Histological analysis of elastic cartilages treated with alkaline solution / Análise histológica de cartilagens elásticas tratadas com solução alcalina

The elastic cartilage is composed by chondroblasts and chondrocytes, extracellular matrix and surrounded by perichondrium. It has a low regeneration capacity and is a challenge in surgical repair. One of obstacles in engineering a structurally sound and long-lasting tissue is selecting the most appropriate scaffold material. One of the techniques for obtaining biomaterials from animal tissues is the decellularization that decreases antigenicity. In this work, alkaline solution was used in bovine ear elastic cartilages to evaluate the decellularization and the architecture of the extracellular matrix. The cartilages were treated in alkaline solution (pH13) for 72 hours and lyophilized to be compared with untreated cartilages by histological analysis (hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome and Verhoeff slides). Areas of interest for cell counting and elastic fiber quantification were delineated, and the distribution of collagen and elastic fibers and the presence of non-fibrous proteins were observed. The results demonstrated that the alkaline solution caused 90% decellularization in the middle and 13% in the peripheral region, and maintenance of the histological characteristics of the collagen and elastic fibers and non-fibrous protein removal. It was concluded that the alkaline solution was efficient in the decellularization and removal of non-fibrous proteins from the elastic cartilages of the bovine ear.(AU)

A cartilagem elástica é composta por condroblastos e condrócitos, matriz extracelular e envolta por pericôndrio. Possui uma baixa capacidade de regeneração e é um desafio em reparos cirúrgicos. Um dos obstáculos na engenharia de tecido estruturalmente sólido e de longa duração é a seleção do material de arcabouço mais adequado. Uma das técnicas para obtenção de biomateriais oriundos de tecidos animais é a descelularização, que diminui a antigenicidade. Neste trabalho, foi utilizada solução alcalina em cartilagem elástica auricular bovina para avaliar a descelularização e a arquitetura da matriz extracelular. As cartilagens foram tratadas em solução alcalina (pH13) durante 72 horas e liofilizadas, e comparadas com cartilagens não tratadas por análise histológica (hematoxilina-eosina, tricrômio de Masson e Verhoeff). Foram determinadas as áreas de interesse para contagem celular e quantificação de fibras elásticas, observada a distribuição de colágeno e fibras elásticas e a presença de proteínas não fibrosas. Os resultados demonstraram que a solução alcalina causou 90% de descelularização na região central e 13% na região periférica, manutenção das características histológicas do colágeno e fibras elásticas e remoção das proteínas não fibrosas. Concluiu-se que a solução alcalina foi eficiente na descelularização e retirada de proteínas não fibrosas de cartilagens elásticas da orelha de bovinos.(AU)

Comparison between criteria for diagnosing malnutrition in patients with advanced chronic liver disease: GLIM group proposal versus different nutritional screening tools.

BACKGROUND: Different nutritional screening instruments can be used to identify the risk of malnutrition in advanced chronic liver disease patients. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare two nutrition screening tools with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) diagnostic criteria for malnutrition in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. METHODS: Two nutritional screening tools, Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and Royal Free Hospital Nutritional Prioritizing Tool (RFH-NPT), were assessed for 166 patients with liver cirrhosis. We compared medium/high nutritional risk screening with the diagnosis of malnutrition, using the GLIM criteria as the reference standard. RESULTS: According to the GLIM criteria, 57.3% of the patients were malnourished. NRS and RFH-NPT identified, respectively, 36.1% and 52.4% of patients with nutritional risk. RFH-NPT presented better agreement with the diagnosis according to GLIM criteria (k = 0.64; 95% confidence interval = 0.52-0.75), higher sensitivity (80%), higher negative predictive value (79%) and larger area under the curve (82.3%) compared to the NRS. CONCLUSIONS: RFH-NPT, when compared with the GLIM method, has substantial agreement in identifying nutritional risk, good sensitivity and good value for diagnosing malnutrition in patients with advanced chronic liver disease.

