabolic effects of USL in WAT of healthy rats using analyses of body composition, biochemical profile, and inflammatory markers. METHODS: Female Wistar rats weighing approximately 250 g were divided into two groups (n=10 each): control and treated. The treated group was submitted to USL, a single 3-MHz ultrasound application (5.6 W/cm(2)), in gluteal-femoral WAT (3 cm(2)) for 3 minutes. Animals were subjected to glycemic control. Body composition was analyzed using bio-impedance, and lipid profile, insulinemia, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. RESULTS: USL reduced (p<.05) body fat mass. The basal metabolic rate was found to have increased (p<.05). Basal insulin and the lipoprotein profile were not different, although the glycemic curve and CRP and LDH (p<.05) levels were higher. CONCLUSIONS: Fat mobilization using USL provokes acute hyperglycemia and enhances an acute inflammatory response, producing cardiometabolic risk in female rats.

Dietary patterns of bank employees and their association with socioeconomic, behavioral and labor factors. / Padrões alimentares de trabalhadores bancários e sua associação com fatores socioeconômicos, comportamentais e laborais.

This paper aimed to evaluate food consumption of bank employees and its association with socioeconomic, behavioral and labor factors. This is a cross-sectional study with 515 bank employees. To evaluate food consumption, a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used. The analysis of main components with Varimax rotation was used to determine the dietary patterns. Three dietary patterns were identified: "vegetables, fruits, cereals and tubers", "sweets and snacks" and "traditional and protein". We found that individuals who did not consume sweeteners were more likely to adhere to the "vegetables, fruits, cereals and tubers" pattern and were less likely to adhere to the "sweets and snacks" and "traditional and protein" patterns. Bank employees who rarely ate in restaurants were three times more likely to adhere to the "sweets and snacks" pattern. However, those who used to consume industrialized seasoning and those who reported receiving low social support were, respectively, 2.3 and 1.5 times more likely to adhere to the "traditional and protein" pattern. We can conclude that food consumption of bank employees is not related to the sociodemographic conditions of these individuals, and behavior and perception of social support received is associated with these dietary patterns.

O presente artigo busca avaliar o consumo alimentar de trabalhadores bancários e sua associação com fatores socioeconômicos, comportamentais e laborais. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 515 bancários. Para avaliar o consumo alimentar foi utilizado Questionário de Frequência Alimentar semiquantitativo, empregando-se a análise de componentes principais com rotação varimax para determinação dos padrões alimentares. Foram identificados três padrões alimentares: "hortaliças, frutas, cereais e tubérculos", "doces e petiscos" e "tradicional e proteico". Constatou-se que os indivíduos que não consumiam adoçantes possuíam mais chances de aderirem ao padrão "hortaliças, frutas, cereais e tubérculos" e menos chances de aderirem aos padrões "doces e petiscos" e "tradicional e proteico". Os bancários, que raramente comiam em restaurante, tinham três vezes mais adesão ao "doces e petiscos". Entretanto, os que consumiam temperos industrializados e os que relataram receber baixo apoio social tinham, respectivamente, 2,3 e 1,5 vezes mais chances de aderirem ao "tradicional e proteico". Conclui-se que o consumo alimentar de bancários não está relacionado às condições sociodemográficas destes indivíduos, estando associado a estes padrões alimentares, o comportamento e a percepção do   apoio social recebido.

Telmisartan use in rats with preexisting osteoporotics bone disorders increases bone microarchitecture alterations via PPARγ.

AIMS: Telmisartan (TEL), an angiotensin II type I receptor blocker and PPARγ partial agonist, has been used for to treat hypertension. It is known that PPARγ activation induces bone loss. Therefore, we evaluate the effects of telmisartan on PPARγ protein expression, biomechanics, density and bone microarchitecture of femurs and lumbar vertebrae in SHR ovariectomized animals, a model of hypertension in which preexisting bone impairment has been demonstrated. MAIN METHODS: SHR females (3 months old) were distributed into four groups: sham (S), sham + TEL (ST), OVX (C) and OVX + TEL (CT). TEL (5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle were administered according to the groups. After the protocol, blood pressure was measured and density, microarchitecture and biomechanics of bone were analyzed. Western blotting analysis was performed to evaluate PPARγ protein expression in the bones. KEY FINDINGS: Castration induced a deleterious effect on mineral density and trabecular parameters, with telmisartan enhancing such effects. Telmisartan increased PPARγ levels, which were at their highest when the treatment was combined with castration. As to biomechanical properties, telmisartan reduced the stiffness in the castration group (CT vs. S or C group), as well as resilience and failure load in ST group (vs. all others groups). SIGNIFICANCE: These results demonstrated that telmisartan compromised bone density and microarchitecture in animals that shows preexisting osteoporotic bone disorders, probably via mechanisms associated with increased PPARγ. If this translates to humans, a need for greater caution in the use of telmisartan by patients that have preexisting bone problems, as in the postmenopausal period, may be in order.

Sex difference in GPER expression does not change vascular relaxation or reactive oxygen species generation in rat mesenteric resistance arteries.

AIM: An imbalance between antioxidant and pro-oxidant factors, with a predominance of the latter, characterises oxidative stress and is indicative of a loss of vascular function. The beneficial vascular effects of oestrogen may be related to its ability to stimulate the G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER) and produce antioxidant activity. This study evaluated the GPER-dependent relaxation response in the mesenteric resistance arteries of female and male rats and measured the contributions of pro-oxidant and antioxidant enzymes in this response. MAIN METHODS: The relaxation response was characterised in third-order mesenteric arteries using concentration-response curves of the selective GPER agonist G-1 (1 nM-10 µM), target protein levels were measured using Western blots, and vascular superoxide anion (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were measured using dihydroethidium (DHE) and dichlorofluorescein (DCF) staining, respectively. KEY FINDINGS: The GPER agonist induced concentration-dependent vasorelaxation without showing differences between sexes. However, GPER expression was greater in male rats. No sex differences were detected in the expression of antioxidant proteins (catalase, SOD-1, and SOD-2). The basal vascular production of O2- and H2O2 was similar in the studied groups, and stimulation with G-1 maintained this response. SIGNIFICANCE: Together, our results show that the expression of GPER is greater in male mesenteric arteries, despite of the lack of a difference in vascular response. Nevertheless, antioxidant enzyme expression levels and the generation rates of pro-oxidants were similar between the studied groups. These results offer a new perspective for understanding GPER expression and functionality in resistance arteries.