Experimental model of periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis potentiates the deleterious effects on functional capacity, leukocyte migration, synovial and periodontal tissues in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether ligature-induced periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) potentiate the deleterious effects on functional capacity, periodontal and synovial tissues, leukocyte migration, and interleukin 17 (IL-17) levels, and to investigate the repercussions of single Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) injection associated with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one male Wistar rats were randomised into six groups: control (CG, n = 8), RA (RAG, n = 9), periodontitis (PG, n = 9), periodontitis and RA (PRAG, n = 9), periodontitis and intradermal injection (PIDG, n = 9), and periodontitis and intra-articular injection (PIAG, n = 7). The animals underwent ligature placement and one or two injections with FCA to induce RA. Motor disability, nociceptive threshold, joint edema, and muscle strength were assessed, and the animals were euthanized on day 30. Synovial fluid, hemimandibles, and knee joints were collected. RESULTS: PRAG showed no reduction of edema or improvement of muscle strength, whereas it showed most significant changes in leukocyte migration, morphological analyses of the synovial membrane (SM), and radiographic and histometric analyses of the jaw. The PIAG showed some alterations, though not permanent. CONCLUSION: Ligature-induced periodontitis and RA induced by two FCA injections accentuated the deleterious effects on functional capacity, leukocyte migration, synovial and periodontal tissues.

Resistance exercise and low-level laser therapy improves grip strength and morphological aspects in the ankle joint of Wistar rats with experimental arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease mainly affecting synovial joints. Photobiomodulation through low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and resistance exercise may improve the inflammatory process. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of resistance exercise, LLLT, and the combination of both treatments on hind paw grip strength and ankle joint histomorphometric aspects of Wistar rats subjected to experimental RA. A total of 64 male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: control, control LLLT, control exercise, control LLLT and exercise, arthritis, arthritis LLLT, arthritis exercise, and arthritis LLLT and exercise groups. The experimental RA was induced by a complete Freund's adjuvant injection into the knee joint cavity. Climbing exercises and LLLT (660 nm; 5 J/cm2 per point) were performed as the treatment. In addition, muscle strength was evaluated using the grip strength test, and morphometric evaluations were performed on the ankle joint. Generalized mixed models and multivariate analysis of variance tests were used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of .05. Arthritis LLLT, exercise, and LLLT and exercise had positive effects on grip strength between the groups (F[7.56] = 5.8, p < .004) and within the groups (F[4.3] = 9.9, p < .002) throughout the evaluations. Morphometry revealed degenerative lesions in the ankle joint as subintima with angiogenesis, inflammatory cells, flocculated articular cartilage, chondrocyte disorganization, and pannus in the arthritis group (p < .001). The treated groups exhibited morphological characteristics similar to those of the control group. LLLT and resistance exercise restored muscle strength and morphological aspects of the ankle joint in rats with experimentally induced RA.

Influence of the palatal plane cant and skeletal patterns in the hard palate thickness?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the thickness of the hard palate at the different angles formed by the palatal plane and the Frankfort horizontal line using computed tomography in patients with different facial patterns for planning the installation of MARPE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The measurements were analysed in the hard palate of 106 patients. Four regions were selected passing through the mesial face, tangent at the level of the cemento-enamel junction of the premolars and molars. The bone thickness was measured from the floor of the nasal cavity to the cortical bone of the hard palate, 02 measurements with a distance of 05 mm between them (2.5 mm on each side starting from the midsagittal line) and 2 more with a distance of 7 mm between measurements (3.5 mm on each side starting from the midsagittal line). The palatal plane cant was determined based on the palatal plane and the Frankfort horizontal plane. The sagittal skeletal pattern was determined based on the ANB angle and the vertical skeletal pattern based on the SN.Go.Gn angle. RESULTS: Palatal bone thickness was greater in males than in females. Regarding the sagittal skeletal pattern, patients with Class II were found to have a thinner hard palate than Class I and Class III patients. No difference in the vertical skeletal pattern was observed between groups. Regarding the palatal plane cant, bone thickness was greater in patients with clockwise rotation. CONCLUSIONS: Careful planning should be considered in the case of female patients; patients with greater angles of the palatal plane cant and Class II patients have a smaller bone thickness.

