Lacrimal excretory system sequelae in patients treated for leishmaniasis

A leishmaniose pode destruir os tecidos nasais resultando em alterações da via lacrimal excretora. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a ocorrência de alterações do sistema lacrimal excretor em portadores de leishmaniose na fase de pós-tratamento. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada a avaliação da via lacrimal excretora em 45 portadores de leishmaniose tratada (90 vias lacrimais) pelo teste de Jones I. Treze pacientes (26 ductos nasolacrimais) tiveram o teste de Jones I alterado, tendo sido submetidos a dacriocistografia e endoscopia nasal. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos indivíduos avaliados apresentava a leishmaniose na forma cutânea (64,4%). Entretanto, 69,23% dos indivíduos com alteração do sistema lacrimal excretor apresentavam a forma mucocutânea antes do tratamento. A alteração mais freqüentemente detectada foi ducto nasolacrimal permeável e dilatado (92,30%). Apenas 3,84% (1/26) das vias lacrimais estavam obstruídas. A endoscopia nasal mostrou hipertrofia de corneto (53,84%), desvio de septo (53,84%) e perfuração do septo nasal (23,07%). CONCLUSÃO: em portadores de leishmaniose tratada encontra-se como seqüela mais freqüente no sistema excretor lacrimal as vias lacrimais permeáveis e dilatadas.

Dacriocistografia na propedêutica da via lacrimal excretora de adultos

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os achados dacriocistográficos em indivíduos suspeitos de obstrução de vias lacrimais excretoras. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi retrospectivo, tendo sido avaliadas as dacriocistografias de 100 indivíduos adultos, suspeitos de obstrução nasolacrimal, atendidos na Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - UNESP. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e teste do qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino e maiores de 60 anos, apresentando obstrução baixa, localizada no seio de Arlt, com saco lacrimal graus 2 ou 3. Vias lacrimais pérvias, com e sem dilatação, também foram encontradas, assim como alterações nasais, como hipertrofia de cornetos. CONCLUSÃO: A dacriocistografia foi importante para diagnosticar o local da obstrução, o grau de dilatação das vias lacrimais, assim como as alterações de estruturas vizinhas. Estas informações sem dúvida são úteis para o planejamento cirúrgico e como indício prognóstico.

Obstrução nasolacrimal congênita: fatores relacionados com a melhora após sondagem terapêutica

OBJETIVO: Avaliar em crianças portadoras de obstrução nasolacrimal congênita (ONLC) os índices de cura com a sondagem das vias lacrimais e os fatores relacionados com o insucesso do procedimento. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo observacional, incluindo 80 crianças portadoras de obstrução nasolacrimal congênita, submetidas à sondagem terapêutica da via lacrimal. As crianças foram avaliadas quanto ao sexo, faixa etária e resultado da sondagem. Os dados obtidos foram avaliados por estatística descritiva, teste de Goodman e pelo teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A cura ocorreu igualmente em ambos os sexos. A média de idade das crianças que se beneficiaram da sondagem foi de 19,95±11,4 meses e a das crianças que não se curaram foi de 23,37±15,2 meses. A possibilidade de cura ocorreu igualmente nas faixas etárias acima dos 6 meses. Observou-se nas crianças que não se curaram com a sondagem a existência de alterações nasais como rinite, hipertrofia de adenóide ou de cornetos, desvio de septo e sinusopatia. CONCLUSÃO: A possibilidade de cura com a sondagem não varia significativamente mesmo nas idades acima dos 12 meses. Entre as causas de insucesso com o procedimento devem ser incluídas as alterações da cavidade nasal.

