Benefits of Sebastiania hispida (Euphorbiaceae) extract and photobiomodulation therapy as potentially adjunctive strategies to be explored against snake envenoming.

The purpose of this study was to assess the topic use of Sebastiania hispida extract and low-level gallium-arsenide laser irradiation (GaAs, 904 nm) to reduce the local myonecrosis and edema of Bothrops moojeni snake venom-injected gastrocnemius. Wistar rats receiving intramuscular venom injection (VBm) were compared with saline control (S) and envenomed rats receiving local exposure to plant extract (VExt) or laser irradiation (VL). The phytochemistry and thin-layer chromatography of S. hispida extract indicated the presence of phenolic compounds like gallic acid and flavonoids including quercetin. Gastrocnemius of VExt and VL groups had a significant reduction of edema and creatine kinase (CK) activities and a greater Myogenin (MyoG) expression compared to VBm group, with the plant extract efficacy better than laser exposure. Reduction of edema and serum CK activities reflects a lessening of muscle damage, whereas the increase of MyoG indicates myoblast differentiation and acceleration of muscle repair. The S. hispida richness in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, such as the light modulatory ability to triggering a multitude of cell signalings likely underlie the positive outcomes. Our findings suggest both treatments as potential auxiliary tools to be explored in clinical trials in combination with anti-venom therapy after Bothropic snakebites.

Atorvastatin Protects Kidney from Remote Reperfusion Injury.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to find an effective treatment against reperfusion injury. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the capacity of the ischemic postconditioning and statin to prevent renal reperfusion injury. DESIGN AND SETTING: An experimental study developed at Universidade Anhanguera-Uniderp. METHODS: A total of 41 Wistar rats were distributed into 5 groups: ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), ischemic postconditioning (IPC), postconditioning + statin (IPC + S), statin (S), and sham. In the sham group, the infrarenal abdominal aorta was dissected and isolated; all others were submitted to aortic clamping for 70 min (ischemia) and posterior removal of the clamp (reperfusion, 70 min). In the IPC and IPC + S groups, postconditioning was performed in ischemia and reperfusion phases by 4 cycles of reperfusion and ischemia lasting 30 sec each. In the IPC + S and S groups, preceding the surgical procedure, atorvastatin was administered 3.4 mg/day for 7 days by gavage. After the procedure, the left kidney was removed for histological study. RESULTS: The mean renal lesion was 4 in the I/R group, 2.44 in the IPC group, 1.22 in the IPC + S group, 1.11 in the S group, and 1 in the sham group. The I/R group had a higher degree of tissue injury when compared to the others (P < 0.001) and the IPC + S and S groups improved protection against IPC alone (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic postconditioning and atorvastatin can minimize renal remote reperfusion injury.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy on Bothrops moojeni snake-envenomed gastrocnemius of mice using enzymatic biomarkers.

Bothropic venom contains a range of biologically active substances capable of causing severe local and systemic envenoming symptomatology within its victims. The snake anti-venom is effective against systemic effects but has no neutralizing effect against the fast developing local effects. Herein, mice gastrocnemius injected with Bothrops moojeni venom (40 µg/kg) or saline solution were irradiated with HeNe (632.8 nm) and GaAs (904 nm) lasers (daily energy density of 4 J/cm2; 0.03/0.21 power density; 0.07/0.16 spot size; 1.2/0.04 total energy, 1 cm off contact, for HeNe and GaAs lasers, respectively) and euthanized in periods ranging from 3 h to 21 days. Blood biochemistry for creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (AP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), and myoglobin and histopathological analysis, for assessing the degree of myonecrosis and regeneration of gastrocnemius, were done at every time interval. GaAs laser promoted faster photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) effects, and the GaAs group exhibited a better clinical outcome than the HeNe group. Within the GaAs group, the serum levels of CK, LDH, AP, AST, and myoglobin, which were increased by the physiological effects of the venom, were reduced to initial baseline before snake envenomation in less time than those irradiated by the HeNe laser. However, the group receiving irradiation from the HeNe laser returned the levels of ALP activity to baseline faster than those of the GaAs group. Histopathological analysis revealed enhanced muscle regeneration in mice groups treated with both lasers. PBM promoted by GaAs and HeNe showed well-developed centrally nucleate regenerating cells and an increased number of newly formed blood vessels when compared to unirradiated muscle. We therefore suggest that GaAs had the best outcomes likely derived from a deeper penetrating longer wavelength. We conclude that PMBT is a promising, non-invasive approach to be further tested in pre-clinical studies with a goal to further its clinical use in skeletal muscle recovery in snakebite victims.

