Effect of Fiber Supplementation on Systemic Inflammation and Liver Steatosis in Mice Fed with High-Carbohydrate Diets.

Background: High consumption of carbohydrates can trigger metabolic and inflammatory disorders in the body. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fiber supplementation on inflammation and hepatic steatosis in mice fed high-carbohydrate diets. Methods: Swiss male mice were distributed into two control groups and two experimental groups that received isocaloric diet rich in starch (55%) or rich in fructose (55%). In the last 4 weeks of the experiment, the animals received 5% fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation via gavage, or water in the control groups. After 16 weeks, biochemical analyses, inflammatory cytokines, and histology of the liver of the animals were performed. Results: The animals that received fructose had higher weight at the end of the experiment as well as liver weight, consumed more feed, had higher levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and a higher degree of hepatic steatosis when compared with the animals that received starch. However, the animals that received starch showed a higher inflammatory process. FOS supplementation was efficient in reducing liver weight and hepatic steatosis degree in animals fed with fructose diet but showed more degeneration of liver tissue and high levels of inflammatory cytokines. FOS reduced the levels of urea and total cholesterol in the starch-fed animals. Conclusions: Diets rich in carbohydrates such as starch and fructose cause deleterious effects in animals, and fiber supplementation can bring beneficial effects.

Benefits of Sebastiania hispida (Euphorbiaceae) extract and photobiomodulation therapy as potentially adjunctive strategies to be explored against snake envenoming.

The purpose of this study was to assess the topic use of Sebastiania hispida extract and low-level gallium-arsenide laser irradiation (GaAs, 904 nm) to reduce the local myonecrosis and edema of Bothrops moojeni snake venom-injected gastrocnemius. Wistar rats receiving intramuscular venom injection (VBm) were compared with saline control (S) and envenomed rats receiving local exposure to plant extract (VExt) or laser irradiation (VL). The phytochemistry and thin-layer chromatography of S. hispida extract indicated the presence of phenolic compounds like gallic acid and flavonoids including quercetin. Gastrocnemius of VExt and VL groups had a significant reduction of edema and creatine kinase (CK) activities and a greater Myogenin (MyoG) expression compared to VBm group, with the plant extract efficacy better than laser exposure. Reduction of edema and serum CK activities reflects a lessening of muscle damage, whereas the increase of MyoG indicates myoblast differentiation and acceleration of muscle repair. The S. hispida richness in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, such as the light modulatory ability to triggering a multitude of cell signalings likely underlie the positive outcomes. Our findings suggest both treatments as potential auxiliary tools to be explored in clinical trials in combination with anti-venom therapy after Bothropic snakebites.

Evaluation of the scientific activity of the leaf of the species Campomanesia pubescens in wound model infected by Staphylococcus aureus

There is an increasing interest in the use of herbal remedies as healing agents, due to their lower cost in relation to other drugs and the vast Brazilian fauna. The objective of this research was to evaluate the cicatrization effect of the guariroba leaf (Campomanesia pubescens) on the healing of infected wounds. We used 45 Wistar rats, distributed in five groups (n = 9) all with surgically induced skin injury, differing in the presence of contamination and treatment, with evaluation periods of 3, 7 and 14 days, being: G1- negative control without contamination, treated with Physiological Solution 0.9%; G2- control with contamination, treated with Physiological Solution 0.9%; G3 negative with contamination, treated with Carbopol in 0.5% gel; G4- positive control with contamination, treated with Colagenase at 0.6 U / g + 0.01 g Chloramphenicol; G5- positive test with contamination treated with Campomanesia pubescens at 3%, whose vehicle was Carbopol at 0.5%. The wound was made with a metal punch 8 mm in diameter, and a cutaneous fragment was removed from the animals' backs and wound infection was applied to S. aureus in groups G2 to G5. Euthanasia was performed for a lethal dose of anesthetic, and the edges of the wounds were removed for histopathological study. The fibrinoleukocytic crust was present in all animals in the groups of 3, 7 and 14 days. The contraction of the wound was also evaluated, and all groups showed low percentage of wound regression in the 3-day treatment and with 14 days presented a high percentage of regression. Of the 5 groups, the only one that presented complete epithelialization was G5. Of the 5 groups, the ones with the best epithelialization were G4 and G5. The group with the highest amount of mature collagen fibers was G4, followed by G5, and the one with the highest proportion of immature fibers was G1. At the end of the experiment, G4 was the group that gained the most weight and G1 the one that had the lowest weight gain. Guariroba leaf extract (Campomanesia pubescens) was able to promote healing in infected skin wounds similar to the group treated with antibiotics.

CAN Stryphnodendron adstringens EXTRACT IMPROVE THE RESULTS OF FISTULOTOMY FOLLOWED BY PRIMARY SPHINCTEROPLASTY IN THE TREATMENT OF TRANSSPHINCTERIC FISTULAE?

BACKGROUND: There is still a need for progress in the treatment of transsphincteric anal fistulae and the use of herbal medicines seems promising. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Stryphnodendron adstringens associated with fistulotomy and primary sphincteroplasty in the treatment of transsphincteric fistulae in rats. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were used, which were submitted to transsphincteric fistulas with steel wire 0; after 30 days a treatment was performed according to the group. Group A (n=10) was submitted to fistulotomy; group B (n=10), fistulotomy followed by primary sphincteroplasty with "U" stitch with polyglactin 911 4-0; group C(n=10) , similar to group B, but with the interposition between the muscular stumps of hemostatic sponge soaked in Stryphnodendron adstringens extract. Euthanasia was performed after 14 days, resecting a segment of the anal canal for histological analysis, which aimed to evaluate the closure of the fistula, the area of separation of the muscle cables, the inflammatory process and the degree of fibrosis. RESULTS: No animal had a remaining fistulous tract. About the spacing between the muscle cables, an average of 106.3 µm2 was observed in group A, 82.8 µm2 in group B and 51.8 µm2 in group C (p<0.05). There was no difference between the groups regarding the inflammatory process and, in relation to fibrosis, in group A there was a mean of 0.6, in group B 0.7 and in group C 0.2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Stryphnodendron adstringens extract was able to allow less spacing between muscle cables in rats submitted to fistulotomy followed by primary sphincteroplasty, in addition to providing less local fibrosis.

