Oxidative stress is involved in LLLT mechanism of action on skin healing in rats.

The skin injury healing process involves the main phases of homoeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on hematological dynamics, oxidative stress markers, and its relation with tissue healing following skin injury. Wistar rats were divided into control, sham, skin injury, and skin injury LLLT. The biochemical and morphological analyses were performed in the inflammatory (1 and 3 days) and regenerative phases (7, 14, and 21 days) following injury. The skin injury was performed in the dorsal region, between the intrascapular lines, using a surgical punch. LLLT (Al-Ga-In-P, λ=660 nm, energy density of 20 J/cm2, 30 mW power, and a time of 40 s) was applied at the area immediately after injury and on every following day according to the experimental subgroups. LLLT maintained hematocrit and hemoglobin levels until the 3rd day of treatment. Surprisingly, LLLT increased total leukocytes levels compared to control until the 3rd day. The effects of LLLT on mitochondrial activity were demonstrated by the significant increase in MTT levels in both inflammatory and regenerative phases (from the 1st to the 7th day), but only when associated with skin injury. The results indicated that LLLT modulated the inflammatory response intensity and accelerated skin tissue healing by a mechanism that involved oxidative damage reduction mostly at early stages of skin healing (inflammatory phase).

Functional capacity, lung function, and muscle strength in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment for benign and malignant hematological diseases. These aggressive treatments cause reduced levels of physical activity, decreased lung function, and worse quality of life. Alterations in pulmonary function tests before HSCT are associated with the risk of respiratory failure and early mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate functional capacity and lung function before and after HSCT and identify the predictors of mortality after 2 years. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out with individuals with oncohematological diseases. The evaluations were carried out in two moments during hospitalization and at hospital discharge. Follow-up was carried out after 48 months. Assessments were carried out on 34 adults, using spirometry, manovacuometry, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Handgrip Strength Test, and 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30-s CST). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction for the variables in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume predicted in the 1st second, Tiffeneau index, handgrip strength, and distance covered (% predicted) on the 6MWT (p < .05). There was a significant difference in the 30-s CST when individuals were compared according to the type of transplant. We found that a 10% reduction in the values of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) can predict an increased risk for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals undergoing HSCT have reduced functional capacity, lung function, and muscle strength during the hospitalization phase. Reduction in the values of MIP increases the risk of nonrelapse mortality.

Effects of vitamin D administration on nociception and spinal cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in neuropathic pain, a complicated condition after nerve tissue lesion. Vitamin D appears to improve symptoms of pain and exhibits antioxidant properties. We investigated the effects of oral administration of vitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D, on nociception, the sciatic functional index (SFI), and spinal cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, a model of neuropathic pain. Vitamin D3 (500 IU/kg per day) attenuated the CCI-induced decrease in mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency (indicators of antinociception) and SFI. The vitamin prevented increased lipid hydroperoxide levels in injured sciatic nerve without change to total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Vitamin D3 prevented increased lipid hydroperoxide, superoxide anion generation (SAG), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in the spinal cord, which were found in rats without treatment at 7 and 28 days post-CCI. A significant negative correlation was found between mechanical threshold and SAG and between mechanical threshold and H2O2 at day 7. Vitamin D3 also prevented decreased spinal cord total thiols content. There was an increase in TAC in the spinal cord of vitamin-treated CCI rats, compared to CCI rats without treatment only at 28 days. No significant changes were found in body weight and blood parameters of hepatic and renal function. These findings demonstrated, for first time, that vitamin D modulated pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in the spinal cord. Since antinociception occurred in parallel with oxidative changes in the spinal cord, the oxidative changes may have contributed to vitamin D-induced antinociception.

Oxidative stress is involved in LLLT mechanism of action on skin healing in rats

The skin injury healing process involves the main phases of homoeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on hematological dynamics, oxidative stress markers, and its relation with tissue healing following skin injury. Wistar rats were divided into control, sham, skin injury, and skin injury LLLT. The biochemical and morphological analyses were performed in the inflammatory (1 and 3 days) and regenerative phases (7, 14, and 21 days) following injury. The skin injury was performed in the dorsal region, between the intrascapular lines, using a surgical punch. LLLT (Al-Ga-In-P, λ=660 nm, energy density of 20 J/cm2, 30 mW power, and a time of 40 s) was applied at the area immediately after injury and on every following day according to the experimental subgroups. LLLT maintained hematocrit and hemoglobin levels until the 3rd day of treatment. Surprisingly, LLLT increased total leukocytes levels compared to control until the 3rd day. The effects of LLLT on mitochondrial activity were demonstrated by the significant increase in MTT levels in both inflammatory and regenerative phases (from the 1st to the 7th day), but only when associated with skin injury. The results indicated that LLLT modulated the inflammatory response intensity and accelerated skin tissue healing by a mechanism that involved oxidative damage reduction mostly at early stages of skin healing (inflammatory phase).

Aging and low-intensity exercise change oxidative biomarkers in brain regions and radiographic measures of femur of Wistar rats

We investigated changes in oxidative biomarkers in brain regions such as brainstem, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex of 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. We also assessed the effects of low-intensity exercise on these biomarkers in these regions of 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats that started exercise on a treadmill at 3, 15, and 21 months of age, respectively. Radiographic images of the femur were taken for all rats. A total of 25 rats (age: twelve 6-, ten 18-, ten 24-, and three 30-month-old rats) were used. Lipid hydroperoxide levels increased in cerebellum at 18 months. Total antioxidant activity exhibited lowest values in brainstem at 3 months. Superoxide dismutase activity did not exhibit significant changes during aging. Total thiol content exhibited lowest values in brain regions of 24- and 30-month-old rats. Exercise reduced total thiol content in brainstem at 6 months, but no change occurred in other regions and other ages. Femur increased its length and width and cortical thickness with advancing age. No change occurred in medullary width. Radiolucency increased and sclerosis was found in cortical and medullary bone with advancing age. Exercise reduced radiolucency and medullary sclerosis. Therefore, aging differentially changed oxidative biomarkers in different brain regions and radiographic measures of the femur. Low-intensity exercise only ameliorated some radiographic measurements of femur. Since the present study possessed limitations (small number of rats per group), a beneficial effect of regular low-intensity exercise on oxidative markers in brain cannot be ruled out.

Age-related changes and effects of regular low-intensity exercise on gait, balance, and oxidative biomarkers in the spinal cord of Wistar rats

The present study aimed to analyze age-related changes to motor coordination, balance, spinal cord oxidative biomarkers in 3-, 6-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month-old rats. The effects of low-intensity exercise on these parameters were also analyzed in 6-, 18-, and 24-month-old rats. Body weight, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were assessed for all rats. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio was used to estimate skeletal muscle mass loss. Body weight increased until 24 months; only 30-month-old rats exhibited decreased blood glucose and increased total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. The soleus muscle weight/body weight ratio increased until 18 months, followed by a small decrease in old rats. Exercise did not change any of these parameters. Stride length and step length increased from adult to middle age, but decreased at old age. Stride width increased while the sciatic functional index decreased in old rats. Performance in the balance beam test declined with age. While gait did not change, balance improved after exercise. Aging increased superoxide anion generation, hydrogen peroxide levels, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase activity while total thiol decreased and lipid hydroperoxides did not change. Exercise did not significantly change this scenario. Thus, aging increased oxidative stress in the spinal cord, which may be associated with age-induced changes in gait and balance. Regular low-intensity exercise is a good alternative for improving age-induced changes in balance, while beneficial effects on gait and spinal cord oxidative biomarkers cannot be ruled out because of the small number of rats investigated (n=5 or 6/group).

Mechanisms involved in anti-aging effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is habitually ingested by people in the Amazon region and is a key ingredient in various energy drinks consumed worldwide. Extension in longevity and low prevalence of chronic age-related diseases have been associated to habitual intake of guarana. Anti-aging potential of guarana was also demonstrated in Caenorhabditis elegans; however, the mechanisms involved in its effects are not clear. Herein, we investigated the putative pathways that regulate the effects of guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) on lifespan using C. elegans. The major known longevity pathways were analyzed through mutant worms and RT-qPCR assay (DAF-2, DAF-16, SKN-1, SIR-2.1, HSF-1). The possible involvement of purinergic signaling was also investigated. This study demonstrated that GEE acts through antioxidant activity, DAF-16, HSF-1, and SKN-1 pathways, and human adenosine receptor ortholog (ADOR-1) to extend lifespan. GEE also downregulated skn-1, daf-16, sir-2.1 and hsp-16.2 in 9-day-old C. elegans, which might reflect less need to activate these protective genes due to direct antioxidant effects. Our results contribute to the comprehension of guarana effects in vivo, which might be helpful to prevent or treat aging-associated disorders, and also suggest purinergic signaling as a plausible therapeutic target for longevity studies.

