No abstract

Denervation of the colon is protective against the colon cancer; however, the mechanisms involved are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the denervated colonic mucosa could be less responsive to the action of the chemical carcinogen dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Three groups of 32 male Wistar rats were treated as follows: group 1 (G1) had the colon denervated with 0.3 mL 1.5 mM benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium (benzalkonium chloride, BAC); G2 received a single ip injection of 125 mg/kg DMH; G3 was treated with BAC + the same dose and route of DMH. A control group (Sham, N = 32) did not receive any treatment. Each group was subdivided into four groups according to the sacrifice time (1, 2, 6, and 12 weeks after DMH). Crypt fission index, ß-catenin accumulated crypts, aberrant crypt foci, and cell proliferation were evaluated and analyzed by ANOVA and the Student t-test. G3 animals presented a small number of aberrant crypt foci and low crypt fission index compared to G2 animals after 2 and 12 weeks, respectively. From the second week on, the index of ß-catenin crypt in G3 animals increased slower than in G2 animals. From the 12th week on, G2 animals presented a significant increase in cell proliferation when compared to the other groups. Colonic denervation plays an anticarcinogenic role from early stages of colon cancer development. This finding can be of importance for the study of the role of the enteric nervous system in the carcinogenic process.

No abstract

Colorectal cancer, which is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, has a slow natural history that provides a great opportunity for prevention strategies. Plant-derived natural products have received considerable attention because of their inherent colorectal cancer chemopreventive effects. The plant lectin jacalin specifically recognizes the tumor-associated Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen and has antiproliferative effects on human colon cancer cells, highlighting its potential antitumor activity. To evaluate jacalin's potential application in colorectal cancer chemoprevention, we studied its effects on the early stages of carcinogenesis. Balb/c mice were given 4 intrarectal deposits of 0.1 ml solution of Methyl-N′-Nitro-N-Nitroso-Guanidine (5 mg/ml) twice a week (with a 3-day interval) for 2 weeks. Starting 2 weeks before carcinogen administration, animals were treated orally with jacalin (0.5 and 25 μg) three times a week (on alternate weekdays) for 10 weeks. We show that jacalin treatment reduced the number of preneoplastic lesions in carcinogen-exposed mice. This anticarcinogenic activity was associated with decreased colonic epithelial cell proliferation and stromal COX-2 expression and with increased intestinal production of TNF-α. Our results demonstrate that jacalin is able to modulate the early stages of colon carcinogenesis and emphasize its promising chemopreventive activity in colorectal cancer.

No abstract

Introdução: A população carcerária feminina só cresce e, concomitantemente, ocorre o aumento da violação de direitos básicos, como o acesso à saúde e à dignidade. Nesse sentido, as questões exclusivas do sexo feminino são negligenciadas e seus problemas tornam-se invisíveis dentro do Sistema Prisional. Relato de Experiência: Foi desenvolvida como ação de extensão da Liga Acadêmica de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia –LAGOB, uma atividade para as reeducandas da Penitenciária Feminina de Guariba. Para isso, 6 membros foram selecionados para acompanharem e realizarem consultas, colherem o exame do Papanicolau, em conjunto com outros voluntários, dentre eles uma médica que iria auxiliar nos atendimentos. A maioria das mulheres relatou queixas referentes à saúde mental, e assim, a escuta ativa foi a ferramenta mais utilizada, por permitir a compreensão de suas realidades, histórias e queixas, e o impacto do abandono por parte de seus familiares e a perda de apoio. Discussão: A atividade permitiu corroborar com os dados encontrados na literatura relacionados à falta de acesso à saúde e outros direitos humanos, evidenciando a relevância dessas ações. Conclusão: O oferecimento dos atendimentos médicos e exames preventivos para essa população é de extrema importância, devido à precariedade do acesso à saúde devido aos benefícios que os atendimentos poderão repercutir em suas vidas. Portanto, a atividade realizada possibilitou a oportunidade de conhecer uma população distante do nosso cotidiano e compreender suas necessidades, para que no nosso futuro possamos agir em prol da saúde de populações negligenciadas.