Initial panel of immunocytochemical markers for identification of primary carcinoma site for effusions and peritoneal washings from women.

INTRODUCTION: In women, most malignant effusions are from breast and ovary primary carcinomas that have metastasized to body cavity fluids (pleural, peritoneal and pericardial). When carcinoma is diagnosed in effusions, it is not possible to identify its site of origin solely by cytology (morphology); therefore, immunocytochemistry is used as a complementary method. There are no immunocytochemical markers with 100% sensitivity and specificity for identifying carcinoma primary site. The markers most used are TTF-1 for the lung, GATA-3 for the breast, and PAX-8 for the ovary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a panel including these markers for detecting the primary site of carcinoma in effusions. METHODS: Samples of pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal effusions and peritoneal washings with carcinoma of known primary site from women (n = 60) and men (n = 18) were prepared by using the cell block method, and immunocytochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of primary site markers (TTF-1, PAX-8, and GATA-3). RESULTS: In women, the breast was the most frequent primary site of metastatic carcinoma to both pleural and pericardial cavities, followed by the lung, whereas the ovary was the most frequent primary site of carcinoma within peritoneal effusions and washings, followed by the gastrointestinal tract (stomach or intestine). The expected profiles for carcinomas of the most common primary sites were: breast (GATA-3 (+), PAX-8 (-), TTF-1 (-)), ovary (PAX-8 (+), GATA-3 (-), TTF-1 (-)), lung (TTF-1 (+), PAX-8 (-) GATA-3 (-)) and gastrointestinal tract (PAX-8 (-), GATA-3 (-), TTF-1 (-)). These were observed in 88.23% (45/51) of women's samples with carcinoma from these primary sites. By using TTF-1 as the sole primary site marker, 6.25% of carcinomas of primary site other than the lung would have been misdiagnosed. CONCLUSION: An initial panel of markers including GATA-3, PAX-8, and TTF-1 allows, with high sensitivity and specificity, the identification or exclusion of frequent primary sites of carcinoma in effusions from women. Our results highlight the importance of using a panel of markers to avoid misidentification of the primary site of tumor.

Etiopathogenic features of severe epistaxis in histological samples from individuals with or without arterial hypertension.

There is a consensus that arterial hypertension (AH) is associated with stroke. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the histology of the microvasculature associated with the mucosa of the posterior nasal cavity to identify possible factors related to vascular weakening and rupture. Histological sections were obtained from hypertensive and normotensive individuals, regardless of epistaxis. Our results showed that the group with AH had: (a) smaller median diameter of the lumen of arteries and arterioles; (b) increased thickness of the intimal arteries and arterioles, slight inflammatory infiltrate, and rupture of internal elastic lamina; (c) greater thickness of the middle tunica in arterioles; (d) lower percentage of histological sections with non-injured intimal layers in capillaries, arterioles, and small arteries; (e) lower percentage of histological sections with intact media tunic and/or myocytes juxtaposed in arteries and arterioles; (f) no difference between the diameters of small arteries or arterioles. The intima was thicker in individuals with severe epistaxis than in the normotensive group, but it did not differ from the AH group. Thus, hypertension may cause structural lesions in the vascular layers, and in the absence of tissue repair and the persistence of AH, these lesions may favour vascular rupture, especially during hypertensive peaks.

ß2 Integrin-Mediated Susceptibility to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Experimental Infection in Mice.

