Abstract Background Clinical reports associate kidneys from female donors with worse prognostic in male recipients. Brain Death (BD) produces immunological and hemodynamic disorders that affect organ viability. Following BD, female rats are associated with increased renal inflammation interrelated with female sex hormone reduction. Here, the aim was to investigate the effects of sex on BD-induced Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) using an Isolated Perfused rat Kidney (IPK) model. Methods Wistar rats, females, and males (8 weeks old), were maintained for 4h after BD. A left nephrectomy was performed and the kidney was preserved in a cold saline solution (30 min). IPK was performed under normothermic temperature (37°C) for 90 min using WME as perfusion solution. AKI was assessed by morphological analyses, staining of complement system components and inflammatory cell markers, perfusion flow, and creatinine clearance. Results BD-male kidneys had decreased perfusion flow on IPK, a phenomenon that was not observed in the kidneys of BD-females (p< 0.0001). BD-male kidneys presented greater proximal (p= 0.0311) and distal tubule (p= 0.0029) necrosis. However, BD-female kidneys presented higher expression of eNOS (p= 0.0060) and greater upregulation of inflammatory mediators, iNOS (p= 0.0051), and Caspase-3 (p= 0.0099). In addition, both sexes had increased complement system formation (C5b-9) (p=0.0005), glomerular edema (p= 0.0003), and nNOS (p= 0.0051). Conclusion The present data revealed an important sex difference in renal perfusion in the IPK model, evidenced by a pronounced reduction in perfusate flow and low eNOS expression in the BD-male group. Nonetheless, the upregulation of genes related to the proinflammatory cascade suggests a progressive inflammatory process in BD-female kidneys.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the cytotoxicity and cell in porcine-derived decellularized skin matrix. Methods: We analyzed the effect of multiple decellularization processes by histological analysis, DNA quantification, and flow cytometry. Subsequently, we analyzed the most appropriate hydrogel concentration to minimize cytotoxicity on fibroblast culture and to maximize cell proliferation. Results: After the fourth decellularization, the DNA quantification showed the lowest DNA concentration (< 50 ng/mg). Histological analysis showed no cell components in the hydrogel. Moreover, hematoxylin and eosin showed a heterogeneous structure of collagen fibers. The best hydrogel concentration ranged from 3 to 25%, and there was no significant difference between the 24 hours and seven days. Conclusions: The process of hydrogel production was effective for removing cells and DNA elements. The best hydrogel concentration ranged from 3 to 25%.

OBJECTIVES: Lung transplantation is limited by the systemic repercussions of brain death (BD). Studies have shown the potential protective role of 17β-estradiol on the lungs. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of estradiol on the long-lasting lung inflammatory state to understand a possible therapeutic application in lung donors with BD. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were separated into 3 groups: BD, subjected to brain death (6h); E2-T0, treated with 17β-estradiol (50 μg/mL, 2 mL/h) immediately after brain death; and E2-T3, treated with 17β-estradiol (50 μg/ml, 2 ml/h) after 3h of BD. Complement system activity and macrophage presence were analyzed. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-6 gene expression (RT-PCR) and levels in 24h lung culture medium were quantified. Finally, analysis of caspase-3 gene and protein expression in the lung was performed. RESULTS: Estradiol reduced complement C3 protein and gene expression. The presence of lung macrophages was not modified by estradiol, but the release of inflammatory mediators was reduced and TNF-α and IL-1β gene expression were reduced in the E2-T3 group. In addition, caspase-3 protein expression was reduced by estradiol in the same group. CONCLUSIONS: Brain death-induced lung inflammation in females is modulated by estradiol treatment. Study data suggest that estradiol can control the inflammatory response by modulating the release of mediators after brain death in the long term. These results strengthen the idea of estradiol as a therapy for donor lungs and improving transplant outcomes.

