Concentração e redistribuição de nutrientes minerais nos diferentes estádios foliares de seringueira

A seringueira na fase adulta possui um crescimento intermitente com o processo de troca de folhas, que é caracterizado pela senescência. Esse é um mecanismo que as árvores utilizam para reciclarem os nutrientes, por meio dos ciclos bioquímico e biogeoquímico. Estudos sobre o ciclo bioquímico são necessários para verificar o comportamento dos nutrientes minerais, nos diferentes estádios foliares, pois a conservação desses é importante, visto que os seringais são implantados em solos de baixa fertilidade. Desse modo, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a dinâmica dos nutrientes minerais, durante os diferentes estádios foliares da seringueira. As folhas utilizadas foram provenientes de plantas do clone RRIM-600, de um seringal localizado em Nepomuceno, MG. Foram selecionadas oito árvores adultas que possuíam folhas nos diferentes estádios (B1, B2, C e D) e as senescentes (Sen.). As folhas nos estádios B1, B2, C e D foram coletadas nos quatro pontos ortogonais e as senescentes foram coletadas no solo após a agitação mecânica dos galhos. Observou-se que os nutrientes N, P, K, S, Cu e Zn diminuíram os seus teores nos diferentes estádios foliares da seringueira. No entanto, para Ca, Mg, B, Fe e Mn, verificarou-se um comportamento inverso. A redistribuição dos nutrientes foi maior para N, P, K e Cu. A ordem relativa dos teores de macronutrientes encontrados nas folhas foi: N>K>Ca>Mg>S>P e, para os micronutrientes, a ordem foi: Mn>Fe>Zn>B>Cu.

Juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a possible role for vitamin D in disease status and bone health

Purpose: In juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JoSLE), evidence for the association between vitamin D status, lupus activity, and bone health is very limited and not conclusive. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess in JoSLE patients the possible relevance of vitamin D deficiency in disease and bone parameters. Methods: Fifty-seven JoSLE patients were initially compared to 37 age, race and body mass index (BMI) -matched healthy controls. The serum concentration of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was determined by radioimmunoassay. Patients with 25OHD deficiency (acurrency sign20 ng/mL) were compared to those with levels > 20 ng/mL. Disease activity was evaluated by SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition (BC) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results: 25OHD levels were similar in patients and controls (21.44 +/- 7.91 vs 22.54 +/- 8.25 ng/mL, p = 0.519), regardless of supplementation (65% of patients and none in controls). Thirty-one patients with 25OHD deficiency (acurrency sign20 ng/mL) were further compared to the 26 JoSLE patients with levels > 20 ng/mL. These two groups were well-balanced regarding vitamin D confounding variables: age (p = 0.100), ethnicity (p = 1.000), BMI (p = 0.911), season (p = 0.502), frequency of vitamin D supplementation (p = 0.587), creatinine (p = 0.751), renal involvement (p = 0.597), fat mass (p = 0.764), lean mass (p = 0.549), previous/current use of glucocorticoids(GC) (p = 1.0), immunosuppressors (p = 0.765), and mean current daily dose of GC (p = 0.345). Patients with vitamin D deficiency had higher SLEDAI (3.35 +/- 4.35 vs 1.00 +/- 2.48, p = 0.018), lower C4 levels (12.79 +/- 6.78 vs 18.38 +/- 12.24 mg/dL, p = 0.038), lower spine BMD (0.798 +/- 0.148 vs 0.880 +/- 0.127 g/cm2, p = 0.037) and whole body BMD (0.962 +/- 0.109 vs 1.027 +/- 0.098 g/cm2, p = 0.024). Conclusion: JoSLE vitamin D deficiency, in spite of conventional vitamin D supplementation, affects bone and disease activity status independent of therapy and fat mass reinforcing the recommendation to achieve adequate levels. Lupus (2012) 21, 1335-1342.

L-arginine, a nitric oxide precursor, reduces dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia in rats

Dapsone use is frequently associated to hematological side effects such as methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia, which are related to N-hydroxylation mediated by the P450 enzyme system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of L-arginine supplementation, a precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide, as single or multiple dose regimens on dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia. Male Wistar rats were treated with L-arginine at 5, 15, 30, 60 and 180 mg/kg doses (p.o., gavage) in single or multiple dose regimens 2 hours prior to dapsone administration (40 mg/kg, i.p.). The effect of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME was investigated by treatment with multiple doses of 30 mg/kg (p.o., gavage) 2 hours before dapsone administration. Blood samples were collected 2 hours after dapsone administration. Erythrocytic methemoglobin levels were assayed by spectrophotometry. The results showed that multiple dose supplementations with 5 and 15 mg/kg L-arginine reduced dapsone-induced methemoglobin levels. This effect is mediated by nitric oxide formation, since the reduction in methemoglobin levels by L-arginine is blocked by simultaneous administration with L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor.

