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Early nutritional aggressions promote epigenetic adjustments that culminate in the loss of phenotype plasticity (with permanent long-term modifications). Maternal diet and inadequate neonatal nutrition can result in fetal programming that presents susceptibility to infections in adult life. Thus, it becomes essential to verify the impacts of neonatal malnutrition (even following nutritional replacement) on the immunological response to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Male rats were divided into two distinct groups: Nourished and Malnourished. After isolation of mononuclear cells, four systems were established: negative control, positive control and two testing systems, (MSSA and MRSA). Tests were performed to analyze expression of TLR-9, NF-kB, IL-1ß, IL-18 and IL-33. For statistical analysis, we used the Student t and ANOVA tests pâ¯<â¯0.05. Even after nutritional replacement, malnutrition in the neonatal period compromised the animals' weight gains pâ¯<â¯0.05. There was a reduction in the expression of the immunological response in the positive control, however deregulation was observed in the gene expression of MRSA-infected macrophages, with a reduction in TLR-9 expression, and overexpression in NF-kB and cytokines pâ¯<â¯0.05. Puppies inflicted with protein-calorie malnutrition were compromised; (long-term) body growth and immune response. In the infectious scenario, immune collapse is reflected in inflammatory response exacerbation with a likely histolytic character. Immune disabling (resulting from gene expression deregulation) causes susceptibility to infections due to ineffective recognition, intense pro-inflammatory mediation, and cell death. It is suggested that neonatal malnutrition can program susceptibility to multiresistant bacterial infections, and generally favors a triggering of more intense confrontations with fatal outcomes.
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Citocinas/metabolismo , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Macrófagos/microbiología , Desnutrición/metabolismo , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/patogenicidad , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/inmunología , Receptor Toll-Like 9/metabolismo , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Peso Corporal , Perros , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Interleucina-18/metabolismo , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Interleucina-33/metabolismo , Macrófagos Alveolares/microbiología , Masculino , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/microbiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Lymphedema of the lower limbs is a chronic disease caused by damage to the lymphatic system that influences people's mobility, functionality, and quality of life. Questionnaires and physical test are very practical, easy to apply, and low cost methods that provide important data for evaluation of these patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of unilateral lower limb lymphedema on functionality and quality of life, correlating 3 assessment tools. METHODS: This was a descriptive study investigating 25 patients of both sexes with unilateral lymphedema in a lower limb. Limb volume was assessed using circumferential tape measurements, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess quality of life, the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL) was used to assess physical, mental, and social skills related to lymphedema, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was used for functional assessment. RESULTS: Lymphedema was present throughout the affected lower limb of participants. The domains most affected by lymphedema were physical aspects (25.0 ± 31.4) and emotional aspects (36.0 ± 42.9) from the SF-36 and the mobility domain (6.0 ± 2.6) from the Lymph -ICF-LL. Patients performed the TUG in 9.88 ± 1.98 seconds. The TUG was correlated with the questionnaires and the questionnaires were correlated with each other. CONCLUSIONS: People with unilateral lower limb lymphedema exhibited negative impacts on quality of life and functionality, as evaluated by questionnaires, which were correlated with each other. TUG performance was within normal limits, but results correlated with the questionnaires used.
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PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of neonatal malnutrition followed by nutritional replacement on the signaling mechanisms developed by the inflammasome complex by analyzing the expression of the targeted TLR2, TLR4, NLRP3, caspase-1 and release of IL-1ß and IL-18 by alveolar macrophages infected in vitro with Candida albicans. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 24), 90-120 days, were suckled by mothers whose diet during lactation contained 17 % protein in the nourish group and 8 % protein in the malnourished group. After weaning, both groups were fed a normal protein diet. Macrophages were obtained after tracheostomy, through the collection of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The quantification of the expression levels of targets (TLR2, TLR4, NLRP3 and caspase-1) was performed by real-time RT-PCR. Production of cytokines was performed by ELISA. RESULTS: The malnourished animals during lactation showed reduced body weight from the fifth day of life, remaining until adulthood. Further, the model applied malnutrition induced a lower expression of TLR4 and caspase-1. The quantification of the TLR2 and NLRP3, as well as the release of IL-1ß and IL-18, was not different between groups of animals nourished and malnourished. The system challenged with Candida albicans showed high expression levels of all targets in the study. CONCLUSIONS: The tests demonstrate nutritional restriction during critical periods of development, although nutritional supplementation may compromise defense patterns in adulthood in a timely manner, preserving distinct signaling mechanism, so that the individual does not become widely vulnerable to infections by opportunistic pathogens.
