Novos Biomarcadores Cardiovasculares em Pacientes com Câncer de Mama Submetidas a Quimioterapia à Base de Doxorrubicina / New Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Doxorubicin-Based Chemotherapy

Resumo Fundamento As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) são relevantes para o manejo do tratamento do câncer de mama, uma vez que um número significativo de pacientes desenvolve essas complicações após a quimioterapia. Objetivo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar novos biomarcadores cardiovasculares, sendo eles CXCL-16 (ligante de motivo C-X-C 16), FABP3 (proteína de ligação a ácidos graxos 3), FABP4 (proteína de ligação a ácidos graxos 4), LIGHT (membro da superfamília do fator de necrose tumoral 14/TNFS14), GDF-15 (fator de crescimento/diferenciação 15) , sCD4 (forma solúvel de CD14) e ucMGP (matriz Gla-proteína não carboxilada) em pacientes com câncer de mama tratadas com doxorrubicina (DOXO). Métodos Este estudo de caso-controle foi realizado em uma clínica oncológica, incluindo 34 mulheres com diagnóstico de câncer de mama tratadas com quimioterapia com DOXO e 34 mulheres controle, sem câncer ou DCV. Os marcadores foram determinados imediatamente após o último ciclo de quimioterapia. O nível de significância estatística adotado foi de 5%. Resultados O grupo com câncer de mama apresentou níveis mais elevados de GDF-15 (p<0,001), enquanto os indivíduos controle apresentaram níveis mais elevados de FABP3 (p=0,038), FABP4 (p=0003), sCD14 e ucMGP (p<0,001 para ambos). Correlações positivas foram observadas entre FABPs e IMC no grupo com câncer. Conclusão GDF15 é um biomarcador emergente com potencial aplicabilidade clínica neste cenário. FABPs são proteínas relacionadas à adiposidade, potencialmente envolvidas na biologia do câncer de mama. sCD14 e ucMGP estão envolvidos na calcificação inflamatória e vascular. Acima de tudo, a avaliação destes novos biomarcadores cardiovasculares pode ser útil no tratamento da quimioterapia do câncer de mama com DOXO.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are relevant to the management of breast cancer treatment since a substantial number of patients develop these complications after chemotherapy. Objective This study aims to evaluate new cardiovascular biomarkers, namely CXCL-16 (C-X-C motif ligand 16), FABP3 (fatty acid binding protein 3), FABP4 (fatty acid binding protein 4), LIGHT (tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 14/TNFS14), GDF-15 (Growth/differentiation factor 15), sCD4 (soluble form of CD14), and ucMGP (uncarboxylated Matrix Gla-Protein) in breast cancer patients treated with doxorubicin (DOXO). Methods This case-control study was conducted in an oncology clinic that included 34 women diagnosed with breast cancer and chemotherapy with DOXO and 34 control women without cancer and CVD. The markers were determined immediately after the last cycle of chemotherapy. The statistical significance level adopted was 5%. Results The breast cancer group presented higher levels of GDF-15 (p<0.001), while control subjects had higher levels of FABP3 (p=0.038), FABP4 (p=0003), sCD14, and ucMGP (p<0.001 for both). Positive correlations were observed between FABPs and BMI in the cancer group. Conclusion GDF15 is an emerging biomarker with potential clinical applicability in this scenario. FABPs are proteins related to adiposity, which are potentially involved in breast cancer biology. sCD14 and ucMGP engage in inflammatory and vascular calcification. The evaluation of these novel cardiovascular biomarkers could be useful in the management of breast cancer chemotherapy with DOXO.

