In vitro evaluation of Sporothrix brasiliensis biotherapic

Sporothrix brasiliensisis one of themost virulent zoonosis which affects animals and humans. This fungus is responsible for subcutaneous infection and its contamination is possible through trauma to the skin. Sporotrichosis is highly prevalent in feline. And Rio de Janeiro appears to have the highest occurrence of cases. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the in vitroefficacy of Sporothrix brasiliensisbiotherapic, with and without an association to allopathic medicine commonly used in the treatment.Methodology: Conidiumcells of Sporothrix brasiliensiswill be cultured in Potato dextrose agar (PDA) for 5 to 7 days and yeast cells in Brain heart infusion (BHI) for 3 to 5 days. After incubation, the cells will be scraped with a drigalski handle and filtered using cells strainer into a tube and centrifuge for 5 minutes at 3000 RPM. The cells will be resuspended with Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), centrifuge again,and finally resuspended in PBS. After preparing the inocule, the microplates will be prepared. There will be 5groups in vitro. The first one will be the control group, only fungi. The second will be the treatment of fungi with homeopathic medicine (Sporothrix brasiliensis30DH). The third group will be the homeopathic medicine in association with itraconazole. The fourth will be the treatment with itraconazole only. And the last group will be the fungi with dynamized distilled water 30DH. Sporothrix brasiliensis30DHwill be prepared according to Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia. Results and discussions: The experiments are still in progress and the results will be analyzed through Analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine statistically significant differences. Previous articles based on biotherapic treatments demonstrated successful results, so our research group is conducting these experiments to evaluate the effect in this model. Conclusion: Experiments will be made to verify the efficacy of biotherapic on sporotrichosis treatments.

Análise histopatológica dos efeitos do bioterápico 200dh em camundongos infectados por Trypanosoma Cruzi / Histopathological analysis of the effects of 200dh biotherapeutic in mice infected with Trypanosoma Cruzi

O Trypanosoma cruzi é um protozoário que instaura uma infecção grave em seu hospedeiro vertebrado, podendo causar danos irreversíveis, principalmente em suas células musculares, conhecida como a doença tripanossomíase ou Doença de Chagas. dicação disponível no mercado, que combate esse parasito, não é completamente eficiente e produz danos indesejáveis e irreversíveis, fazendo-se necessário a busca por outros campos da medicina, em termos de medicação, para combater essa doença. Nesse sentido, pesquisas com medicamentos homeopáticos têm se revelado promissoras no combate ao parasito, sobretudo as formas amastigotas, que são mais difíceis de serem exterminadas. Os bioterápicos são os homeopáticos que obtiveram maior sucesso em relação à infecção por T. cruzi, uma vez que esses medicamentos possuem seu princípio ativo retirado do próprio parasito, suas toxinas, parte de membros, realizando uma terapia conhecida como isoterapia ­ cura pelo igual. Resultados encontrados indicam que o bioterápico 200dH atua coagindo o sistema imune a combater o T. cruzi em cobaias contaminadas, fomentando uma resposta imune celular e humoral mais eficiente do que a fisiológica. Acredita-se que esse medicamento atue estimulando as células de defesa, que passarão a responder de forma antígeno- -específico, favorecendo o combate de amastigotas. Esse processo, provavelmente, é iniciado pela estimulação do macrófago, que por sua vez, de acordo com os resultados encontrados, inicia uma cascata inflamatória, com predominância da via Th1, fomentando a produção de IL4, IL-10 e interferon, auxiliando no combate as amastigotas.

The trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan that causes a serious infeccion in the vertebrate host, being capable of causing irreversible damages mainly in the muscle cells, also known as trypanosomiasis disease or Chagas Disease. The commercially available drug medication which fights this parasite is not completely efficient and causes undesirable and irreversible damages making it necessary to search for other fields of medicine in terms of medication to combat this disease. Therefore research with homeopathic medicines has being promising in the fight against the parasite, especially the amastigote forms, which are more difficult to be exterminated. Biotherapics are the homeopathic ones that have been more successful in relation to T. cruzi infection, since these drugs have their active principle removed from the parasite itself, its toxins, part of its members, performing a therapy known as isotherapy - cure by the same. The results indicates that the 200dH biotherapic acts by coercing the immune system to fight T. cruzi in contaminated guinea pigs, promoting a cellular and humoral imune response more efficient than the physiological one. It is believed that this medicine works by stimulating the defense cells which will respond in an antigen-specific manner favoring the fight against amastigotes. This process is probably initiated by the stimulation of the macrophage which in turn, according to the remains found, initiates an inflammatory cascade with predominance of the Th1 pathway, promoting the production of IL-4e IL-5 and interferon helping to combat amastigotes

