Background: Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a human incretin hormone that has been demonstrated to protect against non-lethal ischaemia reperfusion injury in the left ventricle in humans. It has been suggested from some animal research that this protection may be mediated through the pathway of ischaemic conditioning, of which the opening of the mKATP channel is a key step. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether the protection applies to the right ventricle. Finally, there is limited human evidence of a protective effect against lethal ischaemia reperfusion injury. Methods: Two studies use non-lethal ischaemia to test whether GLP-1 protection is maintained despite blockade of the mKATP channel with the sulfonylurea, glibenclamide. A demand ischaemia study uses dobutamine stress echo to compare LV function. The other uses transient coronary balloon occlusion to generate supply ischaemia during GLP-1 infusion, assessed by conductance catheter. A further transient balloon occlusion is also used to assess the effect of supply ischaemia on RV function. Finally, the GOLD PCI study assesses whether GLP-1 protects against periprocedural myocardial infarction when administered during elective PCI in a randomised, placebo controlled double blind trial. Results: Glibenclamide did not affect GLP-1 cardioprotection in either supply of demand ischaemia suggesting that GLP-1 protection is not mediated through the mKATP channel. The RV experienced stunning with RCA balloon occlusion but there was little evidence of cumulative ischaemic dysfunction with further occlusions. GOLD PCI is continuing to recruit patients. The nature of the study means results cannot be assessed until recruitment is complete. Conclusions: GLP-1 is an agent with potential for clinical use as a cardioprotective therapy. It’s mechanism of action in the heart remains uncertain.

Objetivos: Desenvolver um modelo de isquemia e reperfusão (I-R) ocular baseado no aumento da pressão intraocular (PIO) em ratos Wistar, e utilizar este modelo para investigar o efeito da guanosina (GUA) na captação de glutamato (GLU) nas retinas destes ratos em condições de I-R. Métodos: Desenvolvemos um modelo de I-R ocular e utilizamos este modelo para investigar 30 ratos Wistar, divididos em 3 grupos de 10 animais. Em cada rato, o olho direito foi submetido à elevação da PIO, gerando isquemia retiniana por 45 minutos, sem nenhuma intervenção no olho esquerdo (controle). No grupo 1, os animais não receberam GUA. No grupo 2, os animais receberam injeção intraperitoneal de GUA 30 minutos antes da isquemia e, no grupo 3, os animais receberam GUA na água durante 1 semana antes e 1 semana após a isquemia. Todos os animais foram mortos 7 dias após a isquemia e suas retinas foram coletadas para quantificar a captação de GLU. Resultados: As captações de GLU nas retinas controle foram semelhantes em todos os grupos. No grupo 1, a captação de GLU foi reduzida pela I-R. Esta redução foi abolida pela GUA administrada na água (grupo 3) e, no grupo 2, a captação de GLU aumentou com a administração intraperitoneal de GUA (P<0.001; ANOVA). Conclusões: Estes resultados sugerem que a I-R ocular gerada em nosso modelo experimental diminuiu a captação de GLU nas retinas de ratos Wistar e que a GUA aboliu tal redução ou, até mesmo, aumentou a captação de GLU. Este efeito da GUA está de acordo com estudos prévios que revelaram comportamento neuroprotetor da GUA no sistema nervoso central, por estimular a captação de GLU por astrócitos. Na retina, este efeito pode ser devido à ação da GUA estimulando a captação de GLU pelas células de Müller. / Purpose: To devise an experimental model of ocular ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) based on intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in Wistar rats, and use this model to investigate the effect of guanosine (GUA) on glutamate (GLU) uptake in retinas of Wistar rats submitted to such ocular I-R injuries. Methods: We devised an experimental model of ocular I-R and applied this model to investigate 30 Wistar rats, divided in 3 groups of 10 rats. Each rat was submitted to IOP elevation in the right eye generating retinal ischemia during 45 minutes with no intervention in the left eye (control retina). In group 1, animals did not receive any GUA. In group 2, animals received an intraperitoneal injection of GUA 30 minutes before ischemia and, in group 3, animals received GUA in water during 1 week before and 1 week after ischemia. All animals were killed 7 days after ischemia and retina samples were obtained. Glutamate uptakes were performed from these retina samples. Results: GLU uptake in control retina was similar in all groups. In group 1, GLU uptake was significantly reduced by I-R; this reduction was abolished by GUA administration in water (group 3) and GLU uptake increased with intraperitoneal GUA (group 2).(P<0.001; ANOVA) Conclusions: These results point that I-R generated by our experimental model decreased GLU uptake in retinas of Wistar rats and that GUA abolished or even overcomed this decrease. These GUA effects are in agreement to previous results, which show that GUA administration presents neuroprotection in central nervous system by stimulating GLU uptake, mainly by astrocytes. In retina, this effect may be due to GUA stimulation of GLU uptake exerted mainly by Müller cells.