Surgical neuromodulation therapies are still considered a last resort when standard therapies have failed for patients with progressive heart failure (HF). Although a number of experimental studies have provided robust evidence of its effectiveness, the lack of strong clinical evidence discourages practitioners. Thoracic unilateral sympathectomy has been extensively studied and has failed to show significant clinical improvement in HF patients. Most recently, bilateral sympathectomy effect was associated with a high degree of success in HF models, opening the perspective to be investigated in randomized controlled clinical trials. In addition, a series of clinical trials showed that bilateral sympathectomy was associated with a decreased risk of sudden death, which is an important outcome in patients with HF. These aspects indicates that bilateral sympathectomy could be an important alternative in the treatment of HF wherein pharmacological treatment barely reaches the target dose.

Considering that female sexual hormones may modulate the inflammatory response and also exhibit direct effects on the cells of the immune system, herein, we intend to discuss the sex differences and the role of estradiol in modulating the lung and systemic inflammatory response, focusing on its possible application as a treatment modality for SARS-CoV-2 patients. COVID-19 patients develop severe hypoxemia early in the course of the disease, which is silent most of the time. Small fibrinous thrombi in pulmonary arterioles and a tumefaction of endothelial were observed in the autopsies of fatal COVID-19 cases. Studies showed that the viral infection induces a vascular process in the lung, which included vasodilation and endothelial dysfunction. Further, the proportions of CD4+ T and CD8+ T lymphocytes were strongly reduced in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Estradiol is connected with CD4+ T cell numbers and increases T-reg cell populations, affecting immune responses to infection. It is known that estradiol exerts a protective effect on endothelial function, activating the generation of nitric oxide (NO) via endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Estrogen attenuates the vasoconstrictor response to various stimuli and induces vasodilation in the pulmonary vasculature during stress situations like hypoxia. It exerts a variety of rapid actions, which are initiated after its coupling with membrane receptors, which in turn, may positively modulate vascular responses in pulmonary disease and help to maintain microvascular flow. Direct and indirect mechanisms underlying the effects of estradiol were investigated, and the results point to a possible protective effect of estradiol against COVID-19, indicating that it may be considered as an adjuvant therapeutic element for the treatment of patients affected by the novel coronavirus.

RESUMO Objetivo A morte cerebral (MC) desencadeia alterações hemodinâmicas e inflamatórias importantes, comprometendo a viabilidade dos órgãos empregados em transplantes. Para compreender melhor as alterações microcirculatórias nos pulmões de doadores com MC, o presente estudo investigou a microcirculação pulmonar em um modelo de roedor com MC via microscopia intravital. Métodos Ratos Wistar machos foram anestesiados e ventilados mecanicamente. Eles foram submetidos a trepanação e a MC induzida por meio do aumento da pressão intracraniana. Os ratos do grupo Sham (SH), utilizado como controle, foram submetidos apenas à trepanação. Em ambos os grupos, foram monitorados o O2 expiratório e o CO2, e, após 3 horas, foi realizada a toracotomia e criada uma janela para observar a superfície pulmonar usando o sistema de microscopia intravital. As expressões pulmonares das moléculas de adesão intercelular (ICAM)-1 e da óxido nítrico-sintase endotelial (eNOS) foram avaliadas por imuno-histoquímica, e as citocinas foram medidas em amostras pulmonares. Resultados Três horas após os procedimentos cirúrgicos, a perfusão pulmonar foi de 73% no grupo SH. Por outro lado, os animais com MC apresentaram uma importante diminuição na perfusão do órgão para 28% (p = 0,036). O comprometimento microcirculatório pulmonar após a indução de MC foi associado a um aumento do número de leucócitos recrutados para o tecido pulmonar, além de uma redução na expressão de eNOS e um aumento na expressão de ICAM-1 nas células endoteliais do pulmão. Os ratos com MC apresentaram valores mais elevados de O2 expiratório e valores mais baixos de CO2 em comparação com os animais SH após 3 horas de monitorização. Conclusões Os dados apresentados demonstraram que a MC desencadeia uma importante hipoperfusão e inflamação nos pulmões, comprometendo a microcirculação pulmonar do doador.