Contribuição dos nosódios intestinais para o tratamento homeopático

Trabalho realizado a partir da revisão bibliográfica a respeito da importância da relação do equilíbrio do microbioma intestinal, com o eixo psico-neuro-endócrino ­imunológico e os nosódios intestinais de Edward Bach e John Paterson. Evidencia como a abordagem isoterápica, por meio dos nosódios intestinais, se mostra relevante para reduzir os sintomas de desequilíbrios físicos e comportamentais de um indivíduo. Por esse viés, elucida a contribuição dos nosódios intestinais para a descoberta do medicamento constitucional do paciente, bem como o reestebelecimento da qualidade de vida e retomada da sua funcionalidade e bem estar geral, de forma ágil. (AU)

Homeopathy and biotherapy in Bothrops asper envenomation

Snake envenomation by Bothrops asper is a common problem affecting cattle raising and rural workers in farms across Latin America. Control of hemorrhage must often be ensured at the site of the accident, as medical care and antivenom therapy might not be available on the premises. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of homeopathic medicine Phosphorus 6cH, biotherapy Bothrops asper 6cH and a homeopathic formula on hemorrhage induced by B. asper envenomation. Groups of mice received the investigated treatments before and after envenomation (minimal hemorrhagic dose) and the diameter and intensity of hemorrhage were assessed. When administered before envenomation, all 3 treatments reduced the hemorrhage diameter; the best results were achieved with formula administered 14 days before envenomation and Phos 6cH 7 days before. Among the animals treated after envenomation, Phos 6cH in 4 doses/hour exhibited the best results in terms of hemorrhage diameter and intensity. We conclude that both homeopathy and biotherapy exhibit considerable potential as alternative treatment to reduce hemorrhage induced by B. asper venom. (AU)

Acidentes por Bothrops asper afetam frequentemente o gado e trabalhadores rurais em toda a América Latina. Dado que tanto atenção médica quanto tratamento antiofídico podem não estar disponíveis no local do acidente, é necessário controlar a hemorragia in loco. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do medicamento homeopático Phosphorus 6cH, bioterápico Bothrops asper 6cH e um complexo homeopático na hemorragia induzida por B. asper. Diferentes grupos de camundongos receberam os medicamentos testados antes e depois do envenenamento (dose hemorrágica mínima) e foram medidos o diâmetro e a intensidade da hemorragia. Quando administrados antes do envenenamento, os 3 tratamentos reduziram o diâmetro da hemorragia, obtendo-se os melhores resultados com o complexo administrado 14 dias antes e Phos 6cH 7 dias antes. Entre os animais tratados depois do envenamento, os melhores resultados em termos de diâmetro e intensidade da hemorragia foram obtidos com Phos 6cH em 4 doses/hora. Conclui-se que tanto a homeopatia quanto o bioterápico apresentam grande potencial como tratamento alternativo para reduzir a hemorragia induzida por B. asper. (AU)

Homeopathy and biotherapy in Bothrops asper envenomation

Snake envenomation by Bothrops asper is a common problem affecting cattle raising and rural workers in farms across Latin America. Control of hemorrhage must often be ensured at the site of the accident, as medical care and antivenom therapy might not be available on the premises. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of homeopathic medicine Phosphorus 6cH, biotherapy Bothrops asper 6cH and a homeopathic formula on hemorrhage induced by B. asper envenomation. Groups of mice received the investigated treatments before and after envenomation (minimal hemorrhagic dose) and the diameter and intensity of hemorrhage were assessed. When administered before envenomation, all 3 treatments reduced the hemorrhage diameter; the best results were achieved with formula administered 14 days before envenomation and Phos 6cH 7 days before. Among the animals treated after envenomation, Phos 6cH in 4 doses/hour exhibited the best results in terms of hemorrhage diameter and intensity. We conclude that both homeopathy and biotherapy exhibit considerable potential as alternative treatment to reduce hemorrhage induced by B. asper venom. (AU)

