Abstract Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of histogram analysis on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) for differentiating between adrenal adenomas and pheochromocytomas (PCCs). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with proven PCCs who had undergone CT examinations between January 2009 and July 2019 at one of two institutions. For each PCC, we selected one or two adenomas diagnosed within two weeks of the date of diagnosis of the PCC. For each lesion, two readers scored the size, determined the mean attenuation, and generated a voxel histogram. The 10th percentile (P10) was obtained from the conventional histogram analysis, as well as being calculated with the following formula: P10 = mean attenuation – (1.282 × standard deviation). The mean attenuation threshold, histogram analysis (observed) P10, and calculated P10 (calcP10) were compared in terms of their diagnostic accuracy. Results: We included 52 adenomas and 29 PCCs. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the mean attenuation threshold were 75.0%, 100.0%, and 82.5%, respectively, for reader 1, whereas they were 71.5%, 100.0%, and 81.5%, respectively, for reader 2. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the observed P10 and calcP10 were equal for both readers: 90.4%, 96.5%, and 92.6%, respectively, for reader 1; and 92.3%, 93.1%, and 92.6%, respectively, for reader 2. The increase in sensitivity was significant for both readers (p = 0.009 and p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusion: For differentiating between adenomas and PCCs, the histogram analysis (observed P10 and calcP10) appears to outperform the mean attenuation threshold as a diagnostic criterion.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia diagnóstica da análise por histograma na tomografia computadorizada (TC) sem contraste para a diferenciação entre adenomas adrenais e feocromocitomas (FCCs). Materiais e Métodos: Identificamos, retrospectivamente, pacientes com diagnóstico de FCC confirmado que foram submetidos a exames de TC entre janeiro de 2009 e julho de 2019 em duas instituições distintas. Para cada FCC, selecionamos um ou dois adenomas diagnosticados em até duas semanas da data do diagnóstico do FCC. Para cada lesão, dois leitores pontuaram o tamanho, determinaram a atenuação média e geraram um histograma com os voxels das imagens. O percentil 10 (P10) foi obtido a partir da análise convencional do histograma, além de ser calculado com a seguinte fórmula: P10 = atenuação média - (1,282 × desvio-padrão). O limiar de atenuação média, o P10 da análise por histograma (P10 observado) e o P10 calculado (P10calc) foram comparados em termos de acurácia diagnóstica. Resultados: Foram incluídos 52 adenomas e 29 FCCs. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do limiar de atenuação média foram de 75,0%, 100,0% e 82,5% para o leitor 1, respectivamente, e de 71,5%, 100,0% e 81,5% para o leitor 2, respectivamente. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do P10 observado e do P10calc foram idênticas para os dois leitores: 90,4%, 96,5% e 92,6%, respectivamente, para o leitor 1; e 92,3%, 93,1% e 92,6%, respectivamente, para o leitor 2. O aumento da sensibilidade foi significativo para ambos os leitores (p = 0,009 e p = 0,005, respectivamente). Conclusão: Para a diferenciação entre adenomas e FCCs, a análise por histograma (P10 observado ou P10calc) parece superar o limiar de atenuação média como critério diagnóstico.

