Orientadores: Peterson Bueno de Moraes, Christiane de Arruda Rodrigues Ragnini / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Tecnologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T04:30:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Souza_EdivaldoLuisde_M.pdf: 3079610 bytes, checksum: a78db6078a721c74f963b944bae72f47 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: A sociedade e seus processos produtivos têm gerado e lançado quantidades elevadas e diversificadas de compostos orgânicos, inorgânicos e biológicos no meio ambiente. Juntamente com as emissões naturais, houve um grande acúmulo destes materiais nos diferentes compartimentos ambientais. A produção e o uso de medicamentos, como hormônios e antibióticos contribuíram muito para a ampliação deste quadro. Por serem persistentes não são totalmente metabolizados nos seres vivos e acabam sendo excretados e lançados em corpos receptores. Os mecanismos naturais de degradação e métodos de tratamento convencionais de efluentes não são suficientemente eficientes na remoção completa destes compostos; em função disso, é necessário o desenvolvimento e aplicação de tecnologias alternativas para a redução destes impactos. Entre estas tecnologias podemos citar os Processos Oxidativos Avançados (POA) que são mais eficientes para o tratamento destes tipos de efluentes. Objetivamos neste trabalho desenvolver, caracterizar e utilizar eletrodos nanoestruturados de TiO2 para a confecção de um reator fotoeletroquímico para a degradação do antibiótico amoxicilina e do citrato de sildenafil, este último, princípio ativo do medicamento Viagra®, submetidos à radiação UV e solar. Foram desenvolvidos eletrodos nanoestruturados com TiO2 sobre substrato de titânio, a partir de processos de anodização eletroquímica, na qual foram variados diferentes parâmetros que influenciaram nas características dos nanotubos de TiO2 desenvolvidos. Os nanotubos formados foram avaliados por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura quanto ao comprimento, espessura de parede e homogeneidade de distribuição. Testou-se contra-eletrodos de platina, Anodo Dimensionalmente Estável (ADE), níquel, aço-inoxidável 304 e 316L e obteve-se nanotubos de TiO2 com comprimentos entre 100 e 650 nm. Observou-se na maioria dos eletrodos nanoestruturados uma distribuição homogênea dos nanotubos. Visando a obtenção de nanoestruturas mais fotoativas, realizou-se cristalização por aquecimento em estufa. Na cristalização dos nanotubos, as análises de Difratometria de Raios-X evidenciaram intenso sinal no ângulo 2? próximo a 25º para todas as amostras significando que os nanotubos de TiO2 se cristalizaram na fase anatase, a qual é mais fotoativa. A degradação de amoxicilina apresentou rendimento de aproximadamente 85% em um intervalo de 4 horas de tratamento, enquanto que o rendimento na degradação do citrato de sildenafil foi de aproximadamente 88%, para um volume de amostra de 160,0 mL etanol/água destilada à 20% V/V em Na2SO4 0,1 M, concentração do fármaco de 10,0 mg L-1, lâmpada de vapor de mercúrio, WUV=13 W/m2, disposição horizontal dos eletrodos, distância de 3,0 mm entre lâmpada e ânodo de TiO2, cátodo de platina em tela, tensão de 1,5 volts, anodo de titânio nanoestruturado obtido a partir de contra-eletrodo de ADE 70%TiO2/30%RuO2 com d = 5,0 mm a 700 rpm e t = 120 min, 2 horas de tratamento. As nanoestruturas apresentaram-se com baixa resistência mecânica em relação à aplicação de valores de potencial elétrico superiores a 1,5 V. No entanto, abaixo destes valores, as estruturas de TiO2 mostraram-se altamente estáveis em relação à durabilidade. A eletrólise apresentou eficiência insignificante na degradação do fármaco citrato de sildenafil, sendo então aplicado um potencial aos eletrodos para fotoassistir ao processo fotocatalítico o qual se mostrou fortemente dependente da drenagem eletrônica / Abstract: The modern society and its production processes have generated and released high amounts of synthetic organic compounds which accumulate in different environmental compartments. The production and use of drugs such as hormones and antibiotics have greatly contributed to the expansion of this problem. Due to persistent-profile of these drugs, they are not completely metabolized and the conventional Wastewater Treatment Plants are not fully effective for the removal of these compounds. Thus, the development and application of alternative technologies is needed. In the other hand, the Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP) has been effective for the treatment of pharmaceutical residues. This work aimed to produce, characterize and use nanostructured TiO2 electrodes and an photoelectrochemical reactor for the degradation of the antibiotic amoxicillin and sildenafil citrate, the latter, the active ingredient of Viagra©. The experiments were carried out using ultraviolet (UV) and solar radiation. Nanostructured TiO2 electrodes were developed from titanium substrate by electrochemical anodization process in which the different parameters were varied in order to verify its influence on the length, thickness and uniformity of distribution of TiO2 nanotubes formed, evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy. It was tested different counter-electrodes such as platinum, dimensionally stable anode (DSA), nickel, stainless-steel 304 and stainless-steel 316L and were obtained TiO2 nanotubes with lengths between 100 and 650 nm. It was observed in most nanostructured electrodes a homogeneous distribution of the nanotubes. Also, in order to obtain nanostructures more photoactive, crystallization was performed by heating in an oven. After crystallization process, analysis of X-Ray diffraction showed intense signal at 2? close to 25º for all samples, meaning that the TiO2 nanotubes were crystallized in the anatase phase which is more photoactive. Photocatalytic experiments with the Amoxicillin solution resulted in approximately 85% of degradation in 4 hours of treatment, whereas the degradation of sildenafil citrate was about 88%. The samples consisted of 160.0 mL ethanol / distilled water at 20 % V/V in 0.1 M Na2SO4, drug concentration of 10.0 mg L-1. The experimental setup consisted of a mercury vapor lamp or a solar simulator, horizontal arrangement of the electrodes and a platinum screen cathode. It was applied 1.5 volts, distance of 3,0 mm between the lamp and TiO2 nanostructured anode, obtained from the anodization using a DSA (70%TiO2/30%RuO2) counter-electrode placed at 5.0 mm, under stirring of 700 rpm over 120 minutes. The nanostructures had low strength to the application of higher electrical potential values than 1.5 V. However, below this value the TiO2 structures were more stable and with greater durability. Electrolytic process had a negligible efficiency in the degradation of sildenafil citrate; thus the applied potential was more important to help the photocatalytic process, which is strongly dependent of the electronic drainage / Mestrado / Tecnologia e Inovação / Mestre em Tecnologia

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / We evaluated the effect of sildenafil citrate (ViagraÂ) a vasodilator largely used for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction, on the gastrointestinal motility in rats. Experiments were performed on 175 male, Wistar rats, weighing 200-350g. Four groups of study were done: the sildenafil effects on the: i) Gastric emptying (GE) and gastrointestinal (GI) transit and ii) Intestinal transit (IT) of liquid in awake rats; iii) Gastric compliance in anesthetized rats and iv) Contractility of rat duodenal isolated strips. i) In 64 rats fasted for 24h with previous vascular access (right jugular vein and left carotid artery), we studied the effect of an i.v. injection (0.2mL) of sildenafil (4mg/Kg) or vehicle (0.01N HCl) on GE and GI transit of a liquid meal, as well as on arterial pressure (AP) in a separated group of rats. Animals were gavage-fed with 1.5mL of a test meal (0.5mg/mL of phenol red in 5% glucose). After 10, 20 or 30min, animals were sacrificed and submitted to a laparotomy to obstruct the pylorus, cardia and terminal ileus. The gut was removed and then divided into: stomach and consecutive three small intestine segments (40% proximal; 30% medial and 30% terminal). After processing these segments, the dye retention was determined at 560nm. The percentage of dye retention in each segment permitted to evaluate GE and GI transit. Arterial pressure was continuously monitored by a digital acquisition system during 20min before and 30min after sildenafil injection. We observed a significant increase of gastric retention in sildenafil treated rats at 10, 20, or 30min after the test meal (44,2Â2,0 vs 53,2Â2,1; 25,4Â1,3 vs 37,3Â1,6; 20,9Â2,5 vs 32,5Â2,9%, respectively), as well as a significant GI transit delay. Despite of sildenafil inducing hypotension, AP returned to basal levels 10min afterwards. Acid gastic secretion blocking pre-treatment with omeprazol did not modify the sildenafil effect on gastric retention, GI transit or AP. ii) In another group we evaluated the sildenafil (4mg/Kg) or diluente (0.01N HCl, 0.2mL) effects on the IT in awake rats, fasted for 24h. Animals were studied 3d after the insertion of a silastic cannula (0.6cm ID) into the duodenal bulb. We evaluated the progression of a radioactive liquid test meal fed (10MBq of 99mTc â 1mL of saline 0,9%) administered through the inserted cannula into the small intestine. After 20, 30 or 40min, animals were sacrificed by anesthetic overdose. After laparotomy, we removed and divided the gut in: stomach, five congruent and consecutive segments of the small intestine and the large intestine. Radioactivity counting was obtained in a gamma-chamber collimator. Sildenafil promoted an IT delay (p<0.05), indicated by shifting the center of mass to the proximal portions of the TGI (2.8Â0.2 vs 3.3Â0.1; 3.0Â0.2 vs 3.7Â0.1 and 3.4Â0.1 vs 4.2Â0.2) in relation to control group. iii) Gastric compliance study was performed on 39 anesthetized rats after 24h of fasting. Gastric volume (GV) variations were measured by plethysmography while AP was continuously monitored. We have also observed that GV increased (p<0.05) after sildenafil treatment (3mg/Kg - e.v) (3.08Â0.18; 3.10Â0.17 and 3.09Â0.17mL vs 2.91Â0.19mL) at 10, 20 and 30min after drug administation, respectively. Basal AP (105.8Â2.28mmHg) dropped by the sildenafil injection (59.8Â3.2; 64.8Â3.7 and 59.3Â4.6mmHg-p<0.05) while vehicule (0.01N HCl) did not change either GV or AP. After splanchnotomy or pre-treatments (e.v.) with methylene blue (3mg/Kg-guanilate cyclase blocker), L-NNA (3mg/Kg - NO synthase blocker) or propranolol (2mg/Kg - Ã-blocker) prevented GV increase due to sildenafil; while post-treatment with sodium nitroprusside (1mg/Kg - NO donor) raised it. iv) The in vitro contractility studies were performed on isolated duodenal strips obtained from rats (n=28) killed by cervical dislocation. Duodenal strips were suspended longitudinally in a glass chamber (10mL), filled with Tyrode solution (37oC and pH 7.4). After 1h of stabilization under 1g of initial tension, the spontaneous or induced contractility were continuously recorded by a digital acquisition system. Increasing and cummulative doses of sildenafil (0.1 to 300Âmol/L) relaxed (9.6Âmol/L of EC50) the duodenal strips. This effect was more intense than those displayed by zaprinast or papaverine (PDEs blockers) (91.6 and 78.5Âmol/L of EC50, in this order). Sildenafil showed significant antispasmodic and myorelaxant effects on the duodenal contractions induced by acetylcholine or carbamylcholine (IC50 26.7 and 16.2Âmol/L, respectively). Pre-treatment with methylene blue, ODQ (guanilato cyclase blocker) or L-NAME (NO synthase blocker) also prevented these sildenafil effects, but D-NAME (an inactive substrate for NO synthase) did not. Myorelaxant sildenafil effect was reverted by L-arginine (substrate for NO synthase) and contrarily it was largely increased by sodium nitroprusside. Forskolin adenylate cyclase activation pre-treatment also increased the myorelaxant effect of sildenafil. In summary, we have observed that sildenafil slowed down the gastrointestinal