Additive effect of pulp pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb. ) on the biocompatibility of collagen and gelatin membranes in subcutaneous implants / Efeito aditivo do óleo de polpa de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb. ) sobre a biocompatibilidade de membranas de colágeno e gelatina implantadas no subcutâneo

Trauma or disease inflicted by tissue injuries may cause tissue degeneration. The use of biomaterials for direct or indirect repair has emerged as a promising alternative, and has become an important research topic. The pequi fruit (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) has shown antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, healing, antitumor, and antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to develop a new biomaterial using a combination of collagen, gelatin, and pulp pequi oil, and to evaluate its biocompatibility in comparison with that of biomaterials produced without pulp pequi oil. Membranes were prepared from a mixture of bovine tendon collagen, commercial gelatin, and pulp pequi oil. The inflammatory and cicatricial processes were assessed via histopathology of the tissue interface/implants in the subcutaneous tissues and quantitative evaluation of leukocyte and collagen production in Wistar rats. It was observed that the presence of pequi oil reduced the amount of foreign-body giant cells and favored the recruitment of fibroblasts (P< 0.01), thereby promoting greater production of collagen membrane than that in the membranes of control samples. Therefore, it can be concluded that the addition of pequi oil improved the biocompatibility of collagen and accelerated the healing process.(AU)

Trauma ou lesões causadas por doenças podem enfraquecer e degenerar os tecidos humanos e animais. O uso de biomateriais para reparação direta ou indireta surgiu como uma alternativa promissora e tornou-se um importante tema de pesquisa. O óleo de pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) mostrou propriedades antifúngicas, antibacterianas, anti-inflamatórias, curativas, antitumorais e antioxidantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi obter um novo biomaterial, produzido pela combinação de óleo de pequi, colágeno e gelatina, para avaliar sua biocompatibilidade em comparação às membranas produzidas sem o óleo. As membranas foram preparadas por meio da mistura de colágeno de tendão bovino, gelatina comercial e óleo de pequi. Os processos inflamatórios e cicatriciais foram avaliados por histopatologia da interface / implantes de tecido subcutâneo de ratos Wistar para avaliação quantitativa da produção de leucócitos e colágeno. Observou-se que a presença de óleo de pequi reduziu a quantidade de células gigantes de corpo estranho e favoreceu o recrutamento de fibroblastos (P<0,01), promovendo, assim, maior produção da membrana de colágeno em comparação com a membrana de controle. Portanto, pode-se concluir que a adição de óleo de pequi melhorou a biocompatibilidade do colágeno e acelerou o processo de cicatrização.(AU)

Acute effects of a beverage containing bitter melon extract (CARELA) on postprandial glycemia among prediabetic adults.

BACKGROUND: Acute ingestion of bitter melon (BM) has been shown to suppress the postprandial glycemic response in diabetics, but its impact on glucose regulation among individuals with impaired glucose tolerance is unclear. Moreover, one's glucose tolerance level may influence the effectiveness of BM. This study aimed to examine the acute effects of a beverage containing BM extract on blood glucose regulation during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) among prediabetics. METHODS: Ten prediabetic adults completed two OGTTs-glucose only (D2) and glucose+BM (D3). Responders were identified as subjects whose area under the glucose curve (AUCglu) during D3 was lower than D2. To compare the acute effects of the beverage among individuals with varying glucose tolerance levels, subjects were grouped by their glucose response pattern-Fastpeak (peak glucose (Glupeak) at 30 min postglucose (30P)) and Slowpeak (Glupeak after 30P). RESULTS: During D3, responders (n=5) experienced a 13.2% reduction in AUCglu (95% confidence interval (CI): -18.1% to -8.3%), 12.2% reduction in mean glucose (95% CI: -17.3% to -7.0%) and 10.6% reduction in Glupeak (95% CI: -17.5% to -3.7%); plasma glucose was reduced by 9.1% at 30P (95% CI: -15.6% to -2.6%), -24.0% at 60P (95% CI: -36.8% to -11.2%) and -20.0% at 90P (95% CI: -35.8% to -4.2%) during D3. No between-trial differences were noted for Fastpeak or Slowpeak. CONCLUSIONS: Acute ingestion of BM prior to the second OGTT (D3) led to a reduced postprandial glucose response in 50% of the subjects but did not affect the insulin response. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the beverage was seemingly uninfluenced by the subjects' glucose tolerance level. Although BM has shown to aid blood glucose management in diabetics, it remains uncertain why only a portion of subjects responded positively to the BM extract in the current study.

