Use of continuous glucose monitoring system in patients with type 2 mellitus diabetic during hemodialysis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Studies highlight the inaccuracy of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for the assessment of glycemic control in dialysis diabetics and suggest the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) as an alternative. Of the CGMs, FreeStyle Libre® is the most used in worldwide, but there is still no consensus on its use in dialysis. METHOD: A 3-week prospective study was performed with 12 patients comparing capillary and interstitial glucose during dialysis. RESULTS: Comparing capillary and interstitial measurements, similar values were observed in pre-dialysis in the 1st week (184.1 ± 69.5 mg/dl and 173.1 ± 78.9 mg/dl, respectively, p = 0.303), in patients with body mass index less than 24.9 kg/m2 (214.2 ± 72.2 mg/dl and 201.3 ± 77.0 mg/dl respectively, p = 0.466), in those dialysis fluid loss less than 2 l (185.5 ± 82.6 mg/dl and 183.1 ± 94.0 mg/dl respectively and p = 0.805) and in those with hemoglobin greater than 12 g/dl (152.0 ± 35, 5 mg/dl and 129.5 ± 47.4 mg/dl respectively, p = 0.016). In the correlation of the capillary measurement with the interstitial sensor, it was observed that the proportions in the Clarke Error Grid of zone A, zone B, zone C, zone D and zone E were 62.5%, 27.1%, 0.0%, 10.4% and 0.0% respectively and in the Parkes error grid in zone A, zone B, zone C, zone D and zone E were 80.6%, 9.7%, 9.7% 0.0% and 0.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The mean absolute relative difference in dialysis patients is higher than the general population without end-stage renal disease. However, clinical decision-making based on the values measured by the system can be made with a good margin based on the correlation between interstitial and capillary measurements.

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Treatment of Pituitary Apoplexy: 16 Years of Experience in a Specialized Pituitary Center.

OBJECTIVE: Symptomatic pituitary apoplexy is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by sudden hemorrhage or infarction of a pituitary adenoma. In the current study, we aim to evaluate the clinical presentation, management, and clinical outcomes in a cohort of patients who were treated for this condition in our center in the last 16 years. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery for treatment of symptomatic pituitary apoplexy between 2001 and 2016 in our center. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients were included in the study, mean age of 54.9 years (range, 18-70 years) and mean follow-up 5.1 years (range, 0.6-16 years). Most of the patients had nonfunctioning adenomas (32 patients). Headache (89%), visual impairment (79%), and hypopituitarism (86%) were the most common preoperative findings. Surgical treatment led to gross total resection in 31 patients (79.4%). During follow-up, visual fields and oculomotor improvement was observed in 23 (74.1%) and 21 (67.7%) of the patients, respectively. Intractable headache also improved in all patients. Hypopituitarism was present in 77% of patients after surgery. In this series, no cerebrospinal fluid leak, vascular injury, or infection was observed. There was no postoperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach is an effective modality to treat pituitary apoplexy with a high rate of success and minimal risk in selected cases. Although reversion of preoperative visual deficits is often observed, hormonal deficits tend to persist, and require long-term hormonal therapy, even after successful endoscopic endonasal surgical resection.

Short-term complementary and alternative medicine on quality of life in women with fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, whose etiology is not completely understood. Different therapeutic approaches have been used with inconsistent results. This observation does not invalidate the continued search for alternative treatments aimed at improving quality of life (QoL) in FMS. OBJECTIVE: This study compared three classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies: acupuncture (AC), electroacupuncture (EAC) and moxibustion (MX) in the management of pain and promotion of QoL in FMS patients. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: A preliminary, group-assigned, comparative study enrolled 30 women, mean age (46.90±9.24) years (range 20-60 years), who met the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria for FMS diagnosis and a pain-pressure threshold (PPT) < 4 kg/cm(2). The study was conducted in a teaching tertiary-care medical institution from May 2010 through April 2012. AC, EAC and MX were delivered for 30 min, once a week, for 8 weeks, bilaterally at Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (LI4), Yanglingquan (GB34), Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Taichong (LR3) acupoints. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Each week, immediately before treatment and after treatment, subjects were tested for PPTs, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale (WBFPS; for pain intensity) and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36: for QoL). RESULTS: There was no significant improvement in pain or reduction of tender points in any of the groups studied, at the end of the 8th session. Significant improvement of QoL was perceived in vitality (after AC treatment) and in mental health (after EAC and MX treatments). CONCLUSION: TCM therapies (AC, EAC and MX) promoted an improvement in the QoL in two areas (vitality and mental health) in FMS women. Further large-scale clinical trials are required to confirm this effect.

Effects of Kaurenoic Acid and Arginine on Random Skin Flap Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cytokines in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Kaurenoic acid (KA), a diterpene extracted from copaíba oil-resin, is known to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. L-Arginine (LA) is an amino acid and a nitrogenous precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). NO paper in wound healing has already been well documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of LA and KA against ischemia reperfusion injury in a randomized skin flap model in rats. METHODS: A modified McFarlane flap model measuring 2.5 wide × 8 cm long was established in 36 anesthetized rats and evaluated within 3 groups: group control, group L-arginine, and group kaurenoic acid. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups (T1 and T2, n = 6 each). Samples were collected 24 h (T1)/48 h (T2) postoperatively for oxidative stress (glutathione), as non-protein thiols, malondialdehyde (MDA), NO2, inflammation [myeloperoxidase (MPO)], and cytokines TNF-α and IL-1ß assays. RESULTS: KA promoted a significant decrease of TNF-α and IL-1 expression and MPO activity at T1/T2 time points. NSGH levels increased significantly in KA-treated rats, while MDA levels decreased significantly in the same rats. Arginine promoted a significant decrease in MDA levels at the T1 time point and a significant increase in non-protein thiols concentrations at T1/T2 time points. NO2 concentration also decreased at the T1 time point. CONCLUSIONS: KA may attenuate the oxidative stress and the inflammation, thereby reducing tissue damage induced by ischemia/reperfusion in rats subjected to dorsal skin flaps. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266.

Fructo-oligosaccharide effects on serum cholesterol levels. An overview.

PURPOSE: To address the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) intake on serum cholesterol levels. METHODS: We performed a search for scientific articles in MEDLINE database from 1987 to 2014, using the following English keywords: fructooligosaccharides; fructooligosaccharides and cholesterol. A total of 493 articles were found. After careful selection and exclusion of duplicate articles 34 references were selected. Revised texts were divided into two topics: "FOS Metabolism" and "FOS effects on plasma cholesterol." RESULTS: The use of a FOS diet prevented some lipid disorders and lowered fatty acid synthase activity in the liver in insulin-resistant rats. There was also reduction in weight and total cholesterol in beagle dogs on a calorie-restricted diet enriched with short-chain FOS. Another study found that 2g FOS daily consumption increased significantly serum HDL cholesterol levels but did not ensure a significant reduction in levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides.. Patients with mild hypercholesterolemia receiving short-chain FOS 10.6g daily presented no statistically significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels. However, when FOS was offered to patients that changed their lifestyle, the reduction of LDL cholesterol and steatosis was higher. CONCLUSIONS: Fructooligosaccharides intake may have a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism and regulation of serum cholesterol levels in individuals that change their lifestyle. FOS supplementation use in diets may therefore be a strategy for lowering cholesterol.

Fructo-oligosaccharide effects on serum cholesterol levels. An overview

PURPOSE: To address the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) intake on serum cholesterol levels. METHODS: We performed a search for scientific articles in MEDLINE database from 1987 to 2014, using the following English keywords: fructooligosaccharides; fructooligosaccharides and cholesterol. A total of 493 articles were found. After careful selection and exclusion of duplicate articles 34 references were selected. Revised texts were divided into two topics: "FOS Metabolism" and "FOS effects on plasma cholesterol." RESULTS: The use of a FOS diet prevented some lipid disorders and lowered fatty acid synthase activity in the liver in insulin-resistant rats. There was also reduction in weight and total cholesterol in beagle dogs on a calorie-restricted diet enriched with short-chain FOS. Another study found that 2g FOS daily consumption increased significantly serum HDL cholesterol levels but did not ensure a significant reduction in levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides.. Patients with mild hypercholesterolemia receiving short-chain FOS 10.6g daily presented no statistically significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels. However, when FOS was offered to patients that changed their lifestyle, the reduction of LDL cholesterol and steatosis was higher. CONCLUSIONS: Fructooligosaccharides intake may have a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism and regulation of serum cholesterol levels in individuals that change their lifestyle. FOS supplementation use in diets may therefore be a strategy for lowering cholesterol. .

Fructo-oligosaccharide effects on serum cholesterol levels. An overview

PURPOSE: To address the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) intake on serum cholesterol levels.METHODS: We performed a search for scientific articles in MEDLINE database from 1987 to 2014, using the following English keywords: fructooligosaccharides; fructooligosaccharides and cholesterol. A total of 493 articles were found. After careful selection and exclusion of duplicate articles 34 references were selected. Revised texts were divided into two topics: "FOS Metabolism" and "FOS effects on plasma cholesterol."RESULTS: The use of a FOS diet prevented some lipid disorders and lowered fatty acid synthase activity in the liver in insulin-resistant rats. There was also reduction in weight and total cholesterol in beagle dogs on a calorie-restricted diet enriched with short-chain FOS. Another study found that 2g FOS daily consumption increased significantly serum HDL cholesterol levels but did not ensure a significant reduction in levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides.. Patients with mild hypercholesterolemia receiving short-chain FOS 10.6g daily presented no statistically significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels. However, when FOS was offered to patients that changed their lifestyle, the reduction of LDL cholesterol and steatosis was higher.CONCLUSIONS: Fructooligosaccharides intake may have a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism and regulation of serum cholesterol levels in individuals that change their lifestyle. FOS supplementation use in diets may therefore be a strategy for lowering cholesterol.(AU)

Preconditioning with L-alanyl-glutamine upon cerebral edema and hypocampus red neurons counting in rats subjected to brain ischemia/reperfusion injury.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the dipeptide L-alanyl-glutamine (L-Ala-Gln) as a preconditioning agent to potentially promote reduction in the intensity of lesion or induction of resilience in rats subjected to global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats weighing 280-300 g were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6). Groups Sham 1h and 24h were treated with saline and spared of further interventions. The remaining groups were submitted to clamping of the common carotid arteries for 30 minutes (ischemia) and treated with saline (SS) or L-Ala-Gln. Brain reperfusion was allowed for 1 or 24 h. L-Ala-Gln was administered intravenously (0.75 g/kg) 30 minutes before sham procedure or induction of global brain I/R injury. Brain edema and red neuron counting were determined. Results were expressed as Mean ± SD for normal results and Median ± Percentile for non parametric data. Significance was established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Global I/R injury promoted an increase in brain edema at 24 h after reperfusion, whereas preconditioning with L-Ala-Gln induced no change in edema. On the other hand, L-Ala-Gln preconditioning decreased significantly red neurons counting both at 1h and 24h post reperfusion (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant preconditioning effect with L-Ala-Gln decreasing cell death (red neurons counting) at early (1h) and late reperfusion (24h) in the cerebral tissue.

Preconditioning with L-alanyl-glutamine upon cerebral edema and hypocampus red neurons counting in rats subjected to brain ischemia /reperfusion injury

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the dipeptide L-alanyl-glutamine (L-Ala-Gln) as a preconditioning agent to potentially promote reduction in the intensity of lesion or induction of resilience in rats subjected to global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats weighing 280-300g were randomly assigned to six groups (n=6). Groups Sham 1h and 24h were treated with saline and spared of further interventions. The remaining groups were submitted to clamping of the common carotid arteries for 30 minutes (ischemia) and treated with saline (SS) or L-Ala-Gln. Brain reperfusion was allowed for 1or 24 h. L-Ala-Gln was administered intravenously (0.75g/kg) 30 minutes before sham procedure or induction of global brain I/R injury. Brain edema and red neuron counting were determined. Results were expressed as Mean±SD for normal results and Median±Percentile for non parametric data. Significance was established at p<0.05. RESULTS: Global I/R injury promoted an increase in brain edema at 24 h after reperfusion, whereas preconditioning with L-Ala-Gln induced no change in edema. On the other hand, L-Ala-Gln preconditioning decreased significantly red neurons counting both at 1h and 24h post reperfusion (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant preconditioning effect with L-Ala-Gln decreasing cell death (red neurons counting) at early (1h) and late reperfusion (24h) in the cerebral tissue. .

Preconditioning with mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids and low-intensity electrical stimulation. Effects on skin repair in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of preconditioning with oils mixes containing ω3/ω6/ω9 associated with micro-currents on skin repair in rats. METHODS: One-hundred and eight Wistar rats randomized into G-1, G-2 and G-3 groups were treated with saline (0.9%), mix 1 (corn+soybean oils) and mix 2 (olive+canola+flaxseed oils), respectively, in a single dose (0.01ml/g) by gavage. Next, each group was subdivided into sham and stimulated subgroups. Pulsed-wave microcurrents (0.5 µA, 0.5 Hz) were applied to stimulated subgroups for 20 min. One hour later anesthetized rats were subjected to surgery. A dorsal incision (6 cm long) was carried out and closed with interrupted nylon sutures. Samples (1 cm2) were harvested from the mid-portion of the incision on the 7, 14, 21 post-operative (P.O.) days. Variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney/Dunn tests Significance level was set to 5 % (p<0.05). RESULTS: Micro-currents promoted increase of exudate and reduction of epithelialization on day 7 in G1 rats. Mixes 1/2 reduced vascularization on 7/14th days P.O. Both 1/2 mixes reduced fibrosis on day 14. Preconditioning with mix 1 led to increased expression of NF-kB on the 7th day. CONCLUSION: Preconditioning with microcurrents has pro-inflammatory effects while oil mixes 1 and 2 decrease fibrosis and vascularization in the proliferative phase of cicatrization.

Preconditioning with mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids and low-intensity electrical stimulation. Effects on skin repair in rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of preconditioning with oils mixes containing ω3/ω6/ω9 associated with micro-currents on skin repair in rats. METHODS: One-hundred and eight Wistar rats randomized into G-1, G-2 and G-3 groups were treated with saline (0.9%), mix 1 (corn+soybean oils) and mix 2 (olive+canola+flaxseed oils), respectively, in a single dose (0.01ml/g) by gavage. Next, each group was subdivided into sham and stimulated subgroups. Pulsed-wave microcurrents (0.5 µA, 0.5 Hz) were applied to stimulated subgroups for 20 min. One hour later anesthetized rats were subjected to surgery. A dorsal incision (6 cm long) was carried out and closed with interrupted nylon sutures. Samples (1cm2) were harvested from the mid-portion of the incision on the 7, 14, 21 post-operative (P.O.) days. Variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney/Dunn tests Significance level was set to 5 % (p<0.05). RESULTS: Micro-currents promoted increase of exudate and reduction of epithelialization on day 7 in G1 rats. Mixes 1/2 reduced vascularization on 7/14th days P.O. Both 1/2 mixes reduced fibrosis on day 14. Preconditioning with mix 1 led to increased expression of NF-kB on the 7th day. CONCLUSION: Preconditioning with microcurrents has pro-inflammatory effects while oil mixes 1 and 2 decrease fibrosis and vascularization in the proliferative phase of cicatrization. .

Preconditioning with mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids and low-intensity electrical stimulation. Effects on skin repair in rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of preconditioning with oils mixes containing ω3/ω6/ω9 associated with micro-currents on skin repair in rats. METHODS: One-hundred and eight Wistar rats randomized into G-1, G-2 and G-3 groups were treated with saline (0.9%), mix 1 (corn+soybean oils) and mix 2 (olive+canola+flaxseed oils), respectively, in a single dose (0.01ml/g) by gavage. Next, each group was subdivided into sham and stimulated subgroups. Pulsed-wave microcurrents (0.5 µA, 0.5 Hz) were applied to stimulated subgroups for 20 min. One hour later anesthetized rats were subjected to surgery. A dorsal incision (6 cm long) was carried out and closed with interrupted nylon sutures. Samples (1cm2 ) were harvested from the mid-portion of the incision on the 7, 14, 21 post-operative (P.O.) days. Variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney/Dunn tests Significance level was set to 5 % (p<0.05). RESULTS: Micro-currents promoted increase of exudate and reduction of epithelialization on day 7 in G1 rats. Mixes 1/2 reduced vascularization on 7/14th days P.O. Both 1/2 mixes reduced fibrosis on day 14. Preconditioning with mix 1 led to increased expression of NF-kB on the 7th day. CONCLUSION: Preconditioning with microcurrents has pro-inflammatory effects while oil mixes 1 and 2 decrease fibrosis and vascularization in the proliferative phase of cicatrization.

Development of a subcutaneous endometriosis rat model.

PURPOSE: To present a rat model of subcutaneous endometriosis for the study of pathophysiology and the effects of drugs. METHODS: Fifty three-month-old female Wistar rats (Rattus norvergicus) were distributed into one control group and four treatment groups: estradiol (2.5; 5; 10 mg/kg s.c.), medroxyprogesterone acetate (0.5; 2; 5 mg/kg s.c.), triptorelin pamoate (0.18; 0.56 mg/kg s.c.) and acetylsalicylic acid (3 mg/kg per os). The animals were autoimplanted subcutaneously with 4x4-mm uterine fragments to induce endometriosis. The endometriomas were measured on days 1, 7, 14 and 21. The relative dry and wet weights of the endometrioma were used to evaluate response to the drug. Endometrial-like tissue was confirmed by histology. The greatest weight gain was observed on day 14 (relative wet weight: 29.1 ± 6.7 mg%, relative dry weight: 5.3 ± 0.9 mg %). Treatments were administered between day 5 and day 14. RESULTS: The relative wet weight of the hemiuterus in the 10 mg/kg estradiol group differed significantly from control and the other two estradiol groups (p=0.0001). In the medroxyprogesterone acetate group the weight decreased significantly but this decrease was not dose-dependent. Weight reduction was also significant in the triptorelin pamoate and the acetylsalicylic acid groups. CONCLUSION: The model of subcutaneous endometriosis is reproducible, low-cost and easy to perform, and suitable for the study of pathophysiology and the effects of drugs.

Effect of propranolol on capsular reaction around silicone implants in guinea pigs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of propranolol on capsular architecture around silicone implants by measuring the inflammation, capsular thickness, and collagen fiber density, using a guinea pig experimental model. METHODS: Thirty six adult male guinea pigs randomly divided into two groups (n=18) were used. Each one received a silicone implant with textured-surface. The capsular tissue around implants from untreated or treated animals with the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (10 mg/kg, dissolved in daily water) were analyzed for inflammation by histological scoring, capsular thickness by computerized histometry, and collagen fibers type I and Type III density by picrosirius polarization at different time points (7, 14 or 21 days after silicone implantation). RESULTS: Propranolol treatment reduced inflammation and impaired capsular thickness and delayed collagen maturation around the textured implant. CONCLUSION: Propranolol reduces the risk of developing capsular contracture around silicone implants with textured surface.

Development of a subcutaneous endometriosis rat model

PURPOSE: To present a rat model of subcutaneous endometriosis for the study of pathophysiology and the effects of drugs. METHODS: Fifty three-month-old female Wistar rats (Rattus norvergicus) were distributed into one control group and four treatment groups: estradiol (2.5; 5; 10mg/kg sc), medroxyprogesterone acetate (0.5; 2; 5mg/kg sc), triptorelin pamoate (0.18; 0.56mg/kg sc) and acetylsalicylic acid (3mg/kg per os). The animals were autoimplanted subcutaneously with 4x4-mm uterine fragments to induce endometriosis. The endometriomas were measured on days 1, 7, 14 and 21. The relative dry and wet weights of the endometrioma were used to evaluate response to the drug. Endometrial -like tissue was confirmed by histology. The greatest weight gain was observed on day 14 (relative wet weight: 29.1 ± 6.7mg%, relative dry weight: 5.3 ± 0.9mg %). Treatments were administered between day 5 and day 14. RESULTS: The relative wet weight of the hemiuterus in the 10mg/kg estradiol group differed significantly from control and the other two estradiol groups (p=0.0001). In the medroxyprogesterone acetate group the weight decreased significantly but this decrease was not dose-dependent. Weight reduction was also significant in the triptorelin pamoate and the acetylsalicylic acid groups. CONCLUSION: The model of subcutaneous endometriosis is reproducible, low-cost and easy to perform, and suitable for the study of pathophysiology and the effects of drugs. .

Effect of propranolol on capsular reaction around silicone implants in guinea pigs

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of propranolol on capsular architecture around silicone implants by measuring the inflammation, capsular thickness, and collagen fiber density, using a guinea pig experimental model. METHODS: Thirty six adult male guinea pigs randomly divided into two groups (n=18) were used. Each one received a silicone implant with textured-surface. The capsular tissue around implants from untreated or treated animals with the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (10 mg/kg, dissolved in daily water) were analyzed for inflammation by histological scoring, capsular thickness by computerized histometry, and collagen fibers type I and Type III density by picrosirius polarization at different time points (7, 14 or 21 days after silicone implantation). RESULTS: Propranolol treatment reduced inflammation and impaired capsular thickness and delayed collagen maturation around the textured implant. CONCLUSION: Propranolol reduces the risk of developing capsular contracture around silicone implants with textured surface. .

Preconditioning with L-alanyl-glutamine upon cerebral edema and hypocampus red neurons counting in rats subjected to brain ischemia /reperfusion injury

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the dipeptide L-alanyl-glutamine (L-Ala-Gln) as a preconditioning agent to potentially promote reduction in the intensity of lesion or induction of resilience in rats subjected to global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats weighing 280-300g were randomly assigned to six groups (n=6). Groups Sham 1h and 24h were treated with saline and spared of further interventions. The remaining groups were submitted to clamping of the common carotid arteries for 30 minutes (ischemia) and treated with saline (SS) or L-Ala-Gln. Brain reperfusion was allowed for 1or 24 h. L-Ala-Gln was administered intravenously (0.75g/kg) 30 minutes before sham procedure or induction of global brain I/R injury. Brain edema and red neuron counting were determined. Results were expressed as Mean±SD for normal results and Median±Percentile for non parametric data. Significance was established at p<0.05. RESULTS: Global I/R injury promoted an increase in brain edema at 24 h after reperfusion, whereas preconditioning with L-Ala-Gln induced no change in edema. On the other hand, L-Ala-Gln preconditioning decreased significantly red neurons counting both at 1h and 24h post reperfusion (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant preconditioning effect with L-Ala-Gln decreasing cell death (red neurons counting) at early (1h) and late reperfusion (24h) in the cerebral tissue.(AU)

Preconditioning with mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids and low-intensity electrical stimulation. Effects on skin repair in rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of preconditioning with oils mixes containing ω3/ω6/ω9 associated with micro-currents on skin repair in rats. METHODS: One-hundred and eight Wistar rats randomized into G-1, G-2 and G-3 groups were treated with saline (0.9%), mix 1 (corn+soybean oils) and mix 2 (olive+canola+flaxseed oils), respectively, in a single dose (0.01ml/g) by gavage. Next, each group was subdivided into sham and stimulated subgroups. Pulsed-wave microcurrents (0.5 µA, 0.5 Hz) were applied to stimulated subgroups for 20 min. One hour later anesthetized rats were subjected to surgery. A dorsal incision (6 cm long) was carried out and closed with interrupted nylon sutures. Samples (1cm2 ) were harvested from the mid-portion of the incision on the 7, 14, 21 post-operative (P.O.) days. Variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney/Dunn tests Significance level was set to 5 % (p<0.05). RESULTS: Micro-currents promoted increase of exudate and reduction of epithelialization on day 7 in G1 rats. Mixes 1/2 reduced vascularization on 7/14th days P.O. Both 1/2 mixes reduced fibrosis on day 14. Preconditioning with mix 1 led to increased expression of NF-kB on the 7th day. CONCLUSION: Preconditioning with microcurrents has pro-inflammatory effects while oil mixes 1 and 2 decrease fibrosis and vascularization in the proliferative phase of cicatrization.(AU)

Effect of propranolol on capsular reaction around silicone implants in guinea pigs

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of propranolol on capsular architecture around silicone implants by measuring the inflammation, capsular thickness, and collagen fiber density, using a guinea pig experimental model. METHODS: Thirty six adult male guinea pigs randomly divided into two groups (n=18) were used. Each one received a silicone implant with textured-surface. The capsular tissue around implants from untreated or treated animals with the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (10 mg/kg, dissolved in daily water) were analyzed for inflammation by histological scoring, capsular thickness by computerized histometry, and collagen fibers type I and Type III density by picrosirius polarization at different time points (7, 14 or 21 days after silicone implantation).RESULTS: Propranolol treatment reduced inflammation and impaired capsular thickness and delayed collagen maturation around the textured implant. CONCLUSION: Propranolol reduces the risk of developing capsular contracture around silicone implants with textured surface.(AU)

Development of a subcutaneous endometriosis rat model

PURPOSE: To present a rat model of subcutaneous endometriosis for the study of pathophysiology and the effects of drugs. METHODS: Fifty three-month-old female Wistar rats (Rattus norvergicus) were distributed into one control group and four treatment groups: estradiol (2.5; 5; 10mg/kg sc), medroxyprogesterone acetate (0.5; 2; 5mg/kg sc), triptorelin pamoate (0.18; 0.56mg/kg sc) and acetylsalicylic acid (3mg/kg per os). The animals were autoimplanted subcutaneously with 4x4-mm uterine fragments to induce endometriosis. The endometriomas were measured on days 1, 7, 14 and 21. The relative dry and wet weights of the endometrioma were used to evaluate response to the drug. Endometrial –like tissue was confirmed by histology. The greatest weight gain was observed on day 14 (relative wet weight: 29.1 ± 6.7mg%, relative dry weight: 5.3 ± 0.9mg %). Treatments were administered between day 5 and day 14. RESULTS: The relative wet weight of the hemiuterus in the 10mg/kg estradiol group differed significantly from control and the other two estradiol groups (p=0.0001). In the medroxyprogesterone acetate group the weight decreased significantly but this decrease was not dose-dependent. Weight reduction was also significant in the triptorelin pamoate and the acetylsalicylic acid groups. CONCLUSION: The model of subcutaneous endometriosis is reproducible, low-cost and easy to perform, and suitable for the study of pathophysiology and the effects of drugs.(AU)