Silent Ureteral Stones: Impact on Kidney Function-Can Treatment of Silent Ureteral Stones Preserve Kidney Function?

OBJECTIVE To report our experience with silent ureteral stones and expose their true influence on renal function. METHODS We analyzed 506 patients who had undergone ureterolithotripsy from January 2005 to May 2010. Silent ureteral stones were calculi found in the absence of any specific or subjective ureteral stone-related symptoms. Of the 506 patients, 27 (5.3%) met these criteria (global cohort). All patients were assessed postoperatively with dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy (DMSA). A difference in relative kidney function of >10% was considered abnormal. Pre- and postoperative comparative DMSA analyses were electively obtained for 9 patients (kidney function cohort). A t test was used to assess the numeric variables, and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. Two-tailed P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Stones were diagnosed by radiologic abdominal evaluation for nonurologic diseases in 40% and after previous nephrolithiasis treatment in 33%. The primary therapy was ureterolithotripsy in 88%. The mean follow-up time was 23 months. The overall ureteral stone-free rate after 1 and 2 procedures was 96% and 100%, respectively. In the global cohort, the mean pre- and postoperative serum creatinine levels were similar (P = .39), and the mean postoperative function on DMSA was 31%. In the kidney function cohort, no difference was found between the pre-and postoperative DMSA findings (22% +/- 12.1% vs 20% +/- 11.8%; P = .83) and serum creatinine (0.8 +/- 0.13 mg/dL vs 1.0 +/- 0.21 mg/dL; P = .45). CONCLUSION Silent ureteral stones are associated with decreased kidney function present at the diagnosis. Hydronephrosis tends to diminish after stone removal, and kidney function remains unaltered. UROLOGY 79: 304-309, 2012. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc.

Warfarin doses for anticoagulation therapy in elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE: Anticoagulation is a challenge for the prophylaxis of thromboembolic events in elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Stable anticoagulation is defined as the time within > 70% of the therapeutic range. However, the dosage required to achieve stable anticoagulation remains unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the warfarin dose necessary for the maintenance of stable oral anticoagulation therapy in elderly patients. METHODS: We analyzed 112 consecutive outpatients with atrial fibrillation who were >= 65 years of age, had received anticoagulation therapy with warfarin for more than 1 year and had a stable international normalized ratio between 2.0 and 3.0 for >= 6 months. The international normalized ratio was measured in the central laboratory using the traditional method. RESULTS: The patients were stratified according to the following age groups:,75 or >= 75 years and <80 or >= 80 years. The mean daily doses of warfarin were similar for patients, <75 or >= 75 years (3.34 +/- 1.71 versus 3.26 +/- 1.27 mg/day, p = 0.794) and <80 or >= 80 years (3.36 +/- 1.49 versus 3.15 +/- 1.23 mg/day, p = 0.433). In 88 (79%) patients, the daily warfarin dose was between 2 and 5 mg/day; in 13 (11%) patients, the daily warfarin dose was,2.0 mg/day; and in 11 (10%) patients, the daily warfarin dose was >5.0 mg/day. The correlation between the daily warfarin dose and the international normalized ratio was 0.22 (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Stable anticoagulation was achieved in 80% of patients who received doses of 2 to 5 mg/day of warfarin, and the mean daily dose was similar across the age groups analyzed.

Cannabinoid CB1 receptor mediates glucocorticoid effects on hormone secretion induced by volume and osmotic changes

1. The present study provides the first in vivo evidence that the cannabinoid CB1 receptor mediates the effects of dexamethasone on hormone release induced by changes in circulating volume and osmolality. Male adult rats were administered with the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant (10 mg/Kg, p.o.), followed or not in 1 hour by dexamethasone (1 mg/Kg, i.p.). Extracellular volume expansion (EVE, 2 mL/100 g of body weight, i.v.) was performed 2 hours after dexamethasone or vehicle treatment using either isotonic (I-EVE, 0.15 mol/L) or hypertonic (H-EVE, 0.30 mol/L) NaCl solution. Five minutes after EVE, animals were decapitated and trunk blood was collected for all plasma measurements. 2. Rimonabant potentiated oxytocin (OT) secretion induced by H-EVE and completely reversed the inhibitory effects of dexamethasone in response to the same stimulus. These data suggest that glucocorticoid modulation of OT release is mediated by the CB1 receptor. 3. Although dexamethasone did not affect vasopressin (AVP) secretion induced by H-EVE, the administration of rimonabant potentiated AVP release in response to the same stimulus, supporting the hypothesis that the CB1 receptor regulates AVP secretion independently of glucocorticoid-mediated signalling. 4. Dexamethasone alone did not affect atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) release stimulated by I-EVE or H-EVE. However, pretreatment with rimonabant potentiated ANP secretion induced by H-EVE, suggesting a possible role for the CB1 receptor in the control of peripheral factors that modulate cardiovascular function. 5. Rimonabant also reversed the inhibitory effects of dexamethasone on H-EVE-induced corticosterone secretion, reinforcing the hypothesis that the CB1 receptor may be involved in the negative feedback exerted by glucocorticoids on the activity of the hypothalamicpituitaryadrenal axis. 6. Collectively, the results of the present study indicate that the CB1 receptor modulates neurohypophyseal hormone secretion and systemic factors, such as corticosterone and ANP, thus participating in homeostatic responses to altered extracellular volume and plasma tonicity.

Hydroxychloroquine reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in systemic lupus erythematosus: a longitudinal evaluation of the lipid-lowering effect

The influence of antimalarials on lipids in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been identified in several studies but not in many prospective cohorts. The aim of this study was to longitudinally determine the effect of antimalarials on the lipoprotein profile in SLE. Patients and methods: Fasting total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) plasma levels were determined at entry and after 3 months of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment in a longitudinal evaluation of 24 patients with SLE. Results: a significant decrease in TC (198 +/- 33.7 vs. 183 +/- 30.3 mg/dl, p = 0.023) and LDL levels (117 +/- 31.3 vs. 101 +/- 26.2 mg/dl, p = 0.023) were detected after the 3 months of HCQ therapy. The reduction of 7.6% in TC (p = 0.055) and 13.7% in LDL levels (p = 0.036) determined a significant decrease in the frequency of dyslipidemia (26% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.013) after HCQ therapy. Conclusion: This longitudinal study demonstrated the beneficial effect of antimalarials on lipids in SLE since this therapy induced a reduction of atherogenic lipoproteins. Lupus (2012) 21, 1178-1182.

Increased TLR2 expression in patients with type 1 diabetes: evidenced risk of microalbuminuria

Objective: To study the activation of an inflammatory cascade through leukocyte mRNA expression of TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in individuals with childhood onset type 1 diabetes. Design and methods: Seventy-six type 1 diabetic patients and 100 normoglycemic subjects (NG) 6 to 20 years old were recruited. Type 1 diabetic patients (DM1) were considered to have good (DM1G) or poor (DM1P) glycemic control according to the values of glycated hemoglobin. TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA expressions were measured in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Urea, creatinine, albumin, and total protein serum levels were determined. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) was calculated. Results: DM1 and DM1P patients showed higher glycated hemoglobin (10 and 11%, respectively) and serum glucose concentrations (208 and 226 mg/ dL, respectively) compared to NG (Glycated hemoglobin: 7% and glucose: 76 mg/ dL) (p < 0.05). PBL mRNA expressions of TLR2, MyD88, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were higher in DM1 and TLR2, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 expressions were higher in DMP1 compared to NG (p < 0.05). In DM1, serum albumin and total protein were lower, while serum urea and ACR were higher in comparison to NG (p < 0.05). However, these differences compared to NG were more pronounced in DM1P, which included nine individuals with microalbuminuria. Conclusions: Increased mRNA expression of TLR2, MyD88, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in leukocytes of patients with childhood onset type 1 diabetes indicates the development of a TLR2-mediated pro-inflammatory process, which may also be associated with an early inflammatory process in the kidney and the occurrence of microalbuminuria.

Acute ethanol intake induces superoxide anion generation and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in rat aorta: A role for angiotensin type 1 receptor

Ethanol intake is associated with increase in blood pressure, through unknown mechanisms. We hypothesized that acute ethanol intake enhances vascular oxidative stress and induces vascular dysfunction through renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation. Ethanol (1 g/kg; p.o. gavage) effects were assessed within 30 min in male Wistar rats. The transient decrease in blood pressure induced by ethanol was not affected by the previous administration of losartan (10 mg/kg; p.o. gavage), a selective ATI receptor antagonist. Acute ethanol intake increased plasma renin activity (PRA), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, plasma angiotensin I (ANG I) and angiotensin II (ANG II) levels. Ethanol induced systemic and vascular oxidative stress, evidenced by increased plasma thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS) levels, NAD(P) H oxidase-mediated vascular generation of superoxide anion and p47phox translocation (cytosol to membrane). These effects were prevented by losartan. Isolated aortas from ethanol-treated rats displayed increased p38MAPK and SAPK/JNK phosphorylation. Losartan inhibited ethanol-induced increase in the phosphorylation of these kinases. Ethanol intake decreased acetylcholine-induced relaxation and increased phenylephrine-induced contraction in endothelium-intact aortas. Ethanol significantly decreased plasma and aortic nitrate levels. These changes in vascular reactivity and in the end product of endogenous nitric oxide metabolism were not affected by losartan. Our study provides novel evidence that acute ethanol intake stimulates RAS activity and induces vascular oxidative stress and redox-signaling activation through AT(1)-dependent mechanisms. These findings highlight the importance of RAS in acute ethanol-induced oxidative damage. (c) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vitamin E and Carnitine suplementation effects on blood glucose levels in young rats submitted to exhaustive exercise stress

Background: In this study we evaluated the effects of carnitine and vitamin E supplementation on blood glucose levels in young rats submitted to exhaustive exercise stress. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into four groups: 1) control group; 2) exercise stress group; 3) exercise stress + Vitamin E and; 4) exercise stress + carnitine group. Rats from the group 3 and 4 were treated with gavage administration of 1 mL of Vitamin E (5mg/kg) and carnitine (5mg/kg) for seven consecutive days. Animals from groups 2, 3 and 4 were submitted to a bout of swimming exhaustive exercise stress. We analyzed blood glucose levels after exercise stress. Results: Blood glucose levels after exercise stress were significantly increased in the groups treated with Vitamine E and carnitine (control group: 98.7 +/- 9mg/dL vs. stress group: 84.2 +/- 11 mg/dL vs. carnitine + stress group: 147.4 +/- 15 mg/dL vs. vintamin E + stress: 158.3 +/- 7 mg/dL; p<0.0001). Conclusion: Vitamin E and carnitine supplementation attenuate the hypoglycemia induced by exercise in young rats submitted to exhaustive exercise stress.

Is zinc-alpha 2-glycoprotein a cardiovascular protective factor for patients undergoing hemodialysis?

Background: Zinc-alpha 2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is a lipid mobilizing factor. Its anti-inflammatory action and expression pattern suggest that ZAG could act by protecting against the obesity-associated disorders. In hemodialysis (HD) patients, ZAG levels were described to be elevated but its effects on markers of inflammation and LDL oxidation are still unclear. We investigated the relationship between ZAG and markers of systemic inflammation and LDL atherogenic modification profile in HD patients. Methods: Forty-three patients regularly on HD were studied and compared to 20 healthy subjects. Plasma ZAG, adiponectin, electronegative LDL [LDL(-)], an atherosclerotic negatively charged LDL subtraction, and anti-LDL(-) autoantibodies levels were measured by ELISA. Markers of inflammation and atherogenic cell recruitment (TNF-alpha, interleukin-6, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MCP-1 and PAI-1) were also determined. Results: Inflammatory markers and atherogenic cell recruitment were higher in HD patients when compared to healthy subjects. ZAG levels were also higher in HD patients (151.5 +/- 50.1 mg/l vs 54.6 +/- 23.0 mg/l; p<0.0001) and its levels were negatively correlated with TNF-alpha (r= -0.39; p = 0.001) and VCAM-1 (r= -0.52; p<0.0001) and, positively correlated with anti-LDL(-) autoantibodies (r = 038; p = 0.016). On multivariate analyses, plasma ZAG levels were independently associated with VCAM-1 (p = 0.01). Conclusion: ZAG is inversely associated with markers of pro-atherogenic factors linked to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Thus, this adipokine may constitute a novel marker of a favorable metabolic profile regarding cardiovascular risk factors in HD population. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inhibiting effect of Dorstenia asaroides extracts on cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Dorstenia asaroides extracts on cariogenic properties of the most cariogenic bacteria, Streptococcus mutans. Hexane (HFr), ethyl-acetate (EFr) and chloroform (CFr) extracts obtained from D. asaroides rhizomes were submitted to chemical analyses, Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC), glycolysis assay and S. mutans 12-h-old initial biofilms. Chemical characterization showed that all the extracts present furanocoumarins. The MIC values were 80 (HFr and CFr) and 50 mu g/mL (EFr). Acid production by S. mutans cells was significantly disrupted by HFr (12.5 mg/mL), EFr (at 2.5; 6.25 and 12.5 mg/mL) and CFr (at 2.5, 6.25 and 12.5 mg/mL) (p < 0.01). Topical applications of HFr, EFr and CFr significantly reduced the colony forming units of S. mutans biofilms compared with those treated with control group in order to 20,30 and 25% respectively (p < 0.01). The results of the present study suggest that rhizomes of D. asaroides had inhibitory effects on cariogenic properties of S. mutans. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Strength training improves plasma parameters, body composition and liver morphology in ovariectomized rats

Objective. - The aim of this study was to identify the effects of strength training on plasma parameters, body composition and the liver of ovariectomized rats. Methods. - Wistar sedentary (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX), and ovariectomized trained rats (strength training [OVX-EXE]) of 85% of one maximal repetition (1 RM), three times per week, for 10 weeks, were used on this study. We monitored the body weight and visceral (uterine, mesenteric and retroperitoneal) and subcutaneous adiposity, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, blood glucose and liver morphology to identify the presence of macrovesicular steotosis (haematoxylin and eosin staining). Results. - We observed that strength training changed body weight (SHAM 293.0 +/- 14.5 g; OVX 342.6 +/- 10.8 g; OVX-EXE 317.7 +/- 11.9 g, P < 0.05), visceral and subcutaneous adiposity, glucose (SHAM 111.2 +/- 10.0 mg/dL; OVX 147.4 +/- 18.8 mg/dL; OVX-EXE 118.5 +/- 2.2 mg/dL, P < 0.05), increased HDL (SHAM 82.7 +/- 1.4 mg/dL; OVX 64.6 +/- 2.8 mg/dL; OVX-EXE 91.4 +/- 2.6 mg/dL, P < 0.05) and reduced macrovesicular steatosis in liver tissue. Conclusions. - Considering the data obtained in this research, we emphasise the use of strength exercise training as a therapeutic means to combat or control the metabolic disturbances associated with menopause, including adiposity, and adverse changes in blood glucose, blood HDL and macrovesicular steatosis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A comparison of non-HDL and LDL cholesterol goal attainment in a large, multinational patient population: The Lipid Treatment Assessment Project 2

Objective: This study evaluated the success in attaining non-HDL-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) goals in the multinational L-TAP 2 study. Methods: 9955 patients >= 20 years of age with dyslipidemia on stable lipid-lowering therapy were enrolled from nine countries. Results: Success rates for non-HDL-C goals were 86% in low, 70% in moderate, and 52% in high-risk patients (63% overall). In patients with triglycerides of >200 mg/dL success rates for non-HDL-C goals were 35% vs. 69% in those with <= 200 mg/dL (p < 0.0001). Among patients attaining their LDL-C goal, 18% did not attain their non-HDL-C goal. In those with coronary disease and at least two risk factors, only 34% and 30% attained respectively their non-HDL-C and LDL-C goals. Rates of failure in attaining both LDL-C and non-HDL-C goals were highest in Latin America. Conclusions: Non-HDL-C goal attainment lagged behind LDL-C goal attainment; this gap was greatest in higher-risk patients. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Calcium and magnesium status is not impaired in pregnant women

Deficiencies in calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are associated with various complications during pregnancy. To test the hypothesis that the status of these minerals is inadequate in pregnancy, a cross-sectional study was conducted of the dietary intake and status of Ca and Mg in pregnant women (n = 50) attending a general public university hospital in Brazil. Dietary intake was assessed from 4-day food records; levels of plasma Mg, erythrocyte Mg, and urinary Ca and Mg excretion were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy; and type I collagen C-telopeptides were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Probabilities of inadequate Ca and Mg intake were exhibited by 58 and 98% of the study population, respectively. The mean levels of urinary Ca and Mg excretion were 8.55 and 3.77 mmol/L, respectively. Plasma C-telopeptides, plasma Mg, and erythrocyte Mg were within normal levels. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed positive relationships among urinary Ca excretion, Ca intake (P = .002) and urinary Mg excretion (P < .001) and between erythrocyte Mg and Mg intake (P = .023). It is concluded that the Ca and Mg status of participants was adequate even though the intake of Ca and Mg was lower than the recommended level. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.