ABSTRACT Objective Brain death (BD) triggers important hemodynamic and inflammatory alterations, compromising the viability of organs suitable for transplantation. To better understand the microcirculatory alterations in donor lungs caused by BD. The present study investigated the pulmonary microcirculation in a rodent model of BD via intravital microscopy. Methods Male Wistar rats were anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated. They were trepanned and BD was induced through the increase in intracranial pressure. As control group, sham-operated (SH) rats were trepanned only. In both groups, expiratory O2 and CO2 were monitored and after three hours, a thoracotomy was performed, and a window was created to observe the lung surface using an epi-fluorescence intravital microscopy. Lung expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and cytokines were measured in lung samples. Results Three hours after the surgical procedures, pulmonary perfusion was 73% in the SH group. On the other hand, BD animals showed an important decrease in organ perfusion to 28% (p = 0.036). Lung microcirculatory compromise after BD induction was associated with an augmentation of the number of leukocytes recruited to lung tissue, and with a reduction in eNOS expression and an increase in ICAM-1 expression on lung endothelial cells. BD rats showed higher values of expiratory O2 and lower values of CO2 in comparison with SH animals after three hours of monitoring. Conclusion Data presented showed that BD triggers an important hypoperfusion and inflammation in the lungs, compromising the donor pulmonary microcirculation.

Abstract Objective: To present the results of a new experimental device developed to facilitate the transapical access in endovascular treatment of structural heart diseases. It aims to reduce the risk of bleeding and complications in this type of access and demonstrate the device as a safe, fast and effective alternative. Methods: CorPoint is composed of three parts: introducer, base with coiled spring, and closing capsule. By rotating movements, the spring is introduced into the myocardium and progressively approaches the base to the surface of the heart. Guidewires and catheters are inserted through the hollow central part and, at the end of the procedure, the capsule is screwed over the base, therefore stopping any bleeding. Results: The device was implanted in 15 pigs, weighing 60 kg each, through an anterolateral thoracotomy, while catheters were introduced and guided by fluoroscopy. All animals had minimal bleeding; introducers with diameter up to 22 Fr were used and various catheters and guidewires were easily handled. After finishing the procedure, the closing capsule was attached and no bleeding was observed at the site. Conclusion: This new device has proved effective, fast and secure for the transapical access. This shows great potential for use, especially by ensuring an easier and direct access to the mitral and aortic valves; the shortest distance to be traveled by catheters; access to the ascending and descending aorta; decreased bleeding complications; decreased surgical time; and the possibility of allowing the technique to evolve and become totally percutaneous.

PURPOSE: To investigate gender differences in the evolution of the inflammatory process in rats subjected to brain death (BD). METHODS: Adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups: female; ovariectomized female; and male rats. BD was induced using intracranial balloon inflation and confirmed by maximal pupil dilatation, apnea, absence of reflex, and drop of mean arterial pressure. Six hours after BD, histological evaluation was performed in lungs, heart, liver and kidneys, and levels of inflammatory proteins, estrogen, progesterone, and corticosterone were determined in plasma. RESULTS: In the lungs, females presented more leukocyte infiltration compared to males (p<0.01). Ovariectomized female rat lungs were more hemorrhagic compared to other groups (p<0.001). In the heart, females had higher leukocyte infiltration and tissue edema compared to males (p<0.05). In the liver and kidneys, there were no differences among groups. In female group estradiol and progesterone were sharply reduced 6 hours after BD (p<0.001) to values observed in ovariectomized females and males. Corticosterone levels were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Sex hormones influence the development of inflammation and the status of organs. The increased inflammation in lungs and heart of female rats might be associated with the acute reduction in female hormones triggered by BD.

Fundamento: A proteína C-reativa de alta sensibilidade (PCR-as) é comumente utilizada na prática clínica para avaliar o risco cardiovascular. Entretanto, a correlação entre os níveis séricos de PCR-as (valores absolutos) periférico versus central ainda não foi feita. Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação entre os níveis séricos de PCR-as (mg/L) em veia periférica do antebraço esquerdo (VPAE) versus seio coronário (SC), em pacientes portadores de doença arterial coronária (DAC) com diagnóstico de angina estável (AE) ou angina instável (AI). Métodos: Estudo observacional, descritivo, transversal, realizado no Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo e no Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, onde foram avaliados os pacientes encaminhados ao hospital com DAC para angiografia coronária. Resultados: Quarenta pacientes com DAC (20 AE e 20 AI) foram incluídos no estudo. Amostras de sangue na VPAE e SC foram coletadas simultaneamente antes da angiografia coronária. A análise de correlação entre os níveis séricos de PCR-as em VPAE versus SC mostrou forte correlação linear tanto para AE (r = 0,993, p < 0,001) como para AI (r = 0,976, p < 0,001) e em toda a amostra (r = 0,985, p < 0,001). Conclusão: Nossos dados sugeriram forte correlação linear entre os níveis de PCR-as em VPAE versus SC na AE e AI.

Background: High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is commonly used in clinical practice to assess cardiovascular risk. However, a correlation has not yet been established between the absolute levels of peripheral and central hs-CRP. Objective: To assess the correlation between serum hs-CRP levels (mg/L) in a peripheral vein in the left forearm (LFPV) with those in the coronary sinus (CS) of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and a diagnosis of stable angina (SA) or unstable angina (UA). Methods: This observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted at the Instituto do Coração, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, and at the Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa de Sao Paulo, where CAD patients referred to the hospital for coronary angiography were evaluated. Results: Forty patients with CAD (20 with SA and 20 with UA) were included in the study. Blood samples from LFPV and CS were collected before coronary angiography. Furthermore, analysis of the correlation between serum levels of hs-CRP in LFPV versus CS showed a strong linear correlation for both SA (r = 0.993, p < 0.001) and UA (r = 0.976, p < 0.001) and for the entire sample (r = 0.985, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our data suggest a strong linear correlation between hs-CRP levels in LFPV versus CS in patients with SA and UA.

Objetivo: Analisar a perviedade da artéria torácica interna direita pediculada, anteroaórtica em anastomose para o ramo interventricular anterior na revascularização do miocárdio, em relação à artéria torácica interna esquerda, com o uso de angiotomografia coronária, no 6º mês de pós-operatório. Métodos: No período de dezembro de 2008 a dezembro de 2011, 100 pacientes foram selecionados, prospectivamente, para cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea. Foram agrupados em Grupo-1 (G-1) e Grupo-2 (G-2), com 50 pacientes cada, randomização por computador e conhecimento da técnica no início da cirurgia. No G-1, os pacientes receberam artéria torácica interna esquerda para o ramo interventricular anterior e complementação da revascularização do miocárdio com a artéria torácica interna direita livre para ramos da circunflexa. Os pacientes do G-2 receberam artéria torácica interna direita pediculada para o ramo interventricular anterior e complementação da revascularização do miocárdio com artéria torácica interna esquerda, pediculada, para ramos da circunflexa. Resultados: Os grupos eram semelhantes quanto aos dados clínicos de pré-operatório. Houve predominância do sexo masculino, 75,6% e 88% nos grupos 1 e 2 respectivamente. Cinco pacientes migraram do G-1 para o G-2 devido à doença ateromatosa na aorta ascendente. A média de anastomoses distais no G-1 foi de 3,48 (DP=0,72), e no G-2 foi de 3,20 (DP=0,76). Os resultados das angiotomografias coronarianas em 96 pacientes reestudados mostraram que todas as artérias torácicas internas, direita ou esquerda, utilizadas pediculadas para a região anterior do coração encontravam-se pérvias. Não houve óbitos em nenhum dos grupos. Conclusão: A cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio com utilização da artéria torácica interna direita pediculada, anterógrada para o ramo interventricular anterior, apresenta resultado semelhante ao da artéria torácica interna esquerda utilizada para essa mesma coronária.