Introdução: A lesão de isquemia e reperfusão (I/R) intestinal pode causar danos celular e tecidual local e em órgãos a distância. Alguns fatores podem estar envolvidos nesses processos, tais como: a geração de espécies reativas de oxigênio, mediadores inflamatórios, óxido nítrico (NO) e estresse do retículo endoplasmático (RE). Devido ao envolvimento do estresse oxidativo nas lesões de I/R intestinal, algumas opções terapêuticas com antioxidantes estão sendo estudadas e testadas nas lesões de I/R intestinal. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito local e sistêmico da glutamina no intestino e fígado de animais submetidos à I/R intestinal. Métodos: Foram utilizados 20 ratos wistar machos divididos em quatro grupos: Sham operated (SO), Glutamina+Sham operated (G+SO), Isquemia e reperfusão intestinal (I/R); Glutamina+Isquemia e reperfusão intestinal (G+I/R). Os animais foram anestesiados e, após, realizada a laparotomia mediana e identificação da artéria mesentérica superior. A artéria foi clampeada por 30 e após esse tempo, os animais foram mantidos por mais 15 minutos em reperfusão intestinal. A glutamina foi administrada por via intraperitoneal, na dose de 25 mg/Kg diluída em 1 mL de solução fisiológica. O tratamento foi realizado uma vez ao dia, durante 48 horas antes da indução da isquemia. Foram realizadas análises séricas para a função de integridade hepática através das enzimas aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e fosfatase alcalina (FA) e danos ao DNA pelo ensaio cometa. Realizamos a análise histológica dos tecidos através da coloração de Hematoxilina-Eosina e imunohistoquímica para avaliar a quantidade de células marcadas com os anticorpos monoclonais IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α e NF-B no intestino e fígado. O homogeneizado do intestino e fígado foram utilizados para a avaliação dos níveis de lipoperoxidação (LPO) através das substâncias que reagem ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS), avaliação da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes catalase (CAT), superóxido dismutase (SOD) e glutationa peroxidase (GPx), determinação dos níveis de glutationa (GSH), avaliação dos metabólitos do óxido nítrico (nitritos/nitratos) e para as análises moleculares das proteínas iNOS, NF-B, Nrf2, Keap1, SOD, NQO1, HSP70, GRP78 e ATF-6 por Western Blot. Resultados: O pré-tratamento com glutamina reduziu os níveis de LPO, óxido nítrico, danos ao DNA, bem como as enzimas de integridade hepática. Observamos que a glutamina foi eficaz na preservação da arquitetura tecidual do intestino e fígado dos animais submetidos a I/R intestinal, reduzindo parâmetros como infiltrado inflamatório, perda das vilosidades intestinais e necrose. Constatou-se que a glutamina ativou a via do Nrf2 e as enzimas antioxidantes, reduziu o dano celular, e inibiu o estresse do RE, além de reduzir os mediadores do processo inflamatório. Conclusão: Neste estudo, sugerimos que o pré-tratamento com a glutamina desempenhou um papel protetor tanto no intestino como no fígado dos animais submetidos a I/R intestinal, demonstrado pelas análises estudadas, possivelmente pela sua ação antioxidante e anti-inflamatória. / Background: Injury by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) can cause local and cellular damage to tissues and organs at distance. Some factors may be involved in those processes, such as the generation of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide (NO) and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Due to the involvement of oxidative stress in intestinal I/R lesions, some therapeutic options with antioxidants are being studied and tested in order to reduce these damages. Objective: To evaluate the local and systemic effect of glutamine in the intestine and liver of animals submitted to intestinal I/R. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Sham operated (SO), Glutamine+Sham operated (G+SO), Intestinal Ischemia and reperfusion (I/R); Glutamine+intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (G+I/R). The animals were anesthetized and after we performed the median laparotomy and identification of the superior mesenteric artery. The artery was clamped for 30 minutes and after that the animals were maintained for another 15 minutes in intestinal reperfusion. Glutamine was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 25 mg/kg diluted in 1 ml of saline solution. Treatment was performed once daily for 48 hours prior to induction of ischemia. Serum samples for hepatic integrity were collected, and the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (FA) were accessed. DNA damage was evaluated by the comet assay. We performed the histological analysis of the tissues through the staining of Hematoxylin-Eosin and immunohistochemistry, in order to evaluate the amount of cells labeled with the monoclonal antibodies IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-B in the intestine and liver. The intestinal and liver homogenates were used to evaluate the levels of lipoperoxidation (LPO) through thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), evaluation of the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), determination of glutathione levels (GSH) and nitric oxide (nitrites/nitrates), and for the molecular analyzes of the iNOS, NF-B, Nrf2, Keap1, SOD, NQO1, HSP70, GRP78 and ATF-6 proteins we performed Western blot analysis. Results: Pretreatment with glutamine reduced levels of LPO, nitric oxide, DNA damage, as well as liver integrity enzymes. We observed that glutamine was effective in preserving the intestinal and liver tissue architecture of animals submitted to intestinal I/R, reducing parameters such as inflammatory infiltrate, loss of intestinal villi and necrosis. It was found that glutamine activated the Nrf2 pathway and antioxidant enzymes, reduced cell damage, and inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress in addition to reducing mediators of the inflammatory process. Conclusion: In this study, we suggest that pretreatment with glutamine played a protective role in both intestine and liver of animals submitted to intestinal I/R, demonstrated by the present analyzes, possibly for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.