Physical Exercise and Low-Level Laser Therapy Systemic Effects on the Ankle Joint in an Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis Model.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the systemic effects of stair climbing exercise, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and the association of both treatments on pelvic member functionality and ankle joint histomorphometric aspects of Wistar rats submitted to experimental rheumatoid arthritis (RA) protocol. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into the following 8 groups: control; control LLLT; control exercise; control LLLT and exercise; arthritis group; arthritis LLLT; arthritis exercise; and arthritis LLLT and exercise, with n = 8 for functional and n = 5 for histomorphometrical tests. The experimental RA was induced by complete Freund adjuvant injection in the knee joint cavity. Functionality was evaluated by proprioception and motor function using Sciatic Functional Index and maximum angle reached at an inclined plane. Histomorphometrical aspects were evaluated in the ankle joint after histological routine. RESULTS: The arthritis LLLT and exercise group had positive effects in Sciatic Functional Index (F [3.96] = 11.3, P < .001) and in inclined plane (F [3.4] = 36.1, P < .001). The arthritis exercise group presented a greater number of chondrocytes in the tibia (Wald [1; 6605.6] = 25.2, P < .001) and talus (Wald [1; 15958.6] = 19.8, P = .006) in relation to the other groups. The arthritis group morphology showed significant degenerative lesions as subintima with angiogenesis, inflammatory cells, flocculated articular cartilage, chondrocytes disorganization and pannus. Even with the higher chondrocytes number, the arthritis exercise group had morphological characteristics more similar to the control group. CONCLUSION: Low-level laser therapy and exercise restored functionality, and exercise restored morphological aspects of tissues in experimentally induced RA in rats.

Morphometric aspects of the articular cartilage of rats treated with low-level laser therapy and exercise in a rheumatoid arthritis model

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classified as an autoimmune, chronic disease affecting diarthrodial joints and periarticular structures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether low-intensity laser treatment (LLLT) and/or exercise reduce the deleterious effects of tissue in a rheumatoid arthritis model. METHODS: 128 rats were divided into two inflammatory periods: acute (7 days) and chronic (28 days) and subdivided into control, injury and treatment. The protocol with Freund's Complete Adjuvant was used in two inoculations, one intradermal and one intraarticular in the tibiofemoral joint, the control animals received saline solution. For treatment, LLLT 660 nm, 5 J/cm² was used in the sensitized joint and climbing exercise in stairways with an overload of 100 grams. After the experimental period, the animals were euthanized and the joints were prepared for morphometric analysis of the total thickness, superficial, deep, and cellular density of the articular cartilage. Generalized Linear Models with Sidak post-test were chosen. RESULTS: The control group was found to be different from the lesion group with greater joint cartilage thickness, andthe animals treated with exercise alone increased the joint cartilage compared to thecontrol group. CONCLUSION: The animals treated with laser association and exercise showed improvement in the morphometric aspects of the articular cartilage.

Analysis of Wistar Rats Submitted to a Gout Model, Treated with Double Cryotherapy Protocol.

Gout arthritis commonly affects joint regions by deposition of crystals, promoting functional damage mainly during periods of exacerbation. Cryotherapy is a commonly used resource to contain inflammatory processes, however, its use during a gout crisis is not yet well understood. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the parameters of Wistar rats submitted to an experimental gout model and treated with dual cryotherapy protocol. Twenty-one male Wistar rats were used, separated into three groups: control group (CG), lesion group (LG), and lesion + cryotherapy group (LCG). Gout model induction was through intra-articular injection, with urate crystal solution, in the right knee and cryoimmersion treatment was performed for 20 minutes at a temperature of 5° ± 2°C. Seven evaluations and two treatment moments were performed, and the following parameters were analyzed: joint edema, grip strength, joint disability, motor function, and leukocyte migration through synovial lavage. In the statistical analysis we used SPSS 20.0 with Generalized Linear Models, with least significant difference posttest, always with 5% significance level. The treatment reduced edema, promoted strength recovery, and was effective in reducing total leukocytes in the synovial fluid. No difference was observed between the injured groups for joint disability and motor function. Cryotherapy promoted edema reduction and increased pelvic limb grip strength in Wistar rats during the acute period.

Tomographic assessment of infrazygomatic crest bone depth for extra-alveolar miniscrew insertion in subjects with different vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bone availability at the infrazygomatic crest for extra-alveolar bone miniscrew insertion in subjects with different vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Measurements of the infrazygomatic crest were performed on multislice computed tomography scans from 58 adults with different skeletal patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Infrazygomatic crest bone depth was measured at 4, 5 and 6 mm from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of the maxillary first molar at three different angles (60°, 70° and 80°) in the first molar occlusal plane. The sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns were determined. Analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used (P ≤ .05). RESULTS: Bone depth was greater near the CEJ (8.7 ± 3.1 mm) and lower in the apical area (5.8 ± 2.7 mm). In Class II subjects, considering 6 mm from the CEJ, there was a significantly lower depth at the 80° angle (5.4 ± 2.5 mm) than at 60° (8.6 ± 3.5 mm; P = .007). In mesofacial subjects, considering 5 and 6 mm from the CEJ, bone depth was lower at 80° (5.7 ± 3.2 mm and 5.3 ± 2.5 mm) than at 60° considering 4 mm from the CEJ (P ≤ .019). CONCLUSION: Bone availability was lower at the apical level, especially in Class II and mesofacial subjects. Therefore, when the planned insertion site is located in the apical direction, it is recommended to choose shorter miniscrews (2.0 x 12mm) and a smaller insertion angle (60°) and/or to plan a miniscrew bone insertion deep enough to allow bicortical fixation.

