Ghrelin plasma levels, gastric ghrelin cell density and bone mineral density in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Generalized bone loss can be considered an extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that may lead to the occurrence of fractures, resulting in decreased quality of life and increased healthcare costs. The peptide ghrelin has demonstrated to positively affect osteoblasts in vitro and has anti-inflammatory actions, but the studies that correlate ghrelin plasma levels and RA have contradictory results. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between total ghrelin plasma levels, density of ghrelin-immunoreactive cells in the gastric mucosa, and bone mineral density (BMD) in twenty adult women with established RA with 6 months or more of symptoms (mean age of 52.70±11.40 years). Patients with RA presented higher ghrelin-immunoreactive cells density in gastric mucosa (P=0.008) compared with healthy females. There was a positive relationship between femoral neck BMD and gastric ghrelin cell density (P=0.007). However, these same patients presented a negative correlation between plasma ghrelin levels and total femoral BMD (P=0.03). The present results indicate that ghrelin may be involved in bone metabolism of patients with RA. However, the higher density of ghrelin-producing cells in the gastric mucosa of these patients does not seem to induce a corresponding elevation in the plasma levels of this peptide.

Coconut water solutions for the preservation of spleen, ovary, and skin autotransplants in rats.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of coconut water in the preservation of spleen, ovary, and skin autotransplantations in rats. METHODS: Fifty female Wistar rats were divided randomly into 5 groups on the basis of the following tissue graft preservation solutions: group 1, lactated Ringer's; group 2, Belzer's solution; group 3, mature coconut water; group 4, green coconut water; and group 5, modified green coconut water. In group 5, the green coconut water solution was modified to obtain the same electrolyte composition as Belzer's solution. The spleen, ovaries, and a skin fragment were removed from each animal, stored for 6 hours in one of the solutions, and then re-implanted. The recoveries of tissue functions were assessed 90 days after surgery by means of spleen scintigraphy and blood tests. The implanted tissues were collected for histological analyses. RESULTS: Higher immunoglobulin G levels were observed in the animals of group 5 than in the animals of group 1. Differences in follicle-stimulating hormone levels were observed between groups 1 and 2 (P < .001), between groups 4 and 2 (P = .03), and between groups 5 and 2 (P = .01). The spleen scintigraphy results did not differ among the groups. The ovarian tissue was better preserved in the mature coconut water group (P < .007). CONCLUSIONS: Solutions containing coconut water allowed for the preservation of the spleen, ovaries, and skin for 6 hours, and the normal functions of these tissues were maintained in rats.

Conducted healing to treat large skin wounds.

BACKGROUND: Improvement of the healing process to provide better aesthetical and functional results continues to be a surgical challenge. This study compared the treatment of skin wounds by means of conducted healing (an original method of treatment by secondary healing) and by the use of autogenous skin grafts. METHOD: Two skin segments, one on each side of the dorsum,were removed from 17 rabbits. The side that served as a graft donor site was left open as to undergo conducted healing (A)and was submitted only to debridement and local care with dressings. The skin removed from the side mentioned above was implanted as a graft (B) to cover the wound on the other side. Thus, each animal received the two types of treatment on its dorsum (A and B). The rabbits were divided into two groups according to the size of the wounds: Group 1 - A and B (4 cm2)and Group 2 - A and B (25 cm2). The healing time was 19 days for Group 1 and 35 days for Group 2. The final macro- and microscopic aspects of the healing process were analysed comparatively among all subgroups. The presence of inflammatory cells, epidermal cysts and of giant cells was evaluated. RESULTS: No macro- or microscopic differences were observed while comparing the wounds that underwent conducted healing and those in which grafting was employed, although the wounds submitted to conducted healing healed more rapidly. CONCLUSIONS: Conducted wound healing was effective for the treatment of skin wounds.

Argyrophil cell density in the oxyntic mucosa is higher in female than in male morbidly obese patients.

Obesity is a multifactorial disorder often associated with many important diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and other metabolic syndrome conditions. Argyrophil cells represent almost the total population of endocrine cells of the human gastric mucosa and some reports have described changes of specific types of these cells in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome. The present study was designed to evaluate the global population of argyrophil cells of the gastric mucosa of morbidly obese and dyspeptic non-obese patients. Gastric biopsies of antropyloric and oxyntic mucosa were obtained from 50 morbidly obese patients (BMI >40) and 50 non-obese patients (17 dyspeptic overweight and 33 lean individuals) and processed for histology and Grimelius staining for argyrophil cell demonstration. Argyrophil cell density in the oxyntic mucosa of morbidly obese patients was higher in female (238.68 ± 83.71 cells/mm(2)) than in male patients (179.31 ± 85.96 cells/mm(2)) and also higher in female (214.20 ± 50.38 cells/mm(2)) than in male (141.90 ± 61.22 cells/mm(2)) morbidly obese patients with metabolic syndrome (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively). In antropyloric mucosa, the main difference in argyrophil cell density was observed between female morbidly obese patients with (167.00 ± 69.30 cells/mm(2)) and without (234.00 ± 69.54 cells/mm(2)) metabolic syndrome (P = 0.001). In conclusion, the present results show that the number of gastric argyrophil cells could be under gender influence in patients with morbid obesity. In addition, gastric argyrophil cells seem to behave differently among female morbidly obese patients with and without metabolic syndrome.

Argyrophil cell density in the oxyntic mucosa is higher in female than in male morbidly obese patients

Obesity is a multifactorial disorder often associated with many important diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and other metabolic syndrome conditions. Argyrophil cells represent almost the total population of endocrine cells of the human gastric mucosa and some reports have described changes of specific types of these cells in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome. The present study was designed to evaluate the global population of argyrophil cells of the gastric mucosa of morbidly obese and dyspeptic non-obese patients. Gastric biopsies of antropyloric and oxyntic mucosa were obtained from 50 morbidly obese patients (BMI >40) and 50 non-obese patients (17 dyspeptic overweight and 33 lean individuals) and processed for histology and Grimelius staining for argyrophil cell demonstration. Argyrophil cell density in the oxyntic mucosa of morbidly obese patients was higher in female (238.68 ± 83.71 cells/mm2) than in male patients (179.31 ± 85.96 cells/mm2) and also higher in female (214.20 ± 50.38 cells/mm2) than in male (141.90 ± 61.22 cells/mm2) morbidly obese patients with metabolic syndrome (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively). In antropyloric mucosa, the main difference in argyrophil cell density was observed between female morbidly obese patients with (167.00 ± 69.30 cells/mm2) and without (234.00 ± 69.54 cells/mm2) metabolic syndrome (P = 0.001). In conclusion, the present results show that the number of gastric argyrophil cells could be under gender influence in patients with morbid obesity. In addition, gastric argyrophil cells seem to behave differently among female morbidly obese patients with and without metabolic syndrome.

Enhanced Eu3+ emission in aqueous phosphotungstate colloidal systems: stabilization of polyoxometalate nanostructures.

Luminescent Eu(3+)-containing polyphosphate-tungstate aqueous colloidal systems were prepared and studied as a function of the relative polyphosphate-tungstate content. In polyphosphate-rich solutions, Eu(3+) ions occupy cagelike sites composed of phosphate groups from the metaphosphate chains. In these sites, an average number of 0.5 water molecule coordinates to an Eu(3+) ion and the (5)D(0) emission quantum efficiency is 0.22. Tungstate addition leads to important modifications in neighboring Eu(3+) leading to coordination sites in the aqueous medium where metal ions are completely hidden from interactions with solvent molecules. Transmission electron microscopy results clearly show W-rich nanoparticles with sizes between 5 and 10 nm for all tungstate relative concentrations. For high tungstate relative contents (above 30 mol %), spectroscopic results suggest the presence of Eu(3+) in polyoxometalate (POM)-like sites by comparison with the well-known decatungstoeuropate [EuW(10)O(36)](9-) structure. These new aqueous colloids display surprisingly high (5)D(0) emission quantum efficiencies of ca 80% because of the strong ligand field provided by tungstate POM ligands and the complete absence of water molecules from the Eu(3+) first coordination shell.

Gastrinaemia, tissue gastrin concentration and G cell density in the antral mucosa of swine with and without gastric ulcer of the pars oesophagea.

Gastric ulcer of the pars oesophagea (GUPO) of the stomach, which occurs spontaneously in swine, is of unknown aetiology. Because gastrin is a potent secretagogue linked to acid secretion, this study was designed to investigate, in pigs with or without GUPO, (1) basal and food-stimulated serum gastrin concentrations, (2) the concentration of tissue gastrin, and (3) gastrin-producing (G) cell density in the antral mucosa. Sixty-four pigs (32 with, and 32 without ulceration) were studied. Antral mucosa was obtained immediately after slaughter for assessment of G-cell number and tissue gastrin concentration. The presence or absence of GUPO was not significantly associated with either of the parameters measured.

Topical application of benzalkonium chloride to the stomach serosa increases gastric emptying time, acid secretion, serum gastrin and size of the mucosa.

AIM: In the present study we evaluated the effects of gastric myenteric denervation using benzalkonium chloride (BAC) on the time for gastric emptying, as well as gastric secretion, and mucosal epithelial cell size and population in rats. METHODS AND RESULTS: Wistar rats were treated with topical serosal application of BAC to the stomach. Control animals received saline. Ninety days after surgery, gastric emptying time, gastric acid secretion and serum gastrin levels were studied. Next, the animals were sacrificed and the stomachs were removed, fixed in formalin and histologically processed for histomorphometry of the height, area and volume of the glandular portion, and volume and population of mucous, chief, parietal, G- and labelled cells. BAC animals showed a significant delay in gastric emptying and an increase in gastric acid secretion and serum gastrin levels. These animals also presented a significant reduction of myenteric neuron number, hypertrophy of parietal and chief cells, hyperplasia of G cells and an increase in the gastric mucosa area. CONCLUSION: The absence of the myenteric plexus seems to protect the stomach from the hyperplastic effects of hypergastrinemia. Gastric food stasis may act as a factor triggering morphological and functional alterations of the gastric epithelium. Although gastric food stasis is a common finding in medical practice, its physiopathological consequences are poorly understood and have not been frequently discussed in the literature.

Argyrophilic and glucagon-immunoreactive cells in the ileum and colon of the developing opossum Didelphis albiventris (Marsupialia).

The ontogenesis of glucagon-producing cells of the ileum and colon of pouch young and of weaned and adult opossums Didelphis albiventris was studied in comparison with the endocrine argyrophilic cell population development. In the ileum, the mean population of argyrophilic cells/mm(2) increased with ontogenesis from 122.9 +/- 18.7 in the pouch young to 211.4 +/- 48.9 in adult animals, while the number of glucagon-immunoreactive cells/mm(2) remained practically constant, i.e. 29.2 +/- 7.3 in the pouch young and 28.1 +/- 5.0 in the adult animal. In the colon, the population of argyrophilic cells/mm(2) remained constant throughout ontogenesis, i.e. 45.8 +/- 6.2 in the pouch young and 48.9 +/- 10.4 in the adult animals. In turn, the enteroglucagon-producing cells increase in number from 4.5 +/- 2.9 to 14.6 +/- 5.2 cells/mm(2) from the pouch young to the adult. We conclude that the intestinal glucagon-producing cells of D. albiventris present a differentiated development in the ileum and colon. This fact suggests that glucagon-immunoreactive cells may play a distinct role in these segments of the intestine during ontogenesis.

Influence of acute renal failure on the mononuclear phagocytic system

Several studies show the ability of macrophages to remove particles injected into the bloodstream. This function seems to be increased in the presence of acute renal failure. The objective of the present study was to assess the phagocytic function of the main organs (spleen, liver and lung) of the mononuclear phagocytic system in renal and postrenal failures. Fifteen rats (250-350 g) were divided into three groups (N = 5): group I - control; group II - ligature of both ureters, and group III - bilateral nephrectomy. On the third postoperative day, all animals received an iv injection of 1 ml/kg 99mTc sulfur colloid. Blood samples were collected for the assessment of plasma urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium concentrations and arterial gasometry. Samples of liver, spleen, lung and blood clots were obtained and radioactivity was measured. Samples of liver, spleen, lung and kidney were prepared for routine histopathological analysis. Plasma urea, creatinine and potassium concentrations in groups II and III were higher than in group I (P<0.05). Plasma sodium concentrations in groups II and III were lower than in group I (P<0.05). Compensated metabolic acidosis was observed in the presence of postrenal failure. Group II animals showed a lower level of radioactivity in the spleen (0.98) and lung (2.63), and a higher level in the liver (105.51) than control. Group III animals showed a lower level of radioactivity in the spleen (11.94) and a higher level in the liver (61.80), lung (11.30) and blood clot (5.13) than control. In groups II and III liver steatosis and bronchopneumonia were observed. Renal and postrenal failures seem to interfere with blood clearance by the mononuclear phagocytic system

Influence of acute renal failure on the mononuclear phagocytic system.

Several studies show the ability of macrophages to remove particles injected into the bloodstream. This function seems to be increased in the presence of acute renal failure. The objective of the present study was to assess the phagocytic function of the main organs (spleen, liver and lung) of the mononuclear phagocytic system in renal and postrenal failures. Fifteen rats (250-350 g) were divided into three groups (N = 5): group I - control; group II - ligature of both ureters, and group III - bilateral nephrectomy. On the third postoperative day, all animals received an iv injection of 1 ml/kg 99mTc sulfur colloid. Blood samples were collected for the assessment of plasma urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium concentrations and arterial gasometry. Samples of liver, spleen, lung and blood clots were obtained and radioactivity was measured. Samples of liver, spleen, lung and kidney were prepared for routine histopathological analysis. Plasma urea, creatinine and potassium concentrations in groups II and III were higher than in group I (P<0.05). Plasma sodium concentrations in groups II and III were lower than in group I (P<0.05). Compensated metabolic acidosis was observed in the presence of postrenal failure. Group II animals showed a lower level of radioactivity in the spleen (0.98) and lung (2.63), and a higher level in the liver (105.51) than control. Group III animals showed a lower level of radioactivity in the spleen (11.94) and a higher level in the liver (61.80), lung (11.30) and blood clot (5.13) than control. In groups II and III liver steatosis and bronchopneumonia were observed. Renal and postrenal failures seem to interfere with blood clearance by the mononuclear phagocytic system.

Effect of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and methylprednisolone on the healing of jejunal anastomoses in rats.

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) has been effective in reducing adhesion formation and corticosteroids reduce the inflammatory process. The objective of this study was to define the intraperitoneal (ip) effects of SCMC combined with intramuscular (im) methylprednisolone on peritoneal adhesion formation and on jejunal anastomosis healing in rats. Twenty Wistar rats (200-350 g) were divided into four groups (N = 5): groups I and III (controls) 5 and 21 days of treatment before sacrifice, respectively; groups II and IV (experimental groups) 5 and 21 days of treatment, respectively. SCMC (1%) was infused into the abdominal cavity and methylprednisolone (10 mg kg-1 day-1) was injected im daily from the day before surgery for animals of groups II and IV. All rats were submitted to a jejunal anastomosis. Sections of the anastomosis were prepared for routine histopathological analysis. The abdominal adhesion of group IV was less intense when compared with group III (P<0.0008). Anastomotic resistance was higher in groups II and IV when compared with groups I and III, respectively (P<0.05). There was no histological difference between groups I and II (exuberant granulation tissue on the serosal surface). Group III presented little peritoneal fibrinous tissue, with numerous thick collagen fibers. Group IV presented extensive although immature young fibrous tissue with rare thick collagen fibers. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose combined with corticosteroids seemed to diminish peritoneal adhesion but did not reduce anastomotic resistance.

Effect of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and methylprednisolone on the healing of jejunal anastomoses in rats

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) has been effective in reducing adhesion formation and corticosteroids reduce the inflammatory process. The objective of this study was to define the intraperitoneal (ip) effects of SCMC combined with intramuscular (im) methylprednisolone on peritoneal adhesion formation and on jejunal anastomosis healing in rats. Twenty Wistar rats (200-350 g) were divided into four groups (N = 5): groups I and III (controls) 5 and 21 days of treatment before sacrifice, respectively; groups II and IV (experimental groups) 5 and 21 days of treatment, respectively. SCMC (1 percent) was infused into the abdominal cavity and methylprednisolone (10 mg kg-1 day-1) was injected im daily from the day before surgery for animals of groups II and IV. All rats were submitted to a jejunal anastomosis. Sections of the anastomosis were prepared for routine histopathological analysis. The abdominal adhesion of group IV was less intense when compared with group III (P<0.0008). Anastomotic resistance was higher in groups II and IV when compared with groups I and III, respectively (P<0.05). There was no histological difference between groups I and II (exuberant granulation tissue on the serosal surface). Group III presented little peritoneal fibrinous tissue, with numerous thick collagen fibers. Group IV presented extensive although immature young fibrous tissue with rare thick collagen fibers. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose combined with corticosteroids seemed to diminish peritoneal adhesion but did not reduce anastomotic resistance

[Varioliform gastritis: frequency and relationship with lymphocytic gastritis]. / Gastrite varioliforme: freqüência e relação com a gastrite linfocítica.

Varioliform gastritis is currently recognized as a special kind of chronic gastritis characterized by nodules, thickened fugal folds and erosions. These features appear to be unusual and different from those seen in chronic gastritis. The frequency of varioliform gastritis rarely exceeds 3% and the diagnosis can be easily made by endoscopic examination. Very little is known about the etiopathogeny, clinical significance and evolution of this disease. The role of Helicobacter pylori still remains unknown, although a close relationship between this gastritis and lymphocytic gastritis was suggested to exist over the last few years. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of varioliform gastritis and its possible correlation with lymphocytic gastritis. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic study of varioliform gastritis in South America. We studied endoscopically 200 consecutive patients and found only one case of varioliform gastritis (0.5%). In a second part of the study, we examined histopathologically mucosa biopsies from 24 patients with varioliform gastritis and studied the presence of intraepithelial lymphocytes to verify the presence of lymphocytic gastritis. No case was found. We conclude that there was no correlation between varioliform gastritis and lymphocytic gastritis in our patients.

[Changes in the gastric mucosa after iso- and anisoperistaltic gastrojejunostomy in rats]. / Alterações da mucosa gástrica na gastrojejunostomia isoperistáltica e anisoperistáltica em rato.

Gastrojejunostomies are frequently associated to postoperative manifestations, provoked by biliopancreatic reflux to the stomach. Not only the symptoms can be severe, but also regenerative and reactional transformations of the gastric epithelium, dysplastic alterations and perianastomotic ulcers may be formed. Changes of gastric mucosa and their relation to surgical iso and anisoperistaltic gastrojejunal anastomosis were carried out. Gastrojejunostomies non associated with gastrectomy were performed in two groups (n = 7) of Holtzman rats. In the 30th postoperative day, the stomach and the jejunum close to the anastomosis were removed for pathohistological study. The group with anisoperistaltic anastomosis had a greater extension of histological alterations compatible with the histological picture of reflux gastropathy than the isoperistaltic group (P < 0.05). Three anastomotic ulcers were identified in the anisoperistaltic group and only one in the isoperistaltic, but these results were not statistically significant. Among the gastric surgeries, the gastrojejunostomies are the ones which cause greater biliopancreatic reflux. This reflux may induce changes in the gastric mucosa close to the anastomosis and even lead to cancer. According to other papers, the amount of reflux to the stomach can be directly related to the histological alterations on its mucosa. In conclusion, the anisoperistaltic gastrojejunostomy causes more changes in the gastric mucosa than the isoperistaltic, in this experimental model.

Prevention of abdominal adhesions does not interfere with jejunal anastomosis healing.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevention of adhesions interferes with the healing of jejunal anastomosis. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five rats allocated into five groups. INTERVENTIONS: Group 1- intraperitoneal injection of 12ml-1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC). Groups 2-5- jejunal anastomosis. Groups 3 and 5- intraperitoneal SCMC-12 ml. The animals of the groups 2 and 4- only anastomosis. The rats of the groups 2 and 3- reopened on the 5th and those of groups 4 and 5 on the 21st postoperative days. Abdominal adhesions were graded and burst pressure of the anastomosis measured. Histological studies of anastomotic healing were performed. RESULTS: Group 1 did not present any abnormality. Groups reopened on the 5th day did not differ in the burst pressures of the anastomosis and adhesion grades. The burst pressures in the groups reopened on the 21st postoperative day also did not differ. Histological patterns were similar in both groups on the 5th day, but on the 21st day, the rats treated with SCMC showed a maturer intestinal healing. CONCLUSIONS: The prevention of adhesions not only did not interfere with jejunal anastomotic resistance, but also improved the intestinal healing in the rat.