ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the calcium/magnesium (Ca/Mg) ratio and insulin resistance in women with obesity and normal-weight women. This was a cross-sectional study with 128 women (62 women with obesity and 66 normal-weight women). We measured dietary minerals intake and analyzed magnesium and calcium biomarkers. Ca/Mg ratio in diet, plasma and urine were calculated. We have evaluated glycemic parameters. Women with obesity had low dietary magnesium, reduced plasma and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations, and elevated urinary magnesium excretion. Plasma calcium concentration was lower and urinary calcium excretion was higher in patients with obesity than in the normal-weight group. Dietary magnesium and calcium intake per kilogram of body weight per day was lower in obese women than in the control group. Ca/Mg ratio in plasma and urine were elevated in women with obesity. We found a significant correlation among magnesium biomarkers and calcium parameters. Ca/Mg ratio seems to be associated with insulin resistance in obese women.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre la relación Ca/Mg y la resistencia a la insulina en mujeres con obesidad y en mujeres con peso normal. El diseño del estudio fue transversal y participaron 128 mujeres (62 mujeres con obesidad y 66 mujeres con peso normal). Se analizó la ingesta de minerales en la dieta y se realizaron análisis de biomarcadores de magnesio y calcio. Se calculó la relación Ca/Mg en dieta, plasma y orina y se evaluaron los parámetros glicémicos. Las mujeres con obesidad tenían niveles bajos de magnesio en la dieta, concentraciones reducidas de magnesio en plasma y eritrocitos, y excreción urinaria de magnesio elevada. La concentración plasmática de calcio fue menor en pacientes con obesidad, y la excreción urinaria de calcio fue mayor que en el grupo de mujeres con peso normal. La ingesta dietética de magnesio y calcio por kilogramo de peso corporal por día fue menor en las mujeres con obesidad, que en el grupo control. La relación Ca/Mg en plasma y orina estaba elevada en mujeres con obesidad. Se encontró una correlación significativa entre los biomarcadores de magnesio y los parámetros de calcio. La relación Ca / Mg parece estar asociada con la resistencia a la insulina en mujeres con obesidad.

ABSTRACT Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether low magnesium concentration is related to increased cardiovascular risk in obese women. Methods: This case-control study included women, who were divided into two groups: case (BMI>35 kg/m2) and control group (18.5>BMI>24.9 kg/m2). Body weight, height, waist, neck and hip circumference were measured according to the methodology described by the Ministry of Health. The analyses of plasma, erythrocyte, and urinary magnesium concentrations were performed using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry method. The lipid fractions were analyzed according to the enzymatic colorimetric method using a Cobas Integra automatic biochemical analyzer. Results: Mean plasma and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations were lower in the obese women compared to the control group (p<0.05). The urinary excretion of this mineral showed a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05), and the obese women excreted a higher amount of magnesium in the urine. With regard to the cardiovascular risk parameters, obese women demonstrated higher values compared to the control group (p<0.05). The study showed a negative correlation between erythrocyte magnesium and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate that obese women exhibit changes in nutritional status with regard to magnesium, with reduced concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes, and increased concentration in the urine. However, the results do not suggest a role of magnesium in protection against cardiovascular risk factors in the patients evaluated in this study.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si una concentración baja de magnesio está relacionada con un mayor riesgo cardiovascular en mujeres obesas. Métodos: Este estudio de casos y controles incluyó mujeres, que se dividieron en dos grupos: grupo de casos (IMC>35 kg/m2) y control (18,5>IMC>24,9 kg/m2). El peso corporal, la altura, la cintura, la circunferencia del cuello y la cadera se midieron según la metodología descrita por el Ministerio de Salud. Los análisis de las concentraciones de magnesio en plasma, eritrocitos y orina se realizaron utilizando el método de espectrometría de emisión óptica de plasma acoplado inductivamente. Las fracciones lipídicas se analizaron según el método colorimétrico enzimático utilizando un analizador bioquímico automático Cobas Integra. Resultados: Las concentraciones medias de magnesio en plasma y eritrocitos fueron menores en las mujeres obesas en comparación con el grupo de control (p<0.05). La excreción urinaria de este mineral mostró una diferencia significativa entre los dos grupos (p<0.05), y las mujeres obesas excretaron una mayor cantidad de magnesio en la orina. En cuanto a los parámetros de riesgo cardiovascular, las mujeres obesas mostraron valores más altos en comparación con el grupo control (p<0,05). El estudio mostró una correlación negativa entre el magnesio de los eritrocitos y la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica en el grupo de control (p<0,05). Conclusión: Estos resultados indican que las mujeres obesas presentan cambios en el estado nutricional con respecto al magnesio, con concentraciones reducidas en el plasma y eritrocitos, y concentración aumentada en la orina. Sin embargo, los resultados no sugieren un papel del magnesio en la protección contra los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en los pacientes evaluados en este estudio.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition and kala-azar (or visceral leishmaniasis) are significant public health problems in different parts of the world. Immunity and susceptibility to infectious and parasitic diseases are directly linked to the host’s nutritional state, but little is known about the interaction between nutrition and kala-azar. This study aimed to evaluate nutritional status with kala-azar and correlate these findings with the clinical and laboratory manifestations of the disease, and zinc and retinol levels. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 139 patients with kala-azar. Nutritional status classification was performed according to international recommendations. Parametric or nonparametric tests were applied whenever indicated in a two-sided test with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Weight loss and malnutrition were more frequent in adults. Body mass index-for-age, fat area of the arm, and upper arm muscle area were significantly associated with probability of death. The presence of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly was correlated with nutritional assessment. Blood leukocyte and lymphocyte, serum creatine, and vitamin A levels were significantly higher in adult men. Vitamin A levels were highly associated with the level of hemoglobin and C-reactive protein (CRP) in multivariate analysis. All patients had reduced plasma zinc levels, but this finding had no association with the outcome variables. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition was correlated with severe disease and was more prevalent in older people with kala-azar. Vitamin A deficiency was associated with hemoglobin and CRP. Zinc levels were reduced in patients with kala-azar.

