Evaluation of the Diaphragm Muscle Remodeling, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Vascularization in Smokers: An Autopsy Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cigarette smoking is a key factor in systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, and it has also been associated with the loss of muscle strength and an elevated risk of pulmonary diseases. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of cigarette smoking on the diaphragm muscle structure of postmortem samples. METHODS: Immunohistochemical techniques were used for muscle remodeling (metalloproteinases 2 and 9), inflammation (cyclooxygenase-2), oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine), and vascularization (vascular endothelial growth factor). Hematoxylin and eosin stain was used for histopathological analysis and Picrosirius stain was used to highlight the collagen fibers. RESULTS: Cigarette smokers had an increase of diaphragm muscle remodeling, oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascularization compared to non-smokers. CONCLUSION: Diaphragm muscle structure may be negatively affected by cigarette smoking.

Cigarette Smoking Impairs the Diaphragm Muscle Structure of Patients without Respiratory Pathologies: An Autopsy Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Smoking is a major risk factor for several cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and it has also been associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength leading to sarcopenia. The aim of this is study is to analyze the effects of cigarette smoking on the diaphragm muscle histopathology of postmortem samples from patients without respiratory diseases. METHODS: Diaphragm samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological analysis. Picrosirius stain was used to highlight the collagen fibers. RESULTS: Cigarette smokers had an increase of histopathological alterations as abnormal cytoplasm, abnormal fiber size and shape, and central nucleus. Additionally, smokers had an increase of collagen fibers on diaphragm muscle. CONCLUSION: Smoking may influence in a negatively fashion the diaphragm musculature.

Role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α as a potential biomarker for renal diseases-A systematic review.

Renal cells need oxygen for homeostasis; it is known for adjusting cellular functioning and the energy obtainment have a broad relationship with cellular respiration, through the O2 bioavailability. O2 homeostasis regulation in the kidney is mediated by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). HIF is divided into three α isoforms, represented by HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and HIF-3α in addition to three paralogs of HIF-1ß; these are involved in some metabolic processes, as well as in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Renal biopsy analyses of patients and experimental animal models aim to understand the relationship between HIF and protection against developing renal diseases or the induction of their onset, being thus this molecule can be considered a potential biomarker of renal disease. We carried out a systematic review to which we included studies on HIF-1α and renal disease in the last 5 years (2013-2018) in researches with humans and/or animal model through searches in three databases: LILACS, PubMed, and SciELO by two researchers. We obtained 22 articles that discussed the relationship with HIF as inductor or protector against renal disease and no relation between HIF and renal. We observed controversies remain regarding the relation between of HIF with renal diseases; this may be related to the different intracellular pathways mediated by HIF-1α, thereby determining differentiated cellular responses.

Physical exercise alters hepatic morphology of low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout ovariectomized mice.

To explore the effects of physical exercise on the liver of animals in menopause, we analyzed the histomorphometric parameters of the hepatic tissue in ovariectomized and dyslipidemic female mice. The animals were distributed in six groups (n = 5): sedentary control (SC), sedentary ovariectomized control (SOC), trained ovariectomized control (TOC), sedentary LDL knockout (LDL-S), sedentary ovariectomized LDL knockout (LDL-SO), and trained ovariectomized LDL knockout (LDL-TO). At the end of the experiment, the liver and the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of animals were removed for morphometric and stereological studies. In the LDL-S and LDL-SO animals, both sedentary, results showed reduction in the area (µm2) and major and minor diameters (µm) of hepatocytes and reduction in the portions of large hepatocytes, and increase in the percentage of Kupffer cells. The trained group showed a tendency of increase in the area and diameter and in the percentage of hepatocytes, as well significant reduction in the percentage of Kupffer cells and interstitial tissue. We suggested that training can prevent cell and tissue damage caused by the process of increase in hepatic fat, lipoperoxidation, and tissue inflammation in animals with privation of estrogen and dyslipidemia, apparently reflecting a better metabolic response of the hepatic tissue in organisms undergoing training.

The effects of transcutaneous low-level laser therapy on the skin healing process: an experimental model.

We aim to evaluate the action of transcutaneous laser in the initial wound healing process. The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has proven to be effective on inflammatory modulation and wound healing. The trial was performed on five groups of rats, through a dorsal incision. All groups received treatment on auricular artery. Groups 1 and 3 were treated with transcutaneous LLLT over a period of 15 min. Groups 2 and 4 received one and two inactive laser applications (placebo), respectively. Group 5 was the control one. Blood samples were collected 2 h after the last application of LLLT so that cytokine levels could be measured by ELISA. Tissue fragments were harvested for morphometric, histomorphometric, and RT-qPCR analyses. The morphometric analysis revealed a greater decrease in the wounded area in G1 when compared with G2, whereas in G3, the improvement in the area was greater when compared with G4. Finally, the histomorphometric analysis showed that G1 was the group closer to G5 in terms of collagen fiber count. G2 and G4 had higher amounts of collagen fibers than G5 while G3 had a lower quantity. The use of the transcutaneous LLLT in the current study influenced the wound healing process.

Exercise Training Plus Sildenafil Treatment: Role on Autonomic and Inflammatory Markers.

The current study aimed to determine the effects of sildenafil-associated aerobic exercise training (ET) on the physical performance, hemodynamic, autonomic and inflammatory parameters of rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to: sedentary rats placebo-treated (SP); sedentary rats sildenafil-treated (SS); trained rats placebo-treated (TP); and trained rats sildenafil-treated (TS). Sildenafil treatment consisted of 8 weeks of daily oral gavage (1.5 mg/kg), one hour before the session of ET (60-75% of maximal running speed, 5 days/week, for 8 weeks). After ET period, physical capacity, hemodynamic, autonomic and skeletal muscle inflammatory profile were assessed. Chronic sildenafil treatment causes an additional increase of physical capacity in aerobically trained rats. However, these beneficial effects were accompanied by unwanted alterations, as increased of arterial pressure and peripheral sympathetic modulation, as well as exacerbated inflammatory status on skeletal muscle of rats. Taken together, these data suggest the positive and negative effects of sildenafil chronic administration, associated to aerobic ET, at doses used in clinical practice. This report stresses the importance of paying greater attention to the indiscriminate use of this substance in high-performance sports.

Effects of moderate exercise on biochemical, morphological, and physiological parameters of the pancreas of female mice with estrogen deprivation and dyslipidemia.

Menopausal women are at high risk of developing heart disease. However, physical exercise practice can reverse this scenario. We evaluated the biochemical, morphological, and physiological effects of moderate aerobic physical exercise on the pancreas of knockout mice for LDL receptor with estrogen deprivation by ovariectomy. Animals were divided into six groups (n = 5): sedentary non-ovariectomized control; sedentary ovariectomized control; trained ovariectomized control; sedentary non-ovariectomized LDL-R knockout; sedentary ovariectomized LDL-R knockout; and trained ovariectomized LDL-R knockout. Physical exercise practice promoted improvement in biometric and biochemical parameters analyzed, with reduction of visceral adipose tissue and VLDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. In addition, physical exercise practice altered the morphology of pancreatic islets and improved their response to the effects of menopause. Thus, physical exercise practice was fundamental to minimize the effects of dyslipidemia associated with ovariectomy in the pancreatic tissue of LDL-R knockout animals, contributing to reduce the risk of developing cardiac diseases in the menopause period.

Effects of moderate exercise on the biochemical, physiological, morphological and functional parameters of the aorta in the presence of estrogen deprivation and dyslipidemia: an experimental model.