Serological and molecular detection of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in human umbilical cord blood and placental tissue samples.

Neosporosis primarily affects cattle and dogs and is not currently considered a zoonotic disease. Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution that is asymptomatic in most cases, but when acquired during pregnancy, it can have serious consequences. The seropositivity rates determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody test for Neospora caninum (N. caninum) and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) were 24.3% (49 samples) and 26.8% (54 samples), respectively. PCR positivity for N. caninum was observed in two samples of cord blood (1%) using the Nc5 and ITS1 gene, positivity for T. gondii was observed in 16 samples using the primer for the B1 gene (5.5% positivity in cord blood and 2.5% positivity in placental tissue). None of the samples showed structures characteristic of tissue cysts or inflammatory infiltrate on histopathology. Significant associations were observed only between N. caninum seropositivity and the presence of domestic animals (p = 0.039) and presence of dogs (p = 0.038) and between T. gondii seropositivity and basic sanitation (p = 0.04). This study obtained important findings regarding the seroprevalence and molecular detection of N. caninum and T. gondii in pregnant women; however, more studies are necessary to establish a correlation between risk factors and infection.

Influence of the cotton and silastic seton on the distance of the anal sphincter cables after fistulotomy in rats / Influência do sedenho de algodão e silastic no afastamento dos cabos musculares do esfíncter anal após fistulotomia em ratos

Abstract Rationale: Fistulotomy is a procedure widely used in the treatment of anal fistulas but is associated with varying degrees of fecal incontinence that could be minimized by previous use of sedentum, and the material used may influence the outcome. Purpouse: To compare cotton and silastic used as setons in the spacing of the sphincter cables of rats subjected to fistulotomy. Method: Thirty Wistar rats were used, which after 30 days of fistula production were distributed in: Control Group (GC): the steel wire was removed, followed by fistulotomy; Cotton Group (GA) and Silastic Group (GS), in which were applied cotton and silastic setons respectively for 30 days when fistulotomy was performed; after seven days, euthanasia and removal of the specimens were performed for histological study, and the results were submitted to statistical assessment using Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, establishing a significance level of p < 0.05. Results The distance between the muscular cables was 107.9 µm in the GC, 82.4 µm in the GA and 53.5 µm in the GS (p = 0.00001). The mean inflammation scores were 1.9 in the CG, 1.0 in the GA and 0 in the GS (p < 0.05). The fibrosis scores were 1.1 in GC, 0.9 in GA and 0.6 in GS (p > 0.05). Conclusion The silastic seton prior to fistulotomy caused less detachment of the muscular cables and less local inflammatory process.

Resumo Racional: A fistulotomia é um procedimento muito utilizado no tratamento das fístulas anais mas está associado a graus variáveis de incontinência fecal que poderia ser minimizado pelo uso prévio de sedenho, sendo que o material utilizado pode ter influência no resultado. Objetivo: Comparar os fios de algodão e sonda de silastic utilizados como sedenhos no afastamento dos cabos musculares do esfíncter anal de ratos submetidos a fistulotomia. Método: Utilizou-se 30 ratos Wistar, que após 30 dias da confecção da fístula foram distribuídos em: Grupo Controle (GC): foi retirado o fio de aço seguido por fistulotomia; Grupo Algodão (GA) e Grupo Silastic (GS), nos quais aplicou-se sedenho de algodão e silastic respectivamente por 30 dias quando foi realizada fistulotomia; após sete dias realizou-se eutanásia e remoção dos espécimes para estudo histológico, sendo os resultados submetidos a tratamento estatístico pelo teste não-paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis, estabelecendo-se como significante p < 0,05. Resultados O afastamento entre os cabos musculares foi 107,9 µm no GC; 82,4 µm no GA e 53,5 µm no GS (p = 0,00001). As médias dos escores de inflamação foram 1,9 no GC; 1,0 no GA e 0 no GS (p < 0,05). Os escores de fibrose foram 1,1 no GC; 0,9 no GA e 0,6 no GS (p > 0,05). Conclusão O sedenho de silastic previamente à fistulotomia causou menor afastamento dos cabos musculares e menor processo inflamatório local.

Effectiveness of the Aloe Vera extract in the treatment of fistula-in-ano / Eficácia do extrato de Aloe Vera no tratamento da fístula anal