Resumo Objetivo: Estimar a frequência de adenomas pobres em lipídios (APLs) em exames de ressonância magnética (RM). Materiais e Métodos: Investigaram-se, retrospectivamente, as lesões adrenais em exames de RM realizados de janeiro de 2016 a dezembro de 2017. Um total de 2.014 pacientes foi submetido a exames abdominais e, após exclusões, 69 pacientes com 74 adenomas foram recuperados. Determinaram-se o tamanho da lesão, a lateralidade, a homogeneidade, a queda do sinal em imagens fora-de-fase (FF) e o índice de intensidade do sinal (IIS). Foram utilizadas as seguintes definições para APLs: sem queda de sinal nas imagens FF e IIS < 16,5%. Para 68 lesões, havia imagens de tomografia computadorizada (TC), com intervalo de até um ano da RM, que também foram analisadas. Resultados: Sessenta e nove pacientes foram incluídos, sendo 42 mulheres (60,8%) e 27 homens (39,2%). A média de idade foi 59,2 ± 14,1 anos. O tamanho médio do adenoma adrenal foi 18,5 ± 7,7 mm para o leitor 1 (7,0-56,0 mm) e 21,0 ± 8,3 mm (7,0-55,0 mm) para o leitor 2 (p = 0,055). A queda de sinal nas imagens FF mostrou que a frequência de APLs para ambos os leitores foi 6,8% (5/74). Para a análise quantitativa, a frequência foi 4,0% (3/74) para o leitor 1 e 5,4% (4/74) para o leitor 2. A frequência de APLs nas imagens de TC foi 21/68 lesões (30,8%). Conclusão: A prevalência de APLs em imagens de RM foi significativamente menor do que em exames de TC. Essa prevalência tende a ser ainda menor quando a definição de APL é baseada na análise quantitativa (IIS < 16,5%), em vez da análise visual.

Abstract Objective: To estimate the frequency of lipid-poor adenomas (LPAs) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively investigated adrenal lesions on MRI examinations performed in a total of 2,014 patients between January 2016 and December 2017. After exclusions, the sample comprised 69 patients with 74 proven adenomas. Two readers (reader 1 and reader 2) evaluated lesion size, laterality, homogeneity, signal drop on out-of-phase (OP) images, and the signal intensity index (SII). An LPA was defined as a lesion with no signal drop on OP images and an SII < 16.5%. For 68 lesions, computed tomography (CT) scans (obtained within one year of the MRI) were also reviewed. Results: Of the 69 patients evaluated, 42 (60.8%) were women and 27 (39.2%) were men. The mean age was 59.2 ± 14.1 years. Among the 74 confirmed adrenal adenomas evaluated, the mean lesion size was 18.5 ± 7.7 mm (range, 7.0-56.0 mm) for reader 1 and 21.0 ± 8.3 mm (range, 7.0-55.0 mm) for reader 2 (p = 0.055). On the basis of the signal drop in OP MRI sequences, both readers identified five (6.8%) of the 74 lesions as being LPAs. When determined on the basis of the SII, that frequency was three (4.0%) for reader 1 and four (5.4%) for reader 2. On CT, 21 (30.8%) of the 68 lesions evaluated were classified as LPAs. Conclusion: The prevalence of LPA was significantly lower on MRI than on CT. That prevalence tends to be even lower when the definition of LPA relies on a quantitative analysis rather than on a qualitative (visual) analysis.

Recent evidence shows that chronic ethanol consumption increases endothelin (ET)-1 induced sustained contraction of trabecular smooth muscle cells of the corpora cavernosa in corpus cavernosum of rats by a mechanism that involves increased expression of ETA and ETB receptors. Our goal was to evaluate the effects of alcohol and diabetes and their relationship to miRNA-155, miRNA-199 and endothelin receptors in the corpus cavernosum and blood of rats submitted to the experimental model of diabetes mellitus and chronic alcoholism. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (C), alcoholic (A), diabetic (D), and alcoholic-diabetic (AD). Samples of the corpus cavernosum were prepared to study the protein expression of endothelin receptors by immunohistochemistry and expression of miRNAs-155 and -199 in serum and the cavernous tissue. Immunostaining for endothelin receptors was markedly higher in the A, D, and AD groups than in the C group. Moreover, a significant hypoexpression of the miRNA-199 in the corpus cavernosum tissue from the AD group was observed, compared to the C group. When analyzing the microRNA profile in blood, a significant hypoexpression of miRNA-155 in the AD group was observed compared to the C group. The miRNA-199 analysis demonstrated significant hypoexpression in D and AD groups compared to the C group. Our findings in corpus cavernosum showed downregulated miRNA-155 and miRNA-199 levels associated with upregulated protein expression and unaltered mRNA expression of ET receptors suggesting decreased ET receptor turnover, which can contribute to erectile dysfunction in diabetic rats exposed to high alcohol levels.