Acidentes por Bothrops asper afetam frequentemente o gado e trabalhadores rurais em toda a América Latina. Dado que tanto atenção médica quanto tratamento antiofídico podem não estar disponíveis no local do acidente, é necessário controlar a hemorragia in loco. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do medicamento homeopático Phosphorus 6cH, bioterápico Bothrops asper 6cH e um complexo homeopático na hemorragia induzida por B. asper. Diferentes grupos de camundongos receberam os medicamentos testados antes e depois do envenenamento (dose hemorrágica mínima) e foram medidos o diâmetro e a intensidade da hemorragia. Quando administrados antes do envenenamento, os 3 tratamentos reduziram o diâmetro da hemorragia, obtendo-se os melhores resultados com o complexo administrado 14 dias antes e Phos 6cH 7 dias antes. Entre os animais tratados depois do envenamento, os melhores resultados em termos de diâmetro e intensidade da hemorragia foram obtidos com Phos 6cH em 4 doses/hora. Conclui-se que tanto a homeopatia quanto o bioterápico apresentam grande potencial como tratamento alternativo para reduzir a hemorragia induzida por B. asper. (AU)

Biotherapic 200dH is harmful to acute murine infection with Trypanosoma cruzi

Biotherapics employed to treat mice infected by Trypanosoma cruzi were carried out with encouraging results. The aim of this study was evaluated the effect of biotherapic of Trypanosoma cruzi 200dH, using two different schedules of treatment. Swiss male mice, aged 56 days-old were infected intraperitonealy with 1,400 blood trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain and were divided into groups: C.I.- infected animals, E.D. â€" Infected animals treated from the day 1 until the end of the experiment; 200dH S.D. â€" Infected animals treated on the day 1. Parasitological, clinical and immunological parameters were evaluated. The group of animals that received the medicine in a single dose presented higher value to total parasitaemia and lower value of pre patent period compared to control untreated group (p<0.05), as well as the number of amastigotes which was also higher for this group (S.D.) (p<0.05). Clinically, the S.D.group presented more stable temperature (p<0.05) but not presented another clinical difference among treatments. IL-6 and TNF-α presented similar dosage among treated groups as well as IL-4 and IL-10. IL-17A and INF-γ, presented highest values to S.D. group (p<0.05). All animals died until the 20th day of infection. The lack of improvement in clinical and parasitological parameters, the untimely death and the immunological imbalance display the harmful evolution of the experimental infection by T. cruzi using biotherapic 200dH. The results could be useful for homeopathic physicians. In human clinical use, the choice of dynamizations and treatment schedule should consider acute and chronic diseases to achieve the expected results. (AU)

Cationic topical formulations tested in high dilutions offers protective effects in fibroblast cells culture

Topical administration is a simple and comfortable form of cutaneous administration of drugs. However, in this route of administration the drug needs to overcome the barrier posed by the skin to reach an effective concentration. For this reason, many topical formulations are developed with a cationic component. The promotion of absorption occurs due to the disruption of the stratum corneum. But this cationic component has also high irritating potential to the skin. The biotherapics are medicines prepared from a toxic product or etiologic agent, following the homeopathic pharmacopoeia technique, and they are used mainly in cases of hipersensitization. In this experiment, high dilutions (HD) obtained from a cationic formulation were prepared and evaluated considering cell viability in “in vitro” mouse fibroblast (L929) culture cells model by a colorimetric MTT assay. No signs of toxicity were observed, which demonstrates the safety of these HD preparations to the healthy cells. The effectiveness of these HD was also investigated in cells damaged by cationic formulations. The results demonstrated that the HD 30c was the most effective preparation in preventing the cell damage caused by the tested irritating product, increasing cell viability from 56.6% (damaged cells) to 100% (similar to negative control group, p>0.05). These results provide evidence of the positive action of high dilutions against the exposure to a cytotoxic agent. (AU)

Pilot study: evaluation of homeopathic treatment of Escherichia coli infected swine with identification of virulence factors involved

