TITANIUM CLIPS FOR CLOSURE OF THE PERITONEAL FLAP DURING LAPAROSCOPIC INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic approach for inguinal hernia repair has been widely used since its introduction in the 1990s. As a step in the procedure, the surgeon must access the preperitoneal space through an incision in the peritoneum, creating an adequate dissection for mesh placement. At the end of the procedure, the peritoneal flap must be closed to avoid adhesions. There are several methods to close the peritoneum. AIMS: The aim of this study was to propose a simple method for closing the peritoneal flap, using titanium clips, exposing its advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: Description of the peritoneum flap closure technique, using titanium clips, in the last 15 years. RESULTS: The pneumoperitoneum was reduced to a pressure of 7 mmHg; then, the two edges of the peritoneal flap were approximated together and, with the aid of a Maryland grasper, were kept together; titanium clips were used to close the flap. The process is repeated along the entire peritoneal incision until it is completely closed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of titanium clips proved to be a fast, inexpensive, and effective method for closing the peritoneal flap in videolaparoscopic inguinal hernioplasties, with no major or recurrent complications reported. Therefore, it is an effective and safe method for the closure of the peritoneal defect.

Titanium clips for closure of the peritoneal flap during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair / Clipes de titânio para o fechamento do retalho peritoneal durante a correção de hérnia inguinal videolaparoscópica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic approach for inguinal hernia repair has been widely used since its introduction in the 1990s. As a step in the procedure, the surgeon must access the preperitoneal space through an incision in the peritoneum, creating an adequate dissection for mesh placement. At the end of the procedure, the peritoneal flap must be closed to avoid adhesions. There are several methods to close the peritoneum. AIMS: The aim of this study was to propose a simple method for closing the peritoneal flap, using titanium clips, exposing its advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: Description of the peritoneum flap closure technique, using titanium clips, in the last 15 years. RESULTS: The pneumoperitoneum was reduced to a pressure of 7 mmHg; then, the two edges of the peritoneal flap were approximated together and, with the aid of a Maryland grasper, were kept together; titanium clips were used to close the flap. The process is repeated along the entire peritoneal incision until it is completely closed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of titanium clips proved to be a fast, inexpensive, and effective method for closing the peritoneal flap in videolaparoscopic inguinal hernioplasties, with no major or recurrent complications reported. Therefore, it is an effective and safe method for the closure of the peritoneal defect.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A via de acesso laparoscópica para correção de hérnia inguinal tem sido amplamente empregada desde sua introdução na década de 1990. Como etapa do procedimento, o cirurgião deve acessar o espaço pré-peritoneal por meio de uma incisão no peritônio, criando uma adequada dissecção para a colocação da tela. Ao final do procedimento, o retalho peritoneal deve ser fechado para evitar aderências. Existem vários métodos para fechar o peritônio. OBJETIVOS: Propor um método simples para o fechamento do flap peritoneal, utilizando clipes de titânio, expondo suas vantagens e desvantagens. METHODS: Descrição da técnica de fechamento do peritônio, utilizando clips de titânio, nos últimos 15 anos. RESULTADOS: O pneumoperitôneo foi reduzido até uma pressão de 7mmHg; em seguida, as duas bordas do retalho peritoneal foram aproximadas e, com auxílio de uma pinça Maryland, foram mantidas unidas; o clipe de titânio foi utilizado para o fechamento do retalho. A técnica foi repetida ao longo de toda a incisão peritoneal, até o seu fechamento completo. CONCLUSÕES: O uso de clipes de titânio mostrou-se um método rápido, barato e eficaz no fechamento do flap peritoneal nas hernioplastias inguinais videolaparoscópicas, sem grandes ou recorrentes complicações relatadas. Portanto de um método eficaz e seguro para o fechamento do defeito peritoneal.

Conselhos de fiscalização profissional e proteção da sociedade / Professional supervisory boards and protection of society / Consejos de supervisión profesional y protección de la sociedad

Resumo A República Federativa do Brasil, ao reconhecer o valor da liberdade do exercício profissional e o dever de proteger a sociedade, delegou aos conselhos profissionais atividades típicas de poder de fiscalização ética e técnica de pessoas que exercem determinadas profissões. A essa função típica de Estado são somados ainda o exercício de um serviço público e o papel de zelar pelo bom prestígio da profissão. Os conselhos de fiscalização profissional cumprem essas funções de forma legítima, democrática, eficaz e com incontestável valor social. Para que essas entidades continuem exercendo suas missões institucionais, é necessário defender seu reconhecimento como pessoas jurídicas de direito público, detentoras do poder de fiscalização.

Abstract The Federative Republic of Brazil, in recognizing the value of freedom of professional practice and the duty to protect society, delegated to professional councils activities typical of ethical and technical supervision of people who exercise certain professions. To this typical function of the State are also added the exercise of a public service and the role of ensuring the good prestige of the profession. Professional supervisory boards fulfill these functions in a legitimate, democratic, effective way and with undeniable social value. For these entities to continue exercising their institutional missions, it is necessary to defend their recognition as legal entities of public law, holders of supervisory power.

Resumen La República Federativa de Brasil, reconociendo el valor de la libertad de ejercicio profesional y el deber de proteger a la sociedad, delegó en los consejos profesionales actividades típicas de poder de supervisión ética y técnica de las personas que ejercen ciertas profesiones. A esta función típica del Estado se añaden el ejercicio de un servicio público y el papel de velar por el buen prestigio de la profesión. Los consejos profesionales de supervisión desempeñan estas funciones de manera legítima, democrática, efectiva y con un valor social innegable. Para que estas entidades puedan continuar ejerciendo sus misiones institucionales, es necesario defender su reconocimiento como personas jurídicas de Derecho Público, titulares de la facultad de supervisión.

Gastrointestinal emergency care during the COVID-19 pandemic: rapid communication.

OBJECTIVE: Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a decrease in the search for medical care. High-risk patients have avoided hospital environments fearing infection. We hypothesize that there was also a decrease in the search for medical care related to gastrointestinal emergencies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of consultations for severe gastrointestinal emergencies during and before the months of the pandemic. METHODS: This was a transversal study. The inclusion criteria were cases of consultation in the emergency department for gastrointestinal diseases that required hospitalization, from January to April, from 2015 to 2020. The pediatric population (under age 12) was excluded. RESULTS: A total of 2,457 cases of cases was included. The number of emergency hospitalizations for gastrointestinal cases decreased during the first four months of 2020: 108, 112, 82, and 77, respectively. Comparing April of 2020 with previous years, there was a lower than expected number of cases during the social distancing period (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: This study reports a pronounced decrease in consultations for severe gastrointestinal emergencies during the pandemic. Governments and society should be aware that health crises do not halt the natural occurrence of noninfectious diseases; otherwise, an increase in mortality from these morbidities may arise.

Preoperative Level of Leptin Can Be a Predictor of Glycemic Control for Patients with Diabetes Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery is a first-line treatment for patients with obesity and diabetes. It is uncertain whether leptin has an influence on glycemia in the postoperative period. METHODS: A cohort study of thirty-eight individuals with obesity and diabetes who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was undertaken. The levels of leptin, glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin were verified in the preoperative period and in the first and third postoperative months. RESULTS: The majority of patients were women (81.6%), and the mean age was 47.3 years (SD 8.8). The mean BMI was reduced by 17.75% (from 47.3 to 38.9 kg/m2) and the mean glycemia by 26.76%. Preoperative leptin had a moderate positive correlation with glucose level at the third month (Pearson r = 0.46, P = 0.02), but not with HbA1c. Patients with leptin above 27.34 ng/mL had a higher glucose level at the end of observation (101.9 versus 88.9, t test, P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: The search for factors that influence diabetes control after bariatric surgery is of major importance in clinical practice. Our study reported a level of leptin that can predict the prognosis of glycemic control after the intervention. This finding still needs to be validated and confirmed in other populations.

Gastrointestinal emergency care during the COVID-19 pandemic: rapid communication

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a decrease in the search for medical care. High-risk patients have avoided hospital environments fearing infection. We hypothesize that there was also a decrease in the search for medical care related to gastrointestinal emergencies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of consultations for severe gastrointestinal emergencies during and before the months of the pandemic. METHODS: This was a transversal study. The inclusion criteria were cases of consultation in the emergency department for gastrointestinal diseases that required hospitalization, from January to April, from 2015 to 2020. The pediatric population (under age 12) was excluded. RESULTS: A total of 2,457 cases of cases was included. The number of emergency hospitalizations for gastrointestinal cases decreased during the first four months of 2020: 108, 112, 82, and 77, respectively. Comparing April of 2020 with previous years, there was a lower than expected number of cases during the social distancing period (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: This study reports a pronounced decrease in consultations for severe gastrointestinal emergencies during the pandemic. Governments and society should be aware that health crises do not halt the natural occurrence of noninfectious diseases; otherwise, an increase in mortality from these morbidities may arise.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O distanciamento social durante a pandemia por COVID-19 tem sido associado a uma redução na busca por atendimento médico. Pacientes de alto risco têm evitado ambiente hospitalar com receio de infectar-se. Nossa hipótese é de que houve também uma redução no atendimento médico a emergências gastrointestinais. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a frequência de consultas por emergências gastrointestinais graves durante e antes da pandemia. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal. O critério de inclusão foram casos de consulta em emergência por patologia gastrointestinal que tenham requerido hospitalização, de janeiro a abril dos anos 2015 a 2020. A população pediátrica foi excluída. RESULTADOS: Um total de 2.457 casos foi incluído. O número de hospitalizações via emergência durante os primeiros quatro meses de 2020 foi: 108, 112, 82 e 77, respectivamente. Comparando abril de 2020 com anos anteriores, houve um número de atendimentos abaixo do esperado (p=0,002). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo relata uma redução pronunciada em atendimentos por emergências gastrointestinais graves na pandemia. Governos e sociedade devem estar cientes de que tais crises de saúde não interrompem a ocorrência natural de doenças não infecciosas, do contrário poderá ocorrer um aumento na mortalidade por outras morbidades.

Elastic Fibers Density: a New Parameter of Improvement of NAFLD in Bariatric Surgery Patients.

PURPOSE: Obesity is a major risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affecting 25% of the worldwide population. Weight loss through bariatric surgery can improve much of the liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. However, it is not known whether there is reversal of the elastic fiber deposition process, triggered by hepatic damage and related to worse prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals submitted to bariatric surgery at our institution, from March 2016 to June 2017, with intraoperative liver biopsy confirming NAFLD were approached. Those who consented were submitted to a second liver biopsy 1 year later and were included. Specimens were sliced and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Sirius red for histological assessment according to Brunt's criteria and with orcein for digital analysis morphometrics using ImageJ®. Quantification of elastic fibers was accomplished by corrected integrated density. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included. Body mass index, metabolic markers, NAFLD activity score, and fibrosis improved 1 year after the procedure. The elastic fiber density showed a significant decrease: 239.3 × 103 absorbance micrometer2 (141.08-645.32) to 74.62 × 103 absorbance micrometer2 (57.42-145.17), p = 0.007. CONCLUSION: Liver elastic fiber density decreases with the reversal of NAFLD through weight loss.

Are Noninvasive Methods Comparable to Liver Biopsy in Postoperative Patients After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass?

INTRODUCTION: Transient tissue elastography (TTE) may estimate the degree of hepatic fibrosis in patients with obesity, but the method has restrictions that are mainly related to patients' BMI. PURPOSE: To compare the results of the evaluation of hepatic fibrosis by biochemical methods and TTE with those determined by liver biopsy in patients after RYGB. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving patient data, TTE, and liver biopsy 1 year after RYGB. RESULTS: Of the 94 selected patients, 33 underwent TTE and liver biopsy. The average weight of patients was 84.4 ± 15.4 kg. The mean APRI was 0.2 ± 0.1, and 36 patients (97.3%) were classified as F0-F1. The average NFS was - 2.0 ± 1.0, with 25 patients (67%) classified as F0-F1 and 12 patients (32.4%) classified as F2. The agreement rate between Fibroscan and liver biopsy was 80.0%. Histological analysis revealed regression of inflammatory changes in all patients: 26 patients (72.2%) had some degree of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NAS ≥ 5), and after surgery, no patient presented inflammation upon biopsy. Nine patients (24.3%) had fibrosis at surgery, and only two (5.4%) still had fibrosis 1 year later (p < 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The use of APRI and Fibroscan is promising, but more studies are needed to evaluate patients with an advanced degree of NAFLD and confirm the entire spectrum of the disease.

Tratamento cirúrgico da síndrome da artéria mesentérica superior em paciente idosa / Surgical treatment of mesenteric superior artery syndrome in an older woman

A síndrome da artéria mesentérica superior (SAM), ou síndrome de Wilkie, é uma afecção rara que acomete geralmente indivíduos jovens do sexo feminino. Caracterizada pela obstrução parcial ou completa do duodeno devido à compressão pela artéria mesentérica superior anteriormente, e pela aorta, posteriormente. Apresentamos um caso não usual de SAM, em paciente idosa, diagnosticado através de história clínica e imagem tomográfica característica. Indicou-se manejo cirúrgico de derivação jejunal e anastomose com duodeno acima da obstrução, na ciência do risco do procedimento. A paciente apresentou excelente evolução e encontra-se assintomática. O diagnóstico precoce, através de uma anamnese adequada e uso dos critérios radiológicos já definidos em literatura, podem afetar positivamente o desfecho dos pacientes portadores em qualquer faixa etária. (AU)

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS), or Wilkie syndrome, is a rare condition that usually affects young women. It is characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the duodenum due to compression by the superior mesenteric artery anteriorly and by the aorta posteriorly. We report an unusual case of SMAS in an older woman diagnosed using clinical history and tomographic imaging. Surgical management consisting of jejunal shunt and anastomosis with duodenum above the obstruction was indicated despite the risk of the procedure. The outcome was excellent, and the patient is asymptomatic. Early diagnosis using adequate anamnesis and radiological criteria defined in the literature may positively influence the outcome of patients from any age group. (AU)

PERITONEAL ADHESIONS TYPE I, III AND TOTAL COLLAGEN ON POLYPROPYLENE AND COATED POLYPROPYLENE MESHES: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Hernia correction is a routinely performed treatment in surgical practice. The improvement of the operative technique and available materials certainly has been a great benefit to the quality of surgical results. The insertion of prostheses for hernia correction is well-founded in the literature, and has become the standard of treatment when this type of disease is discussed. AIM: To evaluate two available prostheses: the polypropylene and polypropylene coated ones in an experimental model. METHODS: Seven prostheses of each kind were inserted into Wistar rats (Ratus norvegicus albinus) in the anterior abdominal wall of the animal in direct contact with the viscera. After 90 days follow-up were analyzed the intra-abdominal adhesions, and also performed immunohistochemical evaluation and videomorphometry of the total, type I and type III collagen. Histological analysis was also performed with hematoxylin-eosin to evaluate cell types present in each mesh. RESULTS: At 90 days the adhesions were not different among the groups (p=0.335). Total collagen likewise was not statistically different (p=0.810). Statistically there was more type III collagen in the coated polypropylene group (p=0.039) while type I was not different among the prostheses (p=0.050). The lymphocytes were statistically more present in the polypropylene group (p=0.041). CONCLUSION: The coated prosthesis was not different from the polypropylene one regarding the adhesion. Total and type I collagen were not different among the groups, while type III collagen was more present on the coated mesh. There was a greater number of lymphocytes on the polypropylene mesh.

Peritoneal adhesions type i, iii and total collagen on polypropylene and coated polypropylene meshes: experimental study in rats / Aderências peritoneais tipo i, iii e colágeno total em telas de polipropileno e revestidas: estudo experimental em ratos

ABSTRACT Background: Hernia correction is a routinely performed treatment in surgical practice. The improvement of the operative technique and available materials certainly has been a great benefit to the quality of surgical results. The insertion of prostheses for hernia correction is well-founded in the literature, and has become the standard of treatment when this type of disease is discussed. Aim: To evaluate two available prostheses: the polypropylene and polypropylene coated ones in an experimental model. Methods: Seven prostheses of each kind were inserted into Wistar rats (Ratus norvegicus albinus) in the anterior abdominal wall of the animal in direct contact with the viscera. After 90 days follow-up were analyzed the intra-abdominal adhesions, and also performed immunohistochemical evaluation and videomorphometry of the total, type I and type III collagen. Histological analysis was also performed with hematoxylin-eosin to evaluate cell types present in each mesh. Results: At 90 days the adhesions were not different among the groups (p=0.335). Total collagen likewise was not statistically different (p=0.810). Statistically there was more type III collagen in the coated polypropylene group (p=0.039) while type I was not different among the prostheses (p=0.050). The lymphocytes were statistically more present in the polypropylene group (p=0.041). Conclusion: The coated prosthesis was not different from the polypropylene one regarding the adhesion. Total and type I collagen were not different among the groups, while type III collagen was more present on the coated mesh. There was a greater number of lymphocytes on the polypropylene mesh.

RESUMO Racional: A correção herniária é tratamento realizado rotineiramente na prática cirúrgica. O aprimoramento da técnica operatória e dos materiais disponíveis trouxe grande benefício na qualidade dos resultados cirúrgicos. A inserção de próteses para correção herniária é bem embasada na literatura e tornou-se o padrão de tratamento. Objetivo: Avaliar em modelo experimental dois tipos de próteses diferentes, de polipropileno e polipropileno revestido. Métodos: Foram inseridas sete próteses de cada tipo em ratos Wistar (Ratus norvegicus albinus) na parede abdominal anterior do animal em contato direto com as vísceras. Após o seguimento de 90 dias analisaram-se as aderências intra-abdominais, bem como avaliação por imunoistoquímica e videomorfometria do colágeno total, tipo I e tipo III. Também, fez-se análise histológica com hematoxylina-eosina para avaliação dos tipos celulares presentes em cada tela. Resultados: Aos 90 dias as aderências não foram diferentes entre os grupos (p=0,335). O colágeno total igualmente não foi estatisticamente diferente (p=0,810). O colágeno tipo III foi estatisticamente maior no grupo polipropileno revestido (p=0,039) enquanto o tipo I não diferiu entre as próteses (p=0,050). Os linfócitos foram estatisticamente mais presentes no grupo polipropileno (p=0,041). Conclusão: A prótese revestida não foi diferente da de polipropileno na variável aderência. O colágeno total e tipo I não foram diferentes entre os grupos enquanto que o colágeno tipo III foi mais presente na tela revestida. O número de linfócitos foi maior na tela de polipropileno.

Early reduction of resting energy expenditure and successful weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss and body composition changes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) may influence resting energy expenditure (REE). The effect of lower REE after the procedure on long-term weight remains to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of RYGB on REE and body composition 6 months after RYGB and to find out whether postsurgery REE affects weight at 12 and 18 months SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital, southern Brazil METHOD: A prospective study involving 30 RYGB patients aged>18 years was performed. Body composition was evaluated by X-ray absorptiometry and REE by indirect calorimetry. All patients were assessed before RYGB and 6 months postoperatively. Further analysis of weight was carried out at 12 and 18 months. RESULTS: Baseline body mass index was 49±9 kg/m² and mean weight was 128±19 kg, half of which comprised fat mass (50±5%). Baseline mean REE was 2297±182 kcal/d. The percent total weight loss was 26±7%, 32±9%, and 34±9% at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. The percent excess weight loss gradually increased from 54 ± 12% at 6 months, to 67 ± 18% at 12 months, and 71 ± 19% at 18 months. REE was significantly lower at follow-up (-405±108 kcal/d; P<.001). Furthermore, an inverse correlation between REE at 6 months and percent excess weight loss at 18 months (r =-.612; P = .035) was observed in the subgroup of patients whose REE decreased>405 kcal/d at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing RYGB who had a substantial drop in REE at 6 months may exhibit less long-term weight loss.

IMPROVEMENT IN OXIDATIVE STRESS AFTER DUODENOJEJUNOSTOMY IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS.

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a multifactorial syndrome with severe complications. Oxidative stress is accepted as a causal factor of chronic complications. Aim: To demonstrate alterations in oxidative stress after metabolic surgery. Methods: Twenty-four 2-day-old Wistar rats were used. In 16, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was induced by 100 mg/kg streptozotocin injection. The development of diabetes was confirmed after 10 weeks using an oral glucose tolerance test. Eight diabetic rats composed the diabetic surgical group; the remaining eight composed the diabetic group. Eight animals in which diabetes was not induced formed the clinical control group. The Marchesini technique was used in the diabetic surgical group. After 90 days, the rats were sacrificed, and the oxidative stress markers were measured. Results: Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly reduced in the diabetic surgical group compared to the diabetic group. Conclusion: The duodenojejunostomy was effective in controlling the exacerbated oxidative stress present in diabetic rats.

Racional: Diabete melito tipo 2 é síndrome multifatorial com complicações graves. O estresse oxidativo é aceito como um fator causal de complicações crônicas. Objetivo: Demonstrar alterações no estresse oxidativo após a cirurgia metabólica. Métodos: Foram utilizados 24 ratos Wistar de dois dias de idade. Em 16, diabete melito tipo 2 foi induzida por 100 mg/kg de injeção de estreptozotocina. O desenvolvimento do diabete foi confirmado após 10 semanas, utilizando teste oral de tolerância à glucose. Oito ratos diabéticos compuseram o grupo cirúrgico diabético; os oito restantes constituíram o grupo diabético. Oito animais em que não foi induzido o diabete formaram o grupo controle clínico. A técnica de Marchesini foi utilizada no grupo cirúrgico diabético. Após 90 dias, os ratos foram sacrificados, e os marcadores de estresse oxidativo foram medidos. Resultados: Ácido tiobarbitúrico, superóxido dismutase e catalase foram significativamente reduzidos no grupo cirúrgico diabético quando comparado ao grupo diabético. Conclusão: O duodenojejunostomia foi eficaz no controle do estresse oxidativo exacerbado presente em ratos diabéticos.

LINEA ALBA COLLAGEN ASSESSMENT IN MORBIDLY OBESE PATIENTS.

Background: The evaluation of collagen in the abdominal wall has been increasingly studied because of the relevance on collagen in the healing process after laparotomy. Aim: To evaluate the amount of collagen in the linea alba of patients undergoing laparotomic bariatric surgery and comparing with non-obese cadavers. Methods: Were evaluated 88 samples of aponeurosis from abdominal linea alba of 44 obese patients (obesity group) and 44 non-obese cadavers (control group). The samples were collected in 2013 and 2104, and were sorted according to age (18-30, 31-45 and 46-60), gender, BMI, waist and cervical circumference, and subcutaneous tissue thickness. Material for biopsy was collected from the supraumbilical region of the linea alba for immunohistochemical analysis differentiating collagen type 1 and type 3 and the 1/3 ratio. Image-Pro Plus pixel counting software was used to measure the amount of collagen. Results: The obesity group evidenced mean age 44.11±9.90 years; 18-30 age group had three (6.8%) obese individuals; 31-45 had 22 (50%) and 46-60 had 19 (43.1%). Females were present in 81.8% (n=36); BMI (kg/m²) was 48.81±6.5; waist circumference (cm) was 136.761±13.55; subcutaneous tissue thickness (cm) 4.873±0.916. Considering age groups, gender and BMI, there were statistical differences in all tests when compared with the cadavers. Conclusion: The amount of collagen in the linea alba above the umbilical region in the morbidly obese patients was smaller than in the non-obese cadavers in the same age group.

Racional: A avaliação do colágeno na parede abdominal é cada vez mais estudada, em virtude da relevância dele no processo cicatricial após laparotomia. Objetivo: Avaliar a quantidade de colágeno na linha alba de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica e compará-la com a de cadáveres não-obesos. Métodos: Foram avaliados dois grupos com total de 88 amostras da aponeurose da linha alba abdominal, divididas em 44 de pacientes obesos (grupo obesidade) com indicação de cirurgia bariátrica e 44 de cadáveres não-obesos (grupo controle). As amostras foram retiradas da linha alba abdominal no período de 2013 a 2014 e inicialmente foram separadas conforme faixas etárias (18-30, 31-45 e 46-60), gênero, medidas de IMC, circunferência abdominal e cervical e espessura do subcutâneo do indivíduo. Foi coletado material para biópsia da linha alba supraumbilical para análise imunoistoquímica, diferenciando o colágeno tipo I e III e sua relação de tipo I/III. Utilizou-se o programa de contagem de pixels Image-Pro Plus(r), que mensurou a quantidade do colágeno. Resultados: O grupo obesidade teve idade 44,11±9,90 anos, Na faixa etária de 18-30 anos foram incluídos três (6,8%) obesos; na de 31-45 anos 22 (50%) e na de 46-60 anos 19 (43,1%). O gênero feminino apresentou predomínio, com 36 (81,8%) pacientes. O IMC (kg/m²) foi de 48,81±6,5; a circunferência abdominal (cm) foi de 136,761±13,55; a espessura do subcutâneo (cm) foi de 4,873±0,916. A quantidade de colágeno tipo I foi de 134.683,3±206.657,4; a de colágeno tipo III foi de 413.137,2±283.656,1; a razão do colágeno tipo I/III foi 0,419±0,636. Considerando-se faixas de idade, gênero e IMC, foram constatadas diferenças estatísticas em todas as análises quando comparadas com às dos cadáveres. Conclusão: Os obesos mórbidos apresentaram quantidade de colágeno na linha alba supraumbilical menor que a do grupo controle de cadáveres não-obesos na mesma faixa etária.

Determinants of body weight regulation in humans

ABSTRACT Body weight is regulated by the ability of hypothalamic neurons to orchestrate behavioral, endocrine and autonomic responses via afferent and efferent pathways to the brainstem and the periphery. Weight maintenance requires a balance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Although several components that participate in energy homeostasis have been identified, there is a need to know in more detail their actions as well as their interactions with environmental and psychosocial factors in the development of human obesity. In this review, we examine the role of systemic mediators such as leptin, ghrelin and insulin, which act in the central nervous system by activating or inhibiting neuropeptide Y, Agouti-related peptide protein, melanocortin, transcript related to cocaine and amphetamine, and others. As a result, modifications in energy homeostasis occur through regulation of appetite and energy expenditure. We also examine compensatory changes in the circulating levels of several peripheral hormones after diet-induced weight loss.