Chitosan for the treatment of inflammation of the oral mucosa: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chitosan is a cheap, accessible, nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable compound. Also, this polysaccharide possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, a wide range of chitosan applications in the dentistry field has been explored. This work aimed to conduct a systematic review to address the clinical efficacy of chitosan for the treatment of oral mucositis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The design of the included studies were observational studies, randomized clinical trials (RCT), and non-randomized clinical trials (non-RCT), whereas, a series of cases, in vivo, and in vitro studies were excluded. The search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, and ClinicalTrials. Gray literature was searched at Google Scholar. Relevant data from all included studies were recorded. The risk of bias (using RoB 2) and the quality (using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation, GRADE) assessments were carried out. RESULTS: From the 8413 records screened, 5 clinical trials fully met the eligibility criteria, which comprised a total of 192 participants suffering oral lesions and pain related to oral mucositis. 100% of the included studies exhibited a high risk of bias. The quality of the studies was between low and very low. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the included studies suggest that chitosan can diminish pain and improve the healing of ulcers in oral mucositis. However, there is no conclusive evidence of chitosan as a superior treatment for oral mucositis compared with other current therapies.

Nitrogen and phosphorous dynamics with stand development of Pinus massoniana plantations in Southeast China.

Introduction: Nutrient resorption is a key mechanism to conserve nutrients and overcome nutrient limitation in perennial plants. As an important afforested tree species in subtropical regions, Pinus massoniana grows well in nutrient-poor environments, however, the age-related pattern of nutrient acquisition strategy and the underlying mechanisms in P. massoniana plantations remain unclear. Methods: In this study, concentrations of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were measured in green and senesced needles, roots and soil samples collected from P. massoniana plantations with different stand ages (9-, 17-, 26-, 34- and 43-year-old) in south China. From these samples, nutrient resorption efficiency (RE) and stoichiometry were calculated. Results: Needle PRE significantly decreased with stand age, while there was no clear pattern of NRE along the stand development. Green needle N:P in older stands was significantly lower than in younger ones. Senesced needle C:P and N:P significantly decreased with stand age. Root and soil available P concentrations were significantly higher in older stands than in younger ones, and PRE was negatively correlated with soil available P concentration. Discussion: There was a shift from "conservative consumption" to "resource spending" P-use strategy, and P limitation decreased with stand development of P. massoniana plantations. The results provide information of changes in nutrients dynamics, which is relevant for the sustainable management of subtropical forest plantations.

A novel time-saving multiplex PCR assay for detecting and discriminating the most common canine Babesia species in Europe.

In Europe, most cases of canine babesiosis are caused by Babesia canis, Babesia vogeli (large piroplasms) and Babesia vulpes (small piroplasm). Molecular diagnosis is recommended due to its high sensitivity. Species identification after sequencing allows applying a rapid and efficient treatment, leading to a better prognosis; however, it is expensive and time-consuming. Thus, the objective of the present study was to develop a time-saving multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for simultaneously detecting and discriminating between large and small forms without sequence analysis. A new multiplex PCR was designed and tested using blood samples from 79 dogs showing clinical signs compatible with babesiosis which were previously analysed using blood smears and molecular methods. Multiplex PCR successfully discriminated between both Babesia groups showing bands of 700 and 890 bp for B. canis/B. vogeli and B. vulpes, respectively. No significant differences in the results of both PCR were detected and a substantial agreement between protocols (κ = 0.64) was found. Our multiplex PCR represents a reliable tool for detecting infections by the major Babesia spp. in dogs from Europe. Since no sequence analysis is required for identifying the species involved, this PCR allows the rapid administration of an appropriate treatment, thus improving the survival rate of the infected animals. In addition, it will represent a helpful tool for unravelling the real prevalence and distribution of B. vulpes and its implication in clinical cases.

Specificity of Stenurus (Metastrongyloidea: Pseudaliidae) infections in odontocetes stranded along the north-west Spanish coast.

