Evaluation of the nutrients supplied by veterinary diets commercialized in Brazil for obese dogs undergoing a weight loss program.

During a weight loss program, energy restriction is performed, which can result in nutrient intake below the minimum recommendations if a proper diet is not offered. A common recommendation for dogs undergoing energy restriction is to use a veterinary diet formulated for the management of obesity to potentially reduce the likelihood of nutritional deficiencies. The objective of this study was to perform bromatological and essential mineral analysis in veterinary diets for the management of canine obesity available in the Brazilian market and to analyse whether these diets provide the recommended amount of nutrients per kg of metabolic body weight (kg BW0.75 ) for animals undergoing energy restriction. Samples of all veterinary diets for the management of canine obesity available in the Brazilian pet food market were analysed (n = 8). The nutrient supply per kg BW0.75 was calculated and compared with the NRC recommended allowance and FEDIAF recommendations by descriptive statistics. For this purpose, the weight loss energy requirement equations of 70 kcal/target body weight0.75 and 63 kcal/target body weight0.75 were used, in which target body weight corresponds to 10%-40% of the initial body weight according to the body condition score. The manufacturers' intake recommendations were also evaluated and compared to the NRC and FEDIAF recommendations. Almost all of the diets (n = 7/8) had at least one nutrient below the NRC and FEDIAF recommendations when target weight of minus 10%, 20% or 30% was considered, and all diets had at least one nutrient deficiency when the target weight was minus 40%. When the energy intake was restricted a further 10%, all diets had at least one nutrient below recommendations at the minus 30% target weight. The nutrients for which the recommendations were not met were as follows: calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, sodium, protein and fat. When compared to the manufacturers' recommendations, nutrient deficiencies were observed in all of the diets when compared to the NRC and in 7/8 when compared to FEDIAF, and all diets had at least one deficiency when compared to both NRC and FEDIAF after an extra 10% calorie restriction. It was concluded that the majority of veterinary diets formulated for weight loss/obesity management in Brazil did not meet all the recommendations of the analysed nutrients, which reinforces that diets for weight loss should be used according to veterinary prescription and should ideally be prescribed by nutrition specialists that can better understand the limitations of the diet's composition.

Labeling of adipose-derived stem cells with quantum dots provides stable and long-term fluorescent signal for ex vivo cell tracking.

Stem cells derived from adipose tissue (ADSC) have been used in cell therapy as an alternative to treat chronic and degenerative diseases. Using biomedical and image trials to track the cells when infused in the target tissue is essential to control cell migration and adhesion. The objective of the present study was to label and assess the adhesion of goat adipose tissue-derived stem cells (g-ADSC) after cell infusion in animal models by tracking luminescent intracytoplasmatic nanocrystals. The cells were labeled by using Qdots. The g-ADSCs infused with nanocrystal were prepared either fresh or fixed and further visualized under a fluorescence microscope. The labeled cells were infused in the goat mammary glands and mouse testicles and kidneys via tail vein injection. Thirty days after cell infusion, biopsy was carried out for analyses. The g-ADSC cultures were presented with high cellularity and fibroblast morphology, even after infusion of the nanocrystals. It was possible, by processing in paraffin and under fluorescence microscopy, demonstrating the success of the labeling in the long term. Freezing mammary gland biopsies in liquid NO2 did not alter the quality of labeling with Qdots. Therefore, g-ADSCs can be labeled with intracytoplasmatic nanocrystals (Qdots) enabling their in vitro and ex vivo tracking.

[Crohn disease with unusual cutaneous expression]. / Doença de Crohn com expressão dermatológica invulgar.

Perianal fistula is a frequent complication of Crohn's disease. The diagnosis of the later may be difficult if cutaneous disease is dominant, and sometimes an important clinical challenge. The authors report a case of a 34 year old male complaining of painful perianal nodules for the three last years. Cutaneous histopathological examination was inespecific and colonoscopy normal. Pelvic CT scan and fistulography showed an intercommunicated fistular system invading both isquiorectal fossae, without intestinal communication. Repetition of colonoscopy showed normal mucosa, but in two of the biopsy samples noncaseous granulomas were found at the submucosa. The authors explain their main difficulties to reach the diagnosis of Crohn's disease and discuss the investigation and the evolution of the patient.