Tomato-oleoresin supplement prevents doxorubicin-induced cardiac myocyte oxidative DNA damage in rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an efficient chemotherapeutic agent used against several types of tumors; however, its use is limited due to severe cardiotoxicity. Since it is accepted that reactive oxygen species are involved in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, antioxidant agents have been used to attenuate its side effects. To determine tomato-oleoresin protection against cardiac oxidative DNA damage induced by DOX, we distributed Wistar male rats in control (C), lycopene (L), DOX (D) and DOX+lycopene (DL) groups. They received corn oil (C, D) or tomato-oleoresin (5 mg/kg body wt. day) (L, DL) by gavage for a 7-week period. They also received saline (C, L) or DOX (4 ma/kg body wt.) (D, DL) intraperitoneally at the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and at 6th week. Lycopene absorption was checked by HPLC. Cardiac oxidative DNA damage was evaluated by the alkaline Comet assay using formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (FPG) and endonuclease III (endo 111). Cardiomyocyte levels of SBs, SBs FPG and SBs Endo III were higher in rats from D when compared to other groups. DNA damage levels in cardiomyocytes from DL were not different when compared to C and L groups. The viability of cardiomyocytes from D or DL was lower than C or L groups (p < 0.01). Lycopene levels (mean +/- S.D. nmol/kg) in saponified hearts were similar between L (47.43 +/- 11.78) and DL (49.85 +/- 16.24) groups. Our results showed: (1) lycopene absorption was confirmed by its cardiac levels; (2) DOX-induced oxidative DNA damage in cardiomyocyte; (3) tomato-oleoresin supplementation protected against cardiomyocyte oxidative DNA damage. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Promotion of hepatocarcinogenesis by hexachlorobenzene in energy-restricted rats

The interaction between dietary energy restriction and low dose of the fungicide hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was evaluated in a rat liver medium-term bioassay for carcinogenesis. Male Wistar rats were fed a control or a 50% energy-restricted diet, both added or not with 50 ppm HCB, for 6 weeks. HCB exposure or energy restriction separately did not exert any influence on the development of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P+) foci of hepatocytes. Simultaneous HCB exposure and energy restriction induced a significant increase in liver centrilobular hypertrophy and GST-P+ foci development. Our findings suggest that energy restriction increases liver response to low dose of HCB, unmasking the promoting potential of this fungicide. (C) 2000 Elsevier B.V. Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Composição química e qualidade biológica da torta de colza (Brassica napus, L: )

A composição química e a qualidade biológica da torta de colza obtida da semente, variedade CTC-4, foram determinados. A farinha foi preparada me diante prensagem da semente e extração da gordura com solvente, lixiviada durante 2 horas, com água corrente na proporção de 1:5, e agitação constante, a fim de reduzir os níveis de glicosinolatos. O efeito tóxico foi observado através do peso dos órgãos e da histopatologia dos órgãos em experimento de 60 dias. A qualidade biológica da torta desintoxicada, ao nível de 5% e 10%, foi semelhante ao da caseína (PER controle 3,18 vs 3,08, 5% e 2,98, 10%). O PER da torta crua foi de 2,28. Os ratos que receberam a farinha crua tiveram órgãos maiores. As tireóides dos ratos submetidos as dietas 2 e 3, não demonstraram alterações que suspeitassem de um efeito bociogênico e as alterações ocorridas nas tireóides dos animais que receberam, D-4 foram semelhantes àquelas ocorridas nos grupos 2 e 3. Não houve danos célulares graves em relação ao fígado, os rins, o coração, baço e supra-renais para todos os grupos observados. O método de extração dos fatores tóxicos da colza foi eficiente de acordo com os resultados obtidos para o presente estudo.

Mitochondrial Alterations in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Pediatric Case Description of Three Submitted Sequential Biopsies

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinical-pathological syndrome that encompasses a wide spectrum of morphologic alterations, ranging from simple hepatic steatosis to a more severe stage, known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The purpose of this clinical report was to contribute to the understanding of mitochondrial alterations in NAFLD. The child (13-month-old) underwent initial biopsy in the year 2000 and was diagnosed with diffuse macro and microvesicular steatosis. Two additional biopsies were performed in 2001 and 2004. A high percentage of microvesicular steatosis was observed in the biopsies performed in 2000 and 2001. Mitochondrial size was slightly increased in the biopsy performed in the year 2000, significantly increased in 2001 and decreased in 2004. The presence of "mitochondrial hypertrophy" in the hepatocytes of an asymptomatic pediatric patient whose disease presentation was typical of NAFLD, excluding other pathological processes, allowed us to suspect that such a defect was considered the primary mitochondrial disorder.

Amitriptyline aggravates the fibrosis process in a rat model of infravesical obstruction

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Estenose de piloro em eqüino adulto

Neste trabalho, é descrito um caso de estenose hipertrófica de piloro diagnosticado por gastroscopia em um eqüino Quarto de Milha, de quatro anos de idade, que apresentava inapetência, emagrecimento progressivo, cólica, bruxismo e sialorréia. A gastroduodenite ulcerativa crônica e os espasmos prolongados foram as supostas causas da hipertrofia da musculatura circular do piloro, causando a estenose. O tratamento com substâncias antiulcerativas é paliativo e o acesso cirúrgico ao piloro no animal adulto é complexo, sendo o prognóstico duvidoso.

Caracterização das fibras musculares do músculo Semitendinosus de bezerros mestiços Angus-Nelore recebendo somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) até a desmama

Objetivando-se estudar o efeito da somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) sobre a freqüência de distribuição e o diâmetro das fibras musculares do músculo Semitendinosus, 36 bezerros mestiços ½Angus-Nelore, com idade inicial de 63 ± 17 dias e pesando 76,8 ± 14,7 kg, criados em pastagem de Brachiaria decumbens e suplementados em creep feeding, foram submetidos a dois tratamentos até a desmama (217 dias): 18 bezerros receberam 1,4 mg/kg de rbST (Boostin®) a cada 14 dias e 18 receberam solução salina (controle). As amostras de músculo foram coletadas aos 117 (biópsia) e aos 217 dias de idade, quando foram abatidos cinco animais por tratamento. Os animais suplementados apresentaram maior diâmetro para as fibras do tipo glicolítica de contração rápida (FG) aos 117 dias e tendência de aumento aos 217 dias e não diferiram em relação ao grupo controle quanto ao diâmetro das fibras oxidativas-glicolíticas de contração rápida (FOG) e oxidativas de contração lenta (SO) e à frequência de FG, FOG e SO aos 117 e 217 dias de idade. Independentemente da aplicação de rbST, houve significativo aumento do diâmetro das fibras SO e FOG, tendência de aumento de diâmetro das fibras FG, maior frequência de SO e redução da frequência de FG entre 117 e 217 dias de idade. A utilização de somatotropina exógena possibilitou maior hipertrofia das fibras musculares brancas de contração rápida em bezerros suplementados em creep feeding durante a fase de cria, sem interferir na frequência de distribuição dos tipos de fibras no músculo Semitendinosus.

Effects of incubation temperature on muscle morphology and growth in the pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus)

This study describes the influence of incubation temperature during initial development phase on the morphology and muscle growth characteristics in the pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Pacu eggs were incubated at 25, 27, and 29 degreesC until hatching. After day 5, fish from each temperature were transferred to 5001 tanks. At hatching and after 5, 25, and 60 days, muscle samples were collected, some were frozen in liquid nitrogen and others fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde or 2.5% glutaraldehyde. These samples were used for morphological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and morphometric analysis. At hatching, we observed a superficial monolayer of small diameter fibers, lying just beneath the skin surrounding several round cells. From day 5, we observed two distinct populations of muscle fibers distributed in two layers: (1) red-in a superficial region with aerobic activity, and following acid preincubation, high mATPase activity, and 2) white-with anaerobic activity, and following alkaline preincubation, high mATPase activity. Twenty-five days after hatching, an intermediate layer and cell proliferating zones could be seen in the dorsal fin muscle region, with intermediate characteristics. Throughout the experimental period, there was an increase in muscle mass due to new fiber recruitment in the cell proliferating zones and between the more differentiated fibers in red, intermediate, and white muscles. This was more obvious from day 25, and at 29 degreesC than at 25 and 27 degreesC. Fiber hypertrophy occurred from hatching to 60 days and was more evident from 5 to 25 days. The number of proliferating nuclei (PCNA-labelling) increased from hatching to 60 days, and was more obvious in the 29 degreesC group at 60 days. Our results show that at incubation temperatures of 25, 27 and 29 degreesC, hypertrophy was predominantly from hatching to 25 days, after that muscle growth by hyperplastic mechanism increased. The interaction of muscle hypertrophic and hyperplastic growth processes in the 29 degreesC group produced the largest fish at the end of the experiment. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Performance, incidence of metabolic disturbances and endocrine variables of food-restricted male broiler chickens

