Hippocampal plasticity in rats submitted to a gastric restrictive procedure.

Bariatric surgery has been the most effective therapeutic intervention for morbidly obese patients. However, recent evidence has shown that this procedure may cause serious neurological complications such as Wernicke encephalopathy, depression, and memory impairment. With this in mind, we conducted an experimental study to investigate whether weight-reduction surgery would promote morphological changes in the hippocampal formation, a brain region linked to cognitive and emotional processes. To do so, the present study evaluated the hippocampal expression of parvalbumin interneurons in rats submitted to a gastric restrictive procedure (experimental phytobezoar). Our results demonstrated that rats with gastric-reduced capacity presented a significant increase in the expression of the parvalbumin interneurons in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 subfields. These data are the first experimental evidence that restrictive bariatric surgery may alter hippocampal cytoarchitecture.

Pulmonary function is better preserved in pigs when acute normovolemic hemodilution is achieved with hydroxyethyl starch versus lactated Ringer's solution.

Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) has been proposed to decrease the need for allogenic blood transfusion. Consequently, great amounts of fluids are necessary to maintain hemodynamics during and after blood removal. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the oxygenation, respiratory compliance, and lung structure during ANH performed with lactated Ringer's solution and hydroxyethyl starch (HES). Gas exchange, extravascular lung water, intrathoracic blood volume, serum osmolality, respiratory mechanics, and optical and electronic microscopy of lung biopsies were evaluated. Animals were randomized into three groups: CTL (control, n = 9), HES (HES 6% 200/0.5, n = 9), and LR (lactated Ringer's solution, n = 9). Animals in groups HES and LR underwent ANH to reach a preestablished hematocrit of around 15%. The removed blood was replaced with HES in a proportion of 1:1 and with lactated Ringer's solution 3:1. The LR group demonstrated a tendency for a marked time-dependence decrease in compliance (P = 0.013 in T2; P = 0.008 in T3) and in Pao2/fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio2) ratio (P = 0.033 in T2) as well as an increase in (A-a) Grad O2 (P = 0.037 in T2). Extravascular lung water and intrathoracic blood volume did not present any significant variation among the groups. In contrast, serum osmolality presented a significant decline in animals hemodiluted with lactated Ringer's solution. Optical and electronic microscopy of lungs biopsies revealed moderate to serious collapses and basement membrane enlargement in LR group. In this kind of experimental model, ANH with 6% HES (200/0.5) seems to preserve lung structure better as evidenced by maintenance of oxygenation indexes and respiratory compliance when compared with that in the Ringer's solution hemodiluted group.

Description of a new experimental model skin flap for studying skin viability in rats.

PURPOSE: To describe a new experimental flap for studying skin viability in rats. METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats weighing between 250-300g were divided into two groups: group A - McFarlane technique, a 4 x 10cm flap was used (McFarlane); and in group B modified McFarlane technique, a 3 x 10cm flap was used. Seven days later, the animals were sacrificed and the area of necrosis was evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: Group A presented necrosis in 3% of the total area of the flap (CI: 0.01-0.05), Group B presented necrosis in 37% of the total area of the flap (CI: 0.29-0.46), (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The modified McFarlane flap presented a larger area of necrosis and could be an adequate experimental model of skin flap viability.

Intraportal versus Systemic Pentoxifylline Infusion after Normothermic Liver Ischemia: Effects on Regional Blood Flow Redistribution and Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Pentoxifylline (PTX) has been shown to have beneficial effects on microcirculatory blood flow. In this study we evaluate the potential hemodynamic and metabolic benefits of PTX during hepatic ischemia. We also test the hypothesis that portal PTX infusion can minimize the I/R injury when compared to systemic infusion. Methods. Twenty-four dogs (18.1 ± 0.7 kg) were subjected to portal triad occlusion (PTO) for 45 min. The animals were assigned to 3 groups: CT (control, PTO, n = 8), PTX-syst (PTO + 25 mg/Kg of PTX IV, n = 8), and PTX-pv (PTO + 25 mg/Kg of PTX in the portal vein, n = 8). Animals were followed for 120 min. Systemic hemodynamics, gastrointestinal tract perfusion, oxygen-derived variables, and liver enzymes were evaluated throughout the experiment. Results. Animals treated with PTX presented significantly higher CO in the first hour after reperfusion, when compared to the CT (~3.7 vs. 2.1 L/min, P < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was similar in the PTX groups two hours after reperfusion but significantly higher in the CT (227 vs. ~64 U/L, P < 0.05). Conclusion. PTX infusion was associated with hemodynamic benefits and was able to minimize liver injury during normothermic hepatic I/R. However, local PTX infusion was not associated with any significant advantage over systemic route.