Effect of Fiber Supplementation on Systemic Inflammation and Liver Steatosis in Mice Fed with High-Carbohydrate Diets.

Background: High consumption of carbohydrates can trigger metabolic and inflammatory disorders in the body. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fiber supplementation on inflammation and hepatic steatosis in mice fed high-carbohydrate diets. Methods: Swiss male mice were distributed into two control groups and two experimental groups that received isocaloric diet rich in starch (55%) or rich in fructose (55%). In the last 4 weeks of the experiment, the animals received 5% fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation via gavage, or water in the control groups. After 16 weeks, biochemical analyses, inflammatory cytokines, and histology of the liver of the animals were performed. Results: The animals that received fructose had higher weight at the end of the experiment as well as liver weight, consumed more feed, had higher levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and a higher degree of hepatic steatosis when compared with the animals that received starch. However, the animals that received starch showed a higher inflammatory process. FOS supplementation was efficient in reducing liver weight and hepatic steatosis degree in animals fed with fructose diet but showed more degeneration of liver tissue and high levels of inflammatory cytokines. FOS reduced the levels of urea and total cholesterol in the starch-fed animals. Conclusions: Diets rich in carbohydrates such as starch and fructose cause deleterious effects in animals, and fiber supplementation can bring beneficial effects.

Low-level laser therapy attenuates creatine kinase levels and apoptosis during forced swimming in rats.

Studies suggest that high-intensity physical exercise can cause damage to skeletal muscles, resulting in muscle soreness, fatigue, inflammatory processes and cell apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on a decrease in creatine kinase (CK) levels and cell apoptosis. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two equal groups: group 1 (control), resistance swimming; group 2 (LLLT), resistance swimming with LLLT. They were subjected to a single application of indium gallium aluminum phosphide (InGaAlP) laser immediately following the exercise for 40 s at an output power of 100 mW, wavelength 660 nm and 133.3 J/cm(2). The groups were subdivided according to sample collection time: 24 h and 48 h. CK was measured before and both 24 h and 48 h after the test. Samples of the gastrocnemius muscle were processed to determine the presence of apoptosis using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling. (There was a significant difference in CK levels between groups (P < 0.0001) as well as between the 24 h and 48 h levels in the control group, whereas there was no significant intra-group difference in the LLLT group at the same evaluation times. In the LLLT group there were 66.3 +/- 13.2 apoptotic cells after 24 h and 39.0 +/- 6.8 apoptotic cells after 48 h. The results suggest that LLLT influences the metabolic profile of animals subjected to fatigue by lowering serum levels of CK. This demonstrates that LLLT can act as a preventive tool against cell apoptosis experienced during high-intensity physical exercise.

Serological and molecular detection of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in human umbilical cord blood and placental tissue samples.

Neosporosis primarily affects cattle and dogs and is not currently considered a zoonotic disease. Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution that is asymptomatic in most cases, but when acquired during pregnancy, it can have serious consequences. The seropositivity rates determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody test for Neospora caninum (N. caninum) and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) were 24.3% (49 samples) and 26.8% (54 samples), respectively. PCR positivity for N. caninum was observed in two samples of cord blood (1%) using the Nc5 and ITS1 gene, positivity for T. gondii was observed in 16 samples using the primer for the B1 gene (5.5% positivity in cord blood and 2.5% positivity in placental tissue). None of the samples showed structures characteristic of tissue cysts or inflammatory infiltrate on histopathology. Significant associations were observed only between N. caninum seropositivity and the presence of domestic animals (p = 0.039) and presence of dogs (p = 0.038) and between T. gondii seropositivity and basic sanitation (p = 0.04). This study obtained important findings regarding the seroprevalence and molecular detection of N. caninum and T. gondii in pregnant women; however, more studies are necessary to establish a correlation between risk factors and infection.