Foot reflexology in painful conditions: systematic review / Reflexologia podal em condições dolorosas: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Because foot reflexology is commonly associated with other interventions, its benefits are difficult to establish. In addition, systematic reviews have been carried out many years ago, analyzing unspecific parameters and with controversial results. Thus, the objectives of this study were: to analyze the results of randomized controlled trials with a control group in painful conditions, using foot reflexology as a single intervention; describe the proposed application and methodological quality of the studies (PEDro scale). CONTENTS: The PEDro, Pubmed, Scielo and LILACS data bases were consulted, searching for clinical trials with the following keywords and Boolean index: Foot Reflexology AND pain; reflexology foot massage AND pain (English, Portuguese and Spanish). These keywords should have been present in the title or summary of the article for inclusion, directing to pain and moving away from other variables. 95 studies were found, 17 were selected and most of the results were favorable. The usual application varies from 2-30 minutes of stimulation on each foot, varying between massaging in general or using the somatotopic map stimulating the solar plexus, pain correspondence zone and accessory points related to the diagnosis. In short, the studies showed moderate to good methodological quality according to the PEDro scale. CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology has shown promise for pain relief as an isolated therapy in neuromusculoskeletal cases in hospital and outpatient settings. The hope is that studies of excellent methodological quality can support this statement in the near future.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os benefícios da reflexologia podal são difíceis de serem estabelecidos, pois revisões sistemáticas foram realizadas há muitos anos, analisando parâmetros inespecíficos com resultados controversos. Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar os resultados de ensaios clínicos randomizados com grupo controle frente a quadros dolorosos, com a reflexologia podal como intervenção única; registrar sua aplicação e a qualidade metodológica dos estudos (escala PEDro). CONTEÚDO: Foram consultadas as bases de dados PEDro, Pubmed, Scielo e LILACS, buscando por ensaios clínicos com as seguintes palavras-chave e índice booleano: Foot Reflexology AND pain; reflexology foot massage AND pain (inglês, português e espanhol). Essas palavras-chave deveriam estar presentes nos tópicos de título ou resumo do artigo para sua inclusão, direcionando para quadro álgico e afastando-se de outras variáveis. Foram encontrados 95 estudos, 17 foram selecionados e em sua maioria os resultados foram favoráveis. A aplicação usual varia de 2-30 minutos de estimulação em cada pé, alterando massagear de maneira geral ou pelo mapa somatotópico estimulando o plexo solar, zona de correspondência de dor e pontos acessórios relacionados ao diagnóstico. Os estudos apresentaram qualidade metodológica de moderada a boa segundo a escala PEDro. CONCLUSÃO: A reflexologia podal mostrou-se promissora para alívio da dor como terapia isolada em casos de dor neuromusculoesquelética em ambiente hospitalar e ambulatorial. Estudos de melhor qualidade metodológica devem ser realizados para comprovar a importância da reflexologia podal na dor neuromusculoesquelética.

Tomographic evaluation of infrazygomatic crest for orthodontic anchorage in different vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of the anatomy of the region during preoperative planning is very important in order to minimize the risks of undesired movements in the supporting teeth or even damage to important structures such as the maxillary sinus. To the best of our knowledge, no study evaluated the relationship of these skeletal patterns with the anatomy of the infrazygomatic crest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tomographic measurements of the infrazygomatic crest for placement of temporary anchorage devices in individuals with different vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The measurements were analyzed in three regions in the crest of 67 patients above the maxillary first molar: A slice in the long axis of the mesiobuccal root, a slice passing through the center of the furcation area of the tooth, and another slice in the long axis of the distobuccal root. In each of these slices five measurements of the thickness of the infrazygomatic crest were performed, with a difference of 1 mm between them. The sagittal skeletal pattern was determined by the ANB angle and the vertical skeletal pattern by the SN.GoGn angle. RESULTS: The bone thickness of the crest tended to decrease gradually in the apical direction. There was no difference between different vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns. CONCLUSIONS: The individual parameters did not have significant influence in the thickness of the infrazygomatic crest. Key words:Tomography, X-Ray Computed, orthodontics, mini-implant, infrazygomatic crest, maxilla.

Effects of oophorectomy on the lumbar spine of Wistar rats submitted to vibratory platform treatment / Efectos de la ooforectomía en la columna lumbar de las ratas de Wistar sometidas a tratamiento con plataforma vibratoria

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the effect of the vibratory platform on the lumbar spine morphology of Wistar rats sub-mitted to hormonal deprivation by oophorectomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twenty rats were divided into four groups: Pseudo-oophorectomy (GP), Pseudo-oophorectomy Treated (GPT ), Oophorectomy (GO), Oophorectomy Treated (GOT ). After 60 days of postoperative, the treated groups started exercises on a vibratory platform in the frequency parameters of 60 Hz, alternating vibration with amplitude of 2 mm, acceleration of 57.6 m/s² and time of 10 minutes, three times in the during the four week period. Following the euthanasia of the animals, the lumbar spine was dissected and processed for analysis of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, intervertebral disc height (IVD), nucleus pulposus (NP) height, radiographic density of the lumbar vertebrae and IVD morphology. RESULTS: The results showed a decrease in the height of the NP associated to the GO and morphological alterations such as lamellar disorganization and presence of rifts in the fibrous ring, alterations of the structural limits and decrease of the NP cavity; while the other groups presented organized lamellae, peripheral and nuclear region well delimited and wide cavity of the nucleus. CONCLUSION: In this way, it can be concluded that the oophorectomy protocol promoted a decrease in the height of the NP of the IVD and that the exercise in the vibratory platform did not generate lesions in the analyzed tissues, as well as preserved the structural organization of the IVD and the height of the NP of oophorectomized rats

