New anti-angiogenic compound based on chemically modified heparin.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the anti-angiogenic effect of N-desulfated Re-N-acetylated, a chemically modified heparin (mHep). METHODS: In vitro assays (cell tube formation, viability, proliferation, and migration) with endothelial cells were performed after 24 h of treatment with mHep at 10, 100, and 1000 ng/mL or saline. In vivo tests were performed after laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rats, followed by an intravitreal injection (5 µL) of mHep (10, 100, 1000 ng/mL) or balanced salt solution. Immunofluorescence analysis of the CNV was performed after 14 days. RESULTS: mHep produced a statistically significant reduction in cell proliferation, tube formation, and migration, without cell viability changes when compared to saline. Mean measures of CNV area were 54.84 × 106 pixels/mm (± 12.41 × 106), 58.77 × 106 pixels/mm (± 17.52 × 106), and 59.42 × 106 pixels/mm (± 17.33 × 106) in groups 100, 1000, and 10,000 ng/mL, respectively, while in the control group, mean area was 72.23 × 106 (± 16.51 × 106). The P value was 0.0065. Perimeter analysis also demonstrated statistical significance (P = 0.0235) with the mean measure of 93.55 × 104, 94.23 × 104, and 102 × 104 in the 100 ng/mL, 1000 ng/mL, and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that mHep N-DRN is a potent anti-angiogenic, anti-proliferative, and anti-migratory compound with negligible anticoagulant or hemorrhagic action and no cytotoxicity for retina cells. This compound may serve as a candidate for treating choroidal neovascularization.

Evaluation of the CTX-II Biomarker in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear: Pilot Study.

Objective The aim of the present study was to quantify the urinary concentration of the C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type-II collagen (CTX-II) biomarker in patients who suffered an isolated ACL injury, and to compare the concentrations found in this population with a control group of patients with no metabolic changes in the knee that could lead to cartilage degeneration. Methods A cross-sectional pilot study was performed in two groups: patients with ACL tears and a control group (each group with 10 male subjects, with an age range between 18 and 35 years, and body mass index below 30 kg/m 2 ). In both groups, urine concentrations of a biomarker related to the degradation of type-II collagen (CTX-II) was measured. For the group with ACL tears, a temporal relationship between the time after the injury and the amount of the biomarker was also examined. Results There were significant differences in the concentrations of urinary CTX-II between the ACL group and the control group ( p = 0.009). No significant relationship was observed between the time after the injury and the quantity of the biomarker. Conclusions Patients with ACL injury had higher concentrations of urinary CTX-II biomarker than those with no ACL injury ( p = 0.009). However, there was no correlation between the concentration of this biomarker and the elapsed time after the injury ( p > 0.05).

Age-related macular degeneration: a review of current therapies and new treatments.

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in elderly individuals, as well as a medical and socio-economic challenge. The treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration is based on vitamin supplementation. New treatment studies are focused on preventing the progression of degeneration and repopulating the atrophic macula. Recently, research on the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration experienced a breakthrough with the advent of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors. Nevertheless, despite the fact that ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab are effective in reducing severe visual impairment, patients usually lose some vision over time. Therefore, the search for new therapies and diagnostic methods is fundamentally important. Current studies are focused on new anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, antibody against sphingosine-1-phosphate, anti-platelet-derived growth factor, gene therapy, and RNA interference. The results of ongoing clinical studies may improve the therapy of age-related macular degeneration.

Nasal Polyposis: More than a Chronic Inflammatory Disorder-A Disease of Mechanical Dysfunction-The São Paulo Position.

Introduction The importance of our study lies in the fact that we have demonstrated the occurrence of mechanical dysfunction within polypoid tissues, which promotes the development of polyps in the nasal cavity. Objective To change the paradigm of nasal polyposis (NP). In this new conception, the chronic nasal inflammatory process that occurs in response to allergies, to pollution, to changes in the epithelial barrier, or to other factors is merely the trigger of the development of the disease in individuals with a genetic predisposition to an abnormal tissue remodeling process, which leads to a derangement of the mechanical properties of the nasal mucosa and, consequently, allows it to grow unchecked. Data Synthesis We propose a fundamentally new approach to intervening in the pathological process of NP, addressing biomechanical properties, fluid dynamics, and the concept of surface tension. Conclusion The incorporation of biomechanical knowledge into our understanding of NP provides a new perspective to help elucidate the physiology and the pathology of nasal polyps, and new avenues for the treatment and cure of NP.

