Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
RETRACTION: NOP14 inhibits melanoma proliferation and metastasis by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Li J, Fang R, Wang J … +1 more , Deng L
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42268050 · Publisher ↗
[This retracts the article doi: 10.1590/1414-431X20187952].
[This retracts the article doi: 10.1590/1414-431X20187952].
RETRACTION: Differential expression of microRNA-411 and 376c is associated with hypertension in pregnancy.
Yang HL, Zhang HZ, Meng FR … +2 more , Han SY, Zhang M
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42268049 · Publisher ↗
[This retracts the article doi: 10.1590/1414-431X20197546].
[This retracts the article doi: 10.1590/1414-431X20197546].
RETRACTION: Comparison of two treatments for dry eye disease after corneal refractive surgery.
Ma Y, Yang Y
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42268048 · Publisher ↗
[This retracts the article doi: 10.1590/1414-431X2025e14754].
[This retracts the article doi: 10.1590/1414-431X2025e14754].
The emerging role of the microbiome in bladder cancer: prognostic implications and treatment response.
Côrtes J, Trindade Filho JCS, Rogatto SR
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42054198 · Full text
Bladder cancer (BCa) is a histologically and molecularly heterogeneous disease and is one of the leading causes of cancer death globally. The main risk factors are sex (with incidence 3 to 4 times higher in men), tobacco...
Bladder cancer (BCa) is a histologically and molecularly heterogeneous disease and is one of the leading causes of cancer death globally. The main risk factors are sex (with incidence 3 to 4 times higher in men), tobacco usage, occupational exposure to carcinogens, and persistent infections, such as those caused by Schistosoma haematobium. Urine and the bladder were recently confirmed to be non-sterile, prompting investigations into the urinary and intratumoral microbiomes and their roles in tumor stage, prognosis, and therapy response. In this context, the role of the urinary and intratumoral microbiome in bladder carcinoma is among the most promising areas in translational uro-oncology. Recent evidence demonstrates the presence and diversity of microbial communities in both urine and bladder cancer tissue, with patterns associated with tumor stage and prognosis. Chronic inflammation, genotoxin production, altered carcinogen metabolism, and modulation of the immune microenvironment are biological processes that provide a rationale for the functional role of these microorganisms in the bladder. Furthermore, microbial profiles have been correlated with responses to intravesical therapies (such as BCG - Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) and, potentially, with systemic immunotherapies. The microbiome can help identify predictors of treatment response and potential adjuvant interventions, and offers a non-invasive, translational pathway for diagnosis and surveillance. This review summarizes current evidence on the microbiome in bladder cancer patients and its prognostic and therapeutic potential.
Standardizing the lateral fluid percussion model of trauma in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): regional vulnerability and inflammatory response.
Sanabria V, Gimenes C, Romariz S … +5 more , Braga M, Gois AS, Foresti ML, Mello LE, Longo BM
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42054197 · Full text
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health concern. The lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) model, widely used in rodents to simulate nonpenetrating TBI, has limited translational applicability due to anato...
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health concern. The lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) model, widely used in rodents to simulate nonpenetrating TBI, has limited translational applicability due to anatomical differences between rodent and human brains. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a New World primate with a quasi-gyrencephalic brain, offers a promising alternative. This study aimed to standardize the LFPI model in marmosets by comparing trauma responses across parietal and temporal lobes. Ten adult marmosets underwent LFPI in these regions. Lesion volume was measured using Nissl staining; astrocytic and microglial responses were assessed via GFAP and Iba-1 immunofluorescence, and degenerating neurons were identified with Fluoro-Jade B. Righting reflex time and hemorrhage presence were evaluated as injury markers. Percussion aiming at the temporal lobe injury resulted in the most prominent lesions, epidural and subdural hematomas, and significant neuronal degeneration. Astrocytes showed longer processes after temporal trauma in the cortex and fewer branches in the hippocampal region CA1 than in the naive group. In contrast, hippocampal microglia showed fewer elongated branches in CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG), indicative of a reactive phenotype. Our results highlighted region-specific vulnerability, with temporal injury triggering the most pronounced inflammatory and degenerative responses. The marmoset LFPI model effectively mirrored key aspects of human TBI, supporting its translational relevance.