Importância do diagnóstico por imagem em pacientes com sangramento uterino anormal / Importance of diagnostic imaging in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding

O sangramento uterino anormal é diagnóstico sindrômico comum no consultório do ginecologista e pode comprometer substancialmente a qualidade de vida. O objetivo no diagnóstico de sangramento uterino anormal é distinguir pacientes com causas estruturais (anatômicas), como pólipo, adenomiose, leiomioma, malignidade e hiperplasia, de pacientes que apresentam anatomia normal, nas quais o sangramento pode ser devido a alteração dos mecanismos de coagulação, distúrbios ovulatórios, distúrbios primários do endométrio, iatrogenia, ou ter outra causa não classificada. O diagnóstico se inicia a partir de anamnese detalhada e exame físico geral e ginecológico completos, seguidos da solicitação de exames complementares (laboratoriais e de imagem), conforme indicado. O exame de imagem de primeira linha para identificação das causas estruturais inclui a ultrassonografia pélvica. Histerossonografia, histeroscopia, ressonância magnética e amostragem endometrial para exame de anatomia patológica são opções que podem ser incluídas no diagnóstico a depender da necessidade. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar a relevância dos exames de imagem na investigação das causas de sangramento uterino anormal.

Abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the commonest presenting complaints encountered in a gynecologist's office and may substantially affect quality of life. The aim in the diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding is to distinguish women with anatomic causes such as polyp, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy and hyperplasia from women with normal anatomy where the cause may be coagulopathy, ovulatory disorders, endometrial, iatrogenic and not otherwise classified. Diagnosis begins with a thorough history and physical examination followed by appropriate laboratory and imaging tests as indicated. The primary imaging test for the identification of anatomic causes include ultrasonography. Saline infusion sonohysterography, magnetic resonance, hysteroscopy, endometrial sampling are options that can be included in the diagnosis depending on the need. The aim of this article is to present the relevance of imaging exams in the investigation of the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Does bisphenol A (BPA) participates in the pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Abstract PCOS is an endocrine disorder characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Its etiology is uncertain. It is debated whether BPA would be a component of the environmental factor in the etiology of PCOS. Contamination by BPA can occur from food packaging (exposure during the diet) and through skin absorption and/or inhalation. It can be transferred to the fetus via the placenta or to the infant via breast milk, and it can be found in follicular fluid, fetal serum, and amniotic fluid. The phenolic structure of BPA allows it to interact with Estrogen Receptors (ERs) through genomic signaling, in which BPA binds to nuclear ERα or Erβ, or through nongenomic signaling by binding to membrane ERs, prompting a rapid and intense response. With daily and constant exposure, BPA's tendency to bioaccumulate and its ability to activate nongenomic signaling pathways can alter women's metabolic and reproductive function, leading to hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, chronic inflammatory state, and anovulation and favoring PCOS. The harmful changes caused by BPA can be passed on to future generations without the need for additional exposure because of epigenetic modifications. Not only high BPA levels can produce harmful effects, but at low levels, BPA may be harmful when exposure occurs during the most vulnerable periods, such as the fetal and neonatal periods, as well as during the prepubertal age causing an early accumulation of BPA in the body. Learning how BPA participates in the pathogenesis of PCOS poses a challenge and further studies should be conducted.

Effects of estrogen and raloxifene on synaptic density in the hippocampal CA1 region of ovariectomized rats

Abstract Introduction The CA1 region of the hippocampus has an important role in learning and memory. It has been shown that estrogen deficiency may reduce the synaptic density in the region and that hormone replacement therapy may attenuate the reduction. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effects of estrogen and raloxifene on the synaptic density profile in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in ovariectomized rats. Methods Sixty ovariectomized three-month-old virgin rats were randomized into six groups (n = 10). Treatments started either three days (early treatment) or sixty days (late treatment) after ovariectomy. The groups received propylene glycol vehicle (0.5 mL/animal/day), equine conjugated estrogens (50 μg/animal/day), or raloxifene (3 mg/kg/day) either early or late after ovariectomy. The drugs were administered orally by gavage for 30 days. At the end of the treatments, the animals were anesthetized and transcardially perfused with ether and saline solution. The brains were removed and prepared for analysis under transmission electron microscopy and later fixed. Results Results showed a significant increase in the synaptic density profile of the hippocampal CA1 region in both the early estrogen (0.534 ± 0.026 µ/m2) and the early raloxifene (0.437 ± 0.012 µ/m2) treatment groups compared to the early or late vehicle-treated control groups (0.338 ± 0.038 µ/m2 and 0.277 ± 0.015 µ/m2 respectively). Conclusions The present data suggest that the raloxifene effect may be lower than that of estrogen, even early or late treatment, on synaptic density in the hippocampus.

