Analysis of testosterone pulsatility in women with ovulatory menstrual cycles

Objetivo: Avaliar o padrão pulsátil da secreção da testosterona em mulheres normais. Métodos: Oito mulheres saudáveis com ciclos ovulatórios foram selecionadas. Amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas a cada dez minutos durante seis horas, começando entre 7 e 8 h da manhã, após dez horas de jejum, nas três fases do ciclo menstrual: folicular média (Dia 7), folicular tardia (Dia 12) e lútea (Dia 21). Foram mensurados: testosterona, LH e, no basal, também SHBG. Resultados: A frequência dos pulsos de testosterona, média da amplitude do pulso, porcentagem do incremento da amplitude, duração e intervalos dos pulsos foram similares nas três fases (p > 0,05). A pulsatilidade do LH foi estatisticamente diferente entre as três fases (p < 0,001), caracterizando padrão característico do ciclo ovulatório normal. Conclusões: Esses dados aumentam o conhecimento sobre o padrão de secreção da testosterona no ciclo menstrual humano e representam uma contribuição para a investigação clínica, tanto no hiperandrogenismo como na síndrome de insuficiência androgênica __________________________________________________ ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the pattern of the pulsatile secretion of testosterone in normal menstrual cycle. Methods: Eight healthy women with ovulatory menstrual cycles were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at ten-minute intervals for six hours, starting between 7 and 8 am, after a ten-hour fasting, in three phases: mid-follicular (Day 7), late follicular (Day 12) and mid-luteal phase (Day 21). Samples were assayed for testosterone, LH and the baseline also for SHBG. Results: Testosterone pulse frequency, mean amplitude pulse, percentage of increment in pulse amplitude, mean duration of pulses and pulse interval were similar in the three phases. LH pulsatility was statistically different among the three phases (p < 0.001) representing normal ovulatory cycles. Conclusions: These data increase the knowledge about the testosterone secretion profile in the human menstrual cycle and can be used as a contribution to clinical investigation in both hyperandrogenism and androgen insufficiency syndrome

Síndromes de polinização ocorrentes em uma área de Mata Atlântica, Paraíba, Brasil

ARAUJO, Afranio Cesar de et al. Síndromes de polinização ocorrentes em uma área de Mata Atlântica, Paraíba, Brasil. Biotemas, Florianopolis, v. 4, n. 22, p.83-94, dez. 2009. Disponível em: . Acesso em: 04 out. 2010.

Aspectos estruturais, farmacológicos e biológicos de fucanas da alga marrom sargassum vulgare

The present study examines the chemical composition and their effects on free radicals, inflammation, angiogenesis, coagulation, VEGF effects and cellular proliferation of a polysaccharides from alga Sargassum vulgare. The sulfated polysaccharide was extracted from brown seaweed by proteolysis with enzymes maxataze. The presence of proteins and sugars were observed in crude polysaccharides. Fractionation of this crude extract was made with growing concentration of acetone (0.3-1.5 v) and produced four groups of polysaccharides. Anionic polysaccharides from brown seaweed Sargassum vulgare, SV1and PSV1 were fractionated (SV1) and purified (PSV1), and displayed with high total sugars and sulfate content and very low level of protein. This fucan SV1 contains low levels of protein and high carbohydrate and sulfate content. This polysaccharides prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) at 50 μg (>240 s). SV1 was found to have no effect on prothrombin time (PT), corresponding to the extrinsic pathway of coagulation. SV1 exhibits high antithrombotic action in vivo, with a concentration ten times higher than heparin. Polysaccharides from S. vulgare promoted direct inhibition enzymatic activity of thrombin and stimulated enzymatic activity of FXa. SV1 showed optimal inhibitory activity of thrombin (50.2±0.28%) at a concentration of 25 μg/mL. Its antioxidant action on scavenging radicals by DPPH was (22%), indicating the polymer has no cytotoxic action (hemolytic) on ABO and Rh blood types in different erythrocyte groups and displays strong anti-inflammatory action on all concentrations tested in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, demonstrated by reduced edema and cellular infiltration. Angiogenesis is a dynamic process of proliferation and differentiation. It requires endothelial proliferation, migration, and tube formation. In this context, endothelial cells are a preferred target for several studies and therapies. The antiangiogenic efficacy of polysaccharides was examined in vivo in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model by using fertilized eggs. Decreases in the density of the capillaries were assessed and scored. The results showed that SV1 and PSV1 have an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis. These results were also confirmed by inhibition tubulogenesis in rabbit aorta endothelial cell (RAEC) in matrigel. These compounds were assessed in Apoptosis assay (Annexin V - FITC / PI) and cell viability by MTT assay of RAEC. These polysaccharides do not affect the viability and do not have apoptotic or necrotic action. RAEC cell when incubated with SV1 and PSV1showed inhibition of VEGF secretion, observed when compounds were incubated at 25, 50 and 100 μg/μL. The VEGF secretion with the RAEC cell line for 24 h, was more effective for PSV1 at 50 μg/μL(71.4%) than SV1 100 μg/μL (75.9%). SV1 and PSV1 had an antiproliferative action (47%) against tumor cell line HeLa. Our results indicate that these sulfated polysaccharides have antiangiogenic and antitumoral actions

