Objective: To evaluate the pulmonary alterations of animals with Hepatopulmonary Syndrome (HPS) submitted to Biliary Duct Ligature (BDL), as well as the antioxidant effect of Melatonin (MEL). Methods: Sixteen male Wistar rats, divided into four Sham groups: BDL group, Sham + MEL group and BDL + MEL. The pulmonary and hepatic histology, lipoperoxidation and antioxidant activity of lung tissue, alveolar-arterial O2 difference and lung / body weight ratio (%) were evaluated. Results: When comparing the groups, could be observed an increase of vasodilation and pulmonary fibrosis in the BDL group and the reduction of this in relation to the BDL + MEL group. It was also observed significant changes in the activity of catalase, ApCO2, ApO2 in the LBD group when compared to the other groups. Conclusion: The use of MEL has been shown to be effective in reducing vasodilation, fibrosis levels and oxidative stress as well as gas exchange in an experimental HPS model.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) may be defined by hepatic disease, gas exchange abnormalities that may lead to hypoxaemia, and the presence of pulmonary vascular dilations. The balance between the many substances involved in vasodilation and vasoconstriction is regulated by the liver; thus, liver damage may generate systemic changes throughout the body. The pulmonary tissue may be damaged by reactive oxygen species or nitric oxide. Dyspnoea is the most frequent pulmonary symptom, caused by tissue damage, and may become worse when an individual exercises. In experimental research the surgical model of bile duct ligation is the optimal model to simulate the typical lung alterations present in HPS, which results in an increase in oxidative stress in hepatic and pulmonary tissues. In liver injury, the muscular system may also be damaged, for example sarcopenia may seriously aggravate cirrhosis and is associated with cirrhotic patient mortality. Muscular changes can be explained by the actions of myostatin and insulin-like growth factor and the increase in body levels of ammonia. As a result of impaired cardiopulmonary and muscular conditions, HPS patients may exhibit a low exercise tolerance, low muscle strength, and low functionality. Liver disease can contribute to HPS oxidative stress and is one of the main factors responsible for the reduction of gas exchange. Physical exercise can be performed as a way of modifying this pathophysiological state. Studies that have investigated physical exercise as a therapy for cirrhosis suggest that this approach may be beneficial for cirrhotic patients, primarily with regard to muscular and cardiorespiratory injuries.

Introdução: O futsal é um esporte coletivo caracterizado por movimentos rápidos e de alta intensidade, com frequentes trocas de direção dos atletas, o que predispõe os membros inferiores a lesões principalmente na articulação do tornozelo. Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos de um treinamento proprioceptivo e um treinamento de reforço muscular sobre a estabilidade articular do tornozelo, em atletas de futsal feminino, por meio do Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Métodos: Foram avaliadas 20 atletas de futsal feminino, com idade entre 18 e 30 anos (média 22,45 ± 3,30), sem histórico de lesões nos membros inferiores nos últimos seis meses, divididas randomicamente em dois grupos. Um grupo realizou um treinamento proprioceptivo e o outro um protocolo de reforço muscular, durante quatro semanas. Foi utilizado o SEBT para avaliar as fases pré e pós-intervenção. Para a comparação de médias de ambos os tornozelos, em cada grupo isolado, utilizou-se o teste t para medidas repetidas. Para a comparação de médias entre os grupos, aplicou-se o teste t para amostras independentes. Adotou-se 5% (p ≤ 0,05) como nível de significância e as análises foram realizadas no programa SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) versão 18. Resultados: Tanto o treinamento proprioceptivo quanto o de reforço muscular obtiveram resultados estatisticamente significativos nas direções lateral, posterolateral, posterior, posteromedial e medial, demonstrando boa estabilidade da articulação do tornozelo para qualquer um dos protocolos. Na comparação do pré e pós-intervenção entre os grupos, não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas em nenhuma das direções do teste. Conclusão: Treinamentos proprioceptivos e treinamentos de reforço muscular com duração de quatro semanas parecem ser alternativas viáveis e eficazes no incremento da estabilidade articular do tornozelo em atletas de futsal feminino.Descritores: equilíbrio postural; instabilidade articular; força muscular; tornozelo. (mean 22.45 ± 3.30) ABSTRACT Introduction: Indoor soccer is a team sport characterized by fast and high intensity movements, with frequent change of direction of the athletes, which predisposes the lower limb to injuries mainly in the ankle joint. Objective: To compare the effects of a proprioceptive training and muscle strengthening training on ankle joint stability in female indoor soccer athletes through the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Methods: Twenty female indoor soccer athletes, aged between 18 and 30 years