INTRODUCCIÓN: Este estudio evaluó el efecto de la plataforma vibratoria sobre la morfología de la columna lumbar de las ratas de Wistar sometidas a privación hormonal por ooforectomía. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Veinte ratas fueron divididas en cuatro grupos: Pseudo-ooforectomía (GP), Pseudo-ooforectomía tratada (GPT ), Ooforectomía (GO), Ooforectomía tratada (GOT ). Después de 60 días de postoperatorio, los grupos tratados iniciaron los ejercicios en una plataforma vibratoria en los parámetros de frecuencia de 60 Hz, alternando vibración con amplitud de 2 mm, aceleración de 57,6 m/s² y tiempo de 10 minutos, tres veces en el período de cuatro semanas. Tras la eutanasia de los animales, la columna lumbar fue diseccionada y procesada para el análisis de los ligamentos longitudinales anteriores y posteriores, la altura del disco intervertebral (DIV ), la altura del núcleo pulposo (NP), la densidad radiográfica de las vértebras lumbares y la morfología del DIV. RESULTADOS: Los resultados mostraron una disminución en la altura del PN asociado al GO y alteraciones morfológicas tales como desorganización laminar y presencia de fisuras en el anillo fibroso, alteraciones de los límites estructurales y disminución de la cavidad del PN; mientras que los otros grupos presentaron láminas organizadas, región periférica y nuclear bien delimitadas y amplia cavidad del núcleo. CONCLUSIÓN: De esta manera, se puede concluir que el protocolo de ooforectomía promovió una disminución en la altura del PN de la IVD y que el ejercicio en la plataforma vibratoria no generó lesiones en los tejidos analizados, además de preservar la organización estructural de la IVD y la altura de la NP de las ratas ooforectomizadas

Low-Level Laser Therapy in Different Wavelengths on the Tibialis Anterior Muscle of Wistar Rats After Nerve Compression Injury.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic injuries are common and may promote disruption of neuromuscular communication, triggering phenomena that lead to nerve degeneration and affect muscle function. A laser accelerates tissue recovery; however, the parameters used are varied, making it difficult to compare studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy, at 660- and 830-nm wavelengths, on the tibialis anterior muscle of Wistar rats after sciatic nerve compression. METHODS: Twenty animals were separated into 4 groups: control, sciatic nerve injury, lesion + 660-nm laser, and lesion + 830-nm laser. In the lesion groups, the right sciatic nerve was surgically exposed and compressed with hemostatic forceps for 30 seconds. After the third postoperative day, the groups with laser therapy were submitted to treatment for 2 weeks totaling 10 applications, performed directly on the surgical scar of the nerve injury. Grip strength was analyzed before and after the nerve injury and during the treatment period. The tibialis anterior muscle was processed for light microscopy, area measurement, smaller diameter, number of fibers, nuclei, and connective tissue. RESULTS: The animals submitted to the injury experienced muscular atrophy and morphological changes in the number of muscle fibers and nuclei. In the connective tissue morphometry, there was a decrease in the treated groups compared with the untreated groups. CONCLUSION: The laser treatment at different wavelengths showed no improvement in the tibialis anterior muscle of Wistar rats within the morphological and functional aspects evaluated.

Morphometric Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on the Bone in a Rat Model of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphometric effects of mechanical vibration with a duration of 4 or 8 weeks on the femur of oophorectomized Wistar rats. METHODS: Sixty-four female rats were submitted to oophorectomy or a sham operation, and each of those 2 groups were randomized into 4 groups: untreated and euthanized at week 12, untreated and euthanized at week 16, treated for 4 weeks and euthanized at week 12, and treated for 8 weeks and euthanized at week 16. The vibration treatment was performed for 10 min/d, with a frequency of 60 Hz, 3 d/wk. The rats were then euthanized and the right femur dissected. Subsequently, histomorphometric analysis was performed on the proximal epiphysis and diaphysis of the spongy and cortical bone, respectively. RESULTS: As expected, the oophorectomy groups presented reduction of spongy and cortical bone tissue. Further, the vibration therapy of 4 and 8 weeks' duration in the oophorectomized groups led to increased bone mass, observed as an increased percentage of spongy tissue, and increased thickness and percentage of cortical tissue. However, the variables of femoral neck diameter, mean area of the shaft, and number of osteocytes were not altered by oophorectomy and vibration. CONCLUSION: The mechanical vibration was effective in increasing the bone mass of the femur of oophorectomized Wistar rats, observed by increasing the percentage of spongy bone and increasing the percentage and thickness of cortical bone.

