The effect of cigarette smoking on cell proliferation in normal uterine cervix epithelium.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of smoking on cell proliferation in normal cervical epithelium. METHODS: A total of 45 women undergoing hysterectomies due to uterine leiomyomata were investigated. Thirty were nonsmokers and 15 were current smokers. A segment of tissue was taken from cervix after removal of the uterus, and the identification of cell proliferation was performed by immunohistochemical analysis employing Ki-67 staining. The number of positive cells colored by Ki-67 staining was finally expressed as number of cells per square millimeter (mm²) of epithelium. RESULTS: The comparison of the number of proliferating cells measured by ki-67 staining among smoking and nonsmoking women did not show significant difference. Among smoking women, there was no significant difference related to the number of cigarettes smoked per day or time of consumption and epithelial cell proliferation. However, the total amount of cigarettes smoked throughout presented significant association with Ki-67 staining (p < 0.001); the number of proliferating cells per mm² increased proportionally to the increase in consumption of cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that there was no significant difference between cell proliferation in smokers and nonsmokers; however, it was shown that in the smokers' group, amount of cigarettes smoked during throughout lifetime can increase cell proliferation in normal cervical epithelium.

Utilidad de la técnica histoquímica de aldehído fucsina de Gómori- azul alcian para el diagnóstico de metaplasia intestinal completa e incompleta / Utility of the hystochemical Gomori's aldehyde fuchsin-Alcian blue technique for the diagnosis of complete and incomplete intestinal metaplasia

Se hizo un estudio descriptivo para evaluar la utilidad de la técnica histoquímica de aldehído fucsina de Gómori- azul alcian para el diagnóstico de metaplasia intestinal (AFG-AA) y sus variedades completa e incompleta, mediante la revisión de 48 muestras para biopsias, extraídas del estómago de pacientes atendidos en la Consulta de Gastroenterología del Hospital Provincial Docente Dr Joaquín Castillo Duany de Santiago de Cuba durante el trienio 2005 2007, a los cuales se realizó gastroscopia, se diagnosticó la presencia de metaplasia intestinal a través de la tinción de hematoxilina y eosina, así como se procedió a su confirmación y clasificación con la mencionada técnica histoquímica. Entre las variables estudiadas figuraron: edad, sexo, presencia de Helicobacter pilory, tipo de metaplasia intestinal y alteraciones morfológicas. Se verificó que 41 de los pacientes presentaban metaplasia intestinal completa (85,4 por ciento), de los cuales 37 padecían gastritis crónica activa (90,2 por ciento)(AU)

A descriptive study was carried out to evaluate the utility of the histochemical Gomori's aldehyde fuchsin Alcian-blue technique for the diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia (AFG-AA) and its complete and incomplete variants by reviewing 48 samples for biopsies collected from stomach of patients attended in the Gastroenterology Department of Dr Joaquín Castillo Duany Teaching Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba during 2005-2007, in whom gastroscopy was performed, the presence of intestinal metaplasia was diagnosed with hematoxylin and eosin staining, as well as it was confirmed and classified by means of aforementioned histochemical technique. Among studied variables were age, sex, and presence of Helicobacter pilory, type of intestinal metaplasia and morphological alterations. It was verified that 41 out of the patients had complete intestinal metaplasia (85, 4 per cent), of whom 37 suffered from active chronic gastritis (90,2 per cent)(AU)

Utilidad de la técnica histoquímica de aldehído fucsina de Gómori- azul alcian para el diagnóstico de metaplasia intestinal completa e incompleta / Utility of the hystochemical Gomori's aldehyde fuchsin-Alcian blue technique for the diagnosis of complete and incomplete intestinal metaplasia

Se hizo un estudio descriptivo para evaluar la utilidad de la técnica histoquímica de aldehído fucsina de Gómori- azul alcian para el diagnóstico de metaplasia intestinal (AFG-AA) y sus variedades completa e incompleta, mediante la revisión de 48 muestras para biopsias, extraídas del estómago de pacientes atendidos en la Consulta de Gastroenterología del Hospital Provincial Docente Dr Joaquín Castillo Duany de Santiago de Cuba durante el trienio 2005 – 2007, a los cuales se realizó gastroscopia, se diagnosticó la presencia de metaplasia intestinal a través de la tinción de hematoxilina y eosina, así como se procedió a su confirmación y clasificación con la mencionada técnica histoquímica. Entre las variables estudiadas figuraron: edad, sexo, presencia de Helicobacter pilory, tipo de metaplasia intestinal y alteraciones morfológicas. Se verificó que 41 de los pacientes presentaban metaplasia intestinal completa (85,4 por ciento), de los cuales 37 padecían gastritis crónica activa (90,2 por ciento).

A descriptive study was carried out to evaluate the utility of the histochemical Gomori's aldehyde fuchsin Alcian-blue technique for the diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia (AFG-AA) and its complete and incomplete variants by reviewing 48 samples for biopsies collected from stomach of patients attended in the Gastroenterology Department of Dr Joaquín Castillo Duany Teaching Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba during 2005-2007, in whom gastroscopy was performed, the presence of intestinal metaplasia was diagnosed with hematoxylin and eosin staining, as well as it was confirmed and classified by means of aforementioned histochemical technique. Among studied variables were age, sex, and presence of Helicobacter pilory, type of intestinal metaplasia and morphological alterations. It was verified that 41 out of the patients had complete intestinal metaplasia (85, 4 per cent), of whom 37 suffered from active chronic gastritis (90,2 per cent).

Ultrasound accelerates healing of normal wounds but not of ischemic ones.

To examine the influence of therapeutic ultrasound (US) on repair of standard and ischemic cutaneous lesions, full-thickness excisional wounds were made in rats and treated with a US 3 MHz, 0.5 W/cm(2) pulsed duty cycle. We used five experimental groups: control (received US powered off on the day of surgery, and on the second and fourth day), control US (received US on the day of surgery, and on the second and fourth day), ischemic (received US powered off on the day of surgery, and on the second and fourth day), ischemic US 3X (received US on the day of surgery, and on the second and fourth day) and ischemic US 5X (received US in the day of surgery, first, second, third and fourth day). The control US group showed acceleration in wound contraction 7 days after wounding, an increase in collagen density, and only focal inflammatory areas. Neo-epidermis formation was more advanced in the control US group than in the control one. Wound contraction was delayed in the ischemic group when compared with the control group as well as the ischemic US 3X group, was but slightly accelerated in the ischemic US 5X group when compared with the ischemic group 7 days after wounding. Reepithelialization was delayed in both ischemic US groups when compared with the ischemic group. The number of inflammatory cells was higher in both US ischemic groups. We conclude that US therapy accelerates wound healing in normal wounds and delays wound healing in ischemic wounds.

Skin pathology induced by snake venom metalloproteinase: acute damage, revascularization, and re-epithelization in a mouse ear model.

Viperid snakebite envenomation induces blistering and dermonecrosis. The pathological alterations induced by a snake venom metalloproteinase in the skin were investigated in a mouse ear model. Metalloproteinase BaP1, from Bothrops asper, induced rapid edema, hemorrhage, and blistering; the latter two effects were abrogated by preincubation with the metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat. Neutrophils did not play a role in the pathology, as depletion of these cells resulted in a similar histological picture. Blisters are likely to result from the direct proteolytic activity of BaP1 of proteins at the dermal-epidermal junction, probably at the lamina lucida, as revealed by immunostaining for type IV collagen and laminin. Widespread apoptosis of keratinocytes was detected by the TUNEL assay, whereas no apoptosis of capillary endothelial cells was observed. BaP1 induced a drastic reduction in the microvessel density, revealed by immunostaining for the endothelial marker vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2. This was followed by a rapid angiogenic response, leading to a partial revascularization. Skin damage was followed by inflammation and granulation tissue formation. Then, a successful re-epithelization process occurred, and the skin of the ear regained its normal structure by 2 weeks. Venom metalloproteinase-induced skin damage reproduces the pathological changes described in snakebitten patients.

Parenchymal and vascular interactions in the pathogenesis of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia in systemic sclerosis and idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Interstitial lung disease is a well-recognized prognostic factor in systemic sclerosis (SSc). As the prognosis in nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) has been described to be better in collagen vascular disorders compared to the idiopathic forms, we hypothesize that the mechanisms of repair and remodeling are different between these 2 forms of the disease. OBJECTIVES: To compare the mechanisms of repair and remodeling between SSc-associated NSIP and the idiopathic form, its impact on pulmonary function tests and survival rates. METHODS: We analyzed 18 biopsies from patients with NSIP associated with SSc and 22 with idiopathic NSIP and compared the epithelial and vascular densities as well as vascular activity. RESULTS: Epithelial cell density was lower in SSc-NSIP when compared with idiopathic NSIP (p < 0.0001). Type II pneumocytes and Clara cells were reduced in idiopathic NSIP (p = 0.02). A decrease in microvessel density was found in SSc-NSIP compared to idiopathic NSIP (p < 0.0001). The vascular activity measured by VCAM expression was higher in NSIP-SSc when compared to the idiopathic group (p < 0.0001). The DLCO/VA in SSc-NSIP was more compromised. A direct association between vascular density and DLCO/VA was found (p = 0.02). There was no difference in the survival rate between the 2 groups after a follow-up of 36 months. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in the epithelium and vasculature seem to differ in the pathogenesis of SSc-NSIP when compared to the idiopathic form of the disease. Further studies may be required to assess the significance of these findings and explore if they can provide prognostic and/or treatment information.

[Alveolar epithelial barrier in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)]. / La barrera epitelial alveolar en el enfermo con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (SDRA).

The clearance of alveolar fluid depends on the anatomic and physiologic integrity of alveolar epithelial barrier. The vectorial transport of sodium begins at the apical surface in the type II cell through amiloride-sensitive sodium channel. Sodium is pumping by Na, K-ATPasa from the basolateral surface of type II cell to the interstice. Water passes through specialized channels in the type I cell membrane by the osmotic gradient created by sodium. The activity of the sodium transporters is regulated actively by genetics and depends on molecular processes that involve the hormonal stimulation. The damage to the epithelial membrane produces an increased of the permeability of great molecules, which favors generation of edema in the alveolar space, delay in the resolution and incapacity to regenerate epithelium. More clinic trials are required to demonstrate the paper of the transport of chloride and to clarify the true function of the specialized water channels in the regulation of the alveolar fluid clearance.

Effects of experimental diabetes on the structure and ultrastructure of the coagulating gland of C57BL/6J and NOD mice.

Diabetes mellitus can lead to reproductive disorders that in turn result in weakened fertility brought about by morphofunctional changes in the testes and accessory sex glands. However, doubts persist concerning the basic biology of the secretory epithelial cells and the stroma of the coagulating gland of diabetic mice. Thus, the objective of the present study was to analyze the histological and ultrastructural changes associated with stereology of the coagulating gland of mice with alloxan-induced diabetes, and of spontaneously diabetic mice. Sixteen mice of the C57BL/6J strain, and eight non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were used. The animals were divided into three groups: 1) control (C), 2) alloxan diabetic (AD), and 3) NOD. Thirty days after the detection of diabetic status in group 2, all of the animals were killed and then perfused with Karnovsky's solution through the left cardiac ventricle. The coagulating gland was then removed and processed for morphometric study by light microscopy and electron microscopy. The results showed thickening of the stroma, atrophy of secretory epithelial cells, and disorganization of the organelles involved in the secretory process in both NOD and alloxan-induced mice. Thus, it may be concluded that the coagulating gland suffered drastic morphological changes, and consequently impaired glandular function, in the presence of diabetes mellitus type I in both NOD and AD mice.

Ultrastructural study of the ventral lobe of the prostate of mice with streptozotocin induced diabetes (C57BL/6J).

Morphological and functional changes caused by diabetes in the accessory sex organs and especially the prostate have been reported by several investigators. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible deleterious effects of experimentally induced diabetes on the secretory epithelium of the ventral prostate of mice. Sixteen adult male C57BL/6J mice were divided into two groups. The diabetic group received a streptozotocin injection of 75 mg/kg, while the control group received only 0.1 ml citrate buffer, i.p. After 30 days, the diabetic state was ascertained, the animals were sacrificed and the ventral lobe of the prostate was collected for histological and ultrastructural examination. The results showed reduction in glandular epithelium cell height, increased numbers of cytoplasmic vacuoles and thickening of the extracellular matrix. In conclusion, experimental diabetes has harmful effects on the secretory epithelial cells of the ventral lobe of the prostate of mice.

Patofisiología de la disminución del flujo aéreo en fumadores: El papel de las vías aéreas pequeñas y del enfisemia pulmonar / Pathogenesis of the airflow limitation in smokers: the roles of small airways and pulmonary emphysema

La limitación del flujo aéreo en los fumadores es la característica funcional más importante que además condiciona su pronóstico. En términos generales, el enfisema y la enfermedad de la vía aérea pequeña son los eventos anatomopatológicos responsables de dicha obstrucción. En este trabajo se hizo una revisión detallada de la participación de la vía aérea pequeña en la patogénesis de la disminución del flujo aéreo en los pacientes con EPOC.

p53 protein expression in lining epithelium adjacent to oral squamous cell carcinoma

As alteraçöes relacionadas ao gene supressor tumoral, p53, estäo entre os eventos moleculares mais comumente detectados no câncer humano, incluindo o carcinoma epidermóide de boca. Por outro lado, a atipia epitelial é considerada a representaçäo histopatólogica de uma condiçäo pré-maligna da cavidade bucal. Este trabalho procurou correlacionar o grau de atipia epitélio de revestimento próximo ao carcinoma epidermóide de boca com a expressäo da p53 e o grau de atipia no epitélio próximo ao carcinoma epidermóide de boca. Entretanto, os resultados sugerem que a expressäo da p53 pode estar alterada nas fases iniciais da carcinogênese de cabeça e pescoço, precedendo a neoplasia estabelecida, fornecendo, assim, uma base molecular para a teoria do "campo de cancerizaçäo"

Estudo comparativo das proteínas p53, PCNA, Ki-67 e das regiöes organizadoras nucleolares (NORs) no epitélio de revestimento da mucosa próximo ao carcinoma epidermóide de boca / p53, PCNA, Ki-67 and NORs in lining epilhelium adjacent to squamous cell carcinoma of human oral mucosa

O epitélio de revestimento da mucosa adjacente aos carcinomas epidermóides pode apresentar alteraçöes morfológicas e histoquímicas representativas da carcinogênese precoce. Essas alteraçöes podem ser expressäo de um processo de "campo de cancerizaçäo". A avaliçäo histopatológica dessas alteraçöes é difícil, subjetiva e nem sempre é uma indicaçäo confiável da progressäo para carcinoma invasivo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a expressäo do p53, PCNA, Ki-67 e NORs no epitélio de revestimento da mucosa próximo a 26 carcinomas epidermóides de boca, verificando a correlaçäo desses marcadores com grau de atipia epitelial e a correlaçäo entre os mesmos. Foi utilizada a técnica imuno-histoquímica e histoquímica em tecidos rotineiramente fixados e processados, empregando-se anticorpos anti-p53, anti-Ki-67 e a coloraçäo pela prata coloidal, AgNOR. Nós näo encontramos correlaçäo de nenhum dos marcadores com o grau de atipia epitelial. Correlaçäo foi observada apenas entre o PCNA e Ki-67. Nós sugerimos que as alteraçöes relacionadas a estes marcadores podem preceder as alteraçöes morfológicas no epitélio adjacente aos carcinomas epidermóides de boca, e que o estudo dos mesmos podem ajudar na decisäo sobre o manejamento da lesäo

[A CT cytomorphodensitometric study of the proliferating epithelial activity in middle ear cholesteatoma]. / Estudio citomorfodensitométrico por análisis de imagen de la actividad proliferativa epitelial en el colesteatoma de oído medio.

A cytomorphodensitometric study was made by analysis of the computerised image of the germinative and intermediate epithelial layers in a sample of five specimens of cholesteatoma and the corresponding skin from the external auditory canal. A morphometric variable corresponding to the nuclear area was determined and densitometric variables equivalent to the relative quantity of nuclear DNA were determined. Within the germinative layers of the cholesteatoma epithelium, we observed larger nuclei and more relative DNA per nucleus. The average densitometric values were in the range of 2C-4C, which is indicative of a greater cellular population in S phase in the cholesteatoma than in the skin.

[The study of proliferative epithelial activity in cholesteatoma of the middle ear during cytomorphophotometry]. / Estudio de la actividad proliferativa epitelial en el colesteatoma de oído medio mediante citomorfofotometría.

Epithelial proliferation in colesteatoma and its influence on the subepithelial inflammatory reaction was studied using morphometry and nuclear photometry of specimens. Twenty specimens of colesteatoma and 15 specimens of skin from the external auditory canal were examined. Nuclear content was greater in the basal cells of colesteatoma epithelium than in the basal cells of external auditory canal epithelium, suggesting increased proliferative activity. This activity was found to be reted to the inflammatory infiltrate of the conjunctive tissue and varied in different specimens.

Alteraçöes da permeabilidade intestinal em crianças / Alterations of the intestinal permeability in children

É apresentada uma revisäo atualizada sobre permeabilidade intestinal, enfocando as vias de permeabilidade, as substâncias-testes e as técnicas mais comumente empregadas para estudo e quantificaçäo da mesma. Säo também destacadas algumas afecçöes pediátricas associadas com anormalidade da permeabilidade intestinal