Dissertation (Ph.D.)--The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2009. / Directed by Keith Erikson; submitted to the Dept. of Nutrition. Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Apr. 29, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 154-191).

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MSc (Anatomy))--University of Pretoria, 2001. / Anatomy / unrestricted

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Previous studies have shown an increased growth of the tibial growth plate in rats infused with supraphysiologic doses of IGF-I. However, no one has demonstrated this effect on the TMJ in vivo. To determine the effect of a constant infusion of IGF-1 on the TMJ, 20 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: (1) control, (2) surgical control, and (3) IGF-1 and placebo infused. IGF-I was delivered at a rate of 1 μg/day over the TMJ via osmotic minipumps. lntravital bone labels were administered at two-week intervals to monitor growth rate. Following sacrifice, seven mandibular (Mn) dimensions were measured anthropometrically. The mandibles were then imbedded in acrylic and stained with tetrachrome to visualize the Mn cartilage. Fluorescence microscopy was utilized to measure the Mn growth between bone labels and calculate growth rates. In addition, the hypertrophic cartilage layer thickness was measured photomicrographically. ANOVA showed no significant difference (P<0.05) in growth rates or cartilage thicknesses between the groups. However, multiple t tests did show an increase in several Mn dimensions (increase in length from gonion to the mental foramen; increase in length from condylion to the mental foramen; and increase in condylar head anterior-posterior length) in the experimental animals comparing the IGF-I infused side with the placebo infused control side. Therefore, it was concluded that IGF-I, when infused at a constant supraphysiologic dose, may increase mandibular growth in certain directions. The present study is not able to definitively demonstrate that these increases are due to direct effects on Mn cartilage growth.

Introdução: O transplante de pulmão é uma opção terapêutica bem estabelecida para o tratamento de pneumopatias em estágio final. Uma complicação frequente relacionada aos transplantes é a lesão de isquemia e reperfusão (IR), estando o estresse oxidativo envolvido no processo. O azul de metileno (AM) é um inibidor da produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio, atuando como receptor alternativo de elétrons da xantina oxidase. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do AM como inibidor da lesão de IR em transplante pulmonar de ratos. Métodos: Quarenta ratos fêmea Sprague Dawley (300g - 350g) foram divididas em quatro grupos de dez animais. Os animais foram submetidos a transplante pulmonar unilateral esquerdo. Os enxertos foram expostos a 3 ou 6 horas de isquemia fria seguido de 2 horas de reperfusão. Nos animais do grupo controle, 2 mL de solução salina foram injetados na cavidade peritoneal e, nos animais do grupo experimento, 2 mL de AM a 1% foram injetados da mesma forma. Resultados: A dosagem da PaO2 foi significativamente superior no grupo AM entre os animais submetidos a isquemia de 3 horas (AM = 150,2 ± 50,1 vs Salina = 102,6 ± 40,4 mmHg; p = 0,028), assim como a dosagem do óxido nítrico exalado foi significativamente inferior no mesmo grupo (AM = 3,2 ± 2,0 vs Salina = 5,2 ± 2,3 ppb; p = 0,05). O infiltrado neutrofílico foi menor nos animais do grupo AM submetidos a 6 horas de isquemia no lavado broncoalveolar (LBA); (AM = 11,8 ± 7,4 vs Salina = 30 ± 19,2 X 104/mL; p = 0,023). A análise histopatológica mostrou menor formação de edema perivascular no grupo AM submetido a 6 horas de isquemia (AM = 35,2 ± 7,65 vs Salina = 44,8 ± 6,39%; p = 0,001) e perialveolar no grupo AM submetido a 3 horas de isquemia (AM = 18,4 ± 14,2 vs Salina = 28,1 ± 18,2%; p = 0,041) e menor infiltrado neutrofílico perialveolar na comparação entre os grupos submetidos a 6 horas de isquemia (AM = 2,8 ± 2,2 vs Salina = 5,1 ± 3,1%; p = 0,046). Os níveis de IL-6 no LBA foram inferiores no grupo AM em ambos os tempos de isquemia (3 h - AM = 122,4 ± 24,9 vs Salina = 175.6 ± 50.3 pg/mL; p = 0.008; 6 h - AM = 142 ± 38,7 vs Salina = 351,3 ± 80,7 pg/mL; p = 0,002); Os níveis de TNF-? foram menores no grupo AM submetido a 6 horas de isquemia (AM = 189,5 ± 93,3 vs Salina = 342,9 ± 130,4 pg/mL, p = 0.007). A dosagem do ácido úrico foi significativamente maior no grupo AM em ambos os tempos de isquemia (3 h - AM = 4,7 ± 0,9 vs Salina = 2,7 ± 0,7 mg/dL; p = 0,003; 6 h - AM = 5,3 ± 2,4 vs Salina = 2,3 ± 0,9 mg/dL; p < 0,001). Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação a apoptose. Conclusão: O AM demonstrou ser uma droga eficaz na prevenção da lesão de isquemia e reperfusão no transplante pulmonar de ratos / Introduction: Lung transplantation (LTx) has become an established therapeutic option for end-stage pulmonary disease. Ischemia reperfusion injury (IR) is a major cause of organ dysfunction after LTx and oxidative stress is involved in this process. Methylene blue (MB) is an inhibitor of reactive oxygen species production. Objective:To investigate the effects of MB on the IR in a rodent model of LTx. Methods: Forty female Sprague Dawley rats (300g - 350g) were divided into four groups (n = 10) according to treatment (saline solution or MB) and graft cold ischemic time (3 or 6 hours). Animals underwent a left-sided unilateral lung transplantation. Recipients received 2mL of intraperitoneal saline or MB 1%. After 2 hours of reperfusion, animals were killed and blood gas, exhaled nitric oxide, cell count and cytokines leves in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as well as histopathology, serum uric acid and apoptosis were evaluated. Results: PaO2 was significantly higher in MB group undergoing 3 hour ischemic time (MB =150.2 ± 50.1 vs Saline = 102.6 ± 40.4 mmHg; p = 0.028). Exhaled nitric oxide values showed differences only between groups with 3 hour of ischemia (MB = 3.2 ± 2.0 vs Saline = 5.2 ± 2.3 ppb; p = 0.05). Neutrophils in BAL were different between groups subjected to 6 hours of ischemia (MB = 11.8 ± 7.4 vs Saline = 30.0 ± 19.2 x 104/mL; p = 0.023). IL-6 levels in BAL were lower in MB group in both ischemic time (3 h - MB = 122.4 ± 24.9 vs Saline = 175.6 ± 50.3 pg/mL; p = 0.008; 6 h - MB = 142 ± 38.7 vs Saline = 351.3 ± 80.7 pg/mL; p = 0.002); TNF-? levels were also lower in MB group undergoing 6 hour of ischemia (MB = 189.5 ± 93.3 vs Saline = 342.9 ± 130.4 pg/mL; p = 0.007). The number of neutrophils in lung parenchyma were reduced in MB group (6 h - MB = 2.8 ± 2.2 vs Saline = 5.1 ± 3.1%; p = 0.046) and also decreased edema in perivascular (6 h - MB = 35.2 ± 7.65 vs Saline = 44.8 ± 6.39%, p = 0.001) and perialveolar tissues (3 h - MB = 18.4 ± 14.2 vs Saline = 28.1 ± 18.2% p = 0,041) were observed. Uric acid levels were higher in MB group in both ischemic time (3 h - MB = 4.7 ± 0.9 vs Saline = 2.7 ± 0.7 mg/dL; p = 0.003; 6 h - MB = 5.3 ± 2.4 vs Saline = 2.3 ± 0.9 mg/dL; p < 0.001).There were no difference in the expression of apoptosis. Conclusion: MB was able to prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury in this lung transplantation model and represent a new option for further studies

Introdução: O transplante de pulmão é uma opção terapêutica bem estabelecida para o tratamento de pneumopatias em estágio final. Uma complicação frequente relacionada aos transplantes é a lesão de isquemia e reperfusão (IR), estando o estresse oxidativo envolvido no processo. O azul de metileno (AM) é um inibidor da produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio, atuando como receptor alternativo de elétrons da xantina oxidase. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do AM como inibidor da lesão de IR em transplante pulmonar de ratos. Métodos: Quarenta ratos fêmea Sprague Dawley (300g - 350g) foram divididas em quatro grupos de dez animais. Os animais foram submetidos a transplante pulmonar unilateral esquerdo. Os enxertos foram expostos a 3 ou 6 horas de isquemia fria seguido de 2 horas de reperfusão. Nos animais do grupo controle, 2 mL de solução salina foram injetados na cavidade peritoneal e, nos animais do grupo experimento, 2 mL de AM a 1% foram injetados da mesma forma. Resultados: A dosagem da PaO2 foi significativamente superior no grupo AM entre os animais submetidos a isquemia de 3 horas (AM = 150,2 ± 50,1 vs Salina = 102,6 ± 40,4 mmHg; p = 0,028), assim como a dosagem do óxido nítrico exalado foi significativamente inferior no mesmo grupo (AM = 3,2 ± 2,0 vs Salina = 5,2 ± 2,3 ppb; p = 0,05). O infiltrado neutrofílico foi menor nos animais do grupo AM submetidos a 6 horas de isquemia no lavado broncoalveolar (LBA); (AM = 11,8 ± 7,4 vs Salina = 30 ± 19,2 X 104/mL; p = 0,023). A análise histopatológica mostrou menor formação de edema perivascular no grupo AM submetido a 6 horas de isquemia (AM = 35,2 ± 7,65 vs Salina = 44,8 ± 6,39%; p = 0,001) e perialveolar no grupo AM submetido a 3 horas de isquemia (AM = 18,4 ± 14,2 vs Salina = 28,1 ± 18,2%; p = 0,041) e menor infiltrado neutrofílico perialveolar na comparação entre os grupos submetidos a 6 horas de isquemia (AM = 2,8 ± 2,2 vs Salina = 5,1 ± 3,1%; p = 0,046). Os níveis de IL-6 no LBA foram inferiores no grupo AM em ambos os tempos de isquemia (3 h - AM = 122,4 ± 24,9 vs Salina = 175.6 ± 50.3 pg/mL; p = 0.008; 6 h - AM = 142 ± 38,7 vs Salina = 351,3 ± 80,7 pg/mL; p = 0,002); Os níveis de TNF-? foram menores no grupo AM submetido a 6 horas de isquemia (AM = 189,5 ± 93,3 vs Salina = 342,9 ± 130,4 pg/mL, p = 0.007). A dosagem do ácido úrico foi significativamente maior no grupo AM em ambos os tempos de isquemia (3 h - AM = 4,7 ± 0,9 vs Salina = 2,7 ± 0,7 mg/dL; p = 0,003; 6 h - AM = 5,3 ± 2,4 vs Salina = 2,3 ± 0,9 mg/dL; p < 0,001). Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação a apoptose. Conclusão: O AM demonstrou ser uma droga eficaz na prevenção da lesão de isquemia e reperfusão no transplante pulmonar de ratos / Introduction: Lung transplantation (LTx) has become an established therapeutic option for end-stage pulmonary disease. Ischemia reperfusion injury (IR) is a major cause of organ dysfunction after LTx and oxidative stress is involved in this process. Methylene blue (MB) is an inhibitor of reactive oxygen species production. Objective:To investigate the effects of MB on the IR in a rodent model of LTx. Methods: Forty female Sprague Dawley rats (300g - 350g) were divided into four groups (n = 10) according to treatment (saline solution or MB) and graft cold ischemic time (3 or 6 hours). Animals underwent a left-sided unilateral lung transplantation. Recipients received 2mL of intraperitoneal saline or MB 1%. After 2 hours of reperfusion, animals were killed and blood gas, exhaled nitric oxide, cell count and cytokines leves in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as well as histopathology, serum uric acid and apoptosis were evaluated. Results: PaO2 was significantly higher in MB group undergoing 3 hour ischemic time (MB =150.2 ± 50.1 vs Saline = 102.6 ± 40.4 mmHg; p = 0.028). Exhaled nitric oxide values showed differences only between groups with 3 hour of ischemia (MB = 3.2 ± 2.0 vs Saline = 5.2 ± 2.3 ppb; p = 0.05). Neutrophils in BAL were different between groups subjected to 6 hours of ischemia (MB = 11.8 ± 7.4 vs Saline = 30.0 ± 19.2 x 104/mL; p = 0.023). IL-6 levels in BAL were lower in MB group in both ischemic time (3 h - MB = 122.4 ± 24.9 vs Saline = 175.6 ± 50.3 pg/mL; p = 0.008; 6 h - MB = 142 ± 38.7 vs Saline = 351.3 ± 80.7 pg/mL; p = 0.002); TNF-? levels were also lower in MB group undergoing 6 hour of ischemia (MB = 189.5 ± 93.3 vs Saline = 342.9 ± 130.4 pg/mL; p = 0.007). The number of neutrophils in lung parenchyma were reduced in MB group (6 h - MB = 2.8 ± 2.2 vs Saline = 5.1 ± 3.1%; p = 0.046) and also decreased edema in perivascular (6 h - MB = 35.2 ± 7.65 vs Saline = 44.8 ± 6.39%, p = 0.001) and perialveolar tissues (3 h - MB = 18.4 ± 14.2 vs Saline = 28.1 ± 18.2% p = 0,041) were observed. Uric acid levels were higher in MB group in both ischemic time (3 h - MB = 4.7 ± 0.9 vs Saline = 2.7 ± 0.7 mg/dL; p = 0.003; 6 h - MB = 5.3 ± 2.4 vs Saline = 2.3 ± 0.9 mg/dL; p < 0.001).There were no difference in the expression of apoptosis. Conclusion: MB was able to prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury in this lung transplantation model and represent a new option for further studies

Le projet porte sur l’étude de l’effet de l’eugénol, composant principal du clou de girofle, sur la douleur neuropathique. L’objectif principal du projet était de déterminer la contribution du système nerveux central dans l’effet analgésique de l’eugénol. Lors d’une étude préliminaire, la pénétrabilité de l’eugénol a été évaluée dans le système nerveux central du rat. Des échantillons de sang, de cerveau et de moelle épinière ont été prélevés et les concentrations d’eugénol dans ces différents tissus ont été analysées à l’aide d’un spectromètre de masse. Les résultats ont montré que l’eugénol pénètre bien le système nerveux central avec une distribution plus importante dans la moelle épinière. Après l’induction de la douleur neuropathique à des rats Sprague-Dawley par le modèle de ligatures du nerf sciatique, des injections intrathécales d’eugénol furent réalisées afin d’évaluer l’effet central de l’eugénol. La plus forte dose d’eugénol a atténué l’allodynie secondaire après 15min, 2h et 4h et a aussi amélioré l’hyperalgésie thermique après 2h et 4h. Ces résultats confirment l’hypothèse que l’eugénol atténue les deux aspects de la douleur neuropathique que sont l’allodynie et l’hyperalgésie. Les injections au niveau lombaire permettent de penser que l’eugénol, un agoniste/antagoniste des récepteurs vanilloïdes pourrait diminuer la douleur neuropathique en agissant notamment au niveau des récepteurs vanilloïdes