Comparing hair-morphology and molecular methods to identify fecal samples from Neotropical felids.

To avoid certain problems encountered with more-traditional and invasive methods in behavioral-ecology studies of mammalian predators, such as felids, molecular approaches have been employed to identify feces found in the field. However, this method requires a complete molecular biology laboratory, and usually also requires very fresh fecal samples to avoid DNA degradation. Both conditions are normally absent in the field. To address these difficulties, identification based on morphological characters (length, color, banding, scales and medullar patterns) of hairs found in feces could be employed as an alternative. In this study we constructed a morphological identification key for guard hairs of eight Neotropical felids (jaguar, oncilla, Geoffroy's cat, margay, ocelot, Pampas cat, puma and jaguarundi) and compared its efficiency to that of a molecular identification method, using the ATP6 region as a marker. For this molecular approach, we simulated some field conditions by postponing sample-conservation procedures. A blind test of the identification key obtained a nearly 70% overall success rate, which we considered equivalent to or better than the results of some molecular methods (probably due to DNA degradation) found in other studies. The jaguar, puma and jaguarundi could be unequivocally discriminated from any other Neotropical felid. On a scale ranging from inadequate to excellent, the key proved poor only for the margay, with only 30% of its hairs successfully identified using this key; and have intermediate success rates for the remaining species, the oncilla, Geoffroy's cat, ocelot and Pampas cat, were intermediate. Complementary information about the known distributions of felid populations may be necessary to substantially improve the results obtained with the key. Our own molecular results were even better, since all blind-tested samples were correctly identified. Part of these identifications were made from samples kept in suboptimal conditions, with some samples remaining outdoors for up to seven days, simulating conditions in the field. It appears that both methods can be used, depending on the available laboratory facilities and on the expected results.

Evaluation of antioxidant therapy in experimental Chagas disease.

INTRODUCTION:: Stimulation of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines may cause oxidative stress in Chagas disease. In this study, we evaluated the merit of vitamins C and E as antioxidant therapy to minimize the oxidative stress-induced damage in an experimental model of Chagas disease. METHODS:: Ninety-six Swiss mice were infected with Trypanosoma cruzi QM2 and treated with vitamins C, E, or both (C/E) for 60 and 120 days, and their effects compared to placebo administration were evaluated in the acute and chronic disease phases. RESULTS:: There was no difference in parasitemia among treatment groups. However, histological analysis showed more severe inflammation in the skeletal muscle in the vitamin supplementation groups at both the acute and chronic phases. Biochemical analyses during the acute phase showed increased ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and glutathione (GSH) levels in the vitamin C and C/E groups. In the chronic phase, a decrease in GSH levels was observed in the vitamin E group and a decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was observed in the vitamin C/E group. Moreover, there was a decrease in TBARS in the cardiac tissues of the vitamin C and C/E groups compared to that of the placebo group, although this level was greater in the vitamin E group than in the vitamin C group. CONCLUSIONS:: The antioxidant action of vitamins C and E reduced oxidative stress in both the acute and chronic phases of Chagas disease, with a marked effect from joint administration, indicating their inherent synergism.

Interaction between estradiol and 5-HT1A receptors in the median raphe nucleus on acquisition of aversive information and association to the context in ovariectomized rats.

The median raphe nucleus (MRN) is related to stress resistance and defensive responses, a crucial source of serotonergic neurons that project to prosencephalic structures related to stress and anxiety. Estrogen receptors were identified in this mesencephalic structure. It is possible that the estrogen action is related to serotonin effect on somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors, inhibiting the function of serotonergic neurons and thus preventing of the stress effect and inducing anxiolysis. So, in order to evaluate these aspects, female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and 21 days later were given a direct microinjection of estradiol benzoate (EB) (1200 ng) into the MRN, preceded by microinjections of saline or WAY100.635 (100 ng), a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist. Immediately after the two microinjections, the ovariectomized rats were conditioned with an aversive event (foot shock) session in a Skinner box. Twenty-four hours later, they were exposed to the same context in a test session for 5 min for behavioral assessment: freezing, rearing, locomotion, grooming, and autonomic responses (fecal boluses and micturition). EB microinjection in the MRN prior to the exposure of animals to the foot shocks in the conditioning session did not alter their behavior in this session, but neutralized the association of the aversive experience to the context: there was a decrease in the expression of freezing and an increased rearing activity in the test session. This effect was reversed by prior microinjection of WAY100.635. In conclusion, EB acted on serotonergic neurons in the MRN of the ovariectomized rats, impairing the association of the aversive experience to the context, by co-modulating the functionality of somatodendritic 5-HT1A.