Nasal polyposis: more than a chronic inflammatory disorder-a disease of mechanical dysfunction - the São paulo position

Introduction: The importance of our study lies in the fact that we have demonstrated the occurrence ofmechanical dysfunction within polypoid tissues, which promotes the development of polyps in the nasal cavity. Objective: To change the paradigm of nasal polyposis (NP). In this new conception, the chronic nasal inflammatory process that occurs in response to allergies, to pollution, to changes in the epithelial barrier, or to other factors is merely the trigger of the development of the disease in individuals with a genetic predisposition to an abnormal tissue remodeling process, which leads to a derangement of the mechanical properties of the nasal mucosa and, consequently, allows it to grow unchecked. Data: Synthesis We propose a fundamentally new approach to intervening in the pathological process of NP, addressing biomechanical properties, fluid dynamics, and the concept of surface tension. Conclusion: The incorporation of biomechanical knowledge into our understanding of NP provides a new perspective to help elucidate the physiology and the pathology of nasal polyps, and new avenues for the treatment and cure of NP (AU)

Functional and molecular evidence for heteromeric association of P2Y1 receptor with P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors in mouse granulocytes.

BACKGROUND: All hematopoietic cells express P2 receptors, however pharmacological characteristics such as expression and affinity in granulocytes are unknown. METHODS: Pharmacological characteristics of P2 receptors were evaluated by Ca(2+) measurements using Fura-2 fluorophore. P2 receptors expression were analyzed by flow cytometry and RT-PCR. P2 interaction were shown by coimmunoprecipitation, western blotting and FRET. RESULTS: Granulocytes were responsive to P2Y agonists, whereas P2X agonists were ineffective. Ca(2+) increase, elicited by ADP and UTP was dependent on intracellular stocks and sensitive to G-coupled receptor inhibition. Moreover, MRS2179, a specific antagonist of the P2Y1 receptor, abolished ADP response. Interestingly, ADP and UTP exhibited full heterologous desensitization, suggesting that these agonists interact with the same receptor. The heteromeric association between P2Y1 receptor and the P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors was shown by immunoprecipitation and FRET analysis. CONCLUSION: Clear evidence of heteromeric association of P2Y receptors was found during the evaluation of P2 receptors present in mice granulocytes, which could impact in the classical pharmacology of P2Y receptors in granulocytes.

Treatment with chondroitin sulfate to modulate inflammation and atherogenesis in obesity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Osteoarthritic patients treated with high doses of chondroitin sulfate (CS) have a lower incidence of coronary heart disease--but the mechanistic aspects of these beneficial effects of CS remain undefined. We examined how CS treatment affects the formation of atheroma via interaction with endothelial cells and monocytes. METHODS: We characterized arterial atheromatous plaques by multiphoton microscopy and serum pro-inflammatory cytokines by immunoenzymatic techniques in obese mice receiving CS (1 g/kg/day, i.p.) or vehicle for 6 days. Effects of CS on signaling pathways, cytokine secretion and macrophage migration were evaluated in cultures of human coronary endothelial cells and in a monocyte cell line stimulated with TNF-α by Western blot, immunoenzymatic techniques and transwell migration assays. RESULTS: Treatment of obese mice with CS reduced the extension of foam cell coverage in atheromatous plaques of arterial bifurcations by 62.5%, the serum concentration of IL1ß by 70%, TNF-α by 82% and selected chemokines by 25-35%. Cultures of coronary endothelial cells and monocytes stimulated with TNF-α secreted less pro-inflammatory cytokines in the presence of CS (P < 0.01). CS reduced the activation of the TNF-α signaling pathway in endothelial cells (pErk 36% of reduction, and NFκB 33% of reduction), and the migration of activated monocytes to inflamed endothelial cells in transwells (81 ± 6 vs. 13 ± 2, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CS interferes with the pro-inflammatory activation of monocytes and endothelial cells driven by TNF-α thus reducing the propagation of inflammation and preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Altered hyaluronic acid content in tear fluid of patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis.