PURPOSE:To evaluate the effect of short and long term alloxan-induced diabetes on bladder and urethral function of female rats, and also describing its correlated morphological alterations.METHODS:Thirty five female rats were divided into three groups: G1 (n=9), control group; G2 (n=17), six weeks alloxan-induced diabetic rats; G3 (n=9), 20 weeks alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Functional evaluation was performed by cystometry and simultaneous measurements of the urethral pressure during bladder filling and voiding. Morphological evaluation was also performed with measurement of bladder and urethral fibrosis and collagen content and thickness of lamina propria and smooth muscle layers.RESULTS: The peak bladder pressures and contraction amplitudes were decreased in 100% and 47% of the G3 and G2 groups respectively, when compared to control. Bladder overactivity was observed in 53% of the G2 group.CONCLUSION:Alloxan-induced diabetes urethropathty in female rat was associated to bladder morphological alterations as higher thicknesses of it lamina propria, detrusor and adventicea.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of diabetes mellitus and of sildenafil citrate on female urethral function.METHODS: Twenty nine female rats were divided into four groups: G1 - (n=9), normal rats; G2 - (n=6), normal rats treated with sildenafil citrate; G3 - (n=9) rats with alloxan-induced diabetes; G4 - (n=5) rats with alloxan-induced diabetes treated with sildenafil citrate. Under anesthesia, urodynamic evaluation was performed by cystometry and urethral pressure simultaneously.RESULTS: A significant increase in urethral pressure was observed during micturition.CONCLUSION: Sildenafil citrate can partially reduced urethral pressure in diabetic female rats.

OBJETIVO: Com a ampla utilização dos exames ultrassonográficos na avaliação pré-natal, é frequente o diagnóstico da hidronefrose fetal. A definição de obstrução do trato urinário no periodo pós-natal necessita da confirmação de redução da função renal além da hidronefrose. Neste estudo, acompanhamos uma série de pacientes consecutivos com hidronefrose intra-útero que persistiu no periodo pós-natal. MÉTODOS: 116 recém-nascidos com hidronefrose pré-natal diagnosticada pela ultrassonografia foram submetidos a protocolo específico de avaliação e companhados pelo periodo de 06 anos. RESULTADOS: Em 46 (38,8%) dos 116 pacientes foi confirmado o diagnóstico de estenose da junção ureteropiélica (JUP). Conforme os resultados do protocolo aplicado a correção cirúrgica da estenose da JUP foi realizada em 19 pacientes. Das 26 crianças encaminhadas inicialmente para observação clínica, apenas 6 (23%) necessitaram cirurgia durante o seguimento ambulatorial. Na análise geral, o procedimento cirúrgico para correção da estenose da JUP foi indicado em 25 pacientes. Nas outras 20 crianças não houve necessidade da realização da cirurgia. CONCLUSÃO: a hidronefrose fetal requer cuidadosa avaliação pós-natal. A estenose da junção pielo-ureteral é a anomalia mais frequente como causa da hidronefrose, e sua correção cirúrgica tem indicações precisas. O protocolo aplicado foi útil em diferenciar pacientes que não necessitaram cirurgia para tratamento da estenose da JUP.

PURPOSE: Fetal hydronephrosis is a frequent finding due to advances in prenatal ultrasonography. The definition of fetal and neonatal urinary tract obstruction is a very difficult task requiring confirmation of reduced renal function and hydronephrosis. In this study we followed a series of consecutive patients with intrauterine hydronephrosis that persisted during post-natal life. METHODS: 116 newborns with antenatal hydronephrosis diagnosed by ultrasound and submitted to a specific post-natal evaluative protocol with a follow-up period of 6 years. RESULTS: In 45 (38.8%) of 116 patients, ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction was confirmed and surgical correction of the UPJ obstruction was done in 19 patients. From 26 children who were initially submitted to non-surgical treatment, only 6 (23%) needed a surgical approach during follow up. Overall analysis showed that surgery was performed in 25 patients with UPJ obstruction, and the others 20 patients were kept under clinical observation, since normal renal function was confirmed by scintigraphy scans. CONCLUSION: Fetal hydronephrosis due to UPJ obstruction deserves careful postnatal evaluation. UPJ obstruction is the most frequent anomaly and its surgical treatment has very precise indications. The evaluative protocol was useful in identify patients that could be followed-up with a non-surgical approach.

The aim was to analyze the protein expression of apoptotic genes caspase-3, caspase-8 and bcl-2 with the immunohistochemistry technique, correlating with tumor grade (I, II and III) and with the patient survival in order to understand the basic mechanism of tumoral transformation. The immunohistochemistry reactions on 50 samples of squamous cell carcinoma were carried out with the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method and antigen recovery. The analyses were made using the graduation method "in crosses" (0 to 4 crosses - no stain to more than 75% of positives cells) and in categories (low, intermediate, high) of the cytoplasm immunoreactivity of the epidermoid penile carcinoma cells. It was observed a statistically significant difference when the expression of caspase-3 were compared with the grades I and II of the tumor (p=0.0010) and when comparing the patient survival with the grades I and II of the tumor (p=0.0212). The protein bcl-2 was more expressed than caspase-3 and caspase-8 proteins, suggesting that the apoptotic rate in this carcinoma is low. The higher expression of the anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 suggests a higher preservation of the tumoral cells.

El objetivo fue analizar la expresión de las proteínas de genes de apoptosis caspasa-3, caspasa-8 y Bcl-2-con la técnica de inmunohistoquímica, en correlación con el grado tumoral (I, II y III) y la supervivencia del paciente con el fin de comprender el mecanismo básico de la transformación tumoral. Se analizaron las reacciones inmunohistoquímicas sobre 50 muestras de carcinoma de células escamosas mediante el método de la inmunoperoxidasa avidina-biotina y la recuperación de antígeno. Los análisis se realizaron utilizando el método de graduación "en cruces" (0 a 4 cruces - no tinción a más del 75% de las células positivas) y en categorías (baja, media, alta) de la inmunorreactividad citoplasmática de las células de carcinoma epidermoide de pene. Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa cuando la expresión de la caspasa-3 se comparó con los grados I y II del tumor (p = 0,0010) y cuando se comparan la supervivencia de los pacientes con los grados I y II del tumor (p = 0,0212). La proteína bcl-2 se expresa más que la caspasa-3 y caspasa-8, lo que sugiere que la tasa de apoptosis en este carcinoma es baja. La mayor expresión de la proteína anti-apoptótica bcl-2 sugiere una mayor preservación de las células tumorales.

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver modelo experimental de obstrução urinária infravesical em ratas. MÉTODOS: Após laparotomia caudal mediana, as uretras de 14 ratas foram delicadamente separadas da vagina e frouxamente envoltas com fita de celofane medindo 0.4 x 1.0 cm. Os animais foram avaliados 4 (n=7) e 8 (n=7) semanas depois. Cinco animais adicionais (controle) foram submetidos apenas à separação da uretra e da vagina e monitoradas por 12 semanas. RESULTADOS: Após quatro semanas, três ratas apresentaram dilatação vesical associada a discreta ectasia ureteral em 2 animais, com o terceiro apresentando discreta hidronefrose em um rim. Após oito semanas, cinco ratas (71.4%) apresentaram distensão vesical com ureterohidronefrose bilateral. Não ocorreram alterações significativas (p>0.05) nos valores de uréia ou creatinina em qualquer grupo, comparado com valores pré-operatórios. CONCLUSÃO: Apresentamos aqui um método barato e simples para a indução lenta de obstrução uretral em ratas adultas, com desenvolvimento progressivo de hipertrofia vesical e ureterohidronefrose, podendo ser utilizado como modelo experimental para estudo de diferentes aspectos da nefropatia obstrutiva.