Evaluation of antioxidant therapy in experimental Chagas disease

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Stimulation of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines may cause oxidative stress in Chagas disease. In this study, we evaluated the merit of vitamins C and E as antioxidant therapy to minimize the oxidative stress-induced damage in an experimental model of Chagas disease. METHODS: Ninety-six Swiss mice were infected with Trypanosoma cruzi QM2 and treated with vitamins C, E, or both (C/E) for 60 and 120 days, and their effects compared to placebo administration were evaluated in the acute and chronic disease phases. RESULTS: There was no difference in parasitemia among treatment groups. However, histological analysis showed more severe inflammation in the skeletal muscle in the vitamin supplementation groups at both the acute and chronic phases. Biochemical analyses during the acute phase showed increased ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and glutathione (GSH) levels in the vitamin C and C/E groups. In the chronic phase, a decrease in GSH levels was observed in the vitamin E group and a decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was observed in the vitamin C/E group. Moreover, there was a decrease in TBARS in the cardiac tissues of the vitamin C and C/E groups compared to that of the placebo group, although this level was greater in the vitamin E group than in the vitamin C group. CONCLUSIONS: The antioxidant action of vitamins C and E reduced oxidative stress in both the acute and chronic phases of Chagas disease, with a marked effect from joint administration, indicating their inherent synergism.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells: stimulatory effects on proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes in vitro.

The clinical use of tissue engineering associated with cell therapy is considered a new alternative therapy for the repair of chronic lesions with potential application in different medical areas, mostly in orthopedic and dermatological diseases. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a rich source of growth factors and cytokines important for wound healing. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) have shown potential to accelerate the resolution of ulcers, to stimulate cell proliferation, and to benefit the quality of skin repair. This study aims to determine the effect of PRP and conditioned medium (CM) from ADSC on fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation in vitro. Migration and proliferation assays were performed to evaluate the growth of fibroblasts and keratinocytes in the presence of PRP, CM, and CM + PRP. Significant proliferative stimulation was observed after 48 h of culture (p < 0.05) on mean absorbance of fibroblasts cultured with 10 and 25 % PRP, 100 % CM, and 25 % PRP + 25 % CM, if compared with control. Keratinocyte proliferation was stimulated after 48 h in cultures with 25, 50, and 100 % CM, and growth was compared with controls. The migration assay detected a significant migratory stimulus in fibroblasts cultured with 10 % PRP + 10 % CM after 48 h. These in vitro results suggest that PRP and ADSC have therapeutic potential for healing and re-epithelialization of chronic wounds in vivo.

Non-Oxygenated Sesquiterpenes in the Essential Oil of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. Increase during the Day in the Dry Season.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of seasonal and diurnal events on the chemical profile of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. This study was performed in a Brazilian savanna named Cerrado. We identified the best harvesting period for obtaining the highest amount of compounds used for commercial and industrial purposes. The chemical profile of the essential oils was evaluated by GC-FID and GC-MS, and the results were assessed through multivariate analyses. The data showed that the time of day and seasonal variations affect the quality of the essential oil obtained. Leaves harvested at the end of the day (5:00 pm) in the dry season resulted in richer essential oils with higher amounts of non-oxygenated sesquiterpenes. To the best of our knowledge, environmental conditions induce metabolic responses in the leaves of C. langsdorffii, which changes the patterns of sesquiterpene production. Therefore, these factors need to be considered to obtain better concentrations of bioactive compounds for pharmacological studies.

Seroepidemiological analysis of toxoplasmosis in college students.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which affects warm-blooded animals including humans. Its prevalence rates usually vary in different regions of the planet. METHODS: In this study, an analysis of the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among Brazilian students was proposed by means of IgG specific antibodies detection. The presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was also evaluated in order to compare it with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and to assess the use of 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride chromogens. RESULTS: The IFAT method showed a seroprevalence of 22.3%. These results were similar to those obtained by ELISA (24.1%). The seroprevalence was directly estimated from the IgG avidity, which showed that in a sample of 112 students, three of them had acute infection, an incidence of 1.6% in the studied population. CONCLUSION: In this study, the use of different chromogenic substrates in immunoenzymatic ELISA assays did not display different sensitivity in the detection of T. gondii-reagent serum. The extrapolation of results to this population must be carefully considered, since the investigation was conducted on a reduced sample. However, it allows us to emphasize the importance of careful and well prepared studies to identify risk factors for toxoplasmosis, to adopt preventive measures and to offer guidance to at-risk populations about the disease.

