The role of TNF-α and NFkß in an experimental model of intestinal carcinogenesis with 1,2-dimethyhydrazine.

PURPOSE: To analyze the potential of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and factor nuclear kappa B (NF-κB) as colorectal cancer (CRC) biomarkers in an experimental model of intestinal carcinogenesis with 1,2-dimethyhydrazine (1,2-DMH). METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: sham and 1,2-DMH. First, 1,2-DMH (20 mg/kg/week) was administered for 15 consecutive weeks. In the 25th week, proctocolectomy was conducted. Histopathological analysis, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression of TNF-α and NF-κB were performed. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism. The location of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) was analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis' test. For analyses with two groups with parametric data, the t-test was used; for non-parametric data, the Mann-Whitney's test was used. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The number of ACF and macroscopic lesions was significantly higher (p < 0.5) in the 1,2-DMH group compared to the sham group, and most ACF were concentrated in the distal segment of the colon. There was a statistically significant increase (p < 0.5) in protein and gene expression of TNF-α and NF-κB in the 1,2-DMH group compared to the sham group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide supportive evidence that TNF-α and NF-κB pathways are strongly involved in CRC development in rats and might be used as early biomarkers of CRC pathogenesis in experimental studies.

Preconditioning with a novel metallopharmaceutical NO donor in anesthetized rats subjected to brain ischemia/reperfusion.

Rut-bpy is a novel nitrosyl-ruthenium complex releasing NO into the vascular system. We evaluated the effect of Rut-bpy (100 mg/kg) on a rat model of brain stroke. Forty rats were assigned to four groups (Saline solution [SS], Rut-bpy, SS+ischemia-reperfusion [SS+I/R] and Rut-bpy+ischemia-reperfusion [Rut-bpy+I/R]) with their mean arterial pressure (MAP) continuously monitored. The groups were submitted (SS+I/R and Rut-bpy+I/R) or not (SS and Rut-bpy) to incomplete global brain ischemia by occlusion of the common bilateral carotid arteries during 30 min followed by reperfusion for further 60 min. Thirty minutes before ischemia, rats were treated pairwise by intraperitoneal injection of saline solution or Rut-bpy. At the end of experiments, brain was removed for triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining in order to quantify the total ischemic area. In a subset of rats, hippocampus was obtained for histopathology scoring, nitrate and nitrite measurements, immunostaining and western blotting of the nuclear factor- κB (NF-κB). Rut-bpy pre-treatment decreased MAP variations during the transition from brain ischemia to reperfusion and decreased the fractional injury area. Rut-bpy pre-treatment reduced NF-κB hippocampal immunostaining and protein expression with improved histopathology scoring as compared to the untreated operated control. In conclusion, Rut-bpy improved the total brain infarction area and hippocampal neuronal viability in part by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and helped to stabilize the blood pressure during the transition from ischemia to reperfusion.

Comparative study on the efficacy of non-steroidal, steroid and non-use of anti-inflammatory in the treatment of acute epidemic conjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of prednisolone against sodium diclofenac both with ciprofloxacin compared to artificial tears on the symptoms and signs of acute viral conjunctivitis. METHODS: Study included 37 patients diagnosed with acute conjunctivitis and distributed by three groups: A (1% prednisolone acetate + ciprofloxacin (0.3%); B (Sodium diclofenac (0.1%) + ciprofloxacin (0.3%) and C (artificial tears + ciprofloxacin (0.3%). Patients received medication 6/6 hours daily. Signs and symptoms (e.g. lacrimation, burning, photophobia, etc.) were scored at baseline and on the first, third, fifth and seventh days and in the end of treatment using a standardized questionnaire and slit lamp anterior segment examination. RESULTS: All three groups demonstrated an improvement in the signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis in their follow-up visits. There was no significant difference in symptom and sign scores between Group A and B and B and C in the study visits ( p >0.05). However, the comparison between groups A and C showed a clinical trend (p=0.05) on third evaluation suggesting better clinical action using the corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: The prednisolone acetate was not superior to the use of sodium diclofenac or artificial tears in relieving the signs and symptoms of viral conjunctivitis.

