The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of acute dynamic resistance exercise on resting blood pressure (BP) and on endothelial function of vascular bed of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Hemodynamic measurements were performed before and after acute dynamic resistance exercise in conscious animals. After exercise, the tail artery was cannulated for mean perfusion pressure with constant flow measurement and for performing concentration-response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and dose-response curves to phenylephrine (PHE). PHE protocol was also repeated with damaged endothelium and after L-NAME and indomethacin perfusion on the tail. The maximal response (E(max)) and sensitivity (pD(2)) were evaluated to these drugs. Exercise reduced resting systolic and diastolic BP (Delta -79 +/- 1.8; -23 +/- 2.3 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.05). ACh-induced relaxation increased in the exercise group (pD(2) = 9.8 +/- 0.06, P < 0.05) when compared with control rats (pD(2) = 8.7 +/- 0.1). The E(max) to PHE with intact endothelium decreased following exercise condition (439 +/- 18 mmHg, P < 0.05) when compared with control rats (276 +/- 22 mmHg). This response was abolished after L-NAME and indomethacin administration. After damage of the endothelium, PHE responses were not significantly different between the groups; however, E(max) and pD(2) increased when compared with responses obtained with intact endothelium. The results demonstrated that acute dynamic resistance exercise decreased resting BP and reactivity to PHE and increased endothelium-dependent relaxation. Nitric oxide and vasodilators prostanoids appear to be involved in post-exercise endothelial and pressor responses.

Heavy metals have been used in a wide variety of human activities that have significantly increased both professional and environmental exposure. Unfortunately, disasters have highlighted the toxic effects of metals on different organs and systems. Over the last 50 years, the adverse effects of chronic lead, mercury and gadolinium exposure have been underscored. Mercury and lead induce hypertension in humans and animals, affecting endothelial function in addition to their other effects. Increased cardiovascular risk after exposure to metals has been reported, but the underlying mechanisms, mainly for short periods of time and at low concentrations, have not been well explored. The presence of other metals such as gadolinium has raised concerns about contrast-induced nephropathy and, interestingly, despite this negative action, gadolinium has not been defined as a toxic agent. The main actions of these metals, demonstrated in animal and human studies, are an increase of free radical production and oxidative stress and stimulation of angiotensin I-converting enzyme activity, among others. Increased vascular reactivity, highlighted in the present review, resulting from these actions might be an important mechanism underlying increased cardiovascular risk. Finally, the results described in this review suggest that mercury, lead and gadolinium, even at low doses or concentrations, affect vascular reactivity. Acting via the endothelium, by continuous exposure followed by their absorption, they can increase the production of free radicals and of angiotensin II, representing a hazard for cardiovascular function. In addition, the actual reference values, considered to pose no risk, need to be reducedResearch supported by CAPES and CNPq/FAPES/ FUNCITEC (#39767531/07), Brazil, and MCINN (#SAF 2009-07201) and ISCIII (Red RECAVA, #RD06/0014/0011), Spai

1. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of endothelium in mediating the response to acetylcholine in the thoracic aorta and coronary vessels of rats exposed to cigarette smoking. Total serum cholesterol was measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. 2. The relaxation response to acetylcholine was significantly impaired in the aortae of rats exposed to cigarette smoking (P < 0.05); and the coronary flow during the administration of acetylcholine (0.02 microgram/min.) was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The total cholesterol plasma levels increased 31.13% in those exposed to smoke when compared to the controls (P < 0.05). 3. It is concluded that exposure to cigarette smoking increases total serum cholesterol levels, and also produces primary endothelial dysfunction in aorta rings and coronary vessels.

Introdução: A cirurgia bariátrica é uma opção eficaz de tratamento amplamente utilizada para graus avançados de obesidade. É essencial conhecer o perfil e características clínicas dos pacientes e  identificar fatores associados a complicações pós-operatórias. Objetivos: Descrever o perfil dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica em um Hospital Escola no Município de Vitória-ES/Brasil, caracterizar a amostra, descrever as principais complicações no período pós-operatório e os fatores associados a elas. Métodos: Estudo descritivo transversal, com indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. Dados sociodemográficos e clínicos relacionados ao pré e pós-cirúrgico foram coletados dos prontuários físicos. Resultados e conclusão: Foram analisados 181 prontuários de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica entre janeiro de 2014 a janeiro de 2016. Houve predomínio do sexo feminino (91,2%), pardos (53,6%), com uma média de idade de 42,4±10,7 anos. A comorbidade prevalente foi a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (67,4%) seguida de gastrite (66,3%). A via de acesso aberta (não laparoscópica) e a presença de maior número de comorbidades pré-operatórias apresentou uma associação positiva com a incidência de complicações no pós-operatório. Não foram encontradas associações entre via de acesso e as variáveis: tempo de internação e frequência de uso de cateter de O2 no pós-operatório. A realização de fisioterapia pré-operatória e o valor do IMC não apresentaram associação com: número de complicações respiratórias e não respiratórias, tempo de internação e uso de cateter O2. A identificação de fatores associados com a maior incidência de complicações pós-operatórias é de suma importância para a busca de estratégias que minimizem o risco de pacientes cirúrgicos.