CAN Stryphnodendron adstringens EXTRACT IMPROVE THE RESULTS OF FISTULOTOMY FOLLOWED BY PRIMARY SPHINCTEROPLASTY IN THE TREATMENT OF TRANSSPHINCTERIC FISTULAE?

BACKGROUND: There is still a need for progress in the treatment of transsphincteric anal fistulae and the use of herbal medicines seems promising. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Stryphnodendron adstringens associated with fistulotomy and primary sphincteroplasty in the treatment of transsphincteric fistulae in rats. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were used, which were submitted to transsphincteric fistulas with steel wire 0; after 30 days a treatment was performed according to the group. Group A (n=10) was submitted to fistulotomy; group B (n=10), fistulotomy followed by primary sphincteroplasty with "U" stitch with polyglactin 911 4-0; group C(n=10) , similar to group B, but with the interposition between the muscular stumps of hemostatic sponge soaked in Stryphnodendron adstringens extract. Euthanasia was performed after 14 days, resecting a segment of the anal canal for histological analysis, which aimed to evaluate the closure of the fistula, the area of separation of the muscle cables, the inflammatory process and the degree of fibrosis. RESULTS: No animal had a remaining fistulous tract. About the spacing between the muscle cables, an average of 106.3 µm2 was observed in group A, 82.8 µm2 in group B and 51.8 µm2 in group C (p<0.05). There was no difference between the groups regarding the inflammatory process and, in relation to fibrosis, in group A there was a mean of 0.6, in group B 0.7 and in group C 0.2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Stryphnodendron adstringens extract was able to allow less spacing between muscle cables in rats submitted to fistulotomy followed by primary sphincteroplasty, in addition to providing less local fibrosis.

Treatment of anal fistula with Baccharis dracunculifolia extract. Experimental study in rats. / Tratamento da fístula anal com extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia. Estudo experimental em ratos.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the efficacy of Baccharis dracunculifolia extract in the treatment of anal fistulas in rats. METHODS: twenty male Wistar rats were submitted to anal fistula and, after 30 days, were divided into three groups: Control Group, with five animals; Carbopol Group, with five animals; and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, with ten animals. In the Control Group, no treatment was performed. In the Carbopol Group, a daily infusion of Carbopol was performed for 30 days. In the Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, a daily infusion of Carbopol plus Baccharis dracunculifolia extract was performed for 30 days. Specimens were taken for histological analysis after euthanasia. RESULTS: there was no complete closure of the fistulous tract in any of the animals. The mean area of the remaining tract was of 847.2µm2, 565.6µm2 and 372.7µm2, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.001). The mean of the inflammatory process score was of 2.4, 2.4, and 2.1, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.285), while the mean values of vascular congestion were of 1.6, 1.4, and 1.1, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: Baccharis dracunculifolia extract was able to reduce the lumen of the fistulous tracts and the degree of vascular congestion, without, however, reducing the local inflammatory process or totally closing the fistulous tracts.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a eficácia do extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia no tratamento de fístulas anais em ratos. MÉTODOS: vinte ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos à confecção de fístula anal e, após 30 dias, foram distribuídos em três grupos: Grupo Controle, com cinco animais; Grupo Carbopol, com cinco animais; e Grupo Baccharis dracunculifolia, com dez animais. No Grupo Controle, não se realizou nenhum tratamento. No Grupo Carbopol, realizou-se infusão diária de carbopol, e no Grupo Baccharis dracunculifolia, infusão de extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia com carbopol, ambos por 30 dias. Foram retirados espécimes para análise histológica após a eutanásia. RESULTADOS: não houve fechamento completo do trajeto fistuloso em nenhum dos animais. A média da área do trajeto resultante foi de 847,2µm2, 565,6µm2 e 372,7µm2, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,001). A média do escore de processo inflamatório foi de 2,4, 2,4 e 2,1, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,285), enquanto a média de congestão vascular foi de 1,6, 1,4 e 1,1, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,031). CONCLUSÃO: o extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia foi capaz de reduzir o lúmen dos trajetos fistulosos e a congestão vascular, sem reduzir, no entanto, o processo inflamatório local ou fechar totalmente os trajetos fistulosos.