COVID-19 mortality risk among women with ovarian cancer: a matched case-control study.
Peruchi KPI, Bastos VAF, Teixeira LA … +2 more , Pimentel FF, Candido Dos Reis FJ
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42054196 · Full text
Women with ovarian cancer may be at increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. This study aimed to compare mortality and clinical outcomes between women with severe COVID-19, with and without a history of ovarian cancer...
Women with ovarian cancer may be at increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. This study aimed to compare mortality and clinical outcomes between women with severe COVID-19, with and without a history of ovarian cancer. We conducted a matched case-control study using national surveillance data. Cases included women with severe COVID-19 and a history of ovarian cancer; controls were women with severe COVID-19 without such history. Matching was done at a 1:4 ratio using age, comorbidities, vaccination status, diagnosis date, and region. The primary outcome was COVID-19-related mortality. A total of 474 ovarian cancer cases and 1,896 controls were included. Mortality was significantly higher in women with ovarian cancer (54.9 vs 32.7%, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that ovarian cancer increased the risk of death (OR: 2.76, 95%CI: 2.22-3.43). Age also influenced mortality: OR 2.57 (95%CI: 2.11-3.13) for women aged 65-84, and OR 3.86 (95%CI: 2.52-5.97) for those 85 and older. Vaccination provided protection: complete vaccination (OR: 0.67, 95%CI: 0.51-0.88) and complete vaccination plus booster (OR: 0.35, 95%CI: 0.27-0.47). Women with ovarian cancer had a significantly higher risk of death from severe COVID-19. Vaccination, particularly with a booster, was associated with 65% reduced mortality.
Knockout of Mucin 1 inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human MDA-MB-231 cells by blocking autophagy flow.
Huang Z, Zhao J, Zhang Q … +4 more , Luo Y, Chen W, Liu Z, Liu X
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42054195 · Full text
To investigate the effects of Mucin 1 (MUC1) in human triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231cells, the MDA-MB-231 cell line with MUC1 knockout (231-MUC1-KO) was constructed by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Cell proliferati...
To investigate the effects of Mucin 1 (MUC1) in human triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231cells, the MDA-MB-231 cell line with MUC1 knockout (231-MUC1-KO) was constructed by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Cell proliferation was evaluated using EDU and colony formation assays, and cell migration and invasion were detected by transwell assay. Autophagy flow was assessed by western blot and Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B dual-fluorescence system and validated by lysosome inhibitor barfimycin A1 and autophagy inducer rapamycin. Key proteins of autophagosomes and lysosomal fusion (STXl7, SNAP29) and lysosomal tagged protein (LAMP1) were detected by western blot, and lysosomal pH was evaluated by Lysotracker Red fluorescence. MUC1 expression was low in human normal breast epithelial cells MCF-10A, but was highly expressed in human MDA-MB-231 cells and tissues. Successful MUC1 knockout was confirmed by gene sequencing, RT-qPCR, and western blot. Loss of MUC1 gene expression in 231-MUC1-KO significantly reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion. Compared with the control group, MUC1 knockout led to a significant increase of autophagy-related proteins LC3-II and p62, which is consistent with the effect of lysosome inhibitor bleomycin A1. After adding the autophagy inducer rapamycin, compared with the control group, the accumulation of LC3-II and p62 proteins also further increased. The expression level of LAMP1 was downregulated and the lysosome pH increased, but the expression levels of STXl7 and SNAP29 were not affected. These findings suggest that MUC1 promotes malignant behaviors in MDA-MB-231 cells by regulating autophagic flow, likely through lysosomal dysfunction-mediated autophagy blockade.
Brazilian science through the looking glass: a scientometric perspective from within and beyond.
Sá-Nunes A, Pessoa-Gonçalves YM, Oliveira CJF
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42054194 · Full text
Citation analysis has emerged as a key area in scientometrics. However, the global movement toward open science, alongside the pervasive "publish or perish" culture, underscores the need to reevaluate the paradigm of cit...