Seroepidemiological analysis of toxoplasmosis in college students

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which affects warm-blooded animals including humans. Its prevalence rates usually vary in different regions of the planet. Methods: In this study, an analysis of the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among Brazilian students was proposed by means of IgG specific antibodies detection. The presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondiiantibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was also evaluated in order to compare it with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and to assess the use of 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride chromogens. Results: The IFAT method showed a seroprevalence of 22.3%. These results were similar to those obtained by ELISA (24.1%). The seroprevalence was directly estimated from the IgG avidity, which showed that in a sample of 112 students, three of them had acute infection, an incidence of 1.6% in the studied population. Conclusion: In this study, the use of different chromogenic substrates in immunoenzymatic ELISA assays did not display different sensitivity in the detection of T. gondii-reagent serum. The extrapolation of results to this population must be carefully considered, since the investigation was conducted on a reduced sample. However, it allows us to emphasize the importance of careful and well prepared studies to identify risk factors for toxoplasmosis, to adopt preventive measures and to offer guidance to at-risk populations about the disease.

The enigmatic role of cholinergic reflex in the pathogenesis of Chagas disease.

This study evaluated the inflammatory process in the colons of mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi QM2 strain, through the analysis of muscle reactivity and the measurement of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in plasma. "Swiss" mice were infected with T. cruzi QM2 strain and after 15 (G15), 30 (G30), 60 (G60), 90 (G90), and 210 (G210) days, each group had blood collected for the measurement of butyrylcholinesterase plasma concentrations ([BuChE]), a measure which functioned as an indicator of plasmatic Ach levels. All groups, except G15, had a segment of proximal colon removed to assess muscle reactivity to acetylcholine (Ach) and noradrenaline (NA) stimulation. After reactivity tests, the tissues were then fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) for histological evaluation of inflammatory response. The QM2 strain did induce inflammatory process in mice colon, and demonstrated differences in muscular contraction between the G60 and G210 groups, with p < 0.05. Plasma [BuChE] increased during the acute phase of infection (p < 0.05) with subsequent heterogeneous decline in the late chronic phase. These results show that the QM2 strain has tropism to the colon of mice and causes damage characteristic of megacolon; also, Ach has an enigmatic importance in the anti-inflammatory reflex over the course of T. cruzi infection.

A new experimental model of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new murine model of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: the cigarette smoke group, comprising 12 rats exposed to smoke from 12 commercial filter cigarettes three times a day (a total of 36 cigarettes per day) every day for 30 weeks; and the control group, comprising 12 rats exposed to room air three times a day every day for 30 weeks. Lung function was assessed by mechanical ventilation, and emphysema was morphometrically assessed by measurement of the mean linear intercept (Lm). RESULTS: The mean weight gain was significantly (approximately ten times) lower in the cigarette smoke group than in the control group. The Lm was 25.0% higher in the cigarette smoke group. There was a trend toward worsening of lung function parameters in the cigarette smoke group. CONCLUSIONS: The new murine model of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema and the methodology employed in the present study are effective and reproducible, representing a promising and economically viable option for use in studies investigating the pathophysiology of and therapeutic approaches to COPD.

A new experimental model of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema in Wistar rats / Um novo modelo experimental murino de enfisema: enfisema induzido pela fumaça do cigarro em ratos Wistar

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new murine model of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: the cigarette smoke group, comprising 12 rats exposed to smoke from 12 commercial filter cigarettes three times a day (a total of 36 cigarettes per day) every day for 30 weeks; and the control group, comprising 12 rats exposed to room air three times a day every day for 30 weeks. Lung function was assessed by mechanical ventilation, and emphysema was morphometrically assessed by measurement of the mean linear intercept (Lm). RESULTS: The mean weight gain was significantly (approximately ten times) lower in the cigarette smoke group than in the control group. The Lm was 25.0% higher in the cigarette smoke group. There was a trend toward worsening of lung function parameters in the cigarette smoke group. CONCLUSIONS: The new murine model of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema and the methodology employed in the present study are effective and reproducible, representing a promising and economically viable option for use in studies investigating the pathophysiology of and therapeutic approaches to COPD. .

OBJETIVO: Descrever um novo modelo murino de enfisema induzido pela fumaça de cigarro. MÉTODOS: Vinte e quatro ratos Wistar foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo fumaça de cigarro, com 12 ratos expostos à fumaça de 12 cigarros comerciais com filtro três vezes ao dia (um total de 36 cigarros por dia), sete dias por semana, durante 30 semanas e o grupo controle, com 12 animais expostos ao ar ambiente três vezes ao dia, sete dias por semana, durante 30 semanas. A função pulmonar foi avaliada por meio de ventilação mecânica, e o enfisema foi morfometricamente avaliado por meio do diâmetro alveolar médio (Lm). RESULTADOS: A média de ganho de peso foi significativamente menor (aproximadamente dez vezes menor) no grupo fumaça de cigarro do que no grupo controle. O Lm foi 25.0% maior no grupo fumaça de cigarro. Os parâmetros de função pulmonar tenderam a ser piores no grupo fumaça de cigarro. CONCLUSÕES: O novo modelo murino de enfisema induzido pela fumaça de cigarro e a metodologia empregada neste estudo são eficazes e reproduzíveis; são, portanto, uma opção promissora e economicamente viável para estudos sobre a fisiopatologia e o tratamento da DPOC. .

Cluster analysis for classification of patients submitted to Fobi-Capella bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Individuals classified as morbidly obese require effective treatments to promote weight reduction. Due to the inefficacy of conservative treatments and current medications, bariatric surgery (gastric bypass) has been indicated for this group of individuals. AIM: To identify subgroups of obese patients in order to find patterns that hinder weight loss and recovery after the operation. METHOD: Variables from the medical records of 50 patients were analyzed at two different times: before bariatric surgery and six months after the surgery, utilizing statistical cluster analysis. RESULTS: The analysis led to dividing the patients into two groups. The body mass index - BMI variable did not influence the classification of the patients. The group in worse metabolic conditions was not necessarily composed of heavier subjects, but the cluster analysis grouped the patients according to four indicators of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic alterations and blood pressure were shown to have a clear correlation to obesity, relation to BMI was not confirmed by this study. CONCLUSIONS: Taking measures to manage metabolic syndrome and not focusing solely on weight loss could improve recovery after bariatric surgery, considering that the BMI was reduced in all patients and was not the distinguishing factor for the postoperative period.

Cell therapy with bone marrow mononuclear cells in elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema.

Emphysema is characterized by destruction of alveolar walls with loss of gas exchange surface and consequent progressive dyspnea. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of cell therapy with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) in an animal model of elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema. Emphysema was induced in C57Bl/J6 female mice by intranasal instillation of elastase. After 21 days, the mice received bone marrow mononuclear cells from EGFP male mice with C57Bl/J6 background. The groups were assessed by comparison and statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among the groups treated with BMMC and evaluated after 7, 14 and 21 days. Analysis of the mean linear intercept (Lm) values for the different groups allowed to observe that the group treated with BMMC and evaluated after 21 days showed the most significant result. The group that received no treatment showed a statistically significant difference when compared to other groups, except the group treated and evaluated after 21 days, evidencing the efficacy of cell therapy with BMMC in pulmonary emphysema.

Análise de agrupamentos para a classificação de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica Fobi-Capella / Cluster analysis for classification of patients submitted to Fobi-Capella bariatric surgery

RACIONAL: Indivíduos classificados como obesos mórbidos necessitam de tratamentos eficientes para promover a redução de peso. Em consequência da ineficácia dos tratamentos conservadores e medicamentos atuais, a operação de Fobi-Capella (gastric bypass) tem sido indicada para esse grupo de indivíduos. OBJETIVO: Identificar subgrupos de pacientes obesos com a finalidade de encontrar padrões que dificultem a perda de peso e a recuperação dele após essa operação. MÉTODO: Foram analisadas variáveis dos prontuários de 50 pacientes em dois momentos distintos: antes da operação bariátrica e após seis meses utilizando a metodologia estatística de Análise de Agrupamentos. RESULTADOS: A análise propiciou a divisão dos pacientes em dois grandes grupos. A variável IMC não influenciou na divisão dos pacientes. O grupo em piores condições metabólicas não foi necessariamente formado pelos indivíduos mais obesos, porém a Análise de Agrupamento associou os pacientes de acordo com quatro indicativos da síndrome metabólica. Houve clara relação entre as alterações metabólicas e de pressão arterial com a obesidade, porém neste estudo não se verificou dependência direta em relação ao IMC. CONCLUSÕES: As medidas que poderiam incrementar a recuperação após cirurgia bariátrica visam o controle da síndrome metabólica e não apenas a perda de peso, visto que o IMC foi reduzido em todos os pacientes e não foi o fator diferencial do pós-operatório.

BACKGROUND: Individuals classified as morbidly obese require effective treatments to promote weight reduction. Due to the inefficacy of conservative treatments and current medications, bariatric surgery (gastric bypass) has been indicated for this group of individuals. AIM: To identify subgroups of obese patients in order to find patterns that hinder weight loss and recovery after the operation. METHOD: Variables from the medical records of 50 patients were analyzed at two different times: before bariatric surgery and six months after the surgery, utilizing statistical cluster analysis. RESULTS: The analysis led to dividing the patients into two groups. The body mass index - BMI variable did not influence the classification of the patients. The group in worse metabolic conditions was not necessarily composed of heavier subjects, but the cluster analysis grouped the patients according to four indicators of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic alterations and blood pressure were shown to have a clear correlation to obesity, relation to BMI was not confirmed by this study. CONCLUSIONS: Taking measures to manage metabolic syndrome and not focusing solely on weight loss could improve recovery after bariatric surgery, considering that the BMI was reduced in all patients and was not the distinguishing factor for the postoperative period.

Utilização de redes neurais artificiais para a determinação do número de refeições diárias de um restaurante universitário / Use of artificial neural networks to determine the daily number of meals served by a university cafeteria

OBJETIVO: Construir uma rede neural artificial para auxiliar os gestores de restaurantes universitários na previsão de refeições diárias. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi desenvolvido a partir do levantamento de oito variáveis que influenciam o número de refeições diárias servidas no restaurante universitário. Utiliza-se o algoritmo de treinamento Backpropagation. Os resultados por meio da rede são comparados com os da série estudada e com resultados da estimação por média aritmética simples. RESULTADOS: A rede proposta acompanha as inúmeras alterações que ocorrem no número de refeições diárias do restaurante universitário. Em 73 por cento dos dias analisados, o método das redes neurais artificiais apresenta uma taxa de acerto maior do que o método da média aritmética simples. CONCLUSÃO: A rede neural artificial mostrou-se mais adequada para a previsão do número de refeições do que a metodologia de média simples ou quando a decisão do número de refeições é feita de forma subjetiva, sem critérios científicos.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to build an artificial neural network to help the managers of university cafeterias to predict the number of daily meals. METHODS: This study was based on a survey of eight variables that influence the number of daily meals served by a university cafeteria. Backpropagation training algorithm was used and the results obtained by the network are compared with results of the studied series and the results estimated by simple arithmetic average. RESULTS: The proposed network follows the numerous changes that occur in the number of daily meals of the university cafeteria. In 73 percent of the analyzed days, the artificial neural networks method presented a greater success rate than the simple arithmetic average method. CONCLUSION: Artificial neural network predicted the number of meals better than the simple average method or than decisions made subjectively.

Administração experimental de esteróide anabólico androgênico e álcool causa alterações histológicas e morfométricas nos ovários e útero de ratas adultas / Experimental administration of anabolic androgenic steroid and alcohol causes histological and morphometrical alterations in the ovaries and uterus of adult rats

O uso abusivo e indiscriminado de esteróides anabólicos androgênicos é uma prática comum entre jovens e adultos de ambos os sexos. Geralmente estas substâncias são utilizadas simultaneamente com outras drogas, lícitas ou não, que causam prejuízos à saúde. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência da administração experimental do esteróide decanoato de nandrolona (DN), associado ou não ao álcool, nos ovários e útero de ratas adultas. Fêmeas com ciclo estral regular (n = 20), foram distribuídas nos grupos: a) controle (solução fisiológica); b) DN (7,5 mg/kg de peso corpóreo; intraperitoneal); c) álcool (AL; 0,2 mL/100g de peso corpóreo; oral); d) DN + AL. Os tratamentos foram realizados através de uma única dose por semana, durante doze semanas consecutivas. Verificou-se que os tratamentos experimentais promoveram alterações no ciclo sexual, na histologia ovariana e uterina, na quantificação folicular e nos parâmetros morfométricos do útero, sendo estes efeitos marcantes nos grupos androgenizados DN e DN + AL. Concluiuse que o uso isolado ou simultâneo de esteróide anabólico e álcool promovem toxicidade ovariana e uterina em ratas adultas.

Nandrolone decanoate and physical effort: histological and morphometrical assessment in adult rat uterus.

In the past decades, the therapeutic use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has been overshadowed by illicit abuse of these drugs by athletes and non-athletes. Since that AAS can affect the reproductive tract, resulting in reproduction and fertilization damages, the purpose of this study was to investigate the nandrolone decanoate (ND) effects, associated or not with physical effort, on the uterine histomorphometric parameters. Female Wistar rats, sedentary or not, were exposed to treatment with ND by intraperitoneal injection (5 mg/kg/day, once a week) during four consecutive weeks. Control animals, sedentary or not, received vehicle alone (propylene glycol) in the same manner. The physical activity was forced swimming (20 min/day). During the experiment, all animals were monitored by daily vaginal smears. After 30 days of treatment, the females were sacrificed and their uteri collected and examined under light microscopy techniques. The ND-treated females showed estrus acyclicity and decreased thickness of both the epithelium and endometrial stroma. A reduction in the number and size of blood vessels was also found in ND-treated rats submitted to physical effort when compared to ND sedentary rats. ND-treated rats, regardless of exercise, exhibited stromal fibrosis and reduced gland ducts that displayed high mitotic activity. A remarkable widespread presence of leukocytes occurred in rats receiving ND and submitted to exercise. These results suggest that ND associated or not with physical effort causes histomorphometric changes to the rat uterus.

Phytotoxic activities of Mediterranean essential oils.

Twelve essential oils from Mediterranean aromatic plants were tested for their phytotoxic activity, at different doses, against the germination and the initial radicle growth of seeds of Raphanus sativus, Lactuca sativa and Lepidium sativum. The essential oils were obtained from Hyssopus officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, Majorana hortensis, Melissa officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis and Thymus vulgaris (Lamiaceae), Verbena officinalis (Verbenaceae), Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare and Carum carvi (Apiaceae). The germination and radicle growth of tested seeds were affected in different ways by the oils. Thyme, balm, vervain and caraway essential oils were more active against both germination and radicle elongation.

[Effects of androgenic anabolic steroids on the uterus and reproductive parameters of adult female rats]. / Efeitos dos esteroides anabólicos androgênicos sobre o útero e parâmetros reprodutivos de ratas adultas.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the effects of the administration of two synthetic steroids in the uterus morphology and in the reproductive parameters of adult female rats. METHODS: divided into four experimental groups: control (C; physiological solution); treated with nandrolone decanoate (DN; 7.5 mg/kg of body weight); with a testosterone esters compound (T; 7.5 mg/kg); and simultaneously with DN and T (7.5 mg/kg of each steroid), in a single intraperitoneal weekly dose, for eight weeks. Five females of each group were sacrificed and the uterine horns were collected, weighted and prepared for histological and morphometrical evaluation. The remaining rats were mated with normal male rats for reproductive parameters evaluation, composing the groups treated during the pre-gestational period. Another group of 20 female rats were treated during the gestational period (7th-14th days). For data analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric variance analysis was used, followed by the test of Dunn or of Student-Newman-Keus (5% significance level). RESULTS: there was a significant body weight increase in the androgenized females (ND: 305+/-50; T: 280+/-35; ND+T: 275+/-30 versus C: 255+/-22 g; p<0.05). Uterine weight was not affected by the steroidal treatment (ND: 0.6+/-0.2; T: 0.4+/-0.04; ND+T: 0.7+/-0.1 versus C: 0.4+/-0.09 g). All the androgenized females presented estral acyclicity and endometrium characterized by papilliferous luminal lining, oedematous stroma with hemorrhagic areas and secretory activity. There were changes in the morphometrical thickness parameters of the luminal epithelium, myometrium and perimetrium in the androgenized groups. None of the female rats got pregnant when treated with steroids in the pre-gestational period and the treatment during organogenesis affected negatively the reproductive parameters. CONCLUSIONS: steroidal agents alter the uterine structure and impair fertility and gestational outcome in female rats.

Efeitos dos esteroides anabólicos androgênicos sobre o útero e parâmetros reprodutivos de ratas adultas / Effects of androgenic anabolic steroids on the uterus and reproductive parameters of adult female rats

OBJETIVO: avaliar os efeitos da administração de dois esteroides sintéticos sobre a morfologia do útero e parâmetros reprodutivos de ratas adultas. MÉTODOS: quarenta ratas foram aleatoriamente distribuídas nos grupos experimentais: controle (C; solução fisiológica); tratados com decanoato de nandrolona (DN; 7,5 mg/kg de peso corpóreo); composto de ésteres de testosterona (T; 7,5 mg/kg de peso corpóreo); e, simultaneamente, com DN e T (7,5 mg/kg de peso corpóreo de cada esteroide), em uma única dose/semana, intraperitoneal, durante oito semanas. Cinco fêmeas de cada grupo foram sacrificadas e os cornos uterinos foram coletados, pesados e preparados para avaliação histológica e morfométrica. As ratas restantes foram acasaladas com machos normais para avaliação dos parâmetros reprodutivos, constituindo os grupos tratados durante o período pré-gestacional. Outro grupo de 20 ratas recebeu os tratamentos durante o período gestacional (7º-14º dias). Foi aplicada a análise de variância não paramétrica de Kruskal-Wallis, complementada com o teste de Dunn ou de Student-Newman-Kleus para análise dos dados (5 por cento de significância). RESULTADOS: houve aumento significativo no peso corpóreo das fêmeas androgenizadas (DN: 305±50; T: 280±35; DN+T: 275±30 versus C: 255±22 g) (p<0,05). O peso uterino não foi afetado pelos tratamentos esteroidais (DN: 0,6±0,2; T: 0,4±0,04; DN+T: 0,7±0,1 versus C: 0,4±0,09 g). Todas as fêmeas androgenizadas apresentaram aciclicidade estral e endométrio caracterizado pelo revestimento luminal papilífero, estroma edematoso com áreas hemorrágicas e atividade secretora. Houve alterações nos parâmetros morfométricos de espessura do epitélio luminal, miométrio e perimétrio, em função do grupo androgenizado. Nenhuma rata exibiu prenhez quando tratada com os esteroides no período pré-gestacional, e o tratamento durante a organogênese afetou negativamente os parâmetros reprodutivos. CONCLUSÕES: os agentes esteroidais alteram ...

PURPOSE: to evaluate the effects of the administration of two synthetic steroids in the uterus morphology and in the reproductive parameters of adult female rats. METHODS: divided into four experimental groups: control (C; physiological solution); treated with nandrolone decanoate (DN; 7.5 mg/kg of body weight); with a testosterone esters compound (T; 7.5 mg/kg); and simultaneously with DN and T (7.5 mg/kg of each steroid), in a single intraperitoneal weekly dose, for eight weeks. Five females of each group were sacrificed and the uterine horns were collected, weighted and prepared for histological and morphometrical evaluation. The remaining rats were mated with normal male rats for reproductive parameters evaluation, composing the groups treated during the pre-gestational period. Another group of 20 female rats were treated during the gestational period (7th-14th days). For data analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric variance analysis was used, followed by the test of Dunn or of Student-Newman-Keus (5 percent significance level). RESULTS: there was a significant body weight increase in the androgenized females (ND: 305±50; T: 280±35; ND+T: 275±30 versus C: 255±22 g; p<0.05). Uterine weight was not affected by the steroidal treatment (ND: 0.6±0.2; T: 0.4±0.04; ND+T: 0.7±0.1 versus C: 0.4±0.09 g). All the androgenized females presented estral acyclicity and endometrium characterized by papilliferous luminal lining, oedematous stroma with hemorrhagic areas and secretory activity. There were changes in the morphometrical thickness parameters of the luminal epithelium, myometrium and perimetrium in the androgenized groups. None of the female rats got pregnant when treated with steroids in the pre-gestational period and the treatment during organogenesis affected negatively the reproductive parameters. CONCLUSIONS: steroidal agents alter the uterine structure and impair fertility and gestational outcome in female rats.