situés dans la corne dorsale de la moelle épinière. / The project is based on the study of the effects of eugenol, the main component of clove oil, on neuropathic pain. The main objective was to determine the central effect of eugenol. In a preliminary study we evaluated the penetrability of eugenol in the central nervous system of rats. Blood, brain and spinal cord samples were collected and concentrations were determined by mass spectrometry. Brain-toplasma and spinal cord-to-plasma ratios suggest that eugenol penetrates the central nervous system of rats relatively well, with a preferential distribution in the spinal cord. Following the induction of neuropathic pain in male Sprague-Dawley rats using the sciatic nerve ligation model, intrathecal injections of eugenol were done to evaluate the central effect of eugenol. Treatment with the high dose of eugenol significantly decreased secondary mechanical allodynia measured by the Von Frey test after 15min, 2h and 4h and improved thermal hyperalgesia measured by the Hargreaves device after 2h and 4h. Results support the hypothesis that eugenol may alleviate neuropathic pain, both allodynia and hyperalgesia. Eugenol, a vanilloid agonist/antagonist may therefore reduce neuropathic pain by acting on vanilloid receptors at the level of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.

Lorsque l’anesthésie par inhalation ne peut être utilisée chez le rat, la combinaison de kétamine et de xylazine est l’alternative la plus fréquemment utilisée. Les doses administrées peuvent varier selon le protocole expérimental. En présence de fièvre, d’infections ou de processus tumoral accompagné de fièvre, la pharmacocinétique de ces drogues peut être modifiée. Ce projet porte sur l’évaluation des changements physiologiques, hématologiques, biochimiques et pharmacocinétiques chez le rat Sprague Dawley lors d’anesthésie avec le mélange kétamine-xylazine suite à l’administration de trois doses différentes de lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Après l’administration de LPS, une anesthésie à la kétamine-xylazine fut induite chez des rats Sprague Dawley. Des prélèvements sanguins périodiques ainsi que des mesures des paramètres physiologiques furent effectués afin d’évaluer l’effet du LPS sur la pharmacocinétique des deux drogues ainsi que sur les paramètres biochimiques et hématologiques. Les différentes doses de LPS ont causé certaines modifications notamment en produisant une baisse marquée de la saturation en oxygène et de l’albumine sérique, une augmentation de la durée d’anesthésie ainsi que des lésions hépatiques mineures. Les paramètres pharmacocinétiques de la kétamine furent peu altérés par l’administration de LPS tandis qu’une diminution de la clairance et une augmentation de l’aire sous la courbe (AUC) furent observées pour la xylazine dans les groupes ayant reçu les doses moyenne et élevée de LPS. Ces résultats montrent que les doses de xylazine doivent être adaptées en présence de LPS pour permettre une anesthésie de courte durée et des changements physiologiques et biochimiques moindres lorsqu’elle est administrée avec de la kétamine. / When inhalation anesthesia cannot be used in laboratory rats, ketamine-xylazine combination is the most frequent alternate regimen. The administrated doses can vary according to the experimental protocol. During fever episodes, infections or tumoral process, the pharmacokinetics of these drugs can be modified. This project focuses on the evaluation of the physiological, hematological, biochemical and pharmacokinetics changes in Sprague Dawley rats during ketamine-xylazine anesthesia, after administration of three different doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After administration of LPS to Sprague Dawley rats, ketamine-xylazine anesthesia was induced. Periodic blood samplings and monitoring of physiologic parameters were made in order to evaluate the effect of LPS on ketamine-xylazine pharmacokinetics and hematological and biochemical parameters. The different LPS doses caused specific parameter modifications including a marked decrease of oxygen blood saturation and serum albumin, a longer anesthesia duration and minor hepatic lesions. No significant modifications of pharmacokinetics parameters of ketamine were observed. An increase of area under curve (AUC) and a decrease of xylazine clearance were noted in groups who received medium and large doses of LPS. These results show that that xylazine doses need to be adapted in the presence of LPS, to allow a shorter duration anaesthesia and lesser physiological and biochemical changes when administered with ketamine.