Lipid peroxidation in type 2 normolipidemic diabetic patients.

Vascular complications, as a consequence of atherosclerosis, are the main causes of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation is accepted as a relevant pathogenic mechanism in atherogenesis. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between lipid peroxidation (LPO) and metabolic control. LPO was evaluated in 40 type 2 normolipidemic diabetic patients by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), in the plasma, using malondialdehyde (MDA), end product of the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, as a standard. Fast blood glucose (FBG), serum total cholesterol (TC) and serum triglycerides (TG) were evaluated by routine methods. Fructosamine (FR) was measured by the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) colorimetric test. An elevated level of lipid peroxides (P < 0.001) was observed in the plasma of diabetic patients (4.51 +/- 1.29 nmol/ml) as compared to normal subjects (3.54 +/- 1.00 nmol/ml). Lipid peroxides did not correlate with the FR levels, nor with FBG, TC and TG. These results show an increase of LPO in type 2 normolipidemic diabetic patients. Probably the mechanism for higher lipid peroxide levels in diabetes is multifactorial. Our study supports the hypothesis of a role of oxidative stress in diabetes independently of the lipid serum content.

[Dermatitis artefacta]. / Dermatite artefacta.

We report a case of a 29-year-old man presenting skin ulcerations on both sides of the mandible. The diagnosis of dermatitis artefacta was based on the morphology and evolution of the lesions, on the patient's borderline personality, on the objects found in his possession, and a later admission of having an involvement in the aggravation of the lesions.

[Fluorescent products in the crystalline lens of type ii diabetic patients]. / Productos fluorescentes no cristalino de diabéticos tipo II.

A body of evidence suggests that glycation of proteins and the resulting fluorescent products take part in the late complications of diabetes. The purpose of this study was to analyse the fluorescence of lens soluble proteins from diabetic patients. Soluble proteins were obtained from lens with cataract from 20 type II diabetic patients and from 21 non diabetic controls with similar age. The fluorescence of the soluble fraction (EX-360 nm, EM -454 nm) was quantified as a parameter for glycation end products. The glycation of plasma proteins was quantified by fructosamine levels. The fluorescence mean in the group of diabetics was about twice the non diabetic value (p < 0.01). The fluorescence in the diabetics with retinopathy was higher than that of diabetic without retinopathy (p < 0.01). Fructosamine levels were: diabetics 3.1 +/- 1.1 mM, non diabetics 1.9 +/- 0.8 mM (p < 0.001). The results suggest the involvement of fluorescent products, resulting from glycation of proteins, in lens opacification in diabetic patients.

[Lipid peroxidation, production of PGE2 and cellular mortality induced by UV in cultured human skin fibroblasts]. / Peroxydation lipidique, production de PGE2 et mortalité cellulaire induites par les UV dans des fibroblasts cutanés humains en culture.

UV irradiation induces lipid peroxidation (LPO) and cell damage. The aim of the present work was the study of UVB radiation effects on cultured human skin fibroblasts, concerning LPO, prostaglandine E2 (PGE2) formation and cell viability. The cells were exposed to 50, 100, and 150 mJ/cm2 of UVB irradiation. Cellular TBARS and supernatant fluorescent substances were measured spectrofluorimetrically. PGE2 was measured using an immunoenzymatic method. Cell viability was evaluated by the MTT test. All determinations were done after a 2 h incubation period post-irradiation. TBARS were increased for all doses of irradiation (p < 0.001). Fluorescent substances differed from controls at 50 mJ/cm2 (p < 0.001). UVB at 100 and 150 mJ/cm2 decreased cellular viability (p < 0.001). An increase of PGE2 was observed with UVB at 150 mJ/cm2 (p < 0.001). These results confirm the occurrence of LPO and cytotoxicity after UV irradiation; on the other hand, this study showed the formation of PGE2 induced by UV light on cultured human skin fibroblasts. We propose a relationship between these phenomena.

[Malignant melanoma. A current problem]. / Melanoma maligno. Problema de actualidade.

