Deiziane Viana da Silva Costa

Topical HPMC/S-Nitrosoglutathione Solution Decreases Inflammation and Bone Resorption in Experimental Periodontal Disease in Rats

S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) is a nitric oxide (NO) donor, which exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbicidal actions. Intragingival application of GSNO was already shown to decrease alveolar bone loss, inflammation and oxidative stress in an experimental periodontal disease (EPD) model. In the present study, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effect of topical applications of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC)/GSNO solutions on EPD in Wistar rats. EPD was induced by placing a sterilized nylon (3.0) thread ligature around the cervix of the second left upper molar of the animals, which received topical applications of a HPMC solutions containing GSNO 2 or 10 mM or vehicle (HPMC solution), 1 h prior to the placement of the ligature and then twice daily until sacrifice on day 11. Treatment with HPMC/GSNO 10 mM solution significantly reduced alveolar bone loss, oxidative stress and TNF-α e IL-1β levels in the surrounding gingival tissue, and led to a decreased transcription of RANK and TNF-α genes and elevated bone alkaline phosphatase, compared to the HPMC group. In conclusion, topical application of HPMC/GSNO solution is a potential treatment to reduce inflammation and bone loss in periodontal disease.

5-Fluorouracil induces inflammation and oxidative stress in the major salivary glands affecting salivary flow and saliva composition

ABSTRACT This study aimed to elucidate the effect of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) on the histological aspects of the major salivary glands, salivary flow and saliva composition using an established oral mucositis model in hamsters. Oral mucositis was induced by two intraperitoneal administrations of 5‐FU in two consecutive days (60 and 40 mg/kg), followed by cheek pouch mucosa scratch, on day 4. The Pilocarpine‐stimulated salivary flow was measured 4 and 10 days after the first 5‐FU injection. Salivary glands were harvested for histopathological analysis, measurement of inflammatory cells, quantification of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐&agr; and IL‐1&bgr;), investigation of cell death and cell proliferation. Oxidative stress and oxidative defense system were also investigated in the salivary gland tissues using MDA (malondialdehyde), nitrite, non‐protein sulfhydryl groups (NP‐SH), SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase). In addition, the CAT and lysozyme activities and the IgA and SOD levels were evaluated in the saliva samples. 5‐FU significantly reduced the pilocarpine‐stimulated salivary flow rate on the 4th experimental day, associated with an increase in the SOD levels in saliva. Recovery of the salivary flow and SOD were observed on day 10, when an increase in the saliva lysozyme levels was detected. In addition, 5‐FU promoted vacuolization in parotid (P) and periductal edema in submandibular (SM) gland, combined with an increase in the inflammatory cells influx, mostly observed on the 4th day in SM gland and on 4th and 10th days in P. Oxidative stress was found mostly on day 10 in SM, SL and P glands, associated with release of proinflammatory cytokines, observed in SM and SL glands, but not in P. 5‐FU induces an inflammatory response in the major salivary glands, most observed ten days after its first injection, which may contribute to the major salivary glands hypofunction, leading to alterations in the salivary flow rate and composition.

Major depression model induced by repeated and intermittent lipopolysaccharide administration: Long-lasting behavioral, neuroimmune and neuroprogressive alterations

Major depressed patients show increased bacterial translocation with elevated plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which may trigger immune-inflammatory and neuro-oxidative responses. Recently, an animal model based on chronic LPS administration was developed which was associated with long-lasting depressive-like and neuro-oxidative alterations in female mice. The aim of the current study was to investigate behavioral, neuroimmune and neuroprogressive alterations in female mice 6 weeks after LPS chronic exposure. Female mice received increasing doses of LPS during 5 days at one-month intervals repeated for 4 consecutive months. Six weeks after the last LPS-exposure, we assessed behavioral despair and anhedonia, microglial activation, alterations in tryptophan, 5-HT, kynurenine, quinolinic acid (QUIN) levels and spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SAT1) expression in the hippocampus, both with and without fluoxetine administration. Our results show that six weeks post-LPS, mice present behavioral despair and anhedonia in association with increased IBA1 expression (a microglia activation marker), NF-kB p65 and IL-1β levels, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) mRNA expression, kynurenine, QUIN levels and QUIN/tryptophan ratio, and lowered tryptophan, 5-HT levels and SAT1 mRNA expression. Fluoxetine reversed the behavioral and neuroimmune alterations but had no effect in the reversal of IDO1 increased expression, QUIN levels and QUIN/tryptophan ratio. In conclusion, our results support the validity of the chronic LPS model of major depression and additionally shows its translational relevance with respect to neuroimmune and neuroprogressive pathways.

Spherical neutral gold nanoparticles improve anti-inflammatory response, oxidative stress and fibrosis in alcohol-methamphetamine-induced liver injury in rats

ABSTRACT This study aimed to elucidate the anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant and antifibrotic effects of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in rats subjected to liver injury with ethanol and Methamphetamine (METH). The liver injury was induced by gavage administrations of 30% alcoholic solution (7g/kg) once a day during 28days, followed by METH (10mg/kg) on the 20th and 28thdays of treatment. GNPs treatment (724.96&mgr;g/kg) during the ethanol and METH exposure was associated with reduced steatosis, hepatic cord degeneration, fibrosis and necrosis. Furthermore, there was a reduction in biochemical markers of liver damage and oxidative stress, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1&bgr; and TNF‐&agr;, compared to ethanol+METH group alone. A decrease of FGF, SOD‐1 and GPx‐1 expression was also observed. GNPs down‐regulated the activity of Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells affecting the profile of their pro‐inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and fibrosis through modulation of signaling pathways AKT/PI3K and MAPK in ethanol+METH‐induced liver injury in a rat model.

THE TEACHING OF HUMAN ANATOMY IN BRAZIL: THE REALITY OF NORTHEAST BRAZIL

Address for Correspondence: Prof. Dr. Gilberto Santos Cerqueira, Department of Morphology – Federal University of Ceara, Street Delmiro de Farias s/n – Campus Porangabussu – Ceara – Brazil. CEP: 64.204-035. Phone: +55 (85) 3366-8497. E-Mail: giufarmacia@hotmail.com Background: This study aimed to investigate student perceptions regarding the teaching and learning process in the subject of Human Anatomy, an integral part of the Nursing course at the university studied. Materials and Methods: This is a quantitative study of a descriptive, exploratory nature conducted at a College in the Northeast region of Ceara state. It was performed with ninety-two students from of the courses nursing, who were all enrolled for the discipline concerned and attended the Human Anatomy Laboratory. Semi-structured interviews yielded the qualitative data. Results: It was found that 70.65% of the interviewees were female. It was observed that 28.26% of the interviewees reported that the workload was insufficient, while 65.21% reported that the corpse study would be indispensable for anatomical practice. The main teaching practice used was passive methodologies 39.41%. During the practical classes the main form was to use a mannequin 93.4%. It was verified that 83.69% reported the importance of the elaboration of an image bank for Anatomy study. Conclusions: The teaching of Human Anatomy needs to be rethought in order to meet the expectations of this new and current moment. In the attempt to introduce practical classes with cadaver and anatomical pieces which would facilitate the process of teaching-learning in the discipline of Anatomy.

The Irritating Effects Of Exposure To Formaldehyde In User Students Of The Human Anatomy Laboratory

Formaldehyde (FA) is commonly used in cadaver fixation for years. FA vapors are released during the dissection process and macroscopic study of preserved anatomical pieces, raising their concentration in the Anatomy laboratory, causing greater exposure for students and teachers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate toxic reactions in 37 students, through a questionnaire, produced by exposure to FA used for preservation of cadaveric material used in Anatomy, Morphofunctional Department, Faculdades Integradas de Patos (FIP), Brazil. Of the 37 interviewees, 26 (70.3%) were affected by the unpleasant and irritating smell of FA, 10 (27%) had no problems, and 1 (2.7%) did not tolerate an irritation produced by FA, ​​not participating in the laboratory practical classes. Exposure to FA was followed by several symptoms: excessive lacrimation (54%), itchy eyes (48.5%), redness of the eyes (40.6%), coryza or congested nose (35.2%) and respiratory distress (29.7%), with persistent symptoms during the permanence in the laboratory for 32.5% of the students. All students wear a lab coat for individual protection. However, only 8% used mascara and did not wear glasses, increasing the risk of contamination. Medical schools should encourage the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the manipulation of FA, ensuring the protection of students and teachers in the Anatomy laboratory. Besides finding alternatives for the replacement of FA in the conservation of corpses.