Fernanda Soldatelli Valente

Adipose-derived stem cells improve full-thickness skin grafts in a rat model

To investigate the effects of heterologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on autologous full-thickness skin grafts, we designed a first-intention healing model using Wistar rats. We harvested and sutured two full-thickness skin grafts in the dorsal recipient beds of 15 rats, randomized into three groups. In the treatment group, 1 × 106 ADSCs resuspended in saline solution (200 μL) were administered subcutaneously to the skin graft. The control group received only saline solution subcutaneously, whereas the negative control group did not receive any treatment. Compressive dressings were maintained until postoperative day 5. The grafts were assessed by two observers, who checked for the presence of epidermolysis on day 14. Planimetry showed the relative areas of normal skin, redness, ulceration, and contraction. Graft samples were obtained on day 14 and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Massons trichrome. Epidermal analysis evaluated thickening, keratosis, acanthosis, hydropic degeneration, and inflammatory infiltrate. Dermal evaluation investigated the absence of hair follicles, granulation tissue formation, presence of inflammatory infiltrate, and collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry was performed for dermal anti-VEGF and epidermal anti-Ki-67 staining. The ADSC group presented better macroscopic aspects, lower incidence of epidermolysis, and less loss of hair follicles. In addition, the ADSC group presented the lowest frequency of histopathological changes in the dermis and epidermis, as well as the largest subcutaneous and granulation tissue VEGF averages and the weakest Ki-67 staining of the epidermal basal layer. Subcutaneous administration of ADSCs may improve the integration of skin grafts, reducing the deleterious effects of ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Hipospadia perineal em um cão: relato de caso

Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly of the external genitalia, where the penile urethra finishes its normal opening ventrally and caudally. It can be classified based on the location of the urethral opening as glandular, penile, scrotal, perineal and anal. The aim of this work was report an uncommon case of perineal hypospadias, working on the clinical and therapeutic aspects in a six-month-old male dog of undefined race. A dog with a history of suspected hermaphroditism and presenting a hole below the anus by which it urinated, was rescued at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). During the physical exam, it was observed that the urethral meatus was situated ventrally to the anus. Foreskin, penis and scrotum alterations were also seen on the dog. Screening exams such as complete blood count, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasound and cystourethrography were done. The dog went straight to surgery, where it had total penile and total preputial amputation and also orchiectomy. The canine showed excellent postoperative recovery, receiving antibiotic therapy, analgesics, anti-inflammatories and daily cleaning on stitches and the perineal region. Thirty days after surgery the patient went back to the Hospital presenting a complete healing of the surgical wound, without reporting signs of urinary infection and inflammation or rashes on the perineal region. The perineal hypospadias is a rare case of urethral congenital anomaly, still not well documented by veterinary medicine. The surgical procedure done demonstrated to be important, since there was the removal of all of the defective external genitalia where, in the future, inflammation and infection could develop, decreasing the complications of this disease and improving this patients quality of life.