Um novo inibidor de tripsina multifuncional de sementes de Erythrina velutina: caracterizacao e propriedades farmacologicas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Efeito sacietogênico de um novo inibidor de tripsina da paçoca do amendoim com aumento plasmático de colecistocinina (cck)

Obesity is increasing, reaching epidemic levels in many regions of the world. Studies have shown that consumption of peanuts influences on weight control and this influence may be due to the action of trypsin inhibitors sacietogênica that condition increased plasma colescistocinina (CCK). Moreover, the peanut has other health benefits, and these assignments are guaranteed to increase their production and consumption of several of its products, including the paçoca peanut. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of a trypsin inhibitor in paçoca peanut and evaluate its effect on food intake, weight gain and histomorphological changes in swiss mice (n = 8) and Wistar rats (n = 6). Experimental diets were prepared based on the AIN-93G and supplemented with tack or peanut trypsin inhibitor partially purified paçoca peanut (AHTI). After each treatment, the animals were anesthetized and euthanized, their bloods were collected by cardiac puncture for the determination of CCK and other biochemical parameters (glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and albumin) and their pancreas removed for histologic and morphometric analysis. The supplementation with paçoca peanut and the AHTI showed a decrease of body weight gain and food intake in both mice and rats, due to the satiety, since the animals showed no evidence of impairment of nutritional status conditioned by consumption the AHTI. There were also observed biochemical or morphological important when compared with controls. However, AHTI led to increased secretion of CCK, a peptide sacietogênico. Thus, these results indicate that AHTI present in paçoca peanut, is able to enhance the secretion of plasma CCK and thereby reduce the weight gain associated with lower food intake of experimenta animals

Análise proteômica de Chromobacterium violaceum: acúmulo estacionário e diferencial após exposição à luz UVC

Chromobacterium violaceum is a free-living bacillus, Gram-negative commonly found in water and sand of tropical and subtropical regions. One of its main characteristic it's the ability to produce the purple pigment named violacein, that shows countless biological activities. In 2003, the genome of this organism was totally sequenced and revealed important informations about the physiology of this bacteria. However, few post-genomics studies had been accomplished. This work evaluated the protein profile of C. violaceum cultivated in LB medium at 28ºC that allowed the identification and characterization of proteins related to a possible secretion system that wasn't identified and characterized yet in C. violaceum, to the quorum sensing system, to regulatory process of transcription and translation, stress adaptation and biotechnological potential. Moreover, the response of the bacteria to UVC radiation was evaluated. The comparison of the protein profile, analyzed through 2-D electrophoresis, of the control group versus the treatment group allowed the identification of 52 proteins that arose after stress induction. The obtained results enable the elaboration of a stress response pathway in C. violaceum generated by the UVC light. This pathway, that seems to be a general stress response, involves the expression of proteins related to cellular division, purine and pirimidine metabolism, heat chock or chaperones, energy supply, regulation of biofilm formation, transport, regulation of lytic cycle of bacteriophages, besides proteins that show undefined function. Despite the response present similarities with the classic SOS response of E. coli, we still cannot assert that C. violaceum shows a SOS-like response, mainly due to the absence of characterization of a LexA-like protein in this organism

