Toxicological effects of hydroxychloroquine sulfate and chloroquine diphosphate substances on the early-life stages of fish in the COVID-19 pandemic context.

Hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQ) and chloroquine diphosphate (CQ) have been used at increased rates to treat COVID-19 but can constitute a potential environmental risk. The objective was to evaluate the toxicity of sublethal concentrations of HCQ and CQ in zebrafish embryos/larvae. The 50% lethal concentrations (LC50) of HCQ and CQ at 96 h post-fertilization (hpf) were calculated by testing various concentrations on 2,160 embryos. The LC50 obtained were 560 and 800 µM for HCQ and CQ, respectively. Next, the embryotoxicity assay was performed, where 1,200 embryos were subjected to sublethal concentrations of HCQ and CQ. The hatching and heart rates were recorded. After euthanasia, photomicrographs of all larvae were taken to measure the total length, pericardial and yolk sac areas. The embryos exposed to sublethal concentrations of HCQ and CQ showed delayed hatching at 72 hpf, as well as an increase in the heart rate, larger pericardial and yolk sac areas, and body malformations at 96 hpf. The findings show that HCQ and CQ are toxic to fish in the early development phases. Understanding the mechanisms of toxicity will help extrapolate the effects of 4-aminoquinoline derivatives when they reach the aquatic environment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exposição ao praguicida glifosato e a ocorrência do transtorno do espectro autista: existe associação? / Exposure to the pesticide glyphosate and the occurrence of autistic spectrum disorder: is there an association?

O presente estudo teve como objetivo estudar a associação entre a exposição ao glifosato e a ocorrência do Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA). Trata-se de um estudo documental com busca de dados acerca da prevalência do TEA (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention) e de um levantamento para verificar o princípio ativo do praguicida mais usado no Brasil (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis) e no mundo (United States Evironmental Prevention Agency). Os resultados mostraram que a prevalência do TEA aumentou ao longo dos anos. Do mesmo modo, o uso e a compra de praguicidas também aumentaram, sendo o glifosato o princípio ativo mais usado. Ainda que os resultados apontem a existência de uma relação entre a exposição ao glifosato e a ocorrência de autismo, são necessários mais estudos para afirmar o potencial neurotóxico do glifosato e sua associação com o nascimento de crianças autistas.

The present study aimed to study the association between exposure to glyphosate and the occurrence of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is a documental study with search for data about the prevalence of ASD (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention) and a survey to verify the active principle of the most used pesticide in Brazil (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) and worldwide (United States Environmental Prevention Agency). The results showed that the prevalence of ASD increased over the years. Likewise, the use and purchase of pesticides have also increased, with glyphosate being the most widely used active ingredient in the world. Although the results point to the existence of a relationship between exposure to glyphosate and the occurrence of autism, further studies are needed to confirm the neurotoxic potential of glyphosate and its association with the birth of autistic children.

Alkaloid and phenolic compounds of Xylopia aromatica inhibits tumor growth by down-regulating matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression.

Annonacea species have been reported to possess antitumor properties. However, the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities of Xylopia aromatica (Annonacea) have not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Xylopia aromatica leaves hexane fraction (XaHF) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells lines (EAC), both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro assays revealed a significant cytotoxic effect with the two lower XaHF concentrations (62.5 and 32.3mg/mL). EAC (2.5x106 cells) were inoculated in the right flank of Swiss mice, and the animals were treated intraperitoneally with 32.3mg kg-1 of XaHF daily, for 20 days. Our findings indicate that XaHF suppressed the growth of EAC in vivo, with a significant decrease (46%) in tumor volume. There was also a decrease in the necrosis area (71%), inflammatory infiltrate, and MMP-2 expression. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) identified secondary metabolites possibly related to phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Thus, the results confirmed the antitumoral activity that may be related to the presence of the identified metabolites in XaHF extract.