Chez les animaux de laboratoire, même si les anesthésiques par inhalation sont généralement plus sécuritaires que les injectables, leur utilité est souvent restreinte lorsqu’un protocole expérimental exige une autre approche. Des combinaisons d’anesthésiques contenant de la kétamine sont considérées comme l’option de choix pour les anesthésies injectables chez les rats. Le vieillissement entraîne des changements dégénératifs au niveau de la structure et la fonction des organes, modifiant souvent à la pharmacocinétique des drogues. Ce projet porte sur l’évaluation des changements pharmacodynamiques (physiologiques, biochimiques et histologiques) et pharmacocinétiques, lors d’une combinaison anesthésique de kétamine-­‐xylazine chez le rat Sprague-­‐Dawley vieillissant. Une anesthésie à la kétamine-­‐xylazine fut induite chez des rats Sprague-­‐Dawley de différents âges. Afin d’évaluer l’effet du vieillissement sur le métabolisme des deux drogues, des prélèvements sanguins périodiques pour l’analyse de la pharmacocinétique ainsi que des mesures des paramètres physiologiques, biochimiques et une histopathologie furent effectués. Le vieillissement a causé certaines modifications notamment en produisant une diminution de la saturation d’oxygène, une baisse marquée de la fréquence cardiaque et respiratoire, une hypoalbuminémie ainsi qu’une augmentation de la durée d’anesthésie. Les paramètres pharmacocinétiques de la kétamine et de la xylazine furent grandement affectés par le vieillissement causant une augmentation progressive significative de l’aire sous la courbe (AUC) et du temps de demi-­‐vie, ainsi qu’une diminution de la clairance. À la lumière de ces résultats, les doses de kétamine et de xylazine doivent être adaptées chez les rats vieillissants pour permettre une anesthésie de durée raisonnable et un réveil sans complications. / In laboratory animals, even if inhalation anesthetics are generally safer than injecting, their usefulness is often restrained when an experimental design does not allow it. For this reason, ketamine combinations are considered the option of choice for injecting anesthesia in rats. Aging brings degenerative changes in the structure and function of the organs, often affecting the pharmacokinetics of drugs. This project focuses on the evaluation of physiological, pharmacokinetic, biochemical and histological changes during a ketamine-­‐xylazine anesthetic combination in aging Sprague-­‐Dawley rats. Anesthesia with ketamine-­‐xylazine was induced in Sprague-­‐Dawley rats of different ages. To assess the effect of aging on the metabolism of both drugs, periodic blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis and measurements of physiological, biochemical and histological parameters were performed. Aging have made some changes for example a decrease in oxygen saturation, a sharp drop in heart and respiratory rate, hypoalbuminemia and an increase in the duration of anesthesia. The pharmacokinetic parameters of ketamine and xylazine were greatly affected in older animals, causing a significant increase in the area Under the curve (AUC) and the half-­‐life time, and a decrease in clearance. In the light of these results, dosage of ketamine and xylazine must be adapted in aging rats to allow a short anesthesia and an awakening without complications.