Morphometric and histological analysis of low-power laser influence on bone morphogenetic protein in bone defects repair.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are secreted signaling molecules belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. The objective of this study was to determine how gallium-aluminum-arsenium (GaAlAs) 650 nm laser influenced the action of BMPs on bone defects created in rat femurs. The sample consisted of 24 male albino Wistar rats. Group 1 was composed of rats with bone defects filled with bone-inducing substance, with the application of low-power laser. Group 2 contained rats with bone defects filled with a bone-inducing substance, without the application of low-power laser. Group 3 rats had bone defects not filled with a bone-inducing substance, with the application of low-power laser. Group 4 rats had bone defects and no treatment (control group). A bone defect was produced with drills. In groups 1 and 2 the defects were filled with a bone-inducing substance. The animals were treated with GaAlAs (50 mW) laser, energy density 4 J/cm(2), for 80 ss on a 1 cm(2) area. Groups 2 and 4 were used as control. Bone samples were removed for histological procedures and morphometric analysis on the 7th, 14th and 21st days after surgery. Results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Rejection level for the null hypothesis was 0.05. Statistical differences were found in the comparison between group 1 (G1), G2, G3 and G4 [analysis of variance (ANOVA); P < 0.0134]. There was a statistically significant correlation between groups 1 and 4 (P < 0.01). The results of other correlations by Tukey's post-hoc test were: group 1 vs group 3 (P = 0.341), group 1 vs group 2 (P = 0.862), group 2 vs group 4 (P = 0.061), group 2 vs group 3 (P = 0.744), and group 3 vs group 4 (P = 0.249). We concluded that the association of low-power laser with a bone-inducing substance produced better results than when low-power laser or BMPs were used alone.

PRIMARY SPHINCTEROPLASTY COMPARING TWO DIFFERENT STITCHES IN ANAL FISTULA TREATMENT: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Anal fistula is by definition the communication between the rectum or anal canal with the perineal region, which may be epithelialized and has cryptoglandular origin in 90% of cases. There are a large number of techniques for successfully treating trans-sphincteric fistulas of 20-50%, including primary sphincteroplasty, but it is not clear whether the material used would influence the outcome. AIM: To analyze the efficacy of polydioxanone and polypropylene wire in primary post-fistulotomy sphincteroplasty in the treatment of trans-sphincteric fistulas in rats. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats had transfixation of the anal sphincter with steel wire, which remained for 30 days for the development of the anal fistula. After this period, it was removed and four groups were formed: A (control) without treatment; B (fistulotomy) submitted to such procedure and curettage only; C (polidioxanone) in which sphincteroplasty was performed after fistulotomy with polydioxanone wire; D (polypropylene) submitted to the same treatment as group C, but with polypropylene wire. After 30 days, euthanasia and removal of the specimens were performed for qualitative histopathological analysis, measurement of the area between the muscular cables edges and evaluation of the degree of local fibrosis. RESULTS: There was persistence of the anal fistula in all animals of group A. There were no significant differences between groups B, C and D regarding the distance of the muscular cables (p=0.078) and the degree of fibrosis caused by the different treatments (p=0.373). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference between polydioxanone and polypropylene wires in post-fistulotomy primary sphincteroplasty, and this technique was not superior to simple fistulotomy in relation to the distance of the muscular cables nor did it present differences in relation to the degree of local fibrosis.

EFFICACY OF CURCUMA LONGA IN THE TREATMENT OF DIVERSION COLITIS IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Diversion colitis is still very common in our country, since the stoma creation is a common practice especially in situations of trauma. needing treatment for this condition. AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of rectal infusion of Curcuma longa (turmeric) in the excluded intestinal segment of rats. METHOD: Eighteen Wistar rats were used and submitted to colostomy: control group (n=8) under rectal saline infusion and group CL, receiving intra-rectal infusion of Curcuma longa extract (n=10). After 21 days of treatment they were submitted to euthanasia; the intestinal segment excluded from intestinal transit was resected and sent to histopathological evaluation, classifying the degree of inflammation and of vascular congestion. RESULTS: The average of inflammation was 2.7 in the control group vs. 2.6 in the CL group (p=0.3125), while the mean vascular congestion was 2.3 and 2.1, respectively, in the control and CL groups (p=0.1642). CONCLUSION: Intra-rectal infusion of Curcuma longa extract was not able to minimize the inflammatory process or vascular congestion in the diversion colitis of rats subjected to colostomy.

Crotalus durissus sp. rattlesnake venom induces toxic injury in mouse sperm.

Accidents involving snakebites constitute a serious public health problem in many regions around the world. However, there are no study about a possible action of snake venom on the reproductive system. Herein we show that Crotalus durissus sp. (Linnaeus) rattlesnake venom (25 µg/kg of body weight) affected chromatin condensation, and increased the number of sperm with abnormal morphology and the sperm count. In conclusion, besides the known hazards of the C. durissus sp. venom to animal health, this study was the first to show its effect also on male germ cells.

The effect of Sebastiania hispida gel on wound model infected by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Medicinal plants are an alternative for the treatment of infected wounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Sebastiania hispida in an animal model with a wound infected by Staphylococcus aureus. The crude ethanol extract (ExtEtOH) of S. hispida underwent phytochemical analysis, quantification of metabolites and antibacterial activity analysis performed using S. aureus. Wistar rats were used to test healing activity, and the groups evaluated comprised gels of ExtEtOH at the concentrations 0.2 and 2% compared with control groups. Animals were inoculated with the bacteria S. aureus resistant to methicillin. The treatment periods were of 3 and 21 days. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis were conducted and data were submitted to analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Phytochemical and quantification analysis indicated that phenolic compounds and flavonoids are the major constituents, followed by tyterpenes. ExtEtOH 0.2% was the most effective gel against the growth of strains of S. aureus. Histological wound and regression analysis showed that ExtEtOH gels (0.2% and 2%) were similar and effective in promoting wound healing. In the quantification of collagen fibers, the animals from all groups showed a high amount of thick collagen fibers. Thus, ExtEtOH gels based on the shoots of S. hispida can be used for the treatment of infected wounds as a complementary therapy for infected wound closure and further assays are required with other means. The healing effectiveness may be due to the high content of phenolics, flavonoids and triterpenes.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicine species used in Taboco Village, Maracaju mountains, Brazil, and healing activity of the specie with higher value of use (Maytenus ilicifolia) / Estudio etnobotánico de especies medicinales utilizadas en Villa do Taboco, Serra de Maracaju, Brasil y la actividad curativa de la especie de mayor valor de uso (Maytenus ilicifolia)

The objective of this work was to identify and classify the plants species designated as medicinal by the population of Taboco in different categories of use and investigate the specie with higher value of use with medicinal potential in experimental models. The field research took place between June and November 2018, with periodic visits to the Taboco Village, Brazil. The community makes use of a diversity of native, cultivated and domesticated species, corresponding to 89 plant species, belonging to 44 families, for cure or prevention over 60 types of health problems. The species Maytenus ilicifolia, with the highest use value was evaluated in experimental models. In this treatment a higher keratin production, reconstitution of the epithelium and the structured dermis was observed, with thick collagen fibers rich in fibroblasts, which favored the healing of exposed wounds.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar y clasificar las especies de plantas designadas como medicinales por la población de Taboco en diferentes categorías de uso e investigar la especie con mayor valor de uso con potencial medicinal en modelos experimentales. La investigación de campo se llevó a cabo entre junio y noviembre de 2018, con visitas periódicas a Villa de Taboco, Brasil. La comunidad hace uso de una diversidad de especies nativas, cultivadas y domesticadas, correspondientes a 89 especies vegetales, pertenecientes a 44 familias, para la curación o prevención de más de 60 tipos de problemas de salud. La especie Maytenus ilicifolia, con mayor valor de uso, fue evaluada en modelos experimentales. En este tratamiento se observó una mayor producción de queratina, reconstitución del epitelio y de la dermis estructurada, con espesas fibras de colágenoricas en fibroblastos, lo que favoreció la cicatrización de las heridas expuestas.

Effect of Ischemic Postconditioning and Atorvastatin in the Prevention of Remote Lung Reperfusion Injury.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of ischemic postconditioning, atorvastatin and both associated to prevent or minimize reperfusion injury in the lung of rats subjected to ischemia and reperfusion by abdominal aortic clamping. METHODS: We used 41 Wistar norvegic rats, which were distributed into 5 groups: ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), ischemic postcondictioning (IPC), postconditioning + atorvastatin (IPC+A), atorvastatin (A) and SHAM. It was performed a medium laparotomy, dissection and isolation of the infra-renal abdominal aorta; except for the SHAM group, all the others were submitted to the aortic clamping for 70 minutes (ischemia) and posterior clamp removal (reperfusion, 70 minutes). In the IPC and IPC+A groups, postconditioning was performed between the ischemia and reperfusion phases by four cycles of reperfusion and ischemia lasting 30 seconds each. In the IPC+A and A groups, preceding the surgical procedure, administration of 3.4 mg/day of atorvastatin was performed for seven days by gavage. After the surgical procedure, the right caudal lobe was removed from the lung for histological study, using tissue injury score ranging from grade 1 (normal tissue) to grade 4 (intense lesion). RESULTS: The mean lung injury was 3.6 in the I/R group, 1.6 in the IPC group, 1.2 in the IPC+A group, 1.2 in the A group, and 1 in the SHAM group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Ischemic postconditioning and atorvastatin were able to minimize lung reperfusion injury, alone or in combination.

Evaluation of the Effects of Atorvastatin and Ischemic Postconditioning Preventing on the Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury: Experimental Study in Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Reperfusion injury leads to systemic morphological and functional pathological alterations. Some techniques are already estabilished to attenuate the damage induced by reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioning is one of the standard procedures. In the last 20 years, several experimental trials demonstrated that the ischemic postconditioning presents similar effectiveness. Recently experimental trials demonstrated that statins could be used as pharmacological preconditioning. METHODS: 41 Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were distributed in 5 groups: Ischemia and Reperfusion (A), Ischemic Postconditioning (B), Statin (C), Ischemic Postconditioning + Statins (D) and SHAM (E). After euthanasia, lungs, liver, kidneys and ileum were resected and submitted to histopathological analysis. RESULTS: The average of lung parenchymal injury was A=3.6, B=1.6, C=1.2, D=1.2, E=1 (P=0.0029). The average of liver parenchymal injury was A=3, B=1.5, C=1.2, D=1.2, E = 0 (P<0.0001). The average of renal parenchymal injury was A=4, B=2.44, C=1.22, D=1.11, E=1 (P<0.0001). The average of intestinal parenchymal injury was A=2, B=0.66, C=0, D=0, E=0 (P=0.0006). The results were submitted to statistics applying Kruskal-Wallis test, estabilishing level of significance P<0.05. CONCLUSION: Groups submitted to ischemic postconditioning, to pre-treatment with statins and both methods associated demonstrated less remote reperfusion injuries, compared to the group submitted to ischemia and reperfusion without protection.

