Efeito do Metotrexato na inibição da divisão celular em grandes longevos

The aging is influenced by genetic and nutritional factors as well as by the exposition to free radicals, radiation and genotoxic substances. The cell sensitivity to mutagenic substances increases as the individual grows old and may contribute to accelerate his/her aging process. This paper analyzes the Methotrexate (MTX) effect, an agent which induces chromosomal breaks in the inhibition of the cell reproduction in old people and in a control group. The sample comprised 10 elderly people, from 92 to 114 years old, and 12 members of the control group, 20 to 25 years old. The cells for analyses were obtained from lymphocytes temporary culture, together with MTX. Statistical analysis was carried out with Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests. MTX was efficient to reduce cell divisions with significant statistical results. The mitosis rate was low as far as the old people were concerned, even when not treated with MTX, what showed that the aging process has to do with the reduction of the cell reproductive capacity.O envelhecimento é influenciado por fatores genéticos, nutricionais, exposição a radicais livres, radiação e substâncias genotóxicas. A sensibilidade da célula às substâncias mutagênicas aumenta com a idade e pode contribuir para a aceleração do processo de envelhecimento. Esta investigação analisa o efeito do Metotrexato (MTX), agente indutor de quebras cromossômicas na inibição da reprodução celular em grandes longevos e em um grupo controle. A amostra foi constituída por dez idosos com idades entre 92 e 114 anos e doze controles de 20 a 25 anos. As células para análise foram obtidas por cultura temporária de linfócitos, com adição de MTX. A análise estatística foi realizada com as provas de Kruskal-Wallis e Friedman. O Metotrexato mostrou-se eficaz na redução da divisão celular com resultados estatisticamente significativos. O índice mitótico apresentou valores baixos nos idosos, mesmo sem o uso do MTX, mostrando que o processo de envelhecimento está relacionado com o decréscimo na capacidade de reprodução da célula

Procedural and political aspects of forensic exhumation in Brazil

Exhumation may be defined as the legally sanctioned excavation and recovery of the remains of lawfully buried or – occasionally – cremated individuals, as distinct from forensic excavations of clandestinely buried remains conducted as part of a criminal investigation and from unlawful disinterment of human remains, commonly referred to as ‘bodysnatching’. The aim of this article is to review the role of exhumation – so defined – in the activities of CEMEL, the Medico-Legal Centre of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School-University of São Paulo, in international, regional and local collaborations. Exhumations form part of routine forensic anthropology casework; scientific research in physical and forensic anthropology; and forensic casework conducted in collaboration with the Brazilian Federal Police; and are carried out as part of humanitarian investigations into deaths associated with the civil–military dictatorship of 1964 to 1985. This article aims to offer a non-technical summary – with reference to international comparative information – of the role of exhumation in investigative and scientific work and to discuss developments in their historical and political context