The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of applying Raman spectroscopy in probing the molecular changes in terms of collagen deposition and tissue remodeling associated with two well-established experimental models of osteoarthritis (OA) in knee of rats. In order to evaluate alterations in the articular surface area, the menisci-covered tibial region was assessed into three groups as follows: control (joint preserved) and two models of experimental knee OA: collagenase-induced model (n = 8) and treadmill exercise-induced model (n = 8). Each group was examined for molecular changes using spectral parameters related to cartilage, subchondral bone, and bone tissues. A significant increase of Raman ratios related to mineralization and tissue remodeling was found (p < 0.05), suggesting that both models were successful for inducing OA in rats. The significantly lower phenylalanine content and higher crystallinity in the treadmill exercise-induced model of OA than collagenase-induced model of OA (p < 0.05) indicated that the OA pathogenesis was model-dependent. Thus, this work suggests that the Raman spectroscopy technique has potential for the diagnosis and detection of cartilage damage and monitoring of subchondral bone and bone in OA pathogenesis at the molecular level.

Objective: This work aimed to investigate the biochemical changes associated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using 660 and 780 nm, on a well-established experimental model of osteoarthritis (OA) in the knees of rats with induced collagenase, using histomorphometry and Raman spectroscopy. Materials and methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (GCON, n = 9), collagenase without treatment (GCOL, n = 9), collagenase with LLLT 660 nm treatment (G660, n = 8), and collagenase with LLLT 780 nm treatment (G780, n = 10). LLLT protocol was: 30 mW power output, 10 sec irradiation time, 0.04 cm 2 spot size, 0.3 J energy, 0.75 W/cm 2 irradiance, and 7.5 J/cm 2 fluence per session per day, during 14 days. Then, knees were withdrawn and submitted to histomorphometry and Raman spectroscopy analysis. Principal components analysis (PCA) and Mahalanobis distance were employed to characterize the spectral findings. Results: Histomorphometry revealed a significant increase in the amount of collagen III for the group irradiated with 660 nm. The Raman bands at 1247, 1273, and 1453 cm -1 (from principal component score PC2), attributed to collagen type II, and 1460 cm -1 (from PC3), attributed to collagen type III, suggested that the LLLT causes acceleration in cellular activity, especially on the cells that repair cartilage, accelerating the breakdown of cartilage destroyed by collagenase and stimulating the fibroblast to synthesize repairing collagen III. Conclusions: LLLT accelerated the initial breakdown of cartilage destroyed by collagenase and stimulated the fibroblast to synthesize the repairing collagen III, suggesting a beneficial effect of LLLT on OA.

Objective: To correlate health-related quality of life (HRQL) of women with COPD with clinical parameters and with the six-minute walk distance (6MWD; six-minute walk test). Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 30 female patients diagnosed with mild or moderate COPD treated at the Respiratory Outpatient Clinic of the Presidente Dutra University Hospital. Patients completed the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and were evaluated in terms of respiratory pressures, spirometry parameters and 6MWD. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out, as were Student's t-tests for dependent variables, together with Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients for numerical and ordinal variables, respectively. Results: According to the SGRQ total scores, HRQL was impaired, to some extent, in most of the participants. Most SGRQ total scores were between the second and the third quartiles, reflecting poor HRQL. The participants also presented poor functional capacity. Mean 6MWD (317.7 m), inspiratory muscle strength (−53.48 cmH 2 O) and expiratory muscle strength (69.5 cmH 2 O) were all below reference values. We found that HRQL was not correlated with body mass index or pulmonary function. However, HRQL presented a negative linear correlation with age, MIP and 6MWD, as well as a positive correlation with the sensation of dyspnea and fatigue. Conclusions: In this study, HRQL, determined using the SGRQ, was severely impaired in COPD patients, who presented severe limitations in functional capacity, breath control and personal life.Keywords: Quality of life; Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Women. ResumoObjetivo: Correlacionar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) de mulheres portadoras de DPOC com parâmetros clínicos e com a distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6). Métodos: Estudo transversal com 30 mulheres portadoras de DPOC leve ou moderada, atendidas no Ambulatório de Pneumologia do Hospital Universitário Presidente Dutra. Foi aplicado o Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), assim como foram realizadas as medidas das pressões respiratórias, da espirometria e dos resultados do TC6. Executou-se a análise estatística descritiva, assim como o teste t de Student para variáveis dependentes, o coeficiente linear de Pearson para correlações de variáveis numéricas e o de Spearman para variáveis ordinais. Resultados: A QVRS esteve, na grande maioria das mulheres entrevistadas, comprometida, em graus variados, de acordo com o escore total do SGRQ. Os escores totais do SGRQ da maioria das participantes estavam entre o segundo e o terceiro quartil, o que reflete baixa QVRS. As participantes apresentaram ainda baixa capacidade funcional no TC6, com distância média percorrida (317,7 m) e força muscular inspiratória (−53,48 cmH 2 O) e expiratória (69,5 cmH 2 O) abaixo dos valores de normalidade. Não houve correlação entre a QVRS e o índice de massa corpórea e a função pulmonar. No entanto, houve correlação linear negativa com a idade, a PImáx e o TC6 e c...

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