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic homeopathic treatment of swine diarrhea to achievea satisfactory balance between weight gain and cost. Methods: Escherichia coli (E. coli) wasisolated from 4 piglets with diarrhea, their clinical signs were used to select the adequate homeopathic medicine China officinalis (Chin). Newborn piglets were divided in 4 groups (n=11or 12): control group treated with the routinely used antimicrobial agent (ceftiofur 4 mg 1ml/piglet for 3 days); one group with homeopathic medicine Chin 30 cH; one group treated with biotherapy prepared from locally isolated E. coli; and one group was treated with association ofChin and biotherapy. All isolated samples of E. coli were subjected to polymerase chain reaction(PCR) to identify virulence factors in each group. Results: There was no difference in the numberof animals with diarrhea between groups treated with homeopathic medicine and control; weightgain was greater in groups treated with homeopathic medicine alone and associated withbiotherapy compared to control (p<0.05). Cost of homeopathic treatment was lower compared toceftiofur. Only one E. coli sample used to prepare biotherapy medicine tested positive forvirulence factors (F41); 3 samples from the Chin treated group tested positive for Stbenterotoxins; 1 sample from the homeopathic medicine plus biotherapy treated group and 1 sample from the biotherapy treated group tested positive for F41; 2 samples from the controlgroup tested positive for F41. Conclusion: Strain variability was too large in PCR to allow forany conclusion; despite feces tested positive for E. coli, weight gain of piglets was greater ingroups with homeopathic treatment that thus can be rated more effective in newborn piglets diarrhea.(AU)

O uso da homeopatia para prevenir sintomas da gripe humana e infecção respiratória aguda: um estudo clínico duplo cego, randomizado, placebo controlado com 600 crianças do Serviço Público de Sáude do Brasil / The use of homeopathy to prevent symptoms of human flu and acute respiratory infections: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 600 children from Brazilian Public Health Service

In Brazil, homeopathy was implemented in the Public Health Service through the National Policy on Complementary and Integrative Practices of the Health Ministry, published in 2006. Homeopathy appears as a very interesting therapy to be used in the Public Health Services since its medicines are compounded at a very low cost. Considering this interesting scenario to develop research in the Public Health, the Family Health Program (FHP) in Petropolis and the Faculty of Pharmacy at UFRJ started a partnership with the Roberto Costa Institute.(AU)

No Brasil, a homeopatia foi implementada no Serviço Público de Saúde, através da Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares do Ministério da Saúde, publicada em 2006. A homeopatia surge como uma terapia muito interessante para ser usada no serviço público de saúde uma vez que seus medicamentos tem um custo muito baixo. Considerando este cenário interessante para desenvolver uma pesquisa em Saúde Pública, o Programa de Saúde da Família (PSF) de Petrópolis e a Faculdade de Farmácia da UFRJ iniciaram uma parceria com o Instituto Roberto Costa. (AU)

Avaliação do potencial genotóxico e mutagênico de um nosódio vivo obtido com o vírus Influenza A / Evaluation of the genotoxic and mutagenic potentials of a living nosode compounded with Influenza A virus

Introdução: O vírus da gripe tem sido responsável por doenças respiratórias contagiosas com altas taxas de mortalidade [1]. Algumas drogas tem sido usadas para tratar a gripe humana. No entanto, esses medicamentos causam muitos efeitos colaterais e induzem o aparecimento de cepas virais resistentes [2]. O impacto causado pelo vírus influenza tem motivado o desenvolvimento de novas abordagens para a prevenção e controle da influenza [3]. Portanto, um novo medicamento homeopático foi desenvolvido utilizando, como ponto de partida, o vírus influenza infecciosa [4]. Este pertence a um grupo chamado nosódios vivos [5]. No entanto, seus potenciais mutagênicos e genotóxicos, especialmente quando usado em diluições baixas, ainda não foram avaliados e é importante porque este bioterápico é preparado a partir de microorganismos vivos. Diferentes métodos podem ser usados para detectar efeitos mutagênicos e genotóxicos. Objetivos: Este estudo visa avaliar o potencial genotóxico e mutagênico do nosódio vivo do vírus influenza A, em diferentes potências homeopáticas.Metodologia: 1 ml de suspensão viral purificada foi diluída em 9 ml de água destilada estéril. Esta amostra foi submetida a 100 sucussões mecânicas (aproximadamente 3 Hz), usando o aparato Autic ® brasileira, originando a primeira diluição, chamada decimal (1x). 1 ml desta solução foi diluída em 9 ml de solvente e foi submetido a 100 sucussões, gerando o bioterápico 2x. Este procedimento foi repetido sucessivamente, de acordo com a Farmacopéia Homeopática Brasileira, para obter o bioterápico 30x [6]. Pela mesma técnica, a água foi preparada até a potência 30x, para ser utilizada como controle. Todas as amostras foram preparadas sob condições estéreis e assépticas, utilizando-se fluxo laminar, classe II, e foram armazenados em geladeira (8ºC). As amostras 1x, 6x, 12x, 18x 24x, 30x e 30x e água (controle do veículo) foram analisadas por: Induteste, avalia a capacidade dos agentes físicos ou químicos de promover a indução lisogênico como um reflexo dos danos nas moléculas de DNA em bactérias lisogênicas, e o teste de Ames, que utiliza linhagens indicadoras de Salmonella typhimurium, sensíveis a substâncias que podem induzir diferentes tipos de mutação. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos no Induteste não mostraram diminuição da fração de sobrevivência das bactérias utilizadas, e nenhum aumento na formação de indução lisogênica, em quaisquer potências testadas. O mesmo perfil foi obtido após o teste de Ames, com resultados semelhantes ao controle negativo. Conclusão: Conclui-se que nosódio vivo obtido com vírus Influenza A não é capaz de induzir danos no DNA de células procarióticas. Este resultado nos permite concluir que pacientes que usam este medicamento não tem efeitos colaterais relacionados com a mutagênese e genotoxicidade.(AU)