Estretégias de acasalamento e qualidade do espermatóforo em heliconius (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae)

Butterflies are insects known, in a variety of environments and for easy visual identification. The adult form may be frequently found in flowers looking for nectar. However, for many species of Heliconius (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) to visit the flower also represents the collecting of pollen, an important source of protein for adults. The protein obtained from the pollen allows the maintenance of physiological processes that increase the performance of the individual, promoting greater longevity and egg production. For males, proteins can also be part in your investment in reproductive success and fitness of offspring through a nutritional contribution that is transferred to the female in the act of mating as a nuptial present. It is known that this protein contains essential to the performance of the female oviposition, however the proportion of content and specific importance to the monogamous and polygamous species is not known yet. Whereas the species studied in this work have different patterns of mating in the strategy was to verify a significant difference in the quality of the spermatophore, and H. erato and H. melpomene, on the amount of protein present in this structure, indicating a difference in investment between the male reproductive strategies

Efeito positivo da suplementação de zinco no crscimeto, GH, IGF-1 E IGFBP-3 em crianças eutróficas

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Aspectos de patogenicidade e relacionamento genético de isolados clínicos vaginas e anais de Candida albicans oriundos de pacientes com candidíase vulvovaginal

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most common causes of vaginitis and affects about 75% of women of reproductive age. The majority of cases (80 to 90%) are due to C. albicans, the most virulent species of the genus Candida. Virulence attributes are scarcely investigated and the source of infection remains uncertain. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the virulence factors and genotypes of clinical isolates of C. albicans sequentially obtained from the anus and vagina of patients with sporadic and recurrent VVC. Materials and methods: We analyzed 62 clinical isolates of C. albicans (36 vaginal and 26 anal strains). Direct examination of vaginal and anal samples and colony forming units (CFU) counts were performed. Yeasts were identified using the chromogenic media CHROMagar Candida® and by classical methodology, and phenotypically characterized regarding to virulence factors, including the ability to adhere to epithelial cells, proteinase activity, morphogenesis and biofilm formation. The genotypes of the strains were investigated with ABC genotyping, microsatellite genotyping with primer M13 and RAPD. Results: We found 100% agreement between direct examination and culture of vaginal samples. Filamentous forms were present in most of the samples of vaginal secretion, which presented CFU counts significantly higher than the samples of anal secretion. There was no statistically significant difference between virulence factors of infecting vaginal isolates and those presented by colonizing anal isolates; as well as for the comparison of the vaginal isolates from patients with different clinical conditions (sporadic or recurrent VVC). There was a decrease in the ability to adhere to HBEC, morphogenesis and biofilm formation of the vaginal isolates during the progress of infection. There was an association between the ability to express different virulence factors and the clinical manifestations presented by the patients. Genotype A was the most prevalent (93.6%), followed by genotype C (6.4%). We found maintenance of the same ABC genotype and greater prevalence of microevolution for the vaginal strains of C. albicans sequentially obtained. Vaginal and anal isolates of C. albicans obtained simultaneously from the same patient presented the same ABC genotype and high genetic relatedness. Conclusion: It is noteworthy that the proliferation of yeast and bud-to-hypha transition are important for the establishment of CVV. The expression of virulence factors is important for the pathogenesis of VVC, although it does not seem to be determinant in the transition from colonization to infection or to the installation of recurrent condition. Genotype A seems to be dominant over the others in both vaginal and anal isolates of patients with VVC. The most common scenario was microevolution of the strains of C. albicans in the vaginal environment. It is suggested that the anal reservoir constituted a possible source of vaginal infection, in most cases assessed