The earliest interaction between macrophages and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is particularly important in paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) progression, and surface proteins play a central role in this process. The present study investigated the contribution of ß2 integrin in P. brasiliensis-macrophage interaction and PCM progression. We infected ß2-low expression (CD18low) and wild type (WT) mice with P. brasiliensis 18. Disease progression was evaluated for fungal burden, lung granulomatous lesions, nitrate levels, and serum antibody production. Besides, the in vitro capacity of macrophages to internalize and kill fungal yeasts was investigated. Our results revealed that CD18low mice infected with Pb18 survived during the time analyzed; their lungs showed fewer granulomas, a lower fungal load, lower levels of nitrate, and production of high levels of IgG1 in comparison to WT animals. Our results revealed that in vitro macrophages from CD18low mice slowly internalized yeast cells, showing a lower fungal burden compared to WT cells. The migration capacity of macrophages was compromised and showed a higher intensity in the lysosome signal when compared with WT mice. Our data suggest that ß2 integrins play an important role in fungal survival inside macrophages, and once phagocytosed, the macrophage may serve as a protective environment for P. brasiliensis.

Cervical Cytology of Samples with Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Detected by Multiplex PCR.

INTRODUCTION: Despite increasing application of molecular diagnostic methods for the detection of sexually transmitted infections, the cytological findings in pap smears of patients with pathogens that can be identified only by PCR are not yet well described. The aim of this study was to describe the most common cytological features in cervical pap smears of patients with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Ureaplasma parvum detected by multiplex PCR. METHODS: Cervical samples for conventional and liquid-based cytology and for multiplex PCR were collected from women ranging from 23 to 54 years old, who underwent routine screening at a gynecological Unit. RESULTS: Multiplex PCR was positive in 36.2% of the samples: Ureaplasma parvum 14.9%, Chlamydia trachomatis 10.6%, Trichomonas vaginalis 10.6%, Mycoplasma hominis 8.5%, Ureaplasma urealyticum 4.2%, Neisseria gonorrhoeae 2.1%, and Mycoplasma genitalium (0). Multiple pathogens were observed in 12.8% of samples. Microscopic cervicitis (≥10 polymorphonuclear leukocytes/epithelial cell) and normal (predominantly lactobacillary) microbiota were the most frequent findings in the samples in which the pathogens were detected alone or in multiple infections, except for samples with Trichomonas vaginalis in which the coccobacillary microbiota was the most common. In samples with microscopic cervicitis and normal microbiota, those with at least one pathogen identified by multiplex PCR were significantly more frequent than those with no pathogen, 66.6% versus 33.3%. CONCLUSION: Failure to identify an inflammatory agent in pap smear with intense neutrophil exudate may suggest the presence of Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis, or Trichomonas vaginalis. A remark on the intensity of inflammation should be made in the reports of cervical pap smears so that this cytological finding can be correlated with clinical and PCR results.

Does CO2 pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopy interfere with collagen deposition in abdominal surgical wounds?

Purpose To determine by histomorphometric analysis whether CO2 pneumoperitoneum interferes with collagen deposition in surgical wounds in the aponeurosis of rats. Methods This experiment involved 80 male Wistar rats, randomly allocated into four groups according to pneumoperitoneum period (PRE: 30 min preoperatively; POST: 30 min postoperatively; PP: 30 min pre- and postoperatively; C: control group). CO2 pneumoperitoneum was insufflated to 5 mmHg of pressure. A laparotomy was performed; 1 cm of the left colon was then resected, and an end-to-end anastomosis was performed to simulate surgical trauma, after which the abdominal wall was closed. On postoperative days 7 or 14, a sample of the abdominal wall was collected, stained with picrosirius red and observed under polarized light in an optical microscope. The amount of collagen was estimated by computerized histomorphometric analysis. Results There were no significant differences in collagen deposition between the control and experimental groups on postoperative days 7 (p=0.720) or 14 (p=0.933). The amount of collagen increased as expected in all groups between postoperative days 7 and 14 (p=0.0003). Conclusion At 5 mmHg, CO2 pneumoperitoneum does not interfere with collagen deposition in abdominal wall surgical wounds in rats.

