Maurício Alves Chagas

Celiac artery in New Zealand rabbit: anatomical study of its origin and arrangement for experimental research and surgical practice

Rabbits have been used as an experimental model in many diseases and for the study of toxicology, pharmacology and surgery in many universities. However, some aspects of their macro anatomy need a more detailed description, especially the abdominal and pelvic arterial vascular system, which has a huge variability in distribution and trajectory. Thirty cadaveric adult New Zealand rabbits, 13 male and 17 female, with an average weight and rostrum-sacral length of 2.5 kg and 40cm, respectively, were used. The thoracic aorta was cannulated and the vascular system was filled with stained latex S-65. The celiac artery and its proximal branches were dissected and lengthened in order to evidence origin and proximal ramifications. The celiac artery emerged between the 12th and 13th thoracic vertebra in 11 (36.7%) rabbits; at the level of the 13th thoracic vertebra in 6 (20%) rabbits; between the 13th thoracic vertebra and the 1st lumbar vertebra in 12 (40%) rabbits; and at the level of the 1st lumbar vertebra in only one (3.3%) rabbit. The mean length of the celiac artery was 0.5cm. The celiac artery first branch was the lienal artery, the second branch was the left gastric artery and the hepatic artery arose from the left gastric artery in all the dissected rabbits. No relation was observed between the celiac artery length and the rostrum-sacral length in rabbits. The number of left gastric and lienal artery branches and the distribution of celiac artery origin are not gender dependent.Rabbits have been used as an experimental model in many diseases and for the study of toxicology, pharmacology and surgery in many universities. However, some aspects of their macro anatomy need a more detailed description, especially the abdominal and pelvic arterial vascular system, which has a huge variability in distribution and trajectory. Thirty cadaveric adult New Zealand rabbits, 13 male and 17 female, with an average weight and rostrum-sacral length of 2.5 kg and 40cm, respectively, were used. The thoracic aorta was cannulated and the vascular system was filled with stained latex S-65. The celiac artery and its proximal branches were dissected and lengthened in order to evidence origin and proximal ramifications. The celiac artery emerged between the 12th and 13th thoracic vertebra in 11 (36.7%) rabbits; at the level of the 13th thoracic vertebra in 6 (20%) rabbits; between the 13th thoracic vertebra and the 1st lumbar vertebra in 12 (40%) rabbits; and at the level of the 1st lumbar vertebra in only one (3.3%) rabbit. The mean length of the celiac artery was 0.5cm. The celiac artery first branch was the lienal artery, the second branch was the left gastric artery and the hepatic artery arose from the left gastric artery in all the dissected rabbits. No relation was observed between the celiac artery length and the rostrum-sacral length in rabbits. The number of left gastric and lienal artery branches and the distribution of celiac artery origin are not gender dependent.

Evaluation of Inflammatory Response of EDTA, EDTA-T, and Citric Acid in Animal Model

INTRODUCTION The biocompatibility of chelating agents and organic acids have been explained by a variety of methods, and suggestions for use have been based more on clinical observations and physicochemical properties than on biological aspects. The present study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory response of 17% EDTA, 17% EDTA-T, and 10% citric acid in bony defect created in rat jaws. METHODS Mandibular through and through critical size defects were created bilaterally in 60 rats. Fibrinol (Baldacchi SA, São Paulo, Brazil), a cube-shaped compound of absorbable bovine fibrin foam and sodium chloride, was used as a carrier of the substances. One side had received Fibrinol (control), whereas the opposite side had received Fibrinol soaked with each substance on the 1st, on the 7th, on the 14th, and on the 28th day (n=5 for each day). Hemijaws were prepared for light microscopy, and samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Digitized images were analyzed with a morphometric software (ImageJ; National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD). to obtain the number of inflammatory cells per area. Comparisons were performed by using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p=0.05). RESULTS For all days, 10% citric acid and 17% EDTA-T showed, respectively, the lowest and highest number of inflammatory cells per area. All tested substances and controls showed the highest inflammatory cell response on the 14th day. CONCLUSION Among the tested substances, 10% citric acid proved to be the less aggressive tested solution at 14 days. At 28 days, all solutions were similar, but EDTA-T kept showing the higher number of inflammatory cells.

Influence of post-cure treatments on hardness and marginal adaptation of composite resin inlay restorations: an in vitro study

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Vickers hardness number (VHN) and the in vitro marginal adaptation of inlay restorations of three hybrid composite resins (Filtek Z250, Opallis and Esthet-X) subjected to two post-cure treatments. Material and Methods: For the microhardness test, three different groups were prepared in accordance with the post-cure treatments: control group (only light cure for 40 s), autoclave group (light cure for 40 s + autoclave for 15 min at 130°C); and microwave group (light cure for 40 s + microwave for 3 min at 450 W). To assess the marginal adaptation, the composite resin was inserted incrementally into a mesial-occlusal-distal cavity brass mold and each increment light-cured for 40 s. A previous reading in micrometers was taken at the cervical wall, using a stereomicroscope magnifying glass equipped with a digital video camera and image-analysis software. Subsequently, the specimens were subjected to the post-cure treatments (autoclave and microwave) and a reading was taken again at the cervical wall. Data were compared using ANOVA for the hardness test, split-plot ANOVA for the adaptation assessment and Tukeys test for multiple comparisons. A significance level of 5% was adopted for all analyses. Results: The post-cure treatments increased the hardness of conventional composites (p<0.001) and the gap values of inlay restorations (p<0.01). Filtek Z250 showed higher hardness (p<0.001) and lower gap values than Opallis and Esthet-X (p<0.05). Gap values did not exceed 90 μm for any of the experimental conditions. Conclusion: The post-cure treatments increased the VHN and the gap values on the cervical floor of composite resin inlays. Moreover, Filtek Z250 showed the best results, with higher hardness and lower gap values.

Prolonged consumption of flaxseed flour increases the 17β-estradiol hormone without causing adverse effects on the histomorphology of Wistar rats' penis.

Consumption of foods rich in phytoestrogens such as flaxseed has increased due to its chemoprotective effects, especially those related to the cardiovascular system. The flaxseed has components that can interfere with development of male reproductive system. This study aims to investigate the possible effects of prolonged consumption of flaxseed flour on hormonal and histomorphologic penis parameters of adult Wistar rats. Rat dams were divided into two groups during lactation period: the control group that was fed with diet based on casein and the flaxseed group that was fed with diet based on casein containing 25% of flaxseed . At weaning, 10 male offspring from each group continued to receive the experimental diets until 250 days old. Rats fed with diet containing flaxseed showed increased concentrations of 17β-estradiol (p=0.01) but no changes in testosterone concentrations. With regard to histomorphometric analysis of the penis, supplemented rats had lower values for the total area of the corpus spongiosum (p=0.01). All other analyzed parameters wer e similar as the control. Results showed that the use of flaxseed flour did not cause adverse effects on the penis morphology but increases the 17β-estradiol hormone, when consumed in integral form for a prolonged period.

Prolonged flaxseed flour intake decreased the thickness of the aorta and modulates some modifiable risk factors related to cardiovascular disease in rats

UNLABELLED Cardiovascular diseases are a major public health problem. Different risk factors have been recognized as the main causes of the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Flaxseed is a source of dietary fiber, lignans, and alpha-linolenic acid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prolonged supplementation with flaxseed flour as preventive therapy on cardiovascular risk parameters in healthy Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups after giving birth and during lactation period: the control group was fed with diet based on casein and the flaxseed group was fed with diet based on casein containing 25% of flaxseed flour. At weaning, 10 male offspring from each group continued to receive the same diets from their mothers during 250 days. The body weight, visceral fat mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL, glucose and thickness of the aorta were analyzed. RESULTS The body weight, visceral fat mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, VLDL, glucose and thickness of the aorta values were statistically lower when compared to control group. CONCLUSION The data suggest that flaxseed flour supplementation in healthy wistar rats for a prolonged period may decrease the thickness of the aorta and may be used as a preventive measure in modulating some modifiable risk factors related to cardiovascular disease.

Maternal exposure to diets containing flaxseed flour or flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation protects the aortic remodeling in adult male offspring of diabetic rat dams

BACKGROUND Diabetes during pregnancy is associated with cardiovascular complications in the fetus and extends into adulthood. Therapeutic applications of flaxseed have been studied in cardiovascular disorders, because its oilseed is the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acid, which is currently considered by researchers to be an essential protective against cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of flaxseed flour and oil on cardiovascular biochemical parameters and the histoarchitecture of the aorta in adult rats which were offspring of diabetic mothers. RESULTS At 100 days of age in offspring it was observed that maternal consumption of a high-fat diet containing flaxseed oil (FOG) and flaxseed flour (FFG) did not affect the serum concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density-, low-density- or very-low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. However, the thickness of the intima media layer of the aorta was significantly smaller in FOG and FFG groups; the lumen area was similar among the groups; and a higher percentage of elastic fiber was found in FOG and FFG groups. CONCLUSION These data suggest that the use of both flaxseed flour and its oil reduces the remodeling of the aorta; however; it has not been possible to modify the cardiovascular biochemical parameters.

Effects of flaxseed flour on the lipid profile of rats submitted to prolonged androgen stimuli

BACKGROUND The chronic use of steroid hormones can lead to alterations in the lipid profile such as an increase in LDL and decrease in HDL levels . The effect of flaxseed on lipid profiles has been widely investigated. AIM Evaluate the lipid profile of adult male Wistar rats fed with flax based meals and submitted to androgenic hyperstimulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals: the Control group (CG); Flax group (FG) fed a flaxseed flour-based meal; Induced group (IG); and the Induced group (IGF) that was fed a flaxseed flour-based meal. The induction was done by using silicone pellets filled with testosterone propionate (1mg), sealed with a surgical adhesive and substituted every 4 weeks. RESULTS Triglycerides (FG: 71.16 ± 21.95; IG: 99.16 ± 26.00 and IGF: 86.33 ± 27.16 mg/dL) and HDL-cholesterol (FG: 23.05 ± 1.67; IG: 29.06 ± 7.24 and IGF: 26.06 ± 3.56 mg/dL) were significantly lower in the experimental groups. The FG and IGF (41.16 ± 3.97 and 49.66 ± 11.25 mg/dL, respectively) showed significantly lower levels of cholesterol than the other groups(CG: 78,85 ± 11.58 and IG: 70,83 ± 14.85 mg/dL). Regarding LDL levels, the IG showed significantly higher concentrations (21,93 ± 8,84 mg/dL) than the others groups (CG: 7,81 ± 5,37; FG: 3,88 ± 1,32 and IGF: 6,66 ± 7,24 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS The flaxseed has a relevant effect on the lipid profile of animals submitted to androgenic hyperstimulation.

Evaluation of blood pressure and aortic elasticity of offspring of diabetic Wistar rats who have consumed flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether maternal use of flaxseed oil has effects on blood pressure and aorta elastic fibre in female offspring of diabetic mothers. Methods: Diabetes was induced into the rats (n = 18) by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin. After diabetes confirmation, rats were mated, and after pregnancy was confirmed, they were allocated into three groups: control group (CG); high-fat group (HFG); and flaxseed oil group (FOG). At weaning, female offspring (n = 6/group) received standard chow diet and were euthanized at 100 days of life. The following blood pressure and the percentage of the aortic elastic fibre were analysed. Results: HFG showed higher blood pressure, and the use of flaxseed oil avoided this condition in FOG (p < 0.001) and increased the percentage of the aortic elastic fibre (p < 0.022). Conclusions: Flaxseed oil reduced the damage caused by maternal hyperglycaemia, promoting normal blood pressure and elasticity of the aorta in female offspring.

THE ACTION OF AVOCADO OIL ON THE LIPIDOGRAM OF WISTAR RATS SUBMITTED TO PROLONGED ANDROGENIC STIMULUM.

INTRODUCTION the abuse of steroid hormones administered in chronic form may cause alterations in the lypidic profile, conveying na increase in the levels of LDL, and reduction in the levels of HDL. In average, 53.44% of the lypidic composition of the avocado core is composed of oleic acid (which is a phytosterol) and the study of the hypolipemiating effect of these substances has been performed aiming at the prevention and control of dislypidemias. OBJECTIVE to assess the potential hypolipemiant power of the avocado oil on the lypidogram of adult male Wistar rats submitted to prolonged androgenic hiperestimulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS twenty eight Wistar rats were divided in 4 groups of 7 animals: the control group (CG); Avocado Oil Group (AOG) fed with a staple based on Avocado Oil; Induced Grupo (IG); and the Induced Grupo fed with a staple based on Avocado Oil (AOIG). The inducing was performed through surgery to subcutaneously implant sillicon pellets suffed with 1 ml of testosterone propionate which were replaced at every 4 weeks. RESULTS VLDL (AOIG: 28.14 ± 4.45; IG:36.83 ± 5.56 mg/ml); Triglicerides (AOIG: 140.07 ± 22.66; IG: 187.2 ± 27 mg/ml); HDL (AOIG: 40, 67 ± 1.2; GI: 35.09 ± 0.8; AOG: 32.31 ± 2.61 e CG: 32.36 ± 4.93 mg/ml) Testosterone (AOIG:1.42 ± 0.46; GI: 2.14 ± 0.88; AOG: 2.97 ± 1.34 e CG:1.86 ± 0.79 ng/ml). CONCLUSION avocado Oil exerted a direct regulating effect on the lypidic profile, acting efficiently on animals submmited to androgenic stimulation through a prolonged period.

Effects of castration on penile extracellular matrix morphology in domestic cats

Objectives This study was undertaken to verify the possible modifications caused by hormonal deprivation in the extracellular matrix in the penises of neutered cats. Methods Twenty-seven penises from domestic shorthair cats were collected: 14 samples from intact cats and 13 from neutered cats. Sections were stained with Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin, hematoxylin and eosin, and picrosirius red. Histomorphometric analysis was performed using light microscopy and image analysis software. The following parameters were analyzed: density of the elastic fibers and collagen fibers in the corpus spongiosum; density of the elastic fibers in the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum and the tunica albuginea of the corpus spongiosum; luminal area of the urethra; area of the corpus spongiosum; area of the corpus cavernosum; and thickness of the urethral epithelium. The data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test to verify the normal distribution, and groups were compared using Student’s t-test; P <0.05 indicated statistically significant differences. Results Significant differences were observed between intact cats and neutered cats in the density of elastic fibers in the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum (8.13% ± 1.38% vs 3.11% ± 0.66%), tunica albuginea of the corpus spongiosum (4.37% ± 1.08% vs 3.30% ± 1.01%) and corpus spongiosum (6.28% ± 3.03% vs 4.10% ± 2.19%), and density of collagen fibers in the corpus spongiosum (34.11% ± 10.86% vs 44.21% ± 12.72%). Conclusions and relevance The results show a significant decrease in the density of the elastic fibers and a significant increase of the density of the collagen fibers in the corpus spongiosum in neutered animals. This suggests that the compliance of the periurethral region is reduced, and these changes could be a predisposing factor for urethral obstructive disease.