Seasonal Variation of Melatonin Concentration and mRNA Expression of Melatonin-Related Genes in Developing Ovarian Follicles of Mares Kept under Natural Photoperiods in the Southern Hemisphere.

This study investigated the seasonal variations in mRNA expression of FSH (Fshr), LH (Lhr) receptors, melatonin (Mt1 and Mt2) receptors, melatonin-synthetizing enzymes (Asmt and Aanat) and melatonin concentration in developing follicles from mares raised in natural photoperiods. For one year, ultrasonographic follicular aspiration procedures were performed monthly, and small (<20 mm), medium (20 to 35 mm) and large (>35 mm) follicles were recovered from five mares. One day before monthly sample collections, an exploratory ultrasonography conducted to record the number and the size of all follicles larger than 15 mm. The total number of large follicles were higher during the spring/summer (8.2 ± 1.9) than during autumn/winter (3.0 ± 0.5). Compared to autumn/winter seasons, there was an increase of Fshr and Aanat mRNA expressions in small, medium and large follicles, an increase of Lhr and Asmt mRNA expressions in medium and large follicles and an increase of Mt1 and Mt2 mRNA expressions in small and large follicles during spring/summer. The melatonin levels in follicular fluid were also higher during the spring/summer seasons. The present data show that melatonin locally upregulates the mRNA expression of Mt1 and Mt2 receptors and melatonin-forming enzymes in mare developing follicles during reproductive seasons.

Urinary Angiotensinogen-Melatonin Ratio in Gestational Diabetes and Preeclampsia.

Background: A large research portfolio indicates that an activated renal renin-angiotensin system or a deficit on melatonin is associated with several cardiovascular pathologies. In this observational clinical study, we hypothesized that alterations in urinary melatonin or angiotensinogen levels may be altered in two common conditions, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Our study's primary objective was to assess melatonin and angiotensinogen as novel disease biomarkers detectable and quantifiable in the urine of pregnant women with or without pregnancy complications. Methods: This was a concurrent cohort study of pregnant women with selected obstetric pathologies (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, hypertension and obesity with hypertension). A group of healthy controls was also included. Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and angiotensinogen were measured by sensitive and specific ELISAs in first morning void urine samples. The patients were included in the cohort consecutively, and the diagnosis was blinded at the level of urine collection. Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and angiotensinogen levels were investigated in the patients included in the cohort. Results: Urinary levels of angiotensinogen were significantly higher in the gestational diabetes [angiotensinogen/creatinine ratio median (25th, 75th): 0.11 (0.07, 0.18)] and preeclampsia [0.08 (0.06, 0.18)] groups than in those with healthy pregnancy [0.05(0.04, 0.06]; 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels were significantly lower in the gestational diabetes [ug/h: median (25th, 75th): 0.12(0.08, 0.17)] and preeclampsia [0.12 (0.09, 0.15)] groups than in those with healthy pregnancy [0.20 (0.15, 0.27]. Neither morning void protein/creatinine ratio nor 24-h urine protein estimate were significantly different between the study groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that urinary angiotensinogen levels may indicate an intrarenal RAS activation while melatonin production appears to be defective in gestational diabetes or hypertension. An angiotensinogen/melatonin ratio is suggested as an early biomarker for identification of gestational diabetes or hypertension. This report provides a basis for the potential use of melatonin for the treatment of preeclampsia. A prospective study in a larger number of patients to determine the operative characteristics of these markers as potential diagnostic tests is justified.

Melatonin regulates maternal pancreatic remodeling and B-cell function during pregnancy and lactation.

