Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Collagen Expression and Neutrophil Infiltrate in 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Oral Mucositis in Hamsters

Background and Objectives: Several studies have suggested that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can ameliorate oral mucositis, however, the mechanisms involved are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of action of LLLT on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis, as related to effects on collagen expression and inflammation Materials and Methods: A hamster cheek pouch model of oral mucositis was used with all animals receiving intraperitoneal 5-fluorouracil, followed by surface irritation. Animals were randomly allocated into three groups, and treated with an InGaAIP diode laser at a wavelength of 660 nm and output power of 35 or 100 mW laser, or no laser Clinical severity of mucositis was assessed at four time-points by a blinded examiner Buccal pouch tissue was harvested from a subgroup of animals in each group at four time-points. Collagen was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated after picrosinus staining. The density of the neutrophil infiltrate was also scored Results: Peak clinical severity of mucositis was reduced in the 35 mW laser group as compared to the 100 mW and control groups The reduced peak clinical severity of mucositis in the 35 mW laser group was accompanied by a decrease in the number of neutrophils and an increase in the proportion of mature collagen as compared to the other two groups. The total quantity of collagen was significantly higher in the control (no laser) group at the day 11 time-point, as compared to the 35 mW laser group, consistent with a more prolonged inflammatory response in the control group. Conclusion: This study supports two mechanisms of action for LLLT in reducing mucositis severity. The increase in collagen organization in response to the 35 mW laser indicates that LLLT promotes wound healing In addition, LLLT also appears to have an anti-inflammatory effect, as evidenced by the reduction in neutrophil infiltrate Lasers Surg Med 42 546-552, 2010. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Light-Emitting Diode Therapy in Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis

Background and Objective: Mucositis is the most common oral complication of cancer chemotherapy, which causes pain on mastication and swallowing, impairs patients` ability to eat and take oral drugs and may determine interruption of the treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of light-emitting diode (LED) therapy on chemotherapy-induced mucositis in hamsters. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Animals of both experimental (Group 1; n = 32) and positive control (Group II; n = 32) groups received intraperitoneal injections of 5-fluorouracil on days 0 and 2. All animals had their right and left cheek pouch irritated by superficial scratching on days 3 and 4. In Group I, LED irradiation (630 nm +/- 10 nm, 160 mW, 12 J/cm(2)) was applied during 37.5 seconds at days 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14. In Group II, mucositis was induced, but LED therapy was not performed. The oral mucosa was photographed from day 4 to 14 at 2-day intervals. Photographs were randomly scored according to the severity of induced mucositis (0 to 5). In the negative control group (Group III; n = 6), no mucositis was induced. Biopsies of the cheek pouches of 8 animals (Group I and Group II) were surgically obtained on days 5, 9, 13 and 15 and processed for histological examination. Results: The statistical analysis showed significant differences between irradiated and non-irradiated groups (P < 0.05). However, muscular degeneration was observed in 18% of the samples of Group I. Conclusion: It may be concluded that the LED therapy protocol established for this in vivo study was effective in reducing the severity of oral mucositis, although the oral lesions were not completely prevented. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:625-633, 2008. (c) 2008Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Evaluation of dental pulp repair using low level laser therapy (688 nm and 785 nm) morphologic study in capuchin monkeys

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) 688 nm and 785 nm accelerate dentin barrier formation and repair process after traumatic pulp exposure. The sample consisted of 45 premolars of capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) with pulp exposure Class V cavities. All premolars were treated with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)(2)), divided in groups of 15 teeth each, and analyzed on 7(th), 25(th), and 60(th) day. Group GI - only Ca(OH)(2), GIF- laser 688 nm, and GIII - laser 785 nm. Laser beam was used in single and punctual dose with the parameters: continuous, 688 nm and 785 nm wavelength, tip`s area of 0.00785 cm(2), power 50 mW, application time 20 s, dose 255 J/cm(2), energy 2 J. Teeth were capped with Ca(OH)(2), Ca(OH)(2) cement and restored with amalgam. All groups presented pulp repair. On 25(th) day the thickness of the formed dentin barrier was different between the groups GI and GII (p < 0.05) and between groups GI and GIII (p < 0.01). On 60(th) day there was difference between GI and GIII (p < 0.01). It may be concluded that, LLLT 688 nm and 785 nm accelerated dentin barrier formation and consequently pulp repair process, with best results using infrared laser 785 nm. (c) 2009 by Astro Ltd. Published exclusively by WLLEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA

Antioxidant therapy attenuates oxidative insult caused by benzonidazole in chronic Chagas` heart disease