Evaluation of the number of goblet cells in crypts of the colonic mucosa with and without fecal transit.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the thickness of the crypts and quantify the number of goblet cells of the colonic mucosa with and without intestinal transit, relating them to exclusion time. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 20 animals each according to the time of the final operation for the removal of the colon, in six, 12 or 18 weeks. In each group 15 animals underwent colonic exclusion by left colon proximal colostomy and distal mucous fistula, and five underwent only laparotomy (control). The colons with and without fecal stream were removed, processed and submitted to histological sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The height of the colonic crypts and the number of goblet cells were measured by computerized morphometry. We used the Student t test and Kruskal-Wallis test for comparison and analysis of variance, using a significance level of 5% (p <0.05). RESULTS: The height of the crypts decreased in segments without fecal stream (p =0.0001), reducing from six to 12 weeks of exclusion (p = 0.0003), stabilizing thereafter. The number of goblet cells in the crypts was smaller in segments without transit after 12 and 18 weeks (p = 0.0001), but increased as the time of exclusion progressed (p = 0.04) CONCLUSION: The exclusion of intestinal transit decreases the thickness of the colonic crypts and the number of goblet cells in the segments without transit. There is an increased number of goblet cells in the course of time exclusion.

Cytometric evaluation of abdominal subcutaneous adipocytes after percutaneous CO2 infiltration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of carbon dioxide infusion to abdominal wall adipocytes. METHODS: Fifteen volunteers were subjected to sessions of CO2 infusion for three consecutive weeks (two sessions per week with intervals of two to three days between each). The volume of carbon dioxide infused per session, at points previously marked, was always calculated on the basis of surface area to be treated, with a fixed infused volume of 250 ml/100 cm² of treated surface. The infiltration points were marked respecting the limit of 2 cm equidistant between them. At each point 10 ml was injected per session, with a flow of 80 ml/min. Fragments were collected from subcutaneous tissue of the anterior abdominal wall before and after treatment. The number and histomorphological changes of adipocytes (mean diameter, perimeter, length, width and number of adipocytes per field of observation) were measured by computerized cytometry. The results were analyzed with paired Student t test, adopting a significance level of 5% (p <0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the number of adipocytes in the abdominal wall, as well as the area, diameter, perimeter, length and width of the adipocytes, after the infusion of CO2 (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The percutaneous infiltration of CO2 reduces the population of adipocytes of the anterior abdominal wall and modifies their morphology.

Reduction in oxidative stress levels in the colonic mucosa without fecal stream after the application of enemas containing aqueous Ilex paraguariensis extract.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antioxidant effects of enemas containing aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis, comparing segments with and without fecal stream and correlating the segments with the duration of intervention. METHODS: Twenty-six Wistar rats were subjected to a diversion of the fecal stream in the left colon by a proximal colostomy and distal mucosal fistula. The rats were distributed randomly into two experimental groups of 13 animals each based on the time of sacrifice after surgical procedure (two or four weeks). Each group was then divided into two experimental subgroups that received either second daily enemas containing 0.9% saline solution or aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis at 0.2g/100g. Colitis was diagnosed by histopathological analysis and the detection of oxidative tissue damage by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the tissue levels of malondialdehyde between colon segments with and without fecal stream in each experimental group, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to verify the variance between the levels of oxidative stress according the duration of the irrigation; both tests determined significance at 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: The levels of malondialdehyde in the animals subjected to intervention in the colon with saline with and without fecal stream after two and four weeks of irrigation were 0.05±0.006 and 0.06±0.006, and 0.05± 0.03 and 0.08 ±0.02, respectively. The malondialdehyde levels in the animals irrigated with Ilex paraguariensis with and without fecal stream after two and four weeks of irrigation were 0.010±0.002 and 0.02±0.004, and 0.03±0.007 and 0.04±0.01, respectively. After two and four weeks of intervention, the levels of malondialdehyde were lower in the animals irrigated with Ilex paraguariensis regardless of the time of irrigation (p=0.0001 and p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: The daily rectal application of enemas containing aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis decreases oxidative tissue damage in the colon without fecal stream regardless of the time of irrigation.

Morphofunctional malignancy grading is a valuable prognostic factor for colorectal cancer.

CONTEXT: Novel strategies are needed to identify more efficient biomarkers to accurately diagnose prognose and improve the treatment outcome of colorectal cancer. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the functional and morphological features of colorectal cancer to identify the neoplastic patterns that affect patient survival. METHODS: Forty-five patients with colorectal cancer were followed for a minimum of 3 years. Blood levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were measured by chemiluminescence and immunohistochemical analysis of tissue expression followed by computer-assisted image processing. Tumors were assigned to three morphofunctional classes. The morphofunctional classification was based on combination between histological differentiation and cell polarization. The functional characterization was based on the CEA cell polarization. The tissue polarization of CEA was classified in well-polarized, moderately polarized or nonpolarized cells. Morphofunctional staging was defined by the association between morphofunctional class (polarization and histological differentiation) and TNM by score given to each one classification. RESULTS: There was an association between increased CEA tissue expression and loss of histological differentiation (P = 0.01) or loss of polarization capacity (P = 0.03). There was a progressive increase in tissue CEA quantities in accordance with the proposed morphofunctional grading system. Plasma levels of CEA were increased in advanced tumor stages. Blood levels of CEA were increased in advanced morphofunctional stages (P = 0.001). There was a relationship between survival outcome and morphofunctional staging (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Morphofunctional staging is a valuable prognostic factor for colorectal cancer and it correlates with plasma CEA levels.

Quantification by computerized morphometry of tissue levels of sulfomucins and sialomucins in diversion colitis in rats.

PURPOSE: To quantify the intensity of sulfomucin and sialomucin expression in the colon mucosa, by means of computer-assisted image processing, comparing segments with and without fecal stream and correlating with the duration of fecal transit exclusion. METHODS: Forty-five Wistar rats were subjected to diversion of the fecal stream in the left colon by means of constructing a proximal colostomy and distal mucosal fistula. They were distributed randomly into three experimental groups of 15 animals, of which 10 were subjected to colon diversion (experimental subgroup) and five were only subjected to laparotomy, without colon diversion (control subgroup). The three experimental groups were formed according to the sacrifice date, which was to be performed six weeks after the surgical procedure (Group A), 12 weeks (Group B) and 18 weeks (Group C). The sulfomucin and sialomucin expression in the colon mucosa was evaluated using the histochemical technique of high iron diamine-alcian blue (HID-AB). The tissue expression was quantified for each animal, in the segments with and without fecal stream, at a location where there were four complete contiguous crypts in two random fields, with the aid of the computer-assisted image analysis software. The final value was taken to be the mean reading from the two fields selected, in the segments with and without fecal stream. To compare the expressions of the two mucin subtypes in the segments with and without fecal stream, the paired Student t test was used. To analyze variance according to duration of exclusion, ANOVA with the Newman-Keuls post-test was used, setting the significance level at 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: There were significant reductions in tissue sulfomucin and sialomucin content in the colon without fecal stream, independent of the duration of exclusion considered. There was increased tissue sulfomucin content and decreased tissue sialomucin in the segments without fecal stream, with increasing duration of exclusion. CONCLUSIONS: Diversion of the fecal transit decreased the tissue sulfomucin and sialomucin content in the segments without fecal stream. Notwithstanding the reduction in the levels of both subtypes of acid mucin in the segments without fecal stream, there was increased tissue sulfomucin content and decreased tissue sialomucin with increasing duration of intestinal diversion.

Description of a new experimental model skin flap for studying skin viability in rats

To describe a new experimental flap for studying skin viability in rats. METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats weighing between 250-300g were divided into two groups: group A - McFarlane technique, a 4 x 10cm flap was used (McFarlane); and in group B modified McFarlane technique, a 3 x 10cm flap was used. Seven days later, the animals were sacrificed and the area of necrosis was evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: Group A presented necrosis in 3% of the total area of the flap (CI: 0.01-0.05), Group B presented necrosis in 37% of the total area of the flap (CI: 0.29-0.46), (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The modified McFarlane flap presented a larger area of necrosis and could be an adequate experimental model of skin flap viability.(AU)

Description of a new experimental model skin flap for studying skin viability in rats

To describe a new experimental flap for studying skin viability in rats. METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats weighing between 250-300g were divided into two groups: group A - McFarlane technique, a 4 x 10cm flap was used (McFarlane); and in group B modified McFarlane technique, a 3 x 10cm flap was used. Seven days later, the animals were sacrificed and the area of necrosis was evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: Group A presented necrosis in 3% of the total area of the flap (CI: 0.01-0.05), Group B presented necrosis in 37% of the total area of the flap (CI: 0.29-0.46), (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The modified McFarlane flap presented a larger area of necrosis and could be an adequate experimental model of skin flap viability.

Is peritoneal reflection the best anatomical repair landmark in experimental colorectal surgery on rats?

PURPOSE: To validate Peyer's patch as an anatomical repair landmark for colorectal surgery in rats and to measure the collagen content in segments of the colon containing or not containing Peyer's patch. METHODS: The distance between Peyer's patch and the peritoneal reflection was measured in forty-five Wistar rats. The colon and rectum were resected for quantification of collagen content by means of computer-assisted image analysis in regions of the colon with and without Peyer's patch. RESULTS: There was great variation in the distance between Peyer's patch and the peritoneal reflection when the male and female rats were considered as a single group (p=0.04). Comparison between the genders showed that the distance between the patch and the peritoneal reflection was greater in female than in male rats (p=0.001). The colonic segment containing Peyer's patch was observed to have lower tissue collagen content than the segment in which this structure was not present (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Peyer's patch can be indicated as an anatomical repair landmark, and there is a need to study the healing of colorectal anastomoses in rats based on differing quantities of tissue collagen existing in the colonic wall with or without this structure.

Avaliação do número de células caliciformes nas criptas da mucosa colônica com e sem trânsito intestinal / Evaluation of the number of goblet cells in crypts of the colonic mucosa with and without fecal transit

OBJETIVO: Medir a espessura das criptas e quantificar o número de células caliciformes comparando a mucosa cólica com e sem trânsito intestinal, relacionando-as ao tempo de exclusão. MÉTODOS: Sessenta ratos Wistar, foram distribuídos em três grupos com 20 animais segundo a operação final para a retirada dos cólons, realizadas em seis, 12 ou 18 semanas. Em cada grupo, 15 animais foram submetidos à derivação do trânsito por colostomia proximal no cólon esquerdo e fístula mucosa distal e cinco apenas à laparotomia (controle). Os cólons com e sem trânsito fecal foram removidos, processados, submetidos a cortes histológicos corados pela hematoxilina-eosina. A altura das criptas colônicas e o número de células caliciformes foram mensurados por morfometria computadorizada. Foram utilizados os testes t de Student e Kruskal-Wallis para comparação e análise de variância, estabelecendo-se nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: A altura das criptas diminui nos segmentos sem trânsito fecal (p=0,0001), reduzindo entre seis e 12 semanas de exclusão (p=0,0003), estabilizando-se após este período. O número de células caliciformes nas criptas é menor nos segmentos sem trânsito após 12 e 18 semanas (p=0,0001), porém aumenta com o decorrer do tempo de exclusão (p=0,04) CONCLUSÃO: A exclusão do trânsito intestinal diminui a espessura das criptas colônicas e o número de células caliciformes nos segmentos sem trânsito. Existe aumento do número de células caliciformes com o decorrer do tempo de exclusão.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the thickness of the crypts and quantify the number of goblet cells of the colonic mucosa with and without intestinal transit, relating them to exclusion time. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 20 animals each according to the time of the final operation for the removal of the colon, in six, 12 or 18 weeks. In each group 15 animals underwent colonic exclusion by left colon proximal colostomy and distal mucous fistula, and five underwent only laparotomy (control). The colons with and without fecal stream were removed, processed and submitted to histological sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The height of the colonic crypts and the number of goblet cells were measured by computerized morphometry. We used the Student t test and Kruskal-Wallis test for comparison and analysis of variance, using a significance level of 5% (p <0.05). RESULTS: The height of the crypts decreased in segments without fecal stream (p =0.0001), reducing from six to 12 weeks of exclusion (p = 0.0003), stabilizing thereafter. The number of goblet cells in the crypts was smaller in segments without transit after 12 and 18 weeks (p = 0.0001), but increased as the time of exclusion progressed (p = 0.04) CONCLUSION: The exclusion of intestinal transit decreases the thickness of the colonic crypts and the number of goblet cells in the segments without transit. There is an increased number of goblet cells in the course of time exclusion.

Avaliação citométrica dos adipócitos localizados no tecido subcutâneo da parede anterior do abdome após infiltração percutânea de CO2 / Cytometric evaluation of abdominal subcutaneous adipocytes after percutaneous CO2 infiltration

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da infiltração de dióxido de carbono em adipócitos presentes na parede abdominal. MÉTODOS: Quinze voluntárias foram submetidas a sessões de infusão de CO2 durante três semanas consecutivas (duas sessões por semana com intervalos de dois a três dias entre cada sessão). O volume de gás carbônico infundido por sessão, em pontos previamente demarcados, foi sempre calculado com base na superfície da área a ser tratada, com volume infundido fixo de 250 mL/100cm² de superfície tratada. Os pontos de infiltração foram demarcados respeitando-se o limite eqüidistante 2cm entre eles. Em cada ponto se injetou 10mL, por sessão, com fluxo de 80mL/min. Foram colhidos fragmentos de tecido celular subcutâneo da parede abdominal anterior antes e após o tratamento. O número e as alterações histomorfológicas dos adipócitos (diâmetro médio, perímetro, comprimento, largura e número de adipócitos por campos de observação) foram mensurados por citometria computadorizada. Os resultados foram analisados com o teste t de Student pareado, adotando-se nível de significância de 5 por cento (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se redução significativa no número de adipócitos da parede abdominal e na área, diâmetro, perímetro, comprimento e largura após o uso da hipercapnia (p=0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: A infiltração percutânea de CO2 reduz a população e modifica a morfologia dos adipócitos presentes na parede abdominal anterior.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of carbon dioxide infusion to abdominal wall adipocytes. METHODS: Fifteen volunteers were subjected to sessions of CO2 infusion for three consecutive weeks (two sessions per week with intervals of two to three days between each). The volume of carbon dioxide infused per session, at points previously marked, was always calculated on the basis of surface area to be treated, with a fixed infused volume of 250 ml/100cm² of treated surface. The infiltration points were marked respecting the limit of 2cm equidistant between them. At each point 10 ml was injected per session, with a flow of 80ml/min. Fragments were collected from subcutaneous tissue of the anterior abdominal wall before and after treatment. The number and histomorphological changes of adipocytes (mean diameter, perimeter, length, width and number of adipocytes per field of observation) were measured by computerized cytometry. The results were analyzed with paired Student t test, adopting a significance level of 5 percent (p <0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the number of adipocytes in the abdominal wall, as well as the area, diameter, perimeter, length and width of the adipocytes, after the infusion of CO2 (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The percutaneous infiltration of CO2 reduces the population of adipocytes of the anterior abdominal wall and modifies their morphology.

Prognostic impact of the lymph node metastatic ratio on 5-year survival of patients with rectal cancer not submitted to preoperative chemoradiation

Lymph node metastases are a major prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. Inadequate lymph node resection is related to shorter survival. The lymph nodes ratio (LNR) has been used as a prognostic factor in patients with colon cancer. Few studies have evaluated the impact of LNR on the 5-year survival of patients with rectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of LNR on the survival of patients with rectal cancer not submitted to preoperative chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: Ninety patients with rectal cancer excluding colon tumors, synchronous tumors, hereditary colorectal cancer and those undergoing preoperative chemoradiation. The patients were divided into three groups according t < 0.05). RESULTS: The 5-year survival was related to the Dukes classification, TNM, number of metastatic lymph nodes and LNR. A difference was observed in 5-year survival between the different classes of LNR. Patients classified as LNR-0 had a survival rate of 85%, while classes LNR-1 and LNR-2, 73 and 19%, respectively (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the LNR has an impact on 5-year survival of patients with rectal cancer not submitted to neoadjuvant therapy. (AU)

Metástases linfonodais representam um dos principais fatores prognósticos no câncer colorretal. A ressecção linfonodal inadequada relaciona-se à menor sobrevida. A proporção entre linfonodos metastáticos (PLM) vem sendo utilizada como fator prognóstico em doentes com câncer de cólon. Poucos estudos avaliaram o impacto da PLM na sobrevida de doentes com câncer retal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da PLM na sobrevida de doentes com câncer de reto não submetidos à quimioradioterapia pré-operatória. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 90 doentes com adenocarcinoma retal excluindo-se tumores de cólon, tumores sincrônicos, câncer colorretal hereditário e aqueles submetidos a tratamento radioquimioterápico pré-operatório. Os doentes foram divididos em três grupos segundo a PLM: PLM-0, sem linfonodos comprometidos; PLM-1, 1 a 20% dos linfonodos comprometidos; e PLM-2, mais de 21% dos linfonodos comprometidos. A identificação do ponto de corte da amostra selecionada foi obtida a partir da curva de características de operação do receptor (curva ROC). A sobrevida foi avaliada pelo teste de Kaplan-Meier, a diferença entre os grupos pelo teste de Cox-Mantel e a correlação entre as variáveis pelo teste de Pearson, adotando-se um nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: A sobrevida em cinco anos relacionou-se à classificação de Dukes, TNM, número de linfonodos metastáticos e PLM. Houve diferença na sobrevida ao compararem-se as diferentes classes de PLM. Doentes classificados como PLM-0 apresentaram sobrevida de 85%, enquanto os pertencentes às classes PLM-1 e PLM-2, de 73 e 19%, respectivamente (p=0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados encontrados mostraram que a PLM tem impacto na sobrevida de doentes com câncer de reto não submetidos à neoadjuvância. (AU)

Reduction in oxidative stress levels in the colonic mucosa without fecal stream after the application of enemas containing aqueous Ilex paraguariensis extract / Redução dos níveis de estresse oxidativo na mucosa cólica sem trânsito intestinal após aplicação de enemas contendo extrato aquoso de Ilex paraguariensis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antioxidant effects of enemas containing aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis, comparing segments with and without fecal stream and correlating the segments with the duration of intervention. METHODS: Twenty-six Wistar rats were subjected to a diversion of the fecal stream in the left colon by a proximal colostomy and distal mucosal fistula. The rats were distributed randomly into two experimental groups of 13 animals each based on the time of sacrifice after surgical procedure (two or four weeks). Each group was then divided into two experimental subgroups that received either second daily enemas containing 0.9% saline solution or aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis at 0.2g/100g. Colitis was diagnosed by histopathological analysis and the detection of oxidative tissue damage by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the tissue levels of malondialdehyde between colon segments with and without fecal stream in each experimental group, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to verify the variance between the levels of oxidative stress according the duration of the irrigation; both tests determined significance at 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: The levels of malondialdehyde in the animals subjected to intervention in the colon with saline with and without fecal stream after two and four weeks of irrigation were 0.05±0.006 and 0.06±0.006, and 0.05± 0.03 and 0.08 ±0.02, respectively. The malondialdehyde levels in the animals irrigated with Ilex paraguariensis with and without fecal stream after two and four weeks of irrigation were 0.010±0.002 and 0.02±0.004, and 0.03±0.007 and 0.04±0.01, respectively. After two and four weeks of intervention, the levels of malondialdehyde were lower in the animals irrigated with Ilex paraguariensis regardless of the time of irrigation (p=0.0001 and p=0.002, respectively).(AU)

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos antioxidantes de clisteres contendo extrato aquoso de Ilex paraguariensis comparando segmentos com e sem trânsito fecal e correlacionando com o tempo de intervenção. MÉTODOS: Vinte e seis ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos à derivação do trânsito no cólon esquerdo pela confecção de colostomia proximal e fístula mucosa distal. Foram divididos de forma randomizada em dois grupos experimentais de 13 animais, de acordo com o sacrifício ser realizado após duas ou quatro semanas do procedimento cirúrgico. Cada grupo foi dividido em dois subgrupos experimentais segundo a aplicação diária ter sido realizada com enemas diários contendo solução fisiológica a 0,9% ou extrato aquoso de Ilex paraguariensis na concentração de 0,2 g/100 ml. O diagnóstico de colite foi estabelecido por análise histológica e os níveis de estresse oxidativo pela dosagem tecidual de malondialdeído Para comparar os níveis de malondialdeído entre os cólons com e sem trânsito fecal em cada grupo experimental adotou-se o teste de Mann-Withney, e o teste de Kruskal-Wallis para verificar a variação dos níveis de estresse oxidativo segundo o tempo de irrigação, estabelecendo-se para ambos o nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Os níveis de malondialdeído nos animais submetidos à intervenção com soro fisiológico nos cólons providos e desprovidos de trânsito fecal após duas e quatro semanas de irrigação foram de 0,05±0,006, 0,06±0,006 e 0,05±0,03, 0,08±0,02 respectivamente. Os níveis de malondialdeído nos animais irrigados com Ilex paraguariensis, nos cólons providos e desprovidos de trânsito, após duas e quatro semanas de irrigação foram de 0,010±0,002, 0,02±0,004 e 0,03±0,007, 0,04±0,01, respectivamente. Após duas e quatro semanas de intervenção os níveis de malondialdeído foram menores nos animais irrigados com Ilex paraguariensis, independente do tempo de irrigação (p=0,0001 e p=0,002, respectivamente).(AU)

Reduction in oxidative stress levels in the colonic mucosa without fecal stream after the application of enemas containing aqueous Ilex paraguariensis extract / Redução dos níveis de estresse oxidativo na mucosa cólica sem trânsito intestinal após aplicação de enemas contendo extrato aquoso de Ilex paraguariensis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antioxidant effects of enemas containing aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis, comparing segments with and without fecal stream and correlating the segments with the duration of intervention. METHODS: Twenty-six Wistar rats were subjected to a diversion of the fecal stream in the left colon by a proximal colostomy and distal mucosal fistula. The rats were distributed randomly into two experimental groups of 13 animals each based on the time of sacrifice after surgical procedure (two or four weeks). Each group was then divided into two experimental subgroups that received either second daily enemas containing 0.9 percent saline solution or aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis at 0.2g/100g. Colitis was diagnosed by histopathological analysis and the detection of oxidative tissue damage by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the tissue levels of malondialdehyde between colon segments with and without fecal stream in each experimental group, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to verify the variance between the levels of oxidative stress according the duration of the irrigation; both tests determined significance at 5 percent (p<0.05). RESULTS: The levels of malondialdehyde in the animals subjected to intervention in the colon with saline with and without fecal stream after two and four weeks of irrigation were 0.05±0.006 and 0.06±0.006, and 0.05± 0.03 and 0.08 ±0.02, respectively. The malondialdehyde levels in the animals irrigated with Ilex paraguariensis with and without fecal stream after two and four weeks of irrigation were 0.010±0.002 and 0.02±0.004, and 0.03±0.007 and 0.04±0.01, respectively. After two and four weeks of intervention, the levels of malondialdehyde were lower in the animals irrigated with Ilex paraguariensis regardless of the time of irrigation (p=0.0001 and p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: The daily rectal application of enemas containing aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis decreases oxidative tissue damage in the colon without fecal stream regardless of the time of irrigation.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos antioxidantes de clisteres contendo extrato aquoso de Ilex paraguariensis comparando segmentos com e sem trânsito fecal e correlacionando com o tempo de intervenção. MÉTODOS: Vinte e seis ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos à derivação do trânsito no cólon esquerdo pela confecção de colostomia proximal e fístula mucosa distal. Foram divididos de forma randomizada em dois grupos experimentais de 13 animais, de acordo com o sacrifício ser realizado após duas ou quatro semanas do procedimento cirúrgico. Cada grupo foi dividido em dois subgrupos experimentais segundo a aplicação diária ter sido realizada com enemas diários contendo solução fisiológica a 0,9 por cento ou extrato aquoso de Ilex paraguariensis na concentração de 0,2 g/100 ml. O diagnóstico de colite foi estabelecido por análise histológica e os níveis de estresse oxidativo pela dosagem tecidual de malondialdeído Para comparar os níveis de malondialdeído entre os cólons com e sem trânsito fecal em cada grupo experimental adotou-se o teste de Mann-Withney, e o teste de Kruskal-Wallis para verificar a variação dos níveis de estresse oxidativo segundo o tempo de irrigação, estabelecendo-se para ambos o nível de significância de 5 por cento (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Os níveis de malondialdeído nos animais submetidos à intervenção com soro fisiológico nos cólons providos e desprovidos de trânsito fecal após duas e quatro semanas de irrigação foram de 0,05±0,006, 0,06±0,006 e 0,05±0,03, 0,08±0,02 respectivamente. Os níveis de malondialdeído nos animais irrigados com Ilex paraguariensis, nos cólons providos e desprovidos de trânsito, após duas e quatro semanas de irrigação foram de 0,010±0,002, 0,02±0,004 e 0,03±0,007, 0,04±0,01, respectivamente. Após duas e quatro semanas de intervenção os níveis de malondialdeído foram menores nos animais irrigados com Ilex paraguariensis, independente do tempo de irrigação (p=0,0001 e p=0,002, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: A aplicação diária de extrato aquoso de Ilex paraguariensis reduz os níveis de dano oxidativo tecidual nos segmentos cólicos sem trânsito fecal, independente do tempo de irrigação.

Morphofunctional malignancy grading is a valuable prognostic factor for colorectal cancer / Graduação morfofuncional de malignidade como valioso fator prognóstico para o câncer colorretal

CONTEXT: Novel strategies are needed to identify more efficient biomarkers to accurately diagnose prognose and improve the treatment outcome of colorectal cancer. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the functional and morphological features of colorectal cancer to identify the neoplastic patterns that affect patient survival. METHODS: Forty-five patients with colorectal cancer were followed for a minimum of 3 years. Blood levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were measured by chemiluminescence and immunohistochemical analysis of tissue expression followed by computer-assisted image processing. Tumors were assigned to three morphofunctional classes. The morphofunctional classification was based on combination between histological differentiation and cell polarization. The functional characterization was based on the CEA cell polarization. The tissue polarization of CEA was classified in well-polarized, moderately polarized or nonpolarized cells. Morphofunctional staging was defined by the association between morphofunctional class (polarization and histological differentiation) and TNM by score given to each one classification. RESULTS: There was an association between increased CEA tissue expression and loss of histological differentiation (P = 0.01) or loss of polarization capacity (P = 0.03). There was a progressive increase in tissue CEA quantities in accordance with the proposed morphofunctional grading system. Plasma levels of CEA were increased in advanced tumor stages. Blood levels of CEA were increased in advanced morphofunctional stages (P = 0.001). There was a relationship between survival outcome and morphofunctional staging (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Morphofunctional staging is a valuable prognostic factor for colorectal cancer and it correlates with plasma CEA levels.

CONTEXTO: Novas estratégias são necessárias à identificação de marcadores que promovam precisão no diagnóstico, no prognóstico e melhorem o tratamento de pacientes com câncer colorretal. OBJETIVO: Analisar características funcionais e morfológicas do câncer colorretal para identificar padrões de neoplasia que modificam a sobrevida. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e cinco pacientes com adenocarcinoma colorretal foram seguidos por no mínimo 3 anos. Níveis séricos de antígeno carcinoembrionário (CEA) foram mensurados por quimioluminescência e a análise imunoistoquímica da expressão tecidual do antígeno por meio de processamento de imagem assistida por computador. Tumores foram divididos em três classes morfofuncionais. A classificação morfofuncional foi baseada na combinação entre grau histológico e polarização do CEA celular. A polarização do CEA foi classificada em bem polarizada, moderadamente polarizada e não-polarizada. O estádio morfofuncional foi definido pela associação entre as classes morfofuncionais (polarização e grau histopatológico) e pontuação dada a cada uma das classificações. RESULTADOS: Houve associação entre aumento de expressão de CEA tecidual e perda do grau de diferenciação (P = 0.01) ou perda da capacidade de polarização (P = 0.03). Houve aumento progressivo dos níveis de proteínas teciduais em acordo com o sistema de classificação morfofuncional proposto. Níveis plasmáticos de CEA estavam aumentados com a progressão dos estádios tumorais (P = 0.001). Houve relação entre sobrevida e estádio morfofuncional (P = 0.005). CONCLUSÃO: Estádio morfofuncional é um valioso fator prognóstico para o câncer colorretal e se correlaciona com níveis séricos de CEA.

Quantification by computerized morphometry of tissue levels of sulfomucins and sialomucins in diversion colitis in rats / Quantificação por morfometria computadorizada dos níveis teciduais de sulfomucinas e sialomucinas na colite de exclusão em ratos

PURPOSE: To quantify the intensity of sulfomucin and sialomucin expression in the colon mucosa, by means of computer-assisted image processing, comparing segments with and without fecal stream and correlating with the duration of fecal transit exclusion. METHODS: Forty-five Wistar rats were subjected to diversion of the fecal stream in the left colon by means of constructing a proximal colostomy and distal mucosal fistula. They were distributed randomly into three experimental groups of 15 animals, of which 10 were subjected to colon diversion (experimental subgroup) and five were only subjected to laparotomy, without colon diversion (control subgroup). The three experimental groups were formed according to the sacrifice date, which was to be performed six weeks after the surgical procedure (Group A), 12 weeks (Group B) and 18 weeks (Group C). The sulfomucin and sialomucin expression in the colon mucosa was evaluated using the histochemical technique of high iron diamine-alcian blue (HID-AB). The tissue expression was quantified for each animal, in the segments with and without fecal stream, at a location where there were four complete contiguous crypts in two random fields, with the aid of the computer-assisted image analysis software. The final value was taken to be the mean reading from the two fields selected, in the segments with and without fecal stream. To compare the expressions of the two mucin subtypes in the segments with and without fecal stream, the paired Student t test was used. To analyze variance according to duration of exclusion, ANOVA with the Newman-Keuls post-test was used, setting the significance level at 5 percent (p<0.05). RESULTS: There were significant reductions in tissue sulfomucin and sialomucin content in the colon without fecal stream, independent of the duration of exclusion considered. There was increased tissue sulfomucin content and decreased tissue sialomucin in the segments without fecal stream, ...(AU)

OBJETIVO: Quantificar, por meio de processamento de imagem assistida por computador, a intensidade de expressão de sulfomucinas e sialomucinas na mucosa cólica comparando segmentos com e sem trânsito e relacionando-a ao tempo de exclusão de trânsito fecal. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e cinco ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos à derivação do trânsito no cólon esquerdo pela confecção de colostomia proximal e fístula mucosa distal. Foram divididos de forma randomizada em três grupos experimentais de 15 animais, nos quais 10 foram submetidos à derivação do trânsito cólico (subgrupo experimental) e cinco somente a laparotomia exploradora sem desvio do trânsito fecal (subgrupo controle). Os três grupos experimentais foram formados segundo o sacrifício ter sido realizado em seis (grupo A), 12 (Grupo B) e 18 semanas (Grupo C). A avaliação da expressão de sulfomucinas e sialomucinas na mucosa cólica foi realizada pela técnica histoquímica da diamina de ferro alto alcian-blue (HID-AB). A quantificação da expressão tecidual foi determinada, para cada animal, nos segmentos com e sem trânsito, em local onde existiam quatro criptas contíguas e íntegras em dois campos aleatórios com auxílio de programa de análise de imagem assistida por computador. Adotou-se como valor final a média das leituras dos dois campos selecionados, nos segmentos providos e desprovidos de trânsito fecal. Na comparação entre a expressão dos dois subtipos de mucinas nos segmentos com e sem trânsito fecal utilizou-se o teste t de Student pareado. Para análise de variância segundo o tempo de exclusão utilizou-se o teste de ANOVA com o pós-teste de Newmann-Keuls, estabelecendo-se nível de significância de 5 por cento (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Houve redução significante no conteúdo tecidual de sulfomucinas e sialomucinas no cólon desprovido de trânsito fecal, independente do tempo de exclusão considerado. Houve aumento no conteúdo tecidual de sulfomucinas e diminuição de sialomucinas nos segmentos ...(AU)

Manometria anorretal no divertículo de reto / Anorectal manometry in rectal diverticulum

Divertículo localizado no reto é um achado excepcional, estimando-se que existam pouco mais de 50 casos publicados. A doença apresenta aspectos controversos, quanto a ser de origem congênita ou adquirida. Recentemente, distúrbios defecação vêm sendo relacionado à maior possibilidade do desenvolvimento da doença. Contudo, até a presente data, as alterações manométricas em portadores de divertículo do reto ainda não foram estudadas. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo é demonstrar os resultados de estudo eletromanométrico anorretal, realizado em dois doentes portadores divertículo do reto. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODO: Um homem e uma mulher, com 56 e 58 anos, respectivamente, foram submetidos à colonoscopia, enema opaco, ultrassonografia endorretal e ressonância magnética da pelve, para confirmação e documentação diagnóstica de divertículo localizado no reto. Os enfermos foram submetidos à eletromanometria anorretal com cateter de oito canais sob perfusão de água a 0,3 ml/min/canal, através de sistema de infusão capilar pneumático e hidráulico. RESULTADOS: O resultado dos exames em ambos os doentes mostrou perfil pressórico esfincteriano normal, tanto em repouso, como em contração voluntária máxima, não se encontrando assimetrias esfincterianas. O reflexo reto-anal inibitório encontrava-se presente e dentro de valores normais, assim como a sensibilidade e complacência retal. A análise pelo vetor volume não mostrou alterações significativas concluindo-se por estudo manométrico ano-retal normal. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo manométrico anorretal não demonstrou existência de distúrbios pressóricos nos esfíncteres anorretais reforçando a possibilidade de que o divertículo de reto possa ter origem congênita, desenvolvendo-se em pontos onde exista maior fraqueza da parede retal.

Diverticulum located in the rectum is an exceptional find with fewer than 50 cases published. The etiology of the diverticulum of the rectum still has controversial aspects regarding its origin is congenital or acquired. Recently, alterations of the evacuative dynamic had been associated with the development of the disease. Nevertheless, until the present date, the manometric alterations in patients with diverticulum of the rectum were not studied. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the results of electromanometric study carried out in a patient with isolated diverticulum of the rectum. CASE REPORT: A man and a woman, 56 and 58 years-old, respectively, were submitted to colonoscopy, barium enema, endorectal ultrasound and magnetic resonance of the pelvis to diagnose and document the presence of diverticulum located in the rectum. The patients were submitted to manometry using catheter with eight-channel perfusion under water at 0.3 ml/min/channel, through pneumatic and hydraulic capillary infusion system. The anorectal manometry showed normally sphincter pressure profile both in rest and squeezes pressure state, and did not find sphincter asymmetries. The anorectal inhibition reflex was present with normal values and the sensibility and rectal complaisance were between the normal limits. The vector volume analysis did not show any significant alterations and it was concluded by normal manometric anorectal study. CONCLUSION: The anorectal manometry study did not demonstrate the existence of pressure disturbances in anorectal sphincter, enhancing the possibility that the rectal diverticulum can be congenital, developing at points where there is major weakness of the rectal wall.