The endocrine pancreas of pregnant rats shows evident plasticity, which allows the morphological structures to return to the nonpregnant state right after delivery. Furthermore, it is well-known the role of melatonin in the maintenance of the endocrine pancreas and its tropism. Studies indicate increasing nocturnal serum concentrations of maternal melatonin during pregnancy in both humans and rodents. The present study investigated the role of melatonin on energy metabolism and in pancreatic function and remodeling during pregnancy and early lactation in rats. The results confirm that the absence of melatonin during pregnancy impairs glucose metabolism. In addition, there is a dysregulation in insulin secretion at various stages of the development of pregnancy and an apparent failure in the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during the lactation period, evidencing the role of melatonin on the regulation of insulin secretion. This mechanism seems not to be dependent on the antioxidant effect of melatonin and probably dependent on MT2 receptors. We also observed changes in the mechanisms of death and cell proliferation at the end of pregnancy and beginning of lactation, crucial periods for pancreatic remodeling. The present observations strongly suggest that both functionality and remodeling of the endocrine pancreas are impaired in the absence of melatonin and its adequate replacement, mimicking the physiological increase seen during pregnancy, is able to reverse some of the damage observed. Thus, we conclude that pineal melatonin is important to metabolic adaptation to pregnancy and both the functionality of the beta cells and the remodeling of the pancreas during pregnancy and early lactation, ensuring the return to nonpregnancy conditions.

Maternal pineal melatonin in gestation and lactation physiology, and in fetal development and programming.

Pregnancy and lactation are reproductive processes that rely on physiological adaptations that should be timely and adequately triggered to guarantee both maternal and fetal health. Pineal melatonin is a hormone that presents daily and seasonal variations that synchronizes the organism's physiology to the different demands across time through its specific mechanisms and ways of action. The reproductive system is a notable target for melatonin as it actively participates on reproductive physiology and regulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads axis, influencing gonadotropins and sexual hormones synthesis and release. For its antioxidant properties, melatonin is also vital for the oocytes and spermatozoa quality and viability, and for blastocyst development. Maternal pineal melatonin blood levels increase during pregnancy and triggers the maternal physiological alterations in energy metabolism both during pregnancy and lactation to cope with the energy demands of both periods and to promote adequate mammary gland development. Moreover, maternal melatonin freely crosses the placenta and is the only source of this hormone to the fetus. It importantly times the conceptus physiology and influences its development and programing of several functions that depend on neural and brain development, ultimately priming adult behavior and energy and glucose metabolism. The present review aims to explain the above listed melatonin functions, including the potential alterations observed in the progeny gestated under maternal chronodisruption and/or hypomelatoninemia.

Níveis de ansiedade e depressão em gestantes submetidas a um programa de hidroterapia / Levels of anxiety and depression in pregnant women submitted to a hydrotherapy program

Introdução: Poucos estudos demonstram a ação da hidroterapia no comportamento da ansiedade e depressão em gestantes. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da hidroterapia sobre o nível de depressão e ansiedade, além de investigar possíveis associações destes sintomas com perfil sociodemográfico de gestantes. Métodos: Realizou-se avaliação inicial em 19 gestantes, com média de idade de 28,37±4,56 anos, e aplicou-se questionário sobre os níveis de ansiedade e depressão antes e após protocolo de hidroterapia de oito semanas. Resultados: Constatou-se predominância de mulheres casadas (63,15%), no terceiro trimestre gestacional (97,7%), com nível educacional elevado (52,63%). Não houve alterações nos níveis de ansiedade e depressão após intervenção de hidroterapia. Não foram encontradas associações entre perfil sociodemográfico e níveis de ansiedade e depressão. Conclusões: Não houve alterações nos sintomas de ansiedade e depressão das gestantes submetidas à hidroterapia. Além disso, não foram observadas associações entre características sociodemográficas e sintomas de ansiedade e depressão nessa população.