Abstract Rationale: Considering that anal fistulae are still challenging regarding their treatment due to the risk of fecal incontinence in the most complex cases and the increasing use of phytotherapeutic drugs such as Aloe Vera in medicine, even with proven healing effectiveness, there is interest in researching this drug in the treatment of anal fistulae. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Aloe Vera extract in the treatment of anal fistulae in rats. Method: Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were submitted to anal fistula and after 30 days were divided into three groups: Control Group (GCo) (n = 5), Carbopol Group (GCa) (n = 5), and Aloe Vera Group (GAV) (n = 10). In the GCo no treatment was performed, while in the others a daily infusion of 0.3 mL of solution (Carbopol only in GCa and Carbopol plus Aloe Vera extract in the GAV) was performed through the external orifice of the fistula for 30 days. Afterwards, euthanasia was performed and specimens were removed for histological study. It was evaluated the closure of the fistulous tract, the area of the remaining tract, the inflammatory infiltrate and the degree of vascular congestion. The results were submitted to statistical treatment by Kruskall-Wallis test, considering p<0.05. Results: There was no complete closure of the fistulous tract in any of the animals. The mean area of the remaining tract was 847.2 µm in the GCo, 565.6 µm in the GCa and 377.8 µm in the GAV (p<0.05). The mean of the inflammatory infiltrate score was 2.4 in the GCo, 2.4 in the GCa and 2.3 in the GAV (p<0.05), while in the evaluation of vascular congestion, we observed a mean of 1.6 in the GCo, 1.4 in GCa and 1.1 in GAV (p<0.05). Conclusion: The extract of Aloe vera was able to reduce the lumen of the fistulous tract and reduce the degree of vascular congestion; however, it did not allow the complete closure of the fistulous tract nor diminished the inflammatory process.

Resumo Racional: Considerando que o tratamento das fístulas anais tem risco de incontinência fecal e o crescente uso do Aloe Vera na medicina, há interesse em se pesquisar este fármaco. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do extrato de Aloe vera no tratamento das fístulas anais em ratos. Método: Utilizou-se 30 ratos Wistar, os quais foram submetidos à criação de fístula anal e após 30 dias distribuídos em três grupos: Controle (GCo), Carbopol (GCa) e Aloe Vera (GAV). No GCo nenhum tratamento foi realizado, enquanto nos outros realizou-se infusão diária de 0,3 mL de Carbopol GCa e Carbopol mais extrato de Aloe Vera no GAV por 30 dias. Foram retirados os espécimes para estudo histológico, avaliou-se o fechamento do trajeto fistuloso, a área do trajeto remanescente, o infiltrado inflamatório e o grau de congestão vascular. Resultados: Não houve fechamento completo do trajeto fistuloso em nenhum dos animais. A média da área do trajeto remanescente foi 847,2 µm no GCo; 565,6 µm no GCa e 377,8 µm no GAV (p<0,05). A média do escore de infiltrado inflamatório foi 2,4 no GCo; 2,4 no GCa e 2,3 no GAV (p<0.05), enquanto na avaliação da congestão vascular observou-se média 1,6 no GCo; 1,4 no GCa e 1,1 no GAV (p<0,05). Conclusão: O extrato de Aloe Vera foi capaz de diminuir o lumen dos trajetos fistulosos e reduzir o grau de congestão vascular, porém, não permitiu o fechamento completo dos trajetos fistulosos nem diminuiu o processo inflamatório.

Efficacy of Baccharis dracunculifolia in the treatment of diversion colitis in rats / Eficácia da Baccharis dracunculifolia no tratamento da colite de desuso em ratos

Abstract Rationale: Disuse colitis is frequent in our country and the most effective treatment is high cost and there is a need for effective and low cost therapy. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Baccharis dracunculifolia (field rosemary) in the treatment of exclusion colitis in rats. Method: Eighteen Wistar rats were anesthetized and submitted to colostomy; they were then distributed into two groups: Control Group, receiving intrarectal saline infusion (n = 8) and Group BD receiving intrarectal infusion ofBaccharis dracunculifolia extract (n = 10); after 21 days of treatment they were euthanized, the intestinal segment excluded from intestinal transit was resected and submitted to histopathological study, classifying the degree of inflammation and degree of vascular congestion from 0 to 3. Results: Mean inflammation was 2.7 in Control Group versus 2.1 in BD Group (p = 0.049), while mean vascular congestion was 2.3 and 2, respectively, in Control and BD groups (p = 0.1642). Conclusion: Intra-rectal infusion ofBaccharis dracunculifolia extract significantly minimized the inflammatory process in the exclusion colitis of rats submitted to colostomy, without altering the degree of vascular congestion.

Resumo Racional A colite de desuso é frequente em nosso meio e o tratamento de maior eficácia é de alto custo, havendo necessidade de se encontrar uma terapêutica eficaz e de baixo custo. Objetivo Avaliar a eficácia da Baccharis dracunculifolia (alecrim-do-campo) no tratamento da colite de exclusão em ratos. Método Utilizou-se 18 ratos Wistar, os quais foram anestesiados e submetidos à colostomia; em seguida distribuídos em 2 grupos: Grupo Controle, recebendo infusão intrarretal de solução salina (n = 8) e Grupo BD, recebendo infusão intrarretal de extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia (n = 10); após 21 dias de tratamento foram submetidos a eutanásia, o segmento intesinal excluso de trânsito intestinal foi ressecado e submetido a estudo histopatológico classificando-se o grau de inflamação e grau de congestão vascular de 0 a 3. Resultados Verificou-se média de inflamação 2,7 no Grupo Controle vs. 2,1 no Grupo BD (p = 0,049), enquanto as médias de congestão vascular foram 2,3 e 2, respectivamente, nos grupos controle e BD (p = 0,1642). Conclusão A infusão intrarretal do extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia minimizou significantemente o processo inflamatório na colite de exclusão de ratos submetidos à colostomia, sem alterar o grau de congestão vascular.

Treatment of anal fistula with Baccharis dracunculifolia extract. Experimental study in rats. / Tratamento da fístula anal com extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia. Estudo experimental em ratos.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the efficacy of Baccharis dracunculifolia extract in the treatment of anal fistulas in rats. METHODS: twenty male Wistar rats were submitted to anal fistula and, after 30 days, were divided into three groups: Control Group, with five animals; Carbopol Group, with five animals; and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, with ten animals. In the Control Group, no treatment was performed. In the Carbopol Group, a daily infusion of Carbopol was performed for 30 days. In the Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, a daily infusion of Carbopol plus Baccharis dracunculifolia extract was performed for 30 days. Specimens were taken for histological analysis after euthanasia. RESULTS: there was no complete closure of the fistulous tract in any of the animals. The mean area of the remaining tract was of 847.2µm2, 565.6µm2 and 372.7µm2, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.001). The mean of the inflammatory process score was of 2.4, 2.4, and 2.1, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.285), while the mean values of vascular congestion were of 1.6, 1.4, and 1.1, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: Baccharis dracunculifolia extract was able to reduce the lumen of the fistulous tracts and the degree of vascular congestion, without, however, reducing the local inflammatory process or totally closing the fistulous tracts.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a eficácia do extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia no tratamento de fístulas anais em ratos. MÉTODOS: vinte ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos à confecção de fístula anal e, após 30 dias, foram distribuídos em três grupos: Grupo Controle, com cinco animais; Grupo Carbopol, com cinco animais; e Grupo Baccharis dracunculifolia, com dez animais. No Grupo Controle, não se realizou nenhum tratamento. No Grupo Carbopol, realizou-se infusão diária de carbopol, e no Grupo Baccharis dracunculifolia, infusão de extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia com carbopol, ambos por 30 dias. Foram retirados espécimes para análise histológica após a eutanásia. RESULTADOS: não houve fechamento completo do trajeto fistuloso em nenhum dos animais. A média da área do trajeto resultante foi de 847,2µm2, 565,6µm2 e 372,7µm2, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,001). A média do escore de processo inflamatório foi de 2,4, 2,4 e 2,1, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,285), enquanto a média de congestão vascular foi de 1,6, 1,4 e 1,1, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,031). CONCLUSÃO: o extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia foi capaz de reduzir o lúmen dos trajetos fistulosos e a congestão vascular, sem reduzir, no entanto, o processo inflamatório local ou fechar totalmente os trajetos fistulosos.

Can stryphnodendron adstringens extract improve the results of fistulotomy followed by primary sphincteroplasty in the treatment of transsphincteric fistulae? / Extrato de stryphnodendron adstringens pode melhorar os resultados da fistulotomia seguida por esfincteroplastia primária no tratamento de fístulas transesfincterianas?

ABSTRACT Background: There is still a need for progress in the treatment of transsphincteric anal fistulae and the use of herbal medicines seems promising. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Stryphnodendron adstringens associated with fistulotomy and primary sphincteroplasty in the treatment of transsphincteric fistulae in rats. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were used, which were submitted to transsphincteric fistulas with steel wire 0; after 30 days a treatment was performed according to the group. Group A (n=10) was submitted to fistulotomy; group B (n=10), fistulotomy followed by primary sphincteroplasty with "U" stitch with polyglactin 911 4-0; group C(n=10) , similar to group B, but with the interposition between the muscular stumps of hemostatic sponge soaked in Stryphnodendron adstringens extract. Euthanasia was performed after 14 days, resecting a segment of the anal canal for histological analysis, which aimed to evaluate the closure of the fistula, the area of separation of the muscle cables, the inflammatory process and the degree of fibrosis. Results: No animal had a remaining fistulous tract. About the spacing between the muscle cables, an average of 106.3 µm2 was observed in group A, 82.8 µm2 in group B and 51.8 µm2 in group C (p<0.05). There was no difference between the groups regarding the inflammatory process and, in relation to fibrosis, in group A there was a mean of 0.6, in group B 0.7 and in group C 0.2 (p<0.05). Conclusions: Stryphnodendron adstringens extract was able to allow less spacing between muscle cables in rats submitted to fistulotomy followed by primary sphincteroplasty, in addition to providing less local fibrosis.

RESUMO Racional: Há ainda necessidade de avanço no tratamento das fístulas transesfincterianas e o uso de fitoterápicos parece promissor. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da Stryphnodendron adstringens associada à fistulotomia e esfincteroplastia primária no tratamento de fístulas transesfincterianas em ratos. Métodos: Utilizou-se 30 ratos Wistar submetidos à confecção de fístulas transesfincterianas com fio de aço 0; após 30 dias realizou-se tratamento de acordo com o grupo. O grupo A (n=10) foi submetido à fistulotomia; o grupo B (n=10) fistulotomia seguida de esfincteroplastia primária com ponto em "U" com poliglactina 911 4-0; o grupo C (n=10), semelhante ao grupo B, porém com a interposição entre os cotos musculares de esponja hemostática embebida em extrato de Stryphnodendron adstringens. Realizou-se eutanásia após 14 dias, ressecando-se segmento do canal anal para análise histológica, que objetivou avaliar o fechamento da fístula, a área de afastamento dos cabos musculares, o processo inflamatório e o grau de fibrose. Resultados: Nenhum animal apresentou trajeto fistuloso remanescente. Quanto ao afastamento entre os cabos musculares observou-se média 106,3 µm2 no grupo A, 82,8 µm2 no grupo B e 51,8 µm2 no grupo C (p<0,05). Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto ao processo inflamatório e, em relação à fibrose; no grupo A observou-se média 0,6, no grupo B 0,7 e no grupo C 0,2 (p<0,05). Conclusões: O extrato de Stryphnodendron adstringens foi capaz de permitir menor afastamento entre os cabos musculares em ratos submetidos à fistulotomia seguida por esfincteroplastia primária, além de proporcionar menor fibrose local.

EFFICACY OF CURCUMA LONGA IN THE TREATMENT OF DIVERSION COLITIS IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Diversion colitis is still very common in our country, since the stoma creation is a common practice especially in situations of trauma. needing treatment for this condition. AIM: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of rectal infusion of Curcuma longa (turmeric) in the excluded intestinal segment of rats. METHOD: Eighteen Wistar rats were used and submitted to colostomy: control group (n=8) under rectal saline infusion and group CL, receiving intra-rectal infusion of Curcuma longa extract (n=10). After 21 days of treatment they were submitted to euthanasia; the intestinal segment excluded from intestinal transit was resected and sent to histopathological evaluation, classifying the degree of inflammation and of vascular congestion. RESULTS: The average of inflammation was 2.7 in the control group vs. 2.6 in the CL group (p=0.3125), while the mean vascular congestion was 2.3 and 2.1, respectively, in the control and CL groups (p=0.1642). CONCLUSION: Intra-rectal infusion of Curcuma longa extract was not able to minimize the inflammatory process or vascular congestion in the diversion colitis of rats subjected to colostomy.

PRIMARY SPHINCTEROPLASTY COMPARING TWO DIFFERENT STITCHES IN ANAL FISTULA TREATMENT: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Anal fistula is by definition the communication between the rectum or anal canal with the perineal region, which may be epithelialized and has cryptoglandular origin in 90% of cases. There are a large number of techniques for successfully treating trans-sphincteric fistulas of 20-50%, including primary sphincteroplasty, but it is not clear whether the material used would influence the outcome. AIM: To analyze the efficacy of polydioxanone and polypropylene wire in primary post-fistulotomy sphincteroplasty in the treatment of trans-sphincteric fistulas in rats. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats had transfixation of the anal sphincter with steel wire, which remained for 30 days for the development of the anal fistula. After this period, it was removed and four groups were formed: A (control) without treatment; B (fistulotomy) submitted to such procedure and curettage only; C (polidioxanone) in which sphincteroplasty was performed after fistulotomy with polydioxanone wire; D (polypropylene) submitted to the same treatment as group C, but with polypropylene wire. After 30 days, euthanasia and removal of the specimens were performed for qualitative histopathological analysis, measurement of the area between the muscular cables edges and evaluation of the degree of local fibrosis. RESULTS: There was persistence of the anal fistula in all animals of group A. There were no significant differences between groups B, C and D regarding the distance of the muscular cables (p=0.078) and the degree of fibrosis caused by the different treatments (p=0.373). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference between polydioxanone and polypropylene wires in post-fistulotomy primary sphincteroplasty, and this technique was not superior to simple fistulotomy in relation to the distance of the muscular cables nor did it present differences in relation to the degree of local fibrosis.

Evaluation of polypropylene and polyglactin sutures in primary sphincteroplasty for the treatment of anal fistula in rats / Avaliação dos fios de polipropileno e poliglactina na esfincteroplastia primária no tratamento da fístula anal em ratos

ABSTRACT Rationale: Fistulotomy followed by primary sphincteroplasty is one of the therapeutic options in transsphincteric fistulae; however, it was not known which suture would present a better result. Objective: To compare polypropylene and polyglactin sutures in primary sphincteroplasty in rats subjected to fistulotomy. Method: Thirty Wistar rats were subjected to peritoneal anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine, followed by transfixation of the anal sphincter with steel thread, which remained for 30 days to develop the anal fistula. After this period, the steel thread was removed and four groups were formed: A - Control (n = 5), without treatment; B - Fistulotomy (n = 5), performed fistulotomy only; C - Polypropylene (n = 10), in which fistulotomy was performed followed by primary sphincteroplasty with polypropylene suture; D - Polyglactin (n = 10), in which fistulotomy was performed followed by primary sphincteroplasty with polyglactin suture; after 30 days the animals were anesthetized again and submitted to euthanasia by deepening the anesthetic plane to remove the specimens, analyzing fistula closure, muscle fiber distance, and inflammatory process. Results: The fistula persisted in all animals of the control group and in none of the other groups; the distances between the muscle fibers were 1620 µm, 4665 µm, and 2520 µm, respectively in Groups B, C, and D (p = 0.067); in relation to fibrosis, the means were 2.4, 2.8, and 3.6, respectively in Groups B, C, and D, showing greater fibrosis in the latter group (p = 0.041). Conclusion: There was no persistence of the fistula in any of the treated animals; there was no difference in the distance between the muscle fibers between the groups subjected to primary sphincteroplasty with polypropylene or polyglactin, or between these groups and the one treated only by fistulotomy. There was greater fibrosis in animals treated with primary sphincteroplasty with polyglactin.

RESUMO Racional: A fistulotomia seguida de esfincteroplastia primária é uma das opções terapêuticas nas fístulas transesfincterianas, porém, não se sabe ao certo qual fio poderia apresentar melhor resultado. Objetivo: Comparar os fios de polipropileno e poliglactina na esfincteroplastia primária em ratos submetidos a fistulotomia. Método: Utilizou-se 30 ratos Wistar, confeccionada fístula por transfixação do esfíncter anal com fio de aço, que permaneceu por 30 dias. Após, o fio de aço foi removido e foram formados quatro grupos: A - Controle (n = 5), sem tratamento; B - Fistulotomia (n = 5), realizada fistulotomia apenas; C - Polipropileno (n = 10), em que foi realizada fistulotomia seguida por esfincteroplastia primário com fio de polipropileno; D - Poliglactina (n = 10), mesmo procedimento com fio de poliglactina; após 30 dias analisou-se o fechamento da fístula, afastamento dos cabos musculares e processo inflamatório. Resultados: A fístula persistiu em todos animais do grupo controle e em nenhum dos demais grupos; dos grupos tratados a área de afstamento dos cabos musculares foi 1620 µm, 4665 µm e 2520 µm, respectivamente nos Grupos B, C e D (p = 0,067); em relação à fibrose as médias foram 2,4; 2,8 e 3,6; respectivamente nos Grupos B, C e D, demonstrando maior fibrose neste último grupo (p = 0,041). Conclusão: Não houve persistência da fístula em nenhum dos animais tratados, não houve diferença no afastamento dos cabos musculares entre os grupos submetidos a esfincteroplastia primária com polipropileno ou poliglactina, e nem destes com o grupo tratado apenas por fistulotomia. Houve maior fibrose nos animais tratados por esfincteroplastia primária com poliglactina.

Neonatal sepsis: evaluation of risk factors and histopathological examination of placentas after delivery / Sepse neonatal: avaliação dos fatores de risco e análise histopatológica de placentas após o parto

Neonatal sepsis is a clinical syndrome defined by systemic signs of infection in newborns accompanied by bacteremia. Can be responsible for serious consequences for the newborn child,characterized at the birth as early sepsis or late onset sepsis, with high rate of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Pathological agents such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis are most often responsible for intrauterine infections. The objective of this study is to evaluate the factors of neonatal sepsis predisposition in pregnant women through histopathological examination and the apoptotic index of placental tissues and detect DNA of E. coli and S. agalactiae using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Histopathological analyses were made and the apoptotic index was determined to verify the levels of possible inflammatory infiltrates and cell death. Placenta samples were collected from November 2013 to May 2014. After DNA extraction, a PCR was performed amplifying the target fragment from the conserved regions of the rpoB (beta-RNA polymerase) polymorphism of E. coli and the factor 1 of S. agalactiae. The apoptosis index was tested with Acridine Orange and the histological procedure with Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. Among 100 samples of placental tissues analyzed by PCR, 48 represented the control group and did not present a risk factor associated with neonatal sepsis, and 52 samples representing the study group had at least one risk factor. Among these 52 samples, 7 (13.4%) had a PCR positive for E. coli. No placenta samples showed a positive PCR for S. agalactiae. The quantification of the apoptotic index did not show statistical significances between the groups and no inflammatory infiltrates were observed. However, histological sections showed fibrinoid necrosis, infarct areas and areas of calcification in all samples. Therefore, the results allow to conclude that the seven patients of experimental group with positive PCR for E. coli had eminent risk factors of neonatal sepsis, and the infection of the urinary tract (UTI) is the main aggravating circumstance. The histopathological examination demonstrated that the risk factors caused significant alterations, producing fibrinoid necrosis and infarcted areas in the placenta, contrary to apoptotic index that didn't differ from the group with unprecedented risk

A sepse neonatal é uma síndrome clínica definida por sinais sistêmicos de infecção em recém-nascidos acompanhados de bacteremia. Pode ser responsável por sérias consequências para o recém-nascido, caracterizadas ao nascimento como sepse precoce ou sepse tardia, com alta taxa de morbidade emortalidade neonatal. Agentes patológicos como Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), Ureaplasma urealyticum e Mycoplasma hominis são mais frequentemente responsáveis por infecções intra-uterinas. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os fatores de predisposição da sepse neonatal em gestantes através do exame histopatológico e do índice apoptótico de tecidos placentários e detectar DNA de E. coli e S. agalactiae utilizando a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Análises histopatológicas foram realizadas e o índice apoptótico foi determinado para verificar os níveis de possíveis infiltrados inflamatórios e morte celular. Amostras de placenta foram coletadas de novembro de 2013 a maio de 2014. Após a extração de DNA, foi realizada uma PCR amplificando o fragmento alvo das regiões conservadas do polimorfismo rpoB (polimerase beta-RNA) de E. coli e o fator 1 de S. agalactiae. O índice de apoptose foi testado com alaranjado de acridina e o procedimento histológico com coloração de hematoxilina-eosina. Entre 100 amostras de tecidos placentários analisados por PCR, 48 representaram o grupo controle e não apresentaram fator de risco associado à sepse neonatal, e 52 amostras representativas do grupo de estudo apresentaram pelo menos um fator de risco. Entre essas 52 amostras, 7 (13,4%) apresentaram PCR positivo para E. coli. Nenhuma amostra de placenta foi positivo para S. agalactiae na PCR. A quantificação do índice apoptótico não mostrou significância estatística entre os grupos e não foram encontrados infiltrados inflamatórios. No entanto, cortes histológicos mostraram necrose fibrinóide, áreas de infarto e áreas de calcificação em todas as amostras. Portanto, os resultados permitem concluir que as sete pacientes do grupo experimental com PCR positivo para E. coliapresentavam fatores de risco eminentes de sepse neonatal, sendo a infecção do trato urinário (ITU), o principal agravante. O exame histopatológico demonstrou que os fatores de risco causaram alterações significativas, produzindo necrose fibrinóide e áreas infartadas na placenta, ao contrário o índice apoptótico que não diferiu do grupo sem precedentes de risco.

Tratamento da fístula anal com extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia. Estudo experimental em ratos / Treatment of anal fistula with Baccharis dracunculifolia extract. Experimental study in rats

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia do extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia no tratamento de fístulas anais em ratos. Métodos: vinte ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos à confecção de fístula anal e, após 30 dias, foram distribuídos em três grupos: Grupo Controle, com cinco animais; Grupo Carbopol, com cinco animais; e Grupo Baccharis dracunculifolia, com dez animais. No Grupo Controle, não se realizou nenhum tratamento. No Grupo Carbopol, realizou-se infusão diária de carbopol, e no Grupo Baccharis dracunculifolia, infusão de extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia com carbopol, ambos por 30 dias. Foram retirados espécimes para análise histológica após a eutanásia. Resultados: não houve fechamento completo do trajeto fistuloso em nenhum dos animais. A média da área do trajeto resultante foi de 847,2µm2, 565,6µm2 e 372,7µm2, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,001). A média do escore de processo inflamatório foi de 2,4, 2,4 e 2,1, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,285), enquanto a média de congestão vascular foi de 1,6, 1,4 e 1,1, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,031). Conclusão: o extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia foi capaz de reduzir o lúmen dos trajetos fistulosos e a congestão vascular, sem reduzir, no entanto, o processo inflamatório local ou fechar totalmente os trajetos fistulosos.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of Baccharis dracunculifolia extract in the treatment of anal fistulas in rats. Methods: twenty male Wistar rats were submitted to anal fistula and, after 30 days, were divided into three groups: Control Group, with five animals; Carbopol Group, with five animals; and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, with ten animals. In the Control Group, no treatment was performed. In the Carbopol Group, a daily infusion of Carbopol was performed for 30 days. In the Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, a daily infusion of Carbopol plus Baccharis dracunculifolia extract was performed for 30 days. Specimens were taken for histological analysis after euthanasia. Results: there was no complete closure of the fistulous tract in any of the animals. The mean area of the remaining tract was of 847.2µm2, 565.6µm2 and 372.7µm2, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.001). The mean of the inflammatory process score was of 2.4, 2.4, and 2.1, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.285), while the mean values of vascular congestion were of 1.6, 1.4, and 1.1, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.031). Conclusion: Baccharis dracunculifolia extract was able to reduce the lumen of the fistulous tracts and the degree of vascular congestion, without, however, reducing the local inflammatory process or totally closing the fistulous tracts.

Comparison of conventional and structured report in the evaluation of Crohn's disease through enterography / Comparação entre laudo convencional e estruturado na avaliação da Doença de Crohn por enterografia

ABSTRACT Context: There is an increasing interest in the standardization of the evaluation of imaging exams, especially enterography in Crohn's disease. Objective: To compare the quality of the conventional report with the structured report in computed tomography enterography in Crohn's disease. Method: Nine CT enterographies of patients with Crohn's disease with conventional reports were performed; after the standardization of the structured report by the radiology department of a university hospital that is a reference in the care of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, the same exams were reevaluated, and new reports were issued, without the radiologists having access to the previous report; the 18 reports underwent evaluation of five specialists in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, resulting in 90 analyses of the report; the specialists evaluated the following criteria: clarity of the information of the report, ease in characterizing the extension of the disease, ease in defining the presence of complications, usefulness of the exam to define the behavior, and ease in defining the activity of the disease, with the use of a 0-10 score. The statistical analysis was perfrmed with Wilcoxon's non-parametric test, considering a significance level of 5%. Results: The mean scores assigned to the exam reports, using both reports (unstructured and structured) ranged from 7.98 to 9.16; however, the scores of the structured reports were significantly higher (p < 0.003). Conclusion: In the specialists' evaluation, the structured report was shown to be of better quality than the unstructured one in the CT enterography of patients with Crohn's Disease.

RESUMO Contexto: Há cada vez maior interesse em padronização na avaliação de exames de imagem, em especial a enterografia na Doenca de Crohn. Objetivo: Comparar a qualidade do laudo convencional com o estruturado na enterografia por tomografia computadorizada na Doença de Crohn. Método: Foram realizados nove enterografias por TC de pacientes com Doença de Crohn com laudos convencionais; após a padronização do laudo estruturado pelo serviço de radiologia um hospital universitário, referência no atendimento de pacientes com doenças inflamatórias intestinais, os mesmos exames foram reavaliados e novos laudos foram emitidos, sem que os radiologistas tivessem acesso ao laudo anterior; os 18 laudos foram submetidos a avaliação de cinco especialistas em Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais, resultando em 90 análises de laudo; os especialistas avaliaram os seguintes critérios: clareza das informações do laudo, facilidade em caracterizar a extensão da doença, facilidade em definir a presença de complicações, utilidade do exame para definir a conduta e facilidade em definir a atividade da doença, conferindo uma pontuação de 0 a 10. A análise estatística foi realizada com o teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon, considerando-se nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: os escores médios atribuídos aos laudos do exame, usando ambos os relatórios (não estruturado e estruturado), variaram de 7,98 a 9,16; todavia, os escores dos laudos estruturados foram significativamente maiores (p < 0,003). Conclusão: Na avaliação dos especialistas o laudo estruturado mostrou-se de melhor qualidade que o não estruturado na enterografia por tomografia computadorizada de pacientes com Doença de Crohn.

Treatment of rats anal fistula with glycerin Aloe barbadensis Miller extract / Tratamento de fístula anal em ratos com extrato glicerinado de Aloe barbadensis Miller

ABSTRACT Rationale: There is a need for a low cost treatment for complex anal fistulas that can heal without causing fecal incontinence, with room for the study of herbal medicines. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the glycerin Aloe barbadensis Miller extract in the treatment of anal fistula in rats. Method: Thirty Wistar rats underwent peritoneal anesthesia with ketamine and Xylasine, followed by transfixation of the anal sphincter with a steel wire, which remained for 30 days to develop the anal fistula. After this period, the steel wire was removed and three groups with 10 animals were formed: A (control), without treatment; B (seton), in which a cotton seton was introduced; C (therapeutic seton), in which a cotton thread was introduced as a seton, and Aloe barbadensis Miller extract was daily dripped in the seton; after 30 days, the setons of groups B and C were removed, and after two weeks without a seton euthanasia and removal of specimens was conducted, and the fistula closure and the inflammatory process were analyzed. Results: Fistula persistence was observed in all animals in Group A, six in Group B and three in Group C (p = 0.015). The mean local inflammation levels were 0.9 in Group A; 0.8 in Group B, and 0 in Group C (p = 0.015). Conclusion: The use of a seton soaked in a glycerin Aloe barbadensis Miller extract was effective in the healing of anal fistulas in rats, in addition to causing less inflammatory process than the non-phytotherapeutic seton.

RESUMO Racional: Há necessidade de um tratamento de baixo custo para as fístulas anais complexas que possa curar sem causar incontinência fecal, havendo espaço para o estudo de fitoterápicos. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do extrato glicerinado de Aloe barbadensis Miller no tratamento de fístula anal em ratos. Método: Utilizou-se 30 ratos Wistar, submetidos à anestesia peritoneal com Cetamina e Xilasina, seguida de transfixação do esfíncter anal com fio de aço, que permaneceu por 30 dias para desenvolvimento da fístula anal. Após este período, o fio de aço foi removido e foram formados três grupos com 10 animais: A (controle), sem tratamento; B (sedenho), em que foi introduzido sedenho de algodão; C (sedenho terapêutico), em que foi introduzido fio de algodão como sedenho, e diariamente foi gotejado no sedenho extrato de Aloe barbadensis Miller; após 30 dias os sedentos dos Grupos B e C foram removidos, e, após duas semanas sem sedenho foi praticada a eutanásia e remoção dos espécimes, analisando-se fechamento da fístula e processo inflamatório. Resultados: Houve persistência da fístula em todos os animais do Grupo A, em seis do Grupo B e três do Grupo C (p = 0,015). As médias do grau de inflamação local foram 0,9 no Grupo A; 0,8 no Grupo B e 0 no Grupo C (p = 0,015). Conclusão: O uso de sedenho embebido em extrato glicerinado de Aloe barbadensis Miller foi efetivo na cicatrização de fístulas anais em ratos, além de ter causado menor processo inflamatório que o sedenho sem fitoterápico.

Crotalus durissus sp. rattlesnake venom induces toxic injury in mouse sperm.

Accidents involving snakebites constitute a serious public health problem in many regions around the world. However, there are no study about a possible action of snake venom on the reproductive system. Herein we show that Crotalus durissus sp. (Linnaeus) rattlesnake venom (25 µg/kg of body weight) affected chromatin condensation, and increased the number of sperm with abnormal morphology and the sperm count. In conclusion, besides the known hazards of the C. durissus sp. venom to animal health, this study was the first to show its effect also on male germ cells.

The effect of Sebastiania hispida gel on wound model infected by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Medicinal plants are an alternative for the treatment of infected wounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Sebastiania hispida in an animal model with a wound infected by Staphylococcus aureus. The crude ethanol extract (ExtEtOH) of S. hispida underwent phytochemical analysis, quantification of metabolites and antibacterial activity analysis performed using S. aureus. Wistar rats were used to test healing activity, and the groups evaluated comprised gels of ExtEtOH at the concentrations 0.2 and 2% compared with control groups. Animals were inoculated with the bacteria S. aureus resistant to methicillin. The treatment periods were of 3 and 21 days. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis were conducted and data were submitted to analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Phytochemical and quantification analysis indicated that phenolic compounds and flavonoids are the major constituents, followed by tyterpenes. ExtEtOH 0.2% was the most effective gel against the growth of strains of S. aureus. Histological wound and regression analysis showed that ExtEtOH gels (0.2% and 2%) were similar and effective in promoting wound healing. In the quantification of collagen fibers, the animals from all groups showed a high amount of thick collagen fibers. Thus, ExtEtOH gels based on the shoots of S. hispida can be used for the treatment of infected wounds as a complementary therapy for infected wound closure and further assays are required with other means. The healing effectiveness may be due to the high content of phenolics, flavonoids and triterpenes.

Effect of Ischemic Postconditioning and Atorvastatin in the Prevention of Remote Lung Reperfusion Injury.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of ischemic postconditioning, atorvastatin and both associated to prevent or minimize reperfusion injury in the lung of rats subjected to ischemia and reperfusion by abdominal aortic clamping. METHODS: We used 41 Wistar norvegic rats, which were distributed into 5 groups: ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), ischemic postcondictioning (IPC), postconditioning + atorvastatin (IPC+A), atorvastatin (A) and SHAM. It was performed a medium laparotomy, dissection and isolation of the infra-renal abdominal aorta; except for the SHAM group, all the others were submitted to the aortic clamping for 70 minutes (ischemia) and posterior clamp removal (reperfusion, 70 minutes). In the IPC and IPC+A groups, postconditioning was performed between the ischemia and reperfusion phases by four cycles of reperfusion and ischemia lasting 30 seconds each. In the IPC+A and A groups, preceding the surgical procedure, administration of 3.4 mg/day of atorvastatin was performed for seven days by gavage. After the surgical procedure, the right caudal lobe was removed from the lung for histological study, using tissue injury score ranging from grade 1 (normal tissue) to grade 4 (intense lesion). RESULTS: The mean lung injury was 3.6 in the I/R group, 1.6 in the IPC group, 1.2 in the IPC+A group, 1.2 in the A group, and 1 in the SHAM group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Ischemic postconditioning and atorvastatin were able to minimize lung reperfusion injury, alone or in combination.