Efeitos tóxicos à saúde humana e ao ambiente causados pelo derramamento de rejeitos de minério da barragem de Fundão / Toxic effects to human health and the environment caused by the spillage of ore tailings from the Fundão dam

Objetivo: analisar as evidências científicas existentes até o presente momento que descrevem os efeitos tóxicos causados à saúde humana e ao ambiente, devido à liberação dos rejeitos de minério, decorrentes do rompimento da barragem de Fundão em Mariana - MG. Métodos: a revisão narrativa da literatura baseou-se na busca de artigos em quatro bases de dados: PubMed, SciELO, Science Direct e LILACS, utilizando os descritores "Dam", "Fundão" e "Mariana" junto com o operador booleano "AND". Resultados: trinta e quatro das oitenta e cinco publicações encontradas atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e foram utilizadas para compor a presente revisão. Foram observados os seguintes efeitos tóxicos: contaminação da água e do solo, principalmente, por metais pesados, potencial genotóxico, citotóxico e mutagênico da água, diminuição da diversidade microbiana, contaminação de peixes, perda da vegetação e prejuízos ao metabolismo de crescimento de plantas. Entre esses metais, foi relatado aumento na concentração de ferro, manganês, cobre, cádmio, chumbo, arsênio, cromo, magnésio, alumínio, mercúrio, cobalto, bário, níquel e selênio. Além disso, o desastre promoveu o aumento no número de casos de doenças humanas, como dengue, doenças respiratórias, dermatológicas, intestinais, psicológicas e comportamentais. Conclusão: todas as evidências científicas expostas na presente revisão sugerem que houve a contaminação ambiental, bem como da população local, por agentes tóxicos presentes nos rejeitos de minério, em especial metais pesados, liberados após o rompimento da barragem de Fundão. Assim, torna-se essencial a realização de mais estudos que visem esclarecer os efeitos tóxicos crônicos decorrentes dos rejeitos de minério liberados ao ambiente.

Objective: to analyze the scientific evidence existing to date that describes the toxic effects caused to human and the environmental health, due to the release of ore tailings, resulting from the rupture of the Fundão dam in Mariana-MG. Methods: the narrative literature review was based on a search for articles in four databases: PubMed, SciELO, Science Direct and LILACS, using the descriptors "Dam", "Fundão" and "Mariana" together with the Boolean operator "AND". Results: thirty-four, of the eighty-five publications found, met the inclusion criteria and were used to compose the present review. The following toxic effects were observed: contamination of water and soil mainly by heavy metals, genotoxic, cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of water, decrease in microbial diversity, contamination of fish, loss of vegetation, and impairment of plant growth metabolism. Among these metals, increased concentrations of iron, manganese, copper, cadmium, lead, arsenic, chromium, magnesium, aluminum, mercury, cobalt, barium, nickel and selenium were reported. In addition, the disaster promoted an increase in the number of cases of human diseases, such as dengue, respiratory, dermatological, intestinal, psychological and behavioral diseases. Conclusion: all the scientific evidence exposed in the present review that there was environmental contamination, as well as of the local population, by toxic agents present in the ore tailings, especially heavy metals, released after the collapse of the Fundão dam. Thus, further studies aimed at clarifying the chronic toxic effects resulting from the ore tailings released into the environment are essential.

Assessment of the Toxicological Effects of Pesticides and Detergent Mixtures on Zebrafish Gills: a Histological Study

Abstract Pesticides, as Temephos and Roundup, and surfactants, like Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS), when discharged into the environment, are harmful to non-target wildlife, especially fish. To evaluate the effects of those chemicals alone and their binary combinations, we assessed the histological alterations in Danio rerio gills after 15 days of exposure to Temephos (1ppm), Roundup (10ppm), SDS (2ppm), SDS plus Temephos (2ppm+1ppm), SDS plus Roundup (2ppm+10ppm) and Temephos plus Roundup (1ppm+10ppm). Hyperplasia, a regressive change, was significant in all exposed groups. The progressive change, complete fusion of lamellae, was significantly intensive in Roundup plus Temephos group. Regarding circulatory disturbances, vascular congestion was significant intensive in SDS group, while severe aneurysm was observed in Roundup group. Although xenobiotics in the blend are biologically complex, mainly for long periods, combinatorial exposure incremented only complete fusion of lamellae. Our results reinforce the rationalization of indiscriminate use of those compounds alone or in combination.

