Hypertrophy of the right ventricle by pulmonary artery banding in rats: a study of structural, functional, and transcriptomics alterations in the right and left ventricles.

Introduction: Right ventricular remodeling with subsequent functional impairment can occur in some clinical conditions in adults and children. The triggering factors, molecular mechanisms, and, especially, the evolution over time are still not well known. Left ventricular (LV) changes associated with right ventricular (RV) remodeling are also poorly understood. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate RV morphological, functional, and gene expression parameters in rats submitted to pulmonary artery banding compared to control rats, with the temporal evolution of these parameters, and to analyze the influence of RV remodeling by pulmonary artery banding in rats and their controls over time on LV geometry, histology, gene expression, and functional performance. Methods: Healthy 6-week-old male Wistar-EPM rats weighing 170-200 g were included. One day after the echocardiogram, depending on the animals undergoing the pulmonary artery banding (PAB) procedure or not (control group), they were then randomly divided into subgroups according to the follow-up time: 72 h, or 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks. In each subgroup, the following were conducted: a new echocardiogram, a hemodynamic study, the collection of material for morphological analysis (hypertrophy and fibrosis), and molecular biology (gene expression). The results were presented as the mean ± standard deviation of the mean. A two-way ANOVA and Tukey post-test compared the variables of the subgroups and evolution follow-up times. The adopted significance level was 5%. Results: There was no significant difference among the subgroups in the percentage of water in both the lungs and the liver (the percentage of water in the lungs ranged from 76% to 78% and that of the liver ranged from 67% to 71%). The weight of the right chambers was significantly higher in PAB animals in all subgroups (RV PAB weighed from 0.34 to 0.48 g, and control subjects, from 0.17 to 0.20 g; right atrium (RA) with PAB from 0.09 to 0.14 g; and control subjects from 0.02 to 0.03 g). In the RV of PAB animals, there was a significant increase in myocyte nuclear volume (97 µm3-183.6 µm3) compared to control subjects (34.2 µm3-57.2 µm3), which was more intense in subgroups with shorter PAB follow-up time, and the fibrosis percentage (5.9%-10.4% vs. 0.96%-1.18%) was higher as the PAB follow-up time was longer. In the echocardiography result, there was a significant increase in myocardial thickness in all PAB groups (0.09-0.11 cm compared to control subjects-0.04-0.05 cm), but there was no variation in RV diastolic diameter. From 2 to 8 weeks of PAB, the S-wave (S') (0.031 cm/s and 0.040 cm/s), and fractional area change (FAC) (51%-56%), RV systolic function parameters were significantly lower than those of the respective control subjects (0.040 cm/s to 0.050 cm/s and 61%-67%). Furthermore, higher expression of genes related to hypertrophy and extracellular matrix in the initial subgroups and apoptosis genes in the longer follow-up PAB subgroups were observed in RV. On the other hand, LV weight was not different between animals with and without PAB. The nuclear volume of the PAB animals was greater than that of the control subjects (74 µm3-136 µm3; 40.8 µm3-46.9 µm3), and the percentage of fibrosis was significantly higher in the 4- and 8-week PAB groups (1.2% and 2.2%) compared to the control subjects (0.4% and 0.7%). Echocardiography showed that the diastolic diameter and LV myocardial thickness were not different between PAB animals and control subjects. Measurements of isovolumetric relaxation time and E-wave deceleration time at the echocardiography were different between PAB animals and control subjects in all subgroups, but there were no changes in diastolic function in the hemodynamic study. There was also increased expression of genes related to various functions, particularly hypertrophy. Conclusion: 1) Rats submitted to pulmonary artery banding presented RV remodeling compatible with hypertrophy. Such alterations were mediated by increased gene expression and functional alterations, which coincide with the onset of fibrosis. 2) Structural changes of the RV, such as weight, myocardial thickness, myocyte nuclear volume, and degree of fibrosis, were modified according to the time of exposure to pulmonary artery banding and related to variations in gene expression, highlighting the change from an alpha to a beta pattern from early to late follow-up times. 3) The study suggests that the left ventricle developed histological alterations accompanied by gene expression modifications simultaneously with the alterations found in the right ventricle.

