Posture-induced changes in peripheral nerve stiffness measured by ultrasound shear-wave elastography

Introduction: Peripheral nerves slide and stretch during limb movements. Changes in nerve stiffness associated with such movements have not been examined in detail but may be important in understanding movement-evoked pain in patients with a variety of different musculoskeletal conditions. Methods: Shear-wave elastography was used to examine stiffness in the median and tibial nerves of healthy individuals during postures used clinically to stretch these nerves. Results: Shear-wave velocity increased when limbs were moved into postures that are thought to increase nerve stiffness (mean increase: median nerve = 208% in arm, 236% in forearm; tibial nerve = 136%). There was a trend toward a negative correlation between age and shear-wave velocity (r = 0.58 for tibial nerve). Conclusions: Shear-wave elastography provides a tool for examining nerve biomechanics in healthy individuals and patients. However, limb position, age, and effects of nerve tension on neural architecture should be taken into consideration

Nutidens formidling af Danmarks historie?

Articular cartilage covering the bone ends at the joint shows different chemical composition in different regions, depending on the mechanical and biological properties of that region. Several studies have shown a relationship between the chemical composition of the cartilage and biomechanical forces. In the present study we analysed five different knee joints divided into the following regions: F1 - medial and lateral border of the patellar surface, F2 - patellar surface of the femur, F3 - medial and lateral condyles, P - articular surface of the patella and T - medial and lateral condyle of the tibia. The main glycosaminoglycan (GAG) present in these regions was chondroitin sulfate. Analysis of total GAG after digestion of the tissue with papain showed that in F2 and F3 there was a larger quantity of GAG/mg tissue, probably due to the dynamic character of the biomechanical forces in these regions. No significant differences were found for the extract and D1 fractions of the different regions. Analysis of the D4 fraction showed that the protein content was higher in the F3 and P regions than in their opposite T and F2 regions. The differences among the five regions may be a result of the non-uniform presence of biomechanical forces supported by these regions. It is important to consider that the intensity and direction of stress in different parts of a tissue may influence the composition of the extracellular matrix.179543343

Phytotherapics in tissue healing and its interface with professionals of health in Brazil / Fitoterápicos na cicatrização de tecidos e sua interface com profissionais de saúde no Brasil

The World Health Organization and many other national health conferences have stimulated the use of phytotherapeutics and medicinal plants in primary health care in Brazil. Phytotherapeutics and the use of medicinal plants are part of the folk medicine practice, which complements the treatment that is usually employed by lower income population. There is a growing interest in researches about improving the knowledge of plants’ medicinal properties used in tissue healing. This process occurs as a biological response after injury, where uncountable signaling pathways are stimulated to restore the homeostasis of the affected structure. It is observed that Brazil has been developing important researches to improve the knowledge of plants’ medicinal properties favoring a greater prescription by the health professionals and also a better use by the population. Phototherapeutics act in tissue repair in different ways, and the present review describes the use of these in healing in experimental researches and its interface with professionals of health. In this research, we checked scientific articles (Medline, Scielo, Lilacs, Coordination of Superior Level Staff Improvement (CAPES), PubMed and Google Scholar) published between years 2000 and 2018. Companies, researchers, professionals of health and the general population have shown an interest in phytotherapeutics compounds as alternatives for the treatment of various conditions and the healing of injuries. This is due to the lower side effects, easy access and low cost of herbal medicines compared to allopathic medicines and the rich biodiversity from the Brazilian flora. However, it is necessary for the health professionals training and motivation, aiming at a correct and safe prescription and the use of herbal medicines in tissue healing, as well as the insertion of this practice into their professional qualification.