Introdução: A hipotermia tópica (HT) e o pré-condicionamento isquêmico (PCI) são métodos utilizados para diminuir a lesão de isquemia/reperfusão (I/R). A eficácia do uso concomitante da HT e PCI (HT+PCI) no fígado em relação à inflamação e à citoproteção antioxidante não está elucidada. Objetivo: Avaliar o processo inflamatório e os mecanismos de segunda linha de defesa antioxidante na lesão de I/R hepática em ratos em relação à utilização das técnicas de HT e PCI de forma isolada ou associada. Métodos: Ratos Wistar (n=32) foram submetidos à isquemia hepática parcial (70%) durante 90 minutos seguida por 120 minutos de reperfusão. Os animais foram alocados nos grupos sham (n=4), isquemia normotérmica (IN, n=7), PCI (n=7), HT (n=7) e HT+PCI (n=7). O PCI consistiu na aplicação consecutiva de 10 minutos de isquemia e reperfusão antes do insulto isquêmico. A HT foi induzida pela superfusão de solução salina a 26°C sobre os lobos isquêmicos. A eutanásia foi realizada ao término do experimento e as amostras foram coletadas para a realização das análises moleculares utilizando as técnicas de ELISA e Western Blot, com o objetivo de comparar os perfis pró-inflamatório, anti-inflamatório e antioxidante. Resultados: O grupo HT comparado ao grupo IN apresentou diminuição da concentração do fator de necrose tumoral (TNF)-α, interleucina (IL)-1β, IL-6 e IL-12 e um aumento dos níveis de IL-10. O grupo HT apresentou menor expressão da óxido nítrico sintase induzível (iNOS) e um aumento da expressão da óxido nítrico sintase endotelial (eNOS). A expressão da NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) foi menor no grupo HT. O PCI não demonstrou diferença significativa em relação a esses marcadores quando comparado ao grupo IN. O grupo HT+PCI apresentou menor concentração de IL-12 e menor expressão da iNOS e NQO1, mas em relação a estas moléculas a utilização de HT isolada demonstrou um comportamento semelhante. O grupo HT+PCI apresentou maior expressão da Kelch-like ECH-associated protein (Keap)-1 e menor expressão do nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear e citoplasmático em relação ao grupo IN. Conclusão: O método de HT foi eficaz na proteção contra a lesão inicial de I/R. O uso de PCI isolado desencadeou a ativação da segunda linha de defesa antioxidante. A aplicação combinada de HT+PCI não confere benefício adicional em relação ao processo inflamatório quando comparado ao grupo HT, mas apresenta a vantagem de evitar a ativação da segunda linha de defesa antioxidante. / Background: Topical hypothermia (TH) and ischemic preconditioning (IPC) are used to decrease ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The effectiveness of using concomitantly TH and IPC (TH+IPC) in liver, regarding inflammation and antioxidant cytoprotection, is lacking. Aim: To evaluate the process inflammatory and second-line antioxidant defense mechanisms in hepatic I/R injury in rats in relation to the use of techniques TH and IPC isolate or associated. Methods: Wistar rats (n=32) subjected to partial (70%) hepatic ischemia during 90 minutes followed by 120 minutes of reperfusion. Livers from the animals allocated in sham (n=4), normothermic ischemia (NI, n=7), IPC (n=7), TH (n=7) and TH+IPC (n=7) groups. IPC consisted of consecutive 10-minute periods of ischemia and reperfusion before the ischemic insult. TH was induced by the superfusion of cooled saline at 26oC onto the ischemic lobes. Euthanasia was undertaken exactly at the end of the experiment and samples were collected for molecular analyses by ELISA and Western Blot assays, aiming to compare pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profiles. Results: Compared with NI, TH presented decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-12 concentrations and increased IL-10 levels. TH displayed lower inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), higher endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expressions. NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase-1(NQO1) expression was also lower in TH. Isolate IPC showed no differences regarding all these markers compared to NI. TH+IPC showed decreased IL-12 concentration and reduced iNOS and NQO1 expressions, but regarding these molecules isolate TH behaved similarly. TH+IPC showed higher Kelch-like ECH-associated protein (Keap)-1 and diminished nuclear and cytosolic nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expressions than NI. Conclusion: TH was the effective method of protection against early I/R injury. Isolated IPC entailed triggering of second-line antioxidant defense enzymes. Combined TH+IPC seemed to confer no additional advantage over isolated TH in relation to the inflammatory process, but had the advantage of avoid activation second-line antioxidant defense enzymes.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / O desequilíbrio nutricional no início da vida leva ao desenvolvimento da obesidade, diabetes e doenças cardiovasculares na idade adulta. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os efeitos a longo prazo da hiperalimentação na lactação por meio do modelo de redução da ninhada na hemodinâmica e bioenergética cardíaca. Vinte e quatro camundongos machos Swiss adultos foram divididos em dois grupos (controle e hiperalimentado) submetidos a duas condições (linha de base e isquemia/reperfusão) formando quatro grupos no total: grupo controle linha de base (GCLB), grupo controle isquemia/reperfusão (GCIR), grupo hiperalimentado linha de base (GHLB) e o grupo hiperalimentado isquemia/reperfusão (GHIR), todos com seis camundongos/grupo. As alterações cardíacas foram analisadas por meio da hemodinâmica cardíaca, da respiração mitocondrial e da biologia molecular. Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos analisados foram a velocidade de contração (Max dP/dt), a velocidade de relaxamento (Min dP/dt), o tempo de relaxamento cardíaco isovolumétrico (Tau) e os batimentos por minuto (BPM). A respiração mitocondrial foi avaliada por meio da razão do controle respiratório (RCR) na oxidação de carboidratos e ácidos gordos, e finalmente, a biologia molecular, através de proteínas-chave como a proteína quinase B (AKT), a proteína quinase ativada por adenosina monofosfato (AMPK), a carnitina palmitoil transferase 1 (CPT-1), a proteína desacopladora 2 (UCP2), o 4-hidroxinonenal (4-HNE) e a gliceraldeído-3-fosfato desidrogenase (GAPDH). Os camundongos do GH desenvolveram maior peso corporal (30,95%, P<0,001), gordura epididimal (68,64%, P<0,001), gordura retroperitoneal (109,38%, P<0,01) e glicemia de jejum (19,52%, P<0,05) comparados aos do GC. Os parâmetros Max dP/dt e BPM apresentaram diminuição no GHIR quando comparado ao GHLB (P<0,001 e P<0,05). O parâmetro Min dP/dt apresentou-se reduzido no GCIR e GHIR quando comparado aos grupos GCLB e GCLB (P<0,05; P<0,0001 respectivamente). Camundongos do GHIR apresentaram redução do Tau quando comparado aos grupos GCIR e GHLB (P<0,0001). Estes desequilíbrios na hemodinâmica cardíaca foram associados a função mitocondrial, uma vez que, o GHLB apresenta a RCR reduzida para oxidação de ácidos graxos e carboidratos (P<0,05 e P<0,01, respectivamente) e o GHIR apenas na oxidação dos ácidos graxos (P<0,01). Além disso, o GHIR apresentou diversas alterações nas proteínas-chave do metabolismo energético cardíaco, como diminuição do conteúdo de AKT (P<0,05) e aumento do conteúdo de CPT-1 (P<0,05), 4-HNE (P<0,05) e GAPDH (P<0,05) quando comparado ao CGIR. Finalmente, a expressão do mRNA para CPT1, GAPDH e UCP2 foi aumentada no GHIR quando comparado aos GCIR (P<0,05) e GHLB (P<0,05). A expressão de mRNA para UCP2 e CPT-1 foi reduzida no GCIR quando comparado ao GCLB (P<0,01 e P<0,05, respectivamente). O estudo apresenta resultados consistentes, demonstrando efeitos deletérios sobre o metabolismo cardíaco adulto resultante de alterações nutricionais durante a lactação. / Early life nutritional imbalance induces obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases when animals become adults. This study aimed to study the long-term effects of postnatal overfeeding by litter size reduction on animal weight and heart energy homeostasis. Twenty-four adult male mice were divided into two groups (control and overfed) and studied under two conditions (baseline and ischemia/reperfusion) forming four groups in total: control group baseline (CGBL), control group ischemia/reperfusion (CGIR), obese group baseline (OGBL) and obese group ischemia/reperfusion (OGIR) all with 6 mice/group. Changes in heart were analyzed by cardiac hemodynamic, mitochondrial respiration and molecular biology. Hemodynamic parameters analyzed were speed of contraction (Max dP/dt), speed of relaxation (Min dP/dt), isovolumetric relaxation time (Tau) and beats per minute (BPM), mitochondrial respiration by respiratory control ratio (RCR) in carbohydrate and fatty acid oxidation and molecular biology by key proteins like protein kinase B (AKT), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), carnitine palmitoil palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The OG developed higher body weight (30.95%, P<0.001), epididymal fat (68.64%, P<0.001), retroperitoneal fat (109.38%, P<0.01) and fasting glucose (19.52%, P<0.05) compared to the CG. The parameters Max dP/dt and BPM were significantly decreased in OGIR compared to OGBL (P<0.001 and P<0.05). Min dP/dt was significantly decreased in CGIR and OGIR compared to CGBL (P<0.05) and OGBL (P<0,0001) respectively . Tau was significantly decreased in OGIR compared to CGIR and OGBL (P<0.0001). Theses impairments of cardiac hemodynamic were associated to mitochondrial uncoupling since OGBL presented decreased of RCR, in both carbohydrate and fatty acid oxidation (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively) and OGIR only in fatty acid oxidation (P<0.01). Moreover, OGIR showed higher alterations in key proteins of cardiac energetic metabolism with decreasing AKT content (P<0.05) and increasing CPT1 (p<0.05), 4-HNE (P<0.05) and GAPDH contents (P<0.05) when compared to CGIR. Finally, the expression of mRNA for CPT1, GAPDH and UCP2 was increased in OGIR compared to CGIR (P<0.05) and OGBL (P<0.05). The expression of mRNA for UCP2 and CPT1 was decreased in CGIR compared to CGBL (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Finally, the study presents consistent results demonstrating deleterious effects on adult heart metabolism resulting from nutritional changes during lactation.

