ABSTRACT Purpose: The angiogenic, osteogenic and anti-inflammatory activity of latex of Hancornia speciosa has been evidenced and indicates pharmacological potential with great applicability in the health area, especially in the wound healing process. The present work aimed to compare the effects of the H. speciosa macroporous latex biomembrane with saline on wound healing. Methods: Forty-three Wistar rats were submitted to excisional wound induction procedure and divided into groups according to treatment: saline (G1), and macroporous biomembrane (G2). The animals were euthanized at three, seven, 14, and 21 days after injury induction (DAI), and three animals were used for the debridement test. Morphometric, macroscopic, and microscopic analyses of general pathological processes were performed. Results: The macroporous biomembrane minimized necrosis and inflammation during the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process, confirmed by the lower intensity of the crust and the debridement effect. In addition, the wounds treated with the macroporous biomembrane presented greater contraction rates in all the experimental periods analyzed. Conclusions: The macroporous biomembrane presents angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and debridement effects, contributing to the healing process, and can be considered a potentially promising new biomaterial to be used as a dressing. Purpose angiogenic antiinflammatory anti area process H Methods Fortythree Forty treatment G1, G1 G , (G1) G2. G2 . (G2) seven 14 2 DAI, DAI (DAI) test Morphometric macroscopic performed Results effect addition analyzed Conclusions dressing (G1 (G2 1 (DAI (G

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the morphometric, macroscopic and microscopic aspects of experimentally induced partial-thickness burns in rats treated with different silver-based dressings. Methods: Wistar rats were used, divided into six treatments: saline (NaCl 0.9%); silver sulfadiazine 1%; Silvercel; Mepilex Ag; Aquacel Ag and Acticoat. The animals were monitored daily and euthanized at 7, 14 and 30 days after injury induction (DAI). Results: At 7 DAI, necrosis/crust was greater in control, silver sulfadiazine and Mepilex Ag treatments, granulation tissue was induced by Aquacel Ag, polymorphonuclear infiltrate (PMN) infiltration was intensified by Mepilex Ag; mononuclear infiltrate (MN) infiltration and angiogenesis were increased by Silvercel. At 14 DAI, hemorrhage was decreased by Silvercel and Mepilex Ag, PMN infiltration increased by Acticoat. At 30 DAI, angiogenesis was greater in the Acticoat treatment and fibroblasts were increased by Acticoat and Mepilex Ag. Collagen was induced at 14 DAI by silver sulfadiazine and Aquacel Ag and, at 30 DAI, by silver sulfadiazine and Silvercel treatments. Conclusions: Silvercel and Acticoat presented better results than the other products. However, all the dressings were better than the control at some point during the process, and may contribute to the healing of partial thickness burns. Silvercel and Aquacel Ag treatments induced better cosmetic outcomes regarding wound closure and scarring.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare four commercially available hydrogel formulations in the healing of partial thickness burns experimentally induced in rats. Methods: Wistar rats were used, and after the burn wound induction they were divided into the following treatment groups: G1) NaCl 0.9%; G2) 1% silver sulfadiazine; G3) Debrigel™; G4) Safgel™; G5) Dersani™; G6) Solosite™. The animals were followed during seven, 14 and 30 days after the injury induction. Morphometric, macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were performed. Results: The treatment with Dersani™ induced better results during the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process (p<0.05). The animals treated with Safgel™ presented better scaring in the remodeling phase (p<0.05), and the treatment with Dersani™ and Solosite™ induced greater wound closure (p<0.05). Conclusions: The hydrogel-based dressings presented beneficial outcomes in the healing of burn wounds experimentally induced in rats due to their ability in maintain the humidity of the wound, in removing the exudate, in promoting cell migration and collagen production during the different phases of the healing process.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Hancornia speciosa latex has shown pharmacological potential in wound healing processes due to its angiogenic, osteogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities. The aims of this study were to carry out a cream-gel formulation with 5, 10 and 25% of H. speciosa serum latex and to evaluate its potential to stimulate the skin regeneration in rats’ wounds. Methods: One hundred and twenty rats were divided into five groups: neutral control with saline (G1), cream-gel based on H. speciosa latex serum at 5% m/v (G2), cream-gel at 15% m/v (G3), cream-gel at 25% m/v (G4), and cream-gel (G5). The animals were euthanized at three, seven, 14 and 21 days after the injury induction, and some parameters were analyzed: wound contraction, necrosis, fibrin, polymorphonuclear and mononuclear infiltrates, fibroblast, angiogenesis, hemorrhage, and collagen. Results: The therapeutic treatment with cream-gel at 15 and 25% is beneficial in the inflammatory phase of healing processes since it increased the angiogenesis and proliferation of mononuclear infiltrations in wounds. Regarding wound contraction, the treatment with cream-gel (5 and 15%) induced a higher rate of contraction in the proliferative phase. The 15% cream-gel formulation stimulated a greater production of collagen in the injured tissues. Conclusions: H. speciosa cream-gel is a low-cost herbal medicine which can aid in tissue repair.