Objective: To assess the patency of the pedicled right internal thoracic artery with an anteroaortic course and compare it to the patency of the left internal thoracic artery , in anastomosis to the left anterior descending artery in coronary artery bypass grafting by using coronary CT angiography at 6 months postoperatively. Methods: Between December 2008 and December 2011, 100 patients were selected to undergo a prospective coronary artery bypass grafting procedure without cardiopulmonary bypass. The patients were randomly divided by a computer-generated list into Group-1 (G-1) and Group-2 (G-2), comprising 50 patients each, the technique used was known at the beginning of the surgery. In G-1, coronary artery bypass grafting was performed using the left internal thoracic artery for the left anterior descending and the free right internal thoracic artery for the circumflex, and in G-2, coronary artery bypass grafting was performed using the right internal thoracic artery pedicled to the left anterior descending and the left internal thoracic artery pedicled to the circumflex territory. Results: The groups were similar with regard to the preoperative clinical data. A male predominance of 75.6% and 88% was observed in G-1 and G-2, respectively. Five patients migrated from G-1 to G-2 because of atheromatous disease in the ascending aorta. The average number of distal anastomoses was 3.48 (SD=0.72) in G-1 and 3.20 (SD=0.76) in G-2. Coronary CT angiography in 96 re-evaluated patients showed that all ITAs, right or left, used in situ for the left anterior descending were patent. There were no deaths in either group. Conclusion: Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery involving anastomosis of the anteroaortic right internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery has an outcome similar to that obtained using the left internal thoracic artery for the same coronary site.

Introdução: O modelo mais utilizado para predição de mortalidade em cirurgia cardíaca foi recentemente remodelado, mas dúvidas referentes à sua metodologia e desenvolvimento têm sido relatadas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho do EuroSCORE II na predição de mortalidade em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de coronária e/ou valva na instituição. Métodos: Mil pacientes, operados consecutivamente de coronária e/ou valva, entre outubro de 2008 e julho de 2009, foram analisados. O desfecho de interesse foi mortalidade intra-hospitalar. A calibração foi realizada pela correlação entre mortalidade esperada e observada por meio do teste de Hosmer Lemeshow. A discriminação foi calculada pela área abaixo da curva ROC. O desempenho do EuroSCORE II foi comparado com os modelos EuroSCORE e InsCor (modelo local). Resultados: Na calibração, o teste de Hosmer Lemeshow foi inadequado para o EuroSCORE II (P=0,0003) e bom para os modelos EuroSCORE (P=0,593) e InsCor (P=0,184). No entanto, na discriminação, a área abaixo da curva ROC para o EuroSCORE II foi de 0,81 [IC 95% (0,76-0,85), P<0,001]; para o EuroSCORE foi de 0,81 [IC 95% (0,77-0,86), P<0,001] e para o InsCor foi de 0,79 [IC 95% (0,74-0,83), P<0,001], revelando-se adequada para todos. Conclusão: O EuroSCORE II se tornou mais complexo e, à semelhança com a literatura internacional, mal calibrado para predizer mortalidade nos pacientes operados de coronária e/ou valva em nosso meio. Esses dados reforçam a importância do modelo local.

Introduction: The most widely used model for predicting mortality in cardiac surgery was recently remodeled, but the doubts regarding its methodology and development have been reported. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the EuroSCORE II to predict mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts or valve surgery at our institution. Methods: One thousand consecutive patients operated on coronary artery bypass grafts or valve surgery, between October 2008 and July 2009, were analyzed. The outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality. Calibration was performed by correlation between observed and expected mortality by Hosmer Lemeshow. Discrimination was calculated by the area under the ROC curve. The performance of the EuroSCORE II was compared with the EuroSCORE and InsCor (local model). Results: In calibration, the Hosmer Lemeshow test was inappropriate for the EuroSCORE II (P=0.0003) and good for the EuroSCORE (P=0.593) and InsCor (P=0.184). However, the discrimination, the area under the ROC curve for EuroSCORE II was 0.81 [95% CI (0.76 to 0.85), P<0.001], for the EuroSCORE was 0.81 [95% CI (0.77 to 0.86), P<0.001] and for InsCor was 0.79 [95% CI (0.74-0.83), P<0.001] showing up properly for all. Conclusion: The EuroSCORE II became more complex and resemblance to the international literature poorly calibrated to predict mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts or valve surgery at our institution. These data emphasize the importance of the local model.