Effect of preconditioning and postoperative hyperbaric oxygen therapy on colonic anastomosis healing with and without ischemia in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on colonic anastomosis healing with and without ischemia in rats. METHODS: Forty female rats underwent segmental resection of 1 cm of the left colon followed by end-to-end anastomosis. They were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10 each), a sham group; two groups were submitted to Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) with and without induced ischemia and the induced ischemia group without HBOT. The HBOT protocol evaluated was 100% O2 at 2.4 Atmosphere absolute pressure (ATA) for 60 minutes, two sessions before as a preconditioning protocol and three sessions after the operation. Clinical course and mortality were monitored during all experiment and on the day of euthanasia on the fourth day after laparotomy. Macroscopic appearance of the abdominal cavity were assessed and samples for breaking strength of the anastomosis and histopathological parameters were collected. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in mortality or anastomosis leak between the four experimental groups. Anastomosis breaking strength was similar across groups. CONCLUSION: The HBOT protocol tested herein at 2.4 ATA did not affect histopathological and biomechanical parameters of colonic anastomotic healing, neither the clinical outcomes death and anastomosis leak on the fourth day after laparotomy.

Local effect of simvastatin combined with different osteoconductive biomaterials and collagen sponge on new bone formation in critical defects in rat calvaria.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the local effect of simvastatin (SVT) combined with deproteinized bovine bone (DBB) with hydroxyapatite/ß-tricalcium phosphate biphasic ceramics (HA/TCP) and with collagen sponge (CS) on bone repair in critical size defects (CSDs) in rat calvaria. METHODS: Forty-two 5-mm diameter CSDs were made bilaterally in the calvaria of 18 rats. The animals were allocated according to the type of biomaterial and associations used to fill the CSD. After 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and their calvaria were evaluated for repaired tissue composition using histologic and histometric analyses. RESULTS: In the histometric analysis, the use of SVT showed to increase bone formation in the CSDs when combined with all the bone substitutes tested in this study (p<0.05). Greater bone formation was observed in the groups with SVT compared to the groups without SVT. CONCLUSIONS: The use of SVT without the need for a vehicle and combined with a commercially available biomaterial may be a cheaper way to potentiate the formation of bone tissue without the need to produce new biomaterials. Therefore, SVT combined with DBB induced significantly greater new bone formation than did the other treatments.

P16 as a marker of carcinoma in effusions and peritoneal washing.

BACKGROUND: Considering the potential of p16 as a marker for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic response, the aim of this study was to assess its presence, via immunocytochemistry, in metastatic carcinoma of different primary sites and histological types obtained from effusions and peritoneal washings. A total of 118 samples including 85 of metastatic carcinoma and 33 samples of benign effusion/peritoneal washing were prepared by the plasma/thromboplastin method. Immunocytochemistry reactions were performed on cell block sections using antibodies against p16, claudin-4, MOC-31, calretinin, HBME and CD68. RESULTS: P16 overexpression was observed in 88.23% of all carcinoma samples. All cervix adenocarcinoma samples showed p16 overexpression. Overexpression in adenocarcinomas of ovary, lung and breast was observed in 93.75, 93.10 and 75% of the samples, respectively. Overexpression was observed in all different histological types analyzed: small cell carcinoma (lung), squamous cell carcinoma (cervical) and urothelial carcinoma (bladder). The specificity of p16 for carcinoma detection was of 96.96%. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of p16 was observed in most metastatic carcinoma, from different primary sites and histological types, obtained from effusions and peritoneal washings. Due to its high frequency of overexpression in metastatic carcinoma, p16 may play a possible role in tumor progression and it may be considered as a complementary diagnostic marker depending on histological type and primary site of carcinoma.

Does CO2 pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopy interfere with collagen deposition in abdominal surgical wounds?

Abstract Purpose To determine by histomorphometric analysis whether CO2 pneumoperitoneum interferes with collagen deposition in surgical wounds in the aponeurosis of rats. Methods This experiment involved 80 male Wistar rats, randomly allocated into four groups according to pneumoperitoneum period (PRE: 30 min preoperatively; POST: 30 min postoperatively; PP: 30 min pre- and postoperatively; C: control group). CO2 pneumoperitoneum was insufflated to 5 mmHg of pressure. A laparotomy was performed; 1 cm of the left colon was then resected, and an end-to-end anastomosis was performed to simulate surgical trauma, after which the abdominal wall was closed. On postoperative days 7 or 14, a sample of the abdominal wall was collected, stained with picrosirius red and observed under polarized light in an optical microscope. The amount of collagen was estimated by computerized histomorphometric analysis. Results There were no significant differences in collagen deposition between the control and experimental groups on postoperative days 7 (p=0.720) or 14 (p=0.933). The amount of collagen increased as expected in all groups between postoperative days 7 and 14 (p=0.0003). Conclusion At 5 mmHg, CO2 pneumoperitoneum does not interfere with collagen deposition in abdominal wall surgical wounds in rats.

Anti-EpCAM antibodies for detection of metastatic carcinoma in effusions and peritoneal wash.

Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has been used as diagnostic/prognostic marker and therapeutic target. The aim of the present study was to compare immunoreactivity of antibodies against distinct epitopes in the ectodomain of EpCAM for detection of carcinoma from different primary sites and of different histological types in effusions and peritoneal wash. Two antibodies against epitopes in the EGF-like domain I (clones Moc-31 and Ber-EP4) and one antibody against the epitope in the cysteine-poor region (158210) of EpCAM were used (all commercially available). Independently of the clone used, EpCAM overexpression was observed in almost all samples when all the adenocarcinoma samples were analyzed together. By using Moc-31, EpCAM overexpression was observed in all samples of adenocarcinoma. Absence of EpCAM overexpression was observed in a few adenocarcinoma samples at some sites of tumor origin, including ovary, breast and stomach, when Ber-EP4 and 158210 were used. Regarding carcinomas aside from adenocarcinomas, histological types, such as squamous cell, urothelial and small cell carcinoma showed different degrees of EpCAM expression according to the antibody used. In squamous cell carcinoma, overexpression was observed only with the clone 158210. It was concluded that, overall, most samples of metastatic carcinoma from effusions showed overexpression of EpCAM. However, there are significant variations in its detection according to the primary site, histological type of the carcinoma and depending on the antibody used. Thus, the use of more than one type of anti-EpCAM antibody would increase the chance of its detection in metastatic carcinoma effusion.

Oral lichen planus and malignant transformation: The role of p16, Ki-67, Bub-3 and SOX4 in assessing precancerous potential.

The association of oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions with malignant transformation risk has remained a controversial topic and is of clinical importance. Therefore, the present study evaluated the expression levels of p16, Ki-67, budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles 3 (Bub-3) and sex-determining region Y-related high mobility group box 4 (SOX4), and their roles as precancerous biomarkers in OLP. A retrospective study was performed, in which tissue blocks of OLP, oral dysplasia (OD), cutaneous lichen planus (CLP) and oral fibrous hyperplasia (OFH) were used (n=120). A positivity index (PI) for p16, BUB3, Ki-67 and SOX4 expression was calculated in each group. The PI for p16 was 20.65% for OLP, 7.85% for OD, 86.59% for CLP and 11.8% for OFH, and the difference between these groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). PIs of Ki-67 were indicated as 11.6% for OLP, 14.4% for OD, 8.24% for CLP and 5.5% for OFH, and a statistically significant difference was observed between the groups (P<0.001). Notably, the expression levels of BUB3 were not statistically different among groups. The highest expression levels of SOX4 were identified in CLP (P<0.001 vs. OLP/CLP; P=0,001 vs. CLP/OD). The determined expression levels of p16 and Ki-67 suggest that specific OLP lesions may have an intermediate malignant potential and should be carefully followed up. The intense SOX4 staining in CLP indicated a different proliferation pattern of epithelium compared with oral mucosa cells. These findings suggest that SOX4 expression may also be associated with the different clinical courses of OLP and CLP.

Seminal transferrin in the seminal quality evaluation of hemodialytic patients.

OBJECTIVE: to verify the association between seminal quality and seminal transferrin (ST) level and fertility index in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (CH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in a group of 60 men (case) undergoing CH for more than 6 months, and a group of 30 healthy men (control), aged 18-60 years, without clinical or laboratory signs of infection/inflammation. Spermiogram was performed, fertility index (FI) was calculated and ST and sex hormones (SH) levels were measured, including follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total testosterone, and prolactin. RESULTS: All individuals were eugonadal. No differences for age (49.47 ± 5.56, 47.90 ± 6.2, p = 0.22) were observed between cases and controls, whereas there were significant differences between the individuals in the case and control groups with respect to the mean FI (p = 0.000), seminal parameters (SP) (p = 0.000), and ST levels (40.12 ± 08.25 vs 73.32 ± 06.8, p = 0.000). ST levels were correlated with FI (r = 0.787, p = 0.00) and SP (motility: r = 0.857, p = 0.000; vitality: r = 0.551, p = 0.000; density: r = 0.850, p = 0.000; normal morphology: r = 0.386, p = 0.000). Linear regression model showed relationship of ST levels with total sperm motility (R2 = 0.701; p = 0.000) and and FI (R2 = 0.569; p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that seminal quality is associated with ST levels and FI and that it can be used the initial investigation of subfertility/infertility of patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis..

Oropharynx HPV status and its relation to HIV infection.

BACKGROUND: The number of oropharyngeal lesions caused by HPV (Human papillomavirus) has been increasing worldwide in the past years. In spite of the clinical relevance of HPV infection in the anogenital tract of HIV-positive patients, the relevance of oropharynx HPV infection in these patients is not clear. The aim of the present study was to detect HPV infection, and clinical and cytological changes in the oropharynx of HIV-positive patients. METHODS: Samples collected from the oropharynx of 100 HIV-positive patients were subjected to hybrid capture (HC), conventional and liquid-based cytology. Clinical data were also collected to investigate the relation with HPV status. RESULTS: High and low-risk types of HPV were present in 8% and 16.7% of the total sample. The mean ± sd (maximum-minimum) of the relative ratio light unit (RLU)/cutoff (CO) was 2.94 ± 2.58 (1.09-7.87) and 1.61 ± 0.65 (1.07-2.8) for high- and low-risk-HPV, respectively. By cytology, dysplasia was not detected, but atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) were diagnosed in two samples. No clinical change, suggestive of dysplasia/cancer, was detected. CONCLUSION: Our study was able to detect and characterize HPV infection by hybrid capture, which may represent a good tool for screening and follow-up of HPV in the studied population. The frequency and viral load of HPV were low. Neither clinical nor cytological changes suggestive of dysplasia/neoplasia were observed in oropharynx of HIV-positive patients.

Semen Quality and Ferritin and Transferrin Seminal Levels.

BACKGROUND: We proposed to investigate the possible relationship between seminal quality and ferritin and transferrin seminal levels in chronic hemodialysis (CH) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in a group of 60 men (case) undergoing CH for more than 6 months, and a group of 30 healthy men (control), aged 18-60 years, without clinical or laboratory signs of infection/inflammation and eugonadic. A spermogram was performed by manual method and measured the ferritn and transferrin seminal levels. RESULTS: The case and control groups were age-matched (49.47±5.56 versus 47.90±6.22, p = 0.229). Comparison between case and control group, the exception of seminal ferritin levels that were similar (p = 0.136), were significantly lower in the case group (p<0.001) for all constituents of the seminal parameter and seminal transferrin levels. Seminal ferritin does not appear to be associated with seminal parameters and seminal transferrin (p>0.05); but there was an association between seminal transferrin and seminal parameters (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that seminal quality is related to seminal transferrin level and not with seminal ferritin level being useful in the initial evaluation of chronic hemodialysis patients with clinical suspicion of sub / infertility.

A panel of markers for identification of malignant and non-malignant cells in culture from effusions.

The aim of the present study was to identify cell types in primary culture from malignant and non-malignant effusions. Effusion samples were subjected to cytology and culture. Immunocytochemistry was performed in cytological slides to evaluate malignancy (positivity for malignancy markers) and in culture slides for identification of cell types in growth. A total of 143 effusion samples (pleural n=76; peritoneal n=37; pericardial n=4; and peritoneal lavage n=26) were analyzed. Cell growth was observed in 34.9% of all samples and immunocytochemistry for identification of cell types in culture slides was conclusive in 90% of them. In non-malignant samples (n=28), growth of mesothelial cells, macrophages and of both cell types was identified in 82.14, 10.71 and 7.14%, respectively. In malignant samples (n=17, all carcinomas), growth of malignant epithelial cells and of both malignant epithelial and mesothelial cells was identified in 41.17 and 23.52%, respectively. In the remaining 35.29% of malignant samples, the only cells in growth were mesothelial and/or macrophages instead of malignant epithelial cells. In conclusion, in culture of malignant effusions, mesothelial cells may be simultaneously identified with malignant epithelial cells. Besides, mesothelial cells and macrophages may be the only cells identified in malignant effusion culture. Therefore, a broad panel of cell markers should be used for unmistakable identification of cells in studies of effusion primary culture. The ideal malignant effusion sample to obtain culture of neoplastic cells should be that without the presence of mesothelial cells and macrophages.

Hippocampal and cerebellar histological changes and their behavioural repercussions caused by brain ischaemic hypoxia experimentally induced by sodium nitrite.

INTRODUCTION: Brain ischaemic hypoxia can produce severe neurological damage that leads to behavioural disorders. This research analysed the hippocampal and cerebellar histological alterations caused by brain ischaemic hypoxia experimentally induced by sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and possible direct repercussions of this hypoxia on behaviour. METHODOLOGY: An experimental study was carried out by administering 60mg/kg NaNO2 to 10 Wistar rats at 3 months of age for 15 consecutive days. Ten control rats did not receive NaNO2. To assess behavioural repercussions, the animals were evaluated in Open Field, Elevated Plus-Maze (EPM), and Forced Swim tests before and after injury to evaluate locomotion, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Markers of stress were evaluated by measuring the blood levels of cortisol, glucose, cholesterol, and lactate. The presence of hippocampal lesions was verified by histologically studying the CA1-CA4 areas. Sections of the cerebellum were also evaluated because Purkinje cells are highly sensitive to ischaemic hypoxia and may serve as markers for this process. RESULTS: The number of neurons with lesions was significantly higher in animals exposed to NaNO2 in the hippocampus areas CA2, CA3, and CA4. The cerebellum was also very vulnerable to hypoxia, presenting extensive lesion áreas. These results are correlated with the parameters of the anxiety and depression tests. CONCLUSION: NaNO2 promoted brain damage due to ischaemic hypoxia in rats. Intoxicated animals showed decreased brain weights; damage in hippocampus and cerebellum; and anxiogenic and depressive behaviour.

Photodynamic therapy mediated by acai oil (Euterpe oleracea Martius) in nanoemulsion: A potential treatment for melanoma.

Melanoma is the most aggressive and lethal form of skin cancer, responsible for >80% of deaths. Standard treatments for late-stage melanoma usually present poor results, leading to life-threatening side effects and low overall survival. Thus, it is necessary to rethink treatment strategies and design new tools for the treatment of this disease. On that ground, we hereby report the use of acai oil in nanoemulsion (NanoA) as a novel photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) used to treat melanoma in in vitro and in vivo experimental models. NIH/3T3 normal cells and B16F10 melanoma cell lines were treated with PDT and presented 85% cell death for melanoma cells, while maintaining high viability in normal cells. Flow cytometry indicated that cell death occurred by late apoptosis/necrosis. Tumor bearing C57BL/6 mice treated five times with PDT using acai oil in nanoemulsion showed tumor volume reduction of 82% in comparison to control/tumor group. Necrotic tissue per tumor area reached its highest value in PDT-treated mice, supporting PDT efficacy. Overall, acai oil in nanoemulsion was an effective photosensitizer, representing a promising source of new photosensitizing molecules for PDT treatment of melanoma, a tumor with an inherent tendency to be refractory for this type of therapy.

Effect of Hevea brasiliensis latex sap gel on healing of acute skin wounds induced on the back of rats.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effect of topical delivery of latex cream-gel in acute cutaneous wounds induced on the back of rats. METHODS: we subjected sixteen rats to dermo-epidermal excision of a round dorsal skin flap, with 2.5cm diameter. We divided the animals into two groups: Latex Group: application of cream-gel-based latex throughout the wound bed on postoperative days zero, three, six and nine; CONTROL GROUP: no treatment on the wound. Photographs of the lesions were taken on the procedure day and on the 6th and 14th postoperative days, for analyzing the area and the larger diameter of the wound. We carried out euthanasia of all animals on the 14th postoperative day, when we resected he dorsal skin and the underlying muscle layer supporting the wound for histopathological study. RESULTS: there was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of wound closure, in the histopathological findings or in the reduction of the area and of the largest diameter of the wounds among the groups studied on the 14th postoperative day. CONCLUSION: according to the experimental conditions in which the study was conducted, latex cream-gel did not interfere in the healing of acute cutaneous wounds in rats.

Effect of Hevea brasiliensis latex sap gel on healing of acute skin wounds induced on the back of rats / Efeito do gel da seiva do látex da Hevea brasiliensis na cicatrização de lesões cutâneas agudas induzidas no dorso de ratos

Objective : to evaluate the effect of topical delivery of latex cream-gel in acute cutaneous wounds induced on the back of rats. Methods : we subjected sixteen rats to dermo-epidermal excision of a round dorsal skin flap, with 2.5cm diameter. We divided the animals into two groups: Latex Group: application of cream-gel-based latex throughout the wound bed on postoperative days zero, three, six and nine; Control group: no treatment on the wound. Photographs of the lesions were taken on the procedure day and on the 6th and 14th postoperative days, for analyzing the area and the larger diameter of the wound. We carried out euthanasia of all animals on the 14th postoperative day, when we resected he dorsal skin and the underlying muscle layer supporting the wound for histopathological study. Results : there was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of wound closure, in the histopathological findings or in the reduction of the area and of the largest diameter of the wounds among the groups studied on the 14th postoperative day. Conclusion : according to the experimental conditions in which the study was conducted, latex cream-gel did not interfere in the healing of acute cutaneous wounds in rats.

Objetivo : avaliar o efeito da administração tópica do gel-creme de látex em feridas cutâneas agudas induzidas no dorso de ratos. Métodos : dezesseis ratos foram submetidos à excisão dermoepidérmica de retalho cutâneo dorsal, circular com 2,5cm de diâmetro. Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos, um experimental e outro controle: Grupo Látex- aplicação em todo o leito da ferida do látex em base gel-creme no período zero, no terceiro, no sexto e no nono dias pós-operatórios; Grupo Controle- sem nenhum tratamento sobre a ferida. Foram feitas fotografias das lesões no dia da operação, no sexto e no 14º dia pós-operatório, para análise de área e do maior diâmetro da ferida. Realizou-se a eutanásia de todos os animais no 14º dia pós-operatório. Ressecou-se a pele dorsal e o plano muscular subjacente contendo a ferida para estudo histopatológico. Resultados : não houve diferença estatisticamente significante no percentual de fechamento, nos achados histopatológicos ou na redução da área e do maior diâmetro das feridas, entre os grupos estudados no 14º dia pós-operatório. Conclusão : nas condições experimentais em que o estudo foi realizado, o gel-creme de látex não interferiu na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas agudas em ratos.