Mechanisms involved in anti-aging effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in Caenorhabditis elegans

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is habitually ingested by people in the Amazon region and is a key ingredient in various energy drinks consumed worldwide. Extension in longevity and low prevalence of chronic age-related diseases have been associated to habitual intake of guarana. Anti-aging potential of guarana was also demonstrated in Caenorhabditis elegans; however, the mechanisms involved in its effects are not clear. Herein, we investigated the putative pathways that regulate the effects of guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) on lifespan using C. elegans. The major known longevity pathways were analyzed through mutant worms and RT-qPCR assay (DAF-2, DAF-16, SKN-1, SIR-2.1, HSF-1). The possible involvement of purinergic signaling was also investigated. This study demonstrated that GEE acts through antioxidant activity, DAF-16, HSF-1, and SKN-1 pathways, and human adenosine receptor ortholog (ADOR-1) to extend lifespan. GEE also downregulated skn-1, daf-16, sir-2.1 and hsp-16.2 in 9-day-old C. elegans, which might reflect less need to activate these protective genes due to direct antioxidant effects. Our results contribute to the comprehension of guarana effects in vivo, which might be helpful to prevent or treat aging-associated disorders, and also suggest purinergic signaling as a plausible therapeutic target for longevity studies.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria with bacteriocinogenic potential on the fermentation profile and chemical composition of alfalfa silage in tropical conditions.

The fermentation profile, chemical composition, and microbial populations of alfalfa silages treated with microbial inoculants (MI) at different fermentation periods (T) were evaluated in tropical conditions. A 4×6 factorial arrangement was used in a randomized design with 3 replicates. Fresh alfalfa was treated with (1) no treatment (CTRL), (2) commercial inoculant (CIN), (3) Pediococcus acidilactici (strain 10.6, S1), and (4) Pediococcus pentosaceus (strain 6.16, S2). An inoculant application rate of 10(6) cfu/g of fresh forage was used. The fermentation periods were 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 d. Alfalfa was harvested 82 d after sowing at the early flowering stage, chopped into 1.5-cm particle size, and ensiled in 25 × 35 cm vacuum-sealed plastic bags. The numbers of lactic acid bacteria, enterobacteria, mold, and yeast in alfalfa before ensiling were 5.42, 5.58, 4.82, and 4.8 log cfu/g, respectively. Silage chemical composition was evaluated only at 56 d. All parameters were affected by the interaction MI × T, except the concentrations of lactic and propionic acids. Alfalfa silage treated with S1 or S2 had lower pH values than CTRL from the first day until 28 d. However, the inoculants resulted in similar pH after 56 d, and these values were lower than the CTRL. The highest concentration of lactic acid was observed in the silage treated with S1 and S2 at 7 and 14 d of ensiling. The concentration of acetic acid was lower in the silages treated with S1 and S2 than the CTRL and CIN at 3 and 28 d of fermentation. There was no effect of MI or MI × T interaction on the microbial populations. However, the number of enterobacteria decreased over the fermentation period until 14 d and increased slightly after this time point. The chemical composition of alfalfa silage was not affected by MI at 56 d of ensiling. The strain P. pentosaceus 6.16 was the most efficient in dominating the fermentation process by decreasing the pH more quickly and increasing the concentration of lactic acid, suggesting its potential use as a silage inoculant.