Introduction: Few studies have demonstrated the action of hydrotherapy in the behavior of anxiety and depression in pregnant women. Objective: To evaluate the effect of hydrotherapy on the levels of depression and anxiety; and to investigate possible associations of these symptoms with socio-demographic profile of pregnant women. Methods: An initial assessment was carried out, and also questionnaires about the levels of anxiety and depression before and after eight weeks of hydrotherapy protocol. Results: We evaluated 19 pregnant women who had a mean age of 28.37 ± 4.56 years. It was found a predominance of married women (63.15%) in the third trimester (97.7%), with high educational level (52.63%). There were no changes in the levels of anxiety and depression after hydrotherapy intervention. There were no associations between socio-demographic profile and levels of anxiety and depression. Conclusions: There were no changes in symptoms of anxiety and depression of pregnant women undergoing hydrotherapy. In addition, there were no associations between socio-demographic characteristics and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Short-term changes in handgrip strength, body composition, and lymphedema induced by breast cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: This study investigated short-term changes in body composition, handgrip strength, and presence of lymphedema in women who underwent breast cancer surgery. METHODS: Ninety-five women participated in a cross-sectional study, divided into two groups: Control (n=46), with healthy women, and Experimental (n=49), with women six months after breast cancer surgery. The Experimental Group was subdivided into right total mastectomy (RTM, n=15), left total mastectomy (LTM, n=11), right quadrant (RQ, n=13), and left quadrant (LQ, n=10). It was also redistributed among women with presence (n=10) or absence (n=39) of lymphedema. Presence of lymphedema, handgrip strength, and body composition were assessed. RESULTS: Trunk lean mass and handgrip strength were decreased in the Experimental Group. Total lean mass was increased in the LTM compared to RTM or LQ. Left handgrip strength in LTM was decreased compared to RTM and RQ and in LQ compared to RTM and RQ. Finally, total lean mass, trunk fat mass, trunk lean mass, right and left arm lean mass were increased in women with lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer survivors have changes in their body composition and in handgrip strength six months after surgery; however, the interaction between the type of surgery and its impact is unclear. Furthermore, women who developed lymphedema in this period showed more significant changes in the body composition, but they were not enough to cause impairment in handgrip strength.

Short-term changes in handgrip strength, body composition, and lymphedema induced by breast cancer surgery / Alterações a curto prazo na força de preensão palmar, composição corporal e linfedema induzido pela cirurgia do câncer de mama

PURPOSE: This study investigated short-term changes in body composition, handgrip strength, and presence of lymphedema in women who underwent breast cancer surgery. METHODS: Ninety-five women participated in a cross-sectional study, divided into two groups: Control (n=46), with healthy women, and Experimental (n=49), with women six months after breast cancer surgery . The Experimental Group was subdivided into right total mastectomy (RTM, n=15), left total mastectomy (LTM, n=11), right quadrant (RQ, n=13), and left quadrant (LQ, n=10). It was also redistributed among women with presence (n=10) or absence (n=39) of lymphedema. Presence of lymphedema, handgrip strength, and body composition were assessed. RESULTS: Trunk lean mass and handgrip strength were decreased in the Experimental Group. Total lean mass was increased in the LTM compared to RTM or LQ. Left handgrip strength in LTM was decreased compared to RTM and RQ and in LQ compared to RTM and RQ. Finally, total lean mass, trunk fat mass, trunk lean mass, right and left arm lean mass were increased in women with lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer survivors have changes in their body composition and in handgrip strength six months after surgery; however, the interaction between the type of surgery and its impact is unclear. Furthermore, women who developed lymphedema in this period showed more significant changes in the body composition, but they were not enough to cause impairment in handgrip strength. .