Obtenção de insumo farmacêutico a partir das folhas de Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl e seu efeito sobre mediadores inflamatórios relevantes para a asma

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Expressão Imuno-histoquímica de COX-2, EMMPRIN, HIF-1α e GLUT-1 no tecido gengival normal e inflamado

The aim of this study was determine whether an association exists in the gum tissue between the expression of markers of tissue hypoxia (HIF-1α and GLUT-1) with a marker of inflammatory activity (COX-2) and a marker of collagen degradation (EMMPRIN). Was performed immunohistochemistry with antibodies specific for these markers on 60 samples of gingival tissue divided into two groups: gums (n = 26) and gingivitis (n = 34) and expression was analyzed in the epithelial tissue and connective tissue . The reactivity epithelial for COX-2 was observed in only two cases as the HIF-1α, GLUT-1 and EMMPRIN was strongly expressed in the epithelial basal layer and the immunostaining was gradually decreased as the cells away from this layer, and negative in the region suprabasal in most specimens. In connective tissue, and HIF-1α EMMPRIN were strongly positive for most cases analyzed as GLUT-1 was negative in most cases. Immunostaining for COX-2 showed an association with gingival inflammatory infiltrate. The expression of EMMPRIN, HIF-1α and GLUT-1 in normal gums confirms the physiological role of these markers, however there was no association with tissue inflammation. Given the findings we can conclude that the inflammatory changes installed in frames of chronic gingivitis may not be sufficient to activate the factors of hypoxia to levels that can be quantified by immunohistochemical analysis, in addition, the findings are not conclusive in relationship to involvement of EMMPRIN in the secretion of MMPs to degrade collagen in the frames of gingivitis. We suggest the use of technical analysis and quantification of RNA of EMMPRIN and MMPs in order to determine whether collagen degradation observed in gingivitis suffers or not, significant influence of EMMPRIN for secretion and activation of MMPs

Caracterização comportamental endócrina das fases ontogenéticas de sagüi comum (Callithrix jacchus)

The use of animal models in biomedical research is ever increasing. Models that use primates might also have advantages in terms of low maintenance costs and availability of biological knowledge, thereby favoring their use in different experimental protocols. Many current stress studies use animal models at different developmental stages since biological response differs during ontogeny. The aims of this study were to perform a detailed characterization of the developmental stages of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), a very important animal model used in biomedical research. Ten subjects, 6 females and 4 males, were followed from birth to initial adult age (16 months). Behavioral and fecal collection for measurement of adrenal (cortisol) and sex (progesterone, estradiol and androgens) hormones took place twice a week during the first month of life and once a week for the remainder of the study. Behavior was observed for 30 minutes in the morning (0700-09:00h) and afternoon (12:00-14:00h). Behavioral profile showed changes during ontogeny, characterizing the 4 developmental stages and the respective phases proposed by Leão et al (2009).. Differentiation of developmental stages was considered using the onset, end, change and stabilization of the behavioral profile parental care (weaning and carrying), ingestion (solid food), affiliation (social grooming) and autogrooming, agonism (scent marking and piloerection) and play behavior and endocrine profile. Infant weaning and carrying terminated within the infantile stage and the peak of solid food ingestion was recorded in the infantile III phase. Receiving grooming was recorded earlier than grooming performed by the infant and autogrooming. The first episode of scent marking was recorded in the 4th week and it was the least variable behavior, in terms of its onset, which, in almost all animals, was between the 5th and 7th week of life. Solitary play and play with the twin started around the 7th week and play with other members of the group started 8 weeks later. Sex hormone secretion started to differ from basal levels between the 21st and 23rd week of life, in males and females, suggesting that puberty occurs simultaneously in both sexes. Basal cortisol, even at an early age, was higher in females than in males. However, cortisol was not correlated with the juvenile stage, as expected, since this stage corresponds to the transition between infancy and adult age and most behaviors are intensified by this time. The behavioral and endocrine profile of subadult animals did not differ from that of the adults. These results provide more detailed parameters for the developmental process of C. jacchus and open new perspectives for the use of experimental approaches focused on the intermediate ontogenetic phases of this species