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to elaborate a hydrogel constituted by carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), hyaluronic acid (HA) and silver (Ag) and to evaluate its healing effect on partial-thickness burn wounds experimentally induced in rats. Methods CMC was obtained by chitosan reacting with monochloroacetic acid. The carboxymethylation was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the morphologicalcharacteristics of chitosan and CMC. After the experimental burn wound induction, the animals (n = 126) were treated with different CMC formulations, had their occlusive dressings changed daily and were followed through 7, 14 and 30 days. Morphometric, macroscopic and microscopic aspects and collagen quantification were evaluated. Results Significative wound contraction, granulation tissue formation, inflammatory infiltration and collagen fibers deposit throughout different phases of the healing process were observed in the CMC hydrogels treated groups. Conclusions The results showed that, in the initial phase of the healing process, the most adequate product was the CMC/HA/Ag association, while in the other phases the CMC/HA association was the best one to promote the healing of burn wounds.

Abstract Purpose To determine by histomorphometric analysis whether CO2 pneumoperitoneum interferes with collagen deposition in surgical wounds in the aponeurosis of rats. Methods This experiment involved 80 male Wistar rats, randomly allocated into four groups according to pneumoperitoneum period (PRE: 30 min preoperatively; POST: 30 min postoperatively; PP: 30 min pre- and postoperatively; C: control group). CO2 pneumoperitoneum was insufflated to 5 mmHg of pressure. A laparotomy was performed; 1 cm of the left colon was then resected, and an end-to-end anastomosis was performed to simulate surgical trauma, after which the abdominal wall was closed. On postoperative days 7 or 14, a sample of the abdominal wall was collected, stained with picrosirius red and observed under polarized light in an optical microscope. The amount of collagen was estimated by computerized histomorphometric analysis. Results There were no significant differences in collagen deposition between the control and experimental groups on postoperative days 7 (p=0.720) or 14 (p=0.933). The amount of collagen increased as expected in all groups between postoperative days 7 and 14 (p=0.0003). Conclusion At 5 mmHg, CO2 pneumoperitoneum does not interfere with collagen deposition in abdominal wall surgical wounds in rats.

RESUMO Neurocisticercose (NCC) é uma das doenças parasitárias que mais afeta o sistema nervoso central. É necessário aprofundar o conhecimento em relação à sua imunopatogênese e patofisiologia. Os cisticercos de Taenia crassiceps são utilizados como modelo experimental para estudos da NCC. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os processos patológicos gerais e o perfil de citocinas in situ em camundongos C57BL/6 inoculados via intracerebral com cisticercos viáveis de T. crassiceps. A análise histopatológica demonstrou cisticercos nas regiões extra-parenquimatosa e intraventricular, infiltrado inflamatório de células mononucleares ao redor do parasita, microgliose e meningite. A análise in situ do perfil de citocinas mostrou uma predominância da resposta Th2. As dosagens de IL-4 e IL-10 foram significativamente maiores no grupo infectado. Conclui-se que a NCC por T. crassiceps em camundongos C57BL/6 induz uma resposta inflamatória com predominância in situ de citocinas do perfil Th2, com infiltrado inflamatório de células mononucleares, meningite e microgliose.

ABSTRACT Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the parasitic infections that most affects the central nervous system. The knowledge regarding its immunopathogenesis and pathophysiology needs broadening. Taenia crassiceps cysticerci are used as the NCC experimental model. The aim of this work was to describe the general pathological processes and the in situ cytokine profile in C57BL/6 mice inoculated intracranially with viable T. crassiceps cysticerci. The histopathology analysis showed cysticerci in the extraparenchymal and intraventricular region, mononuclear inflammatory infiltration surrounding the parasite, microgliosis and meningitis. The analysis of the in situ immune profiles showed a predominance of the Th2 response. The IL-4 and IL-10 dosages were significantly increased in the infected group. The decrease in the INF-gamma dosage reflects the immunomodulation from the cysticerci. In conclusion, a T. crassiceps NCC infection in C57BL/6 mice triggers an inflammatory response, a predominance of Th2 type in situ profile, with mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, meningitis and microgliosis.

