Hormonal protocols for the synchronization and induction of synchronized estrus in dairy ewes kept under tropical conditions

Background: Lacaune is an important sheep breed and shows reproductive seasonality which affects dairy product supply. The most common hormonal protocols are based on progesterone-releasing devices in order to reach reproductive activity. Due to international consumer demand for natural, green, and clean methods, such issues encourage the minimal or absent use of synthetic hormones in livestock. In this sense, the present study tested the efficiency of induction and estrus synchronization protocols in lacaune ewes, considering: application interval of synthetic prostaglandin at the breeding season; length of synthetic progesterone exposure; and eCG dose at the outbreeding season. Materials, Methods & Results: In study 1: 52 ewes were submitted to estrus synchronization protocol using two doses of d-cloprostenol 7 or 9 days apart. In study 2: 47 ewes were submitted to estrus induction protocol using an intravaginal device containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate maintained for 6, 9, or 12 days. In study 3: 46 ewes were submitted to synchronized estrus induction protocol using intravaginal progesterone device for six days. On the fifth day, d-cloprostenol and 300 IU or 400 IU of eCG were administered. For all studies, signs of estrus beginning/ending were recorded and natural mating was performed. After 30 days, transrectal ultrasound was performed for pregnancy diagnosis. In study 1, groups presented similar rate of estrus behavior (78.8%) and pregnancy (average 75.6%). Meanwhile, compared to G9days (37.8 ± 7.2 h), interval between the second dose of prostaglandin and beginning of estrus was smaller in G7days (31.5 ± 7.8 h). No difference was found among variables studied in study 2 (P > 0.05), nevertheless the SD for the estrus duration was shorter (P < 0.05) in G6days and G12 days when compared with the G9days . Equally, the SD...

Selective laser trabeculoplasty compared with medical treatment for the initial management of open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty is a relatively new therapeutic alternative for the management of open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. On the other hand, medical treatment has robust data supporting its efficacy and has progressed in last decades with the introduction of prostaglandin analogues. To compare these two therapies, we searched Epistemonikos database, which is maintained by screening 30 databases, and identified four systematic reviews including four randomized and one non-randomized clinical trial. We combined the evidence using meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table following the GRADE approach. We concluded that selective laser trabeculoplasty leads to a smaller absolute intraocular pressure reduction than medical treatment. However, it is not clear if there are differences in treatment success rate or need of additional antiglaucomatous interventions, because the quality of the evidence is low.

La trabeculoplastía láser selectiva es una alternativa terapéutica relativamente reciente para el manejo del glaucoma de ángulo abierto y la hipertensión ocular. Por otro lado, el tratamiento médico es de efectividad probada, e incluso ha mejorado en las últimas décadas con la introducción de los análogos de prostaglandinas. Buscamos la evidencia que compara ambos tratamientos utilizando la base de datos Epistemonikos, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en 30 bases de datos. Identificamos cuatro revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyen cuatro estudios aleatorizados y un estudio no aleatorizado y realizamos un metanálisis y tablas de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. Concluimos que la trabeculoplastía láser selectiva produce una reducción absoluta de presión intraocular de menor magnitud que el tratamiento médico. Sin embargo, no está claro si existen diferencias en la tasa de éxito del tratamiento o la necesidad de intervenciones antiglaucomatosas adicionales porque la certeza de la evidencia es muy baja.

Ocular surface evaluation in patients treated with a fixed combination of prostaglandin analogues with 0.5% timolol maleate topical monotherapy: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare ocular surface changes induced via glaucoma treatment in patients using fixed combinations of prostaglandin analogues (travoprost, latanoprost and bimatoprost) with 0.5% timolol maleate METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, randomized, parallel group, single-blind clinical trial was performed in 33 patients with ocular hypertension or open angle glaucoma who had not been previously treated. The ocular surface was evaluated prior to and three months after treatment, with a daily drop instillation of one of the three medications. The main outcome measurements included the tear film break-up time, Schirmer's test, Lissamine green staining, the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, impression cytology using HE and PAS and immunocytochemistry for interleukin-6 and HLA-DR. Ensaiosclinicos.gov.br: UTN - U1111-1129-2872 RESULTS: All of the drugs induced a significant reduction in intraocular pressure. Decreases in the Schirmer's test results were observed with all of the drugs. Decreases in tear-film break-up time were noted with travoprost/timolol and latanoprost/timolol. An increase in the Lissamine green score was noted with travoprost/timolol and bimatoprost/timolol. The Ocular Surface Disease Index score increased after treatment in the travoprost/timolol group. Impression cytology revealed a significant difference in cell-to-cell contact in the same group, an increase in cellularity in all of the groups and an increase in the number of goblet cells in all of the groups. The fixed combinations induced an increase in IL-6 expression in the travoprost/timolol group, in which there was also an increase in HLA-DR expression. CONCLUSIONS: All of the fixed combinations induced a significant reduction in intraocular pressure, and the travoprost/timolol group showed increased expression of the inflammatory markers HLA-DR and interleukin-6. All three tested medications resulted in some degree of deterioration in the ocular surface after three months of glaucoma treatment.

