INVOLVEMENT OF CATECHOLAMINES IN THE MYOCARDIUM OF RATS SUBMITTED TO EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF PORTAL HYPERTENSION.

BACKGROUND: The role of autonomic nervous system in the development and maintenance of portal hypertension is not fully elucidated. It is known that the gene expression of norepinephrine in the superior mesenteric artery varies with time, and it may contribute for splanchnic vasodilation and its consequent hemodynamic repercussions. It is still not known exactly how the adrenergic expression behaves at the heart level in the initial stages of this process. AIM: To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (tyrosine 3-monooxygenase), involved in the synthesis of norepinephrine, in the myocardium of rats submitted to partial ligation of the portal vein. METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Sham Operated and Portal Hypertension. The partial ligation was performed in the Portal Hypertension group, and after 1/6/24 h and 3/5/14 days the animals were euthanized. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to quantify the expression of the stained enzyme using the ImageJ program. RESULTS: The Portal Hypertension group expressed percentages between 4.6-6% of the marked area, while the Sham Operated group varied between 4-5%. Although there was no statistical significance, the percentage stained in the Portal Hypertension group followed an increasing pattern in the first 6 h and a decreasing pattern after 24 h, which was not observed in the Sham Operated group. CONCLUSION: The expression of noradrenaline in rat myocardium during the first two weeks after partial ligation of the portal vein, with tyrosine hydroxylase as marker, did not show differences between groups over time.

Involvement of catecholamines in the myocardium of rats submitted to experimental model of portal hypertension / Envolvimento das catecolaminas no miocárdio de ratos submetidos a modelo experimental de hipertensão portal

ABSTRACT Background: The role of autonomic nervous system in the development and maintenance of portal hypertension is not fully elucidated. It is known that the gene expression of norepinephrine in the superior mesenteric artery varies with time, and it may contribute for splanchnic vasodilation and its consequent hemodynamic repercussions. It is still not known exactly how the adrenergic expression behaves at the heart level in the initial stages of this process. Aim: To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (tyrosine 3-monooxygenase), involved in the synthesis of norepinephrine, in the myocardium of rats submitted to partial ligation of the portal vein. Methods: Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Sham Operated and Portal Hypertension. The partial ligation was performed in the Portal Hypertension group, and after 1/6/24 h and 3/5/14 days the animals were euthanized. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to quantify the expression of the stained enzyme using the ImageJ program. Results: The Portal Hypertension group expressed percentages between 4.6-6% of the marked area, while the Sham Operated group varied between 4-5%. Although there was no statistical significance, the percentage stained in the Portal Hypertension group followed an increasing pattern in the first 6 h and a decreasing pattern after 24 h, which was not observed in the Sham Operated group. Conclusion: The expression of noradrenaline in rat myocardium during the first two weeks after partial ligation of the portal vein, with tyrosine hydroxylase as marker, did not show differences between groups over time.

RESUMO Racional: O papel do sistema nervoso autônomo na hipertensão portal não está completamente elucidado. Sabe-se que, nessa condição, a expressão gênica da norepinefrina na artéria mesentérica superior modifica-se com o tempo, podendo ser importante contribuinte para a vasodilatação esplâncnica e suas repercussões hemodinâmicas. Apesar dos estudos sobre as repercussões cardiovasculares na hipertensão portal, ainda não se sabe como a expressão adrenérgica se comporta a nível cardíaco nas etapas iniciais desse processo. Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão imunoistoquímica da enzima tirosina hidroxilase (tirosina 3-mono-oxigenase), relacionada à síntese da norepinefrina, no miocárdio de ratos submetidos à ligadura parcial da veia porta. Métodos: Foram utilizados 24 ratos, distribuídos em dois grupos: Sham Operated e Hipertensão Portal. A ligadura parcial da veia porta foi realizada apenas no grupo Hipertensão Portal e, após 1/6/24 h e 3/5/14 dias, os animais foram eutanasiados. Foi feita a análise imunoistoquímica para quantificar a expressão da enzima corada, utilizando o programa ImageJ. Resultados: No grupo Hipertensão Portal, o miocárdio expressou percentuais entre 4,6-6% de área marcada, enquanto que no grupo Sham Operated variou entre 4-5%, sem significância estatística. Apenas no grupo Hipertensão Portal, a porcentagem corada pela enzima seguiu padrão crescente nas primeiras 6 h e decrescente após 24 h. Conclusão: A expressão da noradrenalina no miocárdio de ratos durante as primeiras duas semanas após a ligadura parcial da veia porta, tendo como marcador a enzima tirosina hidroxilase, não apresentou diferenças entre grupos ao longo do tempo.

Impact of a gluten-free diet on bone mineral density in celiac patients.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone illness that may complicate celiac disease (CD). It can lead to devastating consequences because of low bone mass and fragility fractures. PURPOSE: To study the OP prevalence in a group of Brazilian patients with CD and the value of a gluten free diet (GFD). METHODS: Retrospective study of celiac female patients from a single University Center followed with bone densitometries. Results from densitometry made at first visit were compared with a second study after a median time of 5 years. During this period, patients were submitted to a GFD according to orientations from special program training. Calcium and vitamin D were prescribed to those patients who did not reach the minimal daily requirement through diet. RESULTS: Forty-one celiac female patients, mean age 46.1 ± 14.8 years, were included. The prevalence of osteopenia at first visit was 56.1% and that of osteoporosis 29.2%. Osteoporosis was associated with longer disease duration (p = 0.01). The second densitometry was performed in a median time of 5 years (range 1 to 13 years) and disclosed 58.9% osteopenia and 28.2% osteoporosis. The GFD improved bone mass, mainly at (of) spine (comparison of T score with p = 0.03 and of bone mass in g/cm2 with p = 0.02), but it was not sufficient to reduce the number of osteopenic (p = 0.9) and osteoporotic patients (p = 0.4). During the follow up period 25% of osteoporotic patients developed low impact fractures. CONCLUSION: Bone health is notably impaired at baseline in CD patients, especially in those with a diagnostic delay. A GFD modestly improved bone mass density with low impact fractures occurring in one third of patients during the follow up period.

Impact of a gluten-free diet on bone mineral density in celiac patients

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone illness that may complicate celiac disease (CD). It can lead to devastating consequences because of low bone mass and fragility fractures. Purpose: To study the OP prevalence in a group of Brazilian patients with CD and the value of a gluten free diet (GFD). Methods: Retrospective study of celiac female patients from a single University Center followed with bone densitometries. Results from densitometry made at first visit were compared with a second study after a median time of 5 years. During this period, patients were submitted to a GFD according to orientations from special program training. Calcium and vitamin D were prescribed to those patients who did not reach the minimal daily requirement through diet. Results: Forty-one celiac female patients, mean age 46.1 ± 14.8 years, were included. The prevalence of osteopenia at first visit was 56.1% and that of osteoporosis 29.2%. Osteoporosis was associated with longer disease duration (p = 0.01). The second densitometry was performed in a median time of 5 years (range 1 to 13 years) and disclosed 58.9% osteopenia and 28.2% osteoporosis. The GFD improved bone mass, mainly at (of) spine (comparison of T score with p = 0.03 and of bone mass in g/cm2 with p = 0.02), but it was not sufficient to reduce the number of osteopenic (p = 0.9) and osteoporotic patients (p = 0.4). During the follow up period 25% of osteoporotic patients developed low impact fractures. Conclusion: Bone health is notably impaired at baseline in CD patients, especially in those with a diagnostic delay. A GFD modestly improved bone mass density with low impact fractures occurring in one third of patients during the follow up period (AU)

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