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Candidiasis/metabolismo , Dieta con Restricción de Proteínas/efectos adversos , Regulación del Desarrollo de la Expresión Génica , Inflamasomas/metabolismo , Macrófagos Alveolares/metabolismo , Fenómenos Fisiologicos Nutricionales Maternos , Infecciones Oportunistas/metabolismo , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Líquido del Lavado Bronquioalveolar/inmunología , Líquido del Lavado Bronquioalveolar/microbiología , Candida albicans/inmunología , Candidiasis/inmunología , Candidiasis/microbiología , Candidiasis/patología , Caspasa 1/genética , Caspasa 1/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Regulación hacia Abajo , Femenino , Inmunidad Innata , Inflamasomas/inmunología , Lactancia , Activación de Macrófagos/inmunología , Macrófagos Alveolares/inmunología , Macrófagos Alveolares/microbiología , Macrófagos Alveolares/patología , Masculino , Infecciones Oportunistas/inmunología , Infecciones Oportunistas/microbiología , Infecciones Oportunistas/patología , Ratas Wistar , Delgadez/etiología , Delgadez/inmunología , Delgadez/microbiología , Delgadez/patología , Receptor Toll-Like 4/genética , Receptor Toll-Like 4/metabolismoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of neonatal malnutrition on the microbicidal response and viability of in vitro macrophages infected with Staphylococcus aureus sensitive/resistant to methicillin. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into two distinct groups: nourished (rats breast-fed by mothers undergoing diet with 17% casein) and malnourished (rats breast-fed by mothers undergoing diet with 8% casein). Macrophages were recovered after surgical tracheostomy procedure by collecting bronchoalveolar lavage. Four systems were established: negative control, composed only by phagocytes; positive control, macrophages plus lipopolysaccharide; and two test systems, macrophages plus Staphylococcus aureus sensitive and resistant to methicillin. Plates were incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. After this period, tests for the analysis of cell viability and microbicidal response were performed. In the statistical analysis, the Student's t and ANOVA tests were used, accepting p < 0.05. RESULTS: The neonatal malnutrition impaired the animals' body weight. There was a lower expression of the inducible nitric oxide enzyme (iNOS), nitric oxide production, and viability of macrophages infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. However, increased production of superoxide anion in the malnourished group was detected. CONCLUSION: Neonatal malnutrition focusing on critical periods of development promoted lower expression of iNOS, nitric oxide production, cell viability, and exacerbated reactive oxygen species production. The high levels of reactive oxygen species may favor the onset of serious and systemic infections with fatal outcome if associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
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Radicales Libres/metabolismo , Macrófagos Alveolares/microbiología , Desnutrición/microbiología , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/aislamiento & purificación , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo II/metabolismo , Staphylococcus aureus/aislamiento & purificación , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Peso Corporal , Supervivencia Celular , Dieta , Lipopolisacáridos/efectos adversos , Macrófagos Alveolares/citología , Masculino , Desnutrición/fisiopatología , Meticilina/farmacología , Viabilidad Microbiana/efectos de los fármacos , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo II/genética , Fagocitos/metabolismo , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Superóxidos/metabolismoRESUMEN
The development of a skin substitute suitable for immediately performing the function of the lost dermis and epidermis could result in a positive impact on the treatment of patients with extensive skin lesions. A biopolymer film was applied to skin wounds to investigate the biocompatibility and cutaneous reaction and to test its activity as a mechanical barrier and conductor in the healing process. Forty Wistar rats of both sexes were used in the present study. Two excisions were performed in the dorsal part of the skin flaps. The polysaccharide film was applied over one of the incisions and other incision was washed with saline. The time spent for complete healing of both lesions was virtually the same in both groups, during 21 days of observation. The film remained attached to the bed of the exposed wound for an average period of 6 days. There were no statistically significant differences with regard to lesion measurement area at assessment times of 2nd, 7th and 14th postoperative days. At day 21, the scar area showed a significant difference (0.0229). After 40 days, all wounds were completely healed. No statistically significant differences were found between the histological parameters assessed in the experimental and control groups. The cellulosic polysaccharide film integrated well with the tissue showing high biocompatibility and low skin reactivity.