ATORVASTATIN CAN PREVENT HEPATIC REMOTE REPERFUSION INJURY.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have shown that statins have a promising effect on protection against reperfusion injury. AIM: To evaluate the ability of ischemic postconditioning, statins and both associated to prevent or minimize reperfusion injury in the liver of rats subjected to ischemia and reperfusion by abdominal aorta clamping. METHOD: Were used 41 Wistar rats, which were distributed into five groups: ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), ischemic postcondictioning (IPC), postconditioning + statin (IPC+S), statin (S) and Sham. It was performed a medium laparotomy, dissection and isolation of the infra-renal abdominal aorta; excepting Sham group, all the others were submitted to the aorta clamping for 70 min (ischemia) and posterior clamping removing (reperfusion, 70 min). In the IPC and IPC+S groups, postconditioning was performed between the ischemia and reperfusion phases by four cycles of reperfusion and ischemia lasting 30 s each. In IPC+S and S groups, preceding the surgical procedure, administration of 3.4 mg/day of atorvastatin was performed for seven days by gavage. The left hepatic lobe was removed for histological study and euthanasia was performed. RESULTS: The mean hepatic injury was 3 in the I/R group, 1.5 in the IPC group, 1.2 in the IPC+S group, 1.2 in the S group, and 0 in the SHAM group. The I/R group had a higher degree of tissue injury compared to the others in the statistical analysis and there was no difference between the others (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Ischemic postconditioning and atorvastatin were able to minimize hepatic reperfusion injury, either alone or in combination.

Histological study of tendon healing in malnourished Wistar rats treated with ultrasound therapy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of therapeutic ultrasound on the healing of tendon injuries in malnourished rats. METHODS: After the intended nutritional states had been attained, the animals (N=36) were distributed into three groups, named: G1(N=12), control group; G2(N=12), malnourished rats treated with 3 MHz ultrasound at an intensity of 0.5 W/cm(2); and G3 (N=12), normal animals treated with 3 MHz at 0.5 W/cm(2). The injuries were induced by means of an operation to expose the heel tendon and crush it using Allis forceps. RESULTS: The data obtained relating to leukocyte counts, fibroblasts, vessel neoformation, fibrosis and collagen were subjected to statistical treatment using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t test. Results of p < 0.05 were obtained for fibrosis and collagen. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound was shown to be effective in repairing the tendon, even in malnourished animals whose healing process was retarded.

Evaluation of the scientific activity of the leaf of the species Campomanesia pubescens in wound model infected by Staphylococcus aureus

There is an increasing interest in the use of herbal remedies as healing agents, due to their lower cost in relation to other drugs and the vast Brazilian fauna. The objective of this research was to evaluate the cicatrization effect of the guariroba leaf (Campomanesia pubescens) on the healing of infected wounds. We used 45 Wistar rats, distributed in five groups (n = 9) all with surgically induced skin injury, differing in the presence of contamination and treatment, with evaluation periods of 3, 7 and 14 days, being: G1- negative control without contamination, treated with Physiological Solution 0.9%; G2- control with contamination, treated with Physiological Solution 0.9%; G3 negative with contamination, treated with Carbopol in 0.5% gel; G4- positive control with contamination, treated with Colagenase at 0.6 U / g + 0.01 g Chloramphenicol; G5- positive test with contamination treated with Campomanesia pubescens at 3%, whose vehicle was Carbopol at 0.5%. The wound was made with a metal punch 8 mm in diameter, and a cutaneous fragment was removed from the animals' backs and wound infection was applied to S. aureus in groups G2 to G5. Euthanasia was performed for a lethal dose of anesthetic, and the edges of the wounds were removed for histopathological study. The fibrinoleukocytic crust was present in all animals in the groups of 3, 7 and 14 days. The contraction of the wound was also evaluated, and all groups showed low percentage of wound regression in the 3-day treatment and with 14 days presented a high percentage of regression. Of the 5 groups, the only one that presented complete epithelialization was G5. Of the 5 groups, the ones with the best epithelialization were G4 and G5. The group with the highest amount of mature collagen fibers was G4, followed by G5, and the one with the highest proportion of immature fibers was G1. At the end of the experiment, G4 was the group that gained the most weight and G1 the one that had the lowest weight gain. Guariroba leaf extract (Campomanesia pubescens) was able to promote healing in infected skin wounds similar to the group treated with antibiotics.