Malignant Melanoma is a tumor of high malignancy which incidence has been shown to increase dramatically during last decades. The genesis of the tumor is uncertain, however the cutaneous fair complexion, the number and type of pigmented nevei and acute intermittent sun exposure with sunburn may play a significant role in its development. Histopathology of suspicious lesions is obligatory as diagnostic proof and to measure the tumor thickness and the skin invasion level. Distinct therapeutic attitudes are reviewed. Correct surgical excision is essential in localized primary lesions. The two main factors regarding surveillance and survival of patients afflicted with Malignant Melanoma are precocious diagnosis of early lesions and quick surgical intervention. On a prophylactic ground, for the early detection of Malignant Melanoma, one should point out the need for a complete and careful skin observation of every individual in current medical examinations.

[Epidermolysis bullosa and dermo-epidermic junction. Clinico-pathologic correlation]. / Epidermólise bolhosa e zona de junção dermo-epidérmica. Correlação clínico-patológica.

Epidermolysis bullosa encompasses a group of hereditary diseases clinically and pathologically characteristic. In this review the grouping criteria commonly accepted for their classification are described. The cleavage phenomena observed in these diseases are analysed in accordance with the concept of a skin area including dermal and epidermal interrelated structures--the dermo-epidermal junction zone. Finally in the most expressive forms the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment are reviewed.

[Skin aging. Physiopathology and clinical perspective]. / Envelhecimento cutâneo. Fisiopatologia e perspectiva clínica.

The main structural and functional alterations observed during skin ageing are reviewed, considering the intrinsic process of senescence and the damage induced by chronic exposure to actinic radiation. In photo-ageing the importance of skin type is stressed, concerning its capacity to tan in order to get protection against radiation. Finally some inflammatory, degenerative and neoplastic skin diseases associated with ageing and photo-ageing are briefly described.

[Visualization of oxitalan fibers in normal human skin by the alkaline tetrazolium test]. / Visualização das fibras oxitalãnicas na derme humana normal pela técnica dos tetrazólios alcalinos.

The "elastic system" of the connective tissue includes the oxytalan, the elaunin and the elastic fibers. The oxytalan fibers are formed by the microfibrillar component of the elastic fibers (elastic microfibrils). In the human skin the oxytalan fibers are found in the papillary dermis perpendicularly oriented to the dermo-epidermal junction. It was previously demonstrated by biochemical analysis that sulfur amino acids are present in the elastic microfibrils. Based on these data we could visualize the oxytalan fibers in the human dermis using the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) technique.

Connective fibers involved in the dermoepidermal anchorage. An electron microscopical study.

The human dermoepidermal anchoring fibrils, the oxytalan fibers and the elaunin fibers have been related with dermoepidermal adherence. In the present work their ultrastructure and origin are studied. The similarity between the segment longspacing tropocollagen molecular aggregates and the anchoring fibrils band patterns is evidenced. This fact supports the concept that the anchoring fibrils may be formed by a mechanism of side by side tropocollagen molecular aggregation after its polar binding to the basement lamina. The oxytalan fibers were studied in the superficial dermis, and their direct continuity with the elaunin fibers was demonstrated. The role of these fibers in the dermoepidermal mechanical adhesion is discussed.

The elastic system fibers.

Using the tannic acid-glutaraldehyde fixation it was possible to clearly visualize, with reproducible results, the elastic fiber amorphous material because of its density. The microfibrillar component was also evidenced with a good performance. With this technique the ultrastructural patterns of the oxytalan and elaunin fibers were also demonstrated. The oxytalan fibers appeared as a bundle of microfibrils similar to elastic microfibrils without amorphous material. The elaunin fibers presented a dispersed amorphous material intermingled among the microfibrils. It was suggested by ultrastructural evidences that oxytalan and elaunin fibers may represent interruption in successive phases in the development of the elastic fibers.

The use of tannic acid-glutaraldehyde in the study of elastic and elastic-related fibers.

Fixation with tannic acid-glutaraldehyde permits distinction of oxytalan, elaunin and elastic fibers in the electron microscope. The results obtained using tannic acid at concentrations of 1.0%, 0.5% and 0.25% in 3% glutaraldehyde were compared. The 0.25% concentration is recommended for studying fine details of connective fibrils and for regular staining of elastin.