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Materiales Biocompatibles/química , Celulosa , Polisacáridos , Piel Artificial , Piel/lesiones , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Ensayo de Materiales , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Piel/patología , Cicatrización de HeridasRESUMEN
UNLABELLED: The lichen Cladonia verticillaris produces bioactive secondary metabolites, such as fumarprotocetraric (FUM) and protocetraric acids. Species of the genus Cladonia demonstrate anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities and have been used in folk medicine to treat respiratory diseases (throat irritation, cough, asthma and tuberculosis). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expectorant and mucolytic activities of fumarprotocetraric acid in albino Swiss mice. FUM was extracted and purified from an acetone extract of C. verticillaris. The phenol red quantification method was used on the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid following the administration of FUM (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg orally or intraduodenally and 12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for the evaluation of expectorant activity. Control groups received either saline solution (7.5 mL/kg) or ambroxol (1 mg/kg) through the same administration routes. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the thiobarbituric acid reactive species assay in mouse lung tissue treated with the FUM at 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg orally, followed by a lipopolysaccharide solution at 1 mg/kg intrapleurally. The same protocol was used for the control groups using either saline solution (7.5 mL/kg, orally) or N-acetylcysteine (20 mg/kg, orally). RESULTS: Orally administered FUM at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg promoted significantly greater dose-dependent phenol red activity in the bronchoalveolar lavage and expectorant activity in comparison to the controls (p < 0.05). Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde equivalent) was reduced by 50% in the lung tissue. CONCLUSION: The results confirm the expectorant and antioxidant properties of fumarprotocetraric acid produced by the lichen C. verticillaris.
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Antioxidantes/farmacología , Ascomicetos/metabolismo , Expectorantes/farmacología , Fumaratos/farmacología , Administración Oral , Animales , Antioxidantes/administración & dosificación , Antioxidantes/aislamiento & purificación , Líquido del Lavado Bronquioalveolar , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Expectorantes/administración & dosificación , Expectorantes/aislamiento & purificación , Fumaratos/administración & dosificación , Fumaratos/aislamiento & purificación , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Ratones , Metabolismo Secundario , Sustancias Reactivas al Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismoRESUMEN
The aim of the present study was to analyse the bacteriological factors during the process of dental alveolitis, relating it to a higher incidence of bacteraemia in adult rats subjected to neonatal malnutrition. We used forty male Wistar rats, suckled by mothers fed a diet during lactation containing 17 % protein in the nourished group (N) or 8 % protein in the undernourished group (UN). After weaning, the animals were given the Labina standard diet. After 90 d, these animals underwent upper right incisor extraction and induction of alveolitis. The oral microbiota was obtained using a swab and blood culture through venous blood. These procedures were performed before the extraction, 5 min after extraction, on the 21st day after alveolitis for groups N-21 and UN-21 and on the 28th day after alveolitis for groups N-28 and UN-28. Data were expressed as means and standard deviations for parametric data, and as medians and interquartile intervals for non-parametric data. Statistical significance was considered by assuming a critical level of 5 %. Before and after extraction, lower bacterial growth was observed per colony-forming unit (CFU) in the perialveolar region of the upper right incisors of undernourished animals, while the opposite was true after alveolitis, when a larger number of CFU was observed in these animals. The percentage of positive blood cultures obtained after alveolitis was greater in the undernourished animals. The present study thus demonstrated the influence of neonatal malnutrition in the perialveolar microbiota and in the development of bacteraemia after dental alveolitis.