Preconditioning with L-Ala-Gln reduces the expression of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6 and HO-1) in an injury animal model of cerebrovascular ischemia in Meriones unguiculatus (gerbils).

Purpose To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of L-alanyl-glutamine in a gerbil model of brain ischemia-reperfusion injury based on immunohistochemical quantification of pro-inflammatory and cell activation biomarkers (TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6 and HO-1). Methods Male gerbils weighing 100-180 g were pretreated with either 0.75 g/kg L-Ala-Gln (n=18) or 2.0 mL saline (n=18) administered i.v. 30 minutes before the bilateral ligation of the common carotid artery during 15 min and then the ligation was removed. Under anesthesia with urethane, brain tissue was harvested at 0 min (T0), 30 min (T30) and 60 min (T60) after reperfusion. The tissue was embedded in 10% formalin overnight and 4-µm sections were prepared for immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies. Immunostained cells were counted by optical microscopy. The statistical analysis used mean values based on 4 sections. Results The pretreatment with L-Ala-Gln animal group 1 demonstrated significantly lower levels of TNF-α, NF-κB and IL-6. On the other hand, the levels of HO-1 were significantly higher, suggesting a protective role in model of brain ischemia-reperfusion injury. Conclusion These findings suggest a protective effect of L-Ala-Gln by decreasing levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and NF-κB and Increasing levels of HO-1.

The role of TNF-α and NFkß in an experimental model of intestinal carcinogenesis with 1, 2-dimethyhydrazine

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the potential of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and factor nuclear kappa B (NF-κB) as colorectal cancer (CRC) biomarkers in an experimental model of intestinal carcinogenesis with 1,2-dimethyhydrazine (1,2-DMH). Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: sham and 1,2-DMH. First, 1,2-DMH (20 mg/kg/week) was administered for 15 consecutive weeks. In the 25th week, proctocolectomy was conducted. Histopathological analysis, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression of TNF-α and NF-κB were performed. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism. The location of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) was analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis' test. For analyses with two groups with parametric data, the t-test was used; for non-parametric data, the Mann-Whitney's test was used. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The number of ACF and macroscopic lesions was significantly higher (p < 0.5) in the 1,2-DMH group compared to the sham group, and most ACF were concentrated in the distal segment of the colon. There was a statistically significant increase (p < 0.5) in protein and gene expression of TNF-α and NF-κB in the 1,2-DMH group compared to the sham group. Conclusions: Our results provide supportive evidence that TNF-α and NF-κB pathways are strongly involved in CRC development in rats and might be used as early biomarkers of CRC pathogenesis in experimental studies.

Ketone bodies metabolism during ischemic and reperfusion brain injuries following bilateral occlusion of common carotid arteries in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vivo alterations on ketone bodies metabolism after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion through an experimental model of brain ischemia induced by simple occlusion of common carotid arteries (CCAs) in Wistar rats. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly distributed on two groups (S - Sham; T - Test) and further redistributed into four times sets of study. After bilateral occlusion of CCAs for 30 min, the animals of group T were allowed reperfusion for 0, 5, 10 and 15 min. Samples of cerebral tissue and systemic arterial blood were collected and the metabolites acetoacetate (ACT) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) were determined. RESULTS: Cerebral ACT and BHB levels increased significantly in Group T after 30 min of carotid occlusion (time 0). The highest brain ketone bodies (ACT+BHB) concentration was verified at 5 min of reperfusion, decreasing after 10 min of recirculation. Systemic ketone bodies levels increased similarly between test and sham groups. Group S demonstrated a significant increase in cerebral and systemic ACT and BHB concentrations mainly after 40-45 min of study. CONCLUSIONS: The partial transient acute global brain ischemia induced by the bilateral carotid occlusion in Wistar rats triggered ketogenesis probably due to a central stimulation of catecholamine secretion. There was an increased cerebral uptake of ketone bodies following brain ischemia, reaffirming these metabolites as alternative energy substrates under conditions of cerebral metabolic stress as well as its potential role on neuroprotection. The greatest changes in ketone bodies metabolism were verified at initial minutes of recirculation as a result of the reperfusion injury phenomenon.