motility, delaying GE, GI and intestinal transits of a liquid meal in awake rats; Gastric compliance was also increased in anesthetized rats treated with sildenafil. Sildenafil also exhibited both antispasmodic and myorelaxant effects on isolated strips of duodenum of ex vivo rats. Besides central or peripheral sympathetic nervous system activation, sildenafil possibly acts at the gastrointestinal myocite level by activating the NO/GMPc system. / Estudamos o efeito do citrato de sildenafil (ViagraÂ), vasodilatador largamente utilizado na terapÃutica da disfunÃÃo erÃtil, sobre o comportamento motor do trato gastrintestinal (TGI) de ratos Wistar. Para tanto, utilizamos 175 animais machos, pesando entre 200 a 350g, distribuÃdos nos quatro seguintes grupos de estudo: efeitos do citrato de sildenafil sobre o i) esvaziamento gÃstrico (EG) e os trÃnsitos gastrintestinal (GI) e ii) intestinal de lÃquido em ratos acordados; iii) a complacÃncia gÃstrica de ratos anestesiados e iv) a contratilidade de tiras isoladas do duodeno de ratos ex vivo. i) Avaliamos, em 64 ratos acordados sob jejum e livre acesso à Ãgua por 24h, o efeito da injeÃÃo (0,2mL; e.v.) de sildenafil (4mg/Kg) ou veÃculo (HCl 0,01N) sobre o EG e o trÃnsito GI de lÃquido, bem como sobre a pressÃo arterial (PA). Mediante gavagem, 1,5mL da refeiÃÃo-teste (vermelho de fenol - 0,5mg/mL em glicose a 5%) foi injetada no estÃmago. Depois de 10, 20 ou 30min, sacrificamos os animais e, apÃs laparotomia, obstruÃmos o piloro, o cÃrdia e o Ãleo terminal. Removemos e dividimos o TGI em: estÃmago e segmentos consecutivos do intestino delgado (40% iniciais; 30% mediais e 30% terminais). ApÃs o processamento destas porÃÃes viscerais, determinamos as absorbÃncias das amostras a 560nm. A retenÃÃo fracional de vermelho fenol em cada segmento permitiu o cÃlculo do EG e trÃnsito GI. Em um grupo separado de animais, a PA foi monitorada continuamente por meio de um sistema digital de aquisiÃÃo de dados durante 20min antes e 30min apÃs o tratamento com sildenafil ou diluente. Comparado ao grupo controle, houve aumento significativo da retenÃÃo gÃstrica (44,2Â2,0 vs 53,2Â2,1; 25,4Â1,3 vs 37,3Â1,6; 20,9Â2,5 vs 32,5Â2,9%) nos animais tratados com sildenafil e sacrificados aos 10, 20, ou 30min, respectivamente, bem como retarde significativo no trÃnsito GI. Embora o sildenafil tenha provocado hipotensÃo, a PA retoma nÃveis basais logo apÃs 10min. O prÃ-tratamento com omeprazol (bloqueador da secreÃÃo Ãcida estomacal) nÃo modificou o efeito do sildenafil sobre os valores de retenÃÃo gÃstrica e intestinal nem nos nÃveis de PA. ii) Noutros animais (n=44), sob jejum de 24h e dotados previamente (3d) de uma cÃnula crÃnica no bulbo duodenal, estudamos o efeito do sildenafil sobre a progressÃo ao longo do intestino delgado de uma refeiÃÃo teste (10MBq de TecnÃcio ligado a fitato e diluÃdo em 1mL de salina 0,9%). Decorridos 20, 30 ou 40min da injeÃÃo (0,2mL e.v.) de sildenafil (4mg/Kg) ou diluente (HCL 0,01N), sacrificamos os animais e, apÃs laparotomia e remoÃÃo do TGI, dividimo-o em: estÃmago, cinco segmentos congruentes e consecutivos de intestino delgado e o intestino grosso. A contagem da radiatividade foi determinada num colimador de gama-cÃmara. O sildenafil promoveu retarde (p<0,05) do TI, indicado pelos retardes dos centros geomÃtricos da refeiÃÃo de 2,8 0,2 vs 3,3 0,1; 3,0 0,2 vs 3,7 0,1 e 3,4 0,1 vs 4,2 0,2 em relaÃÃo ao grupo controle, aos 20, 30 ou 40min. iii) Os estudos de complacÃncia gÃstrica foram conduzidos em 39 ratos anestesiados, sob jejum de 24h. As variaÃÃes do volume gÃstrico (VG), foram medidas por pletismografia, enquanto a PA foi monitorada continuamente por um sistema digital de aquisiÃÃo de dados. Em relaÃÃo aos valores basais (2,91Â0,19mL) o sildenafil (3mg/Kg â e.v.) aumentou (p<0,05) o VG apÃs 10, 20 e 30min (3,08Â0,18; 3,10Â0,17 e 3,09Â0,17mL). A PA basal (105,8Â2,28mmHg) caiu significativamente com o sildenafil (59,8Â3,2; 64,8Â3,7 e 59,3Â4,6mmHg) enquanto o diluente (HCl 0,01N) nÃo modificou seja o VG ou a PA. O prÃ-tratamento mediante esplancnotomia ou injeÃÃo e.v. com azul de metileno (3mg/Kg-bloqueador da guanilato ciclase), L-NNA (3mg/Kg-bloqueador da NO sintetase) ou propranolol (2mg/Kg-Ã-bloqueador) preveniram o aumento do VG pelo sildenafil; jà o pÃs-tratamento com nitroprussiato de sÃdio (1mg/Kg - e.v.) o ampliou significativamente. iv) Avaliamos ainda o efeito do sildenafil sobre a contratilidade de tiras isoladas do duodeno de ratos ex vivo (n=28), sacrificados por deslocamento cervical. Tiras dissecadas do duodeno foram suspensas longitudinalmente em cuba de vidro (10mL), plena de soluÃÃo de Tyrode (37oC e pH 7,4), e submetidas a uma tensÃo inicial de 1g. ApÃs 1h de estabilizaÃÃo, a contratilidade espontÃnea ou induzida das tiras foi registrada continuamente por um sistema digital de aquisiÃÃo de dados. O sildenafil em doses crescentes e cumulativas (0,1 a 300Âmol/L) relaxou (EC50 de 9,6Âmol/L) o duodeno, mais atà que o zaprinaste ou a papaverina (bloqueadores de FDEs) (EC50 91,6 e 78,5Âmol/L, nesta ordem). Observamos ademais que o sildenafil inibiu as contraÃÃes induzidas por acetilcolina ou carbacol (IC50 26,7 e 16,2Âmol/L, respectivamente). Jà o prÃ-tratamento com azul de metileno, ODQ (bloqueador da guanilato ciclase) ou L-NAME (bloquedor da NO sintetase), mas nÃo o D-NAME (isÃmero inativo da NO sintetase) preveniram o efeito do sildenafil. O efeito mio-relaxante do sildenafil foi ampliado pela L-arginina (substrato do NO sintetase) ou nitroprussiato de sÃdio (doador de NO). O prÃ-tratamento com forskolina (estimulador da adenilato ciclase) tambÃm aumentou o efeito mio-relaxante do sildenafil. Em resumo, observamos que o sildenafil diminui a motilidade gastrintestinal, retardando o EG, os trÃnsitos GI e intestinal de lÃquido em ratos acordados; aumenta a complacÃncia gÃstrica em ratos anestesiados alÃm de apresentar efeitos antiespasmÃdico e mio-relaxante sobre tiras isoladas de duodeno de ratos ex vivo; por estimulaÃÃo do sistema nervoso simpÃtico e tendo como provÃvel mecanismo de aÃÃo ao nÃvel do miÃcito gastrintestinal a via do NO/GMP cÃclico.