Effects of the healing activity of rosemary-of-Chapada (Lippia gracilis Schauer) on cutaneous lesions in rats

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of rosemary leaf essential oil-based ointments on the healing of rat skin lesions. Methods: Sixty adult male rats, with dorsal excisional skin wounds made surgically under anesthesia, were divided into three groups (n = 20): Sham group (untreated wounds); control group (CG, wounds treated with vehicle); and essential oil (EO) treated group (wounds treated with essential oil-based ointments), administered topically once daily. Skin wounds were evaluated at 4, 7, 14, and 21 days after EO or vehicle treatments. Lesions were analyzed macroscopically for the contraction degree. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of skin wounds were used for histopathological evaluation. Results: Macroscopic evaluation showed wounds edges with thin crust without firmness and yellowish color, along with an improvement in wound contraction in EO group when compared to the other groups. A reduced inflammatory reaction, along with newly formed small diameter capillaries and more organized and elongated collagen fibers, were more frequently observed in EO group than in the other groups. Moreover, blood vessel number and collagen fibers density were significantly higher in EO group. Conclusions: Skin lesion treatment with rosemary leaf essential oil-based ointments accelerates the initial stages of healing, reduces inflammation, and increases angiogenesis, collagen fibers density, and wound contraction in rats.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on random rat skin flaps vascularization

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) on angiogenesis in random rat skin flaps, by immunoexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). Methods: Forty adult rats were divided into four groups: GE) epilated; GE/HBO) epilated subjected to HBO; GER) epilated submitted to dorsal skin flap; GER/HBO) epilated subjected to dorsal skin flap + HBO. HBO was performed with rats inside a chamber under atmosphere close to 100% oxygen and pressure of 2.4 absolute atmospheres, 2h per day during seven consecutive days. GE and GER groups were placed in the hyperbaric chamber without HBO. Then, under anesthesia, skin flaps were removed and separated into three portions relative to pedicle fixation. The samples were fixed in formalin and processed for paraffin embedding. Histological sections were submitted to immunohistochemistry for VEGF-A detection. The number of immunostained-blood vessels were counted under light microscopy. Results: GE and GE/HBO groups showed normal and similar skin morphology in the three flap portions. A fibrin-leukocyte crust, along with denatured collagen and intense leukocyte infiltrate, was mainly observed in the dermis of the medial and distal flap portions of GER group. Meanwhile, the GER/HBO group presented more regions with intact collagen and small areas of leukocyte infiltrate in the three flap regions. VEGF-A-immunostained blood vessels were largely seen in all regions of GE and GE/HBO groups, whereas no significant differences were found between these groups. A decrease in vascularization was noticed in GER and GER/HBO groups, which was more evident in the most distal portion of the flaps. However, the number of VEGF-A-immunostained blood vessels in GER/HBO group was significantly higher when compared to GER group. Conclusions: Hyperbaric oxygenation was associated with increased angiogenesis and improved viability of rat skin flaps.

Melatonin and the cardiovascular system in animals: systematic review and meta-analysis

Melatonin, a hormone released by the pineal gland, demonstrates several effects on the cardiovascular system. Herein, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to verify the effects of melatonin in an experimental model of myocardial infarction. We performed a systematic review according to PRISMA recommendations and reviewed MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Only articles in English were considered. A systematic review of the literature published between November 2008 and June 2019 was performed. The meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan 5.3 program provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. In total, 858 articles were identified, of which 13 were included in this review. The main results of this study revealed that melatonin benefits the cardiovascular system by reducing infarct size, improving cardiac function according to echocardiographic and hemodynamic analyses, affords antioxidant effects, improves the rate of apoptosis, decreases lactate dehydrogenase activity, enhances biometric analyses, and improves protein levels, as analyzed by western blotting and quantitative PCR. In the meta-analysis, we observed a statistically significant decrease in infarct size (mean difference [MD], -20.37 [-23.56, -17.18]), no statistical difference in systolic pressure (MD, -1.75 [-5.47, 1.97]), a statistically significant decrease in lactate dehydrogenase in animals in the melatonin group (MD, -4.61 [-6.83, -2.40]), and a statistically significant improvement in the cardiac ejection fraction (MD, -8.12 [-9.56, -6.69]). On analyzing potential bias, we observed that most studies presented a low risk of bias; two parameters were not included in the analysis, and one parameter had a high risk of bias. Melatonin exerts several effects on the cardiovascular system and could be a useful therapeutic target to combat various cardiovascular diseases.

Action of hormonal therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review

SUMMARY Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease characterized by muscle weakness, atrophy, fasciculations, and decreased reflexes due to upper and lower motor neurons death. It can be present in both sexes (55-65 years), but with predominance in males. However, in female patients, ALS presents its first symptoms when they are already postmenopausal, when then the incidence ratio of the disease is practically equal between the sexes, which leads to a probable involvement of sex hormones in the development and protection against ALS. The aim of this systematic review, which used the PRISMA consensus and NOS (New Castle-Ottawa Scale) score, was to evaluate the evidence of the action of hormone therapy in women with ALS. The Medline and Cochrane databases were accessed from March 2019 to June 2019, and only full-text articles in Spanish, English, and Portuguese were included. Only four articles matched our inclusion criteria. Postmenopausal women who used exogenous estrogen did not have the same protective factor as women still under the action of endogenous estrogen in the same age group. There was also no increase in the survival of these women.

Ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Melatonin and organ transplantation: what is the relationship?

SUMMARY Melatonin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can influence tissue growth and apoptosis. This aspect may influence the success of organ transplantation. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between melatonin and organ transplantation. METHODS A systematic review was performed in PubMed databases using the search terms: "melatonin physiology" or "melatonin therapy" and "transplant pharmacology" or "transplant physiology" or "transplant therapy" or "Transplant therapy". Experiments on the organs of the reproductive system were not included. After analysis, five articles were selected after reading the title and abstract of 50 manuscripts. The works were divided into two aspects: a) analysis of the influence of the organ transplantation procedure on melatonin production; b) action of melatonin on organ transplantation. RESULTS The cardiac transplantation surgical procedure, immunosuppression, and graft did not influence melatonin secretion in rodents, but there was a significant reduction of melatonin in the renal transplantation procedure in patients with renal insufficiency. Melatonin administration in experimental models decreased rejection and improved transplant success. CONCLUSION Studies show that melatonin can reduce organ and species dependence, and the use of melatonin decreases graft rejection.

RESUMO A melatonina tem propriedades anti-inflamatórias e antioxidantes que podem influenciar o crescimento e a apoptose dos tecidos. Esse aspecto pode influenciar o sucesso do transplante de órgãos. OBJETIVO Avaliar a relação entre a melatonina e o transplante de órgãos. MÉTODO A revisão sistemática foi realizada nas bases de dados do PubMed, usando os termos de pesquisa: "fisiologia da melatonina" ou "terapêutica da melatonina" e "farmacologia do transplante" ou "fisiologia do transplante" ou "terapêutica do transplante" ou "terapia do transplante". Não foram incluídos os experimentos sobre os órgãos do sistema reprodutivo. Após análise, cinco artigos foram selecionados após a leitura do título e do resumo de 50 manuscritos. Os trabalhos foram divididos em duas vertentes: a) análise da influência do procedimento de transplante de órgão na produção de melatonina; b) ação da melatonina sobre o transplante de órgãos. RESULTADOS O procedimento cirúrgico do transplante cardíaco, a imunossupressão e o enxerto não influenciaram a secreção de melatonina em roedores, mas houve redução significante da melatonina nos casos do procedimento de transplante renal em pacientes com insuficiência renal. A ministração de melatonina em modelos experimentais diminuiu a rejeição e melhorou o sucesso de transplante. CONCLUSÃO Os estudos mostram que a melatonina pode reduzir a dependência da espécie e do órgão e que o emprego da melatonina diminui a rejeição do órgão.

The influence of phytoestrogens or estrogens on the proliferation of the rat endocervical mucosa

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Although estrogen therapy is widely used against post-menopausal symptoms, it can present adverse effects, including endometrial cancer. Soy isoflavones are considered a possible alternative to estrogen therapy. However, there are still concerns whether isoflavones exert trophic effects on the uterine cervix. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the histomorphometric and immunohistochemical alterations in the uterine cervix of ovariectomized rats treated with soy isoflavones (Iso). METHODS Fifteen adult Wistar rats were ovariectomized (Ovx) and divided into three groups: Group I (Ovx), administered with vehicle solution; Group II (OVX-Iso), administered with concentrated extract of Iso (150 mg/kg) by gavage; and Group III (OVX-E2), treated with 17β-estradiol (10 µg/kg), subcutaneously. After 30 days of treatments, the uterine cervix was fixed in 10% formaldehyde and processed for paraffin-embedding. Sections were stained with Hematoxylin and eosin for morphological and morphometric studies or subjected to immunohistochemistry for detections of Ki-67 and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (Vegf-A). The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS We noted an atrophic uterine cervix in GI, whereas it was more voluminous in GII and even more voluminous in GIII. The thickness of the cervical mucosa was significantly higher in GIII, as compared to GI and GII. The cell proliferation (Ki-67) was significantly elevated in the estradiol and isoflavones treated groups, whereas Vegf-A immunoexpression was significantly higher in GIII, as compared to groups GII and GI. CONCLUSIONS Soy isoflavones cause less trophic and proliferative effects in the uterine cervix of rats as compared to estrogen.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO Embora a terapia estrogênica seja amplamente utilizada contra sintomas pós-menopausais, ela pode apresentar efeitos adversos, incluindo câncer de mama e endometrial. Assim, as isoflavonas da soja são consideradas uma alternativa possível à terapia estrogênica. No entanto, ainda há controvérsias se estes compostos exercem efeitos tróficos significativos no colo do útero. OBJETIVOS Avaliar as alterações histomorfométricas e imuno-histoquímicas no colo do útero de ratas ovariectomizadas tratadas com isoflavonas da soja (iso). MÉTODOS Quinze ratas Wistar adultas foram ovariectomizadas bilateralmente (Ovx) e separadas em três grupos: Grupo I (Ovx) - veículo (propilenoglicol); Grupo II (Ovx-Iso) - receberam extrato concentrado de Iso (150 mg/kg) e Grupo III (Ovx-E2) - tratado com 17β-estradiol (10 µg/kg); as soluções foram administradas via gavagem por 30 dias consecutivos. Posteriormente, os colos uterinos foram retirados, fixados em formaldeído a 10% tamponado e processados para inclusão em parafina. Cortes (4 µm) foram coradas com hematoxilina e eosina para estudo morfológico e morfométricos, enquanto outros foram submetidos à imuno-histoquímica para detecção de Ki-67 e do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular-A (Vegf-A). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística (p≤0,05). RESULTADOS Observamos a presença de colo uterino atrófico no GI (Ovx), sendo este mais volumoso no GII (Ovx+Iso) e ainda mais volumoso no GIII (Ovx+E2). A espessura da mucosa cervical foi significativamente maior no GIII (Ovx-E2), em comparação ao GI (Ovx) e ao GII (Ovx-Iso). A proliferação celular (Ki-67) foi significativamente mais elevada nos grupos tratados com estradiol e isoflavonas, enquanto a imunoexpressão de Vegf-A foi significativamente maior no GIII (Ovx-E2), em comparação ao GII (Ovx-Iso) e ao GI (Ovx-E2). CONCLUSÕES As isoflavonas da soja causam menos efeitos tróficos e proliferativos no colo do útero de ratas em comparação ao estrogênio.