Chronic chagasic cardiac patients are exposed to oxidative stress that apparently contributes to disease progression. Benznidazole (BZN) is the main drug used for the treatment of chagasic patients and its action involves the generation of reactive species. 41 patients with Chagas` heart disease were selected and biomarkers of oxidative stress were measured before and after 2 months of BZN treatment (5 mg/kg/day) and the subsequent antioxidant supplementation with vitamin E (800 UI/day) and C (500 mg/day) during 6 months. Patients were classified according to the modified Los Andes clinical hemodynamic classification in groups IA, IB, II and III, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR), as well as the contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), protein carbonyl (PC), vitamin E and C and nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities were measured in their blood. Excepting in group III, after BZN treatment SOD, CAT, GPx and GST activities as well as PC levels were enhanced while vitamin E levels were decreased in these groups. After antioxidant supplementation the activities of SOD, GPx and GR were decreased whereas PC, TBARS, NO, and GSH levels were decreased. In conclusion, BZN treatment promoted an oxidative insult in such patients while the antioxidant supplementation was able to attenuate this effect by increasing vitamin E levels, decreasing PC and TBARS levels, inhibiting SOD, GPx and GR activities as well as inflammatory markers, mainly in stages with less cardiac involvement. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photodynamic therapy for American cutaneous leishmaniasis: The efficacy of methylene blue in hamsters experimentally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) using Methylene Blue (MB) as the photosensitizing compound and a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) in American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). Hamsters were experimentally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. After the development of the lesions in the footpad, the animals were treated with MB three times a week for 3 months. Ten minutes after each application of MB, the lesions were irradiated with LED for 1 h. The lesions were evaluated weekly by the measurement of the hamster footpad thickness. At the end of the treatment the parasitic load was quantified in the regional lymph node of the hamsters. The treatment promoted a decrease in the thickness of infected footpad (P = 0.0001) and reduction in the parasitic load in the regional lymph node (P = 0.0007) of the animals from group treated with MB + LED. PDT using MB + LED in ACL caused by L. amazonensis shows a strong photodynamic effect. This therapy is very promising, once it is an inexpensive system and the own patient can apply it in their wound and in their house without the need of technical assistance. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Keratinocyte growth factor: a new mesothelial targeted therapy to reduce postoperative pericardial adhesions

Background: Several methods have been utilized to prevent pericardial and retrosternal adhesions, but none of them evaluated the mesothelial regenerative hypothesis. There are evidences that the mesothelial trauma reduces pericardial fibrinolytic capability and induces an adhesion process. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) has proven to improve mesothelial cells proliferation. This study investigated the influence of keratinocyte growth factor in reducing post-surgical adhesions. Methods: Twelve pigs were operated and an adhesion protocol was employed. Following a stratified randomization, the animals received a topical application of KGF or saline. At 8 weeks, intrapericardial adhesions were evaluated and a severity score was established. The time spent to dissect the adhesions and the amount of sharp dissection used, were recorded. Histological sections were stained with sirius red and morphometric analyses were assessed with a computer-assisted image analysis system. Results: The severity score was lower in the KGF group than in the control group (11.5 vs 17, p = 0.005). The dissection time was lower in the KGF group (9.2 +/- 1.4 min vs 33.9 +/- 9.2 min, p = 0.004) and presented a significant correlation with the severity score (r = 0.83, p = 0.001). A significantly less sharp dissection was also required in the KGF group. Also, adhesion area and adhesion collagen were significantly tower in the KGF group than in the control group. Conclusion: The simulation of pericardial cells with KGF reduced the intensity of postoperative adhesions and facilitated the re-operation. This study suggests that the mesothelial regeneration is the new horizon in anti-adhesion therapies. (C) 2008 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Raloxifene therapy does not affect uterine blood flow in postmenopausal women: a transvaginal Doppler study

AZEVEDO, George Dantas de et al. Raloxifene therapy does not affect uterine blood flow in postmenopausal women: a transvaginal Doppler study. Maturitas, Amsterdam, v.47, n.3, p.195-200, 2004

Serum magnesium levels in healthy dogs submitted to the administration of cisplatin with fluid therapy

Cisplatin is an antineoplastic drug that is used to treat carcinomas and osteosarcomas in dogs. However, it can cause kidney damage which in turn leads to the loss of electrolytes. Concentration of magnesium was evaluated in the blood serum of eight dogs that had undergone therapy with cisplatin. The dogs were divided into two groups. Group 1 was supply with cisplatin (70 mg/m(2), iv) and to prevent nephrotoxcity, saline solution at 0.9% was administered (25 ml/kg/hour, iv in three hours). The animals in Group 2 were not supplied with cisplatin. There was no significant difference (P < 0.05) between the two groups and the results obtained indicated that the protocol used for Group 1 did not cause changes in the serum concentrations of magnesium. Therefore, it can be concluded that the administration of cisplatin does not cause variations if it is combined with the fluid therapy.

Histopathological and histomicrobiological study of root canal therapy medication, comparison of calcium hydroxide versus gutta-percha with zinc oxide/eugenol in the teeth of dogs

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of the hemogram in healthy canines under cisplatin therapy

Objective. To evaluate the average values of the hemogram test in healthy dogs during chemotherapy with cisplatin. Materials and methods. The hemogram parameters of eight healthy canines, which underwent therapy with cisplatin, were evaluated. These canines were divided into two groups. The dogs in the first group were given cisplatin (70mg/m(2), i.v.) and to prevent kidney poisoning they were given physiological serum at 0.9% (25mL/kg/h, i.v.). The dogs in group two were not given cisplatin. Results. The hemogram of the dogs in the first group did not show any significant difference (p>0.05) as compared to the dogs in group 2.Conclusions. The data obtained indicate the protocol used with cisplatine does not significantly alter the average values of the hemogram test and the number of chemotherapy sessions increases the risk of diminishing the values of the hemogram test.

Photodynamic therapy for American cutaneous leishmaniasis: The efficacy of methylene blue in hamsters experimentally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Lipodystrophy in HIV/AIDS patients with different levels of physical activity while on antiretroviral therapy

INTRODUÇÃO: A lipodistrofia relacionada ao uso de terapia antirretroviral (TARV) pode causar estigma estético e elevar o risco de doenças cardiovasculares. A atividade física pode ser uma alternativa válida para o tratamento e prevenção da lipodistrofia. Entretanto, poucos estudos tratam dessa temática. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a ocorrência de lipodistrofia relacionada ao uso de TARV em portadores de HIV/AIDS, com diferentes hábitos de atividades físicas. MÉTODOS: A casuística foi formada por 42 portadores de HIV em uso de TARV, do Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento de Presidente Prudente. Para obtenção do nível de atividade física aplicou-se o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ); a lipodistrofia foi diagnosticada pelo autorrelato do paciente e a confirmação médica. O percentual de gordura de tronco foi estimado pela absortometria por raio-X de dupla energia (DEXA). Foram coletados também dados referentes a sexo, idade, tempo de uso de TARV, valores de CD4 e carga viral. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se maior ocorrência de lipodistrofia no grupo sedentário quando comparado ao ativo, além de fator protetor da prática da atividade física em relação à ocorrência da lipodistrofia. O grupo com valores mais elevados de CD4 também apresentou maior proporção de sujeitos com lipodistrofia, além de maior proporção de ativos e de indivíduos com menor faixa etária. Os acometidos pela lipodistrofia apresentaram maiores valores de percentual de gordura de tronco, bem como, os sedentários em relação aos ativos. CONCLUSÕES: O estilo de vida fisicamente ativa resultou em efeito protetor para ocorrência da lipodistrofia relacionada ao uso da TARV.

Ultrastructural analysis of the low level laser therapy effects on the lesioned anterior tibial muscle in the Gerbil

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is known for its positive results but studies on the biological and biomodulator characteristics of the effects produced in the skeletal muscle are Still lacking. In this Study the effects of two laser dosages, 5 or 10 J/cm(2), on the lesioned tibial muscle were compared. Gerbils previously lesioned by 100 g load impact were divided into three groups: GI (n = 5) controls, lesion non-irradiated; GII (n = 5), lesion irradiated with 5 J/Cm(2) and GIII (n = 5), lesion irradiated with 10 J/cm(2), and treated for 7 consecutive days with a laser He-Ne (lambda = 633 rim). After intracardiac perfusion, the muscles were dissected and reduced to small fragments, post-fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide, dehydrated in increasing alcohol concentrations, treated with propylene oxide and embedded in Spurr resin at 60 degrees C. Ultrafine Cuts examined on a transmission electron microscope (Jeol 1010) revealed in the control GI group a large number of altered Muscle fibers with degenerating mitochondria, intercellular substance containing degenerating cell fragments and budding blood capillaries with Underdeveloped endothelial cells. However, groups GII and GIII showed muscle fibers with few altered myofibrils, regularly contoured mitochondria, ample intermembrane spaces and dilated mitochondrial crests. The clean intercellular Substance showed numerous collagen fibers and capillaries with multiple abluminal processes, intraluminal protrusions and several pinocytic vesicles in endothelial cells. it was concluded that laser dosages of 5 or 10 J/cm(2) delivered by laser He-Ne (lambda = 633 rim) during 7 consecutive days increase mitochondrial activity in muscular fibers, activate fibroblasts and macrophages and stimulate angiogenesis, thus suggesting effectivity of laser therapy tinder these experimental conditions. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Overall-Mouth Disinfection by Photodynamic Therapy Using Curcumin

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

2-Bromo-1,4-naphthoquinone: a potentially improved substitute of menadione in Apatone therapy

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)