Role of mast cell chymase and tryptase in the progression of atherosclerosis: study in 44 autopsied cases.

The aim of this study was to describe the role of mast cell chymase and tryptase in the progression of atherosclerosis. Forty-four sections of aortas were obtained from autopsies. We assessed the macroscopic degree of atherosclerosis, microscopic intensity of lipid deposition in the tunica intima, percentage of collagen in the tunica intima, and density of immunostained mast cells. There was no significant difference between the density of mast cell tryptase and chymase concerning ethnicity, sex, cause of death, or degree of atherosclerosis. The density of mast cell chymase was significantly higher in the nonelderly group. The percentage of collagen was significantly higher in elderly patients. There was a positive and significant correlation between the degree of macroscopic atherosclerosis and lipidosis, the density of mast cell chymase and the percentage of collagen, the density of mast cell tryptase and the percentage of collagen, and lipidosis and the density of mast cell tryptase. The degree of macroscopic lesion of atherosclerosis increased proportionally with the increase in the density of mast cell chymase and tryptase and in the intensity of lipid deposition and with the percentage of collagen in the atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, mast cells may play a crucial role in aggravating atherosclerotic lesions.

Analysis of the scalp of women with AIDS subjected to autopsy: epithelial, follicular, and immunologic aspects.

Hair keeps the scalp warmer and slightly moister than the rest of the skin, which contributes to a favorable environment for mycotic, bacterial, and parasitic infections. It is well established that AIDS makes the patient more susceptible to opportunistic infections and cutaneous manifestations. Because of this, the aim of this study was to analyze scalp fragments of autopsied women with AIDS. Twenty-eight scalp samples of women aged between 18 and 46 years were observed. These women were divided into 2 groups: with AIDS (n = 14) and without AIDS (n = 14). We conducted histochemical (hematoxylin-eosin, Picrosirius, and Verhoeff), morphometric (Image J; National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, ON, Canada and KS-300 Kontron-Zeiss; Kontron Elektronik, Carl-Zeiss, Germany), and immunohistochemical (S-100) analyses of the scalp. In patients with AIDS, epithelial thickness, number of epithelial cell layers, number of immature Langerhans cells in the epidermis, and percentages of elastic fibers in the dermis were significantly lower, whereas telogen hair follicles were significantly higher. The percentage of collagen fibers in the dermis and the diameter of the epithelial cells were smaller in patients with AIDS, without significant difference. AIDS possibly causes immunologic and morphologic alterations in the scalp. This study may establish parameters for better clinical and morphologic diagnostic in patients with AIDS.

Association between the markers of FIRS and the morphologic alterations in the liver of neonates autopsied in the perinatal period.

Markers of fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) can influence the morphologic alterations in liver of autopsied neonates. The IL-6, TNF-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP) expression in liver fragments were marked by immunohistochemistry and the intensity of steatosis, percentage of fibrosis, and the number of foci of extramedullary erythropoiesis were evaluated. The degree of steatosis correlated positively with IL-6 (p = 0.06), positively with CRP (p ≤ 0.001), and negatively with TNF-α (p = 0.06). The collagen percentage correlated positively with IL-6 (p = 0.055) and positively with TNF-α (p ≤ 0.001). Erythropoiesis correlated positively with IL-6 (p ≤ 0.001) and negatively with CRP (p = 0.00754). The analyzed markers of FIRS have an important role in triggering hepatic morphologic alterations.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and placental vascularization in cases of uterine blood flow restriction.

Studies report transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a treatment for placental insufficiency. To induce utero-placental insufficiency in rats, the uterine artery was ligated. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was applied with a frequency of 80 Hz, pulse duration of 200 µs, and low intensity. Placental blood vessels were analyzed after immunohistochemistry. The number, caliber and area occupied by placental vessels, fetal weight and length, and placental volume were lower in cases stimulated by TENS. The interaction between ligation and stimulation by TENS was associated with reduction of all these measurements, suggesting that TENS use during pregnancy may have harmful effects on intra-uterine development.