PURPOSE: To develop an experimental model of infravesical urinary obstruction in female rats. METHODS: After median caudal laparotomy, the urethra of 14 female rats was delicately separated from the vagina and loosely wrapped with cellophane tape measuring 0.4 x 1.0 cm. The animals were evaluated 4 (n=7) and 8 (n=7) weeks later. Five additional control animals were only subjected to separation of the urethra and vagina and monitored for 12 weeks. RESULTS: After four weeks, three rats presented vesical dilation associated with discrete ureteral ectasis in 2 animals, with the third presenting discrete hydronephrosis in one kidney. After eight weeks, five rats (71.4%) presented vesical distension with bilateral ureterohydronephrosis. No significant changes (p>0.05) in serum urea or creatinine occurred in any group compared to preoperative values. CONCLUSION: We present here an inexpensive and simple method for the slow induction of urethral obstruction in adult female rats, with the development of progressive vesical hypertrophy and ureterohydronephrosis, which may be used as an experimental model for the study of different aspects of obstructive nephropathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate histological features and biocompatibility of a latex biomembrane for bladder augmentation using a rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After a partial cystectomy, a patch of a non-vulcanized latex biomembrane (2x4 cm) was sewn to the bladder with 5/0 monofilament polydioxanone sulfate in a watertight manner. Groups of 5 animals were sacrificed at 15, 45 and 90 days after surgery and the bladder was removed. The 5-µm preparations obtained from grafted area and normal bladder were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with a primary antibody against alpha-actin to assess muscle regeneration. RESULTS: No death, urinary leakage or graft extrusion occurred in any group. All bladders showed a spherical shape. Macroscopically, after 90 days, the latex biomembrane was not identifiable and the patch was indistinguishable from normal bladder. A bladder stone was found in one animal (6.6%). On the 90th day, histology revealed continuity of transitional epithelium of host bladder tissue on the patch area. At this time, the muscle layers were well organized in a similar fashion to native bladder muscle layers. The inflammatory process was higher on grafted areas when compared to controls: 15 days - p < 0.0001, 45 days - p < 0.001, and 90 days - p < 0.01. The anti alpha-actin immunoexpression peaked at 45 days, when the graft was observed covered by muscle cells. CONCLUSION: The latex biomembrane is biocompatible and can be used in models for bladder augmentation in rabbits. It promotes epithelium and muscle regeneration without urinary leakage.

INTRODUÇÃO: O estudo urodinâmico em ratas pode ser realizado através de sondagem vesical por via uretral ou por cistostomia. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar estes dois métodos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas 10 ratas da raça Wistar, peso médio de 250 gramas, anestesiadas com uretana (1,25 mg/kg). Inicialmente foi realizado estudo por sonda uretral (0,64 mm de diâmetro externo) para determinação da pressão vesical (PV1) e tempo de contração (TC1), após isto a sonda foi tracionada a velocidade constante (0,05 cm/m) até sua exteriorização pelo meato uretral, avaliando-se a pressão uretral máxima (PU1) e o comprimento funcional uretral (CFU1). Fez-se, então, a cistostomia (sonda PE50) para determinação da pressão vesical (PV2). A seguir, realizou-se desnervação cirúrgica da bexiga e realizou-se novo registro cistométrico para se inferir a pressão uretral indireta (PU2). Logo após, foi passada sonda uretral para determinação da pressão uretral máxima (PU3) e do comprimento funcional uretral (CFU2). O sistema de registro das pressões foi constituído de uma bomba de infusão contínua regulada para 0,1 ml/minuto conectada em Y com o cateter de cistostomia (PE-50) ou cateter uretral (0,64mm) a um polígrafo Narco-Bioystem. A análise estatística foi realizada através do método não paramétrico de Wilcoxon. RESULTADOS: Média PV1= 48,2 mmHg (11,8 SD); Média PV2 = 38,2 mmHg (9,0 SD). "p" (PV1 X PV2) = 0,0039. Média TC1=30,2 s (21,5 SD); Média TC2=20,0 (7 SD) p (TC1 X TC2) = 1,28. Média PU1 = 47,2 (6,5 SD); Média PU2 = 21,3 mmHg (6,6 SD), média PU3 = 40,7(13,3 SD) p (PU1 X PU2) = 0,002; "p" (PU1 X PU3) = 0,084; p (PU2 X PU3) = 0,002. Média CFU1=14,2 (1,9 SD); Média CFU2= 14,1 (1,9 SD); p (CFU1 X CFU2) = 0,64. CONCLUSÃO: Os métodos de avaliação urodinâmica são diferentes. A presença do cateter na uretra pode ser um fator obstrutivo. A desnervação cirúrgica, até o nível do colo vesical, não compromete a função uretral.