Perfil hormonal anual de machos e fêmeas adultos de saguis (callithrix jacchus)

Many behavioral and biological variables of animals are expressed in the form of biological rhytms, down by the Circadian Timing System, that synchronize them with the environment from external stimuli such as light. One of them is the secretion profile of most circulating hormones regulated by the hypothalamuspirtuitary axis, which controls functions essential for the survival and reproduction of organisms. The sagüi, Callithrix jacchus, one of the most studied species about their endocrine physiology, is an appropriate subject for evaluating the profile of plasma prolactin and cortisol of adult males and females born in captivity throughout the year. Three male and two adult femelas were housed individually and subjected to natural environmental conditions over two years. Blood samples were used to measure the circulating levels of both hormones by methods radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunoassay (ELISA), respectively. The analysis during the year of the plasmatic values of both hormones test was performed by ANOVA for repeated measures, the correlation of Spearman, and the test of Friedman and Student's t-test. The levels of prolactin in plasma were higher during the months in which there is a greater incidence of births of baby in the colony, possibly serving for modulating the expression of the behavior of parental care in both sexes. The plasma cortisol showed a lift in anticipation of the station with the highest birth rate and may be associated with the preparation of individual participation in caring for the baby, and also with the establishment of emotional bond between reproductive partners. Thus, this study shows that, despite the variations observed in the environment in which the animals live, plasma levels of prolactin and cortisol vary little throughout the year.

Biossistemática do complexo Cryptanthus zonatus (Vis.) Beer

The taxonomic delimitation at the species level in plants is not an easy task due to the large polymorphism of plants. In this project we aimed to evaluate three morphotypes (forms) of Cryptanthus zonatus (Vis.) Beer ( Bromeliaceae, Bromelioideae ) described in the literature using fl oral biology and phenology, as well as flo ral morphology and leaf anatomy . These studies were conducted in the Parque Estadual das Dunas de Natal, Rio Grande Norte (RN) and Private Reserve of Natural Patrimony Mata Estrela , in the municipality of Ba í a Form osa. The survey of the phenology of the morphotypes involved monthly specimen observation in the field, during one year. In each visit, we observed the status of flowering and fruiting phenophases of the population of the three forms of C. zonatus . For flo ral biology we sought to evaluate data like: observed floral visitors, nectar volume and concentration, time of anthesis and closing of flowers . Flowers of the three fo rms were collected in the field , analyzed by stereomicroscope, and measurements of the f loral pieces were made with the help of a caliper . Transversal and paradermal sections of the leaves of the three forms were stained and then examined under an optical microscope. Observations of the epidermis under scanning electron microscopy were also conducted. The three m orphotypes could not be sepated based on all evidence investigated. Thus, we conclude that there is not evidences to support the recognition of C. zonatus morphotypes as taxonomic entities, and also that the tools of phenology, anatomy, biology and floral morphology were not useful to delimit these three forms . Yet to characterize better the Flora of Bromeli aceae of RN, the leaf anatomy of Orthophytum disjunctum was also studied. Orthophytum is the sister genus to Cryptanthus and only recently documented in the semiarid of RN. The anatomical comparison between Cryptanthus and Orthophytum allowed the separatio n of both genera based on the arrangement of stomata and thickness of aquiferous parênquima . During the fieldwork, it was still possible to document the first occurrence of Aechmea muricata in RN, inside the Mata Estrela preserve, aiding the understanding of the distribution of the taxon that is currently threatened with extinction.

Efeitos da suplementação oral de zinco sobre o crescimento de crianças pré-púberes saudáveis e eutróficas

Introdução: o zinco é um importante micronutriente para numerosos processos bioquímicos em animais e humanos, desempenhando papel de destaque no crescimento e desenvolvimento. Em populações mundiais, a deficiência primária grave de zinco não é comum, embora, a deficiência leve seja bastante prevalente. Considerando que o zinco é essencial para a saúde humana e regula o sistema hipotálamo, hipófise, fígado e osso, buscamos averiguar os seus efeitos no eixo GH-IGF1-IGFBP3 agudamente, mediante administração intravenosa com o elemento zinco, e cronicamente, mediante suplementação oral com o elemento zinco, usando doses fisiológicas de 0.06537 mg Zn/kg (via intravenosa) e 10 mg Zn/dia (via oral). A inclusão de crianças pré-púberes aparentemente saudáveis e eutróficas sem deficiência de zinco é raro na literatura, pois grande parte das publicações foram reportadas em crianças apresentando deficiência de zinco. A metodologia aplicada foi absolutamente inovadora e original, tornando o estudo altamente relevante para a interface entre endocrinologia e nutrição. Objetivo: investigar os efeitos da suplementação oral e administração intravenosa com o elemento zinco sobre a secreção de GH, IGF1, IGFBP3, OCN, ALP, TRAP e PT em crianças aparentemente saudáveis e eutróficas sem deficiência de zinco. Métodos: o estudo foi conduzido durante um período de três meses, e caracterizado por ser randomizado controlado triplo cego. As crianças foram selecionadas por amostragem não probabilística de conveniência, provenientes de escolas públicas municipais, de ambos os gêneros, na faixa etária compreendida entre 8 e 9 anos de idade, divididas em grupo controle (20 crianças recebendo solução placebo contendo 10% de sorbitol) e grupo experimental (20 crianças suplementadas com o elemento zinco na forma de sulfato de zinco heptahidratado – ZnSO4.7H2O). As crianças foram submetidas à suplementação oral de zinco elementar (10 mg Zn/dia) e à administração intravenosa de zinco (0.06537 mg Zn/kg de peso corporal), na forma de ZnSO4.7H2O, cujas amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas em 0, 60, 120, 180 e 210 minutos. Foram realizadas avaliações antropométricas e dietéticas e dosagens bioquímicas e hormonais nas crianças estudadas. Resultados: após a suplementação oral, foi observado no grupo experimental (i) aumento significativo dos valores de ingestão de energia total, proteína e gordura total (p = 0.0007, p< 0.0001, p< 0.0001, respectivamente), (ii) aumento significativo do zinco sérico basal (p< 0.0001), aumento significativo das concentrações plasmáticas de fostatase alcalina (p = 0.0270), e (iv) correlação positiva com o IGF1, IGFBP3, OCN, comparando antes e após a suplementação (p = 0.0011, p< 0.0001, p< 0.0446, respectivamente). Durante a administração venosa de zinco, as concentrações plasmáticas de IGF1 e IGFBP3 aumentaram significativamente no grupo experimental (p = 0.0468, p < 0.0001, respectivamente). Em relação o cálculo da adequação aparente, segundo as DRI, para o cálcio, houve inadequação da dieta com 85% de confiabilidade dos dados; para o ferro, adequação da dieta, com 85% de confiabilidade dos dados. Para o zinco, adequação da dieta, com 50% de confiabilidade dos dados. Conclusões: a suplementação oral com o elemento zinco pode ter estimulado um aumento na ingestão de energia total, proteína e gordura total, assim como, nas concentrações basais de zinco sérico e nas concentrações plasmáticas de fosfatase alcalina. A administração intravenosa de zinco aumentou as concentrações séricas de zinco e as concentrações plasmáticas de GH, IGF1 e IGFBP3 no grupo experimental.