Histological and molecular changes in gill and liver of fish (Astyanax lacustris Lütken, 1875) exposed to water from the Doce basin after the rupture of a mining tailings dam in Mariana, MG, Brazil.

The effects of the rupture of a mining tailings dam were investigated using the gills and liver of Astyanax lacustris as a proxy for environmental quality. The fish were exposed for seven days to water sampled forming four groups: upstream of the dam rupture (P1), and 22 km (P2); 48 km (P3); and 70 km (P4) downstream from the dam rupture in the Doce River basin. The control group received dechlorinated tap water. The dissolved concentrations of metals were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). We evaluated the histology of the gills and liver, as well as, immunohistochemistry for HSP70 and Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA) in the gills, and for P-gp in liver. In all sites we observed a mix of metals, with higher concentrations of Mn, Cd, As, and Cu/Cr in P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively. All treatments groups showed histological changes in gills and liver, with the highest amount of these alterations found in the P2 group. Disorganization of the secondary lamellae, epithelial lifting, and mitochondria-rich cells (MRC) were observed in the gills. The parenchyma of the liver was rather disorganized, and hepatocytes and nuclei showed hypertrophy, vacuolization and cytoplasmic degeneration. A higher immunoreaction of HSP70 in P2 when compared with the other groups and lower labeling of HSP70 in the P4 was registered. In P2 and P3, NKA-positive cells were observed with hypertrophy and disorganization. Morphometric analyses of the liver revealed that all treatment groups presented a lower immunolabeling of P-gp when compared with the control group. Thus, the experimental approach revealed that the water from Doce basin can promote histological alterations in fish's liver and gills, as well as modulation of disruption of ionic balance, cellular responses to stress, and cell detoxification pathways.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of P-gp, LC3-II, and Cathepsin-D Associated with Histological Changes in Fish Liver: from the Impacted Environment to Clean Water

Abstract Herein we evaluated the histopathological alterations and expression patterns of multixenobiotic resistence (MXR) and autophagic proteins in liver samples of fish chronically exposed to anthropogenic contaminants in a highly polluted river, and then again after they had been transferred to good quality water. Two groups were established: euthanized on the day of capture (0 h), and maintained for 30 days in a tank (30 d). The fish of 0 h presented liver with vacuolated and hypertrophic hepatocytes. Also, it was observed strong immunostaining of cathepsin-D, LC3-II and P-gp. Necrosis and apoptosis were also observed throughout the liver. Conversely, the second group (30 d) showed recovery of the liver normal histology and weak immunoreaction of the studied proteins. So, our results indicated that there was a hepatic recovery in the fish kept in good quality water, as showed by the decreased expression of cathepsin-D, LC3-II, and the MXR (P-gp). Therefore, the alterations here observed could be proposed as potential biomarkers to be tested for following the impacts of remediation or mitigation measures to environmental impacts.