BACKGROUND: The estrogen deficiency, abnormal lipid profile, weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle are factors associated with the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in menopausal women. However, physical exercise practice reduces some of these risk factors. Moreover, it has been shown that exercise has an impact on inflammation, in sympathetic activity and improves endothelial function. AIMS: The present study aims to evaluate the effects of moderate aerobic training on biochemical, morphological and physiological parameters in LDL Knockout mice with estrogen deprivation, evaluating the components of the ascending aortic wall. METHODS: The animals were randomly divided into six groups (n=5): sedentary control (SC), sedentary control ovariectomized (SCO), trained control ovariectomized (TCO), LDL-Knockout sedentary (KS), LDL-Knockout sedentary ovariectomized (KOS) and LDL-Knockout trained ovariectomized (KOT). The trained groups underwent a protocol of moderate training for 4 weeks on a treadmill with speed and progressive load. After training, blood samples were collected for biochemical assessments and the aorta was removed for dissection and histological morphometry study. In addition, the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II proteins were examined by immunohistochemistry in all groups of animals. RESULTS: Changes of expressions of ACE and angiotensin II were found when the group was subjected to exercise. The concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides were lower in the groups of animals with estrogen deprivation and dyslipidemia. In animals that performed exercises we found significant increase (p<0.05) in Vv[lam]; decrease in Vv[col] and CWT, and a tendency for decrease both in TS and IMT when compared to the SC groups. The histological morphometry findings showed consistency in the results of the aorta study when the ovariectomized group underwent the exercise protocol. CONCLUSION: We conclude that physical training contributed to reducing vessel rigidity and to improvements in vascular compliance, with the increase in volume density of elastic lamellae in the estrogen-deprived groups who had normal cholesterol levels.

Metabolic, hemodynamic and structural adjustments to low intensity exercise training in a metabolic syndrome model.

BACKGROUND: The increase in fructose consumption is paralleled by a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome, and consequently, cardiovascular disease mortality. We examined the effects of 8 weeks of low intensity exercise training (LET) on metabolic, hemodynamic, ventricular and vascular morphological changes induced by fructose drinking in male rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into (n = 8 each) control (C), sedentary fructose (F) and ET fructose (FT) groups. Fructose-drinking rats received D-fructose (100 g/l). FT rats were assigned to a treadmill training protocol at low intensity (30% of maximal running speed) during 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Measurements of triglyceride concentrations, white adipose tissue (WAT) and glycemia were carried out together with insulin tolerance test to evaluate metabolic profile. Arterial pressure (AP) signals were directly recorded. Baroreflex sensitivity (BS) was evaluated by the tachycardic and bradycardic responses. Right atria, left ventricle (LV) and ascending aorta were prepared to morphoquantitative analysis. RESULTS: LET reduced WAT (-37.7%), triglyceride levels (-33%), systolic AP (-6%), heart weight/body weight (-20.5%), LV (-36%) and aortic (-76%) collagen fibers, aortic intima-media thickness and circumferential wall tension in FT when compared to F rats. Additionally, FT group presented improve of BS, numerical density of atrial natriuretic peptide granules (+42%) and LV capillaries (+25%), as well as the number of elastic lamellae in aorta compared with F group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that LET, a widely recommended practice, seems to be particularly effective for preventing metabolic, hemodynamic and morphological disorders triggered by MS.

Smoking Intensity Increases Diaphragm Muscle Injury: A Clinicopathologic Study.

BACKGROUND: Studying the effects of smoking intensity is important to evaluate the risk of tobacco use on a range of illnesses, such as as sarcopenia among the elderly. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of pack-years of cigarette smoking on the diaphragm muscle (DIAm) histopathology of postmortem samples. METHODS: Subjects were divided into three groups: never-smoker (n = 46); less than 30 pack-years of smoking (n = 12); and more than 30 pack-years of smoking (n = 30). Diaphragm samples were stained with Picrosirius red and hematoxylin and eosin stain for general structure. RESULTS: Participants with more than 30 pack-years of cigarette smoking had a significant increase in adipocytes, blood vessels and collagen deposit, as well as an increase in histopathological alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Pack-years of smoking was associated with DIAm injury. However, further clinicopathological studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Effects of resistance training on kidney morphology of aged ovariectomized rats.

With the advancing age, there is an increase of the incidence of chronic renal diseases. However, it is suggested that exercise, as resistance training, is a key factor in positively modulate the kidney structure and function. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of estrogen deprivation and a moderate resistance protocol on the right kidney structure of rats. A total of 32 animals were randomly divided in four groups (n = 8/per group): control group (CG); resistance trained animals (RT); control ovariectomized animals (OvxC); and trained ovariectomized animals (OvxT). Sections of the right kidney were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for morphometry and blood was collected for biochemical analysis. Our results showed that the group submitted to both ovariectomy and resistance training had significant impact on renal corpuscle components (Bowman's space, renal corpuscle area, and visceral layer), and proximal and distal tubules. Additionally, resistance training, with or without estrogen deprivation, increases creatine phosphokinase and decreases ultrasensitive C-reactive protein. In summary, we suggested that moderate resistance training may be a key factor to maintain the kidney structure and function across age. However, future studies are need to corroborate with our findings.

Remodeling of the soleus muscle of ovariectomized old female rats submitted to resistance training and different diet intake.

Sarcopenia is a common condition that is associated mainly with hormonal factors, nutritional status, physical activity, leading to a lower quality of life. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets with vegetable or animal proteins (AP) associated with resistance training on the structure of the soleus muscle in aged Wistar rats. The histochemical technique was used for the typing of muscle fibers, the cross-sectional area of myocytes, and volume densities of myocytes and interstitium. Picrosirius stain was used to quantify the collagen density. Diet intake, mainly animal protein, associated with resistance training leaded to muscle remodeling, and increased deposit of collagen fibers. We observed hypertrophy in animal groups that consumed animal protein diet, even the sedentary group, although more evident in those trained.

Effects of moderate aerobic exercise on thoracic aortic remodeling of female LDL-receptor knockout ovariectomized mice.

Menopause is a major factor involved in dyslipidemia increasing the risk of atherosclerosis which may be reversed by a routine of aerobic physical activity. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of aerobic training on the thoracic aorta of female LDL-receptor knockout mice submitted to estrogen deprivation. Fifteen genetically modified female mice, knockout for the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-Knockout group) were used as experimental groups and fifteen wild female mice (C57BL/6 J) were used as control groups. Animals were divided as (n = 5/per group): sedentary control (SC); sedentary control ovariectomized (SCO); trained control ovariectomized (TCO); LDL-Knockout sedentary (KS); LDL-Knockout sedentary ovariectomized (KOS); and LDL-Knockout trained ovariectomized (KOT). Immunohistochemical techniques for TIMP-1 and metalloproteinases 2 and 9 were used to evaluate thoracic aorta remodeling. Picrosirius stain was used to highlight the collagen fibers. Verhoff-Van Gienson was used for the quantitative analyses of elastic lamellae. Our results demonstrate a positive remodeling promoted by physical exercise in ovariectomized and dyslipidemic animals. However, further studies are needed including the evaluation of inflammatory markers present in dyslipidemia.

Diaphragm muscle structure in the elderly: Findings from an autopsy study.

Sarcopenia is characterized as aging-related weakness and atrophy, which decreases the diaphragm force generating capacity leading to a decrease of expulsive non-ventilatory motor behaviors, which are critical for airway clearance. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the histopathology of the diaphragm in postmortem samples. Thirty individuals were included. Diaphragm samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological analysis. Picrosirius stain was used to highlight the collagen fibers. We observed a positive association between advancing age and histopathological findings in the diaphragm structure. We suggest that age is a key factor in increasing diaphragm muscle histopathology. However, further clinicopathological studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Effects of Physical Training on the Myocardium of Oxariectomized LDLr Knockout Mice: MMP 2/9, Collagen I/III, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of coronary heart disease is increased with menopause, physical inactivity and with dyslipidemia. Physical training is known to promote the improvement of cardiovascular functions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of aerobic physical training on the left ventricle in ovariectomized LDL knockout mice. METHODS: Thirty animals were divided into 6 groups (n = 5): Sedentary non-ovariectomized control; Sedentary ovariectomized control; Trained ovariectomized control; Sedentary non-ovariectomized LDL-knockout, sedentary ovariectomized LDL-knockout and trained ovariectomized LDL-knockout. We analyzed the average parameters of apparent density of collagen fibers types I and III, and metalloproteinase type 2 and type 9, were considered significant p < 0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that the proposed exercise protocol altered the volume of type I collagen fibers, altered collagen remodeling parameters (MMP-2), and also reduced the 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) oxidative stress parameter. CONCLUSION: Moderate intensity aerobic training acts on collagen fiber volume, on collagen remodeling with the reduction of oxidative stress in the left ventricles of ovariectomized LDL-knockout mice.

Ultrastructural effects of diabetes in the right atrium cardiomyocytes of elderly Wistar rats.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of diabetes on quantitative parameters of right atrial cardiomyocytes of elderly rats. Wistar rats (14 months of age) were divided into two groups: streptozotocin-diabetic rats (DG) and control rats (CG). The groups were sacrificed at 16 months. Ultrafine sections of the right atrium were analyzed by electron microscopy. In elderly diabetic animals, histograms of the frequency distribution of natriuretic peptides according to their size showed increased number of small and medium peptides in relation to large peptides, which increased its numerical density leading to a decrease in the mean diameter of both natriuretic peptides. However, elderly diabetic animals remained normotensive. No significant difference was observed between the groups for the volume density of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. In conclusion, elderly diabetic rats showed increased functional activity of atrial cardiomyocytes with greater production of natriuretic peptides in association with a quantitative maintenance of cytoplasmic components.

Positive changes in femoral nerve morphometry in older rats following aerobic training.

The objective of the present study was to analyze alterations of the femoral nerve of aged rats subjected to aerobic training. Wistar rats (12-mo of age) were divided in to two groups: S group (sedentary) and T group (trained). The exercise protocol were 16 weeks long. The groups were sacrificed at 16 months. Ultrafine sections of the femoral nerve have been used. There was no change in the body weight between the groups. T group showed a significant increase in myelinated fiber area, axon diameter, myelin sheath thickness and myelin fiber number compared with sedentary controls. In exercised trained animals, histograms of the frequency distribution of myelinated axons according to their areas showed increased number of medium and large fibers in relation to small fibers, which decreased in number. Aerobic training animals, showed the distribution of myelinated fiber population according to their area being bimodal, with the distribution shifted to the right, indicating increased fiber area. The T group showed a percent damage of large myelinated fibers significantly lower compared to controls. No significant difference was observed between the groups for the g-ratio. The T group also showed a significant increase in the number of microtubules and neurofilaments in myelinated fibers, which was not observed in S group. In conclusion, aerobic training improves nerve structure without evidence of nerve damage and produces an attenuation on the modifications in femoral nerve that develop in old age.

Early mobilization in victims of traumatic brain injury / Mobilização precoce em vítimas de traumatismo cranioencefálico

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have shown that early mobilization is safe and beneficial for patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs), especially for those with mechanical ventilation (MV). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the benefits of early mobilization physiotherapeutic techniques applied to patients who suffered craniocerebral trauma (CCT). METHODS: This is an experimental study that evaluated clinical data from 27 patients. In sedated patients, mobilization and passive stretching were performed on the upper and lower limbs; in those without sedation, active-assisted, free and resisted exercises were included. RESULTS: The experimental group was composed of 51.8% of the participants and the control group by 48.2%, the majority being male (81.5%) with a median age of 43 years. The patients in the experimental group had an average of 9.5 days (2.2-14.7) of mechanical ventilation (MV), and those belonging to the control group, of 17 days (7-21.7) with MV (p=0.154). The patients in the experimental group had an average of 13.5 days in the ICU, against an average of 17 days in the control group (p=0.331), and an average of 20.5 days in hospital against 24 days in the control group (p=0.356). CONCLUSION: Early mobilization should be applied to critically ill patients as it can decrease the length of stay in the ICU and the hospital.

INTRODUÇÃO: Diversos estudos têm mostrado que a mobilização precoce é segura e benéfica para pacientes internados em unidades de terapia intensiva (UTIs), especialmente para aqueles com ventilação mecânica (VM). OBJETIVO: Investigar os benefícios das técnicas fisioterapêuticas de mobilização precoce aplicada aos pacientes que sofreram traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE). MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo quasi-randomizado, que incluiu 27 com TCE divididos em dois grupos: controle (n=13) e experimental (n=14) pacientes. No grupo experimental, os pacientes sedados foram submetidos à mobilização e alongamentos passivos nos membros superiores e inferiores; naqueles sem sedação, foram incluídos exercícios ativo-assistidos, livres e resistidos. RESULTADOS: O grupo experimental foi composto por 51,8% dos participantes da pesquisa e o grupo controle por 48,2%, sendo a maioria do sexo masculino (81,5%) com mediana de idade de 43 anos. Os pacientes do grupo experimental apresentaram média de 9,5 dias (2,2-14,7) de ventilação mecânica, e os pertencentes ao grupo controle, de 17 dias (7-21,7) com de VM (p=0,154). Os pacientes do grupo experimental apresentaram média de 13,5 dias de internação em UTI, contra média de 17 dias do grupo controle (p=0,331), e média de 20,5 dias de internação hospitalar contra 24 dias do grupo controle (p=0,356). CONCLUSÃO: A mobilização precoce é uma técnica que deve ser aplicada em pacientes críticos dentro das UTIs, pois pode diminuir o tempo de internação na UTI e hospitalar.

NADPH- diaphorase positive cardiac neurons in the atria of mice. A morphoquantitative study.

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to determine the location, the morphology and distribution of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons in the cardiac nerve plexus of the atria of mice (ASn). This plexus lies over the muscular layer of the atria, dorsal to the muscle itself, in the connective tissue of the subepicardium. NADPH- diaphorase staining was performed on whole-mount preparations of the atria mice. For descriptive purposes, all data are presented as means +/- SEM. RESULTS: The majority of the NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons were observed in the ganglia of the plexus. A few single neurons were also observed. The number of NADPH-d positive neurons was 57 +/- 4 (ranging from 39 to 79 neurons). The ganglion neurons were located in 3 distinct groups: (1) in the region situated cranial to the pulmonary veins, (2) caudally to the pulmonary veins, and (3) in the atrial groove. The largest group of neurons was located cranially to the pulmonary veins (66.7%). Three morphological types of NADPH-diaphorase neurons could be distinguished on the basis of their shape: unipolar cells, bipolar cells and cells with three processes (multipolar cells). The unipolar neurons predominated (78.9%), whereas the multipolar were encountered less frequently (5,3%). The sizes (area of maximal cell profile) of the neurons ranged from about 90 microm2 to about 220 microm2. Morphometrically, the three types of neurons were similar and there were no significant differences in their sizes. The total number of cardiac neurons (obtained by staining the neurons with NADH-diaphorase method) was 530 +/- 23. Therefore, the NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons of the heart represent 10% of the number of cardiac neurons stained by NADH. CONCLUSION: The obtained data have shown that the NADPH-d positive neurons in the cardiac plexus of the atria of mice are morphologically different, and therefore, it is possible that the function of the neurons may also be different.

Morphological and Biochemical Effects on the Skeletal Muscle of Ovariectomized Old Female Rats Submitted to the Intake of Diets with Vegetable or Animal Protein and Resistance Training.

Introduction. Sarcopenia is a process characterized by reduction in protein mass and muscle strength with increasing age, especially in the postmenopausal period, resulting in functional limitations and with great impact on the physical autonomy of the elderly. Objective. To evaluate the effects of diets with vegetable proteins (VP) or animal proteins (AP) associated with resistance training (RT) on the structural and biochemical parameters of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in Wistar rats with sarcopenia. Methods. An experimental model with ovariectomized rats was used to induce sarcopenia and resistance training. The histochemical technique was used for the typing of muscle fibers, the cross-sectional area of myocytes, and volume densities of myocytes and interstitium; the technique of Picrosirius stain was used to highlight the collagen fibers. Results. The VP diet was not able to minimize the effects of sarcopenia in the medial gastrocnemius of sedentary animals and when associated with RT, it promoted maintenance of the CSA, attenuating the atrophy of type IIB fibers in the medial gastrocnemius. The AP diet in sedentary animals protected the type I fibers. When combined with RT, the AP promoted muscle remodeling, with reduction in volume density of type I and IIA fibers, and increase of IIB fibers, together with an increase in collagen volume density. Conclusion. The data suggest a tendency to better results of hypertrophy in animal groups that consumed the AP diet, even the sedentary animals, although more evident in those trained.