Parasites extracted from the lungs and the pterygoid sinus complex of 6 species of odontocetes stranded along the north-west Spanish coast (Northeast Atlantic) between 2009 and 2019 were morphologically identified. The samples belonged to 14 specimens, including 3 harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, 6 short-finned pilot whales, Globicephala macrorhynchus, 1 long-finned pilot whale, Globicephala melas, 1 Risso's dolphin, Grampus griseus, 1 striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba and 2 bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. All animals (14/14) were infected by nematodes of the genus Stenurus spp.; moreover, two of them presented a mixed lung nematode infection by Stenurus spp. and Halocercus spp., and another two a mixed infection by Stenurus spp. and the trematode Nasitrema spp. in the pterygoid sinuses. The morphological characterization of the Stenurus specimens revealed the existence of three different species: Stenurus minor, present in the pterygoid sinuses of harbour porpoises with a mean intensity of 43.0 ± 9.0; Stenurus globicephalae, in the pterygoid sinuses of pilot whales and the Risso's dolphin (370.3 ± 579.4); and Stenurus ovatus infecting bottlenose and striped dolphins' lungs (47.7 ± 76.5). This is the first citation of S. minor and S. ovatus in odontoceti from the Galician coast. Nematodes of the genus Stenurus are frequent in odontocetes stranded along the north-west Spanish coast. A clear host-parasite association was observed between S. minor and the Phocoenidae family, between S. globicephalae and the subfamily Globicephalinae and between S. ovatus and subfamily Delphininae. Different trophic position and niche segregation may lead to different patterns of specificity.

Willingness to pay for an intervention that reduces soda consumption among a sample of middle-class adult Mexicans.

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing public awareness of the adverse health effects of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption in Mexico, little is known about the population's intention to reduce SSB consumption and the social value of interventions to accomplish such behavioral change. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the willingness to pay (WTP) for an intervention that reduces soda consumption by half in Mexico. METHODS: We applied contingent valuation methods in a sample of 471 Mexican adults from a cohort study. We assessed the relative value of benefits by providing incremental information to participants in three scenarios: soda consumption reduction, + health benefits, + social benefits. To estimate factors associated with the WTP, we ran an interval regression. RESULTS: 87% of respondents reported they would like to reduce SSB consumption. High soda consumption, intention to reduce soda consumption and higher household income are associated with higher WTP. We found that the WTP increases as additional benefits are provided. The WTP, as a proportion of income, is higher for the lowest income level. CONCLUSION: The average WTP per person may be seen as the minimum amount the country should invest on interventions to reduce soda consumption.

Molecular detection and identification of piroplasms (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing ticks from northwest Spain.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum and some piroplasm species are pathogens mainly transmitted by Ixodes ricinus. Considering that this tick species is predominant in north-western Spain, individual specimens (652 nymphs, 202 females and 202 males) and 23 larval pools were processed to determine the prevalence of these pathogens in questing I. ricinus from that region. Additionally, Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes frontalis and Ixodes acuminatus were individually analysed. The groESL operon as well as the 16S rRNA and msp2 genes of Anaplasma were analysed. Similarly, piroplasms were identified at the 18S rRNA gene and the ITS1 of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Babesia venatorum (1.5%), A. phagocytophilum (0.7%), Babesia microti (0.3%) and Theileria sp. OT3 (0.2%) were detected in I. ricinus. A single I. frontalis (8.3%) tested positive to A. phagocytophilum. Although a low percentage of I. ricinus were infected with A. phagocytophilum and piroplasms, a potentially human pathogenic variant of A. phagocytophilum was detected, and both Babesia species found were zoonotic. Since the vector of Theileria sp. OT3 remains unknown, further investigations are needed to unravel the role of I. ricinus in the transmission of this piroplasm.

Did "Conduce Sin Alcohol" a Program that Monitors Breath Alcohol Concentration Limits for Driving in Mexico City Have an Effect on Traffic-Related Deaths?

In September 2003, Mexico City introduced "Conduce sin Alcohol" (CSA)-drive without alcohol-a program that monitors breath alcohol concentration limits among drivers to reduce road traffic crashes. To our knowledge, no study has evaluated the impact of this program on mortality. We estimated the effect of CSA on the monthly rate of traffic-related deaths (deaths per one million people) in Mexico City. We applied interrupted time series analyses (ITSA) using monthly data from 1998 to 2016, adjusting for number of people covered by a public health insurance, monthly number of public health care facilities in the city, monthly average rain precipitation in milliliters, and number of vehicles registered. Our results show a statistically significant average reduction in the monthly trend of traffic-related deaths of 0.08 per 1 million people/per month after the program was implemented relative to the pre-intervention trend. The relative difference comparing pre- and post-intervention predicted values from the ITSA model shows that there was a 23.2% reduction in the fatality rate. Findings from this study can be used to scale up programs to monitor alcohol concentration limits among drivers in cities with high alcohol-related crashes and deaths where the program has not been implemented.

Cytokine expression in bovine PBMC cultures stimulated with Hypoderma lineatum antigens.

Hypoderma antigens are involved in host inflammation and immune response, conditioning larvae survival. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures from Hypoderma sensitized and unsensitized cattle were performed to determine the effect of H. lineatum antigens and incubation time (18, 24, 48 h) on IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-4 mRNA gene expression determined by RT-qPCR. TNF-α and IL-4 gene expression were higher in Hypoderma previously sensitized PBMCs, suggesting that a mixed Th1/Th2 response may play a significant role in host defence reactions against Hypoderma exhibited by previously infested cattle. Incubation time had a significant effect on IL-10 and TNF-α gene expression, which decreased over time. Regarding to H. lineatum antigens, the crude larval extract and the purified fraction hypodermin B (HB) produced a significant reduction of the mRNA expression levels of the proinflammatory cytokine, IFN-γ; moreover, the HB had a stimulating effect on the mRNA gene expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, demonstrating that the parasite would modulate the host defence mechanisms by avoiding harmful immune responses that would limit its survival into the host tissues.

Temporal and spatial spread of Hypoderma actaeon infection in roe deer from peninsular Spain determined by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The host switching of Hypoderma actaeon (Diptera: Oestridae), a specific parasite of red deer (Cervus elaphus), towards roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) has been recently reported in Spain. To provide information about the temporal and spatial spreading of H. actaeon infection in roe deer, 244 serum samples from animals hunted in Spain between 2013 and 2018 were analysed by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall seropositivity was 13.9%. Seropositivity was higher in continental (27.7%) and mountainous (12%) areas from central Spain, followed by southern-Mediterranean (11.2%) and northern-oceanic regions (3.5%). Differences were significant between central-continental and northern-oceanic regions (P = 0.003). No differences were found according to the sex and age of roe deer (P > 0.05). In 2013, all seropositive animals were concentrated in two distant areas in central and southern Spain, suggesting that the host switch could have occurred independently in both regions. Changes in the pattern of distribution of red deer and roe deer could have favoured the spreading of this myiasis towards roe deer, indicating that roe deer may become infested by H. actaeon in areas where both cervids coexist at high densities.

Pharmacokinetics of furosemide in thoroughbred horses subjected to supramaximal treadmill exercise with and without controlled access to water.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to assess the disposition of furosemide in Thoroughbred horses treated intravenously with 1 mg/kg of furosemide 4 and 24 h before supramaximal treadmill exercise without and with controlled access to water, respectively. Another objective was to determine whether furosemide was detectable in the plasma of horses after exposure to supramaximal treadmill exercise. Thoroughbred horses (n = 4-6) were administered single intravenous doses of 1 mg/kg of furosemide at 4 and 24 h before supramaximal exercise on a high-speed treadmill, with controlled and free access to water, respectively. Plasma furosemide concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Furosemide was detected in all the horses, regardless of whether they were treated 24 h or 4 h before excersice. In both treatment sequence groups of 2 horses, the concentration time profiles of furosemide during the first 4 h after its administration were relatively similar. The average maximum observed concentrations, AUC0-1.5h, and AUC0-3h, of both groups of horses were not different (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in systemic clearance based on the geometric mean (95% confidence interval) (409 (347-482) mL/h/kg) for 4 h and 320 (177-580) mL/h/kg) for 24 h) between horses that were exercised 4- and 24-h post-furosemide administration. The plasma concentration of furosemide in all the horses fell below the limit of quantification (25 ng/mL) within 12 h after drug administration. In the group treated 24 h before exercise, none of the horses had detectable furosemide at the time of supramaximal treadmill exercise. In the group treated 4 h before exercise, furosemide was detected 1 h before and 2 h after supramaximal treadmill exercise in 4/4 and 3/4 horses, respectively. The mean AUC3-last h of both groups of horses were not different (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Water restriction did not exert any apparent effect on the disposition of furosemide. It remains to be determined, however, whether the attained plasma concentration of furosemide in combination with other controlled water access protocols have any direct or indirect pharmacological effect that may affect the athletic performance of the horse.

Cryptosporidium species in post-weaned and adult sheep and goats from N.W. Spain: Public and animal health significance.

Application of molecular approaches has led to a significant progress on the knowledge of the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. Nevertheless, molecular information on the occurrence of cryptosporidiosis in domestic small ruminants, especially in goats, are limited and restricted to the study of a modest number of isolates, mainly from diarrhoeic neonates. In order to determine the Cryptosporidium species present in healthy post-weaned and adult small ruminants from north-western Spain and to analyse a possible age-related distribution of species, faecal specimens were collected in sheep and goat farms without neonatal diarrhoea outbreaks the year before the sampling. Cryptosporidium spp. DNA was detected by SSU-rRNA PCR-RFLP, using restriction enzymes SspI, VspI and MboII. C. parvum and C. ubiquitum isolates were further characterized at the GP60 locus. Our results reveal that Cryptosporidium spp. is widely distributed in small ruminant farms (47.4-50.0%), although its prevalence is low in both hosts (5.9-6.0%). No significant differences in individual prevalence were detected between age groups. C. xiaoi and the zoonotic C. parvum and C. ubiquitum were identified. In sheep, C. parvum was the predominant species and its prevalence increased with age, in contrast to C. xiaoi; C. ubiquitum was an occasional finding in adults. In goats, C. xiaoi and C. ubiquitum were the most frequent species and slightly more prevalent in adults than in post-weaned kids, in contrast to C. parvum. Subtyping analysis of C. parvum isolates revealed the presence of IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA14G2R1 in sheep, whereas IIaA13G1R1 and IIdA17G1 were restricted to goats; only the C. ubiquitum XIIa subtype 3 was found. Although the prevalences detected are low, these values are probably underestimated due to, amongst others, the cross-sectional design of the study and the intermittent oocyst-excretion of post-weaned and adult small ruminants. Thus, these animals may play an important role in the appearance of cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in humans and domestic ruminant neonates and therefore should be considered as a potential threat to animal production and human health.

Modulatory effects of interferon-γ and interleukin-4 on cellular immune responses against Hypoderma lineatum antigens.

This study investigates the in vitro modulatory effects of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) on both proliferative bovine T cell responses and IL-10 production induced by different antigens [crude larval extract and the purified fractions hypodermin A, B and C (HyA, HyB, HyC)] obtained from first instars of Hypoderma lineatum (Diptera: Oestridae), alone or in the presence of the mitogen concanavalin A. Incubation with the different parasitic antigens resulted in significant inhibition of T cell proliferation and IL-10 production, which, in general, did not revert after the addition of IFN-γ and IL-4. In the absence of antigens, IL-4 induced significant inhibition of mitogen-induced T cell responses. Exogenous IFN-γ exhibited an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation in the presence of the purified fractions HyB and HyC. These in vitro data suggest that far from neutralizing the effects of larval antigens, the addition of IFN-γ potentiates their anti-proliferative activity; by contrast, IL-4 had no consistent effects on proliferative responses to Hypoderma. IL-4 provoked an increment of IL-10 levels in supernatants of HyB-stimulated cells. In conclusion, exogenous IFN-γ and IL-4 were unable to counteract the suppressor effects of H. lineatum antigens.

Trends in the dispensation of antidepressant drugs over the past decade (2000-2010) in Andalusia, Spain.

PURPOSE: To study antidepressant drug dispensation in the Spanish region of Andalusia and in the Almeria Health Area (AHA) over the past decade, analyzing the variability, trends, and influential factors. METHODS: We conducted an observational ecological study of antidepressant drug dispensation between 2000 and 2010 in Andalusia. Dispensation was measured as Defined Daily Dose (DDD) per 1,000 inhabitants per day. A multilevel analysis (STATA 11.1) was performed to determine the variability among the basic health zones (BHZs) (2004-2010) and influential factors. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2010, the total dispensation of antidepressant drugs increased by more than 100 % in Andalusia and in the AHA. This increase was primarily caused by the greater dispensation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ATC-N06AB) and other antidepressants (ATC-N06AX). Multilevel analysis revealed a wide variability in the levels and trends of antidepressant dispensation among BHZs. Urbanicity and the percentage of immigrants in the BHZ were negatively associated with their dispensation, which was positively influenced by a higher proportion of women and over 65-year-olds in the population. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated dispensation of several groups of antidepressant drugs in this study population indicates the need for health policies to rationalize their use. Further research is required into the differences in antidepressant dispensations between immigrant and native populations and the implications for public health policies.

[Comparative study of the repair of full thickness tear of the supraspinatus by means of "single row" or "suture bridge" techniques]. / Estudio comparativo de la reparación de la rotura de espesor completo del supraespinoso mediante técnica "hilera simple" o "suture bridge".

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze if there is any difference between the arthroscopic reparation of full-thickness supraspinatus tears with simple row technique versus suture bridge technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We accomplished a retrospective study of 123 patients with full-thickness supraspinatus tears between January 2009 and January 2013 in our hospital. There were 60 simple row reparations, and 63 suture bridge ones. RESULTS: The mean age in the simple row group was 62.9, and in the suture bridge group was 63.3 years old. There were more women than men in both groups (67%). All patients were studied using the Constant test. The mean Constant test in the suture bridge group was 76.7, and in the simple row group was 72.4. We have also accomplished a statistical analysis of each Constant item. Strength was higher in the suture bridge group, with a significant statistical difference (p 0.04). The range of movement was also greater in the suture bridge group, but was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Suture bridge technique has better clinical results than single row reparations, but the difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.298).

OBJETIVO: Analizar si existen diferencias clínicas entre las técnicas «hilera simple¼; versus «. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: suture bridge¼; en la reparación artroscópica de roturas de espesor completo del supraespinoso. Estudio retrospectivo de 123 pacientes con rotura de espesor completo del supraespinoso, intervenidos entre Enero de 2009 y Enero de 2013 (60 hilera simple y 63. RESULTADOS: suture bridge). La edad media en el grupo suture bridge fue 63.3 años y en el grupo hilera simple, 62.9. Predominio de mujeres (67%) en ambos grupos. En todos los casos, se reparó la hilera medial con anclajes Bio-Corkscrew y la hilera lateral con implantes Bio-PushLock (Arthrex, Naples, FL). El valor del test de Constant medio en individuos intervenidos mediante. CONCLUSIONES: suture bridge fue 76.7 (ponderado 96.5). En hilera simple, fue 72.4 (ponderado 92.8). Se realizó también un análisis estadístico comparativo de cada ítem del test de Constant por separado. La fuerza es el único parámetro del test de Constant estadísticamente significativo y es mayor en el grupo suture bridge. La reparación de las roturas de espesor completo del supraespinoso mediante.

Agomelatine for the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia and depressive symptomatology: an uncontrolled, 12-week, pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Agomelatine, a melatonin agonist and selective 5-HT2C antagonist, is a novel antidepressant with sleep-enhancing properties. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of agomelatine among patients with fibromyalgia and depression. METHODS: 23 patients with fibromyalgia and depressive symptomatology received 25-50 mg of agomelatine daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the change of the Beck depression inventory score. Secondary outcome measures included the hospital anxiety and depression scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, short-form health survey, brief pain inventory and patient's global impression scale. RESULTS: Agomelatine significantly improved depression, global fibromyalgia severity and pain intensity but effect sizes were small. No improvement was seen in sleep quality. Patients categorized as responders to treatment had milder disease severity than non-responders. Agomelatine therapy was well tolerated and patients only reported mild and transient side effects. DISCUSSION: Agomelatine slightly improved depressive and fibromyalgia symptomatology but did not improve sleep quality. Our data do not support agomelatine as a first-line treatment option for the treatment of fibromyalgia and depression.

Chronic administration of thiamine pyrophosphate decreases age-related histological atrophic testicular changes and improves sexual behavior in male Wistar rats.

Aging is a multifactorial universal process and constitutes the most important risk factor for chronic-degenerative diseases. Although it is a natural process, pathological aging arises when these changes occur quickly and the body is not able to adapt. This is often associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammation, and a decrease in the endogenous antioxidant systems, constituting a physiopathological state commonly found in chronic-degenerative diseases. At the testicular level, aging is associated with tissue atrophy, decreased steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, and sexual behavior disorders. This situation, in addition to the elevated generation of ROS in the testicular steroidogenesis, provides a critical cellular environment causing oxidative damage at diverse cellular levels. To assess the effects of a reduction in the levels of ROS, thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) was chronically administered in senile Wistar rats. TPP causes an activation of intermediate metabolism routes, enhancing cellular respiration and decreasing the generation of ROS. Our results show an overall decrease of atrophic histological changes linked to aging, with higher levels of serum testosterone, sexual activity, and an increase in the levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in TPP-treated animals. These results suggest that TPP chronic administration decreases the progression of age-related atrophic changes by improving the intermediate metabolism, and by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes.

[Arthroscopic repair of anterior relapsing shoulder dislocation. Is there a learning curve?]. / Reparación artroscópica de la luxación anterior recidivante de hombro. Existe la curva de aprendizaje?

OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the first cases that underwent arthroscopic surgery at our center due to relapsing glenohumeral stability of the shoulder. The objective of this paper is to analyze the influence of the learning curve on the results obtained. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 137 patients who underwent surgery at Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Spain between.February 1999 and March 2010. A total of 101 patients met the inclusion criteria, and these patients were divided into two groups using a chronological order, the first 50 patients and the second 50 patients. There were no statistically significant differences in sex, age and laterality between both groups (p = 0.51, p = 0.15 and p = 0.23, respectively), so the groups were comparable. We compared the following between both groups: clinical outcomes, number of dislocations, reoperations and complications, i.e., implant migration, arthrosis and axillary nerve neuropathy. We also compared the functional results, which were measured using the Constant and Rowe scales. RESULTS: Four episodes of redislocation occurred in group 1 and 6 in group 2. Three reoperations were performed in group 1 and 6 in group 2. No statistically significant differences were found in the number of redislocations and reoperations (p = 50 and p = 0.48, respectively).

[Arthroscopic treatment of talus osteochondral lesions: study of 73 cases]. / Tratamiento artroscópico de las lesiones osteocondrales de astrágalo: estudio de 73 casos.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of our study is to analyze the different techniques used in arthroscopic treatment of talus osteochondral lesions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed 73 patients who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2011. Patients were divided in two groups: group A (51 patients), those treated with osteochondral stimulation techniques, and group B (32 patients), that were treated by repair techniques. The mean age was 32.58 (19-73) years in group A and 36.50 (19-58) in group B. It is identified male predominance and medial lesions in both groups. RESULTS: Were evaluated according to the AOFAS ankle scoring scale, it is observed a statistically significant clinical improvement (P<.001). Preoperative values were 48.77 (31-67) in group A and 58.08 (41-75) in group B. After surgery scores amounted to 85.19 (60-100) in group A and 93.60 (80-100) in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle arthroscopy is an excellent technique for the accurate staging of osteochondral lesions, and diagnosis and treatment of associated injuries. The arthroscopic treatment of lesions grade i, ii and sometimes iii, by stimulation techniques and chondral lesions grade iii and iv by replacement techniques, gives good results with few complications.