Chemical composition and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Duguetia furfuracea essential oil: Effect on edema, leukocyte recruitment, tumor necrosis factor alpha production, iNOS expression, and adenosinergic and opioidergic systems.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Duguetia furfuracea (A. St. -Hil.) Saff. (Annonaceae) is commonly known in Brazil as "araticum-seco," and its root is used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory and painful disorders. However, no studies have been performed to evaluate these therapeutic activities. AIM OF THE STUDY: Investigate the chemical composition, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, and elucidate the possible antinociceptive mechanisms of action from the essential oil of D. furfuracea (EODf) underground stem bark. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The paw edema induced by LPS, formalin-induced nociception, LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia and rota-rod tests in vivo were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in addition to the alteration on motor coordination. Histological analyses and an immunohistochemistry assay for iNOS were performed on mouse footpads of naive, control, 10 mg/kg EODf, and 10 mg/kg indomethacin (Ind) groups. The samples were removed at 1, 3, and 6 h after subplantar injection of LPS. In addition, the involvement of the adenosinergic, opioidergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic systems were investigated, in order to elucidate possible antinociceptive mechanisms. RESULTS: Twenty-four volatile constituents were detected and identified. (E)-asarone (21.9%), bicyclogermacrene (16.7%), 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene (16.1%), α-gurjunene (15%), cyperene (7.8%), and (E)-caryophyllene (4.6%) were major compounds found in EODf. Oral treatment (p.o.) with EODf (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the paw edema induced by LPS. At 10 mg/kg EODf promoted inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production, recruitment of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in paw tissue. EODf (10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) also reduced licking time in both phases of the formalin test and it had a significant effect on the LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia model. The administration of caffeine (Caf) and naloxone (Nal) reversed the antinociceptive activity of EODf, in the first phase of the formalin test and in the LPS-induced thermal hyperalgesia model. Moreover, Nal was also able to abolish the antinociception caused by EODf, in the second phase of formalin test. In the rota-rod test, EODf-treated animals did not show any alteration of motor coordination. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that EODf underground stem bark produces anti-inflammatory and both central and peripheral antinociceptive effects. Furthermore, the antinociceptive activity of EODf underground stem bark is possibly mediated by adenosinergic and opioidergic pathways, and its properties do not induce effects on motor coordination. These results support the use of the folk medicine, D. furfuracea root, to treat inflammation and painful conditions.

21­Benzylidene digoxin, a novel digoxin hemi-synthetic derivative, presents an anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of edema, tumour necrosis factor alpha production, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and leucocyte migration.

Recent findings have demonstrated new therapeutic functions of cardiotonic steroids, a process that is termed drug repositioning. Despite the confirmed anti-inflammatory effects of cardiotonic steroids, their clinical use has been discouraged due to toxicity related to inhibition of the Na+/K+ ATPase. A novel synthetic compound derived from digoxin, 21­benzylidene digoxin (21­BD), does not inhibit this enzyme. Herein, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects and acute toxicity of 21­BD. Murine (Swiss mice) models of paw oedema induced by carrageenan, acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, and formalin and acute toxicity tests were used. Oral administration of 21­BD (0.3 mg/kg) showed a significant and prolonged inhibition of paw oedema. Histological analysis demonstrated a reduction in inflammatory cells and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in footpads 6 h after administration of carrageenan. 21­BD (0.3 mg/kg) also reduced the levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α 2 and 4 h after carrageenan. 21­BD demonstrated antinociceptive activity, inhibiting abdominal writhes at all tested doses. However, in the formalin test, 21­BD did not present antinociceptive activity. In the acute toxicity test, 21­BD did not cause symptoms of toxicity or mortality. The present study demonstrated, for the first time, that 21­BD is safe and exhibits a marked anti-inflammatory activity in acute local inflammation. This effect might be a consequence of its ability to inhibit the release of the PMN leucocyte-derived mediators, including TNF-α, and iNOS expression as well as its inhibitory effect on oedema and PMN leucocyte infiltration.

Oogenesis is accompanied by cyclic morphological changes in hepatocytes of Neotropical freshwater fish Piabina argentea.

We determined for the first time the reproductive biology of Piabina argentea through macroscopic and microscopic analysis of ovaries and evaluated the morphological changes in hepatocytes. Two hundred and 46 specimens were collected, 204 females and 42 males, between March 2014 and February 2015. Biometrics data were obtained. From females, gonad and liver samples were conducted to histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Mature ovaries were used to determine absolute and relative fecundity. Total length and body weight values indicated that females were larger than males. The estimated weight-length ratio showed negative allometric growth. The absolute fecundity average was 171.83 ± 59.89 oocytes per ovary. In addition, females spawning capable and regressing stages were found throughout the sampling period and the presence of all oocyte types in regressing stage ovaries indicated asynchronous oocyte development and multiple spawning. From regenerating to spawning capable stage the oocytes accumulated yolk in cytoplasm became bigger. While in the liver hepatocytes with a larger cell area during regenerating stage and proliferative activity in the spawning capable stage were observed. Thus, our results indicate that P. argentea had an opportunistic reproductive strategy and cyclic morphological changes of hepatocytes occurred during the oogenesis.