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Proceso Alveolar/microbiología , Bacteriemia/etiología , Enfermedades Maxilomandibulares/etiología , Enfermedades Maxilomandibulares/microbiología , Desnutrición/complicaciones , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales de los Animales , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Carga Bacteriana , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Alveolo Seco/etiología , Alveolo Seco/microbiología , Humanos , Masculino , Metagenoma , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Extracción Dental/efectos adversosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphedema is a progressive and inflammatory disease caused by impaired lymphatic transport. PURPOSE: This study evaluates the effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) and aquatic physiotherapy on markers of the inflammatory process and lower limb volumes in individuals with lymphedema. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out with three groups: patients with lymphedema submitted to CDT, patients with lymphedema submitted to aquatic physiotherapy, and control group of individuals without lymphedema. The evaluation was performed through blood count, CRP measurements, C3, C4 complement, measurement of serum levels of cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukins 4 (IL-4), 6 (IL-6), and 10 (IL-10), and the volume of a lower limb using the volume formula of a truncated cone. The study was registered with the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-4tpkszn). RESULTS: Our work showed a reduction in the TNF-α levels of patients in the CDT group (p = .028). Significant differences were found between the control group and the CDT group for IL-10 (p = .049) and Monocytes (p = .039). No significant reduction in limb volume was found. CONCLUSION: Our results show that CDT was able to significantly reduce the inflammatory marker TNF-α in patients with lymphedema, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect of the therapy.
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BACKGROUND: Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are both associated with the prevalence of major cardiovascular illnesses and certain common factors they are considered responsible for, such as stress oxidative increase, sympathetic tonus and resistance to insulin. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on oxidative stress and adiponectin levels in obese patients with and without OSA. METHODS: Twenty-nine obese patients were categorized into 3 groups: group 1: 10 individuals without OSA (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI
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Adiponectina/sangre , Presión de las Vías Aéreas Positiva Contínua , Obesidad/fisiopatología , Estrés Oxidativo/fisiología , Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño/sangre , Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño/terapia , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Humanos , Resistencia a la Insulina/fisiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Nitratos/sangre , Nitritos/sangre , Obesidad/sangre , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño/fisiopatología , Superóxidos/sangreRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the bacteriological response in alveolitis in rats treated with the homeopathic medicine Merc solubilis (Merc sol.) 12 cH. METHODS: The study was randomized and observer blind. The animals were anesthetized and the upper right incisor extracted resulting in alveolitis. Animals were randomly assigned to groups (n=18/group): Water control, Alcohol control and Merc sol. 12 cH. These groups were subsequently divided into 3 subgroups (n=6/subgroup): Early Euthanasia (EE), Mid Euthanasia (ME) and Late Euthanasia (LE), killed at the 6th, 15th and 21st days respectively. The perialveolar microbiota was collected by swab in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) for seeding and bacterioscopy. After seeding, the Petri dishes were incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 h. RESULTS: Quantitative and qualitative changes were observed in the perialveolar microbiota when the groups were compared. Water control and Alcohol control had the highest counts of pathogenic bacteria, the microbiotica of the Merc sol. group remained closer to normal. CONCLUSIONS: Merc sol. 12 cH did not reduce bacterial growth, but the microbiotica remained within the parameters of normality, obtaining the best results at 21 days after treatment.