Short-term effects of whole-body vibration on the soleus of ooforectomized rats: Histomorphometric analysis and oxidative stress in an animal model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of mechanical vibration on the histomorphometry and oxidative stress of oophorectomized rats. METHOD: Seventy-two Wistar rats were randomized to Pseudoophorectomy (P) and Oophorectomy (O) and subdivided into untreated animals and euthanized after four (P4 and O4) and eight (P8 and O8) weeks and animals treated during four (PT4 and OT4) and eight (PT8 and OT8) weeks. The treatment consisted of use of whole-body vibration for 10 min, three times a week. After euthanasia, the soleus muscle was collected. The general morphological analysis was performed in the right soleus muscle and then the cross-sectional area, the largest and the smallest diameter of the muscle fiber in 100 fibers per muscle, also the nuclei and capillary/fiber ratios, and percentage of connective tissue were measured. The left soleous was used for oxidative stress analysis. RESULTS: PT4 presented higher values in cross-sectional area than P4 and PT8, while O8 was lower than O4, P8 and OT8; for the fiber diameters, the oophorectomized animals had lower values than the pseudo-oophorectomized animals and the treatments values higher than the ones that had no treatment. In oxidative stress, O8 and OT8 presented higher lipoperoxidation, without any alterations to the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and cholinesterase. CONCLUSION: Whole-body vibration induced muscle hypertrophy in the pseudo-oophorectomized rats after four weeks, as well as being able to reverse the changes caused by the surgery in eight weeks in that variable.

Low-level laser therapy in periarticular morphological aspects of the knee of Wistar rats in rheumatoid arthritis model / Laser de baixa intensidade nos aspectos morfológicos periarticulares do joelho de ratos Wistar em modelo de artrite reumatoide

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The deleterious effects of rheumatoid arthritis on periarticular tissues have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the search for treatments that can modulate the inflammatory profile and tissue remodeling is pertinent. The present study evaluated the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the morphology of periarticular tissues and synovial membrane of rats in a rheumatoid arthritis model. METHODS: Sixty-four male rats were divided into acute (7 days) and chronic (28 days) inflammatory periods, with four groups (n=8) each, being: CG (control group), LG (lesion group), CLaG (laser control group) and LLaG (laser lesion group). The animals of the lesion groups received two inoculations of Freund's Complete Adjuvant at a concentration of 50µL, the first at the base of the tail, and the second at the right knee. The animals in the control groups were injected with isotonic sodium chloride solution. The ClaG and LLaG were treated with 660nm LBI, 5J/cm2 in the right knee. After the experimental period, the animals were euthanized, and the knees were processed for light microscopy. RESULTS: The CG and CLaG morphological analysis had normal aspects. The LG showed synovitis, femur, and tibia with changes in the periosteum, with inflammatory cells and bone modifications. In the LLaG, the synovial membrane showed signs of improvement. Bone tissue in the chronic period showed morphological aspects, denoting tissue remodeling. CONCLUSION: The experimental model was efficient in simulating inflammatory tissue events, and the low-level laser therapy showed beneficial effects on the morphology of the periarticular tissues.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os efeitos deletérios da artrite reumatoide nos tecidos periarticulares ainda não estão totalmente elucidados, sendo pertinente a busca por tratamentos que possam modular o perfil inflamatório e a remodelação tecidual. O presente estudo avaliou os efeitos do laser de baixa intensidade (LBI) na morfologia dos tecidos periarticulares e membrana sinovial de ratos submetidos à um modelo de artrite reumatoide. MÉTODOS: Para tanto, 64 ratos machos foram divididos em períodos inflamatórios agudo (7 dias) e crônico (28 dias), com 4 grupos (n=8) cada, sendo: GC (grupo controle), GL (grupo lesão), GCLa (grupo controle laser) e GLLa (grupo lesão laser). Os animais dos grupos lesão foram submetidos a duas inoculações de Adjuvante Completo de Freund na concentração de 50µL, sendo a primeira na base da cauda e a segunda no joelho direito. Os animais do grupo controle foram submetidos a injeções com solução isotônica de cloreto de sódio. Os grupos GCla e GLLa foram tratados com LBI 660nm, pontual no joelho direito, 5J/ cm2. Após o período experimental, os animais foram eutanasiados e os joelhos processados para análises em microscopia de luz. RESULTADOS: Na análise morfológica, GC e GCLa apresentaram aspectos normais. O GL apresentou sinovite, fêmur e tíbia com alterações no periósteo, com células inflamatórias e modificações ósseas. A membrana sinovial mostrou sinais de melhora no GLLa. No período crônico, o tecido ósseo apresentou aspectos morfológicos, denotando remodelação tecidual. CONCLUSÃO: O modelo experimental foi eficiente em simular os eventos inflamatórios teciduais, e o laser de baixa intensidade apresentou efeitos benéficos sobre a morfologia dos tecidos periarticulares.

Physical exercise and low-level laser therapy on the nociception and leukocyte migration of Wistar rats submitted to a model of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis denotes hyperplasia and intense inflammatory process. Treatment involves exercise protocols and use of resources such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to modulate the inflammatory process and maintain physical capacity. The objective was to investigate whether treatment with LLLT and exercise modulates the inflammatory process and peripheral functionality. Sample is composed of 128 male rats, separated into three groups, control, treated and untreated, in the acute and chronic period of the disease with 64 animals in each group, divided into 8 subgroups with n = 8. The animals were immunized with injection at the base of the tail and 7 days after intra-articular injection with complete Freund adjuvant (CFA) for lesion groups, and saline solution for the controls. Joint disability was evaluated by PET (paw elevation time) and joint edema and treated with LLLT and/or resisted stair climbing exercise. Normality Shapiro-Wilk test, ANOVA mixed for the functional analyses, and ANOVA one-way for the variables of cellular differentiation, with Bonferroni post hoc, p = 5% were used. For the evaluations of joint disability and nociception, there was a significant difference between the evaluations, the groups, and the interaction groups-evaluations. The treated groups showed recovery of functionality; it is still verified that laser therapy increased the nociceptive threshold of the chronic inflammatory period, and the exercise reflected in significant functional improvement and modulation of the inflammatory process both in the acute and chronic periods. LLLT, resistance exercise, or a combination of treatments had a positive effect on the modulation of the inflammatory process, reducing the migration of leukocytes, in addition to helping the return of peripheral functionality by reducing joint disability in a model of rheumatoid arthritis induced by CFA in rats.

Auriculotherapy: neurophysiology, points to choose, indications and results on musculoskeletal pain conditions: a systematic review of reviews / Auriculoterapia: neurofisiologia, pontos de escolha, indicações e resultados em condições dolorosas musculoesqueléticas: revisão sistemática de revisões

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Auriculotherapy is widely used to relieve painful conditions, therefore, allowing systematic reviews on the subject. However, they did not propose a unified bank of points of possible choice, their possible combinations or described the location of such points, thus making it the objective of this study. CONTENTS: The systematic review of revisions methodology (Overview) was chosen to achieve the proposed goal. The quality of such material was ascertained by the tool Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews, and the databases consulted were PEDro database, Pubmed, Scielo, and LILACS. The keywords and boolean index applied were: auriculotherapy AND pain; ear acupuncture AND pain, ear acupressure AND pain; auricular therapy and pain; auricular medicine AND pain. A total of 242 studies were found, but only six were systematic reviews in humans involving pain and auriculotherapy alone (without association with another technique). The methodological quality of the studies was high (8-10/11 Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews). There is variability in the neurophysiological explanation of action, many possible disorders that can be approached with auriculotherapy (acute, chronic, trauma, pre- and postoperative pain among others). Auriculotherapy showed to be promising in the remission of the pain, adjunct to the conventional treatment, low risk, cost, and easy administration. CONCLUSION: There are several ways of justifying its neurophysiological effects, and the most used points were ShenMen, the corresponding somatotopic region and the cavum conchae region (vagal stimulation). Auriculotherapy meets the needs of an immense possibility of painful musculoskeletal conditions, with favorable and promising results.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A auriculoterapia é amplamente utilizada para o alívio de condições dolorosas, portanto, com número considerável de estudos, permitindo a realização de revisões sistemáticas no assunto. No entanto, não propuseram um banco unificado de pontos de possível escolha, suas possíveis combinações ou descreveram a localização de tais pontos, tornando-se então, o objetivo deste estudo. CONTEÚDO: Optou-se por uma revisão sistemática de revisões (Overview). A qualidade de tal material foi realizada por intermédio da ferramenta Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews e as bases de dados consultadas foram: PEDro, Pubmed, Scielo e LILACS. As palavras-chaves e índice booleano aplicados como a seguir: Auriculotherapy AND pain; ear acupuncture AND pain, ear acupressure AND pain; auricular therapy AND pain; auricular medicine AND pain. Foram encontrados primariamente 242 estudos, mas apenas seis eram revisões sistemáticas em humanos, envolvendo dor e apenas auriculoterapia (sem associação a outra técnica). A qualidade metodológica dos estudos foi alta (8-10/11 - Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews). Há variabilidade na explicação neurofisiológica de ação, muitas possibilidades de afecções que podem ser abordadas com auriculoterapia (dores agudas, crônicas, por traumas, pré e pós-operatórias entre outras). A auriculoterapia apresentou-se como promissora na remissão da dor, meio adjunto ao tratamento convencional, baixo risco, custo e de fácil administração. CONCLUSÃO: A auriculoterapia apresenta diversas formas de justificar seus efeitos neurofisiológicos e os pontos mais utilizados foram ShenMen, a região somatotópica correspondente e a região da concha cava (estimulação vagal). Atende uma imensa possibilidade de condições dolorosas musculoesqueléticas, com resultados favoráveis e promissores.

The action of sericin protein on initial nerve repair, associated or not with swimming in wistar rats / Ação da proteína sericina no reparo nervoso inicial, associada ou não à natação, em ratos wistar / Acción de la proteína sericina en la reparación nerviosa inicial, asociada o no a la natación, en ratones wistar

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the effects of sericin treatment, associated or not with swimming with load exercise, on initial sciatic nerve repair after compression in Wistar rats. Methods: Forty animals were divided into five groups: control, injury, injury-sericin, injury-swimming and injury-sericin-swimming. During the axonotmesis procedure, the sericin was applied to the injury-sericin and injury-sericin-swimming groups. The injury-swimming and injury-sericin-swimming groups performed the swimming with load exercise for five days, beginning on the third postoperative day (PO), and were evaluated for function, nociception and allodynia. Euthanasia was performed on the 8th PO day and fragments of the nerve were collected and prepared for quantitative and descriptive analysis in relation to the total amount of viable nerve fibers and non-viable nerve fibers, nerve fiber diameter, axon diameter and myelin sheath thickness. Results: There was no significant improvement in the sciatic functional index up to the eighth day. The Von Frey test of the surgical scar and plantar fascia indicated a reduction in pain and allodynia for the injury-swimming and injury-sericin-swimming groups. The morphological analysis presented similar characteristics in the injury-sericin, injury-swimming and injury-sericin-swimming groups, but there was a significant difference in the number of smaller non-viable nerve fibers in the injury-swimming and injury-sericin-swimming groups as compared to the others. Conclusions: Isolated sericin protein presented proinflammatory characteristics. There was improvement of allodynia and a decrease in the pain at the site of the surgical incision, possibly linked to an aquatic effect. There was no acceleration of nerve repair on the eighth day after the injury. Level of Evidence I; High quality randomized clinical trial with or without statistically significant difference, but with narrow confidence intervals.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos do tratamento da sericina, associada ou não ao exercício de natação com sobrecarga, sobre o reparo inicial do nervo isquiático após compressão em ratos Wistar. Métodos: Foram separados 40 animais em cinco grupos, sendo eles: controle; lesão; lesão-sericina; lesão-natação e lesão-sericina-natação. Durante o procedimento de axonotmese, a sericina foi aplicada sobre a lesão nos grupos lesão-sericina e lesão-sericina-natação. Os grupos lesão-natação e lesão-sericina-natação realizaram o exercício de natação com sobrecarga durante cinco dias, iniciando no terceiro dia pós-operatório (PO), sendo avaliados quanto à função, nocicepção e alodinia. A eutanásia foi realizada no oitavo dia PO, sendo que dois fragmentos do nervo foram coletados e preparados para análise quantitativa e descritiva em relação a quantidade total de fibras nervosas viáveis, não viáveis, diâmetro da fibra nervosa, do axônio e espessura da bainha de mielina. Resultados: No índice funcional isquiático não houve melhora significativa até o oitavo dia. O teste de Von Frey na cicatriz cirúrgica e fáscia plantar indicaram redução do quadro álgico e alodinia para os grupos lesão-natação e lesão-sericina-natação. A análise morfológica apresentou características semelhantes nos grupos lesão-sericina, lesão-natação e lesão-sericina-natação, porém houve diferença significativa das fibras nervosas não viáveis menores nos grupos lesão-natação e lesão-sericina-natação em relação aos demais. Conclusões: A proteína sericina isolada apresentou características pró-inflamatórias. Houve melhora da alodinia e diminuição do quadro álgico no local da incisão cirúrgica relacionadas a possível efeito aquático. Não houve aceleração do reparo nervoso no oitavo dia após a lesão. Nível de Evidência I; Estudo clínico randomizado de alta qualidade com ou sem diferença estatisticamente significante, mas com intervalos de confiança estreitos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los efectos del tratamiento de la sericina, asociada o no al ejercicio de natación con sobrecarga, sobre la reparación inicial del nervio isquiático después de compresión, en ratones Wistar. Métodos: Se separaron 40 animales en cinco grupos, siendo: control; lesión; lesión-sericina; lesión-natación y lesión-sericina-natación. Durante el procedimiento de axonotmesis, la sericina fue aplicada sobre la lesión en los grupos lesión-sericina y lesión-sericina-natación. Los grupos lesión-natación y lesión-sericina-natación realizaron el ejercicio de natación con sobrecarga durante cinco días, iniciándose en el tercer día postoperatorio (PO), siendo evaluados cuanto a la función, nocicepción y alodinia. La eutanasia fue realizada en el octavo día PO, siendo que dos fragmentos del nervio fueron recolectados y preparados para análisis cuantitativo y descriptivo, con relación a la cantidad total de fibras nerviosas viables, no viables, diámetro de la fibra nerviosa, del axón y espesor de la vaina de mielina. Resultados: En el índice funcional isquiático no hubo mejoría significativa hasta el octavo día. La prueba de "Von Frey" en la cicatriz quirúrgica y la fascia plantar indicaron reducción del cuadro álgico y alodinia, para los grupos lesión-natación y lesión-sericina-natación. El análisis morfológico presentó características similares en los grupos lesión-sericina, lesión-natación y lesión-sericina-natación, pero hubo diferencia significativa de las fibras nerviosas no viables menores en los grupos lesión-natación y lesión-sericina-natación con relación a los demás. Conclusiones: La proteína sericina aislada presentó características proinflamatorias. Hubo mejora de la alodinia y disminución del cuadro álgico en el lugar de la incisión quirúrgica, relacionadas al posible efecto acuático. No hubo aceleración de la reparación nerviosa en el octavo día después de la lesión. Nivel de Evidencia I; Ensayo clínico aleatorizado de alta calidad con o sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa, pero con intervalos de confianza estrechos.

Morphological and nociceptive effects of mechanical vibration on the sciatic nerve of oophorectomized Wistar rats

Aim: To evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration in the sciatic nerve of oophorectomized Wistar rats, on nociceptive and morphological parameters, such as fiber, axon, and myelin sheath diameters, G ratio, number of nerve fiber and nuclei of Schwann cells, and percentage of connective tissue. Method: Sixty-four rats were used in the groups sham-operate and oophorectomy (n = 32/group); after surgical procedures, each group was subdivided into four: euthanized in the 12th week, untreated and treated for four weeks; and euthanized in the 16th week, untreated and treated for eight weeks. The treatment with vibration was performed with a 60 Hz frequencies, for 10 minutes, three days a week, with duration of 4 or 8 weeks. Nociception was evaluated later, in the right paw, by means of a digital analgesimeter, prior to surgery, at the beginning and at the end of the protocol. After the trial period, the sciatic nerve was dissected for examination of the general morphology of the tissue and morphometric analysis; later, the animals were euthanized. Results: Regarding nociception and the morphometry of the sciatic nerve, independent of oophorectomy and treatment time, there was no statistically significant difference within and between groups. Also, the general morphology of the tissue in all groups had characteristics that were preserved. Conclusion: The mechanical vibration did not alter the nociceptive threshold and the morphological aspects of nerve fibers in oophorectomized Wistar rats.(AU)

Avaliações funcionais e morfométrica de modelo de lesão muscular por agulha de biópsia em gastrocnêmio de ratos / Functional and morphometric evaluations of model of muscle lesion with biopsy needle in gastrocnemius of rats

Introdução: Dentre os modelos experimentais, o uso de agulha de biópsia mostrou ser eficaz para reproduzir as lesões em atletas. Objetivo: Avaliar a força de preensão, a nocicepção e as alterações morfológicas do músculo gastrocnêmio de animais submetidos à lesão muscular. Métodos: Foram utilizados seis ratos Wistar. A lesão foi realizada na junção miotendínea do músculo gastrocnêmio direito, utilizando agulha de biópsia. Para avaliação funcional utilizou-se o teste de força de preensão e avaliação nociceptiva em três momentos: 24 horas antes da lesão (AV1); no segundo dia pós-lesão (AV2) e no sexto dia pós-lesão (AV3). Ao final do experimento o músculo foi retirado para análise morfológica. Resultados: Houve redução da força de preensão entre AV1 e AV2 (p=0,0031). Para a nocicepção os valores de AV2 (p<0,001) e AV3 (p=0,0109) foram maiores que AV1. Na região das fibras musculares observou-se desarranjo do padrão fascicular, aumento do calibre de vasos sanguíneos, da quantidade de tecido conjuntivo, de fibroblastos e de células inflamatórias. Conclusão: A lesão muscular por agulha de biópsia provocou redução da força de preensão e da nocicepção do membro lesado, como também evidenciou as etapas características do processo de degeneração muscular e início do processo de regeneração.

Introduction: Among the experimental models, the use of a biopsy needle was shown to be effective to reproduce lesions that occur with athletes. Objective: To evaluate the grip strength, nociception and morphological alterations of the gastrocnemius muscle of animals submitted to muscle injury. Methods: Six Wistar rats were used. The lesion was performed at the myotendinous junction of the right gastrocnemius muscle using a biopsy needle. For functional evaluation, the grip strength test and nociceptive evaluation were used at three moments: 24 hours before the injury (AV1); on the second postoperative day (AV2) and on the sixth postoperative day (AV3). At the end of the experiment the muscle was removed for morphological analysis. Results: There was a reduction in grip strength between AV1 and AV2 (p = 0.0031). For the nociception the values of AV2 (p < 0.001) and AV3 (p = 0.0109) were higher than AV1. In the muscle fibers region, there was disarrangement of the fascicular pattern, increased blood vessel size, the amount of connective tissue, fibroblasts and inflammatory cells. Conclusion: Muscle lesion by biopsy needle caused reduction of grip strength and nociception of the damaged limb, as well as the characteristic stages of the muscular degeneration process and the beginning of the regeneration process.