OBJETIVO: Este estudo investigou alterações de curto prazo na composição corporal, na força de preensão palmar e na presença de linfedema em mulheres submetidas à cirurgia do câncer de mama. MÉTODOS: Noventa e cinco mulheres participaram de um estudo transversal, sendo divididas em dois grupos: Controle (n=46), mulheres saudáveis, e Experimental (n=49), mulheres seis meses após cirurgia do câncer de mama. O Grupo Experimental foi subdividido em mastectomia total direita (RTM, n=15), mastectomia total esquerda (LTM, n=11), quadrantectomia direita (RQ, n=13) e quadrantectomia esquerda (LQ, n=10). Também foi redistribuído entre mulheres com presença (n=10) ou ausência (n=39) de linfedema. Foram avaliadas a presença de linfedema, a força de preensão palmar e a composição corporal. RESULTADOS: A massa magra de tronco e a força de preensão palmar estavam diminuídas no Grupo Experimental. Massa magra total estava aumentada na LTM comparada à RTM ou LQ. Força de preensão palmar esquerda na LTM estava diminuída comparada à RTM e RQ e em LQ comparada à RTM e RQ. Finalmente, massa magra total, magra e gorda de tronco e massa magra de braço esquerdo e direito estavam aumentadas em mulheres com linfedema. CONCLUSÕES: Sobreviventes do câncer de mama possuem alterações na composição corporal e na força de preensão palmar seis meses após a cirurgia, porém a interação entre o tipo de cirurgia e seu impacto não está clara. Além disso, mulheres que desenvolveram linfedema neste período mostraram alterações mais significantes na composição corporal, mas que não foram suficientes para causar prejuízo na força de preensão palmar. .

Efeito da exposição à fumaça de cigarro durante a prenhez e a lactação de ratas e sua prole sobre parâmetros séricos e morfométricos / Effect of cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy and lactation of rats and the offspring on the serum and morphometric parameters

OBJETIVO: investigar o efeito da exposição à fumaça de cigarro durante os períodos de prenhez e lactação de ratas sobre o ganho de peso corpóreo e tecidual, parâmetros séricos e produção láctea, bem como a repercussão na prole, desde o nascimento até o período jovem adulto. MÉTODOS: 40 ratas Wistar prenhes foram divididas em quatro grupos: CG - não expostas à fumaça de cigarro e sacrificadas ao término da gestação; CL - não expostas à fumaça de cigarro e sacrificadas ao término da lactação; FG - expostas à fumaça de cigarro e sacrificadas ao término da gestação; FL - expostas à fumaça de cigarro e sacrificadas ao término da lactação. As proles foram separadas por sexo e dividas conforme o grupo de suas mães, sendo sacrificadas na fase jovem adulto. Nas ratas e nas proles foram avaliados peso tecidual, peso corpóreo e parâmetros séricos. Foi também analisada a produção láctea por filhote. RESULTADOS: o peso corpóreo de ratas estava diminuído no grupo FL durante a lactação (CL=267,0±7,2; FL=235,5±7,2 g*,*p<0,05). Não foi detectado tecido adiposo nos grupos CL e FL, porém, em FG, esse tecido estava reduzido comparado ao CG (CG=3,3±0,3; FG=2,4±0,3 g*, *p<0,05). As ratas expostas à fumaça de cigarro apresentaram maiores valores de glicemia (CG=113±17, CL=86±16, FG=177±21*, FL=178±23 mg/dL*, *p<0,05 CG versus FG e CL versus FL). Os grupos CL e FL apresentaram menor valor de colesterol-HDL, sem alteração no colesterol total. Por fim, as ratas expostas à fumaça de cigarro tiveram a produção láctea inferior comparadas às não expostas (CL=6,7±0,4, FL=5,4±0,3 g*, *p<0,05). Nas proles das ratas FG e FL observou-se diminuição do PC desde o nascimento até a fase jovem adulto, porém não houve alteração nos pesos de gastrocnêmio, fígado e coração de todos os grupos, e o tecido adiposo não foi detectado em proles fêmeas. Houve aumento na glicemia da prole de ratas expostas à fumaça de cigarro em ambos os sexos (machos: Pcg=107±10,5, Pcl=115±8,6, Pfg=148±16,8*, Pfl=172±11,2**; fêmeas: Pcg=109±27,2, Pcl=104±9,7, Pfg=134±20,0*, Pfl=126±13,3**; p<0,05 Pcg versus Pfg e Pcl versus Pfl). CONCLUSÕES: a exposição à fumaça de cigarro durante a prenhez e a lactação acarretou prejuízos morfométricos e séricos tanto nas mães como nas proles, o que persistiu até a fase jovem adulta.

PURPOSE: to investigate the effect of cigarette smoke exposure on body and tissue weight gain, serum parameters and milk yield during pregnancy and lactation in rats, and the impact on offspring from birth toil young adulthood. METHODS: 40 Wistar pregnant rats were randomly divided into: CG - not exposed to cigarette smoke and sacrificed at the end of pregnancy; CL - not exposed to cigarette smoke and sacrificed at the end of lactation; FG - exposed to cigarette smoke and sacrificed at the end of pregnancy; FL - exposed to cigarette smoke and sacrificed at the end of lactation. The offspring were separated by gender and divided according to their mothers' groups. Tissue weight, body weight and serum parameters were evaluated in rats and offspring. Milk yield per pup was calculated. RESULTS: body weight was decreased in FL during lactation (CL=267.0±7.2; FL=235.5±7.2 g*,*p<0.05). Adipose tissue was not detected in the CL and FL groups, and was reduced in FG compared to CG (CG=3.3±0.3; FG=2.4±0.3 g*, *p<0.05). Rats exposed to cigarette smoke had higher blood glucose levels (CG=113±17, CL=86±16, FG=177±21*, FL=178±23 mg/dL*, *p<0.05 CG versus FG e CL versus FL), CL and FL groups presented lower HDL-cholesterol with no change in total cholesterol. Finally, rats exposed to cigarette smoke had lower milk yield compared to unexposed rats (CL=6.7±0.4, FL=5.4±0.3 g*, *p<0.05). In offspring from the FG and FL groups, there was a decrease of body weight from birth to young adulthood, with no changes in gastrocnemius, liver or heart weights in any group, and adipose tissue was no detected in female offspring. There was an increase in blood glucose in offspring of both sexes from rats exposed to cigarette smoke (males: Pcg=107±10.5, Pcl=115±8.6, Pfg=148±16.8*, Pfl=172±11.2**; females: Pcg=109±27.2, Pcl=104±9.7, Pfg=134±20.0*, Pfl=126±13.3**; p<0.05 *Pcg versus Pfg and **Pcl versus Pfl). CONCLUSIONS: exposure to cigarette smoke provokes impairment of morphometric and serum parameters during pregnancy and lactation both in mothers and offspring, which is maintained during young adulthood.

Efeito da terapia manual em pacientes mastectomizadas com dor nos músculos da cintura escapular e cervical / Effect of manual therapy in masctectomized patients with pain in the muscles of the girdle shoulder and cervical

Introdução: As principais complicações físicas do pós-operatório do câncer de mama são as lesões musculares e do plexo braquial, o linfedema, hemorragias, complicações na cicatrização, entre outras. Além dessas tem sido relatado a prevalência de dor miofascial após mastectomia, que pode ser definida como uma condição dolorosa caracterizada por presença de nódulos palpáveis, denominados pontos gatilho, áreas pequenas e sensíveis no músculo que, espontaeamente ou sobre compressão, causam dor em região distante conhecida como zona de dor referida. Objetivo: O obetivo deste estudo foi verificar a eficácia das técnicas de terapia manual na dor miofascial em pacientes mastectomizadas. Método: Participaram do estudo 19 mulheres mastectomizadas com faixa etária de 40 a 71 anos, submetidas à avaliação funcional e palpação dos músculos da região cervical e cintura escapular. Para mensuração da dor utilizou-se a escala analógica visual (EVA) e o Questionário de MacGill. Foram realizadas 10 sessões, duas vezes por semana, durante 50 minutos. Os resultados da 1ª, 10ª sessão e após 15 dias da última sessão mostram que, em geral, a prevalência de pontos gatilho diminuiu progressivamente. Houve uma diferenciação significativa da intensidade da dor antes e após a última sessão de tratamento mostrado pela EVA, de 4,92 para 3,00 e a intensidade da dor diminuía gradativamente, de média 6,6 até 3,4 (no início da sessão) e de média 4,6 até 1,4 (no final da sessão). Pelo questionário McGill os resultados foram: Sensorial: 23,11 - 17,74; Afetivo: 7,26 - 4,68; Avaliativo: 2,16 - 1,42; Miscelânea: 6,95 - 5,32. Conclusão: Conclui-se com esse estudo que as Técnicas de Terapia Manual foram eficazes na redução da dor miofascial em mulheres mastectomizadas.