PURPOSE: Urodynamic studies in small animals can be performed through urethral sounding or cystostomy. OBJECTIVE: To compare the two methods of urodynamic evaluation in female rats. METHODS: Ten female rats weighing on average 250g, under anesthesia with urethane (1,25 mg/kg) were submitted in three repeats to an urethal catheter of 0,64 mm in external diameter for cystometric measurements of vesicle pressure(VP1) and contraction time (CT1). The catheter was extracted at a constant velocity of 0.05 cm/minute until complete exteriorization and determinations of maximal urethral pressure (UP1) and functional urethral length (FUL1). This was followed by a cystostomy with catheter PE50 and a new determination of the vesical pressure (VP2). After bladder denervation, a new cystometric record indirectly infered the maximum urethral closure pressure (UP2). The peak urethal pressure (UP3) and the functional urethral length (FUL2) were determined in another urethral sounding. The pressure registration system consisted of a continuous infusion pump regulated to a flow of 0.1 ml/minute connected both to the cystostomy catheter (PE-50) or the urethal catheter (0.64mm) and the polygraph Narco-Biosystem. Statistical analysis employed the Wilcoxon non-parametric test RESULTS: Mean VP1= 48,2 mmHg (11,8 SD); Mean VP2 = 38,2 mmHg (9,0 SD) "p" (VP1 X VP2) = 0,0039. Mean CT1=30,2 s (21,5 SD); Mean CT2=20,0 s(7 SD) p (CT1 X CT2) = 1,28. Mean UP1 = 47,2 mmHg (6,5 SD); Mean UP2 = 21,3 mmHg (6,6 SD), mean UP3 = 40,7 mmHg(13,3 SD) p (UP1 X UP2) = 0,002; "p" (UP1 X UP3) = 0,084; p (UP2 X UP3) = 0,002. Mean FUL1=14,2 mm (1,9 SD); Mean FUL2= 14,1mm (1,9 SD); p (FUL1 X FUL2) = 0,64. CONCLUSIONS: The methods employed to evaluate vesical and urethral pressures are different. The presence of the urethral catheter may be an obstructive factor. Surgical denervation up to the bladder neck level does not compromise urethral function.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da lesão de isquemia/reperfusão na hipertrofia renal compensatória (HRC) e na função mitocondrial. MÉTODOS: 45 ratos Wistar foram divididos em três grupos: Grupo Controle (GC) - 21 ratos submetidos apenas à laparotomia e sacrificados no 1º dia (6 ratos) e 7º dia pós-operatório (15 ratos) para avaliar o peso seco de ambos os rins e seu crescimento durante uma semana (6 ratos) e quantificar a função mitocondrial (9 ratos); Grupo 1 (G1) - 12 ratos submetidos à nefrectomia direita e sacrificados após 7 dias para análise da função mitocondrial renal (6 ratos) e peso renal seco (6 ratos); Grupo 2 (G2) - isquemia renal quente durante 60 minutos no rim esquerdo seguida da nefrectomia direita foi realizada em 12 ratos, que foram sacrificados após 7 dias para avaliação da função mitocondrial (6 ratos) e peso seco (6 ratos). RESULTADOS: peso seco (mg) do rim esquerdo no 7º dia: GC= 219±18; G1=281±23 e G2=338±39 (GCxG1 p<0,01; GCxG2 p<0,001; G1xG2 p<0,01). O estado 4 da função mitocondrial e a Razão de Controle Respiratório (RCR) foram semelhantes em todos os grupos (p>0,05). O estado 3 da respiração mitocondrial (mMO2/min/mg) no GC, G1 e G2 foi, respectivamente: 99±23, 132±22 e 88±44 (p<0,02; a única diferença estatística foi observada entre os grupos G1xG2 - p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: após nefrectomia unilateral a HRC está associada ao aumento do estado 3 da respiração mitocondrial. A lesão de isquemia/reperfusão renal aumenta a HRC estimulada pela nefrectomia unilateral, mas este aumento parece independer da respiração mitocondrial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of ischemia/reperfusion injury on renal compensatory growth (CGR) and mitochondrial function. METHODS: Forty five Wistar rats were divided in 3 groups: Control Group (GC) - 21 rats were submitted to a sham laparotomy and sacrificed at 1st (6 rats) and 7th (15 rats) postoperative days to evaluate the dry weight of both kidneys and their growth during 1 week (6 rats) and to quantify mitochondrial respiration (9 rats); Group 1 (G1) - 12 rats underwent right nephrectomy and were sacrificed 7 days later for analysis of renal mitochondrial function (6 rats) and dry weight (6 rats). Group 2 (G2) - renal warm ischemia for 60 minutes followed by right nephrectomy was performed in 12 rats; they were sacrificed 7 days later to evaluate renal mitochondrial function (6 rats) and dry weight (6 rats). RESULTS: Dry weight (mg) of left kidneys at 7th day: GC - 219±18, G1 - 281±23 and G2 - 338±39 (GCxG1 p<0.01; GCxG2 p<0.001; G1xG2 p<0.01). State 4 mitochondrial respiration rate and respiratory control ratio (RCR) were similar in all groups (p>0.05). State 3 respirations (mM/min/mg) in GC, G1 and G2 was respectively: 99±23, 132±22 and 82±44 (p<0.02; the only statistical difference noted was between groups G1xG2 - p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Following unilateral nephrectomy CRG is associated with an increase in state 3 of mitochondrial respiration. Renal ischemia/reperfusion injury enhances the CRG provoked by unilateral nephrectomy but such enhancement seems independent on mitochondrial respiration.