Prior exercise training and experimental myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Exercising prior to experimental infarction may have beneficial effects on the heart. The objective of this study was to analyze studies on animals that had exercised prior to myocardial infarction and to examine any benefits through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The databases MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were consulted. We analyzed articles published between January 1978 and November 2018. From a total of 858 articles, 13 manuscripts were selected in this review. When animals exercised before experimental infarction, there was a reduction in mortality, a reduction in infarct size, improvements in cardiac function, and a better molecular balance between genes and proteins that exhibit cardiac protective effects. Analyzing heart weight/body weight, we observed the following results - Mean difference 95% CI - -0.02 [-0.61,0.57]. Meta-analysis of the infarct size (% of the left ventricle) revealed a statistically significant decrease in the size of the infarction in animals that exercised before myocardial infarction, in comparison with the sedentary animals -5.05 [-7.68, -2.40]. Analysis of the ejection fraction, measured by echo (%), revealed that animals that exercised before myocardial infarction exhibited higher and statistically significant measures, compared with sedentary animals 8.77 [3.87,13.66]. We conclude that exercise performed prior to experimental myocardial infarction confers cardiac benefits to animals.

Cardiovascular Risk in Psoriasis Patients: Clinical, Functional and Morphological Parameters / Risco Cardiovascular em Pacientes Psoriásicos: Avaliação de Parâmetros Clínicos, Funcionais e Morfológicos

Abstract Background: Psoriasis correlates with metabolic disorders, early atheromatosis and increased cardiovascular risk. Objectives: To assess markers of cardiovascular disease in psoriatic patients. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study involving 11 psoriatic participants and 33 controls. Anthropometric, biochemical, hemodynamic and imaging parameters were evaluated. Arterial stiffness was assessed by oscillometric measurement of the brachial artery. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and left ventricular diastolic function were assessed by Doppler echography and echocardiography. Between-group comparisons of numerical variables were performed by the Student's t-test or Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test for independent samples. Significance level was set at 5%. Results: Psoriatic patients showed increased pulse wave velocity (PWV) (9.1 ± 1.8 vs 8.0 ± 2 m/s, p = 0.033), IMT of the left common carotid artery (p = 0.018) and a higher percentage of patients above the 75th percentile according to the ELSA table when compared with controls (54.5 vs 18.2%, p = 0.045). Psoriatic patients also showed an increase in peripheral/central systolic blood pressure (137.1 ± 13.2 vs 122.3 ± 11.6 mmHg, p = 0.004)/(127 ± 13 vs 112.5 ± 10.4 mmHg, p = 0.005), peripheral/central diastolic blood pressure (89.9 ± 8.9 vs 82.2 ± 8, p = 0.022)/(91 ± 9.3 vs 82.2 ± 8.3, p = 0.014), total cholesterol (252 ± 43.5 vs 198 ± 39.8 mg/dL, p < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (167 ± 24 vs 118 ± 40.8 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (7.6 ± 35.4 vs 1 ± 1.2 mg/L p < 0.001) compared with controls. Conclusion: Psoriasis patients show increased PWV, IMT, peripheral and central blood pressures, and serum cholesterol and C-reactive protein levels, denoting a higher cardiovascular risk.

Resumo Fundamento: A psoríase correlaciona-se a distúrbios metabólicos, ateromatose precoce e aumento do risco cardiovascular. Objetivos: Avaliar marcadores de doença cardiovascular na população psoriásica. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal, envolvendo 11 participantes psoriásicos e 33 controles. Foram avaliados parâmetros antropométricos, laboratoriais, hemodinâmicos e de imagem. A rigidez arterial foi avaliada por oscilometria da artéria braquial. A espessura médio-intimal (EMI) e a função diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo foram avaliadas por meio da ecografia e ecocardiografia Doppler. As comparações de variáveis numéricas entre grupos foram realizadas por teste t-Student e Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney para amostras independentes, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Os pacientes psoriásicos apresentaram aumento de VOP (9,1 ± 1,8 e 8 ± 2 m/s, p = 0,033), EMI da artéria carótida comum esquerda (p = 0,018) e maior proporção de percentil > 75 pela tabela ELSA (54,5 e 18,2%, p = 0,045) e) quando comparados aos controles. Pacientes psoriásicos também mostraram aumento nos seguintes parâmetros em relação ao grupo controle, respectivamente: pressão arterial sistólica periférica/central (137,1 ± 13,2 e 122,3 ± 11,6 mmHg, p = 0,004)/(127 ± 13 e 112,5 ± 10,4 mmHg, p = 0,005), pressão arterial diastólica periférica/central (89,9 ± 8,9 e 82,2 ± 8 mmHg, p = 0,022) / (91 ± 9,3 e 82,2 ± 8,3 mmHg, p = 0,014), colesterol total (252 ± 43,5 e 198 ± 39,8 mg/dL, p < 0,001), colesterol LDL (167 ± 24 e 118 ± 40,8 mg/dL, p < 0,001) e proteína C reativa (7,6 ± 35,4 e 1 ± 1,2 mg/L, p<0,001). Conclusão: Pacientes psoriásicos apresentam elevações de VOP e EMI, além de maiores pressões arteriais periféricas e centrais, níveis séricos de colesterol e de proteína C reativa, denotando maior risco cardiovascular.

Melatonin effects on ovarian follicular cells: a systematic review

SUMMARY Melatonin is known for its effects on both the sleep and reproductive system of mammals. The latter has melatonin receptors type 1 and 2, which act to regulate, among other things, cyclic AMP. Notwithstanding all the literature data, there is still no sound knowledge or a clear understanding of the hormone's action on the physiology of ovarian follicular cells. OBJECTIVE To review and evaluate studies about melatonin action on the ovarian granulosa/theca interna cells from the literature. METHODS The systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA recommendations. The MEDLINE and Cochrane primary databases were consulted with the use of specific terms. There was no limitation on language or publication year. RESULTS Seven papers about melatonin action on granulosa cells were selected. The following can be attributed to the hormone's effects: a) progesterone increase in culture medium; b) increased estrogen production; c) antagonistic action on estrogen; d) improvement in cell quality resulting in improved embryo and higher pregnancy rates; e) improved cell proliferation via MAPK; f) reduction of free radicals. Nevertheless, there are contrarian papers reporting a reduction in progesterone production. CONCLUSION Melatonin interferes in sex steroid production, boosting progesterone output. Such action may help improve oocyte quality.

RESUMO A melatonina é conhecida por seus efeitos no sono e no sistema reprodutivo dos mamíferos. Este último tem receptores de melatonina tipos 1 e 2, que atuam para regular, entre outras coisas, o AMP cíclico. Apesar de todos os dados da literatura, ainda não há um conhecimento sólido ou uma compreensão clara da ação do hormônio na fisiologia das células foliculares ovarianas. OBJETIVO Revisar e avaliar estudos da ação da melatonina na literatura sobre as células internas da granulosa/teca ovariana. MÉTODOS A revisão sistemática foi realizada de acordo com as recomendações do Prisma. As bases de dados primárias Medline e Cochrane foram consultadas com o uso de termos específicos. Não houve bar na língua ou ano de publicação. RESULTADOS Sete artigos sobre a ação da melatonina nas células da granulosa foram selecionados. O que se segue pode ser atribuído aos efeitos do hormônio: a) aumento de progesterona no meio de cultura; b) aumento da produção de estrogênio; c) ação antagônica no estrogênio; d) melhoria na qualidade celular, resultando em melhor embrião e maiores taxas de gravidez; e) melhor proliferação celular via MAPK; f) redução de radicais livres. No entanto, existem artigos controversos relatando redução na produção de progesterona. CONCLUSÃO A melatonina interfere na produção de esteroides sexuais, aumentando a produção de progesterona. Tal ação pode ajudar a melhorar a qualidade do oócito.