Viability Of Nerve Grafts Preserved In Different Storage Medium: Ultrastructural Features

We investigated the ultrastructural organization of transplanted autologous grafts after storage in two different solutions. Male Wistar rats were divided into groups to obtain normal tibial nerves, freshly transplanted nerves, and nerves stored in Wisconsin/Belzer or Collins solution for 24 or 72 hours at 4 °C and transplanted (W1, W3, C1, C3). After storage or transplantation, the specimens were processed for ultrastructural analysis. All grafts showed alterations in collagen fiber organization in the endoneurial space compared to normal nerves. These fibers were more loosely organized among nerve fibers, a finding that was significantly more marked in group C3 compared to groups W1 and W3. Important alterations were also observed in the myelin sheath structure of grafts stored in the two media. These changes were characterized by separation of the lipid lamellae, clearly visible in larger diameter nerve fibers. These findings were more marked and frequent in the C1 and C3 groups compared to the W1 and W3 groups. Ultrastructural analysis showed better preservation of Schwann cells and other elements that support axonal regeneration for grafts stored in Wisconsin/Belzer solution. These results support ongoing studies for the formulation of storage solutions that permit the creation of nerve banks for heterologous transplantation.26297103Ametani, M.S., Southard, J.H., Belzer, F.O., Importance of glutathione and adenosine in cold storage of the kidney (1990) Transplantation Proceedings, 22 (2), pp. 469-471Atchabahian, A., Gender, E.M., Mackinnon, S.E., Regeneration through long nerve grafts in the swine model (1998) Microsurgery, 18 (6), pp. 379-382Atchabahian, A., Mackinnon, S.E., Hunter, D.A., Cold preservation of nerve grafts decreases expression of icam-1 and class II MHC antigens (1999) Journal Reconstructive Microsurgery, 15 (4), pp. 307-311Carone, A.L., Scabora, J.E., Barros, B.R., Viability of nerve grafts preserved in different storage medium (2007) Brazilian Journal Morphological Sciences, 24 (1), pp. 39-46Chen, L.E., Seaber, A.V., Urbaniak, J.R., Denatured muscle as nerve conduit: A functional, morphologic and electrophysiologic evaluation (1994) Journal Reconstructive Microsurgery, 10 (1), pp. 137-144Chen, Y.S., Hsieh, C.L., Tsai, C.C., Peripheral nerve regeneration using silicone rubber chambers filled with collagen, laminin and fibronectin (2000) Biomaterials, 21 (15), pp. 1541-1547De-Medinacelli, L., Seaber, A.V., Experimental nerve reconnection: Importance of initial repair (1989) Microsurgery, 10 (1), pp. 56-70Evans, G.R.D., Brandt, K., Katz, S., Bioactive poly (L-lactic acid) conduits seeded with Schwann cells for peripheral nerve regeneration (2002) Biomaterials, 23 (3), pp. 841-848Evans, P.J., Mackinnon, S.E., Best, T.J., Regeneration across preserved peripheral nerve grafts (1995) Muscle Nerve, 18 (10), pp. 1128-1138Evans, P.J., Mackinnon, S.E., Levi, A.D.O., Cold preserved allografts, changes in basement membrane, viability, immunogenicity and regeneration (1998) Muscle Nerve, 21 (11), pp. 1507-1522Fansa, H., Keilhoff, G., Plogmeier, K., Successful implantation of Schwann cells in acellular muscles (1999) Journal Reconstructive Microsurgery, 15 (1), pp. 61-65Fansa, H., Lassner, F., Kook, P.H., Cryopreservation of peripheral nerve grafts (2000) Muscle Nerve, 23 (8), pp. 1227-1233Figueiredo, J.F., (1997) Fisiologia E Fisiopatologia Da Conservação De Órgãos, , captação de órgãos para transplante. Gráfica e Editora Tecla, CampinasHadlock, T.A., Sundback, C.A., Hunter, D.A., A new artificial nerve graft containing rolled Schwann cell monolayers (2001) Microsurgery, 21 (3), pp. 96-101Hare, G.M.T., Evans, P.J., Mackinnon, S.E., Effect of cold preservation on lymphocyte migration into peripheral nerve allografts in sheep (1993) Transplantation, 56 (1), pp. 114-116Janieson, N.V., Lindell, R., Southard, J.H., Evaluation of simplified variants of the UW solution using the Isolated perfused rabbit liver (1989) Transplantation Proceedings, 21 (1-2), pp. 1294-1295Karacaoglu, E., Yuksel, F., Peker, F., Nerve regeneration through epineurial sheath: Its functional aspect compared with nerve and vein grafts (2001) Microsurgery, 21 (5), pp. 196-201Kerr-Conte, J., Boudjema, K., Southard, J.H., Mechanism of hypothermic cell death: Glutathione prevents injury in hepatocytes during hypothermic (4°C) preservation (1991) Transplantation Proceedings, 23 (5), pp. 2405-2406Koyama, I., The role of oxygen free radicals in mediating reperfusion injury of cold preserved ischemic kidneys (1985) Transplantation, 40 (6), pp. 590-596Krekoski, C.A., Neubauer, D., Zuo, J., Axonal regeneration into acellular nerve grafts is enhanced by degradation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (2001) The Journal of Neuroscience, 21 (16), pp. 6206-6213Levi, A.D.O., Evans, P.J., Mackinnon, S.E., Cold storage of peripheral nerve: An in vitro assay of cell viability and function (1994) Glia, 10 (2), pp. 121-131Reynolds, E.S., The use of lead citrate at high pH as an electron-opaque stain in electron microscopy (1963) Journal of Cell Biology, 17 (1), pp. 208-212Southard, J.H., Marsh, D.C., McAnulty, J.F., The importance of O2-derived free radical injury to organ preservation and transplantation (1987) Transplantation Proceedings, 19, pp. 1380-1381. , 1.2Strasberg, S.R., Mackinnon, S.E., Genden, E.M., Long-segment nerve allograft regeneration in the sheep model: Experimental study and review of the literature (1996) Journal Reconstructive Microsurgery, 12 (8), pp. 529-537Sumitomo, R., Dohi, K., Urishiraha, T., An examination of the effects of the solution containing histidine and lactobionate for heart, pancreas and liver preservation in the rat (1992) Transplantation, 54 (6), pp. 1206-1210Sumitomo, R., Lindell, S.L., Southard, J.H., A comparison of histidine-lactobionate and UW solution in 48 hour liver preservation (1992) Transplantation, 54 (4), pp. 610-614Suzuki, K., Suzuki, Y., Tanihara, M., Reconstruction of rat peripheral nerve gap without sutures using freeze-dried alginate gel (2000) Journal of Biomedical Material Research, 49 (4), pp. 528-533Terenghi, G., Peripheral nerve injury and regeneration (1995) Histology and Histopathology, 10 (3), pp. 707-717Toledo-Pereyra, L.H., Clinical effects of allopurinol on preserved kidneys: A randomized double-bind study (1977) Annals of Surgery, 185 (1), pp. 128-136Trumble, T.E., Parvin, D., Cell viability and migration in nerve isograft and allografts (1994) Journal Reconstructive Microsurgery, 10 (1), pp. 27-34Vreugdenhil, P.K., Evans, W., Belzer, F.O., Glutathione depletion in cold-storage organs (1990) Transplantation Proceedings, 22 (2), pp. 455-45