Germ cell proliferation and apoptosis during testicular regression in a seasonal breeding fish kept in captivity.

Cell proliferation and apoptosis regulate germ cells stock and sperm production, eliminate anomalous gametes, and are essential parameters to consider in fish farming. Herein, spermatogenic activity as well as germ cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed in Leporinus taeniatus, a seasonal breeding species from the São Francisco River basin, Brazil. Testes of 24 adult fishes from a farming station were sampled between December and July and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for PCNA and TUNEL assay. The gonadosomatic index and seminiferous tubule diameters presented higher values during the breeding season (December/January and February/March), and then significantly reduced during the regression and resting stages (April/May and June/July). Phagocytosis of spermatozoa by Sertoli cells was evident during gonadal regression, but a significant number (up to 30%) remained at the tubular lumen during the resting stage. A higher PCNA/TUNEL ratio occurred in the breeding period, leading to an elevated proportion (%) of spermatogonia (GA and GB) in resting. Moreover, a higher TUNEL/PCNA ratio indicates the contribution of apoptosis to the reduction of germ cells during testicular regression. Together, these results indicate a shift in the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis that contributes to the regulation of the spermatogenic cycle and germ cells pool of L. taeniatus kept in captivity.

Proliferation, survival and cell death in fish gills remodeling: From injury to recovery.

Pollutants found dispersed in water can cause irritations on the gills, challenge the immune system and prejudice the welfare of the fish. Here we investigated molecules linked to proliferation, survival, and cell death, as well as inflammatory and vascular control, in a model of fish gill remodeling, from injury to recovery. We assessed the gill histology and immunohistochemistry for PCNA, iNOS, HSP70, and Bax in Hypostomus francisci obtained from a river subjected to chronic anthropic influences and then after they were placed in water of good quality. A total of 30 H. francisci adult individuals were collected and distributed into two groups: euthanized on the day of capture (group 1) and maintained for 30 days in an aquarium (group 2). In all the fish from group 1, the primary and secondary lamellae showed hypertrophy of the respiratory epithelium, lamellar fusion, lifting of the epithelium, aneurysm, hyperemia, and vascular congestion. On the other hand, in all the fish from group 2, restoration of gill integrity was observed, and the primary and secondary lamellae showed a simple epithelium, absence of lamellar fusion, hypertrophy, and aneurysm. Gills of fish from group 1 had higher frequency of cells immunopositive for PCNA, iNOS, HSP70, and Bax than those of fish from group 2 (p < 0.05). The molecular and cellular mechanisms from injury to recovery were proposed, with a balance between survival and cell death signals being essential for determining the gill structure. In addition, the findings indicate that recovery of the structural organization of gills is possible if fishes are maintained in good-quality water, indicating the importance of the conservation of aquatic environments.

Tapirira guianensis Aubl. Extracts Inhibit Proliferation and Migration of Oral Cancer Cells Lines.

Cancer of the head and neck is a group of upper aerodigestive tract neoplasms in which aggressive treatments may cause harmful side effects to the patient. In the last decade, investigations on natural compounds have been particularly successful in the field of anticancer drug research. Our aim is to evaluate the antitumor effect of Tapirira guianensis Aubl. extracts on a panel of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines. Analysis of secondary metabolites classes in fractions of T. guianensis was performed using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Mutagenicity effect was evaluated by Ames mutagenicity assay. The cytotoxic effect, and migration and invasion inhibition were measured. Additionally, the expression level of apoptosis-related molecules (PARP, Caspases 3, and Fas) and MMP-2 was detected using Western blot. Heterogeneous cytotoxicity response was observed for all fractions, which showed migration inhibition, reduced matrix degradation, and decreased cell invasion ability. Expression levels of MMP-2 decreased in all fractions, and particularly in the hexane fraction. Furthermore, overexpression of FAS and caspase-3, and increase of cleaved PARP indicates possible apoptosis extrinsic pathway activation. Antiproliferative activity of T. guianensis extract in HNSCC cells lines suggests the possibility of developing an anticancer agent or an additive with synergic activities associated with conventional anticancer therapy.