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Alveolitis Alérgica Extrínseca/tratamiento farmacológico , Alveolitis Alérgica Extrínseca/microbiología , Antiinfecciosos Locales/administración & dosificación , Homeopatía/métodos , Pericoronitis/complicaciones , Pericoronitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Análisis de Varianza , Animales , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Pericoronitis/microbiología , Distribución Aleatoria , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: fat-soluble vitamin deficiency may be a health problem not recognized in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the deficiency of vitamins A, D and E among adolescent students from Northeastern Brazil. METHODS: transversal study with adolescents aged 12 to 19 of both genders. A questionnaire to collect socioeconomic and lifestyle data and food intake was applied to adolescents. Then, an anthropometric evaluation and a blood sampling were performed to analyze serum concentrations of retinol, ß-carotene, α-tocopherol and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D). RESULTS: the intake of vitamins A (50.3%), E (94.0%) and D (99.8%), as well as α-tocopherol (88.1%), ß-carotene (74.1%), 25(OH)D (50.9%) and retinol (46.6%) serum levels were mostly deficient/insufficient. An increased risk of α-tocopherol deficiency was observed in girls (PR = 1.11) and an increased risk of 25(OH)D deficiency was observed in boys (PR = 1.41). An increased likelihood of ß-carotene (PR = 1.14) and 25(OH) D (PR = 1.38) insufficiency was observed in overweight individuals. CONCLUSIONS: the adolescents had a deficit in the intake and in serum levels of fat-soluble vitamins. The greatest risk of inadequacy was associated with gender and weight excess. However, the behavior of fat-soluble vitamins in adolescents needs further research.
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Avitaminosis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales de los Adolescentes , Brasil/epidemiología , Niño , Estudios Transversales , Dieta , Femenino , Humanos , Estilo de Vida , Masculino , Sobrepeso/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Factores Sexuales , Factores Socioeconómicos , Deficiencia de Vitamina A/epidemiología , Deficiencia de Vitamina D/epidemiología , Deficiencia de Vitamina E/epidemiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Despite the recognised antiproliferative and antitumour properties of usnic acid, its therapeutic application has yet to be introduced. In fact, the high hepatotoxicity and low water solubility of usnic acid have somewhat restricted its practical use in anticancer therapy. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the antitumour activity of usnic acid encapsulated into nanocapsules prepared with lactic co-glycolic acid polymer. Usnic acid-loaded nanocapsules were obtained using the interfacial deposition of a preformed polymer. The antitumour activity was confirmed on an ascitic tumour (Sarcoma-180) implanted in Swiss mice and estimated by means of the tumour inhibition. The results of antitumour activity confirmed that the encapsulation of usnic acid into PLGA-nanocapsules produced a 26.4% increase in tumour inhibition as compared with the standard free usnic acid treatment. Vacuolization of hepatocytes and a mild lymphocytic infiltration in portal spaces were observed in animals treated with free usnic acid. However, this hepatotoxicity was substantially reduced when animals were treated with usnic acid-loaded nanocapsules. No histological changes were noticed in the kidneys or spleen of animals treated either with usnic acid or usnic acid-loaded nanocapsules. These results suggest that nanoencapsulation may be a way of enabling usnic acid to be used in chemotherapy.
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Benzofuranos/uso terapéutico , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas/prevención & control , Composición de Medicamentos/métodos , Nanoestructuras/química , Sarcoma 180/tratamiento farmacológico , Animales , Benzofuranos/administración & dosificación , Benzofuranos/toxicidad , Línea Celular Tumoral , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas/sangre , Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas/etiología , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Inyecciones Intraperitoneales , Ácido Láctico/química , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/patología , Masculino , Ratones , Ácido Poliglicólico/química , Copolímero de Ácido Poliláctico-Ácido Poliglicólico , Polímeros/química , Análisis de SupervivenciaRESUMEN
Mansonic schistosomiasis remains a medical-social issue in Northeastern Brazil. In children, surgical treatment includes splenectomy and spleen autoimplantation. This procedure reduces post-splenectomy sepsis. The aim of this study was to analyze the phagocyte rate and the cellular viability of monocytes in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, who underwent splenectomy and spleen autoimplantation from 1991 to 2001. Of the 22 individuals analyzed, 11 were patients who underwent splenectomy and spleen autoimplantation (Study group) and 11 were healthy individuals from the same region (Control group). Both groups presented similar mean age. No difference was found in the phagocyte rate between the control group (36.1%+/-4.9%) and study group (33.5%+/-5.7%). However, phagocyte viability after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide was higher (94%) in control group, when compared to the study group (65%), p<0.001. It is possible to hypothesize that monocytes from the study group patients presented a reduced response to the microorganism challenge, in the face of a harmful and long-lasting stimulus.
