Effect of NF kappa B Inhibition by CAPE on Skeletal Muscle Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Background/Aims. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B) plays important role in the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Caffeic acid phenyl ester (CAPE), a potent NF kappa B inhibitor, exhibits protective effects on I/R injury in some tissues. In this report, the effect of CAPE on skeletal muscle I/R injury in rats was studied. Methods. Wistar rats were submitted to sham operation, 120-min hindlimb ischemia, or 120-min hindlimb ischemia plus saline or CAPE treatment followed by 4-h reperfusion. Gastrocnemius muscle injury was evaluated by serum aminotransferase levels, muscle edema, tissue glutathione and malondialdehyde measurement, and scoring of histological damage. Apoptotic nuclei were determined by a terminal uridine deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Muscle neutrophil and mast cell accumulation were also assessed. Lipoperoxidation products and NF kappa B were evaluated by 4-hydroxynonenal and NF kappa B p65 immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results. Animals submitted to ischemia showed a marked increase in aminotransferases after reperfusion, but with lower levels in the CAPE group. Tissue glutathione levels declined gradually during ischemia to reperfusion, and were partially recovered with CAPE treatment. The histological damage score, muscle edema percentage, tissue malondialdehyde content, apoptosis index, and neutrophil and mast cell infiltration, as well as 4-hydroxynonenal and NF kappa B p65 labeling, were higher in animals submitted to I/R compared with the ischemia group. However, the CAPE treatment significantly reduced all of these alterations. Conclusions. CAPE was able to protect skeletal muscle against I/R, injury in rats. This effect may be associated with the inhibition of the NF kappa B signaling pathway and decrease of the tissue inflammatory response following skeletal muscle I/R. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Radon-domain detection of the nipple and the pectoral muscle in mammograms

In this paper, methods are presented for automatic detection of the nipple and the pectoral muscle edge in mammograms via image processing in the Radon domain. Radon-domain information was used for the detection of straight-line candidates with high gradient. The longest straight-line candidate was used to identify the pectoral muscle edge. The nipple was detected as the convergence point of breast tissue components, indicated by the largest response in the Radon domain. Percentages of false-positive (FP) and false-negative (FN) areas were determined by comparing the areas of the pectoral muscle regions delimited manually by a radiologist and by the proposed method applied to 540 mediolateral-oblique (MLO) mammographic images. The average FP and FN were 8.99% and 9.13%, respectively. In the detection of the nipple, an average error of 7.4 mm was obtained with reference to the nipple as identified by a radiologist on 1,080 mammographic images (540 MLO and 540 craniocaudal views).

Muscle mass gain observed in patients with short bowel syndrome subjected to resistance training

Few studies are available about the evaluation of resistance training in patients with protein-energy malnutrition. To assess the effects of resistance training on the recovery of nutritional status of patients with short bowel syndrome, with a small bowel remnant of less than 100 cm, 9 patients of both sexes with protein-energy malnutrition after extensive resection of the small bowel were submitted to resistance training of progressive intensity consisting of concentric and eccentric work exercises for the upper limbs, trunk, and lower limbs, with the individuality and limitations of each patients being respected. Food consumption was monitored by 24-hour food recall performed during the initial phase of the study, before and 7 and 14 weeks after physical training, and by a dietary record for a period of 3 days of oral feeding. The nutrients administered by the enteral and parenteral route were recorded. A significant increase in total arm area (P <= .01) and fat-free mass (P <= .01) was observed as determined by computed tomography. An increase in total energy ingestion and carbohydrate consumption (P <= .01) was also observed. In addition, the activity of the enzyme carnosinase was increased after resistance training (P <= .01). The present results show that resistance training in patients with short bowel syndrome and protein-energy malnutrition can be considered to be a part of the nonmedicamentous treatment of these patients, leading to better nutrient use and to a gain of lean mass. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Masticatory muscle function three years after surgical correction of class III dentofacial deformity

Individuals with dentofacial deformities have masticatory muscle changes. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of interdisciplinary treatment in patients with dentofacial deformities regarding electromyographic activity (EMG) of masticatory muscles three years after surgical correction. Thirteen patients with class III dentofacial deformities were studied, considered as group PI (before surgery) and group P3 (3 years to 3 years and 8 months after surgery). Fifteen individuals with no changes in facial morphology or dental occlusion were studied as controls. The participants underwent EMG examination of the temporal and masseter muscles during mastication and biting. Evaluation of the amplitude interval of EMG activity revealed a difference between P1 and P3 and no difference between P3 and the control group. In contrast, evaluation of root mean square revealed that, in general, P3 values were higher only when compared with PI and differed from the control group. There was an improvement in the EMG activity of the masticatory muscles, mainly observed in the masseter muscle, with values close to those of the control group in one of the analyses.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Muscular and Pulmonary Function After Bariatric Surgery in Obese Patients

This study seeks to assess the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and endurance in morbidly obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to sham muscular training, or to IMT with a threshold device (40% of maximum inspiratory pressure, MIP), for 30 min/day, from the 2nd until 30th postoperative (PO) day. All of them were submitted to a standard respiratory kinesiotherapy and early deambulation protocol. Data on spirometry, maximum static respiratory pressures, and respiratory muscle endurance were collected on the PO days 2, 7, 14, and 30 in a blinded matter. IMT enabled increases in PO MIP and endurance, and an earlier recovery of the spirometry parameters FEV(1), PEF, and FEF(25-75%). Comparing to preoperative values, MIP was increased by 13% at the 30th PO day in the trained group, whereas control group had a reduction of 8%, with higher values for the IMT group (30th PO, IMT-130.6 +/- 22.9 cmH(2)O; controls-112.9 +/- 25.1 cmH(2)O; p < 0.05). Muscular endurance at the 30th PO day was increased in the trained group comparing to preoperative value (61.5 +/- 39.6 s vs 114.9 +/- 55.2 s; p < 0.05), a finding not observed in the control group (81.7 +/- 44.3 vs 95.2 +/- 42.0 s). IMT improves inspiratory muscle strength and endurance and accounts for an earlier recovery of pulmonary airflows in morbidly obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery.

Masseter muscle thickness three years after surgical correction of class III dentofacial deformity

Objective: To analyse the effect of integrated orthodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery and orofacial myofunctional therapy on masseter muscle thickness in patients with class III dentofacial deformity three years after orthognathic surgery. Design: A longitudinal study was conducted on 13 patients with class III dentofacial deformities, denoted here as group P1 (before surgery) and group P3 (same patients 3 years to 3 years and 8 months after surgery). Fifteen individuals with no changes in facial morphology or dental occlusion were assigned to the control group (CG). Masseter muscle ultrasonography was performed in the resting and biting situations in the three groups. Data were analysed statistically by a mixed-effects linear model considering a level of significance of P < 0.05. Results: Significantly higher values (P < 0.01) of masseter muscle thickness (cm) were detected in group P3 (right rest: 0.82 +/- 0.16, left rest: 0.87 +/- 0.21, right bite: 1 +/- 0.22, left bite: 1.04 +/- 0.28) compared to group P1 (right rest: 0.63 +/- 0.19, left rest: 0.64 +/- 0.15, right bite: 0.87 +/- 0.16, left bite: 0.88 +/- 0.14). Between P3 and CG (right rest: 1.02 +/- 0.19, left rest: 1 +/- 0.19, right bite: 1.18 +/- 0.22, left bite: 1.16 +/- 0.22) there was a significant difference on the right side of the muscle (P < 0.05) in both situations and on the left side at rest. Conclusion: The proposed treatment resulted in improved masseter muscle thickness in patients with class III dentofacial deformity. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bradykinin regulates calpain and proinflammatory signaling through TRPM7-sensitive pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells

Yogi A, Callera GE, Tostes R, Touyz RM. Bradykinin regulates calpain and proinflammatory signaling through TRPM7-sensitive pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 296: R201-R207, 2009. First published September 17, 2008; doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.90602.2008.-Transient receptor potential melastatin-7 (TRPM7) channels have recently been identified to be regulated by vasoactive agents acting through G protein-coupled receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). However, downstream targets and functional responses remain unclear. We investigated the subcellular localization of TRPM7 in VSMCs and questioned the role of TRPM7 in proinflammatory signaling by bradykinin. VSMCs from Wistar-Kyoto rats were studied. Cell fractionation by sucrose gradient and differential centrifugation demonstrated that in bradykinin-stimulated cells, TRPM7 localized in fractions corresponding to caveolae. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy revealed that TRPM7 distributes along the cell membrane, that it has a reticular-type intracellular distribution, and that it colocalizes with flotillin-2, a marker of lipid rafts. Bradykinin increased expression of calpain, a TRPM7 target, and stimulated its cytosol/membrane translocation, an effect blocked by 2-APB (TRPM7 inhibitor) and U-73122 (phospholipase C inhibitor), but not by chelerythrine (PKC inhibitor). Expression of proinflammatory mediators VCAM-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was time-dependently increased by bradykinin. This effect was blocked by Hoe-140 (B(2) receptor blocker) and 2-APB. Our data demonstrate that in bradykinin-stimulated VSMCs: 1) TRPM7 is upregulated, 2) TRPM7 associates with cholesterol-rich microdomains, and 3) calpain and proinflammatory mediators VCAM-1 and COX2 are regulated, in part, via TRPM7- and phospholipase C-dependent pathways through B2 receptors. These findings identify a novel signaling pathway for bradykinin, which involves TRPM7. Such phenomena may play a role in bradykinin/B(2) receptor-mediated inflammatory responses in vascular cells.