Ocular surface evaluation in patients treated with a fixed combination of prostaglandin analogues with 0.5% timolol maleate topical monotherapy: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES: To compare ocular surface changes induced via glaucoma treatment in patients using fixed combinations of prostaglandin analogues (travoprost, latanoprost and bimatoprost) with 0.5% timolol maleate METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, randomized, parallel group, single-blind clinical trial was performed in 33 patients with ocular hypertension or open angle glaucoma who had not been previously treated. The ocular surface was evaluated prior to and three months after treatment, with a daily drop instillation of one of the three medications. The main outcome measurements included the tear film break-up time, Schirmer's test, Lissamine green staining, the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, impression cytology using HE and PAS and immunocytochemistry for interleukin-6 and HLA-DR. Ensaiosclinicos.gov.br: UTN - U1111-1129-2872 RESULTS: All of the drugs induced a significant reduction in intraocular pressure. Decreases in the Schirmer's test results were observed with all of the drugs. Decreases in tear-film break-up time were noted with travoprost/timolol and latanoprost/timolol. An increase in the Lissamine green score was noted with travoprost/timolol and bimatoprost/timolol. The Ocular Surface Disease Index score increased after treatment in the travoprost/timolol group. Impression cytology revealed a significant difference in cell-to-cell contact in the same group, an increase in cellularity in all of the groups and an increase in the number of goblet cells in all of the groups. The fixed combinations induced an increase in IL-6 expression in the travoprost/timolol group, in which there was also an increase in HLA-DR expression. CONCLUSIONS: All of the fixed combinations induced a significant reduction in intraocular pressure, and the travoprost/timolol group showed increased expression of the inflammatory markers HLA-DR and interleukin-6. All three tested medications resulted in some degree of deterioration in ...

Conjunctival inflammation in patients under topical glaucoma treatment with indication to surgery / Inflamação conjuntival em pacientes em tratamento tópico para glaucoma com indicação de cirurgia

PURPOSE: To compare the frequency of conjunctival HLA-DR expression (a surrogate marker for inflammation) in eyes treated with topical prostaglandin analogues versus eyes treated with other topical antiglaucomatous drugs. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma presenting indication for trabeculectomy were divided in groups according to the use or not of prostaglandin analogues. All subjects were treated with the maximum tolerated dose of antiglaucomatous drugs until the date of the surgery. At the beginning of the surgical procedure, a 5 x 5 mm biopsy of the bulbar conjunctiva was collected, incubated with monoclonal anti-HLA-DR antibody and processed for histological analysis. RESULTS: Of the 31 eyes included (31 patients), 25 were under topical prostaglandin analogues (Group 1) and six under other topical pharmacological agents (Group 2). Fourteen eyes of Group 1 (56%) and three of Group 2 (50 %) were positive for the inflammatory marker HLA-DR (P=1.0). The percentage of stained cells ranged from 15.49 to 48.09% (median: 27.61) in Group 1, and from 18.35 to 28 (median: 20.71) in Group 2, with no differences statistically significant (p=0.33). CONCLUSION: The use of prostaglandin analogues did not increase conjunctival expression of HLA-DR compared to other topical antiglaucomatous agents.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Comparar a frequência da expressão conjuntival de HLA-DR (marcador inflamatório) em olhos tratados com análogos de prostaglandinas de uso tópico com a frequência em olhos tratados com outros medicamentos. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto apresentando indicação de trabeculectomia foram agrupados segundo o uso ou não de análogos de prostaglandinas. Todos os participantes foram tratados com medicação máxima tolerada até o momento da cirurgia. Ao início do procedimento cirúrgico, uma biópsia de 5 x 5 mm da conjuntiva bulbar foi coletada, incubada com anticorpo monoclonal anti-HLA-DR e processada para análise histológica RESULTADOS: Dentre os 31 olhos incluídos (31 pacientes), 25 estavam em uso de análogos de prostaglandinas (Grupo 1) e seis em uso de outros agentes antiglaucomatosos (Grupo 2). Quatorze olhos do Grupo 1 (56%) e três do Grupo 2 (50%) apresentaram positividade para o marcador HLA-DR (p=1,0). A porcentagem de células coradas variou de 15,49 a 48,09% (mediana: 27,61%) no Grupo 1 e de 18,35 a 28% (mediana: 20,71%) no Grupo 2, com diferenças não estatisticamente significativas (p=0,33). CONCLUSÃO: O uso de análogos de prostaglandinas não aumenta a expressão conjuntival de HLA-DR comparado com outros medicamentos tópicos para o tratamento de glaucoma.(AU)