Introdução: A Doença Hepática Gordurosa Não Alcoólica (DHGNA) tem sido considerada atualmente a forma mais comum de doença hepática no mundo ocidental, relacionada principalmente ao aumento da prevalência da obesidade.A DHGNA abrange um largo espectro de doença, desde casos de esteatose simples (EH) até esteato-hepatite não alcoólica (EHNA) e fibrose, podendo evoluir para cirrose e carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC). Embora se conheçam os fatores predisponentes para o desenvolvimento de EHNA, sua patogênese, assim como tratamento eficaz, permanecem pouco conhecidos.Os lípides, principalmente gorduras neutras, fosfolipídios e colesterol, são componentes fundamentais das células, assim como as proteínas e os hidratos de carbono. Embora aumentos marcantes de proteínas e hidratos de carbono não produzam quaisquer alterações macroscópicas no fígado, um acúmulo de gordura é prontamente reconhecido pela coloração amarelada e pelo aumento de volume do órgão. Várias dietas tem sido usadas em animais de laboratórios, principalmente camundongos e ratos no sentido de induzir esteatose, esteatohepatite e fibrose hepática, embora nenhuma delas consiga reproduzir na totalidade os componentes essenciais da doença humana. Não encontramos em nenhum trabalho da literatura a utilização da dieta deficiente em colina e hiperlipídica (DCH), por nós utilizada. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de uma dieta deficiente em colina e hiperlipídica (DCH) para desenvolver esteatose hepática, esteatohepatite e fibrose hepática no rato. Métodos: A doença hepática foi induzida em ratos Sprague-Dawley machos pesando de 300 a 350 gramas, hospedados em gaiolas padrão e recebendo água à vontade. Foi usado dieta deficiente em colina e hiperlipídica (DCH). Os animais foram distribuídos por meio de tabela sequencial randomizada em dois grupos. No grupo 1 dez ratos receberam a dieta por 4 meses e no grupo 2 dez ratos receberam a dieta durante 8 meses. Após o tempo estipulado das dietas os animais foram anestesiados e sacrificados. Os fígados dos animais foram retirados, pesados e enviados para estudo histopatológico de acordo com os critérios estabelecidos por Kleiner. Os animais foram pesados no início do experimento e por ocasião do sacrifício. Resultados: o peso dos animais do grupo 1 (DCH - 4 meses) no início do experimento variou de 305 a 350 gramas com média de 329,9 gramas e no fim do experimento de 529 a 615 gramas com média de 579,2 gramas. O percentual de ganho de peso dos animais variou de 60 a 86,93% com média de 75,72%. O peso dos animais do grupo 2 (DCH - 8 meses) no início do experimento variou de 320 a 353 gramas com média de 339,4 gramas e no fim do experimento variou de 661,5 a 783 gramas com média de 705,6 gramas. O percentual do ganho de peso dos animais variou de 95,58 a 123,71% com média de 107,78%. O peso do fígado dos animais do grupo 1 no fim do experimento variou de 24,5 a 29,5 gramas. O percentual do peso do fígado em relação ao peso dos animais do grupo 1 variou de 4,16 a 5,54% com média de 4,75%. O peso do fígado dos animais do grupo 2 no fim do experimento variou de 31 gramas a 39 gramas com média de 33,8 gramas. O percentual do peso do fígado em relação ao peso dos animais do grupo 2 variou de 4,63% a 5,07%, com média de 4,78%. A análise histopatológica dos animais do grupo 1 demonstrou intensa balonização e esteatose microgoticular com inflamação lobular; o estadiamento de fibrose foi discreto nestes animais. O estudo histopatológico dos animais do grupo 2 revelou intensa esteatose microgoticular e balonização com inflamação lobular; alguns animais apresentaram esteatose macrogoticular. Os animais deste grupo 2 apresentaram fibrose com grande variação individual. Os animais de ambos os grupos experimentais desenvolveram esteatohepatite, pois apresentaram o índice de atividade da doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (NAS)>=5. A análise comparativa demonstrou não haver diferença estatística no valor do NAS entre os dois grupos experimentais. Em relação ao estadiamento da fibrose na esteatohepatite não alcoólica, os animais do grupo 2 apresentaram uma tendência de escores mais elevados do que os animais do grupo 1. No entanto não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos devido a grande variação individual (p=0,2755). Conclusões: A dieta DCH administrada durante 4 e 8 meses induziu nos ratos aumento considerável de peso corpóreo e do peso do fígado. Os animais do grupo 1 apresentaram intensa balonização, esteatose microgoticular e inflamação lobular com discreta fibrose hepática. Os animais do grupo 2 apresentaram intensa balonização, esteatose macro e microgoticular, inflamação lobular e maior grau de fibrose hepática, bem estabelecida com formação de colágeno e expansão fibrosa nos espaços vasculares. A dieta deficiente em colina e hiperlipídica (DCH) induziu no rato esteatose hepática e esteatohepatite com fibrose, servindo de modelo experimental para proporcionar melhor entendimento para procedimentos terapêuticos futuros desta importante patologia do