The use of sorghum in human nutrition has been expanded due to its nutritional composition and its functional potential. Extrusion has been used to improve the quality of sorghum. The aim of this work was to assess the effect of extrusion in the nutritional composition, phenolic compounds content of two sorghum, and characterize the profile of chemical constituents by paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS). Extrusion increased the carbohydrate and fiber contents and reduced moisture, lipids and ashes, and enabling a higher degree of liberation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. The fingerprint obtained in both ionization modes had been influenced by extrusion, allowing for a greater compounds’ identification on the extruded samples. The analysis of sorghum samples’ main components made distinguishing of the main constituents possible, as well as highlighted the extrusion effect and the influence of the genotypes. This study demonstrated that extrusion enabling a higher liberation of phenolic compounds, which were identified by the PS-MS technique.

ABSTRACT In recent years, there has been growing interest in clarifying the pathogenesis of some chronic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolic alterations in these diseases are characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Studies have demonstrated the participation of minerals in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, more specifically their involvement in the synthesis and regulation of insulin. Selenium is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant micronutrient that is essential for the activity of selenoproteins. Two selenoproteins (glutathione peroxidase and selenoprotein P) are known to be involved in the insulin signaling pathway. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the role of selenium in insulin resistance mechanisms. Evidence shows that adequate concentrations of selenium play a key role in the secretion and action of insulin, but an excess of selenium in the body is associated with the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and the development of diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Pereskia aculeata Mill., a species of the family Cactaceous, popularly known in Brazil as ora-pro-nobis, has high protein, vitamin and mineral contents. High essential amino acid concentrations should be underscored, suggesting a better evaluation of the fractions. Current study quantifies amino acid content and the chemical score (CS) of protein amino acids, determining in vivo digestibility, protein efficiency ratio (PER) and net protein ratio (NPR) of P. aculeata. Plant material was collected, washed, placed in an oven at 60 °C, ground and stored in a freezer for chemical analysis. Diets that maintain isoproteic and isocaloric characteristics were prepared for the bioassay, namely: casein (no protein) and Pereskia aculeata leaves-based flour. Eighteen male albino Wistar rats, divided into three experimental groups of 6 animals each, were used to evaluate protein quality and bioavailability of micronutrients. Pereskia aculeata flour provided as a single source is inadequate for growth, although it is relevant for maintaining protein metabolism indicated by net protein ratio (2.87). It is actually a good quality protein source due to few limiting essential amino acids, and it meets the diet requirements for humans.

Abstract Patients who need prolonged domiciliary enteral nutritional therapy may benefit from handmade diets. However, the preparation of such diets might cause insecurity with regard to their nutritional composition and physical-chemical properties. Current study analyzes the osmolality and Hydrogen-Ion concentration (pH) on handmade enteral diets. To this purpose, six formulas and two juices, prescribed on discharge from hospital, were analyzed physically and chemically. Osmolality and pH were respectively determined by cryoscopy and potentiometry. Most formulations were classified as isosmolar (with less than 400 mOsm/kg solvent), and only one was classified as slightly hyperosmolar, with rates ranging from 356.7 to 403.5 mOsm/kg solvent. On average, the standard formula presented higher osmolality than similar ones prepared for hyperglycemia. Among the juices, only one registered hyperosmolar concentration of 595.54 mOsm/kg solvent. All formulas presented pH rates classified as low acidity, ranging between 6.1 and 6.6, while the two juices had the lowest results, 4.73 and 4.66 each. The blend of ingredients used in handmade formulas and juices studied presented acceptable osmolality and pH rates for a safe administration and absence of gastrointestinal complications. Data showed here are consistent with an appropriate and healthy diet and contributed towards success in domiciliary enteral nutritional therapy.

Resumo Objetivo: Desenvolver e analisar a composição de macro e micronutrientes de dietas enterais semiartesanais para uso domiciliar. Método: Foi desenvolvida uma receita de dieta enteral semiartesanal padrão, com três concentrações calóricas, de 1500, 1800 e 2100 Kcal. Após o preparo e teste de viscosidade, estabilidade, odor, cor e custo as dietas tiveram a composição química de macro e micronutrientes analisada. O folato e vitamina D e B12 tiveram seus valores estimados por meio de tabelas de composição química. Os resultados encontrados foram comparados com as recomendações nutricionais para idosos. Resultado: As dietas apresentaram distribuição normal de macronutrientes. A dieta de 1500 Kcal apresentou diversas deficiências de minerais e vitaminas. Nos demais níveis calóricos, obteve-se valores adequados para todos os minerais exceto o magnésio. As vitaminas estavam todas adequadas no nível calórico de 2100 Kcal e no de 1800 Kcal, a vitamina E, D e B6 não alcançaram as recomendações dietéticas diárias. Conclusão: A dietas padrões desenvolvidas podem contribuir para segurança alimentar e nutricional de idosos em terapia nutricional domiciliar, desde que todas suplementadas com magnésio, e a de 1800 Kcal com vitamina E, D e B6. A fórmula de 1500 Kcal não se mostrou segura nutricionalmente no que tange aos micronutrientes.

Abstract Objective: the development and analysis of the macro and micronutrient composition of homemade enteral diets. Method: A standard homemade enteral diet was developed at three caloric concentrations - 1500, 1800 and 2100 Kcal. After preparation and testing of viscosity, stability, odor and color, plus evaluation of cost, the chemical composition of the nutrients of the diets were analytically determined. Folic acid, vitamin D and vitamin B12 values were calculated using chemical composition tables. The results were compared with recommended nutritional standards for the elderly. Result: The diets exhibited normal macronutrient distribution. The 1500 caloric level presented some mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Suitable values were obtained at the other caloric levels for all minerals except magnesium. There were appropriate levels of all the vitamins in the 2100 Kcal diet, while vitamin E, D and B6 levels were below the recommended dietary allowances in the 1800 Kcal diet. Conclusion: The standard homemade enteral diets studied can contribute to the food and nutritional safety of elderly persons undergoing home care, if all are supplemented with magnesium and the 1800 Kcal diet is supplemented with vitamin E, D and B6. The 1500 Kcal diet was not nutritionally safe in terms of micronutrients.

O estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos de dois métodos de educação em saúde sobre a aprendizagem e o desenvolvimento cognitivo de 105 crianças que vivem em área endêmica para helmintoses. As crianças, com idade entre 6 e 10 anos, foram randomicamente distribuídas em três grupos: (1) submetido à Pedagogia Não-Diretiva (PND), (2) submetido à Pedagogia Diretiva (PD) e (3) Controle, submetido à atividades recreativas. Os três grupos apresentaram progresso em relação aos conceitos gerais (comuns a todas as helmintoses), não havendo diferença significativa entre eles. Quanto aos conceitos específicos sobre helmintoses (transmissão, prevenção e sintomas), os resultados apontam avanços nos grupos PND e PD. Os testes psicológicos não revelaram mudanças no nível cognitivo das crianças estudadas. O estudo constata a eficiência das duas intervenções educacionais aplicadas. Os resultados sinalizam para a necessidade de se aliar os métodos tradicionais de ensino aos não-diretivos nas propostas de educação em saúde.

This study evaluated the effect of two health education methods on learning and cognitive development of 105 children residents in a helminthic endemic area. The children, between 6 and 10 years of age, were randomly distributed into the following three groups: (1) Non-Directive Pedagogy (NDP) method, (2) Directive Pedagogy (DP) method and (3) Control Group that received only no-relevant recreational activities. All three groups showed progress regarding general concepts (those common to all helminthic infection) with no significant difference between them. Concerning helminthiasis specific concepts (transmission, prevention and symptoms) results point to improvements in both NDP and DP groups. Cognitive testing did not reveal changes in the cognitive level of children studied. This research indicates the efficiency of both health education interventions applied. Results show the necessity of allying traditional education methods to non-directive ones during a health education intervention.

INTRODUÇÃO: O uso de fitoterápicos na cicatrização de feridas cirúrgicas tem sido incrementado nos últimos anos com a busca de princípios ativos que desempenhe efetivo papel neste processo acelerando a recuperação cirúrgica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os aspectos morfológicos do processo cicatricial de feridas cutâneas abertas de ratos com uso do extrato bruto de Jatropha gossypiifolia L. MÉTODOS: Utilizaram-se 60 ratos da linhagem Wistar. Em cada animal foi realizada uma ferida de 2 cm de diâmetro na região dorsal. Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos de 30: grupo Controle - sem tratamento e grupo Jatropha - aplicação de extrato bruto de Jatropha gossypiifolia L. Cada grupo foi subdividido em três subgrupos de 10 animais e avaliados no 7º, 14º e 21º dias do pós-operatório. Realizou-se estudo comparativo entre os dois grupos através da análise macroscópica, a planigrafia digital e análise histológica tendo como parâmetro a proliferação vascular, polimorfonucleares, mononucleares, proliferação fibroblástica, colagenização e reepitelização. RESULTADOS: Na evolução da ferida cutânea tanto no grupo controle como no grupo Jatropha houve exsudação plasmática com formação de crostas superficiais até o 7º dia. A partir dai houve espessamento da crosta e no 14º dia a crosta se destacou, evoluindo para tecido de granulação e epitelização completa no 21º dia com surgimento de novos pelos ao redor da lesão, em todos os animais. Houve ausência significativa da inflamação aguda no 21º dia pós-operatório do grupo Jatropha. Houve diferença significativa na intensidade da inflamação crônica, sendo mais intensa no 7º dia no grupo controle. A proliferação fibroblástica foi mais acentuada no 7º dia pós-operatório do grupo Jatropha, sendo semelhante no 14º e 21º dias pós-operatórios nos demais. A colagenização foi maior no 7º e 14º dias no grupo Jatropha. A re-epitelização foi significativamente melhor no 7º dia do grupo Jatropha. CONCLUSÃO: Embora mostrando melhora histológica com o uso da Jatropha, não ocorreu diferença significativa entre os grupos nas variáveis analisadas, na cicatrização das feridas cutânea de ratos ao término da avaliação.

INTRODUCTION: Phytotherapy is one of the research branches in the healing process of surgical wounds. PURPOSE: To analyze the morphological aspects of the healing process occurring in open skin lesions in rats under administration of raw extract from Jatropha Gossypiifolia L. METHOD: Sixty Wistar rats were utilized. A 2cm wound in diameter was done in each animal at the dorsal region. The animals were divided into two groups, each one consisting of 30 animals. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of ten. They were analyzed in the 7th, 14th and 21st post-operative day. The two groups were compared through macroscopic analysis using digital planigraphy and histological examination. The microscopic parameters considered were the vascular proliferation, polymorph and mononuclear cells, fibroblastic proliferation, collagen and epithelium formation. RESULTS: Epitelization occurred in a same amount in all animals. There was no chronic inflamation on 21st day in the Jatropha group and also no difference in polimorphonuclear cells between the groups. The fibroblastic reaction was better on the 7th day in the Jatropha group and equal in the remaining ones. Colagenization was greater on 7th and 14th days in Jatropha and better re-epitelization occurred in the same group in the 7th day. CONCLUSION: Although with hystologic aspects favoring the Jatropha, no significant differences concerning to the macroscopic and microscopic aspects were observed among the skin wounds receiving raw extract Jatropha and those that received no treatment in the final evaluation.

INTRODUÇÃO:A cicatrização do trato gastrintestinal é de grande importância na história da cirurgia, buscando-se tipos de fios e pontos apropriados e os diversos fatores que a influenciam. O uso de fitoterápicos como aceleradores da cicatrização tem sido feito por muitos anos sendo objetivo atual de pesquisas para a comprovação científica dessas propriedades terapêuticas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o uso do extrato bruto de Jatropha gossypiifolia L. na cicatrização de gastrorrafias em ratos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 40 ratos Wistar, machos, divididos em dois grupos de 20, denominados de grupos controle e Jatropha. Dez animais de cada grupo foram mortos no 3º dia pós-operatório e denominados subgrupos controle e Jatropha do 3º dia e os 10 restantes de cada grupo foram mortos no 7º dia com a mesma denominação do 7º dia. Em cada animal foi realizado gastrotomia e gastrorrafia em plano único com fio polipropileno 6-0 (Prolene®, Ethicon). Os animais do grupo Jatropha receberam dose única de 200mg/Kg do extrato bruto de Jatropha gossypiifolia L via intraperitoneal no dia do procedimento e os do grupo controle a mesma quantidade em mililitros de solução salina (cloreto de sódio à 0,9%). Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: 1) alterações macroscópicas; 2) a resistência à insuflação de ar atmosférico (pressão de ruptura) da sutura; 3) características histológicas. RESULTADOS: Não houve morte dos animais na evolução clínica, ocorrendo boa cicatrização da parede abdominal, com ausência de sinais de infecção, deiscência, abscessos ou peritonites. A cicatrização da superfície serosa foi considerada boa em todos os animais, não ocorrendo fístulas, porém, as aderências intra-peritoneais ocorreram em sete ratos do subgrupo controle e nove do subgrupo Jatropha do 3º dia pós-operatório e em nove do subgrupo controle e oito do subgrupo Jatropha do 7º dia, não havendo diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos. A cicatrização da superfície mucosa foi classificada como boa em todos os animais. A resistência das gastrorrafias à insuflação de ar atmosférico demonstrou aumento estatisticamente significante da pressão de ruptura no grupo Jatropha do 3º dia de observação. A avaliação histológica demonstrou diferenças estatisticamente significantes, quanto aos critérios, reação inflamatória aguda menor e coaptação das bordas maior no subgrupo Jatropha do 7º dia pós-operatório em relação ao grupo controle do mesmo período. CONCLUSÃO: O extrato bruto de Jatropha gossypiifolia L. favorece a cicatrização no 3º dia pós-operatório em relação à maior resistência das gastrorrafias à pressão de ruptura, e no 7º dia com melhor coaptação das bordas e reduzindo reação inflamatória aguda à microscopia.

INTRODUCTION: The healing process of the gastrointestinal tract is of huge importance in the surgical field history, as well as the search for appropriate types of threads and suture techniques and the many factors that influence it. The use of phytotherapic drugs as accelerators of the healing process has been done for many years and is one of the current objectives of scientific researches trying to prove its therapeutic properties. PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. extract on the healing process of gastrorraphies in rats. METHODS: Forty wistar male rats were divided in 2 groups of 20 rats, named control and Jatropha groups. Ten animals of each group were killed in the third day post-surgery and were named control and Jatropha groups of the 3rd day. The remaining 10 animals of each group were killed in the seventh day and were named accordingly for the 7th day. In each animal, gastrostomy and gastrorraphy were performed in a single plane using polypropylene thread 6-0 (Prolene). The animals from the Jatropha group were given a single dose of 200 mg/kg of the Jatropha gossypiifolia L. extract intraperitoneally on the same day of the procedure and the ones from the control group were given the same quantity in milliliters (ml), but of saline solution (sodium chloride 0.9%). The following parameters were evaluated: 1) macroscopic alterations; 2) the suture's resistance to atmospheric air insufflation (pressure of rupture); 3) histologic characteristics. RESULTS: No animal died during the clinical follow-up and optimal healing of the abdominal wall was seen without any signs of infection, dehiscence, abscesses or peritonitis. Healing of the serous surface was considered good in all animals, without occurrence of fistulas; however, intraperitoneal adhesions occurred in 7 rats of the sub-group control and 9 of the sub-group Jatropha on the 3rd day post-operative and in 9 of the sub-group control and 8 of the sub-group Jatropha on the 7th day, but the differences were not statistically significant between the groups. Healing of the mucous surface was classified as good in all the animals. The resistance of the gastrorraphies to the atmospheric air insufflation showed statistically significant increase of the rupture pressure in the Jatropha group during the 3rd day of observation. Histologic evaluation showed differences that were statistically significant, considered the criteria, as well as reduced acute inflammatory reaction and better coaptation of the edges in the sub-group Jatropha of 7th post-surgery, when comparet to the sub-group control of the same period. CONCLUSION: The raw extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. aids the healing on the 3rd day post-surgery, concerning the enhanced resistance of the gastrorraphies to pressure of rupture, and on the 7th day, presenting better coaptation of the edges and reducing acute inflammatory reaction by microscopic analyses.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a ação cicatrizante do extrato hidroalcoólico da aroeira em bexigas de ratos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 40 ratos machos da linhagem Wistar, divididos em dois grupos de 20, denominados grupo aroeira (GA) e grupo controle (GC). Todos foram submetidos à incisão abdominal mediana com cistotomia de 1 cm, seguida de cistorrafia em plano único com pontos separados de poliglactina 910 5-0 (Vicryl®). Após este procedimento, nos animais GA injetou-se 100mg por quilo de peso de extrato hidroalcoólico da aroeira na cavidade peritoneal e nos GC injetou-se 1 ml por quilo de peso de solução salina a 0,9% . Cada grupo foi dividido em dois sub-grupos de 10 animais de acordo com a data da morte: sub-grupo A3 e C3, sacrificados no 3º dia pós-operatório e sub-grupo A7 e C7, sacrificados no 7º dia. A parede, a cavidade abdominal e a sutura da bexiga foram avaliadas macroscopicamente. Amostras de tecido da bexiga foram retiradas e analisadas histologicamente, utilizando a coloração de Hematoxilina-Eosina (HE) e tricrômio de Masson. RESULTADOS: Na análise macroscópica observou-se infecção na incisão cirúrgica em três ratos do GC e em um do GA, e aderências peritoneais em 29 ratos do GC controle e 17 no GA. A avaliação microscópica mostrou processo inflamatório agudo mais severo no 3° (p=0,045) e no 7° dia (p=0,002). Evidenciou-se ainda diferença estatística nos parâmetros utilizados para a avaliação histológica da cicatrização da bexiga nas variáveis colagenização (p = 0.001), reepitelização (p = 0,046) e neoformação (p = 0) nos subgrupos GC e GA no 3º dia e na variável neoformação vascular (p=0,001) no subgrupo do 7º dia. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de extrato hidroalcoólico de aroeira mostrou efeito cicatrizante favorável nas cistotomias em ratos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the hydroalcoholic aroeira extract in the healing process of surgical incisions in the bladder of rats in an experimental comparative study. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were used. All of them underwent a median abdominal incision, with an 1cm cistotomy, followed by one plan suture with separated stitches of poliglactine 910 5-0. The animals were then divided into two groups of 20 rats each, and named the aroeira group (GA) and the control group (GC). In the first one, 80% hydro-alcoholic plant extract was injected in the peritoneal cavity, in a one dose of 100mg/kg. The second group, a 0.9% saline solution was injected in place of aroeira extract. Each group was divided into two subgroups (SGA and SGC) of 10 animals. According to their scheduled death, they were named subgroups SGA3 and SGC3 when killed in the 3th day after surgery and subgroups SGA7 and SGC7 in the 7th day. The abdominal cavity and the bladder suture were macroscopically evaluated. RESULTS: The microscopic analysis of the surgical incision in the bladder was performed by means of the hematoxilin-eosine stain and the trichrome of Masson. The macroscopic analysis showed an infection in the surgical incision in three rats of the SGC group and in one of the SGA, and peritoneal adhesion in the 26 rats belonging nine to SGC and 17 in the SGA. The microscopic evaluation revealed a more severe acute inflammation process in the SGC on the 3th (p=0.045) and in the 7th (0=0.002) days. In the SGA, a more significant colagenization (p=0.001) could be seen, as far as the evidence of vascular neoformation (p=0.002) on the 3th day. Chronic inflammatory reaction (p=0.006) and a more intense vascular neoformation (p=0.001) were observed in the 7th day. CONCLUSION: The hydroalcoholic aroeira extract have a favorable effect in the healing process of cystotomies done in rats.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi otimizar as condições reacionais capazes de ocasionar variabilidade e de introduzir erros sistemáticos na reação em cadeia pela polimerase aplicada à análise da expressão gênica da isoforma testicular da enzima conversora de angiotensina. MÉTODOS: Avaliaram-se a concentração de cDNA, a concentração dos iniciadores, a temperatura de hibridização e o número de ciclos de desnaturação, hibridização e extensão. Para tanto, extraiu-se o RNA total por meio da reação com fenol-clorofórmio e isotiocianato de guanidina de amostras de testículos de ratos Wistar alimentados com uma ração contendo zinco. Em seguida, gerou-se o cDNA por transcrição reversa. Utilizando-se iniciadores específicos, amplificaram-se o gene de interesse (isoforma testicular da enzima conversora de angiotensina) e o gene controle Gliceraldeído-3-Fosfato-Desidrogenase. As amostras foram então aplicadas em gel de agarose e submetidas à eletroforese, coradas em brometo de etídio e visualizadas sob luz ultravioleta. RESULTADOS: Demonstrou-se que a melhor condição reacional para a reação em cadeia pela polimerase da isoforma testicular da enzima conversora de angiotensina e do Gliceraldeído-3-Fosfato-Desidrogenase foi: (1) concentração inicial de cDNA de 2µg, (2) concentração de iniciadores de 200nM, (3) temperatura de hibridização entre 57,5ºC e 60,1ºC e (4) 33 ciclos. CONCLUSÃO: Com essa otimização pôde-se minimizar as interferências sobre a técnica, contribuindo-se para a obtenção de dados comparativos a respeito da expressão gênica da enzima conversora de angiotensina testicular.

OBJETIVE: The aim of the present work was to optimize the reaction conditions capable of generating variability and introducing systematic errors in the chain reaction of the polymerase used to analyze the gene expression for the testicular isoform of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. METHODS:The cDNA concentration, primer concentration, hybridization temperature and number of denaturation, hybridization and extension cycles were evaluated. For this purpose, samples of testis from Wistar rats fed a zinc containing diet were used to extract total RNA using the phenol-chloroform-isothiocyanate reaction. Stable cDNA was then generated by the reverse transcription reaction. Using specific primers, the gene of interest (testicular isoform of the angiotensin-converting enzyme) and the housekeeping gene for the expression of Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase were amplified. The samples were then submitted to gel eletrophoresis in agarose gel, stained with ethide bromide and visualized in a UV chamber. RESULTS: The results showed that the best reaction conditions for the chain reaction by the testicular isoform polymerase of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and for Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase were: (1) initial cDNA concentration of 2 µg, (2) primer concentration of 200nM, (3) hybridization temperature between 57.5ºC and 60.1ºC and (4) 33 cycles. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that this optimization minimized interference of the technique, contributing to the production of true, comparative data for the testicular angiotensin- converting enzyme gene expression.

A associação estável a macromoléculas e a flexibilidade da esfera de coordenação são propriedades intrínsecas do zinco e sua essencialidade encontra-se intimamente relacionada ao seu papel biológico, seja na ativação da função catalítica de enzimas, seja na estabilização das estruturas conformacionais de proteínas e ácidos nucléicos. O zinco é o segundo elemento traço essencial mais abundante no organismo humano e é necessário à atividade de mais de 300 enzimas dos 6 tipos de classes existentes. Estas características tornaram o metal e seus ligantes fontes de grande interesse para a nutrição experimental, já que o seu estudo converge para a determinação da biodisponibilidade do metal. Dentre esses ligantes, a isoforma testicular da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina, sintetizada pelas células germinais masculinas, pode ser considerada um exemplo marcante de regulação molecular a partir da ligação do zinco, influenciando tanto a atividade quanto a concentração desta enzima e conseqüentemente a função testicular.

The stable association with macromolecules and the flexibility of the coordination geometry are particular properties of zinc and its essentiality has been associated with the biological functions assigned to the metal, either by participating directly in chemical catalysis or by helping to mantain protein and nucleic acid structures and stability. Zinc is the second most abundant essential trace element in the human organism and it is necessary to the activity of more than 300 enzymes, covering all 6 classes of them. These properties make this metal and its ligands subjects of great interest for experimental nutrition, leading to the determination of zinc bioavailability. Among these ligands, the testicular Angiotensin- Converting Enzyme, synthesized by male germ cells, is an important example of the molecular regulation by zinc binding, determining both the activity and the concentrations of this enzyme, and affecting the testicular function.