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw infected with Actinomyces sp: a challenge for clinical practice / Osteonecrose de mandíbula infectada com Actinomyces sp: um desafio para a prática clínica

The Actinomyces sp has been linked to osteoradionecrosis of the jaw. The identification of these bacteria on histopathological findings confers a determining factor of poor prognosis and is related to difficulties of local control of bone necrosis and risk of recurrent infections. The treatment is complicated due to insidious growth pattern of Actinomyces sp. The methods for diagnosis and therapeutic approaches constitute challenges that underscore the need for understanding the risk factors for infection and knowledge about clinical conditions associated with this pathology. The objective of this study is to report two cases of cancer patients suffering from an osteoradionecrosis infection by Actinomyces sp, to describe approaches and discuss therapeutic options in the light of the current literature.

O Actinomyces sp tem sido associado a osteorradionecrose. A identificação desta bactéria confere um fator determinante de mau prognóstico e está relacionado a dificuldades do controle da necrose óssea local e a risco de infecções recorrentes. O tratamento é complicado devido ao padrão de crescimento insidioso do Actinomyces sp. Os métodos de diagnóstico e as abordagens terapêuticas constituem desafios que reforçam a necessidade de compreender os fatores de risco para a infecção e o conhecimento sobre as condições clínicas associadas a esta patologia. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar dois casos clínicos de pacientes com câncer que sofrem infecção osteorradionecrose por Actinomyces sp, para descrever as abordagens e discutir as opções terapêuticas à luz da literatura atual.

Efeito da natacao associada a diferentes tratamentos sobre o musculo soleo de ratos: estudo histologico e morfometrico / Effect of swimming associated with different treatments on rat soleus muscle: histological and morphometric study / Efecto de la natacion vinculada a diversos tratamientos sobre el musculo soleo de ratones: estudio histologico y morfometrico

INTRODUÇÃO: O uso de suplementos ergogênicos farmacológicos e nutricionais cresce a cada dia no ambiente esportivo. A creatina e os esteroides anabólicos são os recursos ergogênicos mais procurados ultimamente. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações histológicas e morfométricas do músculo sóleo de ratos que receberam suplementos e foram submetidos a treinamento físico (TF) de natação. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 50 ratos, distribuidos em cinco grupos: três não submetidos à atividade física (controles) e dois que receberam treinamento de natação (treinados). Um grupo controle recebeu apenas ração (grupo controle ração), dois grupos (um controle e outro treinado) receberam diariamente 3,3 mg de creatina por grama de dieta dissolvida em água aplicada oralmente via gavagem, e os outros dois grupos (um controle e outro treinado) receberam injeção intramuscular do esteroide anabolizante decanoato de nandrolona (Deca-durabolin(r) - Organon) 5 mg/kg duas vezes por semana. Os grupos treinados foram submetidos ao TF com duração de 60 min/sessão de segunda a sexta-feira por nove semanas, e foram sacrificados no final deste período. Após o sacrifício, o músculo sóleo foi retirado, fixado em formalina (10%) tamponada e incluído em parafina. Os cortes histológicos foram corados pela técnica de hematoxilina-eosina para avaliação de hiperplasia e hipertrofia muscular. Para análise dos dados aplicou-se a análise de variância ANOVA One-Way com post hoc de Tukey-Kramer com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Foi demonstrado que a creatina associada ao exercício provavelmente aumente o espaço intersticial no músculo esquelético sem alterar o tamanho ou número de fibras musculares, enquanto ...

INTRODUCTION: The use of pharmacologic and nutritional ergogenic supplements is growing every day in sports environment. Creatine and anabolic steroids are the most popular ergogenic resources used lately. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the histological and morphometric changes of the soleus muscle of rats receiving supplements and submitted to physical training (swimming). METHODS: 50 rats were allocated into five groups: three did not undergo physical activity (controls) and two that received swimming training (trained). A control group received only rat chow (control chow group), two groups (one control and one trained) received 3.3mg of creatine per gram of diet dissolved in water daily applied orally via gavage, and the other two groups (control and other trained) received intramuscular injections of the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate (Deca-durabolin(r) - Organon) 5mg/kg twice weekly. The trained groups were submitted to the physical training 60min/day lasting from Monday to Friday for 9 weeks and were sacrificed at the end of the period. After sacrifice, the soleus muscle was removed, fixed in buffered formalin (10%) and embedded in paraffin. The histological sections were stained by hematoxylin-eosin for evaluation of muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy. For data analysis we applied the One-Way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey-Kramer significance level of 5%. RESULTS: It was shown that creatine during exercise probably increase the interstitial space in skeletal muscle without changing the size or number of muscle fibers, whereas the anabolic agent increased the number of muscle fibers per muscle area examined, though no changes have been observed in the area of the fiber. CONCLUSION: The muscle of rats submitted to swimming training responds differently opposite type of ergogenic aid used. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: El uso de suplementos ergogénicos farmacológicos y nutricionales crece, cada día, en el ambiente deportivo. La creatina y los esteroides anabólicos son los recursos ergogénicos más procurados en los últimos tiempos. OBJETIVO: Evaluar las alteraciones histológicas y morfométricas del músculo sóleo de ratones que recibieron suplementos y fueron sometidos a entrenamiento físico (EF) de natación. MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron 50 ratones, distribuidos en cinco grupos: tres de estos no sometidos a la actividad física (controles) y dos que recibieron entrenamiento de natación (entrenados). Un grupo de control recibió solamente ración (grupo de controle por ración), dos grupos (uno de control y otro entrenado) recibieron diariamente 3,3 mg de creatina, por gramo de dieta, disuelta en agua aplicada oralmente vía gavaje, y los otros dos grupos (uno de control y otro entrenado) recibieron inyección intramuscular del esteroide anabolizante decanoato de nandrolona (Deca-durabolin(r) - Organon), 5 mg/kg dos veces por semana. Los grupos entrenados fueron sometidos al EF, con duración de 60 min/sesión, de lunes a viernes durante nueve semanas, y fueron sacrificados al final de este período. Después del sacrificio, el músculo sóleo fue retirado, fijado en formalina (10%) tamponada e insertado en parafina. Los cortes histológicos fueron coloridos mediante la técnica de hematoxilina-eosina para evaluación de hiperplasia e hipertrofia muscular. Para el análisis de los datos se aplicó el análisis de variancia ANOVA One-Way con post hoc de Tukey-Kramer, con nivel de significancia de 5%. RESULTADOS: Se demostró que la creatina, vinculada al ejercicio, aumenta probablemente el espacio intersticial en el músculo esquelético, sin alterar el tamaño ni el ...

Induced spawning and reproductive variables of the catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri Steindachner, 1876 (siluriformes: pseudopimelodidae)

Lophiosilurus alexandri is an endemic fish from the São Francisco River basin, Brazil. The aim of this study was to induce L. alexandri to spawn and to obtain data on several reproductive variables for this species. For induced spawning, adults were submitted to Cyprinus carpio pituitary homogenate (CPH). Nine of the 12 females (75%) responded positively to the treatment. The stripping of oocytes was performed 8.4 h after the second dose of CPH with the water temperature maintained at 26ºC. The number of stripped oocytes per gram of ova was 74 ± 5 oocytes g-1, and the mean oocyte diameter was 3.1 ± 0.2 and 3.6 ± 0.2 mm, before and after hydration, respectively. The oocytes were opaque, yellowish, demersal, highly adhesive, and covered by a gelatinous coat. The total fecundity was 4,534 ± 671 oocytes, and the fertilization rate was 59%. The initial and final fertilities were 2,631 ± 740 and 1,542 ± 416 embryos, respectively. Larval hatching occurred up to 56 h after fertilization, and the larvae had a total length of 8.4 ± 0.1 mm. This work provides important biological information for L. alexandri that can be used for management and conservation of this species.