Background: The influenza virus has been responsible for contagious respiratory diseases with high mortality rates [1]. Some drugs have been used to treat human influenza. However, these drugs cause many common side effects and induce the appearance of resistant viral strains [2]. The impact caused by the influenza virus has motivated the development of new approaches for the prevention and control of influenza [3]. Therefore, a new homeopathic medicine was developed using, as a starting point, the infectious influenza virus [4]. This belongs to a group called living nosodes [5]. However, its mutagenic and genotoxic potentials, especially when used in low dilutions, has not yet been evaluated and it is important because this biotherapic is prepared from living microorganisms. Different methods can be used to detect mutagenic and genotoxicic effects. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the genotoxic and mutagenic potentials of influenza A living nosode at different homeopathic potencies. Methodology: 1 ml of purified viral suspension was diluted in 9 ml of sterile distilled water. This sample was submitted to 100 mechanical succussions (approximately 3 Hz), using Autic® Brazilian machine, originating the first dilution, named decimal (1x). 1 ml of this solution was diluted in 9 ml of solvent and was submitted to 100 sucussions, generating biotherapic 2x. This procedure was successively repeated, according to Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, to obtain the biotherapic 30x [6]. By the same technique, water vehicle was prepared until 30x potency to be used as control. All samples were prepared in sterile and under aseptic conditions, using laminar flow cabinet, class II, and were stored in the refrigerator (8ºC). The samples 1x, 6x, 12x, 18x, 24x and 30x and water 30x (vehicle control) were analysed by: the Inductest, which assesses the ability of physical or chemical agents to promote lysogenic induction as a reflection of damage in DNA molecules in lysogenic bacteria, and the Ames test, which uses indicator strains of Salmonella typhimurium, sensitive to substances that can induce different types of mutation. Results: The Inductest showed no decrease in the survival fraction of the bacteria used, and no increase in the formation of lysogenic induction, in any tested potency. The same profile was obtained after the Ames test, with similar results to negative control. Conclusion: We can conclude that this living nosode compounded with Influenza A virus is not able to induce DNA damage in prokaryotic cells. This result permits us to conclude that patients who use this medicine have no side effects related to mutagenesis and genotoxicity.(AU)

Avaliação do potencial genotóxico e mutagênico de soluções homeopáticas de Candida albicans / Evaluation of the genotoxic and mutagenic potentials of homeopathic Candida albicans solutions