RESUMO A Neurocisticercose (NCC) é a manifestação clínica mais severa da cisticercose, e um dos fatores responsáveis pela sintomatologia é a resposta inflamatória do hospedeiro. Desta forma avaliou-se a influência da interleucina 4 (IL-4) na indução de encefalite na NCC experimental. Métodos Camundongos das linhagens BALB/c (WT) e BALB/c (IL-4-KO) foram inoculados intracranialmente com cisticercos de Taenia crassiceps e eutanasiados aos 7, 30, 60 e 90 dias após a infecção, os encéfalos foram removidos e analisados histopatologicamente. Resultados A ausência da IL-4 induziu um maior parasitismo nos animais. Na fase inicial da infecção os animais IL-4-KO apresentaram menor intensidade tanto de infiltrado inflamatório de polimorfonucleares na interface parasito-hospedeiro quanto de edema intraparenquimatoso. Os animais IL-4-KO, na fase tardia, apresentaram menor intensidade de ventriculomegalia, encefalite, meningite e maior sobrevivência dos cisticercos em relação aos animais WT. Conclusão A ausência da IL-4 induz menos infiltrado inflamatório, ventriculomegalia e perivasculite na NCC experimental.

ABSTRACT Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most severe clinical manifestation of cysticercosis. One of the factors responsible for its symptomatology is the host inflammatory response. Therefore the influence of interleukin 4 (IL-4) on the induction of encephalitis in experimental NCC was evaluated. Methods BALB/c (WT) and BALB/c (IL-4-KO) mice were inoculated intracranially with Taenia crassiceps cysticerci and euthanized at 7, 30, 60 and 90 days later, the encephala removed and histopathologically analyzed. Results The absence of IL-4 induced greater parasitism. In the initial phase of the infection, IL-4-KO showed a lower intensity in the inflammatory infiltration of polimorphonuclear cells in the host-parasite interface and intra-parenquimatous edema. The IL-4-KO animals, in the late phase of the infection, showed lower intensity of ventriculomegaly, encephalitis, and meningitis, and greater survival of the parasites in comparison with the WT animals. Conclusion The absence of IL-4 induced lower inflammatory infiltration, ventriculomegaly and perivasculitis in experimental NCC.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To analyze the healing effects of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) application compared to wound dressing with 2% silver sulfadiazine in full thickness burn wounds in rats. METHODS: Animals were divided into two groups: 2% silver sulfadiazine group and SVF group. Both groups received occlusive bandages while the first one was treated with 2% silver sulfadiazine and the latter was treated with injections of SVF prepared from adipose tissue extracted from an animal donor. The animals were accompanied through 3, 7 and 30 days for evaluation of macroscopic, microscopic and morphometric aspects. RESULTS: On day three, a significant increase (p<0.05) of infiltration of polymorphonuclear, fibrin formation and fibroblasts migration in SVF group was observed. On the 7th day the mononuclear infiltrate, angiogenesis, collagen and fibroblasts were significantly increased in the SVF group (p<0.05). At 30 days significantly increased collagen deposition was observed in the SVF group (p<0.05) . CONCLUSION: Adipose tissue derived stromal vascular fraction injections promotes better wound repair than 2% silver sulfadiazine in the treatment of full thickness burn in rats during the evaluated experimental period.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of low intensity ultrasound on the healing process of third degree burn wounds in experimentally induced diabetic Wistar rats. METHODS: One hundred rats were divided into: control group; non-diabetic treated group; diabetic control group; diabetic treated group. The therapy was performed with a 3MHz ultrasound application, pulsed emission at 100Hz frequency, modulated at 20% with a dosage of 0.5W/cm2 during three minutes throughout 30 days. The surgical debridement of the wound was performed once at day 2. The wounds were morphometrically, macroscopically and microscopically evaluated at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days. RESULTS: The wound contraction and collagen quantification were higher in all treated groups. Macroscopically, necrosis was higher in the diabetic control group. Granulation tissue was higher in treated groups during the proliferative and remodeling phase. Microscopically, there were greater mononuclear inflammatory infiltration, angiogenesis and fibroblast quantification in treated groups during the proliferative and remodeling phases. CONCLUSIONS: therapeutic ultrasound is beneficial in the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process because it controlled the necrotic tissue, increased the granulation tissue and wound contraction. However in the remodeling phase it is not beneficial because of the continued angiogenesis and a mononuclear inflammatory infiltration.

SUMMARY Human cysticercosis is one of the most severe parasitic infections affecting tissues. Experimental models are needed to understand the host-parasite dynamics involved throughout the course of the infection. The subcutaneous experimental model is the closest to what is observed in human cysticercosis that does not affect the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate macroscopically and microscopically the experimental subcutaneous cysticercosis caused by Taenia crassiceps cysticerci in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Animals were inoculated in the dorsal subcutaneous region and macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the inflammatory process in the host-parasite interface were evaluated until 90 days after the inoculation (DAI). All the infected animals presented vesicles containing cysticerci in the inoculation site, which was translucent at 7 DAI and then remained opaque throughout the experimental days. The microscopic analysis showed granulation tissue in BALB/c mice since the acute phase of infection evolving to chronicity without cure, presenting 80% of larval stage cysticerci at 90 DAI. While C57BL/6 mice presented 67% of final stage cysticerci at 90 DAI, the parasites were surrounded by neutrophils evolving to the infection control. It is possible to conclude that the genetic features of susceptibility (BALB/c) or resistance (C57BL/6) were confirmed in an experimental subcutaneous model of cysticercosis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of pneumoperitoneum on colonic anastomosis healing. METHODS: Colonic anastomosis was performed in 120 rats divided into four groups: Group I - pneumoperitoneum before laparotomy, Group II - pneumoperitoneum after laparorrhaphy, Group III - pneumoperitoneum before laparotomy and after laparorrhaphy, Group IV - no pneumoperitoneum (control group). Pneumoperitoneum pressure was 5 mmHg. Animals were killed on the 3rd, 7th and 14th postoperative day. Hhistopathological features, anastomosis breaking strength, collagen histomorphometry and hydroxyproline concentration were assessed. RESULTS: Breaking strength between groups: (day 3, p=0.165; day 7, p=0.219; day 14, p=0.539). Histopathology revealed that group II had, on day 7, less infiltration of mononuclear cells (p=0.006), greater infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells (p=0.001) and greater necrosis (p=0.001); and on day 14, less fibrosis. Histomorphometry revealed a decrease in collagen in groups I and III (p<0.001) on day 7 and an increase in groups I and II on day 14 (p<0.001). Hydroxyproline concentration was similar for groups on days 3 (p=0.152), 7 (p=0.913) or 14 (p=0.981). CONCLUSION: Carbon dioxide does not impair the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of carboxytherapy in auricular composite grafts in rabbits. METHODS: An experimental study was conducted using 20 rabbits randomly assigned to a treatment group of carboxytherapy or a control group of saline solution. In each ear, a circular graft with 1.5 cm or 2 cm of diameter was amputated and reattached. Animals underwent carbon dioxide or saline injection four times during the experiment. We analyzed clinical evolution of the animals, grafts survival, histopathology features and histomorphometry of collagen. RESULTS:The treated group had a significantly lower weight gain (p=0.038). Histopathology was not significantly different between groups. There was an increase in amount of collagen in 2 cm grafts submitted to carbon dioxide therapy (p=0.003). Carboxytherapy didn't influence graft survival rate for 1.5 cm grafts or 2 cm grafts (p=0.567 and p=0.777, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:Carbon dioxide therapy increased the amount of collagen in 2 cm grafts. CO2 was not significantly different from saline infusion on composite grafts survival, but this study suggests that there is a mechanical effect caused by distension which favored graft survival.

Objetivou-se analisar características sociodemográficas e clínicas de pessoas com úlceras vasculogênicas e investigar a associação entre estas variáveis. Realizou-se um estudo clínico observacional transversal, em salas de curativo de serviços municipais de saúde, de fevereiro a agosto de 2009. Realizou-se entrevista, exame clínico, aplicação da escala Pressure Ulcer Scale Healing (PUSH) e registro fotográfico das lesões. Participaram 42 indivíduos, com média de 60 anos (± 12), 73,8% do sexo masculino, com lesões únicas (66,7%), decorrentes de alteração da circulação venosa (90,5%), duração de até um ano (55,5%). Houve associação entre o escore da PUSH (p=0,019) e profundidade da lesão (p=0,027) com exercício de atividade ocupacional na atualidade, assim como entre o histórico de tabagismo e o gênero (p=0,049). As características sociodemográficas evidenciadas são semelhantes às de outros, com exceção do gênero masculino, o que indica a necessidade de maiores investigações na população goianiense.

The aim of this study was to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of people with vascular ulcers and to investigate the association between these variables. This cross-sectional, observational clinical study was conducted in outpatient clinics from February to August 2009. Interview, clinical exam, Pressure Ulcer Scale Healing and photographic registry of the wounds were performed. Forty-two individuals participated who were, on average, 60 (± 12) years old, 73.8% males, with single wounds (66.7%) resulting from alterations in venous circulation (90.5%). Their wounds had lasted for up to one year (55.5%). There was an association between the PUSH score (p=0.019) and depth of wound (p=0.027) with currently performing occupational activity, as well as between history of tobacco use and gender (p=0.049). The sociodemographic characteristics that were observed were similar to the others, except for being male, which indicates the need for more studies in the population in Goiânia, Brazil.

Se objetivó analizar características sociodemográficas y clínicas de personas con úlceras vasculares e investigar la asociación entre estas variables. Se realizó estudio clínico observacional transversal, en salas de curaciones de servicios municipales de salud, entre febrero y agosto de 2009. Se realizó entrevista, examen clínico, aplicación de escala Pressure Ulcer Scale Healing (PUSH) y registro fotográfico de lesiones. Participaron 42 individuos con promedio de 60 años (± 12), 73,8% de sexo masculino, con lesiones únicas (66,7%), derivadas de alteración de la circulación venosa (90,5%), duración de hasta un año (55,5%). Existió asociación entre el puntaje de PUSH (p=0,019) y profundidad de la lesión (p=0,027) con ejercicio de actividad ocupacional en la actualidad, así como entre historia de tabaquismo y género (p=0,049). Las características sociodemográficas evidenciadas son semejantes a las de otros, con excepción del género masculino, lo que indica la necesidad de mayores investigaciones en la población goianense.

The aim of this study was to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of people with vascular ulcers and to investigate the association between these variables. This cross-sectional, observational clinical study was conducted in outpatient clinics from February to August 2009. Interview, clinical exam, Pressure Ulcer Scale Healing and photographic registry of the wounds were performed. Forty-two individuals participated who were, on average, 60 (± 12) years old, 73.8% males, with single wounds (66.7%) resulting from alterations in venous circulation (90.5%). Their wounds had lasted for up to one year (55.5%). There was an association between the PUSH score (p=0.019) and depth of wound (p=0.027) with currently performing occupational activity, as well as between history of tobacco use and gender (p=0.049). The sociodemographic characteristics that were observed were similar to the others, except for being male, which indicates the need for more studies in the population in Goiânia, Brazil.

Se objetivó analizar características sociodemográficas y clínicas de personas con úlceras vasculares e investigar la asociación entre estas variables. Se realizó estudio clínico observacional transversal, en salas de curaciones de servicios municipales de salud, entre febrero y agosto de 2009. Se realizó entrevista, examen clínico, aplicación de escala Pressure Ulcer Scale Healing (PUSH) y registro fotográfico de lesiones. Participaron 42 individuos con promedio de 60 años (± 12), 73,8% de sexo masculino, con lesiones únicas (66,7%), derivadas de alteración de la circulación venosa (90,5%), duración de hasta un año (55,5%). Existió asociación entre el puntaje de PUSH (p=0,019) y profundidad de la lesión (p=0,027) con ejercicio de actividad ocupacional en la actualidad, así como entre historia de tabaquismo y género (p=0,049). Las características sociodemográficas evidenciadas son semejantes a las de otros, con excepción del género masculino, lo que indica la necesidad de mayores investigaciones en la población goianense.

Objetivou-se analisar características sociodemográficas e clínicas de pessoas com úlceras vasculogênicas e investigar a associação entre estas variáveis. Realizou-se um estudo clínico observacional transversal, em salas de curativo de serviços municipais de saúde, de fevereiro a agosto de 2009. Realizou-se entrevista, exame clínico, aplicação da escala Pressure Ulcer Scale Healing (PUSH) e registro fotográfico das lesões. Participaram 42 indivíduos, com média de 60 anos (± 12), 73,8% do sexo masculino, com lesões únicas (66,7%), decorrentes de alteração da circulação venosa (90,5%), duração de até um ano (55,5%). Houve associação entre o escore da PUSH (p=0,019) e profundidade da lesão (p=0,027) com exercício de atividade ocupacional na atualidade, assim como entre o histórico de tabagismo e o gênero (p=0,049). As características sociodemográficas evidenciadas são semelhantes às de outros, com exceção do gênero masculino, o que indica a necessidade de maiores investigações na população goianiense.