Effects of Crotalus durissus collilineatus venom in the isolated rat kidney.

Ophidian accidents caused by the subspecies Crotalus durissus are responsible for high morbity and mortality rates. Acute renal failure is a common complication observed in these accidents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the renal effects promoted by the venom of C. d. collilineatus and its fractions, crotoxin and phospholipase A2. C. d. collilineatus (Cdc; 30 microg mL(-1)), crotoxin (CTX; 10 microg mL(-1)) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2; 10 microg mL(-1)) were tested in isolated rat kidney. The first 30 min of each experiment were used as an internal control and Cdc or its fractions, CTX and PLA2 were added to the system after this period. All experiments lasted 120 min. The venom of Cdc decreased perfusion pressure (PP; control120 = 110.3 +/- 3.69 mmHg; Cdc120 = 96.7+/-8.1 mmHg), renal vascular resistance (RVR; control120 = 6.42+/-0.78 mmHg mL g(-1) min(-1); Cdc120 = 4.8+/-0.56 mmHg/mL g(-1) min(-1)), urinary flow (UF; control120 = 0.19+/-0.03 mL g(-1) min(-1); Cdc120 = 0.12 +/- 0.01 mL g(-1) min(-1)), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR; control120 = 0.79 +/- 0.07 mL g(-1) min(-1); Cdc120 = 0.53 +/- 0.09 mL g(-1) min(-1)), but had no effect on the percent of sodium tubular transport (%TNa+), percent of chloride tubular transport (%TK+) and percent of potassium tubular transport (%TCl-). CTX and PLA2 reduced the GFR, while UF, PP and RVR remained stable during the full 120 min of perfusion. Crotoxin administration also diminished the %TK+ (control120 = 69.94 +/- 6.49; CTX120 = 33.28 +/- 4.78) and %TCl- (control120 = 79.53 +/- 2.67; CTX120 = 64.62 +/- 6.93). PLA2 reduced the %TK+, but exerted no effect on the %TNa+ or on that of TCl-. In conclusion, the C. d. collilineatus venom altered the renal functional parameters evaluated. We suggest that crotoxin and phospholipase A2 were involved in this process, since the renal effects observed would be due to the synergistic action of the components of the venom.     

Sex-Dependent Effects of the Intake of NOVA Classified Ultra-Processed Foods on Syndrome Metabolic Components in Brazilian Adults

Longitudinal studies evaluating the relationship between UPF consumption and the incidence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and its components are still scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of UPF consumption on the incidence of MetS and its components in adults. A prospective study was conducted with 896 participants from the 1978/79 Ribeirão Preto cohort, São Paulo, Brazil. UPF consumption was evaluated in %kcal and %g at ages 23–25 years. Incidence of MetS and its components were estimated at ages 37–39 years, according to the Joint Interim Statement criteria. Poisson regression was used to assess associations, and interactions with sex were investigated. UPF consumption had no association with MetS (%kcal Adjusted PR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99–1.01; %g Adjusted PR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99–1.01). However, women with higher UPF consumption, in %kcal and %g, had a higher risk of abdominal obesity (%kcal: p = 0.030; %g: p = 0.003); and women with higher UPF consumption, in %g, had a higher risk of low HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.041). For the other components of MetS, no significant associations were observed in either sex. These findings suggest evidence of no association between UPF consumption and MetS; however, consumption of UPF was associated with increased WC and low HDL-c, but only in women.     

Chemotherapy with cisplatin and vinorelbine for elderly patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Background  

Although modest improvements in the survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can be achieved with cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CT), its value is disputed in the geriatric setting. In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of vinorelbine/cisplatin CT for elderly NSCLC patients.     

Hancornia speciosa: indications of gastroprotective, healing and anti-Helicobacter pylori actions

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomez) is a medicinal plant frequently cited in ethnopharmacological inventories of the central region of Brazil against gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhoea, ulcer, gastritis and stomachache.

Aim of the study

The hydroalcoholic extract (HE) and infusion (BI) of Hancornia speciosa bark were investigated for their ability to prevent and heal rodent gastric ulcer.

Materials and methods

The preventive and healing action of both preparations of Hancornia speciosa were evaluated in experimental models in rodents that simulated this disease in human gastric mucosa.

Results

BI did not exert gastroprotective effect, in contrast to HE (500 mg/kg, p.o.) that decreased (p < 0.05) the severity of gastric damage induced by HCl/ethanol (52%), indomethacin/bethanechol (51%), stress (52%) or pylorus ligature experiments (54%). HE increased (p < 0.05) the pH and decreased acid output of gastric juice. This extract promoted increase of mucus amount (3.62 mg/wt. tissue vs. 5.81 mg/wt. tissue), healing action (67%) and displayed anti-Helicobacter pylori effect.

Conclusions

The antiulcer action of Hancornia speciosa resulted in increase of gastric mucus formation and antioxidant properties of polymeric proanthocyanidins present in the bark composition of this medicinal plant.     

The opposing effects of the flavonoids isoquercitrin and sissotrin, isolated from Pterospartum tridentatum, on oral glucose tolerance in rats

The effect of an aqueous extract of Pterospartum tridentatum on the blood glucose levels of normal Wistar rats was investigated in a situation of oral glucose challenge. The extract at 300 mg/kg showed an antihyperglycaemic effect in the first 30 min after glucose challenge but then the blood glucose levels rose above those of the control group, indicating the presence of compounds with different effects on glucose tolerance. Nine compounds of isoflavone and flavonol skeletons were identified in the extract by HPLC-ESI-MS(n), four of them being identified for the first time in this species. The isoflavone sissotrin and the flavonol derivative, isoquercitrin, were selected for the oral glucose tolerance test. Isoquercitrin (100 mg/kg) showed time-dependent antihyperglycaemic activity by delaying the post-oral glucose load glycaemic peak at 30 min, as did the sodium-dependent glucose transporter inhibitor phloridzin (100 mg/kg). In contrast, sissotrin (100 mg/kg) showed an opposite effect, impairing glucose tolerance. In conclusion, these preliminary results indicate that the effect of the extract on blood glucose may be either antihyperglycaemic or hyperglycaemic. Additionally, as far as is known, these are the first in vivo results on the acute antihyperglycaemic potential of isoquercitrin.     

Magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative staging of endometrial carcinoma

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as an important imaging modality in the evaluation of the extension of endometrial carcinoma which is essential in planning treatment and predicting prognosis. This study aimed to assess the value of MRI in the preoperative staging of endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: We included in this study 162 patients with a histological diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma who underwent MRI pelvic imaging and surgical staging. MRI images were compared with pathological findings to measure MRI's sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and diagnostic accuracy in what concerns myometrial, cervical and lymph node invasion. RESULTS: MRI differentiation of deep myometrial invasion from superficial disease agreed with pathological findings in 77% of cases, with a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 72% and a diagnostic accuracy of 77%. Concerning cervical invasion, MRI had a sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of 42%, 92%, 81% respectively. In assessing lymph node invasion, MRI presented a sensitivity of just 17%, a specificity of 99% and a diagnostic accuracy of 89%. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed the high accuracy of MRI imaging in assessing myometrial and cervical invasion in endometrial carcinoma. When evaluating lymph node invasion, micrometastases are responsible for the low sensitivy of MRI.     

Extended administration of the association of zidovudine plus ritonavir during rat pregnancy: maternal and fetal effects

The purpose of the study was to evaluate at term, the effects of the association of zidovudine/ritonavir administered during the entire period of rat pregnancy. Forty pregnant EPM-1 Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups: one control (drug vehicle control, n=10) and three experimental treated with an oral solution of zidovudine/ritonavir (Exp 1 = 10/20 mg/kg bw, n = 10; Exp 2 = 30/60 mg/kg bw, n=10; Exp 3 = 90/180 mg/kg bw, n=10) from day 0 up to day 20 of pregnancy. Maternal body weights were recorded at the start of the experiment and at the 7th, 14th and the 20th day thereafter. At term (20th day) the rats were anesthetized and, upon laparotomy and hysterotomy, the number of implantations, resorptions, living fetuses, placentae and intrauterine deaths were recorded. The collected fetuses and placentae were weighed, and the concepts were examined under a stereoscopic microscope for external malformations. The maternal body gain and the mean fetal weight at term were both significantly lower (p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively) in the experimental groups compared to the control. The recorded resorptions were higher in Exp 2 and Exp 3 groups than in the control group. The other parameters were not affected. The exposure of pregnant rats at term to a 1:2 association of zidovudine plus ritonavir resulted in a significant reduction in maternal body weight gain and increased rate of fetal resorption.     

Die endokrine Kontrolle der Motilität der männlichen akzessorischen Genitalorgane. Vergleichende Pharmakologie in vitro der Samenleiter und Samenblasen von normalen,kastrierten und mit Sexualhormonen behandelten Rhesusaffen

Zusammenfassung Die Kontraktilität und Reaktivität auf Drogen invitro von Samenleiter und Samenblase normaler, kastrierter und kastrierter, vorhergehend mit Testosteron-Propionat oder Oestradiol-Benzoat behandelter Rhesus-Affen, wurde untersucht.Spontane, automatische Kontraktionen wurden nur bei Organen, die von Kastraten oder mit Oestradiol-Benzoat behandelten Kastraten herrührten, beobachtet.Auch die Reaktivität auf die verschiedenen untersuchten Drogen zeigt sehr deutliche Variationen.Adrenalin, Acetylcholin und Nicotin wirken auf alle untersuchten Organe erregend. Jedoch Bariumchlorid, Ephedrin, Histamin, Hydrastinin und Yohimbin rufen, in den untersuchten Dosen, nur bei Organen von kastrierten oder mit Oestradiol-Benzoat behandelten Tieren Kontraktionen hervor.Wir schließen daraus, daß, wie wir schon an der Ratte und der Katze zeigten, die Sexualhormone eine bedeutende Rolle bei der Regulierung der Motilität der akzessorischen Genitalien des Rhesus-Affen spielen; Testosteron hemmt und Oestradiol stimuliert.Die Kontraktilität und die erwähnten Unterschiede im Verhalten zeigen sich noch nach Aufbewahren der Organe während mehrerer Tage bei 3 bis 6°C, wenn man den Versuch bei 36–38°C wiederholt. Eine Reaktion auf Adrenalin konnte bei Samenleitern, die bis zu 40 Tagen, und bei Samenblasen, die bis zu 8 Tagen unter jenen Bedingungen aufbewahrt wurden, festgestellt werden.Einige vorläufige Versuche mit Nebenhoden und Prostata von Rhesus-Affen scheinen zu zeigen, daß diese Organe auch einer hormonalen Kontrolle, ebenso wie die Samenleiter und Samenblasen, unterliegen.Die Übertragung dieser Daten für die Erklärung einiger Fragen der normalen und pathologischen Sexualphysiologie und Pharmakologie wird angezeigt.     

Community Study of Maternal Mortality in South West Nigeria: How Applicable is the Sisterhood Method

A significant reduction in maternal mortality was witnessed globally in the year 2010, yet, no significant reduction in the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Nigeria was recorded. The absence of accurate data on the numbers, causes and local factors influencing adverse maternal outcomes has been identified as a major obstacle hindering appropriate distribution of resources targeted towards improving maternal healthcare. This paper reports the first community based study that measures the incidence of maternal mortality in Ibadan, Nigeria using the indirect sisterhood method and explores the applicability of this method in a community where maternal mortality is not a rare event. A community-based study was conducted in Ibadan using the principles of the sisterhood method developed by Graham et al. for developing countries. Using a multi-stage sampling design with stratification and clustering, 3,028 households were selected. All persons approached agreed to take part in the study (a participation rate of 100%), with 2,877 respondents eligible for analysis. There was a high incidence of maternal mortality in the study setting: 1,324/6,519 (20.3%) sisters of the respondents had died, with 1,139 deaths reportedly related to pregnancy, childbirth or the puerperium. The MMR was 7,778 per 100,000 live births (95% CI 7,326–8,229). Adjusted for a published Total Fertility Rate of 6.0, the MMR was 6,525 per 100,000 live births (95% CI 6,144–6,909). Women in Ibadan were dying more from pregnancy related complications than from other causes. Findings of this study have implications for midwifery education, training and practice and for the first time provide policy makers and planners with information on maternal mortality in the community of Ibadan city and shed light on the causes of maternal mortality in the area.