RESUMEN

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets containing cactus cladodes genotypes on plasma testosterone levels, testicular histopathological and histomorphometric parameters, and oxidative stress markers in lambs. Thirty-six male, intact Santa Inês lambs (22.0 ± 2.9 kg initial body weight), were to feedlot for 86 days. A completely randomized design was used with three dietary treatments (control diet with Tifton-85 hay as the only roughage; and two more diets with Miúda or OEM cactus cladodes partially replacing hay) and twelve replicates. There was no influence of the diets on the testicular weight (P = 0.414) and gonadosomatic index (P = 0.384) of lambs. The testosterone serum concentrations were almost twice as higher in lambs fed Miúda cactus cladodes compared to control treatment. There was greater incidence and severity of lesions in the testicular parenchyma of animals that received control diet: loosening of germ cell epithelium, germ cell desquamation and vacuolization of Sertoli cells. The seminiferous tubule diameter and height of the seminiferous epithelium were higher in lambs fed OEM cactus cladodes (P = 0.003). The tubular volume and Leydig cells volume were higher in animals fed with cactus cladodes (P < 0.05). The levels of malondialdehyde were higher in the lambs of control group compared to OEM group (P = 0.039) and the testicular concentration of nitric oxide was higher in control group (P = 0.009). The diet containing OEM cactus cladodes increased the levels of superoxide dismutase. Our results indicate that diets containing cactus cladodes promote antioxidant protection to the testicular parenchyma and preserve the spermatogenic process of lambs.

Asunto(s)

Cactaceae , Ovinos , Animales , Masculino , Alimentación Animal/análisis , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales de los Animales , Oveja Doméstica , Dieta/veterinaria , Suplementos Dietéticos , Testosterona

RESUMEN

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four varieties of cactus pear resistant to carmine cochineal as exclusive roughage for lambs on the biochemical, histopathological, and histomorphometric parameters of kidneys. Twenty-four castrated male crossbred lambs at eight months of age and an initial body weight of 21.0 ± 0.5 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and six repetitions. The experimental treatments consisted of four diets containing Miúda cactus pear, IPA-Sertânia cactus pear, IPA-F21 cactus pear, or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM) cactus pear as the only roughage. Blood samples were collected every two weeks (14 d, 28 d, 42 d, and 56 d) to quantify serum urea and creatinine levels. After 72 days of the introduction of the tested diets, the animals were slaughtered and fragments of the kidneys were collected for histological analysis. The serum urea level was higher in animals fed a diet based on the Miúda variety (49.38 mg dL-1), and the serum creatinine levels were lower in the last two collections (P = 0.009). The most frequent histopathological findings in the kidneys were calcification, congestion, glomerular atrophy, presence of luminal cellular debris, and nephrosis, regardless of the cactus pear variety. The Miúda cactus pear and OEM cactus pear varieties caused more severe damage to the nephron components, while the varieties IPA F-21 and IPA-Sertânia caused less significant injuries. The use of IPA-Sertânia and IPA F-21 cactus pear varieties is suggested in lamb's diets, due to the lower impact on the renal parenchyma. However, there was no expressive impairment of renal function, and there was no difference between the cactus pear varieties tested in this study on the weight gain of the animals, and they can all be used to feed feedlot sheep.

Asunto(s)

Hemípteros , Opuntia , Alimentación Animal/análisis , Animales , Carmín , Creatinina , Fibras de la Dieta/análisis , Riñón/fisiología , Masculino , Ovinos , Oveja Doméstica , Urea

RESUMEN

Male infertility affects many couples around the world and can be related to environmental factors such as exposure to high temperatures. Even so, automated methods evaluating the seminiferous tubules to detect testicular damage are still scarce. In search of new approaches to automation in the microscopic analysis of the testis; the present study used the fractal dimension, lacunarity, multifractality and quantitative morphometry to quantify changes in microphotographs of the seminiferous lumen in testicles reversibly damaged by heat stress (43 °C, 12 min). The parameters fractal dimension, lacunarity, multifractality (Dq and α), perimeter, feret and circularity were able to detect changes in the seminiferous lumen at 7, 15 and 30 days after the testicular damage. These methods also detected the recovery of spermatogenesis at 60 days after heat stress. Area, f(α), centroid X and Y, roundness, rectangle height and width were unable to detect changes caused by heat stress. In conclusion, computer assisted methods applied to the seminiferous lumen images can be a useful new viewpoint to analyze microscopic changes in the testicles, a fast low-cost tool to assist in the automated quantification of testicular damage.

Asunto(s)

Fractales , Testículo , Respuesta al Choque Térmico , Humanos , Masculino , Túbulos Seminíferos , Espermatogénesis

RESUMEN

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) during pregnancy is characterized by high levels of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory factors in the placenta. Once these reactive species reach the foetus, they trigger physiological adaptations that allow the foetus to survive, but programme the organism to develop metabolic disorders in adulthood. The male reproductive system is highly susceptible to foetal programming. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intrauterine exposure to T2D on testicular histomorphometry and redox homeostasis of adult rats and evaluate the effects of maternal treatment with metformin and pentoxifylline. Female rats were induced to T2D, then treated with metformin and pentoxifylline, or co-treated with both drugs. The females were mated, the male offspring were sacrificed on postnatal day 90, and the testicles were collected for analysis. Metformin protected the tubular compartment, with the maintenance of the Sertoli cell population and daily sperm production. Pentoxifylline attenuated the effects of diabetes on Leydig cells, in addition to stimulating testosterone production and lowering lipid peroxidation. Intrauterine exposure to T2D results in important testicular alterations that compromise gonadal function, and the co-treatment with metformin and pentoxifylline may represent a promising therapy that attenuates these effects by combining the positive influences in both the tubular and interstitial compartments of the testicular parenchyma.

Asunto(s)

Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Metformina , Pentoxifilina , Animales , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/tratamiento farmacológico , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/metabolismo , Femenino , Peroxidación de Lípido , Masculino , Metformina/farmacología , Estrés Oxidativo , Pentoxifilina/metabolismo , Pentoxifilina/farmacología , Embarazo , Ratas , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Semen , Espermatogénesis , Testículo , Testosterona/farmacología

RESUMEN

Caffeine has been reported for its antiinflammatory properties by stimulating phagocytosis. In this study, we investigated the antiinflammatory and antiinfective potential of caffeine in murine macrophage cell cultures and Swiss mice infected with virulent Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium. Peritoneal macrophages (pMØ) were treated with caffeine on 96-well plates for 24 hr and then infected with Salmonella for 4 hr. In another experiment, the pMØ were first infected with the bacterium for 4 hr and then treated with caffeine for 24 hr. In addition, Swiss mice were inoculated, intraperitoneally, with S. typhimurium and then received caffeine intravenously. Control groups received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or dexamethasone. We found that treatments with caffeine increased the macrophage cell viability and reduced the intracellular bacterial load. The administration of caffeine to Swiss mice reduced the infiltration of leukocytes into the peritoneal cavity after the bacterial challenge. Furthermore, the bacterial burdens in the peritoneal fluid, bloodstream, spleen, and liver were decreased by caffeine treatment. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs) were down-regulated after infection in caffeine-treated mice. We can conclude that caffeine has both antiinflammatory and antiinfective properties that can be useful for management of bacterial infections along with antibiotics.

Asunto(s)

Cafeína , Infecciones por Salmonella , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/uso terapéutico , Cafeína/farmacología , Cafeína/uso terapéutico , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Macrófagos Peritoneales , Ratones , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo II/metabolismo , Infecciones por Salmonella/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por Salmonella/microbiología , Infecciones por Salmonella/patología , Salmonella typhimurium

RESUMEN

The objective of this study was to determine the structure of the helminth fauna and identify the macroscopic and histopathological alterations associated with parasitic infections in Phrynops geoffroanus. Freshwater turtles of both sexes were captured during the dry and rainy seasons in four municipalities along the Capibaribe River. The study included 63 animals, of which 79.37% (50/63) were parasitized by one or more helminths. In total, 933 helminths of seven taxa were recovered: Serpinema monospiculatus, Spiroxys figueiredoi, Nematophila grandis, Polystomoides brasiliensis, Cheloniodiplostomum testudinis, Telorchis birabeni, and Prionosomoides scalaris. Monogeneans and digenetic trematodes were more sensitive to environmental pressures, since the prevalences varied significantly between areas. Nematodes proved to be more resistant to environmental pressure and caused severe injuries to their hosts: nodules in the stomach and small intestine, adhesions in the liver capsule, and pulmonary emphysema. Parasitic granulomas were recorded at the infection sites and in the lungs and liver, the latter caused by migration of S. figueiredoi larvae. This is the first record of P. brasiliensis, N. grandis, C. testudinis, and T. birabeni parasitizing P. geoffroanus in the state of Pernambuco. Histopathology proved to be an important tool for studies on the impact of parasites at the individual, population, and ecosystem levels. Considering the use of the Capibaribe River for public water supply, fishing, and other activities, within the One Health perspective, this study demonstrates that the anthropogenic impact affects parasites and their hosts, in addition to the human population that uses this ecosystem.

Asunto(s)

Helmintos , Enfermedades Parasitarias , Tortugas , Animales , Efectos Antropogénicos , Ecosistema , Femenino , Masculino , Ríos , Tortugas/parasitología

RESUMEN

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three varieties of cactus cladodes resistant to carmine cochineal on the animal performance and histology of the large intestine of sheep. Forty lambs (21.0 ± 2.0 kg body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and ten repetitions. The experimental treatments consisted of a control diet and three more diets in which part (750 g/kg) of the elephant grass hay, and all the corn were replaced by Miúda cactus cladodes, IPA-Sertânia cactus cladodes, or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (O.E.M.) cactus cladodes. On the 60th day after the introduction of the tested diets, blood samples were collected to quantify serum magnesium (Mg2+) levels. After 63 days of experiment, the animals were slaughtered and fragments of the cecum and colon were collected for histopathological analysis. The inclusion of the Miúda and O.E.M. cactus cladodes in the diet caused inflammatory lesions in the cecum (100% of the animals) and in the colon (71.43% of the animals) of the sheep. The inflammation in the cecum caused by Miúda and O.E.M. cactus cladodes was considered accentuated (P = 0.009). Less voluntary water intake was observed for animals submitted to diets with cactus cladodes (P < 0.001), as well as higher water content in the feces (P < 0.001). The cactus cladodes, especially the Miúda and O.E.M. varieties, cause lesions in the tissue morphology of the cecum and colon of sheep, but improve productive performance.

Asunto(s)

Cactaceae , Alimentación Animal/análisis , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales de los Animales , Animales , Dieta/veterinaria , Intestinos , Ovinos , Zea mays

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Anti-inflammatory properties have been attributed to latex proteins of the medicinal plant Calotropis procera. PURPOSE: A mixture of cysteine peptidases (LPp2) from C. procera latex was investigated for control of inflammatory mediators and inflammation in a mouse model of Salmonella infection. METHODS: LPp2 peptidase activity was confirmed by the BANA assay. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted with immortalized macrophages. Peritoneal macrophages (pMØ) from Swiss mice were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in 96-well plates and then cultured with nontoxic concentrations of LPp2. Swiss mice intravenously received LPp2 (10 mg/kg) and then were challenged intraperitoneally with virulent Salmonella enterica Ser. Typhimurium. RESULTS: LPp2 was not toxic at dosages lower than 62.2 µg/mL. LPp2 treatments of pMØ stimulated with LPS impaired mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10. LPp2 increased the intracellular bacterial killing in infected pMØ. Mice given LPp2 had a lower number of leukocytes in the peritoneal cavity in comparison to control groups 6 h after infection. The bacterial burden and histological damage were widespread in target organs of mice receiving LPp2. CONCLUSION: We conclude that LPp2 contains peptidases with strong anti-inflammatory properties, which may render mice more susceptible to early disseminated infection caused by Salmonella.

Asunto(s)

Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Calotropis/química , Péptido Hidrolasas/farmacología , Proteínas de Plantas/farmacología , Infecciones por Salmonella/tratamiento farmacológico , Salmonella typhimurium/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/aislamiento & purificación , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Interleucina-10/genética , Interleucina-10/inmunología , Interleucina-1beta/genética , Interleucina-1beta/inmunología , Interleucina-6/genética , Interleucina-6/inmunología , Látex/química , Lipopolisacáridos/antagonistas & inhibidores , Lipopolisacáridos/farmacología , Macrófagos Peritoneales/efectos de los fármacos , Macrófagos Peritoneales/inmunología , Ratones , Péptido Hidrolasas/aislamiento & purificación , Componentes Aéreos de las Plantas/química , Extractos Vegetales/química , Proteínas de Plantas/aislamiento & purificación , Plantas Medicinales , Cultivo Primario de Células , Infecciones por Salmonella/inmunología , Infecciones por Salmonella/microbiología , Infecciones por Salmonella/patología , Salmonella typhimurium/inmunología , Salmonella typhimurium/patogenicidad , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/genética , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/inmunología

RESUMEN

Ganciclovir (GCV) has been implicated in the development of testicular alterations. Exposure on gestational day (GD) 10 in rats induced permanent effects, including focal reduction or absence of germ cells (Sertoli cell-only tubules). Because the timing of exposure can be critical for testicular effects, we exposed rat dams to 300 mg/kg GCV (3 100 mg/kg subcutaneous injections) on GD10, 14 and 19, when germ cells have high rates of migration, proliferation and are mitotically quiescent, respectively. Males exposed to GCV in utero on GD10 and 14 were evaluated for androgenization markers, serum and fecal androgens, and testicular histomorphometry at adulthood. Double-labeling immunofluorescence for DAZL and Ki67 were used to assess gonocytes number and the proliferative activity of germ and somatic cells in fetal testes on GD15 and 20, ie, 24 h after GCV exposure. Adult rats exposed on GD14 showed delayed puberty onset, despite normal androgen levels. Also, there was a 50% reduction in testicular weight and about 30% of seminiferous tubules lacking germ cells. Effects on GD10 animals were less pronounced. In the fetal testis, the number of gonocytes was reduced by 50% in rats exposed on GD14, but normal in GD19 fetuses. GCV also reduced Sertoli cell proliferation immunolabeling in GD19 fetuses and Sertoli cell number in adults. In conclusion, GCV toxicity on germ cells seems to be linked to their proliferation rate and GD14 is a critical window in rats, when GCV exposure causes an acute massive loss of germ cells that persists until adulthood.

Asunto(s)

Antivirales/administración & dosificación , Ganciclovir/administración & dosificación , Organogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal/inducido químicamente , Maduración Sexual/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Antivirales/toxicidad , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Ganciclovir/toxicidad , Células Germinativas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Germinativas/patología , Edad Gestacional , Masculino , Embarazo , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal/patología , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Testículo/embriología , Testículo/crecimiento & desarrollo , Factores de Tiempo

RESUMEN

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is an antifilarial drug with potent anti-inflammatory properties as a result of its interference with the metabolism of arachidonic acid. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of DEC in a mouse model of acute inflammation (carrageenan-induced pleurisy). The injection of carrageenan into the pleural cavity induced the accumulation of fluid containing a large number of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) as well as infiltration of PMNs in lung tissues and increased production of nitrite and tumor necrosis factor-α and increased expression of interleukin-1ß, cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Carrageenan also induced the expression of nuclear factor-κB. The oral administration of DEC (50 mg/Kg) three days prior to the carrageenan challenge led to a significant reduction in all inflammation markers. The present findings demonstrate that DEC is a potential drug for the treatment of acute lung inflammation.

Asunto(s)

Carragenina/efectos adversos , Dietilcarbamazina/química , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Lesión Pulmonar/inducido químicamente , Lesión Pulmonar/tratamiento farmacológico , Administración Oral , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/química , Ciclooxigenasa 2/metabolismo , Inflamación , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Leucocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Inhibidores de la Lipooxigenasa/química , Pulmón/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo II/metabolismo , Pleuresia/inducido químicamente , Distribución Aleatoria

RESUMEN

Male infertility is often related to reproductive age couples experiencing fertility-related issues. Men may have fertility problems associated with reversible testicular damage. Considering that men have been increasingly exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields generated by the production, distribution and use of electricity, this study analyzed whether 60 Hz and 1 mT magnetic field exposure may impair spermatogenesis recovery after reversible testicular damage induced by heat shock using rats as an experimental model. Adult male rats were subjected to a single testicular heat shock (HS, 43 °C for 12 min) and then exposed to the magnetic field for 15, 30 and 60 d after HS. Magnetic field exposure during the spermatogenesis recovery induced changes in testis components volume, cell ultrastructure and histomorphometrical parameters. Control animals had a reestablished and active spermatogenesis at 60 d after heat shock, while animals exposed to magnetic field still showed extensive testicular degeneration. Magnetic field exposure did not change the plasma testosterone. In conclusion, extremely low-frequency magnetic field may be harmful to fertility recovery in males affected by reversible testicular damage.

Asunto(s)

Campos Electromagnéticos/efectos adversos , Calor/efectos adversos , Espermatogénesis/efectos de la radiación , Testículo/fisiología , Testículo/efectos de la radiación , Animales , Masculino , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Testículo/citología , Testículo/ultraestructura , Testosterona/sangre

RESUMEN

Due to the widespread use of fluoxetine to treat depression, including pregnant and nursing women, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of in utero and lactational exposure to fluoxetine in rat offspring at post natal day 22. Wistar rat dams were orally treated with fluoxetine (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) from day 13 gestation to day 21 lactation. Exposure to 10 and 20 mg/kg fluoxetine reduced the body and testis weights. The volume of the seminiferous tubules and epithelium were also reduced following 20 mg/kg fluoxetine exposure. The length of the seminiferous tubules and the population of Sertoli cells changed in offspring exposed to fluoxetine. The amount of seminiferous tubules lacking tubular lumen was higher in rats exposed to 20 mg/kg fluoxetine. Plasma testosterone showed no significant change. In conclusion, fluoxetine exposure via the placenta and lactation may inhibit and delay testicular development, adversely affecting several testicular parameters important for the establishment of sperm production in adulthood.

Asunto(s)

Fluoxetina/farmacología , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Peso Corporal/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Lactancia/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Exposición Materna , Tamaño de los Órganos/efectos de los fármacos , Embarazo , Ratas , Túbulos Seminíferos/efectos de los fármacos , Células de Sertoli/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/crecimiento & desarrollo , Testosterona/sangre

RESUMEN

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug that has been increasingly used in acute treatment of, and therapeutic support for, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other psychoses. Considering that olanzapine acts on the dopaminergic receptor and this receptor is detected in germ cells, the present study aims to investigate the effects of treatment with different doses of olanzapine on spermatogenesis, plasma testosterone and weight of androgen-dependent organs in rats. Results showed reduced plasma testosterone levels, and reduced testis, epididymis and prostate weights. Histopathologic and histomorphometric analysis of spermatogenesis indicated testicular degeneration. Furthermore, germ cell desquamation, syncytial multinucleated cells, Sertoli cell vacuolization and presence of necrotic and apoptotic germ cells wwew observed. Olanzapine treatment in rats promoted endocrinological changes and lesions in the testis, leading to a disturbance in spermatogenesis.

Asunto(s)

Antipsicóticos/toxicidad , Benzodiazepinas/toxicidad , Enfermedades de los Genitales Masculinos/inducido químicamente , Espermatogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Peso Corporal/efectos de los fármacos , Recuento de Células , Epidídimo/efectos de los fármacos , Epidídimo/patología , Enfermedades de los Genitales Masculinos/sangre , Enfermedades de los Genitales Masculinos/patología , Letargia/inducido químicamente , Masculino , Necrosis/inducido químicamente , Necrosis/patología , Olanzapina , Tamaño de los Órganos/efectos de los fármacos , Próstata/efectos de los fármacos , Próstata/patología , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Células de Sertoli/efectos de los fármacos , Células de Sertoli/patología , Espermatocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatocitos/patología , Testículo/patología , Testosterona/sangre

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate bone repair in defects induced in the cranium of Wistar rats using ß-tricalcium phosphate. STUDY DESIGN: In this research, we used 30 rats, randomly distributed in three groups of 10 animals (G1, G2 and G3), corresponding respectively to time of histological evaluation (7, 15 and 30 days). This was a paired study, a defect being induced in the parietal bone on either side of the median sagittal suture of the animals, being the left-hand side the experimental subgroup (filled by biomaterial) and the right control. The histological evaluation was performed by means of light microscopy. The collected data were submitted to the Fisher Exact test for comparison between the groups and to the McNemar test for comparison between the subgroups (P > 5%). RESULTS: The results showed no statistically significant differences between the groups and bone regeneration was similar at the different times of evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we concluded that ß-tricalcium phosphate has not contributed significantly to repair process of defects induced in the cranium of Wistar rats.

Asunto(s)

Materiales Biocompatibles , Regeneración Ósea , Fosfatos de Calcio , Animales , Masculino , Ratas , Ratas Wistar