Introduction: The main physical complications after surgery for breast cancer are muscular injuries and brachial plexus, Iymphedema, hemorrhage, complications of healing and many others. Besides these it has been reported the prevalence of myofascial pain after mastectomy, which can be defined as a painful condition characterized by the presence of palpable nodules, called trigger points, small and sensitive areas in muscle, spontaneously or on compression, pain at distant region known as referred pain zone. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of manual therapy techniques in myofascial pain in patients who underwent mastectomy. Method: The study included 19 women who underwent mastectomy with between 40 to 75 years, underwent functional evaluation and palpation of the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle. For measurement of pain used the visual analog scale (VAS) and McGill Questionnaire. Ten sessions were held, twice a week, for 50 minutes. Results: The results of the 1st, 10th session and after 15 days of the last session show that the prevalence of trigger points has been progressively decreased. There was a significant difference in pain intensity before and after the last treatment session shown by Eva, from 4.92 to 3.00 and the pain intensity decreased gradually to average 6.6 to 3.4 (at login) and average 4.6 to 1.4 (at the end of the session). The results of the Mcgill questionnaire were: Sensory: 23.11 to 17.74; Affective: 7.26 to 4.68; Evaluative: 2.16 to 1.42; Miscellaneous: 6.95 to 5.32. Conclusion: This study concludes that manual therapy techniques were effective in reducing myofascial pain in women who underwent mastectomy.

[Effect of cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy and lactation of rats and the offspring on the serum and morphometric parameters]. / Efeito da exposição à fumaça de cigarro durante a prenhez e a lactação de ratas e sua prole sobre parâmetros séricos e morfométricos.

PURPOSE: to investigate the effect of cigarette smoke exposure on body and tissue weight gain, serum parameters and milk yield during pregnancy and lactation in rats, and the impact on offspring from birth toil young adulthood. METHODS: 40 Wistar pregnant rats were randomly divided into: CG - not exposed to cigarette smoke and sacrificed at the end of pregnancy; CL - not exposed to cigarette smoke and sacrificed at the end of lactation; FG - exposed to cigarette smoke and sacrificed at the end of pregnancy; FL - exposed to cigarette smoke and sacrificed at the end of lactation. The offspring were separated by gender and divided according to their mothers' groups. Tissue weight, body weight and serum parameters were evaluated in rats and offspring. Milk yield per pup was calculated. RESULTS: body weight was decreased in FL during lactation (CL=267.0 ± 7.2; FL=235.5 ± 7.2 g*,*p<0.05). Adipose tissue was not detected in the CL and FL groups, and was reduced in FG compared to CG (CG=3.3 ± 0.3; FG=2.4 ± 0.3 g*, *p<0.05). Rats exposed to cigarette smoke had higher blood glucose levels (CG=113 ± 17, CL=86 ± 16, FG=177 ± 21*, FL=178 ± 23 mg/dL*, *p<0.05 CG versus FG e CL versus FL), CL and FL groups presented lower HDL-cholesterol with no change in total cholesterol. Finally, rats exposed to cigarette smoke had lower milk yield compared to unexposed rats (CL=6.7 ± 0.4, FL=5.4 ± 0.3 g*, *p<0.05). In offspring from the FG and FL groups, there was a decrease of body weight from birth to young adulthood, with no changes in gastrocnemius, liver or heart weights in any group, and adipose tissue was no detected in female offspring. There was an increase in blood glucose in offspring of both sexes from rats exposed to cigarette smoke (males: Pcg=107 ± 10.5, Pcl=115 ± 8.6, Pfg=148 ± 16.8*, Pfl=172 ± 11.2**; females: Pcg=109 ± 27.2, Pcl=104 ± 9.7, Pfg=134 ± 20.0*, Pfl=126 ± 13.3**; p<0.05 *Pcg versus Pfg and **Pcl versus Pfl). CONCLUSIONS: exposure to cigarette smoke provokes impairment of morphometric and serum parameters during pregnancy and lactation both in mothers and offspring, which is maintained during young adulthood.

Avaliação do complexo do ombro em mulheres submetidas à intervenção cirúrgica para tratamento de câncer de mama / Assessing of the shoulder complex in women submitted to surgical intervention for breast cancer treatment

A cirurgia de câncer de mama está associada, em torno de 70% dos casos, a complicações que podem levar à limitação e diminuição da mobilidade do ombro. Considerando as alterações decorrentes das cirurgias mamárias, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma avaliação física do ombro homolateral e contralateral à cirurgia, comparando os resultados obtidos nos dois ombros. Este estudo foi realizado com 21 mulheres submetidas à mastectomia ou quadrandectomia unilateral, incluídas, pelo menos há seis meses, em um programa de reabilitação em fisioterapia. Precedendo o início das avaliações clínicas, uma ficha de avaliação específica para esta população foi desenvolvida, identificando alterações agudas e crônicas. A idade média das pacientes foi 52,10 anos. De acordo com o exame físico, a aderência cicatricial estava presente em 14% das pacientes e o linfedema em 86% destas. Durante a palpação, 95% das pacientes apresentaram dor e pontos-gatilho nos músculos trapézio, esternocleidomastoideo, escalenos e romboides. As medianas da amplitude de movimento do ombro homolateral e contralateral à cirurgia foram: flexão, 130º/154º; extensão, 38º/40º; rotação lateral, 60º/85º; rotação medial, 70º/90º e abdução 115º/145º. De acordo com os resultados, houve uma diminuição significativa em todos os movimentos do ombro homolateral, quando comparado ao contralateral à cirurgia. Diante do exposto, pode-se concluir que a avaliação, por meio da ficha específica, elaborada para pacientes com câncer de mama, foi eficaz para identificar complicações pós-cirúrgicas no ombro desta população. Portanto, esta avaliação foi importante para identificar disfunções físicas, visando à reabilitação e independência nas atividades de vida diária destas mulheres.

The surgery of breast cancer is associated, in around 70% of cases, with complications which can lead to limitation and decrease in shoulder mobility. Considering the changes resulting from breast surgery, the aim of this study was to perform a physical assessment of homolateral and contralateral shoulder surgery, comparing the results obtained in both shoulders. This study was conducted with 21 women undergoing mastectomy or unilateral quadrantectomy including, at least, six months in a physical therapy rehabilitation program. Preceding the onset of clinical assessment, a specific evaluation form to this population was developed, identifying acute and chronic alterations. The average age of patients was 52.10 years. According to the physical examination, there was adherence scar in 14% of patients and in 86% of lymphedema of them. During palpation, 95% of patients had pain and trigger points in trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, scalene and rhomboids. The median of range of motion in homolateral and contralateral shoulder were: flexion, 130º/154º, extension, 38º/40º, external rotation, 60º/85º, medial rotation, 70º/90º and abduction, 115º/145º. According to the results, there were significant decreases in all movements of the homolateral shoulder when they are compared with the contralateral side of surgery. In conclusion, the assessment by the specific form for patients with breast cancer was effective to identify postoperative complications of the shoulder in this population. Therefore, this evaluation was important to identify physical disorders to be aimed at for the these women?s rehabilitation and independence in their daily life activities.