Aldosterone and angiotensin II synergistically stimulate migration in vascular smooth muscle cells through c-Src-regulated redox-sensitive RhoA pathways

Objective - Synergistic interactions between aldosterone (Aldo) and angiotensin II (Ang II) have been implicated in vascular inflammation, fibrosis, and remodeling. Molecular mechanisms underlying this are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that c-Src activation, through receptor tyrosine kinase transactivation, is critically involved in synergistic interactions between Aldo and Ang II and that it is upstream of promigratory signaling pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods and Results - VSMCs from WKY rats were studied. At low concentrations (10(-10) mol/L) Aldo and Ang II alone did not influence c-Src activation, whereas in combination they rapidly increased phosphorylation (P<0.01), an effect blocked by eplerenone ( Aldo receptor antagonist) and irbesartan (AT1R blocker). This synergism was attenuated by AG1478 and AG1296 ( inhibitors of EGFR and PDGFR, respectively), but not by AG1024 (IGFR inhibitor). Aldo and Ang II costimulation induced c-Src-dependent activation of NAD(P)H oxidase and c-Src-independent activation of ERK1/2 (P<0.05), without effect on ERK5, p38MAPK, or JNK. Aldo/Ang II synergistically activated RhoA/Rho kinase and VSMC migration, effects blocked by PP2, apocynin, and fasudil, inhibitors of c-Src, NADPH oxidase, and Rho kinase, respectively. Conclusions - Aldo/Ang II synergistically activate c-Src, an immediate signaling response, through EGFR and PDGFR, but not IGFR transactivation. This is associated with activation of redox-regulated RhoA/Rho kinase, which controls VSMC migration. Although Aldo and Ang II interact to stimulate ERK1/2, such effects are c-Src-independent. These findings indicate differential signaling in Aldo-Ang II crosstalk and highlight the importance of c-Src in redox-sensitive RhoA, but not ERK1/2 signaling. Blockade of Aldo/Ang II may be therapeutically useful in vascular remodeling associated with abnormal VSMC migration.

Comparison of pelvic floor muscle strength between women undergoing vaginal delivery, cesarean section, and nulliparae using a perineometer and digital palpation

Objectives. To compare pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength between women undergoing vaginal delivery, cesarean section, and nulliparae, investigating the factors associated with PFM strength, and observing the correlation between vaginal digital palpation and use of a perineometer. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 31 women following vaginal delivery, 30 women following cesarean section, and 30 nulliparous women. PFM strength was measured by vaginal digital palpation and use of a perineometer. Multiple linear regression analysis with adjustment for covariables was used to compare the mean PFM strength and identify its associated factors. Results. The mean PFM strength of women undergoing vaginal delivery and cesarean section was 25.6 +/- 14.5 cmH(2)O and 39.6 +/- 22.0 cmH(2)O (p < 0.01, adjusted for covariables), respectively. A correlation was observed between measurements of PFM strength obtained by vaginal digital palpation and use of a perineometer (tau = 0.82; p < 0.01). The non-white race/ethnicity was negatively associated with PFM strength (coefficient: -10.2424; p = 0.02). Conclusions. A lower PFM strength was observed in women with a history of vaginal delivery compared to those undergoing cesarean section. Non-white race/ethnicity negatively affected PFM strength. Our data suggest that vaginal digital palpation may be used in clinical practice because of its expressive correlation with use of a perineometer.

Morphological comparison of different protocols of skeletal muscle remobilization in rats after hindlimb suspension

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of different remobilization protocols in different skeletal muscles considering the changes induced by hindlimb suspension of the tail. Thirty-six female Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control I, control II, suspended, suspended free, suspended trained on a declined treadmill and suspended trained on a flat treadmill. Fragments of soleus and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle were frozen and processed by different histochemical methods. The suspended soleus showed a significant increase in the proportional number of intermediate/hybrid fibers and a decrease in the number of type I fibers. Some of these changes proved to be reversible after remobilization. The three remobilization programs led to the recovery of both the proportional number of fibers and their size. The TA muscle presented a significant increase in the number and size of type I fibers and a cell size reduction of type IIB fibers, which were recovered after training on a declined treadmill and free movement. Especially regarding the soleus, the present findings indicate that, among the protocols, training on a declined treadmill was found to induce changes of a more regenerative nature, seemingly indicating a better tissue restructuring after the suspension procedure.

Masticatory muscle activity in children with a skeletal or dentoalveolar open bite

Forty-five children (31 boys and 14 girls), aged 6-11 years, were included in the study, 15 with a skeletal anterior open bite (SAOB), 15 with a dentoalveolar anterior open bite (DAOB), and 15 with a normal occlusion (CG), defined by clinical evaluation and lateral cephalograms. EMG recordings of the temporal and masseter muscles were performed under maximal voluntary clenching and during chewing. Analysis of variance was used for inter-group analysis, followed by the Tukey post hoc test. A Student`s t-test for paired data was used for intra-group analysis. There were statistically significant differences among the three groups (P < 0.05), with the mean EMG being highest in the CG and lowest in children with a SAOB. The percentage EMG activity during chewing in relation to that during maximal voluntary clenching was more than 100 per cent in the SAOB group. The CG and DAOB groups presented higher EMG activity during clenching compared with chewing (P < 0.001), as well as a greater difference between tasks. In the SAOB group, the neuromuscular system appeared to have a lower capacity to produce EMG activity according to the task, while that in the DAOB group suggests that their functional capacity during growth should also be carefully observed.

Superior oblique muscle amyloidosis mimicking myositis

A 47-year-old man presented with complaints of progressive diplopia in downgaze and a painful firm mass on the left medial superior canthus. On examination, there was marked hyperemia of the superior bulbar conjunctiva of the left eye. Systemic examination revealed erythematous papules on his trunk and pulmonary infiltrates. CT of the orbits revealed a fusiform enlargement of the left superior oblique muscle and diffuse infiltration of the left temporal region. Biopsy of the left superior oblique muscle and temporal muscle disclosed Congo red deposits that show apple-green birefringence under polarized light. A comprehensive systemic investigation failed to show any disease that could explain the amyloid deposits. The patient was then diagnosed as having primary systemic amyloidosis. We think that this case highlights the necessity of a biopsy in any atypical extraocular muscle enlargement before a diagnosis of myositis.

The ACB technique: a biomagentic tool for monitoring gastrointestinal contraction directly from smooth muscle in dogs

The aim of this paper was to verify whether AC biosusceptometry (ACB) is suitable for monitoring gastrointestinal (GI) contraction directly from smooth muscle in dogs, comparing with electrical recordings simultaneously. All experiments were performed in dogs with magnetic markers implanted under the serosa of the right colon and distal stomach, and their movements were recorded by ACB. Monopolar electrodes were implanted close to the magnetic markers and their electric potentials were recorded by electromyography (EMG). The effects of neostigmine, hyoscine butylbromide and meal on gastric and colonic parameters were studied. The ACB signal from the distal stomach was very similar to EMG; in the colonic recordings, however, within the same low-frequency band, ACB and EMG signals were characterized by simultaneity or a widely changeable frequency profile with time. ACB recordings were capable of demonstrating the changes in gastric and colonic motility determined by pharmacological interventions as well as by feeding. Our results reinforce the importance of evaluating the mechanical and electrical components of motility and show a temporal association between them. ACB and EMG arecomplementary for studying motility, with special emphasis on the colon. ACB offers an accurate method for monitoring in vivo GI motility.

Chronic Ethanol Consumption Induces Cavernosal Smooth Muscle Dysfunction in Rats

OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation in rat cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM). METHODS Male wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: control and ethanol. CSM obtained from both groups were mounted in organ chambers for measurement of isometric tension. Contraction of the strips was induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS, 1-32 Hertz) and phenylephrine. We also evaluated the effect of ethanol consumption on the relaxation induced by acetylcholine (0.01-1000 mu mol L(-1)), sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 0.01-1000 mu mol L(-1)), or EFS (1-32 Hz) in strips precontracted with phenylephrine (10 mu mol L(-1)). Blood ethanol, serum testosterone levels, and basal nitrate generation were determined. Immunoexpression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was also accessed. RESULTS Ethanol intake for 4 weeks significantly increased noradrenergic nerve-mediated contractions of CSM in response to EFS. The endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine decreased after the ethanol treatment. Ethanol consumption decreased serum testosterone levels but did not affect the nitrate levels on rat CSM. The mRNA and protein levels for eNOS and iNOS receptors were increased in CSM from ethanol-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS Ethanol consumption reduces endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine, but does not affect SNP or EFS-induced relaxation, suggesting that ethanol disrupts the endothelial function. Despite the overexpression of eNOS and iNOS in ethanol-treated rats, the impaired relaxation induced by acetylcholine may suggest that chronic ethanol consumption induces endothelial dysfunction. UROLOGY 74: 1250-1256, 2009. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc.