Proteomic study of gamma-oryzanol preventive effect on a diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease associated with obesity and diabetes prevalence. The use of natural compounds has become an attractive approach to prevent NAFLD and its progression. Gamma-oryzanol (Orz) is a natural compound whose beneficial effects on chronic metabolic diseases have been reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the preventive effect of Orz on the hepatic proteome in a diet induced NAFLD model. Wistar rats were randomly distributed into three experimental groups (n=6/group) according to the diet received for 30 weeks: Control group, high sugar-fat (HSF) group, and HSF+Orz group. The isolated Orz was added to the chow at the dose of 0.5% (w/w). We evaluated the nutritional profile, characterized the presence of steatosis through histological analysis, triglyceride content in liver tissue and hepatic inflammation. Next, we performed label-free quantitative proteomics of hepatic tissue. Network analysis was performed to describe involved protein pathways. NAFLD induction was characterized by the presence of hepatic steatosis. Orz prevented lipid accumulation. The compound prevented alterations of the hepatic proteome, highlighted by the modulation of lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, xenobiotic metabolism, and the sirtuin signaling pathway. It was possible to identify key altered pathways of NAFLD pathophysiology modulated by Orz which may provide insights into NAFLD treatment targets.

Orange juice containing Pediococcus acidilactici CE51 modulates the intestinal microbiota and reduces induced inflammation in a murine model of colitis.

The management of inflammatory bowel diseases has been widely investigated, especially ulcerative colitis. Thus, studies with the application of new probiotic products are needed in the prevention/treatment of these clinical conditions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of probiotic orange juice containing Pediococcus acidilactici CE51 in a murine model of colitis. 45 male Swiss lineage mice were used, divided into five groups (n = 9): control, colitis, colitis + probiotic (probiotic orange juice containing CE51), colitis + placebo (orange juice) and colitis + sulfasalazine (10 mg/kg/Weight). The induction of colitis was performed with dextran sodium sulfate (3%). The treatment time was 5 and 15 days after induction. Histopathological analysis, serum measurements of TNF-α and C-reactive protein and metagenomic analysis of feces were performed after euthanasia. Probiotic treatment reduced inflammation in the small intestine, large intestine and spleen. The probiotic did not alter the serum dosages of TNF-α and C-reactive protein. Their use maintained the quantitative ratio of the phylum Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and increased Lactobacillus helveticus with 15 days of treatment (p < 0.05). The probiotic orange juice containing P. acidilactici CE51 positively modulated the gut microbiota composition and attenuated the inflammation induced in colitis.

Long exposure to a mixture of endocrine disruptors prediposes the ventral prostate of rats to preneoplastic lesions.

Endocrine disruptors (ED) are compounds dispersed in the environment that modify hormone biosynthesis, affecting hormone-dependent organs such as the prostate. Studies have only focused on evaluating the effects of ED alone or in small groups and short intervals and have not adequately portrayed human exposure. Therefore, we characterized the prostate histoarchitecture of rats exposed to an ED mixture (ED Mix) mimicking human exposure. Pregnant females of the Sprague-Dawley strain were randomly distributed into two experimental groups: Control group (vehicle: corn oil, by gavage) and ED Mix group: received 32.11 mg/kg/day of the ED mixture diluted in corn oil (2 ml/kg), by gavage, from gestational day 7 (DG7) to post-natal day 21 (DPN21). After weaning at DPN22, the male pups continued to receive the complete DE mixture until they were 220 days old when they were euthanized. The ED Mix decreased the epithelial compartment, increased the fractal dimension, and decreased glandular dilation. In addition, low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia was observed in addition to regions of epithelial atrophy in the group exposed to the ED Mix. Exposure to the mixture decreased both types I and III collagen area in the stroma. We concluded that the ED Mix was able to cause alterations in the prostatic histoarchitecture and induce the appearance of preneoplastic lesions.

Eltrombopag for Adults and Children with Immune-Refractory Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Systematic Review.

Eltrombopag is an agonist that binds to the membrane-bound domain of the thrombopoietin receptor used in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in adults and children with refractory ITP. Adults who received eltrombopag had a significantly better platelet response (relative risk [RR], 3.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.39-5.55), but there were no differences in the incidence of bleeding (RR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.52-1.22) and adverse effects (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.55-1.78) compared with the placebo. In children, there was no difference between eltrombopag and placebo for a platelet response >50,000/mm3 (RR, 3.93; 95% CI, 0.56-27.79) and the number of adverse events (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.25-1.49); however, a lower incidence of bleeding was observed (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27-0.83). Treatment with eltrombopag protected adults and children from severe disease and death.

Comparison of topical 0.03% tacrolimus and homologous injectable platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs.

Background and Aim: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is predominantly an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory ocular disease that is commonly diagnosed in dogs. This study aimed to compare the conventional use of topical immunosuppressant tacrolimus 0.03% eye drops and a new therapy injectable homologous platelet-rich plasma (HPRP) into the third eyelid gland and inferior and superior palpebral conjunctiva of dogs with KCS. Materials and Methods: A total of 66 eyes from 33 dogs were evaluated. The eyes were divided into three equal groups: Negative control group, tacrolimus group (TG), and homologous platelet-rich plasma group (HPRPG). The animals were evaluated using the Schirmer's tear test-1 (STT-1), osmolarity test (OT), strip meniscometry test (SMT), tear film break-up test (TBUT), fluorescein test, lissamine green test (LGT), and cytological and histopathological analyses. Results: In TG, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the STT-1 and SMT values, and goblet cell count in the palpebral conjunctiva by the end of the study. In HPRPG, 36% (four dogs) received three applications, 55% (six dogs) received two applications, and 9% (one dog) received one application before the initial ocular signs improved. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the lymphocyte and neutrophil counts of the palpebral conjunctiva in HPRPG than in TG. Both groups showed equivalent improvements in TBUT, OT, and LGT values. Conclusion: Tacrolimus 0.03% eye drops were more efficient than HPRP in increasing tear production and the number of goblet cells. However, injectable HPRP was more efficient than tacrolimus in decreasing the number of conjunctival inflammatory cells. Treatment with injectable HPRP requires an average of two to three applications, is safe and feasible, and can be used as a cheaper alternative or as an adjuvant to conventional treatment with topical immunosuppressants.

Chronic consumption of contaminated feed with 2 4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2 4 D) herbicide in rodents: effects on male reproductive health / Consumo crônico de ração contaminada com herbicida ácido 2 4 di clorofenoxiacético (2 4 D) em roedores: efeitos na saúde reprodutiva masculina

Introduction: The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most widely used pesticides in the world. There is evidence that this herbicide can induce deleterious effects in non-target organisms, including impairment of reproduction function. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive effects of the chronic consumption of contaminated feed with 2,4-D in rats using food environmental spraying simulation. Methods: Animals orally exposed received nebulized chow with 2,4-D solution in different concentrations for 180 days: 0 (control - CG), 20.69 (LCG), 34.63 (MCG), or 51.66 ppm day−1 (HCG). Results: Sperm quality was impaired to 2,4-D. The percentage of sperm with progressive movement, number of sperm in the testis and daily sperm production were decreased in all exposed groups to the herbicide compared to CG. Sperm counts in the caput/corpus and cauda epididymis were reduced in MCG and HCG, and sperm transit time was delayed in the epididymis of LCG. There was a negative impact on sperm morphology and plasma membrane integrity in MCG and HCG, respectively. Germ cell exfoliation within the lumen of the seminiferous tubules and epithelial vacuolization in epididymis were found in the HCG. Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the negative impact on male reproductive morphophysiology after chronic exposure to 2,4-D using food nebulization in environmentally relevant concentrations, based on agronomic use of the herbicide. The reproductive injuries identified raise concerns about the impacts of wide population exposure to 2,4-D (AU).

Introdução: O herbicida 2,4- ácido diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D) é um dos agrotóxicos mais utilizados no mundo. Há evidências de que este herbicida pode induzir efeitos deletérios em organismos não-alvo, incluindo prejuízo na função reprodutiva. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos reprodutivos do consumo crônico de ração contaminada com 2,4-D em ratos, utilizando simulação de pulverização ambiental de alimentos. Métodos: Animais expostos oralmente receberam ração nebulizada com solução de 2,4-D em diferentes concentrações por 180 dias: 0 (controle - GC), 20,69 (LCG), 34,63 (MCG) ou 51,66 ppm dia−1 (HCG). Resultados: A qualidade espermática foi prejudicada pelo 2,4-D. A porcentagem de espermatozoides com movimento progressivo, número de espermatozoides no testículo e produção diária de espermatozoides foram menores em todos os grupos expostos ao herbicida, quando comparados ao GC. A contagem de espermatozoides na cabeça/corpo e cauda do epidídimo foi reduzida em MCG e HCG, e o tempo de trânsito espermático atrasou no epidídimo em LCG. Houve impacto negativo na morfologia espermática e na integridade da membrana plasmática em MCG e HCG, respectivamente. Esfoliação de células germinativas no lúmen dos túbulos seminíferos e vacuolização epitelial no epidídimo foram encontradas em HCG. Conclusão: Este é o primeiro estudo a descrever o impacto negativo na morfofisiologia reprodutiva masculina após exposição crônica ao 2,4-D, utilizando nebulização de alimentos em concentrações ambientalmente relevantes, com base no uso agronômico do herbicida. As lesões reprodutivas identificadas levantam preocupações sobre os impactos da ampla exposição da população ao 2,4-D (AU).

Quercetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as an alternative for controlling bacterial adhesion to urethral catheter.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to assess the antimicrobial and antiadhesion behavior of quercetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus multidrug-resistant isolates. METHODS: The ionic gelation method was used to prepare chitosan nanoparticles loaded with quercetin. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects were observed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), plate count, crystal violet assay, and the matrix exopolysaccharide dosages. The nanoparticles coated in silicone urethral catheters were evaluated by crystal violet assay and plating count method. RESULTS: MIC ranged from 6.25 to 12.5 mg/ml. A reduction of at least 3.6 log CFU/ml and 6.2 log CFU/ml for, respectively, E. coli and S. aureus isolates was observed (p < 0.05). Under subinhibitory concentration (3.1 mg/ml) it was found a reduction of microbial adhesion and exopolysaccharide dosages in respectively 83.3% and 75% of the bacterial samples. The coated silicone urethral catheters showed a reduction of adhered cells in 25% of the isolates and biomass decreasing in 91.6% of them (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The quercetin nanoparticles provided antimicrobial and antiadhesion effects in multidrug-resistant isolates.

Resistance training mitigates hepato-cardiac changes and muscle mitochondrial protein reductions in rats with diet-induced obesity.

AIM: To investigate the effect of resistance training (RT) on hepatocardiovascular and muscle mitochondrial parameters in rats that were fed a high-calorie diet for 12 weeks. MAIN METHODS: The animals were divided into four groups: control (C), exercise (E), obese (O), and obese plus exercise (OE). Group E and OE rats performed resistance training by climbing on a vertical ladder with load attached to the end of the tail (1×/day, 3×/week, for 12 weeks). Group O and OE rats were fed a high-calorie diet containing chow and a cafeteria diet for 12 weeks. Under anesthesia, the heart and liver were removed for histopathological analysis, and the gastrocnemius muscle was removed for Western blotting. KEY FINDINGS: Group O rats were heavier, with increased fat mass, elevated fasting glycemia, and total triglycerides, and exhibited a significant number of Kupffer cells and diffuse steatosis in the liver. Group O rats also showed increased thickness of the right ventricle, septum, and pulmonary artery. All of these parameters were attenuated by RT. PGC1-α protein levels were increased in both exercise groups. The protein levels of OXPHOS complexes III, IV, and V were reduced in Group O, while RT prevented this alteration. SIGNIFICANCE: RT exerts a protective effect against hepato-cardiac alterations and prevents changes in the muscle mitochondrial protein profile induced by a high-calorie diet.

Fractal dimension analysis: A new tool for analyzing colony-forming units.

The gold standard for quantifying bacteria both in routine diagnostics and in research is plating followed by count of colony-forming units (CFU). But, manual CFU counting on plates is time-consuming and subjective. We evaluated fractal dimension as a new methodology for evaluating CFU. Twenty fragments of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) synthetic vascular prosthesis and 20 silicone prostheses were embedded in bacterial suspensions and incubated. The prostheses were then sown in solid culture medium and incubated for 48 h. Petri dishes were photographed and analyzed by fractal dimension. There was correlation between the number of CFU in manual counting and the fractal dimension analysis (p = 0.0001). We demonstrated that fractal dimension is a useful method for microbiological analyses in researches. It makes CFU analysis easier and faster and can be used regardless of the culture medium.•Petri dishes with different bacterial colonies were photographed with a digital camera under natural light.•The images were binarized and analyzed with ImageJⓇ's "fractal dimension" tool.•Fractal dimension analysis showed to be a good tool for evaluating the amount of colony-forming unit.

Subchronic exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide causes dysplasia in the digestive tract of Wistar rats.

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are the most widely used herbicide for treatment of crops in the world. The digestive tract is one of the first systems exposed to pesticides, and damage to this system can affect the general health of individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of subchronic inhalation and oral exposure to GBH on the digestive tract in rats. Six groups of Wistar rats (male and female) were exposed to nebulization with three concentrations of GBH [3.71 × 10-3 grams of active ingredient per hectare (g.a.i./ha), 6.19 × 10-3 g.a.i./ha and 9.28 × 10-3 g.a.i./ha] administered orally or by inhalation for 75 days. Bone marrow cells, smears of the tongue and fragments of the tongue, oesophagus, stomach and intestine were collected for histopathological analysis. Congestion, inflammation, an increase in the number of mast cells and nucleoli-organizing regions were detected in the tongue in the groups exposed to GBH. Females had a higher number of mast cells in the tongue than males. Animals in the groups exposed to higher concentrations of GBH showed dysplasia in the oesophagus and small and large intestine regardless of sex. Gastric changes were not observed. Animals exposed to GBH showed increased micronucleus formation. Our data indicate that GBH causes oral allergies and dysplastic lesions in the oesophagus and small and large intestine and has genotoxic potential.

Digital image processing: a useful tool in the analysis of lung injuries caused by chronic inhalation of agricultural herbicides.

The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is widely used in agriculture to control various weeds. The objective of this study was to use the digital image processing method to identify alveolar lesions in the lungs of rats submitted to chronic 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) inhalation exposure. We used forty adult male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into four groups: control group (CG), low concentration group (LCG), medium concentration group (MCG), and high concentration group (HCG). In a 6-month exposure period, we used two boxes connected to ultrasonic nebulizers for herbicide spraying. After this period, the rats were euthanized for the collection and study of lung tissue. For each image, counts of injuries and blisters were performed automatically using a methodology based on digital image processing techniques. For analysis of the results, an electronic database (Excel®) was created. We used the Pearson method for correlation analysis; values of p <0.05 were considered significant. In the evaluation of healthy alveoli, we recorded positive and significant correlations between analysis from a pathologist and computational analysis. In the evaluation of injured alveoli, we recorded a positive but non-significant correlation between analysis from a pathologist and computational analysis. These results show the effectiveness of digital image processing when evaluating alveolar integrity.

Does washing medical devices before and after use decrease bacterial contamination?: An in vitro study.

ABSTRACT: Surface treatment of medical devices may be a way of avoiding the need for replacement of these devices and the comorbidities associated with infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pre- and postcontamination washing of 2 prostheses with different textures can decrease bacterial contamination.The following microorganisms were evaluated: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis. Silicone and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular prostheses were used and divided into 3 groups: prostheses contaminated; prostheses contaminated and treated before contamination; and prostheses contaminated and treated after contamination. Treatments were performed with antibiotic solution, chlorhexidine and lidocaine. After one week of incubation, the prostheses were sown in culture medium, which was incubated for 48 hours. The area of colony formation was evaluated by fractal dimension, an image analysis tool.The antibiotic solution inhibited the growth of S epidermidis and chlorhexidine decrease in 53% the colonization density for S aureus in for both prostheses in the pre-washing. In postcontamination washing, the antibiotic solution inhibited the growth of all bacteria evaluated; there was a 60% decrease in the colonization density of S aureus and absence of colonization for E faecalis with chlorhexidine; and lidocaine inhibited the growth of S aureus in both prostheses.Antibiotic solution showed the highest efficiency in inhibiting bacterial growth, especially for S epidermidis, in both washings. Lidocaine was able to reduce colonization by S aureus in post-contamination washing, showing that it can be used as an alternative adjuvant treatment in these cases.

Cardiovascular damage associated with subchronic exposure to the glyphosate herbicide in Wistar rats.

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world. Although some studies have shown cardiac electrophysiological changes associated to glyphosate, the histopathological changes that this herbicide may cause in the cardiovascular system are not yet established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of subchronic oral and inhalation exposure to the glyphosate herbicide in rats. Eighty albino Wistar rats were distributed into eight groups (five males and five females/group): inhalation control: nebulization with sodium chloride solution (NaCl); oral control: nebulized feed with NaCl; low inhalation concentration: nebulization with 3.71 × 10-3 grams of active ingredient per hectare (g.a.i./ha) of glyphosate; low oral concentration: nebulized feed with 3.71 × 10-3 g.a.i./ha of glyphosate; medium inhalation concentration: nebulization with 6.19 × 10-3 g.a.i./ha of glyphosate; medium oral concentration: nebulized feed with 6.19 × 10-3 g.a.i./ha of glyphosate; high inhalation concentration: nebulization with 9.28 × 10-3 g.a.i./ha of glyphosate; and high oral concentration: nebulized feed with 9.28 × 10-3 g.a.i./ha of glyphosate. After 75 days of exposure, the animals were euthanized, and aortas and hearts were collected for histopathological analysis. Fatty streaks were observed in most animals exposed to glyphosate and were more prevalent in male rats, regardless of the route of exposure (p < 0.05). There were no differences in the measurements of the thickness of the right and left ventricle or in the collagen density of both ventricles in any of the groups evaluated (p > 0.05). Our study suggests that glyphosate has atherogenic potential, regardless of the concentration and route of exposure.

Effect of different doses of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on cardiac parameters in male Wistar rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different doses of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic herbicide in rat hearts. Exposure was through rat food that was nebulized with the herbicide. Thirty adult male Wistar rats (200-300 g) were used. The diet was exposed to 2,4-D in two different doses (CG: control group 10 ml distilled water; LCG: low concentration group 3.71 × 10-3 g.ia/ha diluted in 10 ml saline at 0.9% and HCG: High concentration group 9.28 × 10-3 g.ia/ha diluted in 10 ml 0.9% saline). After 6 months of exposure, blood samples were collected for CKMB evaluation, and left ventricular fragments were analyzed by histological evaluation, fibrosis measurements, fractal dimension and immunohistochemistry (BAX, Bcl2, TNF-α and NF-kB). There were no significant changes in CK-MB concentration, histological parameters, fibrosis measurements and fractal dimension. Long-term oral consumption of food nebulized by the herbicide 2,4-D promoted an increase in BAX, Bcl-2/BAX, and cytoplasmic NF-kB in the nuclear area of the group that received the highest dose of the herbicide. This suggests that the herbicide induces cardiotoxicity.

Protective effects of Bidens pilosa on hepatoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats.

The aim of this study was to assess the protective effects of oral and topical treatment with Bidens pilosa (BP) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- induced toxicity. Fifty-six rats were divided into seven groups: A: CCl4 only; B: CCl4+oral BP; C: CCl4 and topical BP; D: CCl4+oral and topical BP; E: oral BP only; F: negative control; and G: positive control (cyclophosphamide). The animals were treated for 10 weeks. Blood samples were collected for tests of hepatic and renal function, and fragments of the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, and intestine were collected for histopathological analyses. Cells from the femoral bone marrow were used for a micronucleus test and 'comet assay'. Statistically significant differences were observed in the levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), albumin, urea and creatinine, hepatic inflammation, renal tubular lesion, and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa between the BP-treated groups and untreated group. The median number of micronuclei in group A was 4.00, in group G was 9.00 and in the other groups was 0.00. Group A had the lowest number of cells with a score of 0 and the greatest number with scores of 3 and 4, similar to the results obtained from group G using the 'comet assay'. Thus, BP effectively protected against the toxic effects of CCl4 on the liver, kidney, and intestine and exerted an antimutagenic effect on rats exposed to CCl4.

Evaluation of genotoxicity after acute and chronic exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide (2,4-D) in rodents using machine learning algorithms.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, but its mutagenic and carcinogenic potential is still controversial. We simulated environmental exposure to 2,4-D, with the objective of evaluating the genotoxic effect of acute and chronic exposure to 2,4-D in rodents. We also evaluated the performance of machine learning algorithms in detecting differences in exposure groups through recognition performed from genotoxic characteristics. In the acute phase, 88 Swiss mice were used, distributed in five groups and exposed to nebulizations at different time intervals (24, 48, 72 and 192 hr). In the chronic phase, 88 Wistar rats were used, distributed in two groups (inhaled and oral) and exposed for six months. Femoral bone marrow cells were collected for a micronucleus test and comet assay. Data were evaluated by pattern recognition algorithms. In acute exposure, medium and high concentrations induced DNA damage in the comet assay, but these concentrations did not increase micronucleated cells. In the chronic exposure, there was an increase in micronuclei and DNA damage in the comet assay in all exposed groups regardless of the exposure route. The data showed a robust pattern of distinction between exposed and nonexposed groups to 2,4-D. Our data showed that both acute inhalation exposure and chronic oral and inhalation exposure to 2,4-D can cause genotoxic effects regardless of concentration. Machine learning showed a clear distinction between the control groups and those exposed to 2,4-D, and the effects of exposure are not concentration-dependent.

Mycobacterium leprae on Palatine Tonsils and Adenoids of Asymptomatic Patients, Brazil.

We investigated palatine tonsil and adenoid specimens excised from otorhinolaryngological patients in a leprosy-endemic region of Brazil. Fite-Faraco staining identified Mycobacterium spp. in 9 of 397 specimen blocks. Immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium leprae, indicating that these organs can house M. leprae in persons inhabiting a leprosy-endemic region.

Resistance training prevents right ventricle hypertrophy in rats exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke.

Exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke is associated with the development of diverse diseases. Resistance training has been considered one of the most useful tools for patients with pulmonary disease, improving their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of resistance training (RT) on the prevention of thickening of the right ventricle wall of rats exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke. Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (C), Smoker (S), Exercised (E) and Exercised Smoker (ES). The smoker groups were exposed to the smoke of four cigarettes for 30 min, twice daily, five days a week, for 16 weeks. The exercised groups climbed on a vertical ladder with progressive load, once a day, five days a week, for 16 weeks. The heart, trachea, lung, liver and gastrocnemius muscle were removed for histopathological analysis. Pulmonary emphysema (S and ES vs C and E, P < 0.0001) and pulmonary artery thickness enlargement (S vs C and E, P = 0.003, ES vs C, P = 0.003) were detected in the smoking groups. There was an increase in the right ventricle thickness in the S group compared with all other groups (P < 0.0001). An increase in resident macrophages in the liver was detected in both smoking groups compared with the C group (P = 0.002). Additionally, a relevant reduction of the diameter of the muscle fibers was detected only in ES compared with the C, S and E groups (P = 0.0002), impairing, at least in part, the muscle mass in exercised smoking rats. Therefore, it was concluded that resistance training prevented the increase of thickness of the right ventricle in rats exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke, but it may be not so beneficial for the skeletal muscle of smoking rats.

Evaluation of buccal damage associated with acute inhalation exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in mice.

BACKGROUND: The herbicide dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most widely used crop spraying products in the world. Some pesticides induce the degranulation of mast cells and increase allergic responses. This is the first study to evaluate the damage to the oral mucosa after an experimental simulation of environmental inhalation exposure to the 2,4-D herbicide. The aim of this study was evaluate the possible oral damage caused by acute inhalation exposure to the herbicide 2,4-D. RESULTS: There was a difference between the exposure concentrations in relation to tissue congestion intensity (p = 0.002) and mast cell counts (p = 0.002), a difference in the evaluation of the interaction between the exposure concentrations and nebulization time in the dorsum epithelium thickness (p = 0.013), and a significant correlation between the epithelial thickness and the number of nucleoli organizing regions on the dorsum of the tongue (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Even after acute exposure, the herbicide 2,4-D had the potential to damage the oral epithelium, especially at higher doses.