Fernanda Amorim de Morais Nascimento

Exercise training attenuates cardiovascular adverse remodeling in adult ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objective:To study the combined effects of ovariectomy and regular exercise training on hypertension and on cardiac and aortic remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Design:Three-month-old female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were ovariectomized (ovx) or were left intact (int) and divided in four groups (n = 7): sedentary (sed-ovx), exercise-trained (ex-ovx), sedentary intact (sed-int), and exercise-trained intact (ex-int). The exercise protocol was performed on a motor treadmill for 13 weeks. Blood pressure (BP), left ventricular myocardium and aortic wall were studied by light microscopy and stereology. Results:Exercise-trained SHR showed a BP reduction of more than 15% compared with the matched sedentary SHR (sed-int: 210 ± 5 mm Hg, sed-ovx: 225 ± 4 mm Hg, ex-int: 178 ± 2 mm Hg, ex-ovx: 180 ± 3 mm Hg, P < 0.001). Ovariectomy caused adverse cardiac and aortic wall remodeling, including cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, myocardial interstitial reparative fibrosis and vascularization impairment with loss of cardiomyocytes, and aortic tunica media hypertrophy. Exercise training showed beneficial effects, mainly reduced BP, decreased cardiac hypertrophy due to hypertension, and increased myocardial vascularization. Ovariectomy accelerated cardiomyocyte loss in SHR while exercise training offset this process. Exercise training was the main factor influencing the improvement of intramyocardial arteries length density and significantly reduced the aortic wall thickness and increased the density of smooth muscle cell nuclei per tunica media unit area. Conclusions:In ovariectomized SHR, exercise training exerts beneficial effects diminishing adverse cardiac and aortic wall remodeling, mainly by reducing interstitial myocardial fibrosis, improving myocardial vascularization, and sustaining the number of cardiomyocytes.

Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency Delays Glomerular Maturity in F1 and F2 Offspring

Background There is a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in women of reproductive age. Methods This work studied the first two generations of offspring (F1 and F2) of Swiss mice from mothers fed one of two diets: SC (standard chow) or VitD- (vitamin D-deficient). Functional and developmental kidney measurements were taken. Results The first two generations of the VitD- group had higher blood pressure at 6 months of age than the offspring of the SC group as well as an increase in renin and AT1r expression. However, at all ages, both F1 and F2 VitD- mice had shorter glomerular diameters, and diet played a significant role in the total variation. Both the F1 and F2 generations of the VitD- group had more immature glomeruli than offspring from the SC group. Immature glomeruli begin to disappear at 10 days, but at this age, F1-VitD- mice had more immature and mature glomeruli than F1-SC mice. At 6 months of age, F1-VitD- mice exhibited more glomeruli, while F2-VitD- mice exhibited the same number of glomeruli as F2-SC mice, but fewer glomeruli compared to the F1-VitD group. Both diet and generation account for the total variation in the number of glomeruli. Decreases in urine output and podocin expression and increases in urea and creatinine in the urine were observed in F1 offspring. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that maternal vitamin D deficiency accompanies changes in the renal expression of important factors that may retard the maturation of glomeruli by extending the period of nephrogenesis.

Short Exposure to a High-Sucrose Diet and the First 'Hit' of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice.

High-sucrose and high-fat diets induce deregulation in the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates. This study aimed to detect the initial consequences on lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis and insulin signaling in the livers of rodents fed high-fat and/or high-sucrose diets for a short period of time. Male mice received a standard chow (SC), high-fat (HF), high-sucrose (HSu) or high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHSu) diet for 4 weeks. At euthanasia, blood was collected and the liver was removed for histomorphometrical and molecular analysis. The HF, HSu and HFHSu groups presented glucose intolerance, hepatomegaly, liver steatosis and lipid profile alteration when compared to the SC group (p < 0.0005). Additionally, there was an elevation in protein levels involved in lipogenesis (SREBP-1c), gluconeogenesis (PEPCK and G6Pase) and insulin signaling (IRS-1 and Akt) in the livers from the experimental groups compared to the SC group (p < 0.0005). Thus, we conclude that a short-term HF and/or HSu diet promotes glucose intolerance and liver damage in adult male mice. Surprisingly, the short exposure to excess sucrose in the diet promoted glucose intolerance and liver damage even in the absence of an increase in body mass or changes in serum insulin, cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels.