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Parasitosis Hepáticas/parasitología , Monocitos/fisiología , Fagocitosis/fisiología , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/cirugía , Bazo/trasplante , Enfermedades del Bazo/parasitología , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Supervivencia Celular , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Parasitosis Hepáticas/inmunología , Parasitosis Hepáticas/cirugía , Masculino , Monocitos/inmunología , Fagocitosis/inmunología , Estudios Prospectivos , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/inmunología , Bazo/inmunología , Esplenectomía , Enfermedades del Bazo/inmunología , Enfermedades del Bazo/cirugía , Trasplante AutólogoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of the most used bleaching materials for pulpless teeth, sodium perborate and 30% hydrogen peroxide, in an experimental model of macrophages, through analysis of the adherence index and the cellular morphology. METHODS: Inflammatory macrophages were obtained from peritoneal washed of Wistar rats. The evaluation of the adherence capacity of these cells to the plastic surface was conducted in Eppendorf tubes containing RPMI, after treatment with the bleaching agents diluted in 1:10, 1:100 and 1:1000 for 15 and 30 min, and incubation at 37 degrees C and humidified atmosphere of 5% CO(2) in air. The cellular morphology was verified after incubation of the cells treated with the bleaching agents in culture plaques and compared with normal cells in culture medium. RESULTS: Results showed that sodium perborate neither increased the adherence index, nor altered the cellular morphology when compared to the control group. The distribution, cellular morphology, cytoplasmatic and nuclear characteristics, reproduced the aspects observed in normal macrophages. However, the treatment with 30% hydrogen peroxide presented an increase in adherence index when compared to the control group (RPMI), in all dilutions, according to Mann-Whitney test (n=08 and p=0.001 for dilutions 1:10 and 1:100, and n=08 and p=0.004 for dilution 1:1000). The morphology of the cells treated with this product presented structural alterations proportionally greater, depending on the dilution of this bleaching agent, and even in the highest dilution (1:1000) the cells presented very evident alterations. CONCLUSIONS: This irreversible cellular damage as well as the elevation of the adherence index, characterizes the aggressive potential of 30% hydrogen peroxide, regardless of its dilution. Sodium perborate, on the other hand, showed biocompatibitity, since, no morphological nor functional alteration was observed in macrophages.
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Materiales Biocompatibles/farmacología , Boratos/farmacología , Peróxido de Hidrógeno/farmacología , Macrófagos Peritoneales/efectos de los fármacos , Oxidantes/farmacología , Blanqueamiento de Dientes , Animales , Materiales Biocompatibles/administración & dosificación , Boratos/administración & dosificación , Adhesión Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Núcleo Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Citoplasma/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Peróxido de Hidrógeno/administración & dosificación , Macrófagos Peritoneales/citología , Masculino , Oxidantes/administración & dosificación , Ratas , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Bacterial translocation is the invasion of indigenous intestinal bacteria through the gut mucosa to normally sterile tissues and internal organs. Schistosomiasis may cause alterations in the immune system and damage to the intestines, portal system and mesenteric lymph nodes. This study investigated bacterial translocation and alterations in the intestinal microbiota and mucosa in schistosomiasis and splenectomized mice. METHODS: Forty female 35-day-old Swiss Webster mice were divided into the following four groups with 10 animals each: schistosomotic (ESF), splenectomized schistosomotic (ESEF), splenectomized (EF) and control (CF). Infection was achieved by introduction of 50 Schistosoma mansoni (SLM) cercariae through the skin. At 125 days after birth, half of the parasitized and unparasitized mice were subjected to splenectomy. Body weights were recorded for one week after splenectomy; then, the mice were euthanized to study bacterial translocation, microbiota composition and intestinal morphometry. RESULTS: We observed significant reductions in the weight increases in the EF, ESF and ESEF groups. There were increases of at least 1,000 CFU of intestinal microbiota bacteria in these groups compared with the CF. The EF, ESF and ESEF mice showed decreases in the heights and areas of villi and the total villus areas (perimeter). We observed frequent co-infections with various bacterial genera. CONCLUSIONS: The ESEF mice showed a higher degree of sepsis. This finding may be associated with a reduction in the immune response associated with the absence of the spleen and a reduction in nutritional absorption strengthened by both of these factors (Schistosoma infection and splenectomy).