Do different tendons exhibit the same response following chronic exposure to statins?

Over the past few years, a number of cases of tendon injuries associated with statin therapy have been reported. In this study, we assessed whether statins can affect the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and patellar tendon (PT). Wistar rats were assigned to groups treated with atorvastatin (A20, A80), treated with simvastatin (S20, S80), and control. Zymography, Western blotting for collagen I, non-collagenous proteins (NCP), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and hydroxyproline quantifications were performed. DDFT findings: NCP were increased in A20 and A80; higher concentration of hydroxyproline was found in S80; levels of GAGs was increased in all statin-treated groups; collagen I was increased in S80 and pro-MMP-2 activity was reduced in A80, S20, and S80. PT findings: NCP were reduced in A20, A80, and S80; GAGs was reduced in A80 and S20; collagen I was increased in A20 and pro-MMP-2 activity was reduced in the S20. Both the statins provoked marked changes in both tendons. All these changes may make the tendons more prone to microdamage and ruptures. Therefore, a better understanding of the behavior of the tendon ECM components under statin therapy may provide important insights into the mechanisms behind statin-induced tendon injuries.

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation reduces insulin resistance in hepatitis C virus infected patients: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance promotes liver disease progression and may be associated with a lower response rate in treated hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation may reduce insulin resistance. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on insulin resistance in these patients. METHODS: In a randomised, double-blind clinical trial, 154 patients were screened. After applying inclusion criteria, 52 patients [homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥2.5)] were randomly divided into two groups: n-3 PUFA (n = 25/6000 mg day(-1) of fish oil) or control (n = 27/6000 mg day(-1) of soybean oil). Both groups were supplemented for 12 weeks and underwent monthly nutritional consultation. Biochemical tests were performed at baseline and after intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test for comparisons and the Wilcoxon test for paired data. Statistical package r, version 3.02 (The R Project for Statistical Computing) was used and P < 0.05 (two-tailed) was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Comparisons between groups showed that n-3 PUFA supplementation was more effective than the control for reducing HOMA-IR (P = 0.015) and serum insulin (P = 0.016). The n-3 PUFA group not only showed a significant reduction in HOMA-IR 3.8 (3.2-5.0) versus 2.4 (1.8-3.3) (P = 0.002); serum insulin 17.1 (13.8-20.6) µIU mL(-1) versus 10.9 (8.6-14.6) µIU mL(-1) (P = 0.001); and glycated haemoglobin 5.4% (5.0-5.7%) versus 5.1% (4.8-5.6%) (P = 0.011), but also presented an increase in interleukin-1 97.5 (0.0-199.8) pg mL(-1) versus 192.4 (102.2-266.8) pg mL(-1) (P = 0.003) and tumour necrosis factor 121.2 (0.0-171.3) pg mL(-1) versus 185.7 (98.0-246.9) pg mL(-1) (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: n-3 PUFA supplementation reduces insulin resistance in genotype 1 HCV infected patients.

Structural and biomechanical changes in the Achilles tendon after chronic treatment with statins.

Cases of tendinopathy and tendon ruptures have been reported as side effects associated with statin therapy. This work assessed possible changes in the structural and biomechanical properties of the tendons after chronic treatment with statins. Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: treated with atorvastatin (A-20 and A-80), simvastatin (S-20 and S-80) and the group that received no treatment (C). The doses of statins were calculated using allometric scaling, based on the doses of 80 mg/day and 20 mg/day recommended for humans. The morphological aspect of the tendons in A-20, S-20 and S-80 presented signals consistent with degeneration. Both the groups A-80 and S-80 showed a less pronounced metachromasia in the compression region of the tendons. Measurements of birefringence showed that A-20, A-80 and S-80 groups had a lower degree of organization of the collagen fibers. In all of the groups treated with statins, the thickness of the epitenon was thinner when compared to the C group. In the biomechanical tests the tendons of the groups A-20, A-80 and S-20 were less resistant to rupture. Therefore, statins affected the organization of the collagen fibers and decreased the biomechanical strength of the tendons, making them more predisposed to ruptures.

Green tea and glycine aid in the recovery of tendinitis of the Achilles tendon of rats.