Can stryphnodendron adstringens extract improve the results of fistulotomy followed by primary sphincteroplasty in the treatment of transsphincteric fistulae? / Extrato de stryphnodendron adstringens pode melhorar os resultados da fistulotomia seguida por esfincteroplastia primária no tratamento de fístulas transesfincterianas?

ABSTRACT Background: There is still a need for progress in the treatment of transsphincteric anal fistulae and the use of herbal medicines seems promising. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Stryphnodendron adstringens associated with fistulotomy and primary sphincteroplasty in the treatment of transsphincteric fistulae in rats. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were used, which were submitted to transsphincteric fistulas with steel wire 0; after 30 days a treatment was performed according to the group. Group A (n=10) was submitted to fistulotomy; group B (n=10), fistulotomy followed by primary sphincteroplasty with "U" stitch with polyglactin 911 4-0; group C(n=10) , similar to group B, but with the interposition between the muscular stumps of hemostatic sponge soaked in Stryphnodendron adstringens extract. Euthanasia was performed after 14 days, resecting a segment of the anal canal for histological analysis, which aimed to evaluate the closure of the fistula, the area of separation of the muscle cables, the inflammatory process and the degree of fibrosis. Results: No animal had a remaining fistulous tract. About the spacing between the muscle cables, an average of 106.3 µm2 was observed in group A, 82.8 µm2 in group B and 51.8 µm2 in group C (p<0.05). There was no difference between the groups regarding the inflammatory process and, in relation to fibrosis, in group A there was a mean of 0.6, in group B 0.7 and in group C 0.2 (p<0.05). Conclusions: Stryphnodendron adstringens extract was able to allow less spacing between muscle cables in rats submitted to fistulotomy followed by primary sphincteroplasty, in addition to providing less local fibrosis.

RESUMO Racional: Há ainda necessidade de avanço no tratamento das fístulas transesfincterianas e o uso de fitoterápicos parece promissor. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da Stryphnodendron adstringens associada à fistulotomia e esfincteroplastia primária no tratamento de fístulas transesfincterianas em ratos. Métodos: Utilizou-se 30 ratos Wistar submetidos à confecção de fístulas transesfincterianas com fio de aço 0; após 30 dias realizou-se tratamento de acordo com o grupo. O grupo A (n=10) foi submetido à fistulotomia; o grupo B (n=10) fistulotomia seguida de esfincteroplastia primária com ponto em "U" com poliglactina 911 4-0; o grupo C (n=10), semelhante ao grupo B, porém com a interposição entre os cotos musculares de esponja hemostática embebida em extrato de Stryphnodendron adstringens. Realizou-se eutanásia após 14 dias, ressecando-se segmento do canal anal para análise histológica, que objetivou avaliar o fechamento da fístula, a área de afastamento dos cabos musculares, o processo inflamatório e o grau de fibrose. Resultados: Nenhum animal apresentou trajeto fistuloso remanescente. Quanto ao afastamento entre os cabos musculares observou-se média 106,3 µm2 no grupo A, 82,8 µm2 no grupo B e 51,8 µm2 no grupo C (p<0,05). Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto ao processo inflamatório e, em relação à fibrose; no grupo A observou-se média 0,6, no grupo B 0,7 e no grupo C 0,2 (p<0,05). Conclusões: O extrato de Stryphnodendron adstringens foi capaz de permitir menor afastamento entre os cabos musculares em ratos submetidos à fistulotomia seguida por esfincteroplastia primária, além de proporcionar menor fibrose local.