fígado. / Introduction: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has currently been regarded as the most common form of liver disease in the western world, mainly related to the increased prevalence of obesity. NAFLD covers a broad spectrum of diseases, since cases of simple steatosis (HS) to steatohepatitis (EHNA) and fibrosis, and may evolve to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (CHC). Although the predisposing factors for the development of EHNA are well established, there is little knowledge on its pathogenesis as well as the effective treatment options. Lipids, especially phospholipids, neutral fats and cholesterol, are fundamental cell components, as well as proteins and carbohydrates. Although striking increases of proteins and carbohydrates do not produce liver macroscopic changes, fat build up can be rapidly recognized by the yellow coloring and increased organ volume. Many diets have been used in laboratory animals, mainly rats although none of them can fully reproduce the fundamental components of the human disease. We could not find in the literature any study on the use of choline-deficient and hiperlipidic diet (CHD), used in the present study. Goal: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a cholinedeficient and hiperlipidic diet (CHD) on the development of steatosis, steatohepatitis and hepatic fibrosis in rats. Methods: The liver disease was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing from 300 to 350 grams, hosted in standard cages and receiving water ad libitum and fed with a choline-deficient and hiperlipidic diet (CHD). The experimental animals were distributed by means of a random sequential table in two groups. In Group 1 ten rats received the diet for four months and in Group 2 ten rats received the same diet for eight months. After these predetermined feeding time periods the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed. The animal livers were then removed, weighed and sent to histopathological study according to the criteria established by Kleiner. All the animals were weighed at the beginning of the experiment and by the time of the sacrifice. Results: The weight of Group 1 animals (4 months CHD) at the beginning of the experiment varied from 305 to 350 grams with an average of 329.9 grams and at the end of the experiment from 529 to 615 grams averaging 579.2 grams. The percentage of weight gain in animals of this group ranged from 60% to 86.93% with an average of 75.72%. The weight of Group 2 animals (8 months CHD) at the start of the experiment varied from 320 to 353 grams with an average of 339.4 grams and at the end of the experiment from the 661.5 to 783 g with an average of 705.6 grams. The percentage of weight gain in animals of this group varied from 95.58% to 123.71%, averaging 107.78%. The liver weight of Group 1 animals at the end of the experiment varied from 24.5 to 29.5 grams. The percentage of liver weight in relation to the animals\' weight, in Group 1, ranged from 4.16% to 5.54%, with an average of 4.75%. The liver weight of Group 2 animals at the end of the experiment varied from 31gramas to 39 grams, with an average of 33.8 gram. The percentage of liver weight in relation to the animals\' weight, in Group 2, ranged from 4.63% to 5.07%, with an average of 4.78%. Liver histopathological analysis in Group 1 animals showed marked ballooning degeneration and microgoticular steatosis with lobular inflammation; fibrosis staging was discreet in these animals. Liver histopathological study in animals of Group 2 showed an intense microgoticular steatosis and ballooning with lobular inflammation; some animals of this group presented macrogoticular steatosis. The amount of hepatic fibrosis in animals of this group was extremely variable. Animals of both experimental groups developed steatohepatitis, as they presented the activity index of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAS) >= 5. Statistical analysis did not show a significant difference between the NAS values of the two experimental groups. Fibrosis staging analysis in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis showed a trend toward higher scores in animals of Group 2 as compared to Group 1 animals. However there was no statistical difference between the groups due to a large individual variation (p = 0.2755). Conclusions: CHD diet administered for four and eight months induced considerable increases in the rats\' body weight and liver weight. Animals in Group 1 showed intense liver ballooning, steatosis and lobular inflammation with discrete microgoticular fibrosis. Animals in Group 2 presented intense ballooning, steatosis macro and microgoticular, lobular inflammation and a higher degree of well-established hepatic fibrosis, with collagen formation with fibrotic expansion in vascular spaces. Choline-deficient and hiperlipidic diet (CHD) in the rat induced hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis with fibrosis, representing an experimental model, which can provide a better knowledge for future therapeutic procedures of this important liver pathology.