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Traslocación Bacteriana/fisiología , Mucosa Intestinal/microbiología , Schistosoma mansoni , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/microbiología , Animales , Enfermedad Crónica , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Femenino , Ratones , Recuento de Huevos de Parásitos , Carga de Parásitos , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/fisiopatología , Esplenectomía , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
SUMMARY: Peripheral nerve regeneration is a serious clinical problem. The goal of this work was to evaluate comparatively a biopolymer tube of sugarcane with an expanded polyethylene tube as a tube guide in peripheral nerve regeneration. Fourteen male albino Wistar rats were used, separated into three different groups: control (CG), lesion + polyethylene tube (PG) and lesion + sugarcane biopolymer (SBG). At 60 days old, animals from the PG and SBG underwent surgery for tubulization of the sciatic nerve, and 60 days after the injury they were sacrificed for collection of the nerve. In the analysis of the number of nerve fibers, a smaller number was seen in the PG and SBG groups compared to the CG, no difference was seen between the PG and SBG groups (p<0.05). With regard to the number of blood vessels, the SBG group had a larger number than the CG and PG groups (p<0.05). The SBG also presented increase on axonal diameter and G -ratio compared to PG (p<0.05). Taken together these data revealed that biopolymer tube favors a suitable environment for peripheral nerve regeneration.
RESUMEN: La regeneración nerviosa periférica es un problema clínico grave. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar comparativamente un tubo de biopolímero de caña de azúcar con un tubo de polietileno expandido, como guía de tubo en la regeneración de nervios periféricos. Se utilizaron dieciocho ratas Wistar albinas macho, separadas en tres grupos: control (CG), lesión + tubo de polietileno (PG) y lesión + biopolímero de caña de azúcar (SBG). A los 60 días de edad, los animales del PG y SBG fueron sometidos a una cirugía para la tubulización del nervio ciático, y 60 días después de la lesión fueron sacrificados para la recolección del nervio. En el análisis del número de fibras nerviosas, se observó un número menor en los grupos PG y SBG en comparación con el CG; no se observaron diferencias entre los grupos PG y SBG (p <0,05). Con respecto al número de vasos sanguíneos, el grupo SBG tuvo un número mayor que los grupos CG y PG (p <0,05). El SBG también presentó un aumento en el diámetro axonal y la proporción G en comparación con PG (p <0,05). En conjunto, estos datos revelaron que el tubo de biopolímero favorece un entorno adecuado para la regeneración de nervios periféricos.
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Animales , Ratas , Nervio Ciático/anatomía & histología , Biopolímeros/química , Saccharum/química , Regeneración Tisular Dirigida/métodos , Regeneración Nerviosa , Nervios Periféricos , Nervio Ciático/cirugía , Nervio Ciático/fisiología , Materiales Biocompatibles , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is applied to critically ill patients in order to improve their muscle strength, thereby preventing hypotrophy and promoting functional recovery. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of early EMS on the range of movement of the ankle joint, and on thigh and leg circumference in critically ill patients. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized clinical trial comprising 11 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Before and after EMS the thigh and leg circumference in both lower limbs and the goniometry of the tibiotarsal joint were measured. The angle of 90° on the goniometer was taken as the standard neutral position (NP), with the arm fixed on the lateral malleolus of the ankle joint. Other measurements, namely dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, referred to as mobile arm, were taken from the NP. These recordings were obtained following an active contraction of the patients' muscles. RESULTS: Compared with the electrostimulated limb, a difference in dorsiflexion of the control limb was observed (96.2 ± 24.9 versus 119.9 ± 14.1°; p = 0.01). A girth of 10 cm of the leg was found in limb reduction when compared to the electrostimulated one (24.7 ± 3.1 versus 26.4 ± 4.0 cm; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: EMS used at low current intensity and for a short duration failed to prevent muscle atrophy in critically ill patients. However, we did find a significant improvement in active dorsiflexion of the ankle joint suggesting that it could help to prevent against stance plantar flexion in these patients.
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Articulación del Tobillo/fisiología , Enfermedad Crítica/rehabilitación , Terapia por Estimulación Eléctrica , Músculo Cuádriceps/fisiología , Rango del Movimiento Articular , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Pierna/fisiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Atrofia Muscular/prevención & control , Estudios Prospectivos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of moderate physical exercise on the total and differential leukocyte counts and red blood cell count of 36 sixty-day-old adult male Wistar rats subjected to early malnourishment. METHODS: The rats were divided in nourished (N - casein 17%) and malnourished groups (M - casein 8%) and thesegroups were then subdivided in trained (T) untrained (U) creating four groups NT, NU, MT and MU. The NT and MTgroups were submitted to moderate physical exercise using a treadmill (60 min/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks). Onthe 1st day, before the training started T0 and 24 hours after the last training day of the week (T1 until T8), a 1 mLaliquot of blood was collected from the animals' tails for analysis. The total leukocyte count was evaluated in a cellcounter with an electronic microscope. The cyanmethemoglobin technique was used to measure the hemoglobin level. The hematocrit values were determined as a percentage using the micro-hematocrit technique with a microcapillaryreader and a cell counter was used to determine the red blood cell count. The t-test was used for statistical analysis and a p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Data are expressed as means ± standard deviation. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the total leukocyte count between the NT (9.1 ± 0.1) and MT groups (8.0 ± 0.1) from T1 and in neutrophils between the NT (22.1 ± 0.6) and MT groups (24.6 ± 1.8) from T7 (p < 0.05). There was no statistical significance in the hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cell count from T1. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, moderate physical exercise seems to have induced physiologic adaptation in adult rats from T1.
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INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of asthma has grown considerably in recent decades, but some studies have shown stabilization of this trend. The masticatory process of asthmatic children may be altered due to asthma-related anatomo-functional changes. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to determine the clinical and electromyographic characteristics of the masticatory process in asthmatic children and compare the electrical activities of their masseter and anterior temporal muscles (at rest and during maximal voluntary contraction and mastication) with those of non-asthmatic children. METHOD: Case study. Asthmatic and non-asthmatic groups, each consisting of 30 children of both sexes between 6 and 10 years of age, were evaluated. Mastication was evaluated clinically and electromyographically in all subjects. RESULTS: The masticatory process did not differ significantly between asthmatic and non-asthmatic children. CONCLUSION: Although the masticatory process did not differ significantly between asthmatic and non-asthmatic children, the masticatory process of asthmatic children may be altered because of anatomical changes of Asthma.
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BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that stress and emotional reactions can affect immune responses in animals and humans. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate hematological and immunological effects of stress on air traffic controllers. METHODS: Thirty air traffic controllers and 15 aeronautical information service operators were evaluated. The groups were divided as information service operators with 10 years or more of experience (AIS≥10) and with less than 10 years in the profession (AIS<10) and air traffic controllers with 10 years or more of experience (ATCo≥10) and with less than 10 years in the profession (ATCo<10). Blood samples were drawn at 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The paired t-test was used to compare monocyte and nitric oxide concentrations and ANOVA was used for the other parameters. RESULTS: The ATCo≥10 group presented a significantly lower phagocytosis rate of monocytes at 2:00 p.m. compared to 8:00 a.m. Moreover, the ATCo≥10 group presented lower hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, platelet and leukocyte levels, and increased cortisol concentrations at 8:00 a.m. compared to the other groups. Additionally, this group had lower phagocytosis rate of monocytes, and hemoglobin, platelet, leukocyte, basophils and nitric oxide levels at 2:00 p.m. compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: Stress seems to greatly affect immune responses of air traffic controllers with more than ten years of experience.