OBJETIVO: Verificar se a ciclosporina A (CsA) afeta a lesão provocada pela isquemia seguida de reperfusão em rins de ratos. MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar machos foram separados em grupos: 1 grupo controle (GS) e 2 grupos experimentais (G1 e G2). O G1 foi dividido em G1A - isquemia de 60 minutos; e G1C - isquemia de 60 minutos associada a 20 mg/kg/dia de CsA. O G2 foi dividido em G2C semelhante ao G1, exceto pelo tempo de isquemia de 40 minutos. A isquemia renal foi provocada pelo pinçamento da artéria renal esquerda, após o procedimento, foi realizada a nefrectomia direita. Dosagem de uréia e creatinina séricos foram feitos no dia da cirurgia (D0) e no dia seguinte (D1). Após 24 horas de reperfusão o rim esquerdo foi removido para análise histológica. RESULTADOS: No GS não foram observados alterações de uréia e creatinina em D0 e D1, tampouco alterações estruturais. A comparação entre GS e G2C não mostrou diferença na função renal (p>0,05); o grau de lesão tecidual foi menor em G2C do que nos demais grupos experimentais. CONCLUSÃO: A CsA protegeu a função renal e reduziu a lesão tecidual em rins de ratos submetidos a 40 minutos de isquemia.

PURPOSE: To verify if rat kidneys lesioned by ischaemia followed by reperfusion are affected by cyclosporine A (CsA). METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups, control (GS) and experimental (G1 and G2). G1 was subdivided in two: G1A composed of animals submitted to 60 minutes ischaemia and G1C with the same ischaemic procedure associated to 20 mg/kg/day CsA. Group G2 was subdivided and treated in the same way as G1 except that ischaemia was applied only for 40 minutes. Clamping the left renal artery followed by right side nephrectomy induced kidney ischaemia. Serum urea and creatinine were quantified on the day of surgery (D0) and in the following day (D1). Twenty four hours after reperfusion the left kidney was removed and histologically analyzed. RESULTS: Group GS had normal values for urea and creatinine both on D0 and D1 and did not show structural alterations. Renal function was not significantly different when G2C was compared to GS (p>0.05). Tissue lesions were smaller in G2C than in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Renal function was protected by CsA, which also reduced tissue lesions in the kidneys of rats submitted to 40 minutes ischaemia.

