Effects of cyclosporin, nifedipine and phenytoin on gingival myofibroblast transdifferentiation in monkeys

Objective: Myofibroblasts have been associated with the development of several pathologic fibrotic conditions. This longitudinal study aims to assess the proliferative and antiapoptotic effects of cyclosporin, nifedipine and phenytoin on gingival connective tissue cells of nonhuman primate, as well as to analyze a possible role of myofibroblasts in gingival overgrowth. Materials and Methods: Gingival samples from the right superior canine area were obtained from 12 male monkeys (Sapajus spp) to comprise the control group. After one week, the animals were randomly assigned to three groups, which received daily oral doses of cyclosporin, nifedipine or phenytoin for 120 days. Gingival samples were collected from the left superior canine area of two animals of each group at 52 and 120 days. Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and immunoreacted against α-SMA, Ki67 and bcl-2. Results: α-SMA immunoreaction was negative in the control and experimental groups. Similarly, no difference between groups concerning immunostaining against Ki-67 and bcl-2 was observed in connective tissue cells. Conclusion: Based on this methodology, it may be concluded that gingival overgrowths induced by cyclosporin, nifedipine and phenytoin are not associated with neither myofibroblast transdifferentiation, proliferation nor apoptosis of gingival connective cells in monkeys

Refractory Angina Cell Therapy (ReACT) Involving Autologous Bone Marrow Cells in Patients Without Left Ventricular Dysfunction: A Possible Role for Monocytes

Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for refractory angina patients. Previous studies have shown conflicting myocardium reperfusion results. the present study evaluated safety and efficacy of CellPraxis Refractory Angina Cell Therapy Protocol (ReACT). in which a specific BMMC formulation was administered as the sole therapy for these patients. the phase I/IIa noncontrolled, open label. clinical trial, involved eight patients with refractory angina and viable ischemic myocardium, without left ventricular dysfunction and who were not suitable for conventional myocardial revascularization. ReACT is a surgical procedure involving a single series of multiple injections (40-90 injections, 0.2 ml each) into ischemic areas of the left ventricle. Primary endpoints were Canadian Cardiovascular Society Angina Classification (CCSAC) improvement at 18 months follow-up and myocardium ischemic area reduction (assessed by scintigraphic analysis) at 12 months follow-up, in correlation with a specific BMMC formulation. Almost all patients presented progressive improvement in angina classification beginning 3 months (p = 0.008) postprocedure which was sustained at 18 months follow-up (p = 0.004), as well as objective myocardium ischemic area reduction at 12 months (decrease of 84.4%, p < 0.004). A positive correlation was found between monocyte concentration and CCSAC improvement (r = -0.759, p < 0.05). Improvement in CCSAC, followed by correlated reduction in scintigraphic myocardium ischemic area, strongly suggests neoangiogenesis as the main stem cell action mechanism. the significant correlation between number of monocytes and improvement strongly supports a cell-related effect of ReACT. ReACT appeared safe and effective.Cryopraxis Crobiologia Ltda.Cellpraxis BiogenhariaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Paulista Sch Med, Dept Surg, Div Cardiovasc Surg, São Paulo, BrazilCryopraxis Criobiol Ltda, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilCellpraxis Bioengn, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Paulista Sch Med, Div Hematol, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Coll Med, Inst Heart, São Paulo, BrazilUniv S Florida, Coll Med, Dept Neurosurg & Brain Repair, Ctr Excellence Aging & Brain Repair, Tampa, FL USAUniv S Florida, Off Res & Innovat, Tampa, FL USAUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Paulista Sch Med, Dept Surg, Div Cardiovasc Surg, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Paulista Sch Med, Div Hematol, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Níveis de poluição das águas da sub-bacia do rio Vacacaí-Mirim á montante da represa do Departamento Nacional de Obras e Saneamento,DNOS

Níveis de poluição das águas da sub-bacia do rio Vacacaí-Mirim á montante da represa do Departamento Nacional de Obras e Saneamento,DNO