Torção testicular (TT) é uma síndrome urológica comumente encontrada em recém nascidos, crianças e adolescentes. Neste trabalho foi estudada as lesões morfológicas e a função reprodutiva em ratos adultos que sofreram TT, em diferentes idades de maturidade sexual e o efeito protetor da L-arginina, contra os danos causados pela isquemia/reperfusão na torção testicular. Dezoito ratos pré-púberes (4 semanas de vida) dezessete púberes (6 semanas de vida) e dezessete adultos (9 semanas de vida) foram submetidos à TT. Sob anestesia o testículo direito foi rotacionado em 720 e fixado, sendo então destorcido após 4 horas. Vinte e quatro ratos (ARG4, n=8, ARG6, n=8 e ARG9 n=8) foram submetidos ao tratamento com 650mg/kg de L-arginina, por via oral, durante 7 dias. Outros trinta ratos de mesma idade sofreram cirurgia simulada (SH4, n=10, SH6, n=10 e SH9, n=10). Com 12 semanas de idade, foram submetidos ao acasalamento controlado com 3 fêmeas e ao vigésimo dia de gestação o número de fetos, corpos lúteos, absorções e implatações foram contados. Na 14 semana, os ratos foram mortos e os espermatozóides coletados da cauda dos epidídimos, foi anotado o peso corporal, o peso e volume testicular. O soro foi usado para dosagem de testosterona. Foram avaliadas a concentração, motilidade e a viabilidade espermática. Os testículos coletados foram fixados em Bouin, pós-fixados em formalina e processados em parafina. Utilizando o programa de imagem Image J, lâminas coradas com HE, mensuramos a altura do epitélio, densidade volumétrica e diâmetro do túbulo seminífero. Para avaliar a integridade do epitélio seminífero foi utilizado a frequência dos estágios do ciclo do epitélio e o escorre de Johnsen. Também foi avaliado a proliferação do compartimento tubular e intertubular, através da imunomarcação com PCNA. Os dados foram tabulados e as médias dos grupos comparadas pelo teste de ANOVA com pós-teste de Bonferroni ou teste de Kruskal-Wallis com pós teste de Dunns (programa Graphpad Prism, com p < 0,05). Os resultados revelaram grandes danos produzidos pela injuria testicular, no testículo ipsilateral, com diminuição da capacidade reprodutiva, da concentração, viabilidade e mobilidade, do peso e volume testicular. Animais TT9 não apresentaram espermatozoides nas amostras coletas. Houve diminuição do diâmetro dos túbulos seminíferos e da altura do epitélio, aumento do compartimento intertubular, com ênfase dos vasos sanguíneos, aumento da proliferação celular estromal e diminuição da proliferação epitelial. Houve diminuição da concentração sérica de testosterona no grupo TT4, quando comparado como grupo TT9. Em geral, os animais submetidos à torção na fase adulta foram os mais acometidos. Não foram encontradas alterações dignas de nota, nos testículo contralaterais. Animais tratados com L-arginina obtiveram melhora dos índices reprodutivos, com aumento da potência em todas as idades. Houve aumento da concentração espermática no testículo contralateral de ARG4 e ARG6, mostrando que a L-arginina atuou como antioxidante. Não houve proteção para as lesões causadas pela torção na maioria dos grupos, mas os animais tratados ARG9 apresentaram concentração espermática mensuravel, quando comparados aos ratos TT9, que tinham azospermia. / Testicular torsion (TT) is a urologic syndrome commonly found in infants, children and adolescents. In this work, the morphological damage and reproductive function in adult rats that underwent TT in different ages of sexual maturity and the protective effect of L-arginine against damage caused by ischemia / reperfusion in testicular torsion. Eighteen prepubertal rats (4 weeks old) seventeen pubertal (6 weeks old) and seventeen adults (9 weeks old) underwent TT. Under anesthesia, the right testis was rotated 720 and fixed, and then distorted after 4 hours. Twenty four rats (ARG4, n = 8, Arg6 n = 8, and Arg9 n = 8) were treated with 650mg/kg of L-arginine orally for 7 days. Other thirty rats of the same age underwent sham surgery (SH4, n = 10, SH6 n = 10, and SH9 n = 10). At 12 weeks of age, were subjected to controlled breeding 3 females and twentieth day of gestation and number of fetuses, corpora lutea, implantations, and absorptions were counted. At 14 weeks, the rats were killed and sperm collected from