Glutamine or whey-protein supplementation on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Effects on CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of glutamine (L-Gln) or whey-protein supplementation on CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy male Wistar rats were used in the experiment. Eight rats served as baseline controls (G-1). The remaining 24 animals received alloxan 150 mg/Kg intraperitonially dissolved in buffer solution and were equally distributed in 3 subgroups, upon induction of diabetes mellitus, and treated as follows: (G2): saline, 2.0 ml; (G3): glutamine solution (0.7 g/kg), 2.0 ml; and (G4): whey-protein (WPS) solution (0.7 g/kg), 2.0 ml. All solutions were administered by daily 7:00 AM gavages during 30 days. Next, arterial blood samples (3.0 ml) were collected from anesthetized rats for CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte count through flow cytometry technology. RESULTS: CD4+ and CD8+ counts decreased significantly in all groups compared with baseline values (G1). G2 rats CD4+/CD8+ ratio decreased significantly compared with G1. CD4+/CD8+ ratio increased significantly (>260%) in L-Gln treated group (G3) compared with saline-treated rats (G2). There were no statistical differences in lymphocyte counts (CD4+ and CD8+) between L-Gln (G3) and saline-treated (G2) groups. There was a significant reduction in CD8+ cell count compared with CD4+ cell count in L-Gln treated rats (G3). CONCLUSION: The offer of L-Gln to experimental diabetic rats enhances the immunologic response to infection.

Oxidative stress induced by torsion of the spermatic cord in young rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the oxidative stress in an experimental model of torsion/detorsion of the spermatic cord and the legitimacy of this model for oxidative stress studies. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomized in two groups (n=24): G-1 (Sham) and G-2 (Ischemia/Reperfusion). All rats received intraperitoneal saline injections (2.0 ml), at 21, 9, and 1 h before right spermatic cord torsion or first sham operation. Detorsion or second sham operation was carried out 3 h later followed by testis and blood samples collection (T-0). Additional samples were collected at 1-3-6 h time-points for assessment of testis malonaldehyde, glutathione, and plasma total antioxidant power (TAP). RESULTS: Spermatic cord torsion/detorsion induced a significant increase in testicular malonaldehyde contents and a significant decrease in glutathione concentrations in ischemic rats compared with sham animals. Additional increase in malonaldehyde levels occurred during reperfusion in G-2 rats. TAP was similar in both groups denoting absence of systemic effects in this study. CONCLUSION: Torsion/detorsion of the spermatic cord for 3 h induces significant lipid peroxidation and reduction in glutathione content of the testis and is, therefore, a valid model for studying the oxidative stress effects of the ischemia/reperfusion injury in young rat testis.

