Histochemical and morphometric analysis of endometriotic lesions induced in female rats and treated with dexamethasone

INTRODUCTION: The literature reports that endometrial implants have receptors for steroid hormones primarily stimulated by estrogen and that some treatment strategies have been proposed in experimental models such as the use of synthetic glucocorticoids, for example, dexamethasone. OBJECTIVE: to analyze histochemically and morphometrically endometriotic lesions induced in rats and treated with dexamethasone (0.8 mg/kg/day). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty albino female rats (Wistar strain), with 90 days of age, weighing approximately 150 g, were induced with endometriosis and divided into groups: I - rats with endometriosis and evaluated after 34 days, II - rats with endometriosis and evaluated after 47 days, III - rats with endometriosis and 21 days post-surgery treated with dexamethasone for 13 days and IV - rats with endometriosis and 21 days post-surgery treated with dexamethasone for 13 days and euthanized after a period of 13 days starting from the end of treatment. The fragments of endometrial implants were fixed in Bouin, embedded in Paraplast and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Mallory trichrome. The mean number of glands was compared through nonparametric Tukey-Kramer test (p < 0,05). RESULTS: Dexamethasone reduced inflammation in the endometrial implants, the collagen content in the stroma and decreased significantly the area occupied by glands (GI - 123.25 ± 6.44ª; IGI - 113 ± 6.27ª; GIII - 81.66 ± 3.05b and GIV - 94 ± 6.24b). CONCLUSION: The applied dexamethasone dosage reduces estrogenic effects in endometrial implants in rats.INTRODUÇÃO: A literatura relata que os implantes endometriais possuem receptores para hormônios esteroides, sendo estimulados principalmente pelo estrógeno, e que algumas estratégicas de tratamento têm sido propostas em modelos experimentais, tais como a utilização de glicocorticoides sintéticos, como a dexametasona. OBJETIVO: analisar histoquímica e morfometricamente lesões endometrióticas induzidas em ratas e tratadas com 0,8 mg/kg/dia de dexametasona. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Quarenta ratas albinas (linhagem Wistar) com 90 dias de vida, pesando aproximadamente 150 g, foram induzidas à endometriose e divididas em grupos: 1. ratas com endometriose e avaliadas após 34 dias (G1); 2. ratas com endometriose e avaliadas após 47 dias (G2); 3. ratas com endometriose e, após 21 dias do pós-operatório, tratadas com dexametasona por 13 dias (G3) e 4. ratas com endometriose e, após 21 dias do pós-operatório, tratadas com dexametasona por 13 dias e eutanasiadas após um período de 13 dias, contados a partir do término do tratamento com dexametasona (G4). Os fragmentos dos implantes endometriais foram fixados em Bouin, incluídos em paraplast e corados por hematoxilina-eosina e tricrômico de Mallory. As médias do número de glândulas foram submetidas ao teste não-paramétrico de Tukey-Kramer (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: A dexametasona reduziu a inflamação nos implantes endometriais, o teor de colágeno no estroma e significativamente a área ocupada pelas glândulas (G1= 123,25 ± 6,44ª; G2= 113 ± 6,27ª; G3= 81,66 ± 3,05b; e G4= 94 ± 6,24b). CONCLUSÃO: A dexametasona, na dosagem utilizada, reduz os efeitos estrogênicos em implantes endometriais em ratas.Universidade Federal de PernambucoUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)Universidade de São PauloUNIFESPSciEL

Effect of a Semisolid Formulation of Linum usitatissimum L. (Linseed) Oil on the Repair of Skin Wounds

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a semisolid formulation of linseed oil, SSFLO (1%, 5%, or 10%) or in natura linseed oil on skin wounds of rats. We used wound models, incisional and excisional, to evaluate, respectively, the contraction/reepithelialization of the wound and resistance to mechanical traction. The groups (n = 6) treated with SSFLO (1% or 5%) began the process of reepithelialization, to a significant extent (P < .05), on the sixth day, when compared to the petroleum jelly control group. On 14th day for the groups treated with SSFLO (1% or 5%), 100% reepithelialization was found, while in the petroleum jelly control group, this was only 33.33%. Our study showed that topical administration of SSFLO (1% or 5%) in excisional wounds allowed reepithelialization in 100% of treated animals. Therefore, a therapeutic potential of linseed oil, when used at low concentrations in the solid pharmaceutical formulations, is suggested for the process of dermal repair