A lesão de isquemia e reperfusão (IR) é um evento que pode elevar o risco de morte após o transplante pulmonar, por ativar o sistema imune inato a induzir a inflamação. Em situação de isquemia, a oferta de oxigênio se encontra abaixo das necessidades metabólicas, resultando na depleção das reservas celulares de ATP e no aumento da produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) e nitrogênio (ERNs). Adicionalmente, a IR desencadeia um processo inflamatório intenso, caracterizado principalmente pela presença de neutrófilos e macrófagos ativados, os quais liberam inúmeros mediadores inflamatórios, perpetuando a inflamação. Nossa hipótese inicial era que a suplementação com creatina (Cr) poderia atenuar a lesão de IR pelo aumento dos níveis de fosfocreatina (PCr) nas células, o que facilitaria a formação de adenosina trifosfato (ATP), promovendo a manutenção dos níveis de Ca2+ intracelular, desestimulando assim a formação de EROs e, consequentemente, diminuindo o processo inflamatório. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o papel da suplementação com creatina na atenuação da lesão de IR em ratos submetidos ao transplante pulmonar, segundo aspectos inflamatórios, estruturais e funcionais do tecido pulmonar. Foram utilizados 64 ratos machos da raça Sprague Dawley distribuídos em quatro grupos: A90, controle/água + 90 minutos de isquemia; Cr90, creatina + 90 minutos de isquemia; A180, controle/água + 180 minutos de isquemia; Cr180, creatina + 180 minutos de isquemia. Os animais doadores receberam creatina (0,5g/kg/dia) diariamente durante cinco dias antes do transplante pulmonar. Os animais do grupo controle receberam apenas o veículo. Após a extração, os pulmões permaneceram em isquemia fria por 90 ou 180 minutos sendo, a seguir, implantados e reperfundidos por 120 minutos. Ao final da reperfusão, foram coletados os dados de mecânica respiratória, além de amostras de ar exalado, sangue arterial e periférico, lavado broncoalveolar e tecido pulmonar. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: resistência das vias aéreas, resistência e elastância do tecido pulmonar, óxido nítrico exalado, pressão parcial de oxigênio e de dióxido de carbono, creatinina sérica, células inflamatórias, índice de edema, PCNA, Caspase-3, TLR 4 e 7, IL1-beta, IL6, TNF-alfa, IL10 e CINC1. Os animais tratados com creatina apresentaram melhora da mecânica pulmonar, dos níveis de creatinina sérica, da gasometria arterial, além da diminuição da fração exalada de óxido nítrico e da inflamação verificada no sangue periférico, no lavado broncoalveolar e no parênquima pulmonar. Estes animais também apresentaram diminuição da proliferação e da apoptose de células inflamatórias, de TLR4, dos níveis de IL6 e CINC1, além de aumento de IL10. Concluímos que o prétratamento com creatina tem efeito protetor na lesão de IR após transplante pulmonar unilateral em ratos / Ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) is an event that can increase the risk of death after lung transplantation (LTx) by activating the innate immune system to induce inflammation. In ischemia events, oxygen supply is below metabolic requirements, resulting in depletion of ATP cellular reserves and increased production of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS). In addition, IRI triggers an intense inflammatory process characterized mainly by the presence of activated neutrophils and macrophages, which release innumerable inflammatory mediators, perpetuating the inflammation. Our initial hypothesis was that creatine supplementation (Cr) could attenuate IRI by increasing phosphocreatine (PCr) levels in cells, which would facilitate the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), promoting the maintenance of intracellular Ca2+ levels, thus discouraging the formation of ROS and, consequently, decreasing the inflammatory process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the role of Cr supplementation in the attenuation of IRI in rats underwent to LTx in according to inflammatory, structural and functional aspects of the lung tissue. Sixty Sprague Dawley male rats were distributed into four groups: A90, control / water + 90 minutes of ischemia; Cr90, creatine + 90 minutes of ischemia; A180, control / water + 180 minutes of ischemia; Cr180, creatine + 180 minutes of ischemia. Donor animals received creatine (0.5g/kg/day) daily for five days prior to LTx. Animals in the control group received only the vehicle. The donor`s lung remained in cold ischemia for 90 or 180 minutes and then, were implanted and reperfused during 120 minutes. After reperfusion, respiratory mechanics data were performed and collected samples of exhaled air, arterial and peripheral blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and pulmonary tissue. The parameters evaluated were: airway resistance, resistance and elastance of the pulmonary tissue, exhaled nitric oxide, partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide, serum creatinine, inflammatory cells, edema index, PCNA, Caspase-3, TLR 4 and 7, IL1-beta, IL6, TNF-alpha, IL10, and CINC1. The animals treated with Cr showed an improvement in pulmonary mechanics, serum creatinine levels, and arterial blood gases. In addition, there was a decrease in the exhaled fraction of nitric oxide and in the inflammation in the peripheral blood, BALF, and pulmonary parenchyma in creatine-treated animals. These rats also had a decrease in the proliferation and apoptosis of inflammatory cells, TLR4, IL6, and CINC1. Moreover, there was an increase in the IL10 levels after Cr treatment. We conclude that pre-treatment with Cr has a protective effect on IRI after LTx in rats