Viability Of Nerve Grafts Preserved In Different Storage Medium

We compared the structural features of nerve segments stored in two different solutions previous and after autologous transplantation. Male Wistar rats were divided into groups to obtain normal tibial nerves, freshly transplanted nerves, and nerves stored in Wisconsin/Belzer or Collins solution for 24 or 72 h at 4°C and transplanted. Stored and transplanted segments were processed for morphologic and morphometric analysis. The cross-sections of segments stored in Wisconsin/Belzer and Collins solution presented aspects similar to that of normal nerves. The density of large-caliber myelinated axons was higher in grafts stored in Wisconsin/Belzer solution than in those preserved in Collins solution. But the density of myelinated axons regenerated through these grafts was around 80% to that registered in the fresh and Wisconsin/Belzer preserved grafts. Moreover, no significant differences in the morphometric parameters were observed between groups. Our data confirm the efficacy of Wisconsin/Belzer to nerve graft preservation and stimulate more detailed physiological, biochemical and molecular studies to rationalize the employment of less expensive and handful storage solutions for short term preservation of peripheral nerve grafts.2413946Ametani, M.S., Southard, J.H., Belzer, F.O., Importance of glutathione and adenosine in cold storage of the kidney (1990) Transplant. Proc, 22, pp. 469-471Ard, M.D., Bunge, R.P., Bunge, M.B., Comparison of the Schwann cell surface and Schwann cell extracellular matrix as promoters of neurite growth (1987) J Neurocytol, 16, pp. 539-555Atchabahian A, Gender EM, Mackinnon SE, Doolabh VB, Hunte DA (1998) Regeneration through long nerve grafts in the swine model. Microsurgery 18, 379-382Atchabahian, A., Mackinnon, S.E., Hunter, D.A., Cold preservation of nerve grafts decreases expression of ICAM-1 and class II MHC antigens (1999) J. Reconstr. Microsurg, 15, pp. 307-311Aumailley, M., Smyth, N., The role of laminins in basement membrane function (1998) J. Anat, 193, pp. 1-21Benzel, E.C., Management of peripheral nerve trauma (1996) The Practice of Neurosurgery, pp. 156-178. , Tindall GT, Cooper PR, Barrow DL, eds, pp, Willians & Wilkins: BaltimoreBunge, R.P., The role of the Schwann cell in trophic support and regeneration (1994) J. Neurol, 242 (SUPPL.), pp. S19-S21Chen, L.E., Seaber, A.V., Urbaniak, J.R., Murrel, G.A., Denatured muscle as nerve conduit: A functional, morphologic and electrophysiologic evaluation (1994) J. Reconstr. Microsurg, 10, pp. 137-144Chen, Y.S., Hsieh, C.L., Tsai, C.C., Chen, T.H., Cheng, Y.S., Hu, C.L., Yao, H., Peripheral nerve regeneration using silicone rubber chambers filled with collagen, laminin and fibronectin (2000) Biomaterials, 21, pp. 1541-1547Chen, Z.L., Strickland, S., Laminin gamma1 is critical for Schwann cell differentiation, axon myelination, and regeneration in the peripheral nerve (2003) J. Cell Biol, 163, pp. 889-899De Medinacelli, L., Seaber, A.V., Experimental nerve reconnection: Importance of initial repair (1989) Microsurgery, 10, pp. 56-70Evans, G.R.D., Brandt, K., Katz, S., Chauvin, P., Otto, L., Bogle, M., Wang, B., Patrick Jr, C.W., Bioactive poly(L-lactic acid) conduits seeded with Schwann cells for peripheral nerve regeneration (2002) Biomaterials, 23, pp. 841-848Evans, P.J., Mackinnon, S.E., Levi, A.D.O., Wade, J.A., Hunter, D.A., Nakao, Y., Midha, R., Cold preserved allografts, changes in basement membrane, viability, immunogenicity and regeneration (1998) Muscle Nerve, 21, pp. 1507-1522Evans, P.J., Mackinnon, S.E., Best, T.J., Wade, J.A., Awerbuck, D.C., Makino, A.P., Hunter, D.A., Midha, R., Regeneration across preserved peripheral nerve grafts (1995) Muscle Nerve, 18, pp. 1128-1138Fansa, H., Keilhoff, G., Plogmeier, K., Frerichs, O., Wolf, G., Schneider, W., Successful implantation of Schwann cells in acellular muscles (1999) J. Reconstr. Microsurg, 15, pp. 61-65Fansa, H., Lassner, F., Kook, P.H., Keilhoff, G., Schneider, W., Cryopreservation of peripheral nerve grafts (2000) Muscle Nerve, 23, pp. 1227-1233Figueiredo, J.F., Fisiologia e Fisiopatologia da Conservação de Órgãos. Captação de Órgãos para Transplante (1997) Gráfica e Editora, , Tecla: CampinasFox, I.K., Jaramillo, A., Hunter, D.A., Rickman, S.R., Mohanakumar, T., Mackinnon, S.E., Prolonged cold-preservation of nerve allografts (2005) Muscle Nerve, 31, pp. 59-69Hadlock, T.A., Sundback, C.A., Hunter, D.A., Vacanti, J.P., Cheney, M.L., A new artificial nerve graft containing rolled Schwann cell monolayers (2001) Microsurgery, 21, pp. 96-101Hall, S., The response to injury in the peripheral nervous system (2005) J. Bone Joint Surg. Br, 87, pp. 1309-1319Hare, G.M.T., Evans, P.J., Mackinnon, S.E., Nakao, Y., Midha, R., Wade, J.A., Hunter, D.A., Hay, J.B., Effect of cold preservation on lymphocyte migration into peripheral nerve allografts in sheep (1993) Transplantation, 56, pp. 154-162Jamieson, N.V., Lindell, R., Southard, J.H., Belzer, F.O., Evaluation of simplified variants of the UW solution using the isolated perfused rabbit liver (1989) Transplant. Proc, 21, pp. 1294-1295Karacaoglu, E., Yuksel, F., Peker, F., Guler, M.M., Nerve regeneration through sheath: Its functional aspect compared with nerve and vein grafts (2001) Microsurgery, 21, pp. 196-201Kerr-Conte, J., Boudjema, K., Southard, J.H., Cinqualbre, J., Mechanism of hypothermic cell death: Glutathione prevents injury in hepatocytes during hypothermic (4°C) preservation (1991) Transplant. Proc, 23, pp. 2405-2406Koyama, I., Bulkley, G.B., Williams, G.M., Im, M.J., The role of oxygen free radicals in mediating reperfusion injury of cold preserved ischemic kidneys (1985) Transplantation, 40, pp. 590-595Krekoski, C.A., Neubauer, D., Zuo, J., Muir, D., Axonal regeneration into acellular nerve grafts is enhanced by degradation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (2001) J. Neurosci, 21, pp. 6206-6213Levi, A.D.O., Evans, P.J., Mackinnon, S.E., Bunge, R.P., Cold storage of peripheral nerve: An in vitro assay of cell viability and function (1994) Glia, 10, pp. 121-131Mackinnon, S.E., Techniques of nerve repair (1996) The Practice of Neurosurgery, pp. 179-202. , Tindall GT, Cooper PR, Barrow DL, eds, pp, Williams & Wilkins: BaltimoreMackinnon, S.E., Doolabh, V.B., Novak, C.B., Trulock, E.P., Clinical outcome following nerve allograft transplantation (2001) Plast. Reconstr. Surg, 107, pp. 1419-1429Matejcik, V., Peripheral nerve reconstruction by autograft (2002) Injury, 33, pp. 627-631Suzuki, K., Suzuki, Y., Tanihara, M., Ohnishi, H., Hashimoto, T., Endo, K., Nishimura, Y., Reconstruction of rat peripheral nerve gap without sutures using freeze-dried alginate gel (2000) J. Biomed. Mater. Res, 49, pp. 528-533Southard, J.H., Marsh, D.C., McAnulty, J.F., Belzer, F.O., The importance of O2-derived free radical injury to organ preservation and transplantation (1987) Transplant. Proc, 19, pp. 1380-1381Strasberg, S.R., Mackinnon, S.E., Genden, E.M., Baian, J.R., Purcell, C.M., Hunter, D.A., Hay, J.B., Long-segment nerve allograft regeneration in the sheep model: Experimental study and review of the literature (1996) J. Reconstr. Microsurg, 12, pp. 529-537Sumimoto, R., Dohi, K., Urushihara, T., Jamieson, N.V., Ito, H., Sumimoto, K., Fukuda, Y., An examination of the effects of the solution containing histidine and lactobionate for heart, pancreas and liver preservation in the rat (1992) Transplantation, 54, pp. 1206-1210Sumimoto, R., Lindell, S.L., Southard, J.H., Belzer, F.O., A comparison of histidine-lactobionate and UW solution in 48-hour liver preservation (1992) Transplantation, 54, pp. 610-614Terenghi, G., Peripheral nerve injury and regeneration (1995) Histol. Histopathol, 10, pp. 709-718Toledo-Pereyra, L.H., Simmons, R.L., Olson, L.C., Najarian, J.S., Clinical effects of allopurinol on preserved kidneys: A randomized double-blind study (1977) Ann. Surg, 185, pp. 128-136Trumble, T.E., Parvin, D., Cell viability and migration in nerve isograft and allografts (1994) J. Reconstr. Microsurg, 10, pp. 27-34Vreugdenhil, P.K., Evans, W., Belzer, F.O., Southard, J.H., Glutathione depletion in cold-storage organs (1990) Transplant. Proc, 22, pp. 455-45

Clinical And Morphological Evolution Of The Induced Experimental Arthritis In Rattus Novergicus Albinus

The models of experimental arthritis become important in the inquiry of different therapeutical alternatives and briefing of articulate pathogenesis. The possibility of measuring the injury of the articular cartilage makes the experimental model relevantly important, as well as the systemic biological effects that involve the different therapeutics: The radiological and histological aspects of the cartilage were researched in the model of Zynoman-induced arthritis in Rattus novergicus. Rats were submitted to the intra-articular injection (1.0ml) and sacrificed at different times, under anesthesia. The knee joints were surgically removed and processed for coloring in hematoxylin eosin (H&E). The radiographic analyses were carried out through images obtained with dental periapical film. The animals presented serious and gradual synovitis associated to the injury of the cartilage that was evaluated up to 14 days after the stimulation injection. The arthritis model by Zymosan allows the study of the inflammatory alteration of the synovial tissue and of the cartilage. In the presence of Zymosan, the juxtarticular and periarticular tissues develop similar alterations to those found in the autoimmune diseases.2427581Arnett, F.C., Edworthy, S.M., Bloch, D.A., McShane, D.J., Fries, J.F., Cooper, N.S., The American Rheumatism Association 1987 revised criteria for classification of rheumatoid arthritis (1988) Arthritis Rheum, 31, pp. 315-324Brahn, E., Animal models of rheumatoid arthritis: Clues to etiology and treatment (1991) Clin Orthop, 265, pp. 42-53Bernotiene, E., Palmer, G., Talabot-Ayer, D., Quinodoz, I.S., Aubert, M.L., Gabay, C., Delayed resolution of acute inflammation during zymosaninduced in leptin-deficient mice. Arthritis Res (2004) Ther, 6, pp. R256-R263Brandt, K.D., (2000) An Atlas of Osteoarthritis, , Pathernon Publishing, New YorkCossermelli, W., (2000) Terapêutica Em Reumatologia, , São Paulo: Lemos EditorialConsalter, A., Ciconelli, R., Epidemiologia e etiologia da Artrite Reumatóide (2005) Sin Reumatol, 2, pp. 34-38Crilly, A., Genotyping for disease associated HLA DR beta 1 alleles and the need for early joint surgery in rheumatoid arthritis: A quantitative evaluation (1999) Ann Rheum. Dis, 58, pp. 114-117Damas, J., Involvement of platelet-activating factor in the hypotensive response to zymosan in rats (1991) J Lipid Mediat, 3, pp. 333-344Douglas, C.R., (2000) Pato Fisiologia Geral - Mecanismos Da Doença, , São Paulo (SP): Robe EditorialDi Carlo, F.J., Fiore, J.V., In Zymosan Composition (1958) Sci, 127, pp. 756-757Fleiss, J.L., (1981) Statistical Methods For Rates and Proportions, , 2a ed. John Wiley &ampSons Inc. Nova IorqueFrasnelli, M.E., Tarusio, D., TLR2 modulates inflammation in zymosan-induced arthritis in mice (2005) Arthritis Res Ther, 7, pp. 370-379Gegout, P., Gillet, P., Chevrier, D., Guingamp, C., Terlain, B., Netter, P., Characterization of zymosan-induced arthritis in the rat: Effects on joint inflammation and cartilage metabolism (1994) Life Sci, 17, pp. 321-326Hadler, N.M., A Pathogenic Model For erosive synovitis: Lessons from animal arthritides (1976) Arthritis Rheum, 19, pp. 256-266. , Marc-Apr;Imrie, R., Animal Models of Arthritis (1976) Lab Anim Sci, Apr, 26, pp. 345-351Hardin, J.A., Dendritic cells: Potential triggers of autoimmunity and targets for therapy (2005) Ann Rheum Dis, 64, pp. 86-90Keystone, E.C., Schorlemmer, H.U., Pope, C., Allison, A.C., Zymosan induced arthritis: A model of chronic proliferative arthritis following activation of the alternative pathway of complement (1977) Arthritis Rheum, 20, pp. 1397-1401Konno, S., Tsurufuji, S., Analysis of the factor(s) involved in pathogenesis of zymosaninduced inflammation in rats (1985) Japan J Pharmacol, 38, pp. 177-184Laurindo, I.M.M., Ximenes, A.C., Lima, F.A.C., Pinheiro, G.R.C.L.R., Bertolo, M.B., Alencar, P., Xavier, R.M., Radominski, S.C., (2002) Artrite Reumatóide: Diagnóstico E Tratamento, , Projeto Diretrizes Associação Médica Brasileira e Conselho Federal de MedicinaLipski, P.E., Rheumatoid arthritis (1998) Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, , New York: McGraw HillLubberts, E., Joosten, L.A., van den, B.L., Adenoviral vector mediated overexpression of IL-4 in the knee joint of mice with collagen- induced arthritis prevents cartilage destruction (1999) J Immunol, 163, pp. 4546-4556Mehling, A., Beissert, S., Dendritic Cells Under Investigation in Autoimmune Disease Critical Reviews (2003) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 38, pp. 1-21Moreira, C., Carvalho, M.A.P., (2001) Reumatologia - Diagnóstico E Tratamento, pp. 371-389. , 2a ed. Rio de Janeiro (RJ): Médica e CientíficaNouri, A.M.E., Panayi, G.S., Goodman, S.M., Cytokines and the chronic inflammation of rheumatic disease: I - the presence of interleukin- 1 in synovial fluids (1994) Clin Exp Immunol, 55, pp. 295-302Oliver, S.J., Brahn, E., Combination therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: The animal model perspective (1996) J Rheum, 23 (24 SUPPL), pp. 56-60Rocha, A.C., Aragão, A.G.M., Oliveira, R.C., Pompeu, M.M.L., Vale, M.R., Ribeiro. RA: Periarthritis promotes gait disturbance in zymosan-induced arthritis in rats (1996) Inflamm Res, 48, pp. 485-490Rubin, E., Gorstein, F., Rubin, R., Schwarting, R., Strayer, D., (2006) Patologia. Bases Clinico Patológicas Da Medicina, , Guanabara Koogan 4.a edSAS System For Windows (Statistical Analysis System), , versão 9.1.3 Service Pack 3. SAS Institute Inc, 2002-2003, Cary, NC, USAUnderhill, D.M., Macrophage recognition of Zymosan particles (2003) J Endotoxin Res, 9, pp. 176-180Van den, B.W.B., Joosten, L.A.B., Helsen, M., Vanden-Loo, F.A.J., Amelioration of established murine collagen-induced arthritis with anti- IL-1 treatment (1994) Clin Exp Immunol, 95, pp. 237-243Van den, B.W.B., Animal models of arthritis. What have we learned (2005) J Rheumatol Suppl, 72, pp. 7-9. , 2005 JanWolfe, F., Pincus, T., (1994) Rheumatoid Arthritis. Pathogenesis, Assessment, Outcome and Treatment, pp. 389-390. , By Marcel Dekker, Inc. New Yor