Lophiosilurus alexandri é um peixe endêmico da bacia do rio São Francisco, Brasil. O objetivo do trabalho foi induzir L. alexandri à desova e obter dados sobre várias variáveis reprodutivas para esta espécie. Para desova induzida, adultos foram submetidos ao homogeneizado de hipófise de Cyprinus carpio (HHC). Nove das 12 fêmeas (75%) responderam positivamente ao tratamento. A extrusão dos ovócitos aconteceu 8,4 h após a segunda dose de HHC com a temperatura da água mantida a 26ºC. O número de ovócitos liberados por grama de ova foi de 74 ± 5 ovócitos g-1 e a média do diâmetro ovocitário foi de 3,1 ± 0,2 e 3,6 ± 0,2 mm, antes e depois da hidratação, respectivamente. Os ovócitos foram opacos, amarelo-castanho, demersais, altamente adesivos e revestidos por capa gelatinosa. A fecundidade total apresentou 4.534 ± 671 ovócitos e a taxa de fertilização foi de 59%. As fertilidades inicial e final foram de 2.631 ± 740 e 1.542 ± 416 embriões, respectivamente. A eclosão das larvas aconteceu até 56 h após a fertilização e as larvas tiveram comprimento total de 8,4 ± 0,1 mm. Este trabalho fornece informações biológicas importantes para L. alexandri, que podem ser utilizadas para o manejo e conservação desta espécie.

Carcinoma neuroendócrino de pequenas células de laringe: relato de caso erevisão da literatura / Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx: case report and literature revie

O presente relato de caso refere-se ao carcinomaneuroendócrino de pequenas células de laringe acometendouma mulher de 52 anos. Este carcinoma é umaneoplasia altamente maligna com metástases frequentese taxa de sobrevida baixa. Depois dos carcinomasespinocelulares, os tumores de laringe mais frequentessão os neuroendócrinos, que podem ser derivados decélulas neurais ou epiteliais. Os tumores neuroendócrinosderivados de epitélio podem ser classificados emquatro grupos patológicos bem definidos: tumor carcinoide,tumor carcinoide atípico, carcinoma neuroendócrinode pequenas células e carcinoma neuroendócrinode células grandes. Os carcinomas neuroendócrinos têmmorfologia distinta, entretanto apresentam perfil imunohistoquímicomarcado por algumas combinações depositividade para citoqueratina, cromogranina, sinaptofisina,CD56, CD57, enolase, serotonina, somatostatinae bombesina. Esses tumores da laringe apresentam umgrande espectro de evolução clínica, dependente dosubtipo histológico, que influencia significativamente oplanejamento de todo o tratamento.

This case report refers to small cell neuroendocrinecarcinoma of the larynx affecting a 52-year-old female.This is a highly malignant neoplasm with frequentmetastases and a lower survival rate. After squamouscarcinomas, the most frequent tumors of the larynx arethe neuroendocrine, these tumors can be derived fromneural or epithelial cells. Neuroendocrine tumors derivedfrom epithelium can be classified into four pathologicalcategories defined: carcinoid tumor, atypical carcinoidtumor, small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma andlarge cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. It is known thatdespite of having distinct morphology, neuroendocrinecarcinomas have immunohistochemical profile markedby some combination of positive for cytokeratin, chromogranin,synaptophysin, CD56, CD57, enolase, serotonin,somatostatin and bombesin. These laryngeal tumorsshow a broad spectrum of clinical, dependent onthe histological subtype, which influences the planningof the whole treatment.