1.8 cineole decreases gastric compliance in anesthetized rats.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of 1,8 cineole components of the essential oil of Croton nepetaefolius--plant of North-East of Brasil, used in the popular medicine for riots of the gastrointestinal tract--on the motor behavior of the gut of Wistar rats. METHODS: Used 16 male animals under jejun of 24h weighing 300-350 g. The effect of 1.8 cineole (1 or 3mg/Kg) on gastric compliance had been lead in anaesthetized rats. The variations of the gastric volume (GV), had been measured by plethysmography, while AP, HR and CVP had been monitored continuously by a digital system of data acquisition. RESULTS: Observe reduction of the GV, which was significant on 30, 40, 50 and 60 min after treatment (2.0 +/- 0.1; 1.9 +/- 0.1; 1.8 +/- 0.1 and 1.7 +/- 0.1mL, versus 2.1 +/- 0.2mL). The AP presented significant fall after the administration of 1.8 cineole, remaining thus during 60min of monitorization (87.9 +/- 7.7; 87.6 +/- 7.1; 87.9 +/- 6.4; 87.8 +/- 5.7; 86.0 +/- 5.5 and 87.7 +/- 6.0mmHg, respectively versus 94.4 +/- 6.2 mmHg), as well as the HR (366.3 +/- 13.4; 361.7 +/- 11.5; 357.3 +/- 10.4; 353.0 +/- 10.4; 348.3 +/- 11.1 and 350.4 +/- 13.7bpm, respectively versus 395.2 +/- 11.1bpm). The CVP did not suffer significant variations after treatment. CONCLUSION: Observe the 1.8 cineole reduces the gastric compliance in anaesthetized rats besides presenting effect hypotensor and bradycardia; probably for direct action on the gastrointestinal and vascular smooth muscle and moduling the autonomic nervous system.

Is subdiaphragmatic aortic cross-clamping a suitable model for spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury study in rats?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of subdiaphragmatic aortic cross-clamping in an experimental model of ischemia/reperfusion injury of the spinal cord in albino rats. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomized in two groups (n=18): G-1 (Sham) and G-2 (Ischemia/Reperfusion, I/R). G-2 rats were submitted to 30 min subdiafragmatic aortic cross-clamping. G-1 rats served as controls and were submitted to surgical trauma (laparotomy) without ischemia. Samples (spinal cord and arterial blood) were collected at the end of ischemic period and 10 (T-10) and 20 (T-20) min later in G-2 rats. Sham rats (G-1) samples were collected at the same time-points. Blood and tissue metabolites concentrations of pyruvate, lactate, glucose and medullary adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were assayed. RESULTS: Blood and tissue concentrations of pyruvate and glucose as well as lactate and medullary ATP were not different when comparing G1 to G2. Lactacemia was significantly elevated in G-2 compared with G-1 rats during reperfusion (T-10). CONCLUSION: Subdiaphragmatic aortic cord cross-clamping is not a suitable rat model for spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury study as it does not ensure changes in in vivo tissue metabolites concentrations similar to those found in tissues subjected to ischemia/reperfusion.

Effects of L-arginine oral supplements in pregnant spontaneously hypertensive rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of L-arginine oral supplementation in spontaneously hypertensive pregnant rats (SHR). METHODS: Thirty SHR and ten Wistar-EPM-1 virgin female rats were used in the study. Before randomization, females were caged with males of the same strain (3:1). Pregnancy was confirmed by sperm-positive vaginal smear (Day 0). Wistar-EPM-1 rats served as counterpart control (C-1). SHR rats were randomized in 4 groups (n=10): Group Control 2, non-treated rats; Group L-Arginine treated with L-arginine 2%; Group Alpha-methyldopa treated with Alpha-methyldopa 33 mg/Kg; Group L-Arginine+Alpha-methyldopa treated with L-arginine 2%+Alpha-methyldopa 33 mg/Kg. L-arginine 2% solution was offered ad libitum in drinking water and Alpha-methyldopa was administered by gavage twice a day during the length of pregnancy (20 days). Blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography on days 0 and 20. Body weight was measured on days 0, 10 and 20. Results were expressed as mean +/-SD (Standard Deviation). One-Way ANOVA/Tukey (or Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, as appropriate) was used for group comparisons. Statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. RESULTS: There was no significant weight gain in isolated L-arginine treated SHR. Mean blood pressure decreased in L-arginine-treated SLR compared with untreated-SHR rats. CONCLUSION: L-arginine oral supplementation reduces blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats during pregnancy.

Effect of soluble fiber or fructooligosaccharide supplementation upon trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid induced colitis in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of soluble fiber or fructooligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation upon trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. METHODS: 64 Wistar rats were given water, soluble fiber or FOS intragastrically during 14 days prior to colitis induction with TNBS (n=48) or rectal enema with water (n=16; control group). On the 7th or 14th day following colitis induction the rats were weighed and euthanized in order to determine the colon weight/length ratio and macroscopic and microscopic scores. RESULTS: On the 7th day following colitis induction the body weight had decreased significantly, the colon weight/length ratio had increased and macroscopic and microscopic colon lesions were observed. On the 14th day following colitis induction no difference in body weight was observed, in spite of the persistence of macroscopic and microscopic lesions and increased colon weight/length ratio. Supplementation with soluble fiber or FOS did not revert colon lesions or any of the study parameters. Supplementation with FOS, but not with fiber, was associated with increased colon weight/length ratio on the 14th day. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with soluble fiber or FOS produced no significant impact on TNBS-induced colitis in rats.

[Passiflora edulis extract and the healing of abdominal wall of rats: morphological and tensiometric study]. / Efeito do extrato de Passiflora edulis na cicatrização da parede abdominal de ratos: estudo morfológico e tensiométrico.

INTRODUCTION: The Brazilian popular habit of using plants to treat several health conditions is ancient. Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is widely used to treat, usually in an empiric basis, a variety of medical conditions. Anti-inflammatory activity of Passiflora edulis extract, similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's), has been described. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Passiflora edulis hydroalcoholic extract on the healing of midline abdominal incisions in rats by morphological and tensiometric methods. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into two groups to either receive Passiflora edulis extract (study group, P) or saline (control group, C) intraperitoneally, in a single isovolumetric dose, after a standardized ventral midline laparotomy had been performed. The twenty rats of the control group as well as those twenty of the study group were divided into subgroups according to the time of sacrifice, either the 3rd PO day (P3, C3) or the 7th PO day (P7, C7). On day three and on day seven after surgery, the rats were sacrificed and the wound area was excised by a standardized protocol. The healing process of the specimens was evaluated macroscopically and histologically. The tensile strength was evaluated by a constant speed computerized tensiometer to determine the breaking strength and the deformation of the healing incision. RESULTS: The macroscopic examination did not show significant differences between study and control groups. Histologically, the C3 vs. P3 comparison showed the following differences: for the variables acute inflammation (p=0.045 in favor of C3), collagenization and capillary neoformation: p=0.001 e 0.001, respectively in favor of P3. Similarly, the C7 vs. P7 comparison showed the following differences for the variables acute inflammation (p=0.002 in favor of C7), chronic inflammation and capillary neoformation: p= 0.006 e 0.001, respectively in favor of P7. Tensiometrically, maximal breaking strength (C(máx)) on day seven of the study group was higher when compared to control group, (6.91 +/- 1.36 vs. 5.05 +/- 1.63, p=0.013). Maximal deformation strength (D(máx)) on day seven of the study group was higher when compared to control group (36.49 +/- 4.61 vs. 26.19 +/-5.74, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Passiflora edulis extract enhances the healing of midline abdominal incisions in rats, especially the histological and tensiometric aspects.

[Extract of Passiflora edulis in the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats: a tensiometric and morphologic study]. / Extrato de Passiflora edulis na cicatrização de anastomose colônica em ratos: estudo morfológico e tensiométrico.

INTRODUCTION: Investigation of new substances with therapeutic effects have been done trying to isolate, extract or purify new compounds of vegetable origin. The Passiflora edulis (maracujá) species from the Plassifloracia family, originated from the tropical and subtropical regions of the american continent, is found all over Brazil. It is commonly used as a sedative, painkiller and anti-inflammatory drug and also for the treatment of skin wounds, lesions and Erisipelae. PURPOSE: To evaluate the wound healing in colonic anastomosis in rats that received an hydro-alcoholic extract of Passiflora edulis peri-operatively. METHOD: 40 wistar rats were used distributed into two groups of 20 rats each, named: Passiflora edulis group (GP) and control group (GC). The rats of each group were separated into two subgroups of 10 animals each and were evaluated on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days. The surgical procedure consisted of a section of the left colon, 5 cm above the peritoneal reflexion with preservation of the vascular elements. Intestinal continuity was restored by an end-to-end single layer anastomosis. The Passiflora edulis group received an intraperitoneal application of the hydro-alcoholic extract in the dosage of 250 mg/kg. The control-group received one intraperitoneal dose of a saline with the same volume of the GP. The parameters evaluated were: macroscopic aspects of the wall and abdominal cavity, perianastomotic (adherences), bursting pressure, inflammatory tissue reaction on the anastomotic wound. RESULTS: The macroscopic aspects did not differ between the groups. No rupture in the anastomotic wound was seen in any rat. Regarding the bursting pressure, it was noticed that the average pressure was significantly higher in the subgroup that received the Passiflora edulis extract on the 3rd day (P3) (42.6 +/- 17.8 mmHg vs. 25.4 +/- 14.1 mmHg, p=0.028), as compared to the control sub-group (C3). However, on the 7th day, bursting pressure was similar in both groups (p=0.447). Rats from the C7 sub-group had a mean bursting pressure of 203.0 +/- 50.0 mmHg vs. 187.3 +/- 39.5 mmHg in the C7 sub-group. In the histologic analysis the polymorphic nuclear cells were more frequent in the C3 group, with significant differences (p=0.034). The monomorphic nuclear cells (MMN) and the fibroblastic proliferation were more frequent in the P3 sub-group with a significant difference, p=0.02 to MMN, and p=0.001 to the fibroblastic proliferation. On the 7th day there was a significant difference in all histologic criteria stained by hematoxin-eosin and Masson Trichomic (p<0.05) in the sub-group that received the Passiflora edulis extracts. CONCLUSION: The peri-operative administration of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Passiflora edulis has a positive influence on the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats.

[Comparative study of the healing process of gastrographies with and without the use of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (bellyache bush) extract in rats]. / Estudo comparativo da cicatrização de gastrorrafias com e sem o uso do extrato de Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (pião roxo) em ratos.

INTRODUCTION: The healing process of the gastrointestinal tract is of huge importance in the surgical field history, as well as the search for appropriate types of threads and suture techniques and the many factors that influence it. The use of phytotherapic drugs as accelerators of the healing process has been done for many years and is one of the current objectives of scientific researches trying to prove its therapeutic properties. PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. extract on the healing process of gastrographies in rats. METHODS: Forty wistar male rats were divided in 2 groups of 20 rats, named control and Jatropha groups. Ten animals of each group were killed in the third day post-surgery and were named control and Jatropha groups of the 3rd day. The remaining 10 animals of each group were killed in the seventh day and were named accordingly for the 7th day. In each animal, gastrostomy and gastrography were performed in a single plane using polypropylene thread 6-0 (Prolene). The animals from the Jatropha group were given a single dose of 200 mg/kg of the Jatropha gossypiifolia L. extract intraperitoneally on the same day of the procedure and the ones from the control group were given the same quantity in milliliters (ml), but of saline solution (sodium chloride 0.9%). The following parameters were evaluated: 1) macroscopic alterations; 2) the suture's resistance to atmospheric air insufflation (pressure of rupture); 3) histologic characteristics. RESULTS: No animal died during the clinical follow-up and optimal healing of the abdominal wall was seen without any signs of infection, dehiscence, abscesses or peritonitis. Healing of the serous surface was considered good in all animals, without occurrence of fistulas; however, intraperitoneal adhesions occurred in 7 rats of the sub-group control and 9 of the sub-group Jatropha on the 3rd day post-operative and in 9 of the sub-group control and 8 of the sub-group Jatropha on the 7th day, but the differences were not statistically significant between the groups. Healing of the mucous surface was classified as good in all the animals. The resistance of the gastrographies to the atmospheric air insufflation showed statistically significant increase of the rupture pressure in the Jatropha group during the 3rd day of observation. Histologic evaluation showed differences that were statistically significant, considered the criteria, as well as reduced acute inflammatory reaction and better coaptation of the edges in the sub-group Jatropha of 7th post-surgery, when compared to the sub-group control of the same period. CONCLUSION: The raw extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. aids the healing on the 3rd day post-surgery, concerning the enhanced resistance of the gastrographies to pressure of rupture, and on the 7th day, presenting better coaptation of the edges and reducing acute inflammatory reaction by microscopic analyses.

[Healing process in cutaneous surgical wounds in rats under the influence of Orbignya phalerata aqueous extract]. / Análise comparativa da cicatrização da pele com o uso intraperitoneal de extrato aquoso de Orbignya phalerata (babaçu). Estudo controlado em ratos.

INTRODUCTION: The wounds healing is a highly complex process with many phases. Countless substances have been used since the remote times with the purpose a simulating the process. Among them the Orbignya phalerata extract was considered as having a stimulating action. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to verify the healing action of the Orbignya phalerata in the healing of skin surgical wounds by a comparative analysis of the alterations obtained in histological and morphologic aspects. METHODS: Sixty male adult Wistar rats were used. They were distributed in a randomly in two groups of 30 each and, in one group, Orbignya phalerata extract was used intraperitoneally in a dose of 50 mg/Kg in the first day of surgery. The experimental procedure consisted in a circular incision of two centimeters of diameter with metallic punch. In the control group the substance was not used. The rats were killed in the 7th, 14th, 21st days of the post-operative period and submitted to macro and microscopic analysis. The macroscopic one was made with magnifying glass and paquimeter. For the histological analysis, the sheets were processed with Hematoxilina-Eosina (HE) and trichromic of Masson and slides the vascular proliferation, mononuclear cells, polymorphonuclear cells, fibroblastic proliferation, collagen fibers and re-epithelization were assigned. RESULTS: In the macroscopic view the experimental group of seven days had only one animal with small amount of secretion. In the animals of 14 days all of them had good aspect. The ones of 21 days, complete healing was observed in all animals. In the histological analysis, there was no significant difference among groups, except for the 7th day with significant difference in the fibroblastic proliferation and re-epithelization favoring the experimental group. CONCLUSION: A favorable effect of the aqueous extract of babassu mesocarp was observed in a microscope analysis in the healing process of cutaneous surgical wounds in rats.

[Effect of Passiflora edulis (passion fruit) extract on rats' bladder wound healing: morphological study]. / Efeito do extrato de Passiflora edulis (maracujá) na cicatrização de bexiga em ratos: estudo morfológico.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora edulis leaves in the healing of urinary bladder in rats from histological aspects. METHODS: Forty Wistar male rats were submitted to a longitudinal incision of the bladder followed by a stetching in only one level. After this common procedure, animals were divided at random two groups: Passiflora and Control. In the Passiflora group the only dosage used was administered by intraperitoneal injection of hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora edulis leaves while in the Control group distilled water was injected. Each subgroup was then divided in two subgroups according to the death of these animals: Control, three and seven days, Passiflora, three and seven days. After the death of these animals, an inventory of the abdominal cavity was performed and the bladder was removed. A comparative analysis was done between the two groups with microscopic evaluation of the healing. There was less acute inflammation (p=0.008), greater collagenous formation (p=0.001) and greater capillary neo-formation (p=0.000) in the third day Passiflora subgroup when compared to the Control subgroup of the third day. RESULTS: There was less acute inflammation (p=0.001), greater fibroblastic proliferation (p=0.011) and greater collagenous formation (p=0.001) in the Passiflora subgroup of seventh day when compared with the Control seventh day subgroup. CONCLUSION: The use of Passiflora edulis leaves extract resulted in less acute inflammation, greater fibroblastic proliferation, collagenous formation and capillary neo-formation on rats' bladder wound healing.

Relevance of prognostic factors in the decision-making of stem cell transplantation in Myelodysplastic Syndromes.

The hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative alternative for Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), but many patients are not eligible for this treatment, as there are several limiting factors, especially in the case of patients with low-risk MDS. The aim of this study is to discuss the factors that can guide the decision-making on referring or not a patient to HSCT. Three cases of MDS, two of which were submitted to HSCT are presented. We intend to report the difficulties in referring patients with MDS to transplant and the prognostic factors that contribute to define eligibility.

Association of oxidative stress and DNA damage with grafting time in patients with multiple myeloma and lymphoma submitted to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between oxidative stress and DNA damage with grafting time in patients submitted to autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). The study included 37 patients submitted to autologous HSCT diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (MM) and lymphoma (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's). Biomarkers of oxidative stress and DNA damage index (DI) were performed at baseline (pre-CR) of the disease and during the conditioning regimen (CR), one day after the HSCT, ten days after HSCT and twenty days after HSCT, as well as in the control group consisting of 30 healthy individuals. The outcomes showed that both groups of patients had an hyperoxidative state with high DI when compared to baseline and to the control group and that the CR exacerbated this condition. However, after the follow-up period of the study, this picture was re-established to the baseline levels of each pathology. The study patients with MM showed a mean grafting time of 10.75 days (8 to 13 days), with 10.15 days (8 to 15 days) for the lymphoma patients. In patients with MM, there was a negative correlation between the grafting time and the basal levels of GPx (r = -0.54; p = 0.034), indicating that lower levels of this important enzyme are associated with a longer grafting time. For the DI, the correlation was a positive one (r = 0.529; p = 0.030). In the group with lymphoma, it was observed that the basal levels of NOx were positively correlated with grafting time (r = 0.4664, p = 0.032). The data indicate the potential of these biomarkers as predictors of toxicity and grafting time in patients with MM and Lymphomas submitted to autologous HSCT.

Effects of L-alanyl-glutamine upon the blood and kidney biochemical parameters in the rat hind limb model of ischemia/reperfusion.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of l-alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) intragastric administration upon blood and kidney metabolic parameters alterations in rats subjected to ischemia/reperfusion of hind limb. METHODS: Forty-eight male rats were randomized in 2 groups offered via gavage either saline 2.0 mL (G-1) or Ala-Gln solution 0.75 mgKg-1(G-2) once a day at 7 AM during 7 days. One-hour after the last gavage (Day 7) all rats were submitted to ether anesthesia, laparotomy and clamping of the left iliac artery for 3 h. Kidney and blood samples were collected at the end of ischemic period (3 h) and at 1-3-6 h during reperfusion period for metabolites (pyruvate, lactate, glucose and ketone bodies) enzymatic analysis. ATP was also assayed in kidney samples. RESULTS: Lactacemia and ketonemia were significantly increased in Ala-Gln treated rats during reperfusion. Kidney pyruvate concentrations were significantly decreased and tissue lactate concentrations were significantly increased during reperfusion (1 h and 3 h) in G-2 rats compared with respective controls. Glucose, ATP and ketone bodies concentrations were significantly increased in the kidney in L-Ala-Gln treated rats at 3 hours after reperfusion as compared to respective controls. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral hind limb ischemia in L-Ala-Gln pre-treated rats may induce increased lactacemia and increased kidney lactate concentrations, indicating increased glycolytic activity in renal medulla and in other peripheral tissues. Higher ketonemia during reperfusion may reflect a possible increase in ketogenesis due to lower insulin plasma concentration hepatic signaling as a result of increased glucose oxidation in peripheral tissues, caused by the intra-gastric administration of glutamine dipeptide, suggesting also decreased insulin resistance.