PD49-12 VITAMIN-D RESTRICTION DURING GESTATION IN WISTAR RATS CAUSES ALTERATION IN VESSELS AND NERVES OF THE PENIS IN THE OFFSPRING

and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and TUNEL assay expression were measured 72h. Gene expression of nNOS, TH, beta-tubulin, Schwann cells (glial fibrillary acidic protein; GFAP), markers of nerve injury (activating transcription factor 3; ATF3) and regeneration (growth associated protein 43, GAP43) was also measured in irradiated MPGs (n1⁄46/grp). RESULTS: In dissociated MPG neuronal cultures, there was an early increase in neuron length, while branching and nNOS positive neurons decreased (p<0.05). Early radiation caused a 2-fold increase in apoptotic neurons (p<0.05). However, the gene expression of neuronal markers beta-tubulin, nNOS, TH and markers of injury and repair (ATF3, GAP43) were all unchanged. There was a marked increase in the gene expression of Schwann cell marker GFAP 2 weeks post-RT (p<0.001). At 10 weeks post-RT, there was a 20% decrease in neuron length, decreased neuron branching, and 20-30% less nNOS and TH positive neurons (p<0.05). Additionally, there was a 2.5 fold increase in the number of TUNEL positive apoptotic neurons (p<0.05). Gene expression of nNOS, TH, GAP43 and ATF3 were all decreased (p<0.05) while GFAP remained considerably elevated (p<0.005). Interestingly, erectile function was not impaired at either time point following radiation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to characterize the health and regeneration potential of MPG neurons following RT. While this model lead to minimal changes in erectile function, neuronal injury was apparent early post-RT and persisted by increasing over time. The nerves are very susceptible to apoptosis and damage from prostatic RT and additional research is necessary to develop radioprotective strategies for exposed benign periprostatic tissues.

Evaluation of the Glomerular Filtration Barrier by Electron Microscopy

The plasma filtration and formation of the urine is a very complex process necessary for the elimination of metabolites, toxins, and excessive water and electrolytes from the body. The initial process of urine formations is done by the glomerular filtration barrier inside the glomeruli. This specialized barrier consists of three layers, fenestrated endothe‐ lium, basement membrane, and podocytes, which ensure that water and small molecules pass through while cells and large molecules are retained. The glomerular filtration barri‐ er is found with abnormal morphology in several diseases and is associated with renal malfunction; thus, it is interesting to study these structures in different experimental and clinical conditions. The normal glomerular barrier and its alterations in some conditions (hypertension, diabetes, and fetal programming) are discussed in this chapter. Further‐ more, some methods for studying the glomerular filtration barrier by electron microsco‐ py, both by qualitative and quantitative methods, are present.

SOCIAL INCLUSION AND SOLIDARITY IN STRICT POST-GRADUATION: EXPERIENCING THE LABORATORY "SCIENTIFIC WAKE FOR THE FUTURE" (PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION)

OBJECTIVE To stimulate and awakening the interest of students of high school or elementary public schools in research and science through scientific initiation stages in the Postgraduate Program in Translational Surgery. To stimulate and awakening the interest of students of high school or elementary public schools in research and science through scientific initiation stages in the Postgraduate Program in Translational Surgery. METHOD The target audience for the development of scientific activities were students enrolled in mid-level course (second year initially) and have approval of their participation in this project by the school and by legal guardians. The inclusion criteria were: physical proximity to the higher education institution, signing the consent form by the legal responsible for the students, and for the board of the school unit and the researcher. Initially, students performed diagnostic evaluation about the prior knowledge of biology, science and scientific research. From there, the classes were prepared based on the result of this test, then started the activities of Junior Scientific Initiation in basic education. RESULTS The school chosen for this initial phase of the pilot project was the State School Rui Bloem which has 13 classrooms for the second year of medium education in a total of 390 students. Of these, 160 (41%) were interested but only 16 (10%) were eligible to start the pilot project in Translational Surgery Laboratory of Unifesp. These students showed average yield of 50% in diagnostic test and should start the next training in cell and molecular biology laboratory and also to attend scientific meetings. CONCLUSION In the initial phase of the project, was observed the great student interest in scientific career, but at the same time, a great need for improvement. The choice of public school was for access to university and proximity. In addition, these students have more shortcomings and deficiencies. But this does not mean that the fascination for scientific career cannot turn them into great researchers thus contributing to the economic, social and intellectual growth of our country through scientific research. OBJETIVO Estimular e despertar o interesse dos alunos do ensino médio ou fundamental de escolas públicas na pesquisa e na ciência por meio de estágios de Iniciação Científica Junior no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Cirurgia Translacional da Unifesp. MÉTODO O público alvo para o desenvolvimento das atividades científicas foram alunos regularmente matriculados em curso de nível médio (segundos anos inicialmente) e que tivessem aprovação de sua participação pela direção da escola e responsáveis legais. Quanto aos critérios de inclusão: proximidade física com a instituição de ensino superior, assinatura do termo de consentimento pelos responsáveis dos alunos, pela diretoria da unidade escolar e pelo pesquisador. Inicialmente, os alunos realizaram avaliação diagnóstica acerca dos conhecimentos prévios de biologia, ciências e pesquisa científica. A partir daí as aulas eram elaboradas com base no resultado deste teste, para então iniciar as atividades de Iniciação Científica Junior. RESULTADOS A escola escolhida para esta fase inicial do projeto piloto foi a Escola Estadual Rui Bloem que possui 13 salas de aula para o segundo ano do ensino médio com total de 390 alunos. Destes, 160 (41%) apresentaram-se interessados; porém, somente 16 (10%) foram elegíveis para iniciar o projeto piloto no Laboratório de Cirurgia Translacional da Unifesp. Estes alunos apresentaram rendimento médio de 50% na prova diagnóstica e deverão iniciar os próximos treinamentos no Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Molecular e também a frequentar as reuniões científicas. CONCLUSÃO Nesta fase inicial houve interesse dos alunos do ensino médio e o projeto piloto apresentado estimulou e despertou interesse dos alunos de escola pública na pesquisa e na ciência. A escolha de uma escola pública foi para o acesso à universidade e proximidade. Além disso, esses alunos têm mais carências e deficiências. Mas isso não significa que o fascínio pela carreira científica não pode transformá-los em grandes pesquisadores, contribuindo assim para o crescimento econômico, social e intelectual do nosso país através da pesquisa científica.

SCIENTIFIC LEADERS FOR THE FUTURE: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OBJECTIVE To present a high school insertion pilot project in post graduate programs (PPG) and discuss the mechanisms for the formation of leaders in science. METHODS This study presents a review and pilot project. Bibliographic search occurred in sites of CAPES, MEC, SciELO and library of virtual books from January/ 2014 to February/2015. The pilot is in PPG-Medicine III Translational Surgery/UNIFESP and Pathophysiology and Surgical Sciences / UERJ. The junior undergraduate students (ICj) came from public school and develop scientific activities: scientific meetings, graduation and inclusion in research projects. The evaluation will occur at the end of one year, with the results essays, reports and participation in scientific events. RESULTS In Brazil, one of the main challenges of education is the high average years of study. The PNPG (2011-2020) shows the insertion of basic education in all PPG. In the Pathophysiology and Surgical Sciences/UERJ there are currently 11 high school students who have followed the scientific meetings and are being prepared for the inclusion in research projects. There was 30% of absence, owing to the high school hours. This result and the experience allow creating future alternatives to enhance the integration project. CONCLUSION The leadership in science is formed from a complex relationship between basic education and investment in research. PPG-Medicine III courses follow the vanguard with initiatives focused on scientific and technological development. Thus, projects involving basic education students represent promoter model and environment leaders. OBJETIVO Apresentar um projeto piloto de inserção do ensino médio em programas de pós-graduação (PPG) e discutir os mecanismos para a formação de líderes em ciência. MÉTODOS Realizou-se um estudo de revisão e apresentação de piloto. A busca bibliográfica ocorreu nos sites da CAPES, MEC, Scielo e biblioteca de livros virtuais, de janeiro/2014 a fevereiro/2015. O piloto ocorre nos PPG-Medicina III em Cirurgia Translacional/UNIFESP e Fisiopatologia e Ciências Cirúrgicas/UERJ. Os alunos de iniciação científica júnior (ICj) são oriundos de escola pública e desenvolvem atividades científicas: participação em reuniões científicas, graduação e inserção nos projetos de pesquisa. A avaliação ocorrerá ao final de um ano, com redações dos resultados, relatórios e participações em eventos científicos. RESULTADOS No Brasil, um dos principais desafios da educação é a alta média de anos de estudo. O PNPG (2011-2020) apresenta a inserção da educação básica em todos os PPG. Na Fisiopatologia e Ciências Cirúrgicas/UERJ há atualmente 11 alunos do ensino médio, que já acompanharam as reuniões científicas e preparam-se para a inserção em projetos de pesquisa. Houve 30% de desistência, devido à alta carga horária escolar. Esse resultado e a experiência vivenciada permite criar alternativas futuras para aprimorar o projeto de inserção. CONCLUSÃO A liderança em ciências é formada a partir de uma complexa relação entre educação básica e investimentos na pesquisa. Cursos de PPG-Medicina III seguem na vanguarda com iniciativas focadas no desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico. Assim, projetos envolvendo alunos da educação básica representam modelo e ambiente promotor de líderes.