Análise quantitativa de neutrófilos, mastócitos e eosinófilos no adenocarcinoma prostático humano

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic adenocarcinoma (AP) through the quantification of neutrophils, eosinophils and mast cells and to correlate with the histopathological grade of the neoplasm. Methodology: This is an observational cross-sectional study. Cataloged patient biopsies were sectioned into 5µm sections, stained and analyzed under a light microscope. In these sections, cells were quantified and compared between HPB and AP conditions by statistical analysis. Results: Biopsies of 47 patients were analyzed, 28 (59.6%) with BPH and 19 (40.4%) with AP. The median age of the BPH group was 69 years (range: 54 – 77 years) and the AP group was 66 years (range: 59 – 92 years). In the statistical analysis, a greater number of extravascular (p <0.001) and total (p <0.05) neutrophils was observed in the AP in relation to the BPH; however, there was no statistical difference between intravascular neutrophils, mast cells and eosinophils between the groups. By correlating the Gleason Score and the influx of inflammatory cells, it was observed that higher scores are associated with a lower influx of neutrophils and intact mast cells. In addition, it was observed that prostatic volume and weight with AP may be associated with inflammatory infiltrate. Conclusion: In this study, it was possible to suggest that prostate cancer is related to the innate immune response by the exacerbated influx of neutrophils in the tumor microenvironment and by the influence of these cells on the Gleason Score and on the values of weight and prostate volume. However, further studies are needed to better illustrate the role of neutrophils in tumorigenesis.Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre a hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB) e o adenocarcinoma prostático (AP) por meio da quantificação de neutrófilos, eosinófilos e mastócitos e correlacionar com o grau histopatológico da neoplasia. Metodologia: Este estudo é observacional transversal. Biópsias catalogadas de pacientes foram seccionadas em cortes de 5µm, coradas e analisadas no microscópio de luz. Nessas secções, as células foram quantificadas e comparadas entre as condições HPB e AP por meio de análises estatísticas. Resultados: Foram analisadas biópsias de 47 pacientes, sendo 28 (59,6%) com HPB e 19 (40,4%) com AP. A mediana da idade do grupo com HPB foi 69 anos (intervalo: 54 – 77 anos) e o com AP foi 66 anos (intervalo: 59 – 92 anos). Na análise estatística, foi observado um maior número de neutrófilos extravasculares (p <0,001) e totais (p <0,05) no AP em relação à HPB, porém não houve diferença estatística entre neutrófilos intravasculares, mastócitos e eosinófilos entre os grupos. Ao correlacionar o Escore de Gleason e o influxo de células inflamatórias, foi observado que maiores escores estão associados a menor influxo de neutrófilos e mastócitos intactos. Além disso, foi observado que o volume e o peso prostático com AP podem estar associados com o infiltrado inflamatório. Conclusão: Nesse estudo, foi possível sugerir que o câncer de próstata possui relação com a resposta imune inata pelo influxo exacerbado de neutrófilos no microambiente tumoral e pela influência dessas células no Escore de Gleason e nos valores de peso e volume prostático. Entretanto, novos estudos são necessários para melhor ilustrar o papel dos neutrófilos na tumorigênese

Peer-Assisted Learning: A New Look at the Good Old Monitoring and Its Motivation from the Perspective of Student-Monitor

Peer-assisted learning (PAL), good old monitoring, has been used in medical schools and shown good results in professional development and in developing communication skills among students. This method provides mutual benefits for both monitors/near-peer teachers - NPT and monitored students; however, little is still known about the NPT’ perception about peer-assisted learning. To evaluate the real motivation of students to become NPT, and to investigate how NPT qualify their own teaching activities – such as productivity, performance and difficulties faced – seems to be a crucial step for implementing PAL in medical schools. The research instrument, a semi-structured questionnaire with 11 closed questions and 3 questions that allowed the answer “other” and further explanation, was answered by 26 medical students, NPT of basic disciplines. The results showed a positive effect of PAL on the teaching-learning process, and the real reasons of students to become NPT and the positive impacts of PAL on their academic life. The identification of these potential benefits should encourage medical schools to promote training so students can perform their role as NPT since PAL aids in the development of their clinical and pedagogical skills

Prior intake of Brazil nuts attenuates renal injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury results from inflammation and oxidative stress, among other factors. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the Brazil nut (BN) might attenuate IR renal injury. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the intake of BN prevents or reduces IR kidney injury and inflammation, improving renal function and decreasing oxidative stress. Methods: Male Wistar rats were distributed into six groups (N=6/group): SHAM (control), SHAM treated with 75 or 150 mg of BN, IR, and IR treated with 75 or 150 mg of BN. The IR procedure consisted of right nephrectomy and occlusion of the left renal artery with a non-traumatic vascular clamp for 30 min. BN was given daily and individually for 7 days before surgery (SHAM or IR) and maintained until animal sacrifice (48h after surgery). We evaluated the following parameters: plasma creatinine, urea, and phosphorus; proteinuria, urinary output, and creatinine clearance; plasmatic TBARS and TEAC; kidney expression of iNOS and nitrotyrosine, and macrophage influx. Results: Pre-treatment with 75 mg of BN attenuated IR-induced renal changes, with elevation of creatinine clearance and urinary output, reducing proteinuria, urea, and plasmatic phosphorus as well as reducing kidney expression of iNOS, nitrotyrosine, and macrophage influx. Conclusion: Low intake of BN prior to IR-induced kidney injury improves renal function by inhibition of macrophage infiltration and oxidative stress

Prior intake of Brazil nuts attenuates renal injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion

<div><p>ABSTRACT Introduction: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury results from inflammation and oxidative stress, among other factors. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the Brazil nut (BN) might attenuate IR renal injury. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the intake of BN prevents or reduces IR kidney injury and inflammation, improving renal function and decreasing oxidative stress. Methods: Male Wistar rats were distributed into six groups (N=6/group): SHAM (control), SHAM treated with 75 or 150 mg of BN, IR, and IR treated with 75 or 150 mg of BN. The IR procedure consisted of right nephrectomy and occlusion of the left renal artery with a non-traumatic vascular clamp for 30 min. BN was given daily and individually for 7 days before surgery (SHAM or IR) and maintained until animal sacrifice (48h after surgery). We evaluated the following parameters: plasma creatinine, urea, and phosphorus; proteinuria, urinary output, and creatinine clearance; plasmatic TBARS and TEAC; kidney expression of iNOS and nitrotyrosine, and macrophage influx. Results: Pre-treatment with 75 mg of BN attenuated IR-induced renal changes, with elevation of creatinine clearance and urinary output, reducing proteinuria, urea, and plasmatic phosphorus as well as reducing kidney expression of iNOS, nitrotyrosine, and macrophage influx. Conclusion: Low intake of BN prior to IR-induced kidney injury improves renal function by inhibition of macrophage infiltration and oxidative stress.</p></div