Conjunctival changes induced by prostaglandin analogues and timolol maleate: a histomorphometric study

PURPOSE: To compare histological changes induced by antiglaucoma medications in the rabbit conjunctiva. METHODS: Fifty New Zealand rabbits were divided in 5 groups of 10 animals. The left eyes were treated daily with one drop of bimatoprost 0.03 percent, travoprost 0.004 percent, latanoprost 0.005 percent, timolol maleate 0.5 percent or artificial tears containing benzalkonium chloride (BAK) for 30 days. The right eyes served as controls. Superior limbic conjunctival biopsies were performed at the 8th and 30th day in 5 rabbits of each group. The conjunctiva was fixed with 10 percent formaldehyde, followed by HE and PAS staining. Morphohistometric quantitative analyses were performed to evaluate the following parameters: inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial thickness, number of goblet cells, diameter and number of blood vessels. RESULTS: At the 8th and 30th posttreatment days, all groups, except one that received artificial tears, exhibited a diffuse inflammatory infiltrate, composed by lymphocytes and neutrophils, which was denser in the timolol group than in the prostaglandin (PG) analogues groups. At the 30th day, the timolol group also showed an increased subepithelial collagen density and a significant increase in epithelial thickness (p=0.0035). The goblet cell density was significantly increased at the 8th day in the group treated with travoprost (p=0.0006), and at the 30th day in those treated with bimatoprost (p=0.0021) and latanoprost (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Although a moderate, diffuse inflammatory infiltrate was observed in PG-treated eyes, no changes in conjunctival epithelial thickness or subconjunctival collagen density were observed with these medications, suggesting that these drugs induce fewer changes than timolol maleate in the rabbit conjunctiva.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar alterações histológicas induzidas por medicação anti-glaucomatosa na conjuntiva de coelhos. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia foram divididos em 5 grupos de 10 animais. Os olhos esquerdos foram tratados com uma gota diária de bimatoprosta 0,03 por cento, travoprosta 0,004 por cento, latanoprosta 0,005 por cento, maleato de timolol 0,5 por cento ou lágrimas artificiais contendo cloreto de benzalcônio (BAK) por 30 dias. Os olhos direitos serviram como controles. Foram realizadas biópsias conjuntivais límbicas superiores no 8º e 30º dias em 5 coelhos de cada grupo. A conjuntiva foi fixada com formaldeído 10 por cento, seguido por coloração de HE e PAS. Foi realizada análise quantitativa morfohistométrica para avaliar os seguintes parâmetros: infiltrado inflamatório, espessura epitelial, número de células caliciformes, diâmetro e número de vasos sanguíneos. RESULTADOS: No 8º e 30º dias de tratamento, todos os grupos, exceto aquele que recebeu lágrimas artificiais, exibiram infiltrado inflamatório difuso, composto por linfócitos e neutrófilos, sendo mais denso no grupo timolol do que nos grupos dos análogos de prostaglandinas. No 30º dia, o grupo timolol apresentou um aumento na densidade de colágeno subepitelial e um aumento significativo da espessura epitelial (p=0,0035). A densidade de células caliciformes aumentou significativamente no 8º dia no grupo tratado com travoprosta (p=0,0006), e no 30º dia nos grupos tratados com bimatoprosta (p=0,0021) e latanoprosta (p=0,009). CONCLUSÕES: Embora tenha sido observado um infiltrado inflamatório difuso e moderado nos olhos tratados com análogos de prostaglandinas, não houve alterações na espessura epitelial conjuntival ou densidade colágena subepitelial com essas medicações, sugerindo que essas drogas induzem menores alterações que o maleato de timolol na conjuntiva de coelhos.

Conjunctival changes induced by prostaglandin analogues and timolol maleate: a histomorphometric study.

PURPOSE: To compare histological changes induced by antiglaucoma medications in the rabbit conjunctiva. METHODS: Fifty New Zealand rabbits were divided in 5 groups of 10 animals. The left eyes were treated daily with one drop of bimatoprost 0.03%, travoprost 0.004%, latanoprost 0.005%, timolol maleate 0.5% or artificial tears containing benzalkonium chloride (BAK) for 30 days. The right eyes served as controls. Superior limbic conjunctival biopsies were performed at the 8th and 30th day in 5 rabbits of each group. The conjunctiva was fixed with 10% formaldehyde, followed by HE and PAS staining. Morphohistometric quantitative analyses were performed to evaluate the following parameters: inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial thickness, number of goblet cells, diameter and number of blood vessels. RESULTS: At the 8th and 30th posttreatment days, all groups, except one that received artificial tears, exhibited a diffuse inflammatory infiltrate, composed by lymphocytes and neutrophils, which was denser in the timolol group than in the prostaglandin (PG) analogues groups. At the 30th day, the timolol group also showed an increased subepithelial collagen density and a significant increase in epithelial thickness (p=0.0035). The goblet cell density was significantly increased at the 8th day in the group treated with travoprost (p=0.0006), and at the 30th day in those treated with bimatoprost (p=0.0021) and latanoprost (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Although a moderate, diffuse inflammatory infiltrate was observed in PG-treated eyes, no changes in conjunctival epithelial thickness or subconjunctival collagen density were observed with these medications, suggesting that these drugs induce fewer changes than timolol maleate in the rabbit conjunctiva.

Efecto de la dosis reducida de un análogo de la prostanglandina (luprostiol) por vía submucosa intravulvar en la luteólisis y la manifestación en vacas Suizo Pardo / Effect of reduce dose of prostaglandin via intravulva submucosal on the luteolytic effect and the estrous cycle in brown swiss cows

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar si la dosis reducida de un análogo de la prostaglandina (Luprostiol) (LP) por vía submucosa intravulvar (SMIV) e ipsilateral al cuerpo lúteo (IPL) inducen la luteólisis y la manifestación del estro. Se utilizaron 39 vacas de la raza Suizo Pardo en producción con ciclos estrales regulares, las cuales fueron asignadas a los siguientes tratamientos: 15 mg de LP por vía intramuscular (n=13); T1, 11.2 mg de LP por vía SMIV e IPL (n=13); T2, 7.5 mg de LP por vía SMIV e IPL (n=13). Se tomaron muestras sanguíneas para medir la concentración plasmática de progesterona (P4) a la 0 h y posteriormente cada 12 h, hasta las 72 h postratamiento. Se consideró la luteólisis (LUT) cuando las concentraciones de P4 fueron menores de 1 ng/ml y se mantuvieron hasta las 72 h postratamiento. A las 0 h, inicio de los tratamientos, la concentración de P4 fue de 3.22 ng/ml, después de las 24 h los niveles de P4 fueron menores de 1 ng/ml y se mantuvieron hasta las 72 h postratamiento, sin mostrar diferencia entre los grupos tratados (P>0.05). El porcentaje total del estro (PTE) (84.1 por ciento) y el intervalo tratamiento-manifestación del estro (ITE) (86.4 h) fueron similares entre tratamientos (P>0.05). El peso corporal, el nivel de producción láctea, el número de parto y el intervalo parto-tratamiento no fueron determinantes para efectuar la LUT, el ITE y el PTE (P>0.05). Las vacas que recibieron dosis reducidas de LP por vía SMIV e IPL tuvieron LUT, ITE y PTE similares a los observados en vacas con una dosis completa y por vía intramuscular