PURPOSE: Green tea (GT) is widely used due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Previous studies have shown beneficial effects of a glycine diet on the remodeling process in inflamed tendons. Tendinitis is commonly observed in athletes and is of concern to surgeons due to the slowness of the recovery process. Our hypothesis is that GT + a glycine diet may improve tendinitis. AIM OF THE STUDY: To analyze the effect of GT and/or glycine in the diet on tendinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (G): control group (C); G1 and G4, tendinitis; G2 and G5, tendinitis supplied with GT; and G3 and G6, tendinitis supplied with GT and a glycine diet for 7 or 21 days, respectively. We performed zymography for metalloproteinase, biochemical, morphological and biomechanics tests. RESULTS: G2, G3 and G5 showed high levels of hydroxyproline in relation to G1, while G4 showed high levels of glycosaminoglycans. High activity of metalloproteinase-2 was detected in G3. The organization of collagen bundles was better in G2 and G3. G5 showed similar birefringence measurements compared with C. G5 withstood a larger load compared with G4. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of metalloproteinase-2 indicates that a tissue is undergoing a remodeling process. High birefringence suggests a better organization of collagen bundles. After 21 days, G5 sustained a high load before rupture, unlike G4. The results suggest that GT + a glycine diet has beneficial effects that aid in the recovery process of the tendon after tendinitis.

Erythropoietin reduces the expression of myostatin in mdx dystrophic mice

Erythropoietin (EPO) has been well characterized as a renal glycoprotein hormone regulating red blood cell production by inhibiting apoptosis of erythrocyte progenitors in hematopoietic tissues. EPO exerts regulatory effects in cardiac and skeletal muscles. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a lethal degenerative disorder of skeletal and cardiac muscle. In this study, we tested the possible therapeutic beneficial effect of recombinant EPO (rhEPO) in dystrophic muscles in mdx mice. Total strength was measured using a force transducer coupled to a computer. Gene expression for myostatin, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. Myostatin expression was significantly decreased in quadriceps from mdx mice treated with rhEPO (rhEPO=0.60±0.11, control=1.07±0.11). On the other hand, rhEPO had no significant effect on the expression of TGF-β1 (rhEPO=0.95±0.14, control=1.05±0.16) and TNF-α (rhEPO=0.73±0.20, control=1.01±0.09). These results may help to clarify some of the direct actions of EPO on skeletal muscle.

Erythropoietin reduces the expression of myostatin in mdx dystrophic mice.

Erythropoietin (EPO) has been well characterized as a renal glycoprotein hormone regulating red blood cell production by inhibiting apoptosis of erythrocyte progenitors in hematopoietic tissues. EPO exerts regulatory effects in cardiac and skeletal muscles. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a lethal degenerative disorder of skeletal and cardiac muscle. In this study, we tested the possible therapeutic beneficial effect of recombinant EPO (rhEPO) in dystrophic muscles in mdx mice. Total strength was measured using a force transducer coupled to a computer. Gene expression for myostatin, transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. Myostatin expression was significantly decreased in quadriceps from mdx mice treated with rhEPO (rhEPO = 0.60 ± 0.11, control = 1.07 ± 0.11). On the other hand, rhEPO had no significant effect on the expression of TGF-ß1 (rhEPO = 0.95 ± 0.14, control = 1.05 ± 0.16) and TNF-α (rhEPO = 0.73 ± 0.20, control = 1.01 ± 0.09). These results may help to clarify some of the direct actions of EPO on skeletal muscle.

The impact of nutritional supplementation on quality of life in patients infected with hepatitis C virus.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of animal and vegetable protein supplementation on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and to investigate clinical and nutritional variables related to quality of life in these patients. METHODS: One hundred and forty patients infected with HCV were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the Soy Group (SG; n = 72), where patients received a soy supplement diet and the Casein Group (CG; n = 68), where patients received casein as a supplement. Anthropometric, biochemical and clinical assessments were performed in all patients, and the Short-Form Health Survey was applied at baseline and 12 weeks after study initiation. RESULTS: Before supplementation, poor HRQL scores were associated with female sex (P = 0.004) and advanced fibrosis (F3/F4; P = 0.04). Reduced HRQL scores were correlated with age (r = -0.263; P = 0.002), serum albumin levels (r = 0.245; P = 0.004), lean mass (r = 0.301; P < 0.0001) and body fat percentage (r = -0.262; P = 0.002). After 12 weeks of intervention, patients in both supplementation groups showed significantly increased HRQL scores, with no difference being observed between the SG and the CG. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional therapy with either soybean or casein supplementation improved quality of life in patients infected with HCV. Quality of life was influenced by anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and sociodemographic factors in patients with HCV before nutritional supplementation.