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes com defeitos septais cardíacos ditos não restritivos podem apresentar remodelamento vascular pulmonar progressivo associado a alteração hemodinâmica (hipertensão arterial pulmonar - HAP) que se torna moderada a acentuada em cerca de 5% a 10% dos casos. A HAP persistente após a cirurgia cardíaca corretiva é uma condição com curso altamente desfavorável. Remover ou reduzir a carga hemodinâmica sobre a circulação pulmonar parece, portanto, crítico para uma possível indução de remodelamento arterial reverso. O presente estudo, prospectivo, longitudinal e de coorte, teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto de uma estratégia de tratamento combinado, cirúrgico (cardíaco) e medicamentoso, em especial sobre a hemodinâmica pulmonar analisada seis meses após, em pacientes pediátricos com alterações circulatórias pulmonares moderadas e acentuadas. MÉTODOS: Caracterizada a presença de hipertensão pulmonar por exame à beira leito, pacientes foram submetidos a estudo hemodinâmico (cateterismo cardíaco) com prova de vasorreatividade com óxido nítrico inalado. A seguir, passaram a receber a sildenafila (inibidor de fosfodiesterase 5) por via oral (1,0 a 5,0 mg/kg/dia), sendo a vasorreatividade novamente testada mediante estimação ecocardiográfica da variável Qp/Qs (razão entre os fluxos sanguíneos pulmonar e sistêmico). A indicação cirúrgica foi baseada em extensa análise de dados diagnósticos. Durante a cirurgia, houve coleta de material de biópsia para análise da microvasculatura pulmonar. Computados os eventos pós-operatórios, houve alta hospitalar sob uso da sildenafila por seis meses. Nesta ocasião, a nova situação hemodinâmica foi registrada (cateterismo), sendo investigados possíveis preditores de alterações residuais. RESULTADOS: Incluíram-se 31 pacientes (idade 11,0 (7,8-20,4) meses, mediana e intervalo interquartílico) com hipertensão pulmonar suficientemente importante para levar a saturação de oxigênio a 93% (90%-95%). A resistência vascular pulmonar (RVP) foi 4,7 (3,9-7,2) U x m2, com queda para 3,3 (1,8-5,6) U x m2 sob óxido nítrico inalado (p < 0,001). A razão entre as resistências pulmonar e sistêmica (RVP/RVS) foi 0,31 (0,23-0,49) e 0,23 (0,12-0,37), respectivamente (p < 0,001). Nos 21 casos com redução >- 20% em ambas as variáveis, houve incremento de Qp/Qs, subsequentemente em resposta à sildenafila (2,0 (1,3-2,2) para 2,3 (1,8-2,5), p = 0,019). Quatro indivíduos sem resposta inicial ao óxido nítrico tiveram incremento > 30%. Houve 28 indicações para a cirurgia, com três óbitos imediatos. Confirmando a gravidade, cinco dos 22 casos biopsiados tiveram lesões vasculares pulmonares de graus III / IV (classificação proposta por Heath e Edwards). O grau de hipertrofia muscular arteriolar teve relação direta com a resposta ao óxido nítrico (coeficientes de correlação sempre >- 0,50, p < 0,020). Seis meses após, houve redução de 47%, 40% e 38% respectivamente na pressão média arterial pulmonar, RVP e RVP/RVS (p < 0,001), com normalização em 14 dos 25 pacientes. A razão RVP/RVS >- 0,24 sob óxido nítrico (cateterismo inicial) foi preditiva de hemodinâmica anormal após seis meses (sensibilidade, 73%; especificidade, 79%; razão de chances, 9,78; intervalo de confiança de 95%, 1,51-61,65, p = 0,017). CONCLUSÕES: combinando-se os tratamentos cirúrgico e medicamentoso, foi possível reduzir (ou normalizar) a carga hemodinâmica pulmonar, fato com possível impacto sobre o remodelamento arterial reverso. A vasorreatividade se mantém apesar da gravidade, é demonstrável por metodologia diversa e possui substrato histopatológico bem caracterizado. A possibilidade de normalização hemodinâmica está relacionada ao grau de vasodilatação atingido no teste inicial, guardada a condição de manutenção da terapia vasodilatadora / INTRODUCTION: Patients with nonrestrictive congenital cardiac septal defects can present progressive pulmonary vascular remodeling associated with hemodynamic alteration (pulmonary arterial hypertension - PAH) which might range from moderate to severe in about 5% to 10% of the patients. The persistence of PAH following corrective cardiac surgery is a very unfavorable condition. Removing or reducing the hemodynamic stress overload over the pulmonary circulation is indeed critical, and might call for a possible induction of reversal of pulmonary vascular remodeling. This current study - prospective, longitudinal and cohort - means to assess the impact of a strategic treatment which associates cardiac surgery as well as medication, mostly over pulmonary hemodynamics within a six months follow-up in pediatric patients with moderate to severe pulmonary circulation alterations. METHODS: Once the presence of pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed through a bedside exam, the patients underwent a hemodynamic study (cardiac catheterization) with vasoreactivity testing with inhaled nitric oxide. Right after that, sildenafil (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor) was administered orally (1.0 to 5.0 mg/kg/day). The vasoreactivity was again tested by the estimate of the echocardiographic variable Qp/Qs (pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio). The indication for surgical treatment was based on the comprehensive analysis of diagnostic data. During the surgery, biopsy samples were collected in order to analyze the pulmonary microvasculature. Once the postoperative events were recorded, the patient was discharged, and the administration of sildenafil was maintained for six months. On that occasion, the new hemodynamic indices were recorded (catheterization), and residual alteration predictors were investigated. RESULTS: The study comprised 31 patients (mean age 11.0 (7.8-20.4) months, median and interquartile range) with significant pulmonary hypertension so as to lead to 93% (90%-95%) oxygen saturation. The pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was 4.7 (3.9-7.2) U x m2, dropping to 3.3 (1.8-5.6) U x m2 by the inhalation of nitric oxide (p < 0.001). The ratio between the pulmonary and systemic resistances (PVR/SVR) was 0.31 (0.23-0.49) and 0.23 (0.12-0.37) respectively (p < 0.001). In the 21 cases of >- 20% reduction in both variables, there was a Qp/Qs increment, subsequently, in response to sildenafil administration (2.0 (1.3-2.2) to 2.3 (1.8-2.5), p = 0.019). Four subjects with no response in the early inhalation of nitric oxide had a > 30% increment. Twenty-eight patients underwent surgery, three of whom died right after it. Five out of 22 biopsied cases had pulmonary vascular lesions level III / IV (Heath-Edwards grading system), confirming its severity. In all analyzed vascular segments, the level of arterial muscle hypertrophy was directly associated with the nitric oxide response (coefficients of correlation always >- 0.50, p < 0.020). Six months postoperatively, there was a 47%, 40% and 38% reduction, respectively, of the mean pulmonary arterial pressure, PVR and PVR/SVR (p < 0.001), with normalization in 14 out of 25 patients. The PVR/SVR ratio under nitric oxide (initial catheterization) >- 0.24, which was predictive to abnormal hemodynamics at six months (sensibility, 73%; specificity, 79%; hazard ratio, 9.78; confidence interval, 95%, 1.51-61.65, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: By associating the surgical treatment along with medication, it was possible to reduce (or normalize) the pulmonary hemodynamic overload, which might have had some impact on the reverse cardiac remodeling. The vasoreactivity remains despite its severity, and it is demonstrated by diverse methodology that it has a distinct histopathologic component. The possibility of normalizing the hemodynamics is directly associated with the level of vasodilation, once the vasodilator therapy is maintained

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes pediátricos portadores de defeitos septais cardíacos não restritivos podem apresentar, em cerca de 5% a 10% dos casos, remodelamento vascular pulmonar progressivo, com evolução para hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP) de grau moderado ou acentuado. A inflamação e a imunidade exercem papel central na patogênese da HAP, porém são ainda pouco exploradas neste grupo específico de pacientes. O presente estudo, prospectivo, longitudinal e de coorte, teve como objetivo avaliar níveis circulantes de mediadores inflamatórios segundo grupos de pacientes hemodinamicamente distintos. Concomitantemente foram analisadas possíveis correlações com dados histopatológicos e com resposta à intervenção medicamentosa. MÉTODOS: Estabelecida a forte suspeita de hipertensão pulmonar por exame à beira leito, foram incluídos no estudo 47 pacientes, com idade de dois a 37 meses (mediana 10 meses), sendo 32 portadores de síndrome de Down. Pacientes classificados como Grupo 1 (n=16) apresentavam sinais clínicos de hiper-resistência pulmonar e foram aqueles submetidos ao cateterismo cardíaco, com níveis comprovadamente elevados de resistência vascular pulmonar (5,2 (4,2-8,9) U x m2, mediana e intervalo interquartílico). Pacientes classificados como Grupo 2 (n=31) apresentavam sinais clínicos de hiperfluxo com congestão pulmonar, não necessitando de cateterismo pré-operatório. A relação entre fluxo pulmonar e sistêmico (Qp/Qs), estimada por ecocardiografia, foi de 1,9 (1,3-2,6) no Grupo 1 e 2,8 (2,3-3,3) no Grupo 2 (p=0,008). Foram analisadas 36 citocinas séricas através de quimioluminescência. RESULTADOS: Observando-se os pacientes como um todo (n=47), os níveis séricos da quimiocina MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) estavam aumentados (7510±2755 pixels x 5697±2051 pixels em controles pediátricos, média±desvio padrão). Entretanto, os níveis de MIF estiveram especificamente aumentados no Grupo 1 quando comparados ao Grupo 2 e controles (respectivamente, 8494±619 pixels, 6618±477 pixels e 6548±726 pixels, média ajustada para idade±erro padrão, p=0,037). Por outro lado, níveis da quimiocina RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) estavam aumentados especificamente no Grupo 2 quando comparados ao Grupo 1 e controles (respectivamente, 74183±3865 pixels, 60130±6455 pixels e 59332±3970 pixels, média±erro padrão, p=0,039). Este comportamento foi semelhante quando analisados apenas os pacientes com síndrome de Down. Em todos os pacientes, a quimiocina GRO-Alfa (growth-regulated oncogene alpha) esteve aumentada nos primeiros meses de vida, com subsequente declínio exponencial (R2= -0,47, p < 0,001), enquanto a interleucina 17E (também conhecida como IL-25) apresentou relação direta com a idade (R2=0,44, p=0,002). A interleucina 16 apresentou relação inversa com o fluxo sanguíneo pulmonar (rs= -0,34, p=0,018) e níveis mais elevados em pacientes com evidência de doença vascular avançada em biópsia realizada no intra-operatório (p=0,021). Pacientes do Grupo 1 receberam sildenafila no pré-operatório, o que resultou em aumento do fluxo sanguíneo pulmonar (p=0,012) e da saturação periférica de oxigênio (p=0,010), além de redução dos níveis de interleucina 6 (p=0,027) e ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) (p=0,011). Não foi observado comportamento particular em pacientes com síndrome de Down. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados apresentados indicam uma relação entre níveis séricos de algumas citocinas e gravidade da doença vascular pulmonar, com potenciais implicações fisiopatológicas e clínicas. Além disso, o envolvimento da interleucina 17E e do MIF enfatizam o papel da resposta imune Th2, já descritas na HAP. Os resultados também permitem um questionamento a respeito das generalizações correntes relacionadas à vasculopatia pulmonar na síndrome de Down, anteriormente considerada como fator de risco em todos os casos / INTRODUCTION: Pediatric patients with nonrestrictive cardiac septal defects may present progressive pulmonary vascular remodeling with progression to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which might range from moderate to severe in about 5% to 10% of the patients. Inflammation and immunity play a central role in the pathogenesis of PAH, but are still poorly explored in this specific group of patients. This current study - prospective, longitudinal and cohort - was aimed at evaluating circulating levels of inflammatory mediators according to hemodynamically distinct groups of patients. At the same time, possible correlations with histopathological data and response to vasodilator intervention were analyzed. METHODS: After the establishment of a strong suspicion of pulmonary hypertension at bedside, 47 patients aged 2 to 37 months (median 10 months) were included in the study, of which 32 had Down syndrome. Patients classified as Group 1 (n = 16) had clinical signs of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and were subjected to cardiac catheterization, with proven levels of increased pulmonary vascular resistance (5.2 (4.2-8.9) U x m2, median and interquartile range). Patients classified as Group 2 (n = 31) presented clinical signs of increased blood flow with pulmonary congestion, requiring no preoperative catheterization. The pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio (Qp/Qs), estimated by echocardiography, was 1.9 (1.3-2.6) in Group 1 and 2.8 (2.3-3.3) in Group 2 (p = 0.008). Thirty-six cytokines and related proteins were analyzed in serum by chemiluminescence. RESULTS: Observing patients as a whole (n = 47), serum levels of the chemokine MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) were increased (7510 ± 2755 pixels x 5697 ± 2051 pixels in pediatric controls, mean ± standard deviation). However, MIF levels were specifically increased in Group 1 when compared to Group 2 and controls (respectively, 8494 ± 619 pixels, 6618 ± 477 pixels and 6548 ± 726 pixels, mean age adjusted ± standard error, p = 0.037). On the other hand, RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) levels were specifically increased in Group 2 when compared to Group 1 and controls (respectively 74183 ± 3865 pixels, 60130 ± 6455 pixels and 59332 ± 3970 pixels, mean ± standard error, p = 0.039). This behavior was similar when only patients with Down syndrome were analyzed. In all patients, GRO-Alpha (growth-regulated oncogene alpha) was increased in the first months of life, with subsequent exponential decline (R2 = -0.47, p < 0.001), while interleukin 17E (also known as IL-25) presented a direct relationship with age (R2 = 0.44, p=0.002). Interleukin 16 was negatively related to pulmonary blood flow (rs = -0.34, p = 0.018) and was higher in patients with evidence of advanced vascular disease by intraoperative lung biopsy (p = 0.021). Patients in Group 1 received sildenafil in the preoperative period, which resulted in increased pulmonary blood flow (p = 0.012) and peripheral oxygen saturation (p = 0.010), as well as decreased levels of interleukin 6 (p = 0.027) and ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) (p = 0.011). There was no particular behavior of subjects with Down syndrome at all. CONCLUSION: The presented data indicate a relationship between serum levels of some cytokines and the severity of pulmonary vascular disease, with potential pathophysiological and clinical implications. In addition, the involvement of interleukin 17E and MIF emphasizes the role of Th2 immune response, already described in PAH. The results also raise doubts if Down syndrome should be considered as a risk factor in a generalized way

Σκοπός: Να διερευνηθεί η επίδραση της καθημερινής χορήγησης σιλδεναφίλης στα επίπεδα διαλυτών δεικτών της ενδοθηλιακής λειτουργίας σε άνδρες με στυτική δυσλειτουργία. Μέθοδοι: Ασθενείς πάνω από 18 ετών με στυτική δυσλειτουργία αγγειακής αιτιολογίας για πάνω από 6 μήνες, είτε μόνη είτε σε συνδυασμό με νοσολογικές καταστάσεις ισχυρά συσχετιζόμενες με ενδοθηλιακή δυσλειτουργία όπως σακχαρώδης διαβήτης/μεταβολικό σύνδρομο, υπέρταση και στεφανιαία νόσος, έλαβαν σιλδεναφίλη 25 mg ημερησίως από του στόματος για 4 εβδομάδες. Δείκτες της ενδοθηλιακής λειτουργίας μετρήθηκαν στο πλάσμα στην αρχή και το τέλος της θεραπείας χρησιμοποιώντας τυπικές μεθόδους και εμπορικά διαθέσιμα υλικά. Αποτελέσματα: 112 άνδρες με μέση ηλικία (SD) 60,6 (7,3) έτη ολοκλήρωσαν το θεραπευτικό πρωτόκολλο. Η χορήγηση 25 mg σιλδεναφίλης καθημερινά για 4 εβδομάδες μείωσε σημαντικά τα επίπεδα της ενδοθηλίνης-1 σε σύγκριση με την αρχή της θεραπείας (2,83 ± 1,63 έναντι 3,24 ± 1,90 pg/ml, p<0,001). Σημαντικές αλλαγές παρατηρήθηκαν επίσης για το οξείδιο του αζώτου (ΝΟ) (35,12 ± 21,14 έναντι 31,91 ± 16,28 pmol/lt, p=0,01), τα επίπεδα της cGMP (3,79 ± 2,37 έναντι 2,70 ± 1.34 pmol/ml, p<0,001) και τον παράγοντα von Willebrand (956,08 ± 514,25 έναντι 1007,42 ± 466,25 mU/ml) αλλά όχι και για τους άλλους δείκτες που μετρήθηκαν (θρομβομοδουλίνη και Ε-σελεκτίνη). Η στυτική λειτουργία βελτιώθηκε επίσης. Συμπεράσματα: Η σιλδεναφίλη σε καθημερινή χορήγηση βελτιώνει την ενδοθηλιακή λειτουργία όπως αυτή εκτιμάται με τα επίπεδα βιολογικών δεικτών σε ασθενείς με στυτική δυσλειτουργία. Αυτά τα αποτελέσματα συμφωνούν με άλλες μελέτες που δείχνουν όμοια αποτελέσματα με θεραπεία με αναστολείς της φωσφοδιεστεράσης 5. Η κλινική σημασία των αποτελεσμάτων αυτών χρήζει περαιτέρω διερεύνησης. / Objective: To investigate the impact of daily sildenafil on levels of soluble molecular markers of endothelial function in men with erectile dysfunction. Methods: Patients over 18 years of age with erectile dysfunction of vascular aetiology for more than 6 months, either alone or in combination with disease states strongly associated with endothelial dysfunction such as diabetes/metabolic syndrome, hypertension and coronary artery disease, received sildenafil 25 mg orally for 4 weeks. Markers of endothelial function were measured in plasma at baseline and end-of-treatment using standard methods and commercially available kits. Results: 112 men with mean (SD) age of 60.6 (7.3) years completed the protocol. Sildenafil 25mg daily for 4 weeks significantly reduced endothelin-1 levels compared to baseline (2.83 ± 1.63 vs. 3.24 ± 1.90 pg/ml, p<0.001). Significant changes were also observed for nitric oxide (35.12 ± 21.14 vs. 31.91 ± 16.28 pmol/lt, p=0.01) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (3.79 ± 2.37 vs. 2.70 ± 1.34 pmol/ml, p<0.001) and von Willebrand factor (956.08 ± 514.25 vs. 1007.42 ± 466.25 mU/ml) levels but not for the other biomarkers measured (thrombomodulin and E-selectin). Erectile function was significantly improved. Conclusions: Daily sildenafil improves endothelial function as assessed by levels of biomarkers of endothelial function in patients with erectile dysfunction. This is in agreement with other studies showing similar benefits with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor treatment. The clinical implications of this finding need further investigation.

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes com defeitos septais cardíacos ditos não restritivos podem apresentar remodelamento vascular pulmonar progressivo associado a alteração hemodinâmica (hipertensão arterial pulmonar - HAP) que se torna moderada a acentuada em cerca de 5% a 10% dos casos. A HAP persistente após a cirurgia cardíaca corretiva é uma condição com curso altamente desfavorável. Remover ou reduzir a carga hemodinâmica sobre a circulação pulmonar parece, portanto, crítico para uma possível indução de remodelamento arterial reverso. O presente estudo, prospectivo, longitudinal e de coorte, teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto de uma estratégia de tratamento combinado, cirúrgico (cardíaco) e medicamentoso, em especial sobre a hemodinâmica pulmonar analisada seis meses após, em pacientes pediátricos com alterações circulatórias pulmonares moderadas e acentuadas. MÉTODOS: Caracterizada a presença de hipertensão pulmonar por exame à beira leito, pacientes foram submetidos a estudo hemodinâmico (cateterismo cardíaco) com prova de vasorreatividade com óxido nítrico inalado. A seguir, passaram a receber a sildenafila (inibidor de fosfodiesterase 5) por via oral (1,0 a 5,0 mg/kg/dia), sendo a vasorreatividade novamente testada mediante estimação ecocardiográfica da variável Qp/Qs (razão entre os fluxos sanguíneos pulmonar e sistêmico). A indicação cirúrgica foi baseada em extensa análise de dados diagnósticos. Durante a cirurgia, houve coleta de material de biópsia para análise da microvasculatura pulmonar. Computados os eventos pós-operatórios, houve alta hospitalar sob uso da sildenafila por seis meses. Nesta ocasião, a nova situação hemodinâmica foi registrada (cateterismo), sendo investigados possíveis preditores de alterações residuais. RESULTADOS: Incluíram-se 31 pacientes (idade 11,0 (7,8-20,4) meses, mediana e intervalo interquartílico) com hipertensão pulmonar suficientemente importante para levar a saturação de oxigênio a 93% (90%-95%). A resistência vascular pulmonar (RVP) foi 4,7 (3,9-7,2) U x m2, com queda para 3,3 (1,8-5,6) U x m2 sob óxido nítrico inalado (p < 0,001). A razão entre as resistências pulmonar e sistêmica (RVP/RVS) foi 0,31 (0,23-0,49) e 0,23 (0,12-0,37), respectivamente (p < 0,001). Nos 21 casos com redução >- 20% em ambas as variáveis, houve incremento de Qp/Qs, subsequentemente em resposta à sildenafila (2,0 (1,3-2,2) para 2,3 (1,8-2,5), p = 0,019). Quatro indivíduos sem resposta inicial ao óxido nítrico tiveram incremento > 30%. Houve 28 indicações para a cirurgia, com três óbitos imediatos. Confirmando a gravidade, cinco dos 22 casos biopsiados tiveram lesões vasculares pulmonares de graus III / IV (classificação proposta por Heath e Edwards). O grau de hipertrofia muscular arteriolar teve relação direta com a resposta ao óxido nítrico (coeficientes de correlação sempre >- 0,50, p < 0,020). Seis meses após, houve redução de 47%, 40% e 38% respectivamente na pressão média arterial pulmonar, RVP e RVP/RVS (p < 0,001), com normalização em 14 dos 25 pacientes. A razão RVP/RVS >- 0,24 sob óxido nítrico (cateterismo inicial) foi preditiva de hemodinâmica anormal após seis meses (sensibilidade, 73%; especificidade, 79%; razão de chances, 9,78; intervalo de confiança de 95%, 1,51-61,65, p = 0,017). CONCLUSÕES: combinando-se os tratamentos cirúrgico e medicamentoso, foi possível reduzir (ou normalizar) a carga hemodinâmica pulmonar, fato com possível impacto sobre o remodelamento arterial reverso. A vasorreatividade se mantém apesar da gravidade, é demonstrável por metodologia diversa e possui substrato histopatológico bem caracterizado. A possibilidade de normalização hemodinâmica está relacionada ao grau de vasodilatação atingido no teste inicial, guardada a condição de manutenção da terapia vasodilatadora / INTRODUCTION: Patients with nonrestrictive congenital cardiac septal defects can present progressive pulmonary vascular remodeling associated with hemodynamic alteration (pulmonary arterial hypertension - PAH) which might range from moderate to severe in about 5% to 10% of the patients. The persistence of PAH following corrective cardiac surgery is a very unfavorable condition. Removing or reducing the hemodynamic stress overload over the pulmonary circulation is indeed critical, and might call for a possible induction of reversal of pulmonary vascular remodeling. This current study - prospective, longitudinal and cohort - means to assess the impact of a strategic treatment which associates cardiac surgery as well as medication, mostly over pulmonary hemodynamics within a six months follow-up in pediatric patients with moderate to severe pulmonary circulation alterations. METHODS: Once the presence of pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed through a bedside exam, the patients underwent a hemodynamic study (cardiac catheterization) with vasoreactivity testing with inhaled nitric oxide. Right after that, sildenafil (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor) was administered orally (1.0 to 5.0 mg/kg/day). The vasoreactivity was again tested by the estimate of the echocardiographic variable Qp/Qs (pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio). The indication for surgical treatment was based on the comprehensive analysis of diagnostic data. During the surgery, biopsy samples were collected in order to analyze the pulmonary microvasculature. Once the postoperative events were recorded, the patient was discharged, and the administration of sildenafil was maintained for six months. On that occasion, the new hemodynamic indices were recorded (catheterization), and residual alteration predictors were investigated. RESULTS: The study comprised 31 patients (mean age 11.0 (7.8-20.4) months, median and interquartile range) with significant pulmonary hypertension so as to lead to 93% (90%-95%) oxygen saturation. The pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was 4.7 (3.9-7.2) U x m2, dropping to 3.3 (1.8-5.6) U x m2 by the inhalation of nitric oxide (p < 0.001). The ratio between the pulmonary and systemic resistances (PVR/SVR) was 0.31 (0.23-0.49) and 0.23 (0.12-0.37) respectively (p < 0.001). In the 21 cases of >- 20% reduction in both variables, there was a Qp/Qs increment, subsequently, in response to sildenafil administration (2.0 (1.3-2.2) to 2.3 (1.8-2.5), p = 0.019). Four subjects with no response in the early inhalation of nitric oxide had a > 30% increment. Twenty-eight patients underwent surgery, three of whom died right after it. Five out of 22 biopsied cases had pulmonary vascular lesions level III / IV (Heath-Edwards grading system), confirming its severity. In all analyzed vascular segments, the level of arterial muscle hypertrophy was directly associated with the nitric oxide response (coefficients of correlation always >- 0.50, p < 0.020). Six months postoperatively, there was a 47%, 40% and 38% reduction, respectively, of the mean pulmonary arterial pressure, PVR and PVR/SVR (p < 0.001), with normalization in 14 out of 25 patients. The PVR/SVR ratio under nitric oxide (initial catheterization) >- 0.24, which was predictive to abnormal hemodynamics at six months (sensibility, 73%; specificity, 79%; hazard ratio, 9.78; confidence interval, 95%, 1.51-61.65, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: By associating the surgical treatment along with medication, it was possible to reduce (or normalize) the pulmonary hemodynamic overload, which might have had some impact on the reverse cardiac remodeling. The vasoreactivity remains despite its severity, and it is demonstrated by diverse methodology that it has a distinct histopathologic component. The possibility of normalizing the hemodynamics is directly associated with the level of vasodilation, once the vasodilator therapy is maintained

Compared to males in almost any social group in all affluent nations, Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men suffer from substantially more serious illnesses and early death. To date, research done by or in collaboration with Indigenous communities has revealed the extent of the problems that arise from diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancers, respiratory diseases, psychological disorders, accidental injuries, violence and other causes. Reproductive health, however, rarely has been studied among Indigenous men. To date, research in this field has been limited mainly to studies of sexually transmitted infections. No data has been published on Aboriginal men's symptoms of prostate disease or erectile dysfunction, nor has the clinical screening and treatment of these disorders among these men been assessed. In-depth search of the worldwide web demonstrated that little information on these issues was available from other Indigenous populations. It does appear that Indigenous men in Australia, New Zealand and North America are less likely than European-ancestry men to die from prostate cancer, or for living cases to be recorded on cancer registries. This may arise because Indigenous men genuinely have a lower risk, or because they are not captured by official statistics, or because they do not live long enough to develop severe prostate disease. We also know very little about other reproductive health problems such as sexual dysfunction and specifically erectile difficulties. One reason for our scant knowledge is that research mainly relies on self-report of sensitive information. The aim of the research study was to improve the understanding of sexual and reproductive health problems experienced by Indigenous men. This is best gathered by Aboriginal males who are inside the culture of middleaged and older Indigenous men, but until now this has not been attempted. In this study we adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions for Reproductive and Sexual Health (WHO, 2001). Thus, we consider reproductive system disorders (prostate disease, erectile dysfunction) and related health care-seeking, and also men's perceptions about a "satisfying and safe sexual life". The methodology was framed within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research protocol that advocates respect for cultural, social and community customs. A mixed method design combined qualitative inquiry (4 focus groups and 18 in-depth interviews) and quantitative survey (n=301) involving men living in remote, rural and urban communities (Tiwi Islands, Darwin and north and south-east Queensland). Survey data were compared to recently published self-reports from 5990 randomly selected men aged over 40 years in Australia (Holden et al., 2005, The Lancet, 366, 218-224. The qualitative interviews revealed that most men were silent about reproductive health. They were unwilling to reveal their inner feelings to wives or partners, and they were unwilling to discuss such issues with doctors and other health care workers. Men's reaction to sexual difficulties included shame, denial, substance abuse and occasionally violence. On a positive note many men said they want to learn about it, so they understand how to cope with such problems. The Indigenous men reported symptoms of erectile dysfunction at least as much as non-Indigenous men in other Australian studies. Bivariate analysis showed that erectile dysfunction was correlated with many health and lifestyle variable. However multivariate analysis revealed that only three factors significantly predicted ED: presence of chronic disease, presence of pain when working, and living in a remote geographic location The quantitative survey data indicate that Indigenous men have more symptoms of prostate disease than non-Indigenous men. The syndrome appears to be poorly managed in clinical practice (e.g. rates of PSA testing and digital-rectal examination are only one-third the rate reported by non-Aboriginal men, despite equivalent likelihood of GP visits). The research study adds to the literature by providing better insight and depth into the issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males experiencing reproductive and sexual health difficulties. It also provides a platform to undertake comprehensive research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to explore a wider spectrum of questions in this important but neglected area. Implications for education of primary healthcare workers and community-based awareness campaigns for Indigenous males are discussed. Most of all, this study revealed "layers" of silence around sexual and reproductive health of Indigenous men. This includes silence in the scientific establishments in health services, and in the community. It is hoped that this study puts the voices of the men forward to help to break down this silence.

Doctorat en Sciences biomédicales et pharmaceutiques / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Ce travail a été consacré à l’étude non invasive de la circulation pulmonaire normale par mise en œuvre de l’échocardiographie Doppler. <p>En intégrant les mesures obtenues dans une approche physiopathologique, et en exploitant les nouvelles possibilités d’échocardiographes portables, techniquement performants, nous avons analysé les effets d’un inhibiteur de la phosphodiestérase-5 et d’une prostacycline, pour tenter d’en identifier d’éventuels effets introtropes intrinsèques, nous avons exploré le concept de réserve vasculaire pulmonaire comme facteur limitant de l’aptitude aérobie et indice potentiel d’une atteinte vasculaire pulmonaire précoce, et obtenu des résultats préliminaires permettant d’identifier une hypertension artérielle pulmonaire (HTAP) latente. Nos principaux résultats peuvent être résumés comme suit :<p>1. Chez le sujet sain, en normoxie ou dans un modèle expérimental d’HTAP induite par l’inhalation d’un mélange gazeux hypoxique, le sildenafil per os ou l’epoprostenol par voie intraveineuse, à des doses utilisées en clinique pour le traitement de l’HTAP, améliorent les indices de la fonction ventriculaire droite en proportion de leurs effets vasodilatatoires pulmonaires, sans effets inotropes intrinsèques détectables.<p>2. La consommation d’oxygène maximale du sujet sain augmente en raison directe de son volume capillaire pulmonaire (calculé à partir de sa capacité de diffusion pour l’oxyde nitrique et le monoxyde de carbone) et en raison inverse de sa résistance vasculaire pulmonaire, non seulement en altitude, mais aussi au niveau de la mer. Ce résultat suggère qu’une plus grande réserve vasculaire pulmonaire est propice aux efforts aérobiques intenses, probablement par moindre postcharge ventriculaire droite.<p>3. Des mesures réalisées chez un petit nombre de sujets suggèrent que la distensibilité vasculaire pulmonaire, calculée à partir d’une relation débit-pression vasculaire pulmonaire, est typiquement réduite chez des porteurs asymptomatiques de la mutation BMPR2, qui est actuellement le facteur de risque le plus élevé connu de l’HTAP. La mutation BMPR2 pourrait aussi être associée à une réactivité vasculaire pulmonaire accrue à l’hypoxie. <p>Nos résultats suggèrent indirectement que l’échocardiographie Doppler, de repos ou de stress, pourrait être davantage développée dans la mise au point de patients à risque d’HTAP./<p><p>Novel advances in echocardiography offer the opportunity to reliably characterize pulmonary circulation in terms of pressure-flow relationship, and to better understand the coupling of right ventricular (RV) function with normal and abnormal pulmonary hemodynamics. Moreover, when combined with the measurement of pulmonary capillary blood volume, this renewed methodological approach may help to understand the concept of pulmonary vascular reserve as a limiting factor of exercise capacity and potential sensitive marker of early vascular disease.<p><p>In the present work we used a model of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction to analyse the effects of two targeted therapies of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) on the RV function. We showed that the beneficial effects of these drugs are mainly driven by a decrease in RV afterload and not an enhanced myocardial inotropic state. Whether this is transposable to abnormal RV-arterial coupling in PAH patients remains to be investigated.<p><p>Echocardiography may be useful to explore the pulmonary vascular reserve as an important limiting factor of exercise capacity. We showed that a higher pulmonary vascular reserve, defined by a decreased PVR and increased lung diffusing capacity, allows for an improved aerobic exercise capacity (as assessed by a higher peak oxygen consumption), at a lower ventilatory cost, at sea level and at high altitude. <p><p>Stress echocardiography may detect an abnormal pulmonary vasoreactivity. We showed that asymptomatic relatives of patients suffering from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, and who carry a bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 mutation (BMPR2) present with a decreased pulmonary vascular distensibility and an enhanced pulmonary vasoreactivity to hypoxia, which are identifiable by echocardiography examination. However, the predictive value of these findings is not known. <p><p>Thus echocardiography may represent, in experienced and dedicated hands, a noninvasive, safe, widely available, applicable at the bed-side as well as in extreme environment (e.g. high altitudes), less expensive alternative for the evaluation of the pulmonary circulation, either by the interrogation of pressure-flow relationship (stress echocardiography), by the investigation of the right ventricle global and regional function in relation to its afterload (standard and Tissue Doppler Imaging), or by a combined approach with the measurement of lung diffusing capacity (DLNO / DLCO) to assess the pulmonary vascular reserve.<p><p>The present data are encouraging for further development and implementation of echocardiography for the detection, but also the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with pulmonary hypertension.<p><p> / Doctorat en Sciences médicales / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished