Low-Level Laser Therapy Reduces Lung Inflammation in an Experimental Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Involving P2X7 Receptor

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by irreversible airflow limitation, airway inflammation and remodeling, and enlargement of alveolar spaces. COPD is in the top five leading causes of deaths worldwide and presents a high economic cost. However, there are some preventive measures to lower the risk of developing COPD. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a new effective therapy, with very low cost and no side effects. So, our objective was to investigate if LLLT reduces pulmonary alterations in an experimental model of COPD. C57BL/6 mice were submitted to cigarette smoke for 75 days (2x/day). After 60 days to smoke exposure, the treated group was submitted to LLLT (diode laser, 660 nm, 30 mW, and 3 J/cm(2)) for 15 days and euthanized for morphologic and functional analysis of the lungs. Our results showed that LLLT significantly reduced the number of inflammatory cells and the proinflammatory cytokine secretion such as IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). We also observed that LLLT decreased collagen deposition as well as the expression of purinergic P2X7 receptor. On the other hand, LLLT increased the IL-10 release. Thus, LLLT can be pointed as a promising therapeutic approach for lung inflammatory diseases as COPD.Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) [2012/16498-5, 2012/15165-2]FAPESP [2015/23152-6, 2014/14604-8, 2015/13486-4]Univ Nove Julho UNINOVE, Post Grad Program Biophoton Appl Hlth Sci, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilBrazilian Inst Teaching & Res Pulm & Exercise Imm, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, BrazilUniv Nove Julho UNINOVE, Masters Degree & PhD Program Rehabil Sci, Expt Cardioresp Physiol Lab, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Calif San Diego UCSD Hlth Sci, Div Trauma Surg Crit Care Burns & Acute Care Surg, Dept Surg, San Diego, CA USAFed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Inst Sci & Technol, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, BrazilUniv Brasil, Postgrad Program Bioengn, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilFed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Postgrad Program Sci Human Movement & Rehabil, Santos, SP, BrazilFed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Inst Sci & Technol, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, BrazilFed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Postgrad Program Sci Human Movement & Rehabil, Santos, SP, BrazilFAPESP [2012/16498-5, 2012/15165-2]FAPESP [2015/23152-6, 2014/14604-8, 2015/13486-4]Web of Scienc

Multidimensional assessment of institutionalized elderly: the reality of a brazilian institution

Background: The population aging in Brazil is characterized by the accumulation of progressive disabilities in their functional activities and daily life. To consider the elderlies in his/her multiple dimensions turns out to be a critical issue to improvetheir assistance to an institu-tionalized level, improving their health and quality of life. To perform a mini-overall evaluation of institutionalized elderly person to trace their profile in relation to the socio-demographic, functional capacity, nutritional status and cognition. Methods: Descriptive study, with a cross-sectional design and quan-titative approach performed in a long - stay institution for the elderly in Natal, RN. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Com-mittee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, under opinion number 164/2011.Results: 63.3% of the elderly were female, with ages varying from 61 to 103 years. 60.0% were single; 56.7% were literate. 66.7% had no children and 55% lived with their families before the institutio-nalization. As for the institutionalization time, 63.3% resided in the institution for four years. As what concerns the aspects of health, 73.3% of the elderly presented hearing difficulties, 90% make use of medicines predominantly to diabetes and hypertension. There is clear evidence that the institutionalization has been harmful to the elderly as with regards basic activities of daily living, nutritional status and cognitive aspects. Conclusion: The progressive disability in functional activities of daily life interferes directly in the quality of life, increasing dependency and minimizing the autonomy of these individuals. It is necessary to effec-tive implementation of public policies directed to the institutionalized elderly from the perspective of effective actions for improved attention and assistance

Mitochondrial physiology

As the knowledge base and importance of mitochondrial physiology to evolution, health and disease expands, the necessity for harmonizing the terminology concerning mitochondrial respiratory states and rates has become increasingly apparent. The chemiosmotic theory establishes the mechanism of energy transformation and coupling in oxidative phosphorylation. The unifying concept of the protonmotive force provides the framework for developing a consistent theoretical foundation of mitochondrial physiology and bioenergetics. We follow the latest SI guidelines and those of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) on terminology in physical chemistry, extended by considerations of open systems and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The concept-driven constructive terminology incorporates the meaning of each quantity and aligns concepts and symbols with the nomenclature of classical bioenergetics. We endeavour to provide a balanced view of mitochondrial respiratory control and a critical discussion on reporting data of mitochondrial respiration in terms of metabolic flows and fluxes. Uniform standards for evaluation of respiratory states and rates will ultimately contribute to reproducibility between laboratories and thus support the development of data repositories of mitochondrial respiratory function in species, tissues, and cells. Clarity of concept and consistency of nomenclature facilitate effective transdisciplinary communication, education, and ultimately further discovery

Minimal Symptom Expression' in Patients With Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody-Positive Refractory Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Treated With Eculizumab

The efficacy and tolerability of eculizumab were assessed in REGAIN, a 26-week, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR+) refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), and its open-label extension