the epididymis tail was also noted body weight, testicular weight and volume. The serum was used for measurement of testosterone. We evaluated the concentration, motility and sperm viability. The testes were collected and fixed in Bouin, post-fixed in formalin and processed in paraffin. Using imaging program Image J, HE-stained slides, we measured the height of the epithelium, volume density and diameter of the seminiferous tubule. To evaluate the integrity of the seminiferous epithelium was used the frequency of the cycle stages of the epithelium and Johnsens scorre. Also evaluated was the proliferation of the tubular and intertubular compartment by immunostaining with PCNA. Data were tabulated and the means of groups were compared by ANOVA with Bonferroni post-test or Kruskal-Wallis with Dunns post test (Graphpad Prism, p <.05). The results revealed major damage produced by testicular injury in the ipsilateral testis, with decreased reproductive capacity, concentration, viability and motility, weight and testicular volume. TT9 animals showed no sperm in the samples collected. A decrease of the seminiferous tubule diameter and height of the epithelium, increased intertubular compartment, with emphasis on blood vessels, increased proliferation and reduced stromal cell epithelial proliferation. There was a decrease in serum testosterone group TT4, when compared as a group TT9. In general, animals subjected to torsion at 9 weeks were the most affected. There were no notable changes in the contralateral testis. Animals treated with L-arginine showed improvement of reproductive rates, with increased potency at all ages. There was increased sperm concentration in the contralateral testicular ARG4 and ARG6, showing that L-arginine acted as an antioxidant. There was no protection for injuries caused by twisting in most groups, but animals treated ARG9 showed measurable sperm concentration compared to TT9 mice that had azoospermia.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:31:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-01-23Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:01:43Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 difilippo_pa_dr_jabo.pdf: 454284 bytes, checksum: b9aeabbf9ca5c1fc6bc3d51066aa8568 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Com o objetivo de avaliar e comparar as alterações clínicas e hematológicas de equinos submetidos a modelo experimental de obstrução intestinal, 24 animais foram distribuídos em quatro grupos, controle instrumentado (GI), obstrução do duodeno (GII), íleo (GIII) e cólon maior (GIV). O exame clínico e a colheita das amostras de sangue e de líquido peritoneal foram realizados antes da cirurgia (T0), durante as obstruções (T30ob-T180ob) e após as desobstruções (T30des-T7º). Os equino do GII e do GIII apresentaram sinais de dor abdominal, diminuição da motilidade intestinal e aumento da freqüência cardíaca e respiratória. Nestes mesmos grupos houve diminuição na contagem de leucócitos a qual posteriormente, cedeu lugar a leucocitose por neutrofilia, com desvio à esquerda. Na análise hemogasométrica apenas os animais do GIV e os do GII, nos apresentaram aumento do pH(v), da cHCO- 3(vP) e da cBase(v) que, acrescidos do aumento da pCO2(v) e da ctCO2(v), caracterizou a alcalose metabólica com compensação respiratória. No líquido peritoneal os animais do GII e do GIII apresentaram aumento na contagem global celular, bem como na concentração de proteína total, fibrinogênio, lactato e de fósforo inorgânico. Os resultados clínico-laboratoriais obtidos foram associados à distensão intestinal, resultante do modelo de obstrução e, indicam que algumas alterações laboratoriais quando analisadas em conjunto com os dados obtidos no exame clínico, podem auxiliar na identificação do segmento intestinal obstruído, na elaboração do prognóstico e no acompanhamento da evolução do processo de cura. / This study aimed to evaluate and compare clinical and hematological alterations in horses submitted to an experimental model of intestinal obstruction. Twenty-four animals were divided in four groups: instrumented control (GI), duodenum obstruction (GII), ileum obstruction (GIII) and large colon obstruction (GIV). Clinical examination was carried out and blood and peritoneal samples were collected before surgery (T0), during the obstruction (T30ob-T180ob) and after unblocking procedures (T30des-T7º). Animals from GII and from GIII presented signs of abdominal pain, reduced gastrointestinal sounds and increased heart and respiratory rates, as well as leukopenia and neutropenia which later developed to leukocytosis, neutrophilia and left shifts. Animals from GIV and from GII presented higher values for pH(v), cHCO- 3(vP) and cBase(v) which, added to the increase of pCO2(v) and ctCO2(v), characterized the metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation. After unblocking procedure animals from GII and GIII presented higher global cells counts, as well as in fibrinogen, total protein concentrations, lactate and inorganic phosphorus concentrations in peritoneal fluid were also increased. The results were associated to enteric injury from the obstruction model showing that some laboratorial alterations when analyzed, including clinical examination, can be helpful at the identification of which intestinal segment is blocked, for draw up a prognosis and can be used as support in the evolution of cure process.

Ischaemia reperfusion injury (IR-injury) occurs when blood supply to a certain area of the body is blocked, and is subsequently followed by reperfusion. During the period of ischaemia, tissue is damaged as a result of lack of oxygen. Rapid reperfusion is mandatory, but unfortunately causes damage in addition to the damage induced by ischaemia alone. While a prolonged period of ischaemia is harmful to the bodily tissue, short periods of ischaemia interspersed with short bouts of reperfusion have protective effects. This mechanism is called ischaemic preconditioning (IPC). In this thesis, the impact of co-morbidity and age on IR-injury and IPC are explored. Moreover, the possible role of IPC to enhance exercise performance is investigated. Finally an attempt is made to understand the interchangeable effects of IPC and exercise performance in the prevention of IR-injury. Using the brachial artery endothelial function as a surrogate marker, first the consequences of IR-injury in both young and older individuals on endothelial function were studied. It was also assessed whether IPC could prevent endothelial IR-injury. It was found that endothelial function in both groups declined, when IR-injury was not preceded with IPC. However, when IPC was applied prior to IR-injury, a protective effect was detected in young subjects, but not in older participants. In chapter 5, this study was repeated in patients with heart failure, as they are at an increased risk for IR-injury. While in both groups a significant decline in endothelial function was observed, a much larger decline was established in the heart failure group. Moreover, IPC failed to protect against endothelial dysfunction in heart failure patients after IR-injury. The third study presented in this thesis, focused on the question whether exercise performance enhancement during a 5-km time trial was comparable when IPC on the upper legs was applied immediately before the time trial versus 24 hours (24-IPC) prior to exercise. Interestingly, a significant and strong correlation was found in finish time between acute IPC and 24-IPC, suggesting comparable effects of IPC and 24-IPC on exercise performance. In a follow-up study, it was determined whether local IPC applied on the upper arm, or remote IPC applied on the legs, would lead to an improved maximum incremental arm crank exercise test in individuals with a complete spinal cord lesion. The main finding was that upper arm IPC led to an increased performance enhancement, whilst remote IPC (stimulus below the lesion) did not lead to any significant differences. These studies help to inform the best or most practical application of IPC in daily life situations. Some previous work has suggested that exercise may resemble some of the effects of IPC. More specifically, acute exercise might possess the same protective effects against ischaemia-reperfusion injury as IPC. Therefore, in young healthy individuals it was studied, whether an acute bout of endurance or interval exercise is able to protect against brachial endothelial IR-injury. It was established that interval exercise prevented endothelial dysfunction after an IR stimulus, while no protective effect of endurance exercise was found. It was concluded that interval exercise, but not endurance exercise, prevented endothelial dysfunction after an ischaemic period. In conclusion, this thesis provides further evidence for the protective effects of (remote) IPC, both on the prevention of endothelial IR-injury as well as improvement in exercise performance. However, effects may depend on the protocol and population studied.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-12T18:48:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-02-27. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2016-08-12T18:50:55Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000865111.pdf: 1312003 bytes, checksum: 38fab956c6701f8def4faf35f56489ff (MD5) / Justificativa e Objetivo: a lesão renal aguda(LRA) determina um aumento na morbidade e na mortalidade de pacientes hospitalizados. O diagnóstico precoce e a realização de medidas de proteção renal são essenciais. Foi observado que o pantoprazol possui efeito similar ao précondicionamento isquêmico em corações de ratos, promovendo efeito protetor. O objetivo deste experimento foi analisar o emprego do pantoprazol na proteção de rins submetidos à lesão de isquemia e reperfusão em ratos sob anestesia geral inalatória com isoflurano. Método: quarenta ratos, Wistar, machos, foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos: PIR (pantoprazol + isquemia artéria renal esquerda), P (pantoprazol), IR (isquemia renal esquerda) e Sham. O tempo de isquemia renal foi de 20 minutos e o de reperfusão, 30 minutos. Anestesia inalatória com isoflurano foi a técnica anestésica realizada. A dose administrada de pantoprazol foi de 192 mcg/kg. Todos os animais foram submetidos à nefrectomia direita e ao final do experimento procedeu-se nefrectomia esquerda, para posterior avaliação histológica e classificação por meio de escala de necrose tubular. Os atributos estudados foram: pressão arterial média (PAM), temperatura retal, os critérios de RIFLE e AKIN, dosagem urinária dos biomarcadores NGAL, KIM-1 e IL-8 e avaliação histológica. A creatinina sérica foi coletada em três momentos: M1, após monitorização; M2, após a reperfusão; e M3, 24 horas após o inicio do experimento. As coletas de urina para dosagem dos biomarcadores ocorreram antes (Urina 1) e após o experimento (Urina 2). Os atributos foram submetidos à análise estatística e as diferenças foram consideradas estatisticamente significativas quando p<0,05. Resultados: diferenças estatisticamente significativas foram observadas entre os grupos com aplicação dos critérios de RIFLE (p=0,007) e AKIN (p-0,003). Os grupos PIR e IR evoluíram com maior incidência de... / Background and Objective: acute kidney injury (AKI) determines an increase in morbidity and mortality of hospitalized patients. Early diagnosis and the realization of renal protection measures are essential. It was observed that pantoprazole has effect similar to ischemic preconditioning in rat hearts, promoting protective effect. The objective was to analyze the use of pantoprazole in protecting kidneys subjected to ischemia and reperfusion in rats under inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane. Method: forty rats, Wistar male rats, were randomly divided into four groups: RIP (pantoprazole + left renal ischemia), P (pantoprazole), IR (left renal ischemia) and Sham. Renal ischemia time was 20 minutes and reperfusion 30 minutes. The anesthetic technique performed: inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane. The pantoprazole dose was 192 mcg/kg. All animals underwent right nephrectomy and at the end of the experiment proceeded to left nephrectomy for subsequent histological evaluation and classification through tubular necrosis scale. The parameters were: mean arterial pressure (MAP), rectal temperature, the criteria of RIFLE and AKIN, urinary dosage of biomarkers NGAL, KIM-1 and IL-8 and histological evaluation. Serum creatinine was collected in three moments: M1, after monitoring, M2, and M3 after reperfusion, 24 hours after the beginning of the experiment. The urine samples to test for biomarkers occurred before (Urine 1) and after the experiment (Urine 2). The attributes were subjected to statistical analysis and differences were considered statistically significant when p <0,05. Results: significant differences were observed between the groups with application of RIFLE criteria (p=0.007) and AKIN (p=0.003). The PIR and IR groups evolved with higher incidence of AKI. The NGAL and KIM-1 biomarkers increased in all groups throughout the experiment, but with higher values in the PIR and IR groups. IL-18 revealed no group effect (p=0.38) nor the ...

Thesis (MTech (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2006 / Research has shown that the activation of the NO-cGMP pathway leads to myocardial protection from oxidative stress conditions, such as ischaemia and reperfusion. Few of these studies have however combined diet induced oxidative stress with ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Although little is known about the effects of supplements such as red palm oil (RPO) on the NO-cGMP pathway, research has shown that dietary RPO-supplementation improved reperfusion aortic output recovery through mechanisms that may include activation of the NO-cGMP- and inhibition of the cAMP pathway. RPO is an antioxidant-rich oil containing ~carotene and Vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols). The aims of this study were to determine: 1) whether RPO-supplementation of an oxidative risk induced diet (ORD) and a high saturated fat diet (HFD) offers protection against ischaemia/reperfusion injury in the isolated perfused rat heart and 2) the possible mechanisms for this protection. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups for a period of 14 weeks according to the dietary supplementation they received. The control groups received either an oxidative risk induced diet (ORD) or a high saturated fat diet (HFD), while the experimental groups received an ORD supplemented with RPO (ORD+RPO) or a HFD supplemented with RPO (HFD+RPO).