The adenoviral conjunctivitis is one of the biggest causes of conjunctival infection in the world. Conjunctivitis causes relatively nonspecific symptoms, as hyperaemia and chemosis. Even after biomicroscopy, complex laboratory tests, such as viral culture, are necessary to identify the pathogen or its etiology. To contribute to the better understanding of the pathobiology of the adenoviral conjunctivitis, the tear fluids of patients with unilateral acute adenovirus conjunctivitis (UAAC), normal donors (control) and patients with allergic conjunctivitis were analyzed. Tear samples were collected with Schirmer strips from control, allergic conjunctivitis and UAAC patients, diagnosed by clinical signs. UAAC tears were tested positive in viral cultures. After the elution, HA was quantified using an ELISA-like fluorometric assay and the protein profile was determined by SDS-PAGE. A profound increase in the HA tear content in UAAC patients was found when compared to control and ALC. This HA increase in UAAC tears remarkably was not observed in tears from contralateral eyes without clinical signs, nor in allergic conjunctivitis. In addition a distinct profile of UAAC tear proteins was observed in patients with UAAC. The quantification of HA in the tear fluid is a rapid, sensitive and specific test. This molecule might be a biomarker candidate for acute conjunctivitis.

Conjunctival epithelial cells cultivated ex vivo from patients with total limbal stem cell deficiency.

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of the ocular surface is challenging. As an alternative to mucosal and limbal epithelial, we study the feasibility of cultivated human conjunctival epithelial (HCjE) cells of patients with total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). METHODS: We studied superior forniceal conjunctival biopsies harvested from 9 living donors with total LSCD of several etiologies who underwent surgery for ocular surface reconstruction. The conjunctival explants were cultivated on serum and growth factor supplemented DMEM/F12 under submerged conditions on denuded human amniotic membrane and tissue culture dishes. The area of cell growth was assessed. Cell morphology was analyzed by light microscopy, impression cytology, and transmission electron microscopy. Cultures were evaluated for epithelial cytokeratins (CK3, CK19), proliferation marker (Ki-67), and putative stem cells markers (ABCG2 and p63). Confocal immunofluorescence was also performed to assess CK3, CK19, Ki-67, ABCG2, and p63. RESULTS: The HCjE cells cultivated ex vivo were successfully expanded on denuded amniotic membrane but with a slower growth than in the tissue culture dish. Transmission electron microscopy showed stratified epithelium with microvilli, desmosomes, and hemidesmosomes. Impression cytology showed PAS+ cells that resembled goblet cells. Immunocytochemical analysis showed positivity for CK3, CK19, Ki-67, ABCG2, and p63. Confocal immunofluorescence was positive for CK3, CK19, Ki-67, ABCG2, and p63. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that it is possible to cultivate HCjE cells ex vivo of patients with ocular surface diseases. This method is important for ocular surface reconstruction in patients with bilateral total LSCD.

Evaluation of anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a heterofucan from Dictyota menstrualis.

Fucan is a term that defines a family of homo- and hetero-polysaccharides containing sulfated l-fucose in its structure. In this work, a heterofucan (F2.0v) from the seaweed, Dictyota menstrualis, was evaluated as an antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory agent. F2.0v (20.0 mg/kg) inhibits 100% of leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity after chemical stimulation. However, F2.0v does not alter the expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). F2.0v (20.0 mg/kg) has peripheral antinociceptive activity with potency similar to dipyrone. On the other hand, it had no effect on pain response on the hot plate test. Confocal microscopy analysis and flow cytometry showed that F2.0v binds to the surface of leucocytes, which leads us to suggest that the mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive F2.0v is related to its ability to inhibit the migration of leukocytes to the site of tissue injury. In summary, the data show that F2.0v compound has great potential as an antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory, and future studies will be performed to further characterize the mechanism of action of F2.0v.

Evaluation of 16 SNPs allele-specific to quantify post hSCT chimerism by SYBR green-based qRT-PCR.

The importance of monitoring post haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (hSCT) chimerism has been defined in numerous publications. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are molecular markers that vary significantly among different populations. Allied to a very sensible technique, SNP assays seem to be very sensitive (0.001%) when post hSCT chimerism is measured. However, well known SNP frequencies are limited to certain populations, mainly in countries where there is a high level of diversity in its population, therefore restricting their use worldwide. Amplification by SYBR green based quantitative real time PCR of eight pairs of allele-specific SNPs (MLH-1, PECAM-1, ICAM-1, SUR-1, HA-1, rs715405, rs713503, rs2296600) was conducted in 88 patient/donor pairs, who underwent allogeneic myeloablative or non-myeloablative hSCT. One informative allele was detected in at least 42% (n=37) of the samples; 20% (n=18) had at least two informative alleles; 10% (n=9) had at least three informative alleles; 9% (n=8) had more than three informative alleles and 18% (n=16) showed no informative allele at all. Overall, the frequency of informative alleles for these SNPs in the Brazilian population was very low. Consequently, the amount of information attained reached 9% of those expected, being able to discriminate only eight pairs of donor/recipient samples with more than three informative alleles, making them useless for the quantification of chimerism in our routine.