Possible molecular mechanisms soy-mediated in preventing and treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The aim of this review is to describe the molecular mechanisms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to present evidence regarding the mechanisms of soy-mediated therapeutic activity in preventing and treating NAFLD. NAFLD is induced by multiple metabolic pathways, including an increase in the release of fatty acids from the adipose tissue (lipolysis), insulin resistance (IR), and an increase in "de novo" fatty acid synthesis. Furthermore, NAFLD is correlated with a decrease in liver ß-oxidation, an increase in oxygen free radical production, and an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production, which leads to an increase in liver fat and, subsequently, to tissue damage. The bioactive compounds in soy can prevent and treat NAFLD by modulating lipid metabolism and regulating the expression of related transcription factors. Soy intake decreases the expression of sterol regulatory-element binding protein-lc (SREBP-1) and increases the expression of SREBP-2, which are transcription factors associated with the regulation of hepatic lipogenesis and reduction of cholesterol synthesis and absorption in the liver, respectively. Besides, interactions between soy components, such as standard amino acids, polyunsaturated fat, and the isoflavonoid-enriched fraction, are believed to improve fatty acid oxidation in the liver parenchyma by increasing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)-regulated genes, thus decreasing lipid accumulation in the liver. Therefore, including soy-derived foods in the diet as a therapeutic tool for patients with NAFLD might improve their clinical evolution.

Courtship behavior of Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) from populations colonizing South America.

We describe for the first time the sexual behavior and the courtship song of males of the African fly Zaprionus indianus (Gupta), a recent invader of South America. The male courtship song is formed by monocyclic pulses and the courtship behavior is simple when compared to that of species of Drosophila. Two interpulse interval (IPI) distributions were observed: pre-mounting and mounting. No significant difference was observed between the pre-mounting IPIs of males that descended from three geographical populations from South America. We also observed the songs produced by females and the homosexual behavior exhibited by males. A sequence of bursts is produced by females as a refusal signal against males, while males emit a characteristic song that identifies sex genus, which differs from the courtship song. The short courtship and mating latencies recorded reveal vigorous males and receptive females, respectively.

Molecular analysis of the rRNA genes of Babesia spp and Ehrlichia canis detected in dogs from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil / Análise dos genes rRNA de Babesia spp e Ehrlichia canis detectados em cães de Ribeirão Preto, Brasil

The partial DNA sequences of the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia canis and the 16S rRNA gene of Ehrlichia canis detected in dogs from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, were compared to sequences from other strains deposited in GenBank. The E. canis strain circulating in Ribeirão Preto is identical to other strains previously detected in the region, whereas the subspecies Babesia canis vogeli is the main Babesia strain circulating in dogs from Ribeirão Preto.

As sequências parciais dos genes RNAr 18S de Babesia canis e RNAr 16S e Ehrlichiacanis detectados em cães de Ribeirão Preto, Brasil, foram comparadas à sequências de outras linhagens depositadas no GeneBank. A linhagem de E. canis circulando em Ribeirão Preto é idêntica a outras detectadas previamente na região, enquanto a sub-espécie B. canis vogeli é a principal linhagem de Babesia circulando em cães de Ribeirão Preto.

Molecular analysis of the rRNA genes of Babesia spp and Ehrlichia canis detected in dogs from RibeirÃo Preto, Brazil.

The partial DNA sequences of the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia canis and the 16S rRNA gene of Ehrlichia canis detected in dogs from Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, were compared to sequences from other strains deposited in GenBank. The E. canis strain circulating in Ribeirão Preto is identical to other strains previously detected in the region, whereas the subspecies Babesia canis vogeli is the main Babesia strain circulating in dogs from Ribeirão Preto.