Citation analysis has emerged as a key area in scientometrics. However, the global movement toward open science, alongside the pervasive "publish or perish" culture, underscores the need to reevaluate the paradigm of citations as a measure of impact and quality. Brazil, a top 15 producer of scientific articles, has established the Lattes Platform, a comprehensive resource data on virtually active researchers in the country. Herein, the Brazilian scientific landscape was analyzed by integrating a widely used global ranking based on large-scale citation metrics with individual-level data from the Lattes Platform. The analysis assessed the impact, distribution, and disparities of Brazilian science across disciplines, geographic regions, and institutional affiliations from 2019-2023. Results showed that Brazilian researchers account for approximately 0.43% of the world's most cited scientists, a significant underrepresentation relative to Brazil's population share and scientific potential. Most highly cited scientists are concentrated in three states within the Southeast region, reflecting longstanding economic and infrastructural advantages. The majority of top Brazilian scientists work in Life Sciences, with particular representation in the subfields Zoology, Tropical Medicine, and Mycology & Parasitology. While Brazil's scientific output compares favorably with other South American and African countries, it remains behind nations with higher gross domestic products per capita and Human Development Index. Nonetheless, 73% of the most cited researchers receive national Research Productivity Grants, indicating a positive correlation between citation and qualified scientific excellence. These findings offer a deeper understanding of Brazilian scientific production from a citation perspective and advocate for strategic policy shifts.
The role of ferroptosis in vascular endothelial cells and its role in the pathogenesis of cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type: a comprehensive review.
Fan X, Xu S, Gao H
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42018815 · Full text
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis plays a key role in the dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells (VECs), which may promote pathological vascular da...
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis plays a key role in the dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells (VECs), which may promote pathological vascular damage through oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and barrier integrity destruction. The pathogenesis of vertebral artery (VA) type cervical spondylosis (CSA) is complex. Cervical degeneration and other factors can induce ferroptosis of VA VECs. This review systematically reviews the cutting-edge research results on the biological characteristics of ferroptosis, analyzes its molecular mechanism in the regulation of VECs function, and systematically discusses its internal relationship with CSA pathogenesis. This study provides a new perspective on the pathogenesis of CSA, as well as a new theoretical basis and potential intervention targets for developing targeted treatment strategies and disease prevention.
Chemical stability and compatibility of acetaminophen injection with six common opioid drugs: implications for clinical use.
Huang W, He S, Zhao M … +4 more , Hong S, Xu J, Chen L, Wu X
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42018814 · Full text
Despite the clinical importance of combining acetaminophen and opioids in multimodal analgesia, their compatibility has not been determined. This study aimed to investigate the stability and feasibility of mixing acetami...
Despite the clinical importance of combining acetaminophen and opioids in multimodal analgesia, their compatibility has not been determined. This study aimed to investigate the stability and feasibility of mixing acetaminophen injection with six commonly used opioid drugs. Acetaminophen injection was mixed with each of the six opioid drugs at room temperature (25°C). Changes in appearance, pH, and acetaminophen concentrations were monitored at different time intervals to evaluate compatibility. Compatibility was defined as no visible changes, pH variation <1.0, and acetaminophen concentration ≥90% of baseline. The results indicated that acetaminophen injection, when mixed with six commonly used opioid drugs, remained stable for up to 48 h at room temperature. No significant changes were observed in the appearance of the mixtures, which remained clear and free of precipitation. The pH of the mixtures fluctuated by less than 1.0 unit, and the acetaminophen concentration remained above 90% of the baseline value, with a variation of less than 10%. Acetaminophen injection was compatible with morphine, sufentanil, hydromorphone, pentazocine, butorphanol, and nalbuphine for at least 48 h at 25°C, supporting their co-use in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia. Further studies should define pharmacokinetics and adverse effects of these combinations.
Effect of mind map-guided nursing on pain control after transurethral resection of the prostate.
Zhao N, Tian E
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42018813 · Full text
We aimed to analyze the effect of mind map-guided nursing on pain control after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Eighty patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia undergoing TURP were randomly separated in...
We aimed to analyze the effect of mind map-guided nursing on pain control after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Eighty patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia undergoing TURP were randomly separated into either a control group (routine perioperative nursing) or an intervention group (mind map-guided nursing). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were employed to compare pain levels at 24 and 48 h postoperatively. Additional outcomes included the number of patient-controlled analgesia activations, time to first flatus, and length of hospital stay. Quality of life (Short Form-36 (SF-36)), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)), anxiety and depression (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)), and prostate function (International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)) were evaluated before and after nursing interventions. Patient satisfaction with nursing care was also compared. After nursing interventions, the intervention group exhibited lower VAS scores at 24 and 48 h postoperatively, fewer analgesia pump activations, shorter time to first flatus, and reduced length of hospital stay, higher SF-36 scores across all dimensions, lower PSQI, SAS, SDS, and IPSS scores, as well as higher nursing satisfaction versus the control group (all P<0.05). Mind map-guided nursing alleviated postoperative pain following TURP, enhanced quality of life, sleep quality, and mental state, promoted prostate function recovery, and enhanced patient satisfaction with nursing.
Assessing the significance of cytomegalovirus reactivation in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a cohort study.
Oliveira LP, Paton EJA, Giovanardi MF … +5 more , Silva AFD, Tavares LG, Fernandes CG, Dias JO, Fabreti-Oliveira RA
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42018812 · Full text
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection increases morbidity in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients. Despite advancements in prevention and treatment, CMV reactivation remains a considerable...
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection increases morbidity in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients. Despite advancements in prevention and treatment, CMV reactivation remains a considerable concern following allo-HSCT. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of CMV reactivation in allo-HSCT recipients on clinical outcomes and patient survival, as well as to identify the risk factors associated with CMV reactivation. This retrospective observational cohort study included data from 67 transplantations performed between 2019 and 2022 at a private hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Clinical, laboratory, and procedural data were collected. The median age of the patients was 47.0 years, and 52.2% of them were women. The most frequent indication for allo-HSCT was acute myeloid leukemia (28.4%), followed by myelodysplastic syndrome (16.4%). CMV reactivation occurred in 62.7% of the recipients, and the median time to CMV reactivation was 32.5 days. Six patients (9.0%) presented with CMV end-organ disease (83.3% were free of systemic disease); however, when present, gastrointestinal involvement was the most common disease (4.5%). In the multivariate analysis, the risk factors for CMV reactivation included acute lymphoblastic leukemia (P=0.006), mismatched human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-unrelated donors (P=0.002), and graft-versus-host disease (P=0.024). One-year overall survival was 57.7%. However, CMV reactivation was not significantly associated with mortality after controlling for confounding factors. CMV reactivation remains a common complication following allo-HSCT, with leukemia type, donor type, and graft-versus-host disease affecting the risk of disease recurrence. No direct correlation was observed between CMV recurrence and increased mortality or patient survival.
How sexual behavior in male rats is inhibited by repeated maternal separation during early postnatal development.
Ferraz MR, Santos LN, Guimarães JS … +4 more , Silva JSCE, Barbosa ES, Silva SSD, Monteiro VU
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42018811 · Publisher ↗
Perinatal stress can have lasting effects on hormone regulation and behavior. An association between maternal separation and depressive illness is well established. The present study was undertaken to investigate the eff...
Perinatal stress can have lasting effects on hormone regulation and behavior. An association between maternal separation and depressive illness is well established. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of maternal separation on both motivational and consummatory measures and on the temporal patterning of sexual behavior in male rats. Litters were separated from their mothers for 180 min per day from P1 to P21 (birth=P0) and placed in an isolated box. Control litters remained with their mothers and were not disturbed. At 90 days of age, the sexual behavior of the male rats was assessed using both standard behavioral parameters and mount bout analysis. The forced swim test, open field test, and elevated plus maze test were used to assess anxious and depressive behavior. Each rat was subjected to a single type of behavioral protocol. The inhibitory effect of maternal separation on the sexual behavior of male rats was shown by an increase in mount, intromission, and ejaculation latencies, mount and intromission frequency, and interintromission interval, and a decrease in intromission ratio. Maternally separated rats showed a delayed temporal patterning of sexual behavior. In addition, there was an increase in depressive and anxiety-like behavior in maternally separated rats. The present results suggest that perinatal stress induced by maternal separation leads to changes in sexual behavior and depressive and anxiety-like behavior in male rats. In this sense, early postnatal stress may cause behavioral changes that persist into adulthood.
Combined antiretroviral therapy with low- or normal-protein, high-calorie diets appears to induce significant deleterious electrocardiographic changes in a rodent model.
Chege BM, Mwangi PW, Githinji CG … +1 more , Bukachi F
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 42018810 · Full text
The introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has significantly reduced AIDS-related morbidity and mortality. However, the prevalence of age-associated comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular diseases...
The introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has significantly reduced AIDS-related morbidity and mortality. However, the prevalence of age-associated comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD), has increased, becoming a leading cause of mortality in people living with HIV. This study investigated the interaction between cART regimens and dietary composition on electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters and myocardial histopathology. A total of 120 weanling Sprague Dawley rats were allocated to one of three diets for 15 weeks: normal chow, a calorie-dense low protein (CDLP) diet, or a calorie-dense normal protein (CDNP) diet. Each dietary group was then subdivided into four treatment groups for a further 9 weeks: a standard group (normal saline), Test group 1 (dolutegravir (DTG) plus tesamorelin), Test group 2 (DTG only), and a positive control (classical cART regimen). ECG recordings and histological assessments were performed at week 24. Significant intergroup variations in ECG indices were observed, including Q, R, S, and T wave amplitudes, PR interval, QRS duration, ST height, and QTc (all P<0.0001). Myocardial fibrosis (P<0.0001) was evident in animals from the TG2 (DTG only) and PC (classical regimen) groups maintained on CDLP and CDNP diets. These findings demonstrated that CDLP and CDNP diets, combined with DTG-based or classical cART regimens, exerted deleterious cardiac effects, promoting myocardial fibrosis that disrupts normal electrical conduction and may predispose to arrhythmogenesis. Tesamorelin prevented these effects, implicating growth hormone pathway dysfunction in the underlying pathology.
Biomarker-based prediction of radial artery occlusion after cardiac catheterization.
Alp C, Kandemir H, Ozturk S
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 41919916 · Full text
Thrombotic occlusion of the radial artery is the most frequent complication of transradial angiography. This study sought to investigate biomarker-based predictors of radial artery occlusion (RAO) after coronary angiogra...
Thrombotic occlusion of the radial artery is the most frequent complication of transradial angiography. This study sought to investigate biomarker-based predictors of radial artery occlusion (RAO) after coronary angiography (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Consecutive patients who underwent cardiac catheterization through radial artery route for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes were included in the study retrospectively. The clinical, laboratory, and angiographic data were obtained from hospital records. All patients were invited for a follow-up visit one week after discharge and radial artery pulse examination was performed. The patients with reduced or absent radial artery pulse or complaints related with the radial artery intervention site at follow-up visit were examined by a radiologist with superficial Doppler ultrasonography. The patients were categorized according to the patency of the radial artery and there were 46 patients with an occluded radial artery and 204 patients with a patent radial artery after CAG and/or PCI. Platelet count was higher in the occluded artery group than in the patent radial artery group. Creatinine level was lower and estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) was higher in the occluded radial artery group compared to the patent radial artery group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that platelet count (OR: 1.010, 95%CI: 1.001-1.018, P=0.031) and creatinine (OR:0.030, 95%CI: 0.001-0.821, P=0.038), but not e-GFR (OR: 1.031, 95%CI: 0.991-1.073, P=0.128) were independently associated with RAO. Platelet count and creatinine were found to be independent predictors of RAO after transradial cardiac catheterization.
MMP9 regulates osteogenesis and MMP2 expression through the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced osteoblasts.
Li L, Yang Y, Lu X … +1 more , Li H
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 41919892 · Full text
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) act as effectors and regulators in normal growth and development as well as in pathological processes. The gelatinases MMP2 and MMP9 exhibit similar structures and biological reactions. Th...