ntrodução: Candida spp é encontrada naturalmente na microbiota natural da pele humana, trato gastrointestinal e genitourinário e, em geral, até 75% da população não apresenta qualquer sintoma [1]. No entanto, a candidíase oral é muito comum entre os pacientes HIV e pacientes submetidos à quimioterapia. O tratamento da candidíase oral é necessário, uma vez que a doença provoca desconforto e disfagia, resultando em má nutrição, recuperação lenta e internação prolongada [2,3]. Os resultados preliminares obtidos pelo nosso grupo com um novo bioterápico preparado a partir de Candida albicans (Candida 30x) mostrou um grande potencial para reduzir a taxa de adesão da candida quando células epiteliais foram pré-tratadas. Este estudo está sendo desenvolvido visando avaliação do potencial mutagênico e genotóxico de várias soluções homeopáticas.Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial genotóxico e mutagênico de diferentes potências homeopáticas do medicamento de C. albicans. Metodologia: Uma parte de C. albicans obtida do sangue de pacientes brasileiros [4] foi diluída em 9 partes de água estéril. Esta amostra foi submetida a 100 sucussões mecânicas (aproximadamente 3 Hz), usando Autic ®, originando a primeira diluição (1x). Em seguida, 1 ml desta solução foi diluída em 9 ml de solvente, submetida a 100 sucussões, obtendo a potência 2x. Este procedimento foi repetido sucessivamente para obter a potência de 30x, de acordo com a Farmacopéia Homeopática Brasileira [5]. Pela mesma técnica, o veículo foi preparado até 30x para ser usado como controle. Todas as amostras foram preparadas em condições estéreis e assépticas, utilizando-se gabine de fluxo laminar, classe II, e foram armazenados em geladeira (8ºC). As amostras 1x, 6x, 12x, 18x 24x, 30x de C. albicans e 30x de água (controle do veículo) foram analisadas por: Induteste, que avalia a capacidade de agentes físicos ou químicos em promover a indução lisogênica em reflexo a danos em moléculas de DNA de bactérias lisogênicas. E o Teste de Ames, que utiliza linhagens indicadoras de Salmonella typhimurium, sensíveis a substâncias que podem induzir diferentes tipos de mutação.Int J High Dilution Res 2011; 10(36):177-179Proceedings of the XXV GIRI Symposium and VIII CBFH; 2011 Sep 04-07; Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil)179Resultados: De acordo com o Induteste, não houve diminuição da fração de sobrevivência de bactérias e aumento na formação de centros infecciosos, independentemente da potência homeopática testada. O mesmo perfil foi obtido após o Teste de Ames, com resultados semelhantes ao controle negativo. Conclusão: Podemos concluir que estas amostras não são capazes de induzir danos ao DNA bacteriano das cepas utilizadas. Assim, a utilização deste medicamento não apresenta quaisquer efeitos secundários relacionados com a mutagênese e genotoxicidade.(AU)

Background: Candida spp is naturally found in humans? flora of skin, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts and, in general, up to 75% of the population does not have any symptom [1]. However, oral candidiasis is very common among HIV patients and patients undergoing chemotherapy. The treatment of oral candidiasis is necessary once the disease causes discomfort and dysphagia, resulting in poor nutrition, slow recovery, and prolonged hospital stay [2,3]. Preliminary results obtained by our group with a new biotherapic prepared from Candida albicans (Candida 30x) showed a great potential to reduce the candida yeast adhesion rate when the epithelial cells were pre-treated. This study is currently being developed with the evaluation of mutagenic and genotoxic potentials of several homeopathic solutions. Aims: The goal of this study was to assess the genotoxic and mutagenic potentials of different homeopathic potencies of C. albicans. Methodology: One part of C. albicans yeast obtained from Brazilian patient?s blood [4] was diluted in 9 parts of sterile water. This sample was submitted to 100 mechanical succussions (approximately 3 Hz), using Autic® Brazilian machine, originating the first dilution (1x). Then, 1 ml of this solution was diluted in 9 ml of solvent, submitted to 100 succussions, obtaining 2x potency. This procedure was successively repeated to obtain 30x potency, according to Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia [5]. By the same technique, water vehicle was prepared until 30x to be used as control. All samples were prepared in sterile and aseptic conditions, using laminar flow cabinet, class II and were stored in the refrigerator (8ºC). The samples 1x, 6x, 12x, 18x, 24x and 30x of C. albicans and water 30x (vehicle control) were analysed by: the Inductest, which assesses the ability of physical or chemical agents to promote lysogenic induction as a reflection of damage in DNA molecules in lysogenic bacteria, and the Ames test, which uses indicator strains of Salmonella typhimurium, sensitive to substances that can induce different types of mutation. Results: In the Inductest no decrease in survival fraction of bacteria and no increase in the formation of lysogenic induction were detected independently of the homeopathic potency employed. The same profile was obtained after the Ames test, with similar results to negative control. Conclusion: Afterwards, we can conclude that these samples are not able to induce DNA damage in the cells tested. So, the use of this medicine does not present any side effects related to mutagenesis and genotoxicity.(AU)

Respostas celulares e bioquímicas induzidas por bioterápicos preparados a partir de influenza A (H3N2) íntegro e influenza A (H3N2) inativado nas potências 12x e 30x na linhagem MDCK / Cellular and biochemical responses induced by Biotherapics prepared from intact influenza A (H3N2) and inactivated influenza A (H3N2) virus at 12x and 30x in the MDCK cells

Biotherapics are homeopathic remedies prepared from organic products that are chemically undefined and can be used for treatment of diseases like influenza. There are several classes of biotherapics and, among these, there are some called "living biotherapics" or "Roberto Costa?s Biotherapics". This study aimed to compare the cellular and biochemical effects of biotherapics prepared from intact influenza virus diluted in water and the one obtained from the same viral sample inactivated by ethanol 70% (v / v), both in the potencies of 12x and 30x. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses were performed on both preparations to assess the integrity of viral particles, which showed that ethanol 70% (v/v) induced a complete denaturation of viral particles. In contrast, the integrity of virus particles was preserved when water was used as the biotherapic solvent. Cellular and biochemical alterations induced by the preparations on MDCK cells were analyzed and compared with those induced by respective controls (water 30x-treated and untreated cells). Cellular viability analyzed by MTT method showed statistically significant differences (p <0.05) in MDCK cells treated with intact biotherapic for 5 (3 stimuli) and 30 (18 stimuli) days in comparison with untreated control. TEM analysis did not show significant cellular changes when the different experimental groups were compared. The enzymatic activity of phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK), an important enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, presented a statistically significant increase (p <0.05) after 30 days of treatment when compared to control groups. The results obtained suggest that inactivation of viral sample with ethanol 70% induces lysis and disruption of viral particles. In addition, preliminary results indicated that treatment with intact biotherapic seems to induce higher variations on MDCK cells responses when compared to inactivated-biotherapic-treated cells. Further analyses are ongoing, including scanning electron microscopy and quantification of the number of mitosis, in order to elucidate the mechanisms involved with biochemical and cellular responses induced by theses biotherapics.(AU)

Avaliação da produção de citocinas pelos macrófagos J774. G8 após o tratamento com bioterápicos / Evaluation of cytokine production by J774. G8 macrophages after treatment with biotherapics

Strains of macrophages, such as murine J774.G8 macrophages, are susceptible to influenza A infection [1]. One of the responses to viral infection involves the production of various types of immunostimulatory cytokines by infected cells [2].In all cases, there were no significant differences compared to control groups. However, the production of TNF-? detected in macrophages treated by intact and inactivated biotherapics presented a tendency to increase after infection. In fact, similar results were previously detected in other experiments conducted only with the intact biotherapic [3]. The release of the cytokine MCP1 in all experimental situations presented a tendency to decrease after the viral infection when compared to untreated macrophages. No statistically significant difference was detected in the production of IL 12 and IL 10. These experiments will be repeated to confirm the data obtained.(AU)

Maior frequência de administração de bioterápico T. cruzi 17DH diminui parasitemia e aumenta sobrevida de camundongos infectados pelo Trypanosoma cruzi / Higher frequency of administration of biotherapic T. cruzi 17DH decreases parasitemia and increases survival in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi

The study of the effect of different ways of treatment using highly diluted substances is rare in the literature. Some authors consider the dose irrelevant, justifying that the action of the medication highly diluted is qualitative [1-3]. Others emphasize the importance of quantity and frequency of administration of the highly diluted substance for a successful treatment [4,5]. The model of murine infection by T. cruzi is widely studied and it is an excellent tool to study the effect of highly diluted substances.There is a difference in the effect of the medication highly diluted depending on the way of treatment used. For mice, the use of drug diluted in water offered frequently, results in better benefits. The clinical use of these results in humans, should consider the allometric system medication dosage which takes into account the metabolic rate of each organism.(AU)

Bioterápico 200 DH causa redução do parasitismo cerebral em camundongos infectados com Toxoplasma gondii / Biotherapic 200 DH reduces cerebral parasitism in mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis that represents a serious public health problem, worldwide distributed. Pregnant women are part of the most risky group due to congenital sequels. The necessity of a preventive treatment for congenital infections is of great importance [1] Biotherapics, highly diluted medicines prepared with T. gondii according to the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia [2], is an important prevention strategy, ensuring a safe and cheap approach to protozoan infections [3]. However, little is known about the effects of different potencies and treatment schedules.The highly diluted biotherapic 200DH T. gondii caused mortality in one animal in group however caused no significant difference other clinical and parasitological parameters evaluated although there was a decrease of parