Long-term effects of photobiomodulation therapy on blood pressure in obese rats induced by a high-fat diet.

The main cardiovascular disease risk associated with obesity is hypertension. The therapeutic use of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) is suggested for the treatment of wound healing, osteoarthritis, and arterial diseases. However, few studies have measured how red laser (at 660 nm) acts over hypertension, and any of those studies used experimental obesity model. The aim of the study was an attempt to evaluate the long-term effect of PBM on systolic blood pressure in an animal model of obesity, induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Our results indicate that PBM carried out 3 days a week was able to prevent the increase in blood pressure (133.75 ± 4.82 mmHg, n = 8) induced by a high-fat diet (150.00 ± 4.57 mmHg, n = 8; p < 0.05), restore nitric oxide levels (control: 31.7 ± 5.5 µM, n = 8; HFD + PBM: 29.9 ± 3.7 µM, n = 8 > HFD: 22.2 ± 2.9 µM, n = 8, p < 0.05), decrease lipoperoxidation (control: 1.65 ± 0.25 nM, n = 8; HFD + PBM: 2.05 ± 0.55 nM, n = 8 < HFD: 3.20 ± 0.47 nM, n = 8; p < 0.05), and improve endothelial function (pD2 control: 7.39 ± 0.08, n = 8 > pD2 HFD + PBM: 7.15 ± 0.07, n = 8 > HFD: 6.94 ± 0.07, n = 8; p < 0.05). Our results indicate that PBM prevents the elevation of blood pressure in an obese animal model by a mechanism that involves improvement of endothelial function through an antioxidant effect.

Physical training improves visceral adipose tissue health by remodelling extracellular matrix in rats with estrogen absence: a gene expression analysis.

Adipose tissue development is associated with modifications involving extracellular matrix remodelling, and metalloproteinases play a significant role in this process. Reduced circulating sexual hormones cause impacts on the size, morphology and functions of the adipose tissue, increasing susceptibility to diseases. This study investigated whether exercise training may be an alternative strategy to combat the effects promoted by estrogen decay through modulation in gene expression patterns in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of visceral adipose tissue of ovariectomized rats. Nulliparous rats (n = 40) were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 10/group): sham sedentary (Sh-S), sham resistance training (Sh-Rt), ovariectomized sedentary (Ovx-S) and ovariectomized resistance training (Ovx-Rt). The Sh-S animals did not have any type of training. The body mass and food intake, ECM gene expression, gelatinase MMP-2 activity and adipocyte area were measured. A lack of estrogen promoted an increase in body mass, food intake and the visceral, parametrial and subcutaneous adipocyte areas. The ovariectomy upregulated the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TGF-ß, CTGF, VEGF-A and MMP-2 activity. On the other hand, resistance training decreased the body mass, food intake and the adipocyte area of the three fat depots analysed; upregulated TIMP-1, VEGF-A and MMP-2 gene expression; downregulated MMP-9, TGF-ß and CTGF gene expression; and decreased the MMP-2 activity. We speculate that resistance training on a vertical ladder could play an important role in maintaining and remodelling ECM by modulation in the ECM gene expression and MMP-2 activity, avoiding its destabilization which is impaired by the lack of estrogen.

Inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine stimulates nitric oxide production and protects endothelial function during serum deprivation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Autophagy plays a fundamental role in cell survival under stress conditions such as nutrient deprivation. Decreased nitric oxide (NO) production, which may contribute to vascular dysfunction, is one of the consequences of autophagy in endothelial cells. The antimalarial drug chloroquine (CLQ) inhibits autophagy by blocking autophagosome formation and has been proposed as adjuvant chemotherapy in other diseases. METHODS: Autophagy was induced by serum deprivation in Human Umbilical Vascular Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) as demonstrated by formation of Acidic Vesicular Organelles (AVOs), conversion of Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain (LC3), and Sequestosome-1 (SQTM1/p62) degradation. Using endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation assays, intracellular NO production in an ex vivo rat aortic ring model pre-constricted with phenylephrine was estimated along with DAF-2 DA cell membrane-permeable NO sensitive fluorescent dye. RESULTS: The inhibition of autophagy by CLQ restored NO levels, protected against superoxide generation and preserved morphology as well as proliferation of HUVEC under serum deprivation. Interestingly, the incubation of rat aortic rings with CLQ resulted in endothelium-dependent relaxation mediated by the increase of NO. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the importance of autophagy in endothelial function and demonstrate the potential use of autophagy inhibitors to protect vascular function during nutrient deprivation.

In vitro Treatment with cis-[Ru(H-dcbpy-)2(Cl)(NO)] Improves the Endothelial Function in Aortic Rings with Endothelial Dysfunction.

PURPOSE: The ruthenium complex cis-[Ru(H-dcbpy-)2(Cl)(NO)] (DCBPY) is a nitric oxide (NO) donor and studies suggested that the ruthenium compounds can inactivate O2-. The aim of this study is to test if DCBPY can revert and/or prevent the endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: Normotensive (2K) and hypertensive (2K-1C) wistar rats were used. To vascular reactivity study, thoracic aortas were isolated, rings with intact endothelium were incubated with: DCBPY: 0.1; 1 and 10µM, DCBPY plus hydroxocobalin (NO scavenger) or tempol during 30 minutes, and concentration effect curves to acetylcholine were performed. The potency values (pD2) and maximum effect (ME) were analyzed. The O2- was generated using hypoxantine xantine oxidase and the reduction of cytochrome c, NO consumption by O2- and the effect in avoid NO consumption was measured. RESULTS: In 2K-1C DCBPY at 0.1; 1 or 10µM improved the relaxation endothelium dependent induced by acetylcholine in aortic rings compared to control 2K-1C, and also improved ME. In rings from 2K incubation with DCBPY (0.1; 1.0 and 10 µM) did not change pD2 or ME. Incubation with 0.1 µM of DCBPY plus hydroxocobalamin did not modify the potency and ME in 2K-1C compared to DCBPY (0.1 µM). DCBPY and SOD inhibits the reduction of cytochrome c and inhibited the NO consumption by O2-, showing that O2- has been removed from the solution. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that DCBPY at a lower concentration (0.1 µM) is not an NO generator, but can inactivate superoxide and improves the endothelial function.

Apoptosis of Purkinje and granular cells of the cerebellum following chronic ethanol intake.

Ethanol alters motricity, learning, cognition, and cellular metabolism in the cerebellum. We evaluated the effect of ethanol on apoptosis in Golgi, Purkinje, and granule cells of the cerebellum in adult rats. There were two groups of 20 rats: a control group that did not consume ethanol and an experimental group of UChA rats that consumed ethanol at 10% (<2 g ethanol/kg body weight/day). At 120 days old, rats were anesthetized and decapitated, and their cerebella were collected and fixed. Cerebellar sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry for terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), caspase-3, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), and insulin-like growth factor 1-receptor (IGF-1R); real-time PCR (RT-PCR) to determine caspase-3, XIAP, and IGF-1R gene expression; and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We identified fragmentation of DNA and an increase in caspase-3 protein and XIAP in Purkinje cells, whereas granule cells exhibited increased caspase-3 and XIAP. IGF-1R expression was unchanged. There was no significant difference in gene expression of caspase-3, XIAP, and IGF-1R. There were an increase in lipid droplets, a reduction in the cellular cytoplasm in electron-dense nuclei, and changes in the myelin sheath in the cerebellar cortex. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that ethanol induced apoptosis in the Purkinje and granule cells of the cerebellum of adult UChA rats.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with swimming training improved the lipid profile in rats fed with high-fat diet.

Obesity and associated dyslipidemia is the fastest growing health problem throughout the world. The combination of exercise and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) could be a new approach to the treatment of obesity and associated disease. In this work, the effects of LLLT associated with exercises on the lipid metabolism in regular and high-fat diet rats were verified. We used 64 rats divided in eight groups with eight rats each, designed: SC, sedentary chow diet; SCL, sedentary chow diet laser, TC, trained chow diet; TCL, trained chow diet laser; SH, sedentary high-fat diet; SHL, sedentary high-fat diet laser; TH, trained high-fat diet; and THL, trained high-fat diet laser. The exercise used was swimming during 8 weeks/90 min daily and LLLT (GA-Al-As, 830 nm) dose of 4.7 J/point and total energy 9.4 J per animal, applied to both gastrocnemius muscles after exercise. We analyzed biochemical parameters, percentage of fat, hepatic and muscular glycogen and relative mass of tissue, and weight percentage gain. The statistical test used was ANOVA, with post hoc Tukey-Kramer for multiple analysis between groups, and the significant level was p < 0.001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05. LLLT decreased the total cholesterol (p < 0.05), triglycerides (p < 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05), and relative mass of fat tissue (p < 0.05), suggesting increased metabolic activity and altered lipid pathways. The combination of exercise and LLLT increased the benefits of exercise alone. However, LLLT without exercise tended to increase body weight and fat content. LLLT may be a valuable addition to a regimen of diet and exercise for weight reduction and dyslipidemic control.

Food restriction and refeeding induces changes in lipid pathways and fat deposition in the adipose and hepatic tissues in rats with diet-induced obesity.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of successive cycles of a moderately restrictive diet and refeeding with a high-fat diet on the metabolism of the adipose and hepatic tissues of obese rats. Rats were assigned to the following groups: a chow diet; a high-fat diet; a moderate caloric restriction; or a moderate caloric restriction plus refeeding. Some animals in each group were given [1-(14)C]triolein intragastrically, while others received an intraperitoneal injection of 3 mCi (3)H(2)O. All animals were killed by decapitation. The retroperitoneal, visceral epididymal and omental white adipose tissues, brown adipose tissue, liver and blood were immediately removed. The lipid uptake from the diet, in vivo rate of lipogenesis, percentage of fat, lipid profile and leptin concentration were analysed. The high-fat diet promoted an increase in fatty liver (P ≤ 0.05), adiposity mass (P ≤ 0.05) and the plasma concentration of leptin (P ≤ 0.05) and a decreased lipid uptake in white adipose tissue depots (P ≤ 0.05) in relation to the chow diet. The moderate caloric restriction did not reverse the changes promoted by the high-fat diet but induced a small decrease in adiposity, which was reversed after refeeding, and the animals maintained a dyslipidaemic profile and high fat deposition in the liver. We can conclude that the high-fat diet and subsequent moderate caloric restriction plus refeeding increased the risks of developing visceral obesity, dyslipidaemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which suggests that this type of experimental protocol can be used to study mechanisms related to the metabolic syndrome.

Effects of biosilicate and bioglass 45S5 on tibial bone consolidation on rats: a biomechanical and a histological study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Bioglass 45S5 and Biosilicate, on bone defects inflicted on the tibia of rats. Fifty male Wistar rats were used in this study, and divided into five groups, including a control group, to test Biosilicate and Bioglass materials of two different particle sizes (180-212 microm or 300-355 microm). All animals were sacrificed 15 days after surgery. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found when values for Maximal load, Energy Absorption and Structural Stiffness were compared among the groups. Histopathological evaluation revealed osteogenic activity in the bone defect for the control group. Nevertheless, it seems that the amount of fully formed bone was higher in specimens treated with Biosilicate (granulometry 300-355 microm) when compared to the control group. The same picture occurred regarding Biosilicate with granulometry 180-212 microm. Morphometric findings for bone area results (%) showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) among the groups. Taken together, such findings suggest that, Biosilicate exerts more osteogenic activity when compared to Bioglass under subjective histopathological analysis.

Clinical and functional aspects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among active workers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate musculoskeletal disorders among active industrial workers. METHODS: The study was carried out in São Carlos, Southeastern Brazil, in 2005. One hundred and thirty-four female workers were physically evaluated and answered questions about their physical symptoms, filled out a pain scale and gave responses in the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, and the Work Ability Index questionnaire. The data were analyzed descriptively, and in correlation tests and through applying logistic regression. The outcome was evaluated in relation to the perceptions of pain, symptoms, physical assessment, ability to work and disability. RESULTS: Clinical evaluations and sick leave presented positive correlations with the subjective variables. The Work Ability Index presented a negative correlation with the physical disability index (r=-0.69). Symptoms reported at the time of the assessment presented a good correlation with the results from the pain scale and the clinical findings. Previous sick leave showed an association with disability (OR=1.13; 95% CI:1.08;1.18). CONCLUSION: Symptom reports and pain scales may be useful for assessing current conditions at the time of evaluating individuals with work-related musculoskeletal disorders, as they are easier to apply. In more severe cases of such injuries, clinical and functional evaluations and questionnaires such as those relating to ability to work and disability are preferable. Precise and specific evaluations of these disorders may contribute towards fairer legal and administrative decisions.

Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation Precedes Elevations in Blood Pressure Induced by a High-Fat Diet.

BACKGROUND: Obesity leads to a chronic inflammatory state, endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. OBJECTIVE: To establish the time-course of events regarding inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction, systolic blood pressure (SBP) in obesity in only one experimental model. METHODS: We fed male Wistar rats (eight-week age) with a standard diet (Control - CT, n = 35), or palatable high-fat diet (HFD, n = 35) for 24 weeks. Every six weeks, 7 animals from each group were randomly selected for euthanasia. SBP and serum levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, adiponectin and nitric oxide were determined. Endothelial and vascular smooth muscle functions were determined in dissected aorta and lipid peroxidation was measured. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines began to increase after six weeks of a high-fat diet, while those of the anti-inflammatory cytokine adiponectin decreased. Interestingly, the endothelial function and serum nitric oxide began to decrease after six weeks in HFD group. The SBP and lipid peroxidation began to increase at 12 weeks in HFD group. In addition, we showed that total visceral fat mass was negatively correlated with endothelial function and positively correlated with SBP. CONCLUSION: Our results show the time-course of deleterious effects and their correlation with obesity.

Resistance training and caloric restriction prevent systolic blood pressure rise by improving the nitric oxide effect on smooth muscle and morphological changes in the aorta of ovariectomized rats.

In this study, we investigated the effects of resistance training (RT), caloric restriction (CR), and the association of both interventions in aortic vascular reactivity and morphological alterations, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity, insulin resistance and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in ovariectomized rats. Fifty female Holtzman rats were subjected to ovariectomy and Sham surgery and distributed into the following groups: Sham-sedentary, ovariectomized-sedentary, ovariectomized-resistance training, ovariectomized-caloric restriction, and ovariectomized-resistance training and caloric restriction groups. RT and 30% CR protocols were performed for 13 weeks. Analyses were conducted to evaluate the following: acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation of aortic rings, MMP-2 activity, insulin tolerance test, highlighting of the aorta wall cross-sectional area by hematoxylin-eosin stain, aorta vessel remodeling and SBP. We observed that ovariectomy decreased the potency of dependent and independent endothelium relaxation and MMP-2 activity, prevented insulin resistance, promoted aorta vessel remodeling in the cross-sectional area, and promoted the media-to-lumen ratio, the collagen content, and the alteration of the structure and elastic fibers of the vessel. The effects of the ovariectomy could contribute to SBP increases. However, the association of exercise and diet improved the relaxation potency in dependent and independent endothelium relaxation, elevated MMP-2 activity, ameliorate insulin sensitivity, increased the aorta cross-sectional area and media-to-lumen ratio, decreased collagen content and promoted histological parameters of the aorta vessel wall, preventing the increase of SBP. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that the RT and CR separately, and even associatively, improved vascular function, activated MMP-2, and produced a beneficial hypertrophic remodeling, preventing the elevation of SBP in ovariectomized rats.

Resveratrol Treatment Normalizes the Endothelial Function and Blood Pressure in Ovariectomized Rats.

BACKGROUND:: Despite knowing that resveratrol has effects on blood vessels, blood pressure and that phytostrogens can also improve the endothelium-dependent relaxation/vasodilation, there are no reports of reveratrol's direct effect on the endothelial function and blood pressure of animals with estrogen deficit (mimicking post-menopausal increased blood pressure). OBJECTIVE:: To verify the effect of two different periods of preventive treatment with resveratrol on blood pressure and endothelial function in ovariectomized young adult rats. METHODS:: 3-month old female Wistar rats were used and distributed in 6 groups: intact groups with 60 or 90 days, ovariectomized groups with 60 or 90 days, and ovariectomized treated with resveratrol (10 mg/kg of body weight per day) for 60 or 90 days. The number of days in each group corresponds to the duration of the experimental period. Vascular reactivity study was performed in abdominal aortic rings, systolic blood pressure was measured and serum nitric oxide (NO) concentration was quantified. RESULTS:: Ovariectomy induced blood pressure increase 60 and 90 days after surgery, whereas the endothelial function decreased only 90 days after surgery, with no difference in NO concentration among the groups. Only longer treatment (90 days) with resveratrol was able to improve the endothelial function and normalize blood pressure. CONCLUSION:: Our results suggest that 90 days of treatment with resveratrol is able to improve the endothelial function and decrease blood pressure in ovariectomized rats. FUNDAMENTOS:: Apesar de se saber que o resveratrol apresenta efeitos sobre a pressão arterial e os vasos sanguíneos, e que os fitoestrógenos podem melhorar o relaxamento/vasodilatação dependente do endotélio, não há relatos do efeito direto do resveratrol sobre a pressão arterial e a função endotelial em animais com deficiência de estrógeno (mimetizando a pressão arterial aumentada pós-menopausa). OBJETIVO:: Verificar o efeito de dois diferentes períodos de tratamento preventivo com resveratrol sobre a pressão arterial e a função endotelial em ratas adultas jovens ovariectomizadas. MÉTODOS:: Foram utilizadas ratas Wistar com 3 meses de idade, distribuídas em 6 grupos: grupos intactas com 60 ou 90 dias, grupos ovariectomizadas com 60 ou 90 dias, grupos ovariectomizadas e tratadas com resveratrol na dose de 10mg/kg de massa corporal por dia, durante 60 ou 90 dias, sendo o número de dias em cada grupo relativo à duração do período experimental. Foi realizado um estudo de reatividade vascular em anéis da aorta abdominal, mensurada a pressão arterial sistólica e quantificada a concentração sérica de óxido nítrico (NO). RESULTADOS:: A ovariectomia induziu aumento da pressão arterial 60 e 90 dias após a cirurgia, enquanto a função endotelial decaiu apenas após 90 dias, e não houve diferença na concentração de NO entre os grupos. Apenas o tratamento prolongado com resveratrol (90 dias) foi capaz de melhorar a função endotelial e normalizar a pressão arterial. CONCLUSÃO:: Nossos resultados sugerem que o tratamento por 90 dias com resveratrol é capaz de melhorar a função endotelial e diminuir a pressão sanguínea em ratas ovariectomizadas.

Treatment with sodium nitroprusside improves the endothelial function in aortic rings with endothelial dysfunction.

PURPOSE: Verify if sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is able to improve endothelial function and if this effect is independent of nitric oxide (NO) release of the compound. METHODS: Normotensive (2K) and hypertensive (2K-1C) wistar rats were used. Intact endothelium aortas were placed in a myograph and incubated with SNP: 0.1nM; 1nM or 10nM during 30min. Cumulative concentration-effect curves for acetylcholine (Ach) were realized to measure the relaxing capacity. Intracellular NO were measured (by DAF-2DA probe) in HUVEC treated with SNP 0.1nM or DETA/NO 0.1µM. The detection of intracellular superoxide radical (O2•-) was obtained by using DHE probe. RESULTS: Treatment of 2K-1C aortic rings with SNP (0.1; 1.0 and 10nM) improved endothelium dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine. This improvement induced by SNP was verified at the concentration of 0.1nM, which does not release NO, suggesting that this effect was not induced due to NO release by SNP compound. Besides, we show that the cell treatment with 0.1nM of SNP decreased the fluorescence intensity to DHE in cells stimulated with angiotensin II. These results indicate that SNP decreases the concentration of O2•- in HUVEC cells. CONCLUSIONS: The SNP at a concentration that does not release NO inside the cells is able to attenuate endothelial dysfunction. DRUGS AND CHEMICALS: Acetylcholine (Ach) (PubChem CID:6060); angiotensin II human (Ang II) (PubChem CID: 16211177); diethylenetriamine/nitric oxide (DETA-NO) (PubChem CID 4518); dihydroethidium (DHE) (PubChem CID: 128682); phenylephrine (Phe) (PubChem CID: 5284443); sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (PubChem CID: 11963579); Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) (PubChem CID: 64965); 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA); 4-hidroxy-Tempo (Tempol) (PubChem CID: 137994), were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA).

Can low-level laser therapy when associated to exercise decrease adipocyte area?

Obesity affects approximately 20% of the world population, and exercise is the primary non-pharmacological therapy. The combined use of exercise and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may potentiate the effects promoted by exercise. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise in combination with phototherapy on adipocyte area, activity of the enzyme citrate synthase and muscle morphological analysis. We used 64 Wistar rats, which were divided into eight groups with 8 rats each: sedentary chow-diet (SC); sedentary chow-diet plus laser therapy (SCL), exercised chow-diet (EC); exercised chow-diet plus laser therapy (ECL); sedentary high-fat diet (SH); sedentary high-fat diet plus laser therapy (SHL); exercised high-fat diet (EH); exercised high-fat diet, laser therapy (EHL). The animals were submitted to a program of swimming training for 90min/5 times per week for 8weeks and LLLT (GA-Al-AS, 830nm) at a dose of 4.7J/point and a total energy of 9.4J/animal, with duration of 47s, which was applied to both gastrocnemius muscles after exercise. We conclude that the combined use of exercise and phototherapy increases the activity of the enzyme citrate synthase and decreases the white adipocyte area epididymal, retroperitoneal and visceral in obese rats, enhancing the effects of exercise.

[The Saranson's Social Support questionnaire: studies regarding its adaptation to portuguese]. / O questionário de suporte social (SSQ): estudos da adaptação para o Português.

With the aim of developing psychometrical studies using the Saranson's Social Support Questionnaire, an adapted version of the instrument was applied to 113 mothers. The Kappa Statistical Parameter, the Index of Gross Agreement and Spearman's Correlation were used to the analysis. The analysis of the internal consistency instrument showed a high level of it. In addition, the results indicated an acceptable test-retest reliability as well as statistical relationships between the social support indexes and variables related to work, pregnancy and income. Information on social support sources and the extension of the network suggest a greater participation of the family as the provider of the support.

Convergent validity between SF-36 and WHOQOL-BREF in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the reliability and convergent validity of instruments assessing quality of life in Brazilian older adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 278 literate, community-dwelling older adults attending a municipal university for the elderly in Sao Carlos, SP, Southeastern Brazil between 2006 and 2008. The Brazilian versions of the SF-36 and WHOQOL-BREF instruments to assess quality of life were compared. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to estimate reliability and Pearson's correlation for comparison between the two scales. RESULTS: Most of participants were women (87.8%) with a mean age of 63.83±7.22 years. Both scales showed an acceptable internal consistency - WHOQOL-BREF Cronbach's alpha was 0.832 and SF-36 was 0.868. There was a weak (r ≤ 0.6) correlation between the related fields in the two questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: The SF-36 and WHOQOL-BREF are reliable instruments for clinical and research uses in Brazilian older women. To select one, researchers should consider which aspects of quality of life they aim to capture because of weak convergent validity signs. This study's results indicate that WHOQOL-BREF may be more relevant to evaluate changes in the quality of life of older women because it prioritizes responses to the aging process and avoids focusing on impairment.

Degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of trunk flexors and extensors among healthy women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of aging on the degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles among women without a densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis. METHODS: Thirty women were selected to make up three groups: young women (n = 10; 24.60 ± 2.27 years of age); adults (n = 10; 43.50 ± 2.88); and elderly women (n = 10; 62.40 ± 2.67). Bone mineral density (BMD), degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors were evaluated. Differences between the groups were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between the variables. The significance level was taken to be 5% (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The elderly group presented a greater degree of thoracic kyphosis (p = 0.009) and lower peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors than the young group. The adult group presented lower peak torque of the trunk than the young group. A negative correlation was observed between age and peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors (p ≤ 0.001), and a positive correlation between age and the degree of thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.58; p ≤ 0.001). The elderly group presented higher values for the eccentric/concentric ratio of the peak torque for flexors (p = 0.03) and extensors (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that physiological aging may be associated with a greater degree of thoracic kyphosis and lower muscle strength of the trunk flexors and extensors. Moreover, the elderly women showed a relative capacity for preservation of eccentric strength.

OBJETIVO: analisar os efeitos do envelhecimento no grau de cifose torácica e no pico de torque dos músculos flexores e extensores de tronco entre mulheres sem diagnóstico densitométrico de osteoporose. MÉTODOS: foram selecionadas 30 mulheres para compor os três grupos: jovens (n = 10; 24,60 ± 2,27 anos); adultas (n = 10; 43,50 ± 2,88); e idosas (n = 10; 62,40 ± 2,67). Densidade mineral óssea (DMO), grau de cifose torácica e pico de torque de flexores e extensores de tronco foram avaliados. Diferenças entre os grupos foram avaliadas pelos testes Anova de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney U. Correlações entre as variáveis foram avaliadas pelo coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Foi considerado um nível de significância de 5% (p ≤ 0,05). RESULTADOS: o Grupo Idosas apresentou um maior grau de cifose torácica (p = 0,009) e menor pico de torque extensor e flexor de tronco do que o Grupo Jovens. O Grupo Adultas apresentou menor pico de torque flexor de tronco do que o Grupo Jovens. Foram observadas correlação negativa entre idade e pico de torque flexor e extensor de tronco (p ≤ 0,001) e correlação positiva entre idade e grau de cifose torácica (r = 0,58; p ≤ 0,001). O Grupo Idosas apresentou valores mais altos para a relação excêntrico/concêntrico de pico de torque flexor (p = 0,03) e extensor (p = 0,02). CONCLUSÃO: o envelhecimento fisiológico pode estar associado a um maior grau de cifose torácica e a menor força muscular de flexores e extensores de tronco. Ainda, as idosas mostram uma relativa capacidade de preservação da força excêntrica.

Biomechanical properties: effects of low-level laser therapy and Biosilicate® on tibial bone defects in osteopenic rats.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of laser therapy and Biosilicate® on the biomechanical properties of bone callus in osteopenic rats. METHODS: Fifty female Wistar rats were equally divided into 5 groups (n=10/group): osteopenic rats with intact tibiae (SC); osteopenic rats with unfilled and untreated tibial bone defects (OC); osteopenic rats whose bone defects were treated with Biosilicate® (B); osteopenic rats whose bone defects were treated with 830-nm laser, at 120 J/cm2 (L120) and osteopenic rats whose bone defects were treated with Biosilicate® and 830-nm laser, at 120 J/cm2 (BL120). Ovariectomy (OVX) was used to induce osteopenia. A non-critical bone defect was created on the tibia of the osteopenic animals 8 weeks after OVX. In Biosilicate® groups, bone defects were completely filled with the biomaterial. For the laser therapy, an 830-nm laser, 120 J/cm2 was used. On day 14 postsurgery, rats were euthanized, and tibiae were removed for biomechanical analysis. RESULTS: Maximal load and energy absorption were higher in groups B and BL120, according to the indentation test. Animals submitted to low-level laser therapy (LLLT) did not show any significant biomechanical improvement, but the association between Biosilicate® and LLLT was shown to be efficient to enhance callus biomechanical properties. Conversely, no differences were found between study groups in the bending test. CONCLUSIONS: Biosilicate® alone or in association with low level laser therapy improves biomechanical properties of tibial bone callus in osteopenic rats.

Inserção da fisioterapia na atenção primária à saúde: análise do cadastro nacional de estabelecimentos de saúde em 2010 / Inserción de la fisioterapia en la atención primaria de salud: análisis del Registro Nacional de Establecimientos de Salud en 2010 / Physical therapists in primary health care: analysis of the national register of health service providers

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a distribuição de fisioterapeutas na atenção primária à saúde (APS) no Brasil, e analisar a relação do número de habitantes por fisioterapeuta na APS, de acordo com o Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (CNES). Foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo, a partir de dados do CNES e do Censo Demográfico de 2010. A partir disso, foram identificados 6.917 cadastros de fisioterapeutas na APS, com predomínio na região Sudeste (49%), a qual, em junto com a Sul, foram as regiões com melhores relações de habitantes por fisioterapeuta na APS (aproximadamente 23.000/1), enquanto na região Norte foram observados 32.000 habitantes por profissional. Dos municípios do Brasil, 47% possuem fisioterapeuta na APS, e a análise por porte populacional indicou maior percentual de fisioterapeutas na APS em municípios de pequeno porte (39%) e médio porte (34%). A melhor relação entre habitantes por fisioterapeuta ocorreu nos municípios de pequeno porte do Sudeste (6.948/1), e a pior em metrópoles do Centro-Oeste (371.672/1). Observou-se, ainda, que municípios de pequeno porte apresentam fisioterapeutas apenas na APS, ao passo que, por outro lado, a maioria dos municípios de demais portes possui fisioterapeutas em todos os níveis de atenção.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio es describir la distribución de fisioterapeutas en la atención primaria de salud (APS) en Brasil y analizar la relación del número de habitantes por fisioterapeuta en la APS, según el Registro Nacional de Establecimientos de Salud (Renaes) - Cadastro Nacional de Establecimientos de Salud (CNES) en Brasil. Se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo desde datos del Renaes y del Censo Demográfico de 2010. Desde eso, se identificaron 6.917 registros de fisioterapeutas en la APS, con predominio en la región Sudeste de Brasil (49%), que, junto con la Sur, fueron las regiones con las mejores relaciones de habitantes por fisioterapeuta en la APS (aproximadamente 23.000/1), mientras en la región Norte se observaron 32.000 habitantes por profesional. De los municipios de Brasil, el 47% presentan fisioterapeuta en la APS y el análisis por porte poblacional indicó mayor porcentaje de fisioterapeutas en la APS en municipios de pequeño porte (39%) y medio porte (34%). La mejor relación entre habitantes por fisioterapeuta ocurrió en municipios de pequeño porte de la región Sudeste (6.948/1), y la peor en metrópolis de la Centro-Oeste (371.672/1). Se observó, además, que municipios de pequeño porte presentan fisioterapeutas solo en la APS, mientras que, por otro lado, la mayoría de los municipios de otros portes presenta fisioterapeutas en todos los niveles de atención.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe the distribution of physical therapists in the Brazilian primary health care (PHC) and the ratio of inhabitants per physical therapist in PHC, according to the National Register of Health Service Providers (CNES - Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde). A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from CNES and Census/2010 data. In total, 6,917 physical therapists were registered in PHC, and most were located in the Southeast region (49%). Southeast and South were the regions with the best ratios of inhabitants per physical therapist in PHC (about 23,000/1). The North presented a ratio of 32,000 inhabitants/professional. 47% of the Brazilian cities have a physical therapist in PHC. Our analysis by population size indicated a higher percentage of physical therapists in PHC in small (39%) and midsize cities (34%). The best inhabitants/physical therapist ratio occurred in small cities of the Southeast (6,948/1) and the worst, in metropolises of the Midwest (371,672/1). Small cities have physical therapists only in PHC; on the other hand, most cities of larger sizes have physical therapists in all health care levels.

Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation Precedes Elevations in Blood Pressure Induced by a High-Fat Diet / Disfunção Endotelial e Inflamação Precedem a Elevação da Pressão Arterial Induzida por Dieta Hiperlipídica

Abstract Background: Obesity leads to a chronic inflammatory state, endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. Objective: To establish the time-course of events regarding inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction, systolic blood pressure (SBP) in obesity in only one experimental model. Methods: We fed male Wistar rats (eight-week age) with a standard diet (Control - CT, n = 35), or palatable high-fat diet (HFD, n = 35) for 24 weeks. Every six weeks, 7 animals from each group were randomly selected for euthanasia. SBP and serum levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, adiponectin and nitric oxide were determined. Endothelial and vascular smooth muscle functions were determined in dissected aorta and lipid peroxidation was measured. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines began to increase after six weeks of a high-fat diet, while those of the anti-inflammatory cytokine adiponectin decreased. Interestingly, the endothelial function and serum nitric oxide began to decrease after six weeks in HFD group. The SBP and lipid peroxidation began to increase at 12 weeks in HFD group. In addition, we showed that total visceral fat mass was negatively correlated with endothelial function and positively correlated with SBP. Conclusion: Our results show the time-course of deleterious effects and their correlation with obesity.

Resumo Fundamento: A obesidade leva a um estado de inflamação crônica, disfunção endotelial e hipertensão. Objetivo: Estabelecer a sequência de eventos relacionados a marcadores inflamatórios, disfunção endotelial e pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) na obesidade em um modelo experimental. Métodos: Ratos Wistar machos (8 semanas de idade) receberam dieta padrão (Controle - CT, n = 35) ou uma dieta palatável hiperlipídica (DHL, n = 35) por 24 semanas. A cada seis semanas, 7 animais de cada grupo foram aleatoriamente selecionados para eutanásia. Foram determinados a PAS, e níveis séricos de interleucina-6, fator de necrose tumoral-a, proteína C reativa, adiponectina e óxido nítrico. As funções do músculo liso endotelial e vascular foram determinadas na aorta dissecada, e medida a peroxidação lipídica. A significância estatística foi estabelecida em p < 0,05. Resultados: os níveis das citocinas pró-inflamatórias começaram a aumentar após seis semanas de dieta hiperlipídica, enquanto os níveis da citocina anti-inflamatória adiponectina diminuíram. Um resultado interessante foi a redução da função endotelial e do óxido nítrico após seis semanas no grupo DHL. Além disso, mostramos que a massa de tecido adiposo visceral total esteve negativamente correlacionada com função endotelial e positivamente correlacionada com a PAS. Conclusão: Nossos resultados demonstram a progressão temporal dos efeitos deletérios e sua correlação com a obesidade.