Increased angiogenesis in primary myelofibrosis: latent transforming growth factor-ß as a possible angiogenic factor.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to demonstrate a possible relationship between anti-latency-associated peptide human latent transforming growth factor beta 1 (latent TGF-ß1) expression in megakaryocytes and microvascular density in bone marrow biopsies from patients with essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis. METHODS: Microvascular density was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis and the expression of latent TGF-ß1 in samples (100 megakaryocytes per bone marrow sample) from 18 essential thrombocythemia and 38 primary myelofibrosis (19 prefibrotic and 19 fibrotic) patients. Six bone marrow donor biopsies were used as controls. Fibrosis in the bone marrow biopsies was evaluated according to the European Consensus. RESULTS: The average fibrosis grade differed between essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis groups when compared to the control group. Latent TGF-ß1 expression differed significantly between the fibrotic primary myelofibrosis (PMF) group and the control group (p-value<0.01). A high degree of neo-angiogenesis (demonstrated by analysis of CD34 expression) was detected in patients with myelofibrosis. There were correlations between latent TGF-ß1 expression and microvascular density (r=0.45; p-value<0.0009) and between degree of microvascular density and fibrosis grade (r=0.80; p-value<0.0001). Remarkable differences for neo-angiogenesis were not observed between patients with essential thrombocythemia and controls. CONCLUSION: Angiogenesis participates in the pathogenesis of primary myelofibrosis, in both the prefibrotic and fibrotic stages, while latent TGF-ß is differentially expressed only in the prefibrotic stage.

Increased angiogenesis in primary myelofibrosis: latent transforming growth factor-β as a possible angiogenic factor

Objective: The aim of this work was to demonstrate a possible relationship between anti-latency-associated peptide human latent transforming growth factor beta 1 (latent TGF-β1) expression in megakaryocytes and microvascular density in bone marrow biopsies from patients with essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis. Methods: Microvascular density was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis and the expression of latent TGF-β1 in samples (100 megakaryocytes per bone marrow sample) from 18 essential thrombocythemia and 38 primary myelofibrosis (19 prefibrotic and 19 fibrotic) patients. Six bone marrow donor biopsies were used as controls. Fibrosis in the bone marrow biopsies was evaluated according to the European Consensus. Results: The average fibrosis grade differed between essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis groups when compared to the control group. Latent TGF-β1 expression differed significantly between the fibrotic primary myelofibrosis (PMF) group and the control group (p-value < 0.01). A high degree of neo-angiogenesis (demonstrated by analysis of CD34 expression) was detected in patients with myelofibrosis. There were correlations between latent TGF-β1 expression and microvascular density (r = 0.45; p-value < 0.0009) and between degree of microvascular density and fibrosis grade (r = 0.80; p-value < 0.0001). Remarkable differences for neo-angiogenesis were not observed between patients with essential thrombocythemia and controls. Conclusion: Angiogenesis participates in the pathogenesis of primary myelofibrosis, in both the prefibrotic and fibrotic stages, while latent TGF-β is differentially expressed only in the prefibrotic stage...

APC protein immunoexpression in colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma / Imunoexpressão da proteína APC nos tecidos de adenoma e de adenocarcinoma colorretais

BACKGROUND: activation of the Wnt pathway by mutated APC gene is considered the initial event in colorectal carcinogenesis. The identification of these mutations can improve the specific treatment of the adenocarcinoma. OBJECTIVE: detect and evaluate wild-type APC protein in tissue from colorectal adenoma, adenocarcinoma and adjacent mucosa. METHODS: 42 patients that underwent surgery for adenocarcinoma and 53 patients with resected adenomas were studied. Tissue samples from the adenocarcinoma were obtained from the tumor and from adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa located 10 cm from the proximal margin of the tumor. Adenoma tissue was obtained from representative areas. Blocks of tissue microarray (TMA) were submitted to immunohistochemistry with anti-APC, with readings of positivity and intensity of immunostaining and the score of immune expression of APC protein was obtained. RESULTS: the APC protein immune expression score showed a significantly lower expression of APC protein in the adenoma when compared with the adenocarcinoma (p < 0.0001) and adjacent mucosa (p < 0.0001). The APC protein immune expression score in the colorectal mucosa and adjacent to the adenocarcinoma showed no significant difference (p = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: the finding of decreased expression of APC protein in adenoma tissue may indicate that the mutated APC gene may contribute to the changes in the adenoma-carcinoma process of carcinogenesis sequence. The strong expression of protein APC in tissues from the carcinoma and adjacent mucosa suggests that in most patients in this series, the mutation of the APC gene did not participate in the oncogenesis mechanism. (AU)

RACIONAL: a ativação da via Wnt pelo gene APC mutado é considerado evento inicial da carcinogênese colorretal. A identificação dessas mutações pode tornar o tratamento do adenocarcinoma mais específico. OBJETIVO: detectar e avaliar a proteína APC não mutada em tecidos de adenoma, adenocarcinoma e mucosa adjacente. MÉTODO: estudados 42 doentes operados de adenocarcinoma e 53 com adenomas ressecados. Tecidos de adenocarcinoma foram obtidas da neoplasia e da mucosa adjacente não neoplásica situadas a 10 cm da margem proximal do tumor. Tecidos do adenoma foram obtidas de área representativa. Blocos de tissue microarray (TMA) foram submetidos a imuno-histoquímica com anticorpo anti-APC. Avaliadas a positividade e intensidade da expressão e obtidos escores da imunoexpressão da proteína APC. RESULTADOS: o escore da imunoexpressão da proteína APC no adenoma foi significantemente menor do que no adenocarcinoma (p < 0,0001) e na mucosa adjacente (p < 0,0001). O escore da imunoexpressão da proteína APC na mucosa adjacente e no adenocarcinoma não mostraram diferença significante (p = 0,24). CONCLUSÕES: a menor expressão da proteína APC no adenoma pode indicar que o gene APC mutado participa das alterações do processo adenoma-carcinoma. A forte expressão da proteína APC no CCR e na mucosa adjacente sugerem que a mutação do gene APC não participou da oncogênese. (AU)

An experimental model for the study of collagen fibers in skeletal muscle.

PURPOSE: To examine histological and histomorphometric techniques for measuring collagen in skeletal muscle. METHODS: The following staining methods were used in the study: hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, reticulin, and picrosirius red, and immunostaining for collagen types I, II, III, IV, and V. Histomorphometric measurements were performed using Corel PhotoPaint and UTHSCSA Image Tool 3.0 software. RESULTS: Both the Masson's trichrome and picrosirius red staining provided the best visualization for the measurement of collagen content. CONCLUSION: This methodology is important for the identification and quantification of the different types of collagen in muscles and can be used in the investigation of the qualitative and quantitative influence of collagen on physical activities, aging, and diseases.

An experimental model for the study of collagen fibers in skeletal muscle / Modelo experimental para o estudo de fibras de colágeno no músculo esquelético

PURPOSE: To examine histological and histomorphometric techniques for measuring collagen in skeletal muscle. METHODS: The following staining methods were used in the study: hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, reticulin, and picrosirius red, and immunostaining for collagen types I, II, III, IV, and V. Histomorphometric measurements were performed using Corel PhotoPaint and UTHSCSA Image Tool 3.0 software. RESULTS: Both the Masson's trichrome and picrosirius red staining provided the best visualization for the measurement of collagen content. CONCLUSION: This methodology is important for the identification and quantification of the different types of collagen in muscles and can be used in the investigation of the qualitative and quantitative influence of collagen on physical activities, aging, and diseases.

OBJETIVO: Examinar os procedimentos empregados na quantificação do colágeno por métodos histológicos e histomorfométricos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas colorações histológicas por HE, Tricrômico de Masson, Reticulina, Picrossírius e reação imuno-histoquímica para colágeno I, II, III, IV e V. A quantificação histomorfométrica foi realizada utilizando-se os programas Corel PhotoPaint e Image Tool versão 3.0. RESULTADOS: Os métodos histológicos de Masson e Picrossírius apresentaram uma maior facilidade na quantificação do colágeno. CONCLUSÃO: Este modelo é importante para que possa ser identificado e quantificado os diferentes tipos de colágenos nos músculos e relacionar com a atividade física, envelhecimento e doenças.

Immunohistochemical analysis of collagen content and types in the rectus abdominis muscle of cadavers of different ages.

PURPOSE: To assess the collagen content and types in the rectus abdominis muscle of cadavers of different ages. METHODS: Forty fresh adult male cadavers, at room temperature, were obtained from the Institute of Legal Medicine of Franca and dissected within 24 hours of death. The cadavers were divided into two groups: Group A (n=20), 18 to 30 years of age, and Group B (n=20), 31 to 60 years of age. Bilateral incisions were made in the middle portion of anterior rectus sheath 3 cm superiorly and 2 cm inferiorly to the umbilicus and four fragments of the rectus abdominis muscle were dissected. The samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and sent for immunohistochemical analysis to determine collagen content and types. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical results revealed higher amounts of type I and type III collagen in Group A. However, no difference in the amount of type IV collagen was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: The amount of type I and type III collagen was higher in group A.

Grape juice concentrate prevents oxidative DNA damage in peripheral blood cells of rats subjected to a high-cholesterol diet.

The goal of the present study was to investigate whether subchronic treatment with grape juice concentrate is able to protect liver and peripheral blood cells against cholesterol-induced injury in rats. The effects of the grape juice concentrate treatment on histopathological changes, immunohistochemistry for cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), and basal and oxidative DNA damage induced by H2O2 using a single-cell gel (comet) assay were evaluated. Male Wistar rats (n 18) were divided into three groups: group 1--negative control; group 2--cholesterol at 1 % (w/w) in their diet, treated for 5 weeks; group 3--cholesterol at 1 % in their chow, treated for 5 weeks, and grape juice concentrate at 222 mg/d in their drinking-water in the final week only. The results indicated that the treatment with grape juice concentrate did not show remarkable differences regarding liver tissue in group 3 compared with group 2. However, grape juice concentrate was able to decrease oxidative DNA damage induced by H2O2 in peripheral blood cells, as depicted by the tail moment results. COX-2 expression in the liver did not show statistically significant differences (P>0·05) between groups. Taken together, the present results suggest that the administration of subchronic grape juice concentrate prevents oxidative DNA damage in peripheral blood cells.

Immunohistochemical analysis of collagen content and types in the rectus abdominis muscle of cadavers of different ages / Imunohistoquímica do colágeno no músculo reto do abdome de cadáveres de diferentes grupos etários

PURPOSE: To assess the collagen content and types in the rectus abdominis muscle of cadavers of different ages. METHODS: Forty fresh adult male cadavers, at room temperature, were obtained from the Institute of Legal Medicine of Franca and dissected within 24 hours of death. The cadavers were divided into two groups: Group A (n=20), 18 to 30 years of age, and Group B (n=20), 31 to 60 years of age. Bilateral incisions were made in the middle portion of anterior rectus sheath 3 cm superiorly and 2 cm inferiorly to the umbilicus and four fragments of the rectus abdominis muscle were dissected. The samples were fixed in 10 percent buffered formalin and sent for immunohistochemical analysis to determine collagen content and types. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical results revealed higher amounts of type I and type III collagen in Group A. However, no difference in the amount of type IV collagen was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: The amount of type I and type III collagen was higher in group A.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o colágeno no músculo reto do abdome em cadáveres de diferentes faixas etárias. MÉTODOS: Foram dissecados 40 cadáveres adultos masculinos, não fixados, com tempo de óbito de até 24 horas, em temperatura ambiente, provenientes do Instituto Médico-Legal de Franca (SP - Brasil). Os cadáveres foram distribuídos em dois grupos: GRUPO A (n=20) - 18 a 30 anos e GRUPO B (n=20) -31 a 60 anos. Realizou-se incisão na porção mediana da lâmina anterior da bainha do músculo reto a 3 cm superiormente e 2 cm inferiormente ao umbigo em ambos os lados, sendo retirados quatro fragmentos de músculo reto do abdome. Esse material foi conservado em formalina tamponado a 10 por cento e enviado para imuno-histoquímica para determinação do tipo de colágeno. RESULTADOS: Na Imunihistoquímica os colágenos I e III foram estatisticamente maiores no grupo A, porém não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação ao colágeno IV. CONCLUSÃO: A quantidade de colágeno tipo I e III foi maior no grupo A.

Aerobic exercise affects C57BL/6 murine intestinal contractile function.

This study investigated the influence of a moderate exercise training program on the intestinal contractility based on the hypothesis that this organ may endure repetitive periods of ischemia-reperfusion events during moderate aerobic training (10, 25, 40, and 55 days of 60-min treadmill running at 13-21 m/min, 5 days/week). The adaptation of the animal to this program was assessed by significant increase of animal physical performance associated with a mild increase in the wet heart mass-to-body mass ratio. The endurance exercise training caused functional changes of the C57BL/6 ileum contractility, mainly causing a significant reduction of the efficacy of both the electro- (KCl) and pharmacomechanical (acetylcholine, [2-lysine]-angiotensin II, and bradykinin) couplings after 55 days of moderate treadmill running. The level of ileum lipid peroxidation, evaluated by an indirect method, significantly decreased after 10 days of moderate aerobic training, remaining at this lower level throughout the 55 days of training. Altogether, these data demonstrate that the murine ileum is an important target for aerobic moderate exercise training program by causing impairment of the contractility in response to either agonists or depolarization, and that endurance exercise exerts a remarkable protective effect against tissue oxidative stress.

Risk Factors, biochemical markers, and genetic polymorphisms in early coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors, lipid and apolipoprotein profile, hemostasis variables, and polymorphisms of the apolipoprotein AI-CIII gene in early coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Case-control study with 112 patients in each group controlled by sex and age. After clinical evaluation and nutritional instruction, blood samples were collected for biochemical assays and genetic study. RESULTS: Familial history of early CAD (64 vs 39%), arterial hypertension (69 vs 36%), diabetes mellitus (25 vs 3%), and previous smoking (71 vs 46%) were more prevalent in the case group (p<0.001). Hypertension and diabetes were independent risk factors. Early CAD was characterized by higher serum levels of total cholesterol (235 +/-6 vs 209 +/- 4 mg/dL), of LDL-c (154 +/- 5 vs 135 +/- 4 mg/dL), triglycerides (205 +/- 12 vs 143 +/- 9 mg/dL), and apolipoprotein B (129 +/- 3 vs 105 +/- 3 mg/dL), and lower serum levels of HDL-c (40 +/- 1 vs 46 +/- 1 mg/dL) and apolipoprotein AI (134 +/- 2 vs 146 +/- 2mg/dL) [p<0.01], in addition to an elevation in fibrinogen and D-dimer (p<0.02). The simultaneous presence of the rare alleles of the APO AI-CIII genes in early CAD are associated with hypertriglyceridemia (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Of the classical risk factors, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with early CAD. In addition to an unfavorable lipid profile, an increase in the thrombotic risk was identified in this population. An additive effect of the APO AI-CIII genes was observed in triglyceride levels.

Fatores de risco, marcadores bioquímicos e polimorfismos genéticos na doença arterial coronariana prematura / Risk Factors, biochemical markers, and genetic polymorphisms in early coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors, lipid and apolipoprotein profile, hemostasis variables, and polymorphisms of the apolipoprotein AI-CIII gene in early coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Case-control study with 112 patients in each group controlled by sex and age. After clinical evaluation and nutritional instruction, blood samples were collected for biochemical assays and genetic study. RESULTS: Familial history of early CAD (64 vs 39 percent), arterial hypertension (69 vs 36 percent), diabetes mellitus (25 vs 3 percent), and previous smoking (71 vs 46 percent) were more prevalent in the case group (p<0.001). Hypertension and diabetes were independent risk factors. Early CAD was characterized by higher serum levels of total cholesterol (235 ± 6 vs 209 ± 4 mg/dL), of LDL-c (154 ± 5 vs 135 ± 4 mg/dL), triglycerides (205 ± 12 vs 143 ± 9 mg/dL), and apolipoprotein B (129 ± 3 vs 105 ± 3 mg/dL), and lower serum levels of HDL-c (40 ± 1 vs 46 ± 1 mg/dL) and apolipoprotein AI (134 ± 2 vs 146 ± 2mg/dL) [p<0.01], in addition to an elevation in fibrinogen and D-dimer (p<0.02). The simultaneous presence of the rare alleles of the APO AI-CIII genes in early CAD are associated with hypertriglyceridemia (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Of the classical risk factors, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with early CAD. In addition to an unfavorable lipid profile, an increase in the thrombotic risk was identified in this population. An additive effect of the APO AI-CIII genes was observed in triglyceride levels

A biologia molecular e os avanços na prevenção da ruptura da placa vulnerável / Molecular biology as a tool in the prevention of vulnerable plaque rupture

A aterosclerose é uma doença inflamatória crônica,complexa, que afeta seletivamente a rede arterial, resultando de uma ação combinada de fatores genéticos e ambientais, e a ruptura da placa e a trombose subseqüente são eventos desencadeantes das síndromes coronárias agudas. A biologia molecular, como ferramenta, contribui para o desenvolvimento de estratégias que permi- tam o reconhecimento da placa vulnerável e promovam sua estabilização. Novas abordagens genômicas têm permitido a identificação de grupos de genes que determinam tanto a suscetibilidade como a resistência à aterosclerose e às complicações trombóticas. O conhecimento do perfil dos polimorfismos genéticos poderá facilitar o rastreamento dos indivíduos com placas vulneráveis e viabilizar novas abordagens terapêuticas e melhor prognóstico clínico. Portanto, alguns genes que afetam o metabolismo lipídico, a hemostasia, a inflamação, a função endotelial, o sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona, a resistência à insulina e o estresse oxidativo aparecem como novas perspectivas para genes candidatos. O estudo da expressão gênica diferencial, por meio de técnicas como DD/RT-PCR, SAGE ou "cDNA array", permitirá analisar um painel de genes, cujas interações das proteínas por eles codificadas resultam no desfecho do processo de ruptura da placa. Finalmente, a possibilidade de emprego da terapia gênica para corrigir doenças de herança mendeliana ou na prevenção de doenças de cunho degenerativo apresenta-se como uma proposta promissora no advento das novas técnicas que farão parte da Medicina do futuro...

Lípides e disfunçäo endotelial / Lipids and endothelial dysfunction

O endotélio é uma fina camada de células do sistema circulatório, cuja disfunçäo pode ser um fator crítico na patogênese da doença vascular.Vários estudos têm demonstrado que a hipercolesterolemia pode alterar a funçäo endotelial, precedendo o desenvolvimento de ateromas.As lesöes ateroscleróticas säo classificadas em seis estágios, de acordo com o aspecto histógico, apresentando lipídios no interior ou mesmo fora de macrófagos, depositados na camada íntima da parede do vaso. A LDL (Lipoproteína de baixa densidade) oxidada é a principal fraçäo lipídica associada com disfunçäo endotelial.As células endoteliais liberam radicais livres de oxigênios restivos, que podem oxidar a LDL e dar início ao processo aterosclerótico, provocando o primeiro passo, que é a disfunçäo endotelial, e facilitando a adesäo e a migraçäo de monócitos para o interior da parede vascular e a transformaçäo em macrófagos espumosos.Níveis aumentadas de lipoproteínas ricas em trigicerídeos também säo relatados como fator lesivo ao endotélio, devido à concentraçäo aumentada de produtos de lipólise das lipoproteínas ricas em triglicerídeos, nas proximidades da superfície endotelial.A lipoproteína HDL exerce funçäo protetora no desenvolvimento da aterosclerose, facilitando a saída dos lipídios do interior das placas ateromatosas, impedindo a oxidaçäo das LDL e, consequentemente, modulando a interaçäo entre monócitos e endotélio.

Estudo de receptores de estrógenos pelo radioensaio e fluorescência em carcinomas mamários / Estrogen receptors study by radioassay and fluorescence in mammary carcinoma

Receptores para estrógenos foram determinados em 76 casos de carcinomas mamários por reaçäo e fluorescência, em cortes de tecido congelado, e comparados com resultados obtidos bioquimicamente por radioensaio. Foram observados 67,1% de positividade e 32,9% de negatividade entre os receptores estrogênicos determinados por métodos bioquímicos, enquanto que pelo método histoquímico foram verificados 48,7% de posistivos, 26,3% com padräo misto (totalizando 75%) e 25% de negativos. Verificou-se correlaçäo entre as duas metodologias

Açäo da colchicina na fibrose hepática: estudo experimental em camundongos esquistossomóticos / Action of colchicine in hepatic fibrosis: an experimental study in schistosomic mice

Os autores estudam a açäo da colchicina sobre a fibrogênese hepática em camundongos esquistossomóticos e verificam, através da microscopia óptica e de polarizaçäo, evidente reduçäo da mesma nos camundongos tratados com esse alcalóide

Avaliaçäo da imunidade celular e aspectos anatomopatológicos em portadores de esquistossomose mansônica / Evaluation of cellular immunity and anatomo-pathological aspects in schistosomiasis mansoni patients

Estudaram-se 98 pacientes portadores de esquistossomose mansônica quanto a aspectos imunológicos e anatomopatológicos. De 67 pacientes com a forma hepatointestinal, 46% apresentaram biópsias hepáticas normais, 25% com aspectos sugestivos de esquistossomose e 33% com achados inespecíficos. Em 31 pacientes com a forma hepatosplênica encontraram-se granulomas esquistossomóticos em 32%. A hepatite crônica ativa foi somente encontrada nesse grupo, em 6% dos doentes. Na forma HE foi maior a incidência de respostas negativas aos antígenos cutâneos de hipersensibilidade tardia (intradérmicos e sensibilizados de contato). Contudo, a avaliaçäo por estímulo de linfócitos in vitro com PHA näo mostrou diferença entre os dois grupos de pacientes

Distribuiçäo do colágeno I e III nas pancreatites crônicas alcoólicas e näo alcoólicas pelo método picro sirius polarizaçäo / Distribution of collagen I and III in alcoholic and non-alcoholic chronic pancreatitis by the picro sirius polarizations method

Estuda-se a distribuiçäo dos colágenos I e III nas pancreatites crônicas alcoólicas e näo alcoólicas utilizando o método picro sirius polarizaçäo, notando-se em ambas o predomínio das fibras tipo I sobre as do tipo III com aspectos característicos (densas e fragmentadas) e invadindo a regiäo intralobular. Um elemento característico das pancreatites crônicas alcoólicas é o aumento relativo das fibras do tipo III intralobular