1. This experiment was carried out to evaluate the productive and physiological consequences of a slight but long term food restriction of male broiler chickens from 2 commercial strains.2. Cobb-500 and Ross chickens were submitted to a 20% food restriction from 8 to 21 d of age. Strain, food programme and their interactive effects were analysed in terms of consequences upon performance, mortality, incidence of sudden death syndrome (SDS) and ascites syndrome (AS), index of right cardiac hypertrophy and plasma concentrations of hormones related to metabolism and growth (T-3, T-4, T-3:T-4 ratio, IGF-I and GH).3. Although some catch-up growth was observed by refeeding previously restricted birds after 22 d of rearing, food restriction decreased (P less than or equal to 0.05) body weight at market age (42 d) irrespective of the strain, but improved (P less than or equal to 0.05) food conversion.4. The incidence of mortality was not high in non-restricted birds but SDS and AS caused more than 50% of deaths. Hypertrophic cardiac index was observed in chickens of both strains after 4 weeks of age and was higher in ad libitum fed birds.5. During the period of food restriction, plasma T-3 and IGF-I concentrations decreased whereas plasma T-4 and GH concentrations increased compared to those of the age-matched ad libitum fed counterparts. During the subsequent ad libitum feeding period, few differences in circulating hormone concentrations were observed, except for the higher mean CH litres in previously food-restricted chickens at 35 d of age.6. These results indicate that even a non-severe food restriction negatively affects body weight of 42-d-old male broilers but these are benefits with improved food efficiency and diminished mortality from metabolic disturbances. The hormone results suggest that the degree of food restriction applied was not severe because there was a very fast adaptive response with small and transient alterations in T-3, T-4 and GH plasma concentrations during the period of compensatory growth.

Age-related changes in muscle fiber type frequencies and cross-sectional areas in straightbred and crossbred rabbits

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

Targeted Nucleotide Exchange in Bovine Myostatin Gene

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Morphological and histochemical study of the myotomal muscle in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus Holmberg, 1887) during the initial growth phases

Morphological and histochemical methods were used to evaluate the myotomal muscle characteristics of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) from hatching to 40 days old. During the larval period, the musculature consisted predominantly of white muscle. White and red muscle mass increased at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after hatching. The larvae had round muscle fibers with a moderate degree of maturation and central nuclei. In subsequent phases, small and immature fibers were visible near larger and more differentiated fibers. Undifferentiated cells or presumptive myoblasts located in embryogenic zones were visible in the dorsal and ventral regions, and were more evident at 30 and 40 days. The red muscle fibers located in the subdermal region, had oxidative metabolism and slow contraction, whereas the more predominant white muscle fibers had glycolytic metabolism and fast contraction. Our findings indicate that during the initial phases, myotomal muscle growth in pacu occurs by both, muscle fiber hypertrophy and hyperplasia. The analysis of frequency of red and white muscle fibers shows that hyperplastic growth is intense in this period. As the growth rate in adult fish is related to the number of muscle fibers in young fish, extrinsic factors could change the muscle fiber phenotype and influence their ultimate size.