OBJETIVOS: avaliar alterações estruturais e funcionais da bexiga de ratos machos, associadas ao diabetes induzido por aloxano e ao envelhecimento. MÉTODOS: três grupos de animais: A - 8 semanas de idade; B- 44 semanas de idade; C - 44 semanas de idade com diabetes induzido por aloxano, foram avaliados. Realizadas medidas de espessura da camada muscular, fibrose de matriz extracelular e quantidade de colágeno, através de análise de imagem digital dos tecidos. Realizados também testes cistométricos, antes da desnervação vesical cirúrgica (DVC), para avaliar capacidade vesical (CV), intensidade máxima de contração vesical (IMCV) e complacência vesical. Após a DVC, foram avaliadas capacidade vesical após a desnervação (CVAD), complacência vesical (CV) e pressão de perda uretral (PPU). RESULTADOS: não foi observada hipertrofia da camada muscular nas bexigas; houve diminuição da concentração de fibrose da matriz extracelular e diminuição da força contrátil, e aumento da capacidade vesical no grupo C. CONCLUSÕES: a atrofia da camadas muscular da bexiga esta relacionada ao diabetes induzido por aloxano. O envelhecimento, como fenômeno isolado, provoca alterações nos parâmetros funcionais, porém associado ao diabetes, gera alterações na IMCV, CV e CVAD. Existe correlação entre alterações estruturais e funcionais nos animais diabéticos após a desnervação.

PURPOSE: to evaluate structural and functional effects of Alloxan- induced diabetes and aging on bladder of rats. METHODS: evaluations were performed in three groups: A - 8 weeks of age, B - 44 weeks of age, C - 44 weeks of age with alloxan-induced diabetes. Muscle layer thickness, extracellular matrix fibrosis and collagen were quantified on digital images of bladder samples. Cystometric evaluations before surgical vesical denervation (SVD), included maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), maximum bladder pressure (MBP), bladder contraction frequency (VCF), duration of bladder contraction (DC), threshold pressure (TP) and bladder compliance (BC). After SVD, maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), BC and maximum urethral closing pressure (MUCP) were also measured. RESULTS: Reduced extracellular matrix fibrosis concentration and contraction strength were found in the bladders of group C. Before SVD, bladder compliance was not different between groups. Alterations were observed in MCC after SVD. CONCLUSIONS: We did not notice smooth muscle hypertrophy in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats after 44 weeks. There was alteration in the total and relative amount of fibrosis and collagen. The cystometric studies support the idea that this morphological alterations are important to determine the different bladder functional patterns found in the aging and the Alloxan-induced diabetic animals.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate treatment outcomes in Wilms' tumor (WT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 53 children with median age of 2 years with WT, stages I-19, II-14, III-12, IV-6 and V-2. Treatment consisted of surgical excision plus adjuvant (40 children) or neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy (unresectable tumor, n = 8, or caval tumor extension, n = 5). Chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed protocols of Brazilian Wilms' Tumor Study Group excepting 16 cases with stage I disease that received a short duration postoperative treatment with vincristine (VCR - 11 doses) and dactinomycin (AMD - 4 doses). Relapsed WT was treated with multiagent regimens including cisplatin/carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and etoposide. One patient with resistant relapsed WT was treated by high-dose conditioning chemotherapy with stem cell rescue. RESULTS: Overall and disease-free survival rates at 5 years were respectively 88.2 ± 5.0% and 76.7 ± 6.6%. Short duration therapy for stage I tumor showed a disease-free survival rate of 100% in a median time of 101 months (range 14 to 248 months). Overall and disease-free survival of 10 patients with recurrent WT at 5 years was 42.8%. The child treated with high-dose chemotherapy plus stem cell transplant is alive without evidence of disease 84 months from relapse. CONCLUSION: The postoperative chemotherapy in stage I disease can be reduced without compromising the cure rate. The treatment of unfavorable stage III and IV disease or relapsed tumor remains a challenge.