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) act as effectors and regulators in normal growth and development as well as in pathological processes. The gelatinases MMP2 and MMP9 exhibit similar structures and biological reactions. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between MMP9 and MMP2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced osteoblasts. MC3T3-E1 cells were pretreated with or without TGF-β1 inhibitor (20 nM) and SMAD2/3 inhibitor (20 nM) for 1 h, and then with pcDNA3.1-mMMP9 (0.8 μg/mL) for 48 h. Quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, and immunocytochemistry were performed to detect MMP2, TGF-β1, and/or SMAD2/3 expression. Luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were performed to examine the regulatory effect of SMAD2/3 on MMP2 gene transcription. RUNX2, OSX, ALP, type I collagen, and OCN expression was detected in LPS (20 μg/mL)-stimulated MC3T3-E1 cells after MMP9 treatment. MMP9 activated the expression of TGF-β1 and phosphorylation of SMAD2/3. Phosphorylated SMAD2/3 translocalized into nuclei to bind to SMAD-binding elements in the promoter of the MMP2 gene, inhibiting MMP2 gene transcription. Additionally, MMP9 increased RUNX2, OSX, ALP, COL I, and OCN expression in LPS-induced MC3T3 cells. MMP9 may regulate osteogenesis through TGF-β1-SMAD2/3/-MMP2 signaling during the inflammation process.
Surgical induction model of femoral defect in Wistar rats for bone repair histology.
Oliveira FLD, Nagato AC, França TN … +2 more , Aarestrup FM, Aarestrup BJV
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 41919891 · Full text
The creation of bone lesions using a well-established surgical technique is essential for obtaining histological images in experimental models that aim to study the pathophysiology of bone repair. In this study, we repor...
The creation of bone lesions using a well-established surgical technique is essential for obtaining histological images in experimental models that aim to study the pathophysiology of bone repair. In this study, we report the steps of a surgical method to induce bone defects in Wistar rats, providing a basis for experimental studies requiring precision in these lesions, especially for future experimental tests and subsequent histological analysis. The animal model remains an important alternative for investigating the inflammatory process and bone regeneration. The model consists of creating experimental, non-critical surgical bone defects in the femurs of Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus, 90 days old, weighing between 250-300 g) using a 2-mm spherical drill and a low-speed motor. The present report includes reproducible information on the selection of the animals and the materials needed to perform anesthesia and surgery to induce bone defects. It also provides details on post-surgical care, sample collection, and preparation of samples for histological processing. The steps presented here can significantly increase the accuracy of lesion creation and allow for more precise results in the analysis of bone architecture and repair.
Targeting IL-17/NF-κB/VAChT/Rho-kinase signaling and oxidative stress in exacerbated chronic allergic inflammation: functional and therapeutic implications of IL-17 blockade.
Camargo LN, Santos TMD, Saraiva-Romanholo BM … +4 more , Leick EA, Prado CM, Righetti RF, Tibério IFLC
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 41919890 · Full text
Th17 cytokines play a central role in the pathophysiology of chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation, influencing multiple signaling pathways that promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and airway remodeling. We evaluat...
Th17 cytokines play a central role in the pathophysiology of chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation, influencing multiple signaling pathways that promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and airway remodeling. We evaluated the modulation of the NF-κB, VAChT, and Rho-kinase signaling pathways, and the effects of anti-interleukin (IL)-17 treatment on airway alterations in a murine model of chronic allergic inflammation were exacerbated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We studied airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, oxidative stress pathways, tissue remodeling, and the expression of various markers in male BALB/c mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced chronic allergic inflammation, with or without anti-IL-17 treatment. Twenty-four hours before the end of the experiment, the OVA-sensitized animals were treated with LPS (OVA-LPS-anti-IL-17). Mice treated with OVA-LPS-anti-IL-17 exhibited decreased elastance of the respiratory system after methacholine challenge, along with reduced infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Anti-IL-17 treatment also reduced the expression of TNF-α, TARC/eotaxin, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, TGF-β, iNOS, NF-κB, ROCK1, ROCK2, types I and III collagen, decorin, lumican, biglycan, fibronectin, and 8-iso-PGF2α in airway cells, as well as the mRNA expression of IL-17, VAChT, and arginase 1 in lung tissue, compared to the OVA and OVA-LPS groups (P<0.05), except for TNF-α and actin, which were not reduced compared to the OVA group, and Rrs, actin, and VAChT, which were not reduced compared to the OVA-LPS group. Thus, IL-17 blockade helped control bronchial hyperresponsiveness, modulate the IL-17/NF-κB/VAChT/Rho-kinase pathway, suppress chemokine expression, mitigate airway remodeling, and reduce NO-arginase expression in this asthma mouse model with LPS-induced exacerbation.
1H-NMR-based metabolomics reveals that prior exercise modulates metabolic changes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in sleep-deprived mice.
Silva BRDD, Nunes PIG, Matos RS … +5 more , Silva LMA, Alves Filho EG, Brito ES, Bruin PFC, Bruin VMS
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 41919889 · Full text
Sleep deprivation induces profound metabolic disturbances in the brain, while regular physical exercise is recognized for promoting neuroprotection and energy balance. This study investigated the effects of chronic tread...
Sleep deprivation induces profound metabolic disturbances in the brain, while regular physical exercise is recognized for promoting neuroprotection and energy balance. This study investigated the effects of chronic treadmill exercise on the cortical and hippocampal metabolic profiles of sleep-deprived Swiss mice using the entire 1H-NMR spectrum. Male mice (n=48) were assigned to four groups: Control, Exercise (EX), Sleep Deprivation (SD), and Exercise before Sleep Deprivation (EX+SD). The EX group underwent 8 weeks of aerobic training, and SD was induced by 72-h total sleep deprivation. Brain metabolomic analysis revealed that the cortex and hippocampus shared a qualitatively similar metabolic composition, with taurine, creatine, and lactic acid as the most abundant metabolites. Exercise increased cortical levels of lactic acid, creatine, taurine, and other metabolites involved in glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and osmoregulation, while SD disrupted energy-related metabolites and increased glial markers such as myo-inositol. The EX+SD group exhibited a cortical metabolic profile similar to controls, indicating that prior exercise preserved neuroenergetic balance in this region. In contrast, hippocampal metabolism remained partially affected by SD, despite exercise preconditioning. These findings suggest that exercise confers region-specific metabolic resilience, especially in the cortex, by modulating pathways related to pyruvate metabolism, glutamate turnover, and astrocytic-neuronal coupling. Regular physical activity may thus act as a non-pharmacological strategy to mitigate SD-induced neurochemical imbalances.
Unveiling preeclampsia: diagnostic value and potential molecular mechanisms of abnormally methylated immune-related genes.
Yuan Y, Wang Q, Su X … +1 more , Zhong L
Braz J Med Biol Res · 2026 · PMID 41810647 · Full text
Preeclampsia (PE) is a life-threatening obstetric complication, and DNA methylation and immune system disorders play a key role in its development. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms and values of abnor...
Preeclampsia (PE) is a life-threatening obstetric complication, and DNA methylation and immune system disorders play a key role in its development. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms and values of abnormally methylated immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PE. Gene expression profiles and methylation data of PE were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Immune-related genes were downloaded from the ImmPort database. Subsequently, differential expression analysis, functional annotation, immune cell infiltration analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, construction of classification models and miRNA-mRNA interaction network, and real-time PCR validation were carried out. Ten key abnormally methylated immune-related DEGs (ESRRG, FGF10, AHNAK, STC2, PPARG, LTF, MX1, ESR1, RELB, and JAG2) were identified and may be potential diagnostic biomarkers for PE. The decision tree (DT), random forests (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) classification models constructed based on these 10 genes exhibited a certain level of diagnostic accuracy. Compared with a single DEG, these classification models may have relatively higher diagnostic reference value. Functional annotation results showed that rap1, PI3K-Akt, and calcium signaling pathways may play a regulatory role in PE. The infiltration levels of monocytes, M2 macrophages, neutrophils, Tregs, and eosinophils in the PE group were abnormal. Key abnormally methylated immune-related DEGs were significantly correlated with the infiltration levels of immune cells. Moreover, 6 miRNA-mRNA pairs (hsa-miR-181b-5p-ESR1, hsa-miR-152-3p-ESR1, hsa-miR-26b-3p-ESR1, hsa-miR-4672-ESRRG, hsa-miR-502-3p-AHNAK, and hsa-miR-3059-5p-STC2) were identified. Key abnormally methylated immune-related DEGs may be associated with the immune mechanism of PE, given their correlation with related signaling pathways and immune cell infiltration.
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