Cinética de fermentação ruminal in vitro de silagens de híbridos de sorgo / Ruminal fermentation kinetics of sorghum hybrid silages

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar as silagens de 23 híbridos de sorgo por meio da técnica in vitro semiautomática de produção de gases. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com 23 tratamentos e três repetições, sendo os tratamentos as silagens de híbridos de sorgo. Os híbridos foram cultivados na estação experimental do Instituto Nacional do Semiárido (INSA), no município de Campina Grande - PB. A produção de gases foi estimada por intermédio do modelo logístico bicompartimental, ajustado às curvas de produção cumulativa de gases. Com relação ao volume final de carboidratos fibrosos (VfCF), houve efeito de híbrido (P<0,05), com resultados variando de 105,99 a 144,53mL/g de MS. Os valores de taxa de degradação dos carboidratos fibrosos (KdCF) variaram (P<0,05), e o híbrido 866041 apresentou o maior resultado 0,015h-1. Os valores de volume final total (VfT) variaram (P<0,05), e os híbridos 870085, Volumax e XBS 60329 apresentaram maiores (P<0,05) valores de VfT em relação aos demais. Pela análise multivariada, foram formados seis grupos distintos. O grupo 2, composto pelos híbridos 22 (Volumax) e 23 (XBS60329), apresentou os maiores valores médios para os volumes de gás, tanto para os carboidratos fibrosos quanto para os não fibrosos. O grupo 4, composto pelo híbrido 1 (866005), apresentou as menores médias para volume de gás produzido e o maior lag time (3,15 horas). Todos os híbridos estudados apresentam potencial para ensilagem, de acordo com a cinética de fermentação ruminal...

The aim of this research was to evaluate the silage of 23 sorghum hybrids using the in vitro semi-automatic gas production technique. A completely randomized design with 23 treatments was used, with three replications, and treatments were the sorghum-hybrids silages. Hybrids were grown at the experimental station of the Instituto Nacional do Semiárido (INSA), in Campina Grande - PB. The gas production was estimated using the bicompartimental logistic model, adjusted to the curves of cumulative gas production. A significant effect (P<0.05) was observed for final gas of fibrous carbohydrates (VfCF), which results ranged from 105.99 to 144.53mL/g of DM. Degradation rate of fibrous carbohydrates (KdCF) values ranged (P<0.05) for the hybrid 866041, which showed the highest result 0.015h-1. Final total volume (VFT) was affected by hybrid (P<0.05), in which hybrids 870085, Volumax and XBS60329 had the highest (P<0.05) values compared to other hybrids. By multivariate analysis were formed six distinct groups. Group 2, consisting of hybrids 22 (Volumax) and 23 (XBS60329) showed the highest average values for gas volumes, both for fibrous carbohydrates and for the non-fibrous. Group 4, comprising the hybrid 1 (866005), had the lowest gas volume produced means and a highest lag time (3.15 hours). All hybrids studied have potential to silage, according to the ruminal fermentation kinetics...

Cirrhosis in rats does not resolve in the long-term after induction by thioacetamide model

Introductions: Hepatic cirrhosis is a final common pathway of all chronic liver diseases, characterized by deposit of fibrillar collagen and liver failure. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, hepatic cirrhosis was induced in 15 female Wistar rats by a 14-week period, with thioacetamide solution in a 200 mg/kg dosage, via intraperitoneal. Animals were submitted to liver biopsy, and euthanized after a 80-day post-induction period. Serum biochemical analysis was performed, in addition to histopathology by H.E., Picrosirius, Alcian Blue and P.A.S. stainings, following analysis of histological activity index and staging of fibrosis. Morphometric analysis of collagen on Picrosirius slides was also performed. Results: Mortality during experimental period was low (13.33%), and after 80-day period, liver function improved, cellular changes did not altered, and deposition of acidic mucopolysaccharides and glycogen were increased. Liver histological activity did not change significantly (7.25 ± 1.30 to 6.41 ± 1.32), but staging of fibrosis was altered (3.91 ± 0.76 to 4.70 ± 1.11). Interlobular collagen showed a significant decrease (5.14 ± 2.00 to 4.00 ± 1.20), while intralobular collagen was increased (0.23 ± 0.06 to 0.36 ± 0.08). Conclusions: These findings characterize thioacetamide as a safe experimental model for induction cirrhosis, which may be used for future therapy studies.(AU)

Atividades antioxidante e antimicrobiana de Ziziphus joazeiro mart. (Rhamnaceae): avaliação comparativa entre cascas e folhas / Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Ziziphus joazeiro mart. (Rhamnaceae): comparison between bark and leaves

Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar as atividades antioxidante e antimicrobiana de extratos de cascas e folhas de uma notável árvore da Caatinga (semi-árido brasileiro), usado em remédios populares, Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada através do método de captação pelo DPPH, enquanto a atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada pelo método de difusão em ágar seguido pela determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CMI). Os resultados mostraram que ambos os extratos de Z. joazeiro possuem atividade antioxidante com EC50 de 461,88 e 1.743,05mg/mL para as folhas e casca, respectivamente. As amostras foram ativas contra 70% das bactérias testadas. O extrato de folhas mostrou CMI entre 0,25-0,5 mg/mL contra Micrococcus luteus e entre 0,125-0,250 mg/mL contra Mycobacterium smegmatis, enquanto o extrato da casca apresentou CMI entre 0,5-1,0 mg /ml M. smegmatis.

The objectives of this study were to determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic extracts of the bark and leaves of a notable tree of the caatinga (Brazilian semiarid scrubland) used in many popular remedies, Ziziphus joazeiro Mart. The antioxidant activity was assessed by the DPPH free-radical scavenging assay, while the antimicrobial activity, against a range of Gram positive and negative bacteria and a yeast, was determined by the agar disk diffusion method, followed by an assay of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results showed that both extracts of Z. joazeiro have antioxidant activity, the EC50 of leaf extract being 461.88 and that of bark 1743.05 mg/mL, with respect to DPPH absorbance in a standard assay. Samples were active against 70% of the bacterial species tested. The leaf extract showed MICs of 0.25-0.5 mg/mL against Micrococcus luteus and 0.125-0.250 mg/mL against Mycobacterium smegmatis, while the bark extract showed a MIC of 0.5-1.0 mg/mL against M. smegmatis.

Pisosterol induces interphase arrest in HL60 cells with c-MYC amplification.

The leukaemia cell line HL60 is widely used in studies of the cell cycle, apoptosis and adhesion mechanisms in cancer cells. One marked characteristic of HL60 cells is the c-MYC proto-oncogene amplification, resulting in the formation of homogeneously staining regions (HSRs) at 8p24. We conducted a fluorescence in situ hybridization study in an HL60 cell line, using a locus-specific probe for c-MYC, before and after treatment with pisosterol (at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.8 microg/mL), a triterpene isolated from the fungus Pisolithus tinctorius. Before treatment, 87.5% of the cells showed HSRs. After treatment, no effects were detected at lower concentrations of pisosterol (0.5 and 1.0 microg/mL). However, at 1.8 microg/mL only 15% of the cells presented HSRs, and 39.5% presented few fluorescent signals (3 or 4 alleles), suggesting that pisosterol probably blocks the cells with HSRs at interphase. This result is particularly interesting because cells that do not show a high degree of c-MYC gene amplification have a less aggressive and invasive behaviour and are easy targets for chemotherapy. Therefore, further studies are needed to examine the use of pisosterol in combination with conventional anti-cancer therapy.

Immunohistochemical characterization of canine prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia.

The development of prostate cancer is believed to be a multistep process, progressing sequentially from normal epithelium, to prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and, finally, to invasive neoplasia. Malignant stem cells within the basal cell layer of the prostatic epithelium are believed to play an important role in the failure of androgen-ablation therapy that occurs in the most advanced form of prostate cancer. The aim of the present study was to immunohistochemically characterize the lesions of canine PIN. Prostatic tissue from five dogs with PIN was compared with normal prostate tissue from nine further dogs. There was an increase in the number of basal epithelial cells in lesions consistent with PIN as defined by expression of the nuclear protein p63. These lesions had elevated expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and heterogeneous labelling for the nuclear androgen receptor (AR). These findings suggest that the basal cells present in PIN may play a role in canine prostate carcinogenesis and that the proliferation of these cells occurs despite the heterogeneous expression of the AR.

In vitro chemosensitivity of canine mast cell tumors grades II and III to all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA).

Mast cell tumor (MCT) is one of the most prevalent neoplasms that affect the skin and soft tissue of dogs. Because mast cell tumors present a great variety of clinical appearance and behavior, their treatment becomes a challenge. While retinoids are well recognized as promising antitumor agents, there have been only a few reports about retinoids' effect on canine cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemosensitivity of MCT grades II and III to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Immediately after surgical resection, MCT were prepared for primary culture. Samples of MCTs were also fixed in formalin for histopathology and grading according to the classification of Patnaik et al. (Veterinary Pathology 21(5):469-474, 1984). The best results were obtained when neoplastic mast cells were co-cultivated with fibroblasts. Cultured mast cells were, then, treated with concentrations of 10(-4) to 10(-7) M of ATRA, in order to evaluate their chemosensitivity to this retinoid. MTT assay was performed to estimate cell growth and death. The highest level of mast cell chemosensivity was obtained at the dose of 10(-4) M (p < 0,002). MCT of grades II or III were equally susceptible to the treatment with ATRA. Cell death was observed on the first 24 h until 48 h. According to these results, ATRA may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of canine MCT.

Cell cycle arrest induced by pisosterol in HL60 cells with gene amplification.

The leukemia cell line HL60 is widely used in studies of the cell cycle, apoptosis, and adhesion mechanisms in cancer cells. We conducted a focused cytogenetic study in an HL60 cell line, by analyzing GTG-banded chromosomes before and after treatment with pisosterol (at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.8 microg/ml), a triterpene isolated from Pisolithus tinctorius, a fungus collected in the Northeast of Brazil. Before treatment, 99% of the cells showed the homogeneously staining region (HSR) 8q24 aberration. After treatment with 1.8 microg/ml pisosterol, 90% of the analyzed cells lacked this aberration. We further performed a pulse test, in which the cells treated with pisosterol (0.5, 1.0, and 1.8 microg/ml) were washed and re-incubated in the absence of pisosterol. Only 30% of the analyzed cells lacked the HSR 8q24 aberration, suggesting that pisosterol probably blocks the cells with HSRs at interphase. No effects were detected at lower concentrations. At the highest concentration examined (1.8 microg/ml), pisosterol also inhibited cell growth, but this effect was not observed in the pulse test, reinforcing our hypothesis that, at the concentrations tested, pisosterol probably does not induce cell death in the HL60 line. The results found for pisosterol were compared with those for doxorubicin. Cells that do not show a high degree of gene amplification (HSRs and double-minute chromosomes) have a less aggressive and invasive behavior and are easy targets for chemotherapy. Therefore, further studies are needed to examine the use of pisosterol in combination with conventional anti-cancer therapy.

Efeitos de diferentes fontes de energia sobre taxa ovulatória, fertilidade e sobrevivência embrionária em marrãs cíclicas / Effects of different energy sources on ovulation rate, pregnancy rate and embryo survival in cyclic gilts

Cinqüenta e quatro marrãs cíclicas, uniformizadas quanto à linhagem, família, ganho de peso, espessura de toucinho, peso, precocidade sexual, número de cios e escore clínico, foram alocadas em dois grupos experimentais com dietas isocalóricas, isoprotéicas e isolisínicas. Duas fontes de energia foram testadas: amido de milho (T1) e óleo de soja (T2). Sincronizou-se o segundo estro com allyl-trenbolone, para inseminação no terceiro estro. Foi realizada cateterização não cirúrgica em 21 marrãs, submetidas a dois ciclos de coleta para dosagem de glicose e insulina, aos 14 e 21 dias do ciclo. Todas as marrãs foram abatidas aos 28,6 dias de gestação média, para análises biométricas do trato reprodutivo. Marrãs do T1 apresentaram maior taxa ovulatória em relação às do T2 (16,52 vs 14,70, P<0,01). Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos nas taxas de prenhez e sobrevivência embrionária. É possível alterar a eficiência reprodutiva por intermédio de manipulação dietética, mesmo em marrãs em estado anabólico. O uso do amido de milho na fase pré-cobertua melhorou a eficiência reprodutiva dos animais avaliados.

Fifty four cyclic gilts were randomly selected and uniformized according to genetic background, litter of origin, weight gain, backfat, number of cycles and clinical score. Gilts were alloted to one of two groups fed isocaloric, isoproteic and isolysinic diets. Two energy sources were tested: corn starch (T1) and soybean oil (T2). Second estrus was synchronized with oral allyl-trenbolone, so that insemination was carried out at third estrus. Indweeling catheters were implanted by non-surgical technic in 21 gilts, which were submitted to consecutive blood samplings for glicose and insulin determination. Timing of ovulation was estimated by means of ultrasonography. All gilts were slaughtered at an average gestation lenght of 28.6 days. Starch-fed gilts (T1) showed higher ovulation rates than T2 gilts (16.52 vs 14.70; P<0.01). There was no effect of treatments on pregnancy rate and embryo survival. Results indicate it is possible to manipulate reproductive efficiency through diet even in anabolic experimental models like cyclic gilts. Feeding starch as main energy source during pre-mating flushing phase improved reproductive efficiency of cyclic gilts.

Estudo fitoquímico e bioensaio toxicológico frente a larvas de Artemia salina Leach. de três espécies medicinais do gênero Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) / Phytochemical screening and toxicological bioassay with brine shrimp larvae (Artemia salina Leach) of three medicinal species of the genus Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae)

Avaliou-se o perfil fitoquímico e a toxicidade de três espécies do gênero Phyllanthus (P. niruri, P. amarus eP. tenellus), coletadas em diferentes localidades do estado de Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil. Os extratos brutos das três espécies foram submetidos a testes convencionais por cromatografia em camada delgada analítica para verificação das classes de metabólitos presentes, e testados frente a larvas de Artemia salina para obtenção das concentrações letais médias (CL50).Os testes fitoquímicos demonstraram a presença de flavonóides, saponinas, terpenos, naftoquinonas, alcalóides, antraquinonas, lignanas e taninos. As três espécies de Phyllanthus apresentaram variações na composição fitoquímica e na toxicidade frente a A.salina. Dependendo do local de coleta, os valores de CL50 variaram de 404,43 mais ou menos 49,64 miug/mL a 770,84 mais ou menos 51,78 miug/mL para P. niruri, 837,65 mais ou menos 61,45 miug/mL a 1075,89 mais ou menos70,72 miug/mL para P. amarus e 534,60 mais ou menos 46,83 miug/mL a 1003,62 mais ou menos 65,15 miug/mL para P. tenellus.

Serological survey for rabies in serum samples from vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) in Botucatu region, SP, Brazil

The chiropterans constitute 25% of the world's mammal fauna. Due to the destruction of their natural ecosystem, the vampire bats have moved from nature to artificial roosts closer to man and domestic animals. This phenomenon has happened particularly in rural areas. Rabies is a viral anthropozoonosis, 100% lethal, and vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) represent an important role in its epidemiology. D. rotundus were captured at night with mesh nets in partnership with the Botucatu Defense Office and sent to the Zoonosis Diagnostic Service, at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, UNESP. Serum samples from 204 bats were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fluorescent antibody viral neutralization test (FAVN) for rabies antibody detection. The results showed 7.4% of sera with titers higher or equal to 0.5 U for rabies antibodies, which demonstrated viral flow circulation among the studied region. Data suggest a need for constant monitoring accomplished by epidemiological and sanitary measures.(AU)

Deletion of a single allele of Cx43 is associated with a reduction in the gap junctional intercellular communication and increased cell proliferation of mouse lung pneumocytes type II.

OBJECTIVES: Connexins (Cx) are proteins that form the gap junctional channels at neighbouring plasma membranes between adjacent cells. Cxs are involved in cell communication, which is reportedly correlated with cell proliferation and differentiation. Alterations in connexin expression and/or gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) capacity have long been postulated to be important in a number of pathological conditions including cancer. This study was performed to determine the consequences of the deletion of a single allele of Gja1 (Cx43 gene) in Alveolar Type II cells (APTIIs), and its impact on GJIC and cell proliferation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In order to do so, APTIIs from wild type (Cx43(+/+)) and heterozygous (Cx43(+/-)) mice were harvested and cultured for 4 days. The GJIC capacity was evaluated by scrape-loading method, with the transfer of lucifer yellow dye. The expression of Cx43 was evaluated by immunofluorescence method and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. RESULTS: It was observed that GJIC capacity was significantly reduced and cell proliferation index was significantly higher in Cx43(+/-) cells compared to Cx43(+/+) cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that knocking out one allele of Cx43 leads to a lower cell to cell communication capacity, and consequently induces a higher cell proliferation. Because chemically induced lung adenomas in mice are known to originate from APTIIs, these alterations may play a critical role in their susceptibility to lung carcinogenesis.