Effects of the Topical Application of Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract of Oncidium flexuosum Sims. (Orchidaceae) and Microcurrent on the Healing of Wounds Surgically Induced in Wistar Rats

This study evaluated the wound healing activity of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Oncidium flexuosum Sims. (Orchidaceae), an important native plant of Brazil, combined or not with microcurrent stimulation. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of nine animals: control (C), topical application of the extract (OF), treated with a microcurrent (10 μA/2 min) (MC), and topical application of the extract plus microcurrent (OF + MC). Tissue samples were obtained 2, 6, and 10 days after injury and submitted to structural and morphometric analysis. The simultaneous application of OF + MC was found to be highly effective in terms of the parameters analyzed (P < .05), with positive effects on the area of newly formed tissue, number of fibroblasts, number of newly formed blood vessels, and epithelial thickness. Morphometric data confirmed the structural findings. The O. flexuosum leaf extract contains active compounds that speed the healing process, especially when applied simultaneously with microcurrent stimulation

Photobiomodulation with low-level laser (λ = 808nm) to treat experimental rheumatoid arthritis: A morphological study, collagen fiber analysis and IL-6 protein expression

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that affects the synovial joints. Low-level laser photobiomodulation (LLLT) has microcirculatory, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this paper, the percentage of collagen fibrils and IL-6 protein expression in the synovia were measured to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) with LLLT (λ = 808 nm) on the morphology. Eighteen female Wistar rats were assigned into three groups: Control, Sham, and PBM. To induce arthritis, animals from the Sham and PBM groups received one intraarticular dose of zymosan (200 µg) under anesthesia. Twenty-four hours after induction, an LLLT treatment (λ = 808 nm, 25 mW nominal power, fluence of 20J/cm2, beam area of 0.02 mm2, time of 33 s, total energy of 0.825 J) was applied. Seven days after induction, samples from the animals' knees were subjected to histological and morphometric analyses, and the percentage of collagen fibers in the synovial area (% total area) with and without polarized light and IL-6 protein expression were measured by immunohistochemistry. Statistical analyses were performed an ANOVA and Tukey's post-test with p < 0.05 to compare the experimental groups using. Inflammation of the synovial region showed significant differences between Sham vs. Control, p < 0.0001, and PBM vs. Sham, p < 0.001. The areas of collagen fibers (total percentage) showed differences between Sham vs. Control, p < 0.0001, and Sham vs. PBM, p = 0.0149. IL-6 showed differences between Sham vs. Control and PBM vs. Sham, p < 0.001. Treatment with PBM using LLLT showed decreased synovial inflammation, collagen fiber formation, fibrosis, and IL-6 protein expression, and consequently decreased joint degradation

Swimming exercise modifies oxidative stress in skeletal and cardiac muscles of diabetic rats

Introduction: Oxidative stress is a key factor leading to the deterioration of diabetes. Oxidative stress exacerbates diabetes and induction of the activity of the antioxidant system may be required to prevent this effect. Objetive: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the redox state in the skeletal and cardiac muscles in a diabetes rat model subjected to swimming exercise for 4 weeks. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into four groups: untrained control (C), trained control (T), untrained alloxan-induced diabetes (D), and trained alloxan-induced diabetes (TD). The redox state of the skeletal and cardiac muscles was assessed by analyzing TBARS, -SH groups, H2O2 production, and SOD and catalase activity. The total number of cardiomyocytes and the total area of collagen fibers in the cardiac muscle were measured by histomorphometry. Results: In the Soleus muscles, the TD group showed increased H2O2 levels and catalase activity compared to the T group, and SOD activity compared to the D group. Regarding the red gastrocnemius, the TD group presented higher SOD and lower catalase activities than the D group. Regarding the cardiac muscle, the TD group presented lower TBARS and higher levels of -SH groups and catalase activity than the D group. Swimming exercise decreased hyperglycemia and reduced pathology, as evidenced by the reduced number of cardiomyocytes and the area of collagen fibers. Conclusion: Swimming exercise in diabetic rats controlled hyperglycemia and oxidative damage, and the reduced fibrosis in the cardiac muscle of diabetic rats