(Pro)renin receptor: another member of the system controlled by angiotensin II?

The prorenin receptor [(P)RR] is upregulated in the diabetic kidney and has been implicated in the high glucose (HG)-induced overproduction of profibrotic molecules by mesangial cells (MCs), which is mediated by ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The regulation of (P)RR gene transcription and the mechanisms by which HG increases (P)RR gene expression are not fully understood. Because intracellular levels of angiotensin II (AngII) are increased in MCs stimulated with HG, we used this in vitro system to evaluate the possible role of AngII in (P)RR gene expression and function by comparing the effects of AT1 receptor blockers (losartan or candesartan) and (P)RR mRNA silencing (siRNA) in human MCs (HMCs) stimulated with HG. HG induced an increase in (P)RR and fibronectin expression and in ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These effects were completely reversed by (P)RR siRNA and losartan but not by candesartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker that, in contrast to losartan, blocks AT1 receptor internalization). These results suggest that (P)RR gene activity may be controlled by intracellular AngII and that HG-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and fibronectin overproduction are primarily induced by (P)RR activation. This relationship between AngII and (P)RR may constitute an additional pathway of MC dysfunction in response to HG stimulation.

Toxicity and retinal penetration of infliximab in primates.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the retinal penetration and toxicity of two doses of intravitreal infliximab in primates. METHODS: Ten marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) were given intravitreal injection of 100 µg or 400 µg of infliximab, and balanced salt solution served as control. At baseline and after 24 hours (5 animals) and 7 days (the other 5), the eyes were examined by electroretinography. They were then killed (at 24 hours and 7 days) and assessed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy for toxicity and immunohistochemistry, using a biotinylated anti-human immunoglobulin G, to evaluate retinal penetration. RESULTS: There was no difference over 50% of the electroretinography b-wave between baseline and the time points studied in all animals. Light and electron microscopy, and electroretinography analysis, showed no signs of toxicity in any of the animals. Strong presence of infliximab was observed in all retinal layers 7 days after intravitreal injection at both doses (100 and 400 µg). CONCLUSION: Infliximab at doses of 100 and 400 µg seemed to cause no damage to the retina 24 hours and 7 days after its intravitreal injection, and deeply penetrated all its layers, in primates. These results encourage future perspectives for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases of the retina in humans.

Effect of corneal epithelium on ultraviolet-A and riboflavin absorption.

PURPOSE: To determine if the corneal epithelium prevents the collagen cross-linking effect. Using immunofluorescence microscopy after CXL, we indirectly analyzed the role of the epithelium as ultraviolet-A (UVA) shield as well as a barrier to riboflavin penetration. METHODS: Fifteen freshly enucleated porcine eyes were divided into 3 groups. The corneal epithelium was kept intact in all groups. Five eyes served as control (Group 1). On group 2, eyes received tetracaine anesthetic drops and topical 0.1% riboflavin solution (10 mg riboflavin-5-phosphate in 10 mL 20% dextran-T-500). On Group 3, riboflavin was injected into the anterior chamber to allow penetration of the drug through the endothelium. Groups 2 and 3 were exposed to UVA (365 nm, 3 mW/cm(2)) for 30 minutes. Ultra-thin sections (8 µm) of the corneas were stained with anti-collagen type I and DAPI (4,6-diamidino-2-fenilindole dihydrocloride) and analyzed with fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Corneas treated with UVA irradiation and intracameral injection of riboflavin (Group 3) showed greater pattern of collagen organization compared to groups 1 (Control) and 2 (riboflavin and tetracaine eye drops). A yellow stromal staining, which represents the riboflavin diffusion into the stroma, was only observed in eyes injected with riboflavin into the anterior chamber. CONCLUSION: Using immunofluorescence microscopy in porcine corneas, we demonstrated that the corneal epithelium reduces the effectiveness of CXL by preventing the penetration of the drug and not by limiting the UVA transmittance. An inadequate intrastromal concentration of riboflavin may impair CXL effect.

Effect of corneal epithelium on ultraviolet-A and riboflavin absorption / Efeito do epitélio na absorção corneana de raios ultravioleta-A e riboflavina

PURPOSE: To determine if the corneal epithelium prevents the collagen cross-linking effect. Using immunofluorescence microscopy after CXL, we indirectly analyzed the role of the epithelium as ultraviolet-A (UVA) shield as well as a barrier to riboflavin penetration. METHODS: Fifteen freshly enucleated porcine eyes were divided into 3 groups. The corneal epithelium was kept intact in all groups. Five eyes served as control (Group 1). On group 2, eyes received tetracaine anesthetic drops and topical 0.1 percent riboflavin solution (10 mg riboflavin-5-phosphate in 10 mL 20 percent dextran-T-500). On Group 3, riboflavin was injected into the anterior chamber to allow penetration of the drug through the endothelium. Groups 2 and 3 were exposed to UVA (365 nm, 3 mW/cm²) for 30 minutes. Ultra-thin sections (8 µm) of the corneas were stained with anti-collagen type I and DAPI (4,6-diamidino-2-fenilindole dihydrocloride) and analyzed with fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Corneas treated with UVA irradiation and intracameral injection of riboflavin (Group 3) showed greater pattern of collagen organization compared to groups 1 (Control) and 2 (riboflavin and tetracaine eye drops). A yellow stromal staining, which represents the riboflavin diffusion into the stroma, was only observed in eyes injected with riboflavin into the anterior chamber. CONCLUSION: Using immunofluorescence microscopy in porcine corneas, we demonstrated that the corneal epithelium reduces the effectiveness of CXL by preventing the penetration of the drug and not by limiting the UVA transmittance. An inadequate intrastromal concentration of riboflavin may impair CXL effect.

OBJETIVO: Determinar se o epitélio corneano pode impedir ou diminuir o efeito do tratamento com "cross-linking" (CXL). Por meio de microscopia por imunofluorescência, foi indiretamente analisado o efeito do epitélio como escudo aos raios ultravioleta-A (UVA), assim como barreia à penetração da riboflavina. MÉTODOS: Quinze olhos enucleados de porcos foram divididos em 3 grupos. O epitélio corneano foi mantido intacto em todos os grupos. Cinco olhos serviram como controle (Grupo 1). No grupo 2, os olhos foram instilados com colírio anestésico de tetracaína, assim como colírio de riboflavina 0,1 por cento (10 mg de riboflavina-5-fosfato em 10 ml de dextran 20 por cento T-500). No grupo 3, solução de riboflavina foi injetada na câmara anterior para permitir a penetração da droga através do endotélio. Os grupos 2 e 3 foram então expostos à radiação UVA (365 nm, 3 mW/cm²) por 30 minutos. Subsequentemente, cortes ultrafinos (8 µm) das córneas foram marcados com anticolágeno tipo I e DAPI (4,6-diamidino-2-fenilindole dihydrocloride) e analisados com microscópio de imunofluorescência. RESULTADOS: As córneas que receberam injeção intracameral de riboflavina e foram irradiadas com UVA (Grupo 3) mostraram um padrão maior de organização das fibras de colágeno em relação aos grupos 1 (Controle) e 2 (instiladas com colírio anestésico e de riboflavina). Macroscopicamente, a coloração amarelada do estroma, que representa a difusão da riboflavina, foi apenas observada nos olhos que receberam riboflavina intracameral. CONCLUSÃO: Foi demonstrado, através de microscopia por imunofluorescência em córneas de porcos, que o epitélio corneano íntegro diminui a efetividade do CXL por reduzir a penetração da riboflavina, e não por impedir a penetração dos raios UVA. Uma concentração intraestromal inadequada de riboflavina limita o efeito do tratamento.

Biochemical study of dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan in adult male patients with Nyhus type II inguinal hernia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the amount of the dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan between male patients with Nyhus type II inguinal hernias and subjects without inguinal hernia, aged between 20 and 40 years. METHODS: Two groups were formed: One with 15 male patients with Nyhus type II inguinal hernia and aged between 20 and 40 years with ASA risk I and II, and a control group of ten individuals, also males between 20 and 40, who had died up to 24 h before. We excluded female patients, diabetic patients with connective tissue disease, smokers and surgical risk ASA III and IV. We resected a sample of 1 cm² of the transversalis fascia in the middle of the inguinal trigone, and 1 cm² of the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle in the groin for the quantification of dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycans by densitometry after agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The amount of dermatan sulfate showed no statistically significant difference between patients with inguinal hernia and individuals without inguinal hernia in both the transverse fascia (p = 0.108) and anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle (p = 0.292). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the amount of the dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan among patients with Nyhus type II inguinal hernias and subjects without inguinal hernia in adult males.

Estudo bioquímico do glicosaminoglicano dermatam sulfato em homens adultos portadores de hérnia inguinal tipo II de Nyhus / Biochemical study of dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan in adult male patients with Nyhus type II inguinal hernia

OBJETIVO: Comparar a quantidade do glicosaminoglicano dermatam sulfato entre pacientes homens, portadores de hérnia inguinal tipo II de Nyhus e, indivíduos sem hérnia inguinal, com idade entre 20 e 40 anos. MÉTODOS: Foram constituídos dois grupos. Um de 15 pacientes do sexo masculino com hérnia inguinal tipo II de Nyhus e idade entre 20 e 40 anos, com risco ASA I e II, e um grupo controle com dez indivíduos, também do sexo masculino entre 20 e 40 anos, que morreram em período de até 24 h. Foram excluídos os pacientes do sexo feminino, diabéticos, portadores de doença do tecido conjuntivo, tabagistas e com risco cirúrgico ASA III e IV. Foi retirada uma amostra de 1cm² da fáscia transversal na parte intermediária do trígono inguinal, e 1cm² na bainha anterior do músculo reto abdominal na região inguinal correspondente e quantificados os glicosaminoglicanos dermatam sulfato por densitometria, após eletroforese em gel de agarose. RESULTADOS: A quantidade de dermatam sulfato não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante entre os pacientes com hérnia inguinal e os indivíduos sem hérnia inguinal, tanto na fáscia transversal (p=0,108) quanto na bainha anterior do músculo reto abdominal (p=0,292). CONCLUSÃO: Não se encontrou diferença na quantidade do glicosaminoglicano dermatam sulfato entre os pacientes portadores de hérnia inguinal tipo II de Nyhus e indivíduos sem hérnia inguinal em homens adultos.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the amount of the dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan between male patients with Nyhus type II inguinal hernias and subjects without inguinal hernia, aged between 20 and 40 years. METHODS: Two groups were formed: One with 15 male patients with Nyhus type II inguinal hernia and aged between 20 and 40 years with ASA risk I and II, and a control group of ten individuals, also males between 20 and 40, who had died up to 24 h before. We excluded female patients, diabetic patients with connective tissue disease, smokers and surgical risk ASA III and IV. We resected a sample of 1 cm² of the transversalis fascia in the middle of the inguinal trigone, and 1 cm² of the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle in the groin for the quantification of dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycans by densitometry after agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The amount of dermatan sulfate showed no statistically significant difference between patients with inguinal hernia and individuals without inguinal hernia in both the transverse fascia (p = 0.108) and anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle (p = 0.292). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the amount of the dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan among patients with Nyhus type II inguinal hernias and subjects without inguinal hernia in adult males.

Retinal and ocular toxicity in ocular application of drugs and chemicals--part I: animal models and toxicity assays.

AIMS: Experimental retinal research has gained great importance due to the ophthalmic pharmacotherapy era. An increasing number of drugs are constantly released into the market for the treatment of retinal diseases. In this review, animal species, animal models and toxicity assays in retinal research are discussed. METHODS: An extensive search of the literature was performed to review various aspects of the methods of investigation of drug toxicity. The different types of animal species, as well as single animal models available for the evaluation of safety and efficacy of retinal pharmacotherapy, were identified. In addition, a large variety of reported laboratory techniques were critically examined. RESULTS: In vitro studies are the first-line experiments for the development of a new drug for retinal diseases, using retinal pigment epithelial cells and other cell lines. The next step involves in vivo animal studies where nonhuman primates are considered the gold standard. However, cost and legal issues make their use difficult. Mice and rats provide genetically controlled models for investigations. Pigs, dogs and cats represent good large-size animal models, while rabbits are one of the most used species for retinal toxicity evaluations. Various laboratory methods were identified, including light microscopy, electron microscopy, electroretinography and new emerging methods, such as optical coherence tomography and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy for experimental purposes. CONCLUSIONS: A great number of animal species and models are available that simulate retinal diseases and provide experimental data for further human use. Work with animal models should include properly designed toxicity assays to obtain reliable results for safety and efficacy.