Liver morphologic analysis in perinatal autopsies with intrauterine stress liver morphology in perinatal autopsies.

Quantify steatosis, fibrosis, and focuses of extramedullary erythropoiesis (ER) in the liver and report it to the causes of death in the perinatal. Morphologic analysis of steatosis', percentage of fibrosis, and ER of 467 perinatal autopsies. Cases with hypoxia/perinatal anoxia and ascending infection showed higher percentage of fibrosis. The number of ER was significantly higher among premature infants and in cases with infection. Our results contribute to a better quality of perinatal care through clinical demonstration of which injuries are associated with them, what may help in early diagnosis of these alterations in children who survive.

Morphological and Histopathological Study of Autopsied Patients with Atherosclerosis and HIV.

BACKGROUND: Chronic infection by HIV evolves with a vascular inflammatory action causing endothelial dysfunction. The action of the virus, as well as the side effects of antiretroviral drugs, contribute to the progression of cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the percentage of collagen fibers and the density of mast cells, chymase and tryptase, in aortas of patients with and without HIV, and also patients with and without atherosclerosis. METHODS: Aortic fragments were obtained from autopsied patients aged 22-69 years and selected regardless of the cause of death or underlying disease. The samples were divided into four groups, (1) Group with HIV and with atherosclerosis; (2) Group with HIV and without atherosclerosis; (3) Group without HIV and with atherosclerosis; (4) Group without HIV and without atherosclerosis (Control). The percentage of collagen fibers was analyzed in the intima-media layer and the density of mast cells was analyzed in all aortic layers. Graphpad Prism 5.0® software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were more collagen fibers in HIV patients, with or without atherosclerosis. The group with HIV and atherosclerosis presented a higher density of chymase and tryptase mast cells. The correlation between collagen fibers and age was negative in the non-HIV group and with atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory process resulting from HIV infection may be relevant in the alteration of aortic collagen fibers and in triggering or accelerating atherosclerosis. The study is important because HIV patients have increased risks for the development of cardiovascular diseases, and follow-up is necessary to prevent such diseases.

Evaluation of topical corticosteroids in children with phimosis through morphological and immunohistochemical analyses of the foreskin.

INTRODUCTION: Histopathological analysis of the foreskin has become more common in the last two decades. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the morphology of the foreskin and determine the effects of topical corticosteroid therapy on this tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated forty foreskin samples from children aged from 2 years to 15 years with phimosis undergoing circumcision at our institution over a 2-year period. In the foreskin samples, we analyzed the elastic fibers (Verhoeff), epidermal thickness (hematoxylin and eosin), and Annexin 1 and Langerhans cells (LCs) (immunohistochemistry). RESULTS: In the present study, 18 (45%) patients made use of topical corticosteroids, and 22 (55%) did not, while 4 (10%) had a history of balanoposthitis as previous complication. Forty patients were divided according to the parameter analyzed: with or without previous complication and with or without previous topical corticotherapy. Annexin 1 expression was significantly higher in group with a history of complications when compared with group without complications (P = 0.024) and lower in the group of those who used corticosteroids when compared with those who did not used corticosteroids (P = 0.364). In the analysis of all samples, the density of mature LCs was significantly higher when compared with immature LCs (P < 0.0001). The density of immature LCs was significantly higher in patients without previous complications when compared with group with complications (P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: These findings contribute to a better understanding of the histopathological aspects of previous complications and of treatment with corticosteroids in children with phimosis.

Melatonin treatment in fetal and neonatal diseases.

This literature review aims to address the main scientific findings on oxidative stress activity in different gestational disorders, as well as the function and application of melatonin in the treatment of fetal and neonatal changes. Oxidative stress has been associated with the etiopathogenesis of recurrent miscarriages, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and stillbirth. Both, the exacerbated consumption of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and the increased synthesis of reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide, peroxynitrite, and hydrogen peroxide, induce phospholipid peroxidation and endothelial dysfunction, impaired invasion and death of trophoblast cells, impaired decidualization, and remodeling of maternal spiral arteries. It has been postulated that melatonin induces specific biochemical responses that regulate cell proliferation in fetuses, and that its antioxidant action promotes bioavailability of nitric oxide and, thus, placental perfusion and also fetal nutrition and oxygenation. Therefore, the therapeutic action of melatonin has been the subject of major studies that aim to minimize or prevent different injuries affecting this pediatric age group, such as intrauterine growth restriction, encephalopathy, chronic lung diseases, retinopathy of prematurity Conclusion: the results antioxidant and indicate that melatonin is an important therapy for the clinical treatment of these diseases.

Assessment of renal maturity by assisted morphometry in autopsied fetuses.

BACKGROUND: The kidney is one organ which presents distinct morphology depending on GA; the classic references for kidney measurements were established several years ago and it is not certain if they are still accurate. AIM: To evaluate the renal maturity using a computer-assisted morphometry in autopsied fetuses within 20 to 40 weeks of GA. STUDY DESIGN: Microscopic hematoxylin and eosin stained renal sections from 67 stillborns were utilized for the morphometric analyses. RESULTS: It was possible to promote an adjustment in the formula used to calculate the number of mature glomeruli layers to the GA (GLN = 0.212GA + 0.0169) in autopsy material and it was different from the literature (Sr = 0.709; p < 0.001). Regarding the nephrogenic zone, it decreases with the GA as confirmed by the regression equation NZ = 490.7-(11.9 x GA) (p < 0.001; Sr = -0.685). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our data contribute to the evaluation of renal maturity and GA in autopsied fetuses, showing particular importance in autolyzed fetuses, in which the parameters used in the present study can still be applied. The correction of the formula for counting mature glomeruli layers for each GA and the addition of new morphometric parameters for the evaluation of renal maturity increase the precision for the analysis of spontaneous abortion and autopsy material, improving the correlation with pathological processes in clinical findings and in the other organs.

Mucosal immunity in the female genital tract, HIV/AIDS.

Mucosal immunity consists of innate and adaptive immune responses which can be influenced by systemic immunity. Despite having been the subject of intensive studies, it is not fully elucidated what exactly occurs after HIV contact with the female genital tract mucosa. The sexual route is the main route of HIV transmission, with an increased risk of infection in women compared to men. Several characteristics of the female genital tract make it suitable for inoculation, establishment of infection, and systemic spread of the virus, which causes local changes that may favor the development of infections by other pathogens, often called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The relationship of these STDs with HIV infection has been widely studied. Here we review the characteristics of mucosal immunity of the female genital tract, its alterations due to HIV/AIDS, and the characteristics of coinfections between HIV/AIDS and the most prevalent STDs.

Analysis of placenta vascularization in patients with uterine altered artery Doppler flow velocity exams.

BACKGROUND: One of the frequent questions in obstetric practice is to determine placental vascular changes that may account for abnormal Doppler flow velocity alterations in maternal uterine vessels from women and fetuses without pregnancy pathology. METHODS: A retrospective morphometric study was realized using 27 placentas from patients submitted for Doppler flow velocity exam during pregnancy. The placentas were morphologically examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Measurements of villi were made with the use of a video camera coupled to a common light microscope and a computer with automatic image analyzing software. RESULTS: Of the 27 placentas, 13 (48%) were of patients showing unaltered Doppler and 14 (52%) showing altered Doppler. The number of stem villi vessels was significantly larger in the placentas of patients with Doppler exam alterations (P = 0.003). This group also presented greater stem villi vessel thickness, although without significant difference. The number of intermediary and terminal villi vessels was greater in the placentas of patients with altered Doppler exams (P < 0.001), and a greater terminal villi area was observed in these cases (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The morphological proof that uterine artery Doppler flow velocity exam alterations are associated with placental vascular alterations demonstrates the importance of this exam during prenatal care, even in the absence of maternal-fetal alterations.