Antimicrobial Activity of Indigofera suffruticosa

Various organic and aqueous extracts of leaves of Indigofera suffruticosa Mill (Fabaceae) obtained by infusion and maceration were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. The extracts were tested against 5 different species of human pathogenic bacteria and 17 fungal strains by the agar-solid diffusion method. Most of the extracts were devoid of antifungal and antibacterial activities, except the aqueous extract of leaves of I. suffruticosa obtained by infusion, which showed strong inhibitory activity against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 5000 µg ml(−1). The MIC values to dermatophyte strains were 2500 µg ml(−1) against Trichophyton rubrum (LM-09, LM-13) and Microsporum canis. This study suggests that aqueous extracts of leaves of I. suffruticosa obtained by infusion can be used in the treatment of skin diseases caused by dermatophytes

Study of the Activity of 3-benzyl-5-(4-chloro-arylazo)-4-thioxo-imidazolidin-2-one against Schistosomiasis Mansoni in Mice

Previous studies conducted with the imidazolidinic derivative 3-benzyl-5-(4-chloro-arylazo)-4-thioxo-imidazolidin-2-one (LPSF-PT05) show outstanding activity against adult Schistosoma mansoni worms in vitro. In the first phase of this study, S. mansoni-infected mice were treated, orally, with 100 mg/Kg of the LPSF-PT05 in three formulations: Tween 80 and saline solution, oil/water (70 : 30) emulsion, and solid dispersion with polyethylene glycol (PEG). In the second phase, three other doses of the LPSF-PT05 in PEG were tested: 3, 10, 30 mg/kg. These treatment regimens significantly reduced the number of recovered worms due to increases in the solubility of the compound in this formulation; the greatest reduction (70.5%) was observed at the dose of 100 mg/kg. There was no changes in the pattern of mature egg compared to immature eggs; however there was a significant increase in the number of dead eggs. Histopathological analysis of liver tissue showed changes in morphological aspects of the hepatic parenchyma with decrease exudative-productive hepatic granuloma stages, although we found no significant differences in IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, or NO production in response to the specific antigen SEA. The results show the derivative LPSF-PT05 to be a potential candidate in the etiological treatment of schistosomiasis with a possible dampening effect of the granulomatous process

Effect of Semisolid Formulation of Persea Americana Mill (Avocado) Oil on Wound Healing in Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the wound-healing activity of a semisolid formulation of avocado oil, SSFAO 50%, or avocado oil in natura, on incisional and excisional cutaneous wound models in Wistar rats. An additional objective was to quantify the fatty acids present in avocado oil. On the 14th day, a significant increase was observed in percentage wound contraction and reepithelialization in the groups treated with 50% SSFAO or avocado oil compared to the petroleum jelly control. Anti-inflammatory activity, increase in density of collagen, and tensile strength were observed inSSFAO 50% or avocado oil groups, when compared to control groups. The analysis of the components of avocado oil by gas chromatography detected the majority presence of oleic fatty acid (47.20%), followed by palmitic (23.66%), linoleic (13.46%) docosadienoic (8.88%), palmitoleic (3.58%), linolenic (1.60%), eicosenoic (1.29%), and myristic acids (0.33%). Our results show that avocado oil is a rich source of oleic acid and contains essential fatty acids. When used in natura or in pharmaceutical formulations for topical use, avocado oil can promote increased collagen synthesis and decreased numbers of inflammatory cells during the wound-healing process and may thus be considered a new option for treating skin wounds

Atypical glandular cells and cervical cancer: systematic review

SummaryAtypical glandular cells are a common finding in cervical cytology in cervical cancer screening and its occurrence has increased in the last decades. The identification of these cells is clinically very important due to its association with cervical and endometrial dysplasic lesions and cancer. Using a systematic approach, this article reviewed studies investigating cervical lesions that are characteristic in patients previously diagnosed as having atypical glandular cells. Studies in which diagnostic investigation did not include histopathological diagnosis were excluded. A comprehensive search for available material in LILACS, SciELO, PubMed/ Medline and Old Medline databases, dated between 1966 and 2009 was performed. Articles omitted by the electronic database search were also included. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected. This report aims at evaluating whether atypical glandular cells, initially found in cervical cytology and subsequently identified at the histological analysis, are related to the presence of benign, pre-malignant and malignant lesions. Eleven out of 19 selected articles showed the highest correlation between atypical glandular cells with benign diseases and six with squamous pre-malignant lesions

Associative administration of cimetidine and exogenous melatonin on the endometrial receptors of estrogen, collagen and hormone levels in adult rats

Cimetidine hydrochloride, a blocker of H2 receptors in gastric parietal cells, acts by reducing the secretion of acid in the stomach and has been studied as a xenoestrogenic substance. The chronic use of cimetidine produces homonal disorders and toxicity in the male reproductive system, in addition to reducing 2-hydroxylated estradiol and increasing serum levels of estradiol and prolactin in women, leading to hyperprolactinemia, which can be a risk factor for cancer. Melatonin, a neurohormone synthesized by the pineal gland, it has an important role in reproductive function, regulating the production of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin. This study tested the hypothesis that melatonin can block or reduce the estrogenic effects of cimetidine in the uterine stroma interfering in the estrogen receptors, collagen fiber content and hormone levels in adult rats. Forty-five (45) albino female rats were divided into three groups: I – treated with placebo (control); II – treated with cimetidine (50 mg/kg) and III – treated with cimetidine (50 mg/kg) associated with melatonin (200 μg/100g). Experiments were conducted for 7, 14 and 19 days. Cimetidine promoted more intense marks of REα receptors in the uterus of animals treated for 19 days, in the distribution of collagen fibers in the endometrium, elevated serum levels of estrogen and prolactin and progesterone reduction. Melatonin associated with cimetidine has blocked these effects. The melatonin has cytoprotective activity to cimetidine chronic effects on endometrial stroma by reducing or preventing the increase in the synthesis of collagen fibers by fibroblasts by regulating the activity of serum estrogen as well as the expCloridrato de cimetidina, um bloqueador de receptores H2 das células parietais gástricas, que age reduzindo a secreção de ácido no estômago e tem sido estudado como substância xenoestrogênica. O uso crônico da cimetidina produz distúrbios homonais e toxidade no aparelho reprodutor masculino, além de reduzir o estradiol 2-hidroxilado e aumentar níveis séricos de estradiol e prolactina em mulheres, levando a hiperprolactinemia, que pode ser fator de risco para o câncer. A melatonina, neurohormônio sintetizado pela glândula pineal tem importante papel na função reprodutiva, regulando a produção de estrógeno, progesterrona e prolactina. O estudo testou a hipótese de que a melatonina pode bloquear ou reduzir os efeitos estrogênicos da cimetidina no estroma uterino, interferindo nos receptores de estrógeno, no teor de fibras colágenas e nos níveis hormonais em ratas adultas. Quarenta e cinco (45) ratas albinas divididas em três grupos: I – tratadas com placebo (controle); II – tratado com cimetidina (50 mg/kg) e III – tratado com cimetidina (50 mg/kg) associada à melatonina (200 μg/100 g). Os experimentos foram conduzidos por 7, 14 e 19 dias. Nos grupos tratados apenas com cimetidina, observou-se marcações mais intensas dos receptores REα, maior distribuição das fibras colágenas no endométrio, elevação dos níveis séricos de estrogênio, prolactina e redução da progesterona, nos animais tratados por 19 dias. Na associação cimetidina e melatonina, acredita-se que a melatonina bloqueou esses efeitos. A melatonina tem atividade citoprotetora para efeitos crônicos da cimetidina no estroma endometrial, por reduzir ou prevenir o aumento da síntese de fibras de colágeno pelos fibroblastos regulando a atividade do estrogênio sérico, bem como a expressão de seus receptores endometriais, além de manter os níveis normais de progesterona e prolactina.Palavras chave: Melatonina, receptor de estrógeno, xenoestrógeno, morfometria, níveis hormonais

Evaluation of Toxicity and Antimicrobial Activity of an Ethanolic Extract from Leaves of Morus alba L. (Moraceae)

This work evaluated an ethanolic extract from Morus alba leaves for toxicity to Artemia salina, oral toxicity to mice, and antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, and triterpenes in the extract, which did not show toxicity to A. salina nauplii. No mortality and behavioral alterations were detected for mice treated with the extract (300 and 2000 mg/kg b.w.) for 14 days. However, animals that received the highest dose showed reduced MCV and MCHC as well as increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity. In treatments with the extract at both 300 and 2000 mg/kg, there was a reduction in number of leukocytes, with decrease in percentage of lymphocytes and increase in proportion of segmented cells. Histopathological analysis of organs from mice treated with the extract at 2000 mg/kg revealed turgidity of contorted tubules in kidneys, presence of leukocyte infiltration around the liver centrilobular vein, and high dispersion of the spleen white pulp. The extract showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and Aspergillus flavus. In conclusion, the extract contains antimicrobial agents and was not lethal for mice when ingested; however, its use requires caution because it promoted biochemical, hematological, and histopathological alterations

Effects of controlled and pressure support mechanical ventilation on rat diaphragm muscle Efeitos da ventilação mecânica controlada e por pressão de suporte no músculo diafragma de ratos

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of Pressure Controlled Ventilation mode (PCV-C) and PSV mode in diaphragm muscle of rats. METHODS: Wistar rats (n=18) were randomly assigned to the control group or to receive 6 hours of PCV and PSV. After this period, animals were euthanized and their diaphragms were excised, frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in at -80º C for further histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Results showed a 15% decrease in cross-sectional area of muscle fibers on the PCV-C group when compared to the control group (p<0.001) and by 10% when compared to the PSV group (p<0.05). Minor diameter was decreased in PCV-C group by 9% when compared with the control group (p<0.001) and by 6% when compared to the PSV group (p<0.05). When myonuclear area was analyzed, a 16% decrease was observed in the PCV-C group when compared to the PSV group (p<0.05). No significant difference between the groups was observed in myonuclear perimeter (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Short-term controlled mechanical ventilation seems to lead to muscular atrophy in diaphragm fibers. The PSV mode may attenuate the effects of VIDD.<br>OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do modo ventilatório controlado por pressão controlada (PCV-C) e do modo PSV sobre o músculo diafragma de ratos. MÉTODOS: Ratos (n = 18) da linhagem Wistar foram distribuídos no grupo controle (RE) ou para receber AVM por 6 horas no modo PCV-C e no modo PSV. Após esse período, os animais foram eutanasiados, o diafragma retirado e encaminhado para a análise histológica e morfométrica. RESULTADOS: Os resultados revelaram uma redução da área das fibras musculares de 15% no grupo PCV-C em comparação ao controle (p<0,001) e de 10% quando comparado ao grupo PSV (p<0,05). Já com relação ao diâmetro menor observou-se uma redução de 9% do grupo PCV-C em comparação ao controle (p<0,001) e de 6% em relação ao grupo PSV (p<0,05). Quando avaliada a área dos mionúcleos, notou-se uma redução de 16% desse parâmetro no grupo PCV-C, comparado ao PSV (p<0,05). Não houve diferença significativa no perímetro dos mionúcleos entre os grupos estudados (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O grupo PCV-C apresentou atrofia muscular em um período curto de ventilação mecânica. O modo PSV parece atenuar os efeitos da DDIV