The role of genetic polymorphisms for inducing genotoxicity in workers occupationally exposed to benzene: a systematic review.

Benzene is used worldwide as a major raw material in a number of industrial processes and also a potent airborne pollutant emitted from traffic exhaust fume. The present systematic review aimed to identify potential associations between genetic polymorphisms and occupational benzene-induced genotoxicity. For this purpose, a total of 22 selected studies were carefully analysed. Our results revealed a positive relation between gene polymorphism and genotoxicity in individuals exposed to benzene, since 17 studies (out of 22) observed positive relations between genotoxicity and polymorphisms in xenobiotics metabolizing genes influencing, therefore, individuals' susceptibility to genomic damage induced by benzene. In other words, individuals with some genotypes may show increase or decrease DNA damage and/or higher or lower DNA-repair potential. As for the quality assessment, 17 studies (out of 22) were categorized as Strong or Moderate and, therefore, we consider our findings to be trustworthy. Taken together, such findings are consistent with the notion that benzene induces genotoxicity in mammalian cells being strongly dependent on the genetic polymorphism. Certainly, such findings are important for clarifying the role of biomarkers related to genotoxicity in human biomonitoring studies.

The impact of genetic polymorphisms on genotoxicity in workers occupationally exposed to pesticides: a systematic review.

In a world with a rising use of pesticides, these chemicals, although designed to effectively control pests, pose potential threats to the environment and non-target organisms, including humans. Thus, this systematic review aims to investigate a possible association between genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility and genotoxicity in individuals occupationally exposed to pesticides. This review was conducted following the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. A total of 14 carefully selected studies were thoroughly analyzed by two reviewers, who assigned scores based on previously set evaluation criteria. This study classified over half of the chosen studies as having moderate or strong quality, observing a correlation between certain genetic polymorphisms involved in xenobiotic metabolism and genotoxicity in workers exposed to pesticides. Results suggest that the genes associated with xenobiotic metabolism play a substantial role in determining individuals' susceptibility to genomic damage due to pesticide exposure, affecting both their peripheral blood and oral mucosa. This implies that individuals with specific genotypes may experience increased or decreased levels of DNA damage when exposed to these chemicals.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Compounds Extracted from Marine Sponge s: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have experimentally validated and reported that chemical constituents of marine sponges are a source of natural anti-inflammatory substances with the biotechnological potential to develop novel drugs. AIMS: Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review to provide an overview of the anti-inflammatory substances isolated from marine sponges with therapeutic potential. METHODS: This systematic review was performed on the Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases. In total, 613 were found, but 340 duplicate studies were excluded, only 100 manuscripts were eligible, and 83 were included. RESULTS: The results were based on in vivo and in vitro assays, and the anti-inflammatory effects of 251 bioactive compounds extracted from marine sponges were investigated. Their anti-inflammatory activities include inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitrite or nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), cyclooxygenase- 1 (COX-1), and superoxide radicals. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, data suggest (approximately 98% of articles) that substances obtained from marine sponges may be promising for the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of different pathological conditions.

The use of micronucleus assay in exfoliated oral cells in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate published papers regarding the micronucleus assay in oral mucosal cells of patients undergoing orthodontic therapy (OT). A search of the scientific literature was made in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for all data published until November, 2021 using the combination of the following keywords: "fixed orthodontic therapy," "genetic damage", "DNA damage," "genotoxicity", "mutagenicity", "buccal cells", "oral mucosa cells," and "micronucleus assay". The systematic review was designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Nine studies were retrieved. Some authors demonstrated that OT induces cytogenetic damage in oral mucosal cells. Out of the nine studies included, two were classified as strong, five as moderate, and two as weak, according to the quality assessment components of the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP). Meta-analysis data revealed no relationship between mutagenicity in oral cells and OT in different months of treatment. At one month, the SMD = 0.65 and p = 0.08; after three months of OT, the SMD = 1.21 and p = 0.07; and after six months of OT, the SMD = 0.56 and p = 0.11. In the analyzed months of OT, I2 values were >75%, indicating high heterogeneity. In summary, this review was not able to demonstrate that OT induces genetic damage in oral cells. The study is important for the protection of patients undergoing fixed OT, given that mutagenesis participates in the multi-step process of carcinogenesis.

Is placental glutathione S-Transferase (GST-P) a suitable biomarker for oral carcinogenesis: A scoping review.

Placental Glutathione S-Transferase (GST-P) can be considered a useful marker of not only of preneoplastic lesion in rat hepatocarcinogenesis and hamster pancreatic carcinogen but also as a potential marker for premalignant and malignant lesions in cases of buccal pouch mucosa. In this context, the aim of this review is to elucidate the following question whether the GST-P is a suitable biomarker for oral carcinogenesis. A total of 16 studies were carefully selected. Our results demonstrate that GST-P expression is a useful and coherent marker for oral carcinogenesis. Regarding the samples, most studies evaluated hamsters, two evaluated GST-P expression in rats and three evaluated GST-P expression in human cells. All studies demonstrated positive findings allowing us to consider such studies reliable. In summary, our conclusion is that GST-P can be a suitable biomarker for oral carcinogenesis.

Is micronucleus assay a suitable method for biomonitoring children exposed to X-ray? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate if the micronucleus test using oral epithelial cells is a suitable biomarker for biomonitoring children exposed to X-ray. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search was performed through the electronic databases PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, all studies published up to February 2022 that examined the relationship between exposure of children to radiographic examinations and micronucleus. RESULTS: A total of 17 full-text manuscripts were screened for eligibility. Only two studies found a difference in micronucleus labeling. On the other hand, all studies showed that X-ray was able to induce cellular death in oral mucosa cells. Following the parameters of the Effective Practices in Public Health Project (EPHPP), five manuscripts reached moderate and strong scores, and four studies were categorized as weak at final rating. In the meta-analysis, statistically significant difference was detected in micronucleated cells in children before and after radiographic examinations (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI, 0.07-1.84, p = .04), with τ2=1.09; χ2=53.37, and p < .001. CONCLUSION: Radiographic examinations in children can cause genotoxic and cytotoxic damage in the oral epithelium with a large effect size.

3D Printed Scaffolds Manufactured with Biosilica from Marine Sponges for Bone Healing in a Cranial Defect in Rats.

The inorganic part of marine sponges, called Biosilica (BS), presents an osteogenic potential and the ability of consolidating fractures. Moreover, 3D printing technique is highly effective for manufacturing scaffolds for tissue engineering proposals. Thus, the aims of this study were to characterize the 3D rinted scaffolds, to evaluate the biological effects in vitro and to investigate the in vivo response using an experimental model of cranial defects in rats. The physicochemical characteristics of 3D printed BS scaffolds were analyzed by FTIR, EDS, calcium assay, evaluation of mass loss and pH measurement. For in vitro analysis, the MC3T3-E1 and L929 cells viability was evaluated. For the in vivo evaluation, histopathology, morphometrical and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed in a cranial defect in rats. After the incubation, the 3D printed BS scaffolds presented lower values in pH and mass loss over time. Furthermore, the calcium assay showed an increased Ca uptake. The FTIR analysis indicated the characteristic peaks for materials with silica and the EDS analysis demonstrated the main presence of silica. Moreover, 3D printed BS demonstrated an increase in MC3T3-E1 and L929 cell viability in all periods analyzed. In addition, the histological analysis demonstrated no inflammation in days 15 and 45 post-surgery, and regions of newly formed bone were also observed. The immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated increased Runx-2 and OPG immunostaining. Those findings support that 3D printed BS scaffolds may improve the process of bone repair in a critical bone defect as a result of stimulation of the newly formed bone.

Red LED light therapy associated with epidermal growth factor on wound repair process in rats.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and light-emitting diode (LED) are currently deployed as promissory treatments for skin repair; however, the mechanisms of their association are not yet evidenced. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of combined treatment with EGF and red LED on the wound healing processes in rats. Adult Wistar rats were randomized in control group (CG) wounds without treatment; wounds submitted to EGF treatment (EGF); wounds submitted to LED treatment (LED); wounds submitted to EGF associated with LED treatments (EGF/LED). Treatments were performed immediately after the surgical procedure and each 24 h, totaling 8 sessions. Moreover, LED was applied before EGF treatment at a single point in the center of the wound. Morphological characteristics and the immunoexpression of COX-2, VEGF, and TGF-ß were measured. The results demonstrated that EGF/LED group presented a higher wound healing index. Additionally, all experimental groups presented similar findings in the histological evaluation, the degree of inflammation, and the area of dermis-like tissue. However, for EGF-treated animals (with or without LED), neoepithelial length was higher. Furthermore, all the treated groups decreased COX-2 and increased VEGF immunoexpression, and only EGF/LED group enhanced the TGF-ß protein expression when compared to the untreated group. This research shows that EGF and LED modulate inflammatory process and increase the vascularity. In addition, treatment of EGF associated with LED promoted a more evident positive effect for increasing TGF-ß expression and may be promising resources in the clinical treatment of cutaneous wounds.

The use of micronucleus assay in exfoliated oral cells in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate published papers regarding the micronucleus assay in oral mucosal cells of patients undergoing orthodontic therapy (OT). A search of the scientific literature was made in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for all data published until November, 2021 using the combination of the following keywords: "fixed orthodontic therapy," "genetic damage", "DNA damage," "genotoxicity", "mutagenicity", "buccal cells", "oral mucosa cells," and "micronucleus assay". The systematic review was designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Nine studies were retrieved. Some authors demonstrated that OT induces cytogenetic damage in oral mucosal cells. Out of the nine studies included, two were classified as strong, five as moderate, and two as weak, according to the quality assessment components of the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP). Meta-analysis data revealed no relationship between mutagenicity in oral cells and OT in different months of treatment. At one month, the SMD = 0.65 and p = 0.08; after three months of OT, the SMD = 1.21 and p = 0.07; and after six months of OT, the SMD = 0.56 and p = 0.11. In the analyzed months of OT, I2 values were >75%, indicating high heterogeneity. In summary, this review was not able to demonstrate that OT induces genetic damage in oral cells. The study is important for the protection of patients undergoing fixed OT, given that mutagenesis participates in the multi-step process of carcinogenesis.

Is micronucleus assay in oral exfoliated cells a useful biomarker for biomonitoring populations exposed to pesticides? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

The systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis aimed to infer if micronucleus assay using oral mucosal cells a useful biomarker for biomonitoring populations continuously exposed to pesticides (EP). The SR has been made in accordance with the PRISMA-P guidelines. The PICOS strategy has focused to answer the following question: "Does exposure to pesticides cause genetic damage in oral cells?" The literature search was made in the following scientific databases: Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, and Scopus. The approach was defined as follows: standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality assessment of manuscripts was obtained by the EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project). The GRADE tool was chosen for assessing the quality of evidence. A total of 108 articles were selected in this setting. After screening abstracts and titles, 23 manuscripts were evaluated for eligibility. After reviewing the studies, two were considered weak and 22 were classified as moderate or strong. The meta-analysis data pointed out statistically significant differences in volunteers exposed to EP (SMD = 1.23, 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.77, p < 0.001), with a Tau2 = 1.44; Chi2 = 566.38, and p < 0.001, so that the selected manuscripts were considered heterogeneous and the I2 of 97% indicated high heterogeneity. Taken together, this review was able to validate the micronucleus assay in oral exfoliated cells as a useful biomarker in individuals continuously exposed to EP because the studies categorized as moderate and strong have demonstrated positive response related to mutagenesis.

Influence of photobiomodulation therapy on the treatment of pulmonary inflammatory conditions and its impact on COVID-19.

We are currently facing a pandemic that continuously causes high death rates and has negative economic and psychosocial impacts. Therefore, this period requires a quick search for viable procedures that can allow us to use safe and non-invasive clinical tools as prophylactic or even adjuvant methods in the treatment of COVID-19. Some evidence shows that photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can attenuate the inflammatory response and reduce respiratory disorders similar to acute lung injury (ALI), complications associated with infections, such as the one caused by the new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of PBMT (infrared low-level laser therapy) on the treatment of ALI, one of the main critical complications of COVID-19 infection, in an experimental model in rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to three experimental groups (n = 8): control group (CG), controlled ALI (ALI), and acute lung injury and PBM (ALIP). For treatment, a laser equipment was used (808 nm; 30 mw; 1.68 J) applied at three sites (anterior region of the trachea and in the ventral regions of the thorax, bilaterally) in the period of 1 and 24 h after induction of ALI. For treatment evaluation, descriptive histopathological analysis, lung injury score, analysis of the number of inflammatory cells, and expression of interleukin 1 ß (IL-1ß) were performed. In the results, it was possible to observe that the treatment with PBMT reduced inflammatory infiltrates, thickening of the alveolar septum, and lung injury score when compared to the ALI group. In addition, PBMT showed lower immunoexpression of IL-1ß. Therefore, based on the results observed in the present study, it can be concluded that treatment with PBMT (infrared low-level laser therapy) was able to induce an adequate tissue response capable of modulating the signs of inflammatory process in ALI, one of the main complications of COVID-19.

Collagen from Marine Sources and Skin Wound Healing in Animal Experimental Studies: a Systematic Review.

Collagen (Col) from marine organisms has been emerging as an important alternative for commercial Col and it has been considered highly attractive by the industry. Despite the positive effects of Col from marine origin, there is still limited understanding of the effects of this natural biomaterial in the process of wound healing in animal studies. In this context, the purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to examine the effects of Col from different marine species in the process of skin tissue healing using experimental models of skin wound. The search was carried out according to the orientations of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), and the descriptors of the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) were defined: "marine collagen," "spongin," "spongin," "skin," and "wound." A total of 42 articles were retrieved from the databases PubMed and Scopus. After the eligibility analyses, this review covers the different marine sources of Col reported in 10 different papers from the beginning of 2011 through the middle of 2019. The results were based mainly on histological analysis and it demonstrated that Col-based treatment resulted in a higher deposition of granulation tissue, stimulation of re-epitalization and neoangiogenesis and increased amount of Col of the wound, culminating in a more mature morphological aspect. In conclusion, this review demonstrates that marine Col from different species presented positive effects on the process of wound skin healing in experimental models used, demonstrating the huge potential of this biomaterial for tissue engineering proposals.

Association of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and exercises programs in pain and functional capacity of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA): a systematic review of randomized trials.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative disease in which several treatments and treatment associations have been investigated. This review analyzed the efficacy of the association of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and exercises for people with KOA in randomized controlled clinical trials. PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were searched using the following terms: "knee osteoarthritis," "laser," "low-level laser," "photobiomodulation," "phototherapy," and "exercise." Seven RCT studies involving humans that examined PBMT treatment in association with were found. Most studies used mainly near-infrared PBMT irradiation, with a fluence ranging from 610 mJ/cm2 to 200 J/cm2, 23.55 J to 2400 J total energy per knee, and number of treatment sessions from 10 to 24. In addition, all the protocols included exercises to increase lower limb muscle strength that were performed alone or in association with other types of exercises. However, only 2 studies, considered as a high quality, showed the additional effect of PBMT (lower doses) on an exercise program (involving warming-up, motor learning, balance coordination and strengthening exercises, and stretching) for improvement of pain and functional capacity in people with KOA. This review demonstrates that there is a controversy on the effects PBMT associated with exercises for pain and functional capacity improvement for people with KOA, because there is a heterogeneity between studies in related to PBMT parameters, as dose, number of therapy sessions and the type of PBMT (either LLLT and HILT), and the exercise protocols proposed.

Characterization and Biological Performance of Marine Sponge Collagen

Abstract This study characterized the morphological aspects of marine collagen - spongin (SPG) extract from marine sponges, as well as, evaluating its in vitro and in vivo biological performance. Aplysina fulva marine sponge was used for the SPG extraction. It was investigated the physicochemical and morphological properties of SPG by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and compared to PMMA and bovine collagen. Additionally, the SPG cytotoxicity and its influence on cell proliferation, through in vitro tests. Moreover, the in vivo biological response was investigated using an experimental model of tibial bone defect. The results demonstrated that SPG presented an irregular granular aspect, with a composition of OH, C=O, NH, CN and an amorphous profile. Also, in vitro viability results for the L929 and MC3T3 cell lines cultured with SPG extracts demonstrated normal growth in comparison to controls, except for MC3T3 viability at day 3. For in vivo analysis, using tibial bone defects in rats, SPG treated animals presented an increased rate of material resorption and higher granulation and bone formation deposition in the region of the defect, mainly after 45 days. As a conclusion, SPG was successfully extracted. The in vitro and in vivo studies pointed out that SPG samples produced an increase in L929 and MC3T3 viability and improved the performance in tibial bone defects. It can be concluded that SPG can be used as a bone graft for bone regeneration.

Effects of photobiomodulation and a physical exercise program on the expression of inflammatory and cartilage degradation biomarkers and functional capacity in women with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized blinded study

Abstract Background: The knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease characterized by degradation of articular cartilage that leads to chronic inflammation. Exercise programs and photobiomodulation (PBM) are capable of modulating the inflammatory process of minimizing functional disability related to knee OA. However, their association on the concentration of biomarkers related to OA development has not been studied yet. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of PBM (via cluster) with a physical exercise program in functional capacity, serum inflammatory and cartilage degradation biomarkers in patients with knee OA. Methods: Forty-two patients were randomly allocated in 3 groups: ESP: exercise + sham PBM; EAP: exercise + PBM and CG: control group. Six patients were excluded before finished the experimental period. The analyzed outcomes in baseline and 8-week were: the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) and the evaluation of serum biomarkers concentration (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 e TNF-α, and CTX-II). Results: An increase in the functional capacity was observed in the WOMAC total score for both treated groups (p < 0.001) and ESP presents a lower value compared to CG (p < 0.05) the 8-week post-treatment. In addition, there was a significant increase in IL-10 concentration of EAP (p < 0.05) and higher value compared to CG (p < 0.001) the 8-week post-treatment. Moreover, an increase in IL-1β concentration was observed for CG (p < 0.05). No other difference was observed comparing the other groups. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the physical exercise therapy could be a strategy for increasing functional capacity and in association with PBM for increasing IL-10 levels in OA knee individuals. Trial registration: ReBEC (RBR-7t6nzr).

In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity and cytotoxicity analysis of protein extract from Aplysina fulva sponges

This study evaluated the physicochemical and morphological properties of a marine sponge protein extract (PE) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), analysis of mass loss and pH and in vitro and in vivo. Scanning electron microscopy showed that PE fibers present a granular aspect and irregular structure and the element carbon followed by oxygen was detected in the EDS analysis. Moreover, a 29% of mass loss was observed after 14 days and the pH slightly modified after 14 days. Cell viability of fibroblast cells (L929) of control and PE at a concentration of 25% demonstrated higher values compared to the groups. Osteoblast cell viability of PE at 25 and 50% was significantly higher. Comet assay on day 1 showed higher values for PE at 25%. In addition, in vivo experiments demonstrated that in the treated animals, the bone defects were filled with biomaterial particles, granulation tissue and some areas of newly formed bone. Furthermore, similar immunoexpression of Runx-2 and Cox-2 was observed. Taken together, all results suggest that PE is biocompatible, present non-citotoxicity in the in vitro studies (at the lower concentration) and in the in vivo studies and it can be considered as an alternative source of collagen for tissue engineering proposals.

Acute Photobiomodulation Effects Through a Cluster Device on Skeletal Muscle Fatigue of Biceps Brachii in Young and Healthy Males: A Randomized Double-Blind Session.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the acute effects of red and infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) using a cluster device on biceps brachii muscle fatigue in young and healthy males. Background: Vigorous physical activity could lead to muscle fatigue, which compromises motor control and muscle strength and consequently impairs performance. The positive effects of PBM in reducing fatigue onset have been highlighted. However, the better wavelength with cluster devices is not yet established. Methods: A randomized double-blind session was used. Thirty-two young and healthy males were randomized into the control group (CG), red PBM group (RPG), and infrared PBM group (IPG). A PBM cluster device [7 visible diodes (630 nm), 7 infrared diodes (850 nm), 100 mW/diode, 2 W/cm2 power density, 91 J/cm2 energy density, 4 J per point, 28 J total energy, and 40 sec] was applied after muscle fatigue. Muscle fatigue was analyzed by surface electromyography (EMG) recorded from the long head of biceps brachii, blood lactate concentration, and evaluation of the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) using the Borg Scale. The fatigue protocol consisted of a maximum voluntary isotonic contraction of elbow flexion-extension with 75% of one-repetition maximum until exhaustion. The Borg Scale was applied before and at the end of the experiment to measure the RPE. The electromyography fatigue index (EMGFI) was calculated by windows of median frequency from EMG data. Results: EMGFI, blood lactate concentration, and RPE showed no intergroup statistical difference, except the EMGFI delta value that showed a difference between IPG and CG, with a greater value in the CG. However, intragroup comparisons showed that EMGFI decreased in the CG and RPE and lactate concentration increased significantly in all groups. Conclusions: There was no difference between red and infrared PBM in reduction of biceps brachii fatigue. However, the EMGFI delta value was greater in the IPG compared with the CG, suggesting that infrared can be more effective in reducing biceps brachii fatigue.

Marine spongin incorporation into Biosilicate® for tissue engineering applications: An in vivo study.

Biomaterials and bone grafts, with the ability of stimulating tissue growth and bone consolidation, have been emerging as very promising strategies to treat bone fractures. Despite its well-known positive effects of biosilicate (BS) on osteogenesis, its use as bone grafts in critical situations such as bone defects of high dimensions or in non-consolidated fractures may not be sufficient to stimulate tissue repair. Consequently, several approaches have been explored to improve the bioactivity of BS. A promising strategy to reach this aim is the inclusion of an organic part, such as collagen, in order to mimic bone structure. Thus, the present study investigated the biological effects of marine spongin (SPG)-enriched BS composites on the process of healing, using a critical experimental model of cranial bone defect in rats. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry analyzes were performed after two and six weeks of implantation to investigate the effects of the material on bone repair (supplemental material-graphical abstract). Histological analysis demonstrated that for both BS and BS/SPG, similar findings were observed, with signs of material degradation, the presence of granulation tissue along the defect area and newly formed bone into the area of the defect. Additionally, histomorphometry showed that the control group presented higher values for Ob.S/BS (%) and for N.Ob/T.Ar (mm2) (six weeks post-surgery) compared to BS/SPG and higher values of N.Ob/T.Ar (mm2) compared to BS (two weeks post-surgery). Moreover, BS showed higher values for OV/TV (%) compared to BS/SPG (six weeks post-surgery). Also, VEGF immunohistochemistry was increased for BS (two weeks post-surgery) and for BS/SPG (six weeks) compared to CG. TGFb immunostaining was higher for BS compared to CG. The results of this study demonstrated that the BS and BS/SPG scaffolds were biocompatible and able to support bone formation in a critical bone defect in rats. Moreover, an increased VEGF immunostaining was observed in BS/SPG.

Level of pain, muscle strength and posture: effects of PBM on an exercise program in women with knee osteoarthritis - a randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise program associated to photobiomodulation (PBM) on pain, postural changes, functionally, and muscular strength in women, one of the risk factors, with knee osteoarthritis (OA). A randomized controlled trial, with a blinded assessor and intention-to-treat analysis and placebo control. Sixty-two participants with knee OA (with confirmed radiological diagnosis) were evaluated for this study. However, 34 were considered eligible and were randomized into two groups: EPPG - exercise and PBM placebo group (n = 17) and EPAG - exercise and PBM active group (n = 16), but one participant was excluded of EPAG. The exercise program and PBM (808 nm, 100 mW/point, 4 J/point, 56 J total, 91 J/cm2) were realized twice a week, during 8 weeks. West Ontario and the McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Lequesne questionnaires, 1-repetition maximum test (1-RM) and posture evaluation software (SAPO) were used to analyze the effects of the therapies. In intragroup analysis, a significant improvement in pain WOMAC (p < 0.001), stiffness (p < 0.001), function (p < 0.001), Lequesne (p < 0.001), and 1-RM (all muscle groups) (p < 0.001) were observed. In this study, the exercise program improved pain, function, and muscle strength of all the participants. However, PBM, in the parameters used, did not optimize the effects of the exercise program in women with knee OA.

In Vivo Biological Effects of Marine Biosilica on a Tibial Bone Defect in Rats

Abstract Research on biomaterials of natural origin has gained prominence in the literature. Above all, marine sponges, due to their architecture and structural components, present a promising potential for the engineering of bone tissue. In vitro studies demonstrate that a biosilica of marine sponges has osteogenic potential. However, in vivo works are needed to elucidate the interaction of biosilica (BS) and bone tissue. The objective of the study was to evaluate the morphological and chemical characteristics of BS compared to Bioglass (BG) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray dispersive energy (EDX) spectroscopy. In addition, to evaluate the biological effects of BS, through an experimental model of tibial bone defect using histopathological, histomorphometric, immunohistochemical (IHC) and mechanical tests. SEM and EDX demonstrated the successful extraction of BS. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that Control Group (GC) had greater formation of newly formed bone tissue compared to BG and BS, yet BG bone neoformation was greater than BS. However, BS showed material degradation and granulation tissue formation, with absence of inflammatory process and formation of fibrotic capsule. The results of histomorphometry corroborate with those of histopathology, where it is worth emphasizing the positive influence of BS in osteoblastic activity. IHQ demonstrated positive VEGF and TGF-β immunoexpression for GC, BS and BG. In the mechanical test no significant differences were found. The present results demonstrate the potential of BS in bone repair, further studies are needed other forms of presentation of BS are needed.