Publications (12)0 Total impact
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ABSTRACT: Objective: The objective of the present study was to verify if there is any relation between diabetes mellitus and male infertility. Methods: the spermograms of 43 non-diabetic subjects and 12 diabetic patients (type 1 and 2) aged 20-60 years were compared. Spermiological findings in diabetic patients were compared with those of normal individuals of the same age. Serum testosterone, prolactin, follicle-stimulant hormone, luteinizing hormone, glucose and glycosilated hemoglobin were assayed in diabetic patients. Rresults: Six diabetic patients (four type 1 and two type 2) presented chronic complications attributed to neuropathy and vascular insufficiency. No difference was observed in the semen characteristics (odor, color, viscosity and pH) between the control group and the diabetic patients. There were no differences between seminal concentrations and percentage of motile spermatozoa during the first hour of observation in the two groups (p < 0.05). Impotence was reported by four diabetic patients (33.3%). Erectile failure was associated with diabetic microangiopathy and neuropathy. There were no controls with impotence. No significant hormonal changes were found in the diabetic patients. Cconclusions: The present results suggest that neuropathy and vascular insufficiency may be implicated in sexual dysfunction in type 1 and 2 diabetic patients, without significantly affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Einstein. 01/2009;
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ABSTRACT: Objective: To study the modifications in lipid profile, blood glucose and pressure, and morphological aspects of the adrenal gland in animals with hypogonadism secondary to total bilateral epididymectomy and orchiectomy. Methods: Young and adult male Wistar rats were distributed into the following groups: Group 1 – control, animals submitted only to scrotal incision and suture. Group 2 – animals submitted to total bilateral epididymectomy and orchiectomy. After these operations, studies were carried out to analyze possible repercussions of hypogonadism. In Study A, serum levels of free testosterone were measured, along with the body weight and cortical thickness of the adrenal gland of 30 adult rats. In Study B, serum values of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL, LDL and VLDL fractions were measured in 20 young rats and 10 adult rats. In Study C, pressure of the caudal artery was measured by plethysmography in 24 adult animals. Rresults: Total bilateral epididymectomy and orchiectomy reduced serum levels of testosterone regardless of the age of the animal, and apparently does not modify macro- or microscopically the morphology of the adrenal gland. Hypogonadism secondary to total bilateral epididymectomy and orchiectomy did not modify the serum values of glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL fractions. However, orchiectomy reduced the blood levels of triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol when performed in young rats. Testosterone deficiency was related to smaller weight gain and increased arterial pressure. Cconclusions: Castration reduces blood levels of triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol in young rats. In adult animals, it increases arterial pressure and is related to smaller weight gain.
Einstein. 01/2009;
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ABSTRACT: Objective: Alcoholics are more likely to have infections, mainly in the respiratory system. Alcohol seems to inhibit the immune system. Despite the extensive literature related to alcoholism, data related to the immune system are still not conclusive. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of acute alcohol intake on colloid distribution in the organs of the mononuclear phagocyte system. Methods: Thirteen male Swiss mice were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 5) – control, and Group 2 (n = 8) – animals that received 0.5 ml ethanol 50%, 30 minutes before the experiment. Colloidal sulphur labeled with 99Tcm was used to evaluate colloid distribution in the liver, spleen and lungs. Colloid clearance was assessed as well. Gamma camara was used to measure the radioactivity of these organs and of a blood clot. Rresults: No difference was found in the presence of colloid in the organs of both groups. The liver showed the highest phagocytic function, followed by the spleen and lungs (p = 0.021 for Group 1 and p = 0.003 for Group 2). A minimum amount of radiation remained in the blood in both groups. Cconclusions: According to the experiential conditions of this work, acute intake of alcohol did not interfere with the phagocytic function of the mononuclear phagocyte system in mice.
Einstein. 01/2009;
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ABSTRACT: Objective: The objective of the present study is to verify the effect of testosterone depletion on healing of surgical skin wounds at different ages and postoperative times. Methods: Forty-four Wistar male rats were divided into four groups: Group 1y (n = 11) – young control, sham-operated rats (30 days-old); Group 1A (n = 10) – adult control, sham-operated rats (three to four months old); Group 2Y (n = 10) – young rats after bilateral orchiectomy; and Group 2A (n = 11) – adult rats after bilateral orchiectomy. After six months, a linear incision was performed on the dorsal region of the animals. The resistance of the wound healing was measured in a skin fragment with a tensiometer, on the 7th and 21st postoperative days. Rresults: The wound healing resistance was higher in Group 1Y than in Group 2Y after seven days (p < 0.05). Wound healing resistance at 21 days was higher than at seven days in all groups (p < 0.05). Late wound healing resistance was not different between young and adult rats. Cconclusions: Bilateral orchiectomy decreased the wound healing resistance only in young animals at the seventh postoperative day.
Einstein. 01/2009;
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ABSTRACT: Objective: The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of surgical trauma in serum albumin concentration during the immediate post-operative period of major surgeries. Methods: The study was conducted on 100 randomly chosen adult patients submitted to elective major surgeries, classified according to sex, age and skin color. Blood samples for the determination of serum albumin concentrations were obtained on the days before and after the surgical procedure. Rresults: There was a reduction in serum albumin from 3.72 g/dl ± 0.47 to 2.83 g/dl ± 0.71 (p < 0.0001) with no difference in sex or skin color for major surgeries. With respect to age groups, a greater drop in albumin was observed among patients aged over 65 years old, followed by younger patients (< 45 years), and finally by patients aged 45 to 65 years old. Cconclusions: Major operations lead to acute reduction in albumin concentration in the immediate post-operative period, and it was more intense in patients aged over 65 years old.
Einstein. 01/2009;
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ABSTRACT: Objective: To assess the rate of natural pregnancy and to determinethe endocrine and histological (morphofunctional) aspects ofrabbit ovaries after being submitted to bilateral oophorectomyand orthotopic allogeneic or autologous intact and sliced ovariantransplantation without a vascular pedicle. Methods: Fifty-sixfemale New Zealand White and California rabbits were studied. Theovaries were removed and orthotopically transplanted or reimplantedwithout vascular anastomoses: Group 1 (n = 8), sham-operated,only laparotomy and closure; Group 2A (n = 8), with bilateral intactovaries reimplanted; Group 2B (n = 8), with bilateral sliced ovariesorthotopically reimplanted; Group 2C (n = 8), with an intact ovaryreimplanted on one side and a sliced ovary on the other side; Group3A (n = 8), with bilateral orthotopic intact ovaries transplants; Group 3B (n = 8), with bilateral sliced ovaries orthotopically transplanted; and Group 3C (n = 8), with an intact ovary transplanted on one side and a sliced ovary on the other side. Three months later, the animals were paired with males for copulation. The estradiol, progesterone, FSH and LH levels were assessed nine months after surgery. The morphologic aspect of the ovaries was studied, and the number of pregnancies and litters were also determined. Chi-square test compared the number of successful pregnancies and the number of litters between groups. One-way ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer tests compared the hormonal levels. The significance level adopted was p < 0.05. Results: Pregnancies occurred in seven rabbits (87.5%)of Group 1, in 37.5% of rabbits in Groups 2A and 3A, in 50% ofGroups 2B, 2C and 3B and in 62.5% of Group 3C. Hormone levels andhistology confirmed the vitality of all ovaries. Conclusions: Intact or sliced orthotopic allogeneic and autologous ovarian transplantation without a vascular pedicle is efficacious in rabbits, and their fertility and hormonal functions are preserved.
Einstein. 01/2008;
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ABSTRACT: Objecive: It is well known that splenectomy increases the risk of infections, mainly those caused by encapsulated bacteria. These complications are related to higher mortality and lower survival rates in asplenic individuals. The purpose of this study was to assess the mortality of rats submitted to total splenectomy. Methods: this is an experimental study. Thirty-four rats were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 14): control animals, submitted only to laparotomy; Group 2 (n = 20): animals submitted to splenectomy. Both groups were subdivided into two subgroups: Subgroup A, male rats, and Subgroup B, female rats. The animals were observed during a 90-day period to assess their mortality. Rresults: The mortality of animals in Group 2 was 80% for males and 30% for females. No deaths occurred among the animals of Group 1. The splenectomized males had significantly higher mortality rates than the splenectomized females (p = 0.034). Cconclusions: According to results of this study, total splenectomy increases mortality among rats. Murine females demonstrated greater resistance to the asplenic state, and therefore presented lower mortality rates when compared to male rats.
Einstein. 01/2008;
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ABSTRACT: Objective: Bilateral orchiectomy is indicated for the treatment ofpatients with testicular cancer or advanced prostate tumors. Theinfluence of hypogonadism on physical activity is still not known.The purpose of this work was to verify the effect of bilateralorchiectomy on physical performance. Methods: Sixteen ratswere divided into two groups: Group 1 (Control), in which only skinincision and suture were made (n = 5) and Group 2, in which therats were submitted to bilateral orchiectomy (n = 11). The animalswere trained to run on a treadmill at the speed of 14 meters perminute until they were fatigued. The results were compared usingthe Mann-Whitney test. Results: There was no difference betweenthe animals submitted to orchiectomy and the Control Group.Conclusions: Bilateral orchiectomy does not affect the physicalperformance of the rat.
Einstein. 01/2008;
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ABSTRACT: objective: To evaluate the follow-up of patients submitted to splenectomy with preservation of the upper splenic pole. Methods: All patients undergoing subtotal splenectomy were invited to be reviewed. A total of 86 patients submitted to this surgery were studied. The procedure was performed due to one of the following conditions: portal hypertension due to schistosomiasis (n = 43), trauma (n = 31), Gaucher’s disease (n = 4), myeloid hepatosplenomegaly due to myelofibrosis (n = 3), splenomegalic retarded growth and sexual development (n = 2), severe pain due to splenic ischemia (n = 2) and pancreatic cystadenoma (n = 1). All patients underwent hematologic tests, immunological assessment, abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), scintigraphy and endoscopy. Rresults: Increased white blood cell and platelet counts were the only hematological abnormalities. No immune deficit was found. Esophageal varices were still present in patients who underwent surgery because of portal hypertension, but none had a re-bleeding event. The ultrasonography, tomography and scintigraphy confirmed the presence of functional splenic remnants without significant size alteration. Conclusions: Subtotal splenectomy seems to be a safe procedure that can be useful to treat conditions involving the spleen. The functions of the splenic remnants are preserved during long periods of time.
Einstein. 01/2008;
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ABSTRACT: Objectives: To compare the resistance of skin wound healing of mice submitted to local or systemic hydrocortisone administration, in different postoperative periods. Methods: An incision and suture was performed on the thoracic skin of 130 male mice: Group 1(n = 10) resistance of the integer skin; Group 2 (n = 30) submitted only to skin incision and suture; Group 3 (n = 30) skin incision and suture followed by administration of saline fluid; Group 4(n = 30) skin incision and suture followed by administration of local hydrocortisone; Group 5 (n = 30) skin incision and suture followed by administration of systemic hydrocortisone. The resistance of the wound healing and the weight of the animals were studied on the seventh, 14th and 21st postoperative days. Histologic examination was also performed. Rresults: The mice that received corticoid (Groups 4 and 5) presented significant decreasing on their weight (p = 0.02). The Groups 3, 4 and 5 showed lower scar resistance than Group 2 on the seventh postoperative day (p < 0.05). On the 14th and 21st days, there was no difference on the skin would healing resistance (p > 0.05). Cconclusions: Administration of hydrocortisone in mice is responsible for weight decreasing and reduction of the skin wound healing resistance during the first postoperative week.
Einstein. 01/2008;
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ABSTRACT: Objective: To verify sperm disorders in different age groups through analysis of seminal fluid. Methods: The semen of 80 healthy adult men, with age range of 21 to 60 years, was studied after a five-day sexual abstinence. Volunteers were distributed into four age-groups (n = 20): 21 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50 and 51 to 60 years. Rresults: No differences regarding the physical and chemical aspects of semen were found (smell, color, volume, viscosity, and pH), nor were there differences related to sperm concentration and percentage of mobile forms. Therefore, a non-significant increase in spermatozoa concentration in the semen of men aged over 41 years was observed. In the 41 to 50 years-old Group, the sperm morphology was predominantly oval (p = 0.03) and there were less tapered sperm as compared to other groups (p = 0.02). Cconclusions: It was observed that there is no reduction in sperm production up to 60 years and that there is an increase in better shape for fertility, in the age of 41 to 50 years-old.
Einstein. 01/2008;
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ABSTRACT: Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to verify theimportance of the radiographic sign of fecal loading in the cecum forthe differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Methods: A total of470 consecutive patients of both sexes was admitted to hospital dueto acute abdomen and pain in the right flank and prospectively studied.The patients were divided as follows: Group 1 (n = 170) – diagnosedwith acute appendicitis and subdivided into two subgroups: Subgroup1A – (n = 100) – patients submitted to an abdominal radiographicstudy a few hours before surgical treatment, Subgroup 1B – (n = 70)– patients submitted to two radiographic studies of the abdomen, onebefore the surgical procedure and the other on the next day; Group 2(n = 100) – patients of both sexes with right nephrolithiasis submittedto an abdominal radiography during the episode of pain caused by thecalculus; Group 3 (n = 100) – women diagnosed with right acuteinflammatory pelvic disease that underwent an abdominal radiographicstudy during the pain crisis; Group 4 (n = 100) – patients of both sexeswho underwent surgery due to acute cholecystitis and were submittedto abdominal radiography during the pain episode that preceded thesurgical procedure. Results: The sign of fecal loading in the cecumwas present in 97 patients of Subgroup 1A, in 68 patients of Subgroup1B, in 19 patients of Group 2, in 12 patients of Group 3 and in 13patients of Group 4. During the postoperative period the radiographicsign disappeared in 66 of the 68 cases who presented the sign. Thesensitivity of the radiographic sign for acute appendicitis was 97.05%and specificity was 85.33%. The positive predictive value for acuteappendicitis was 78.94% and its negative predictive value was 98.08%.Conclusion: The radiographic image of fecal loading in the cecum isassociated with acute appendicitis. The image usually disappears soonafter the appendix is removed. This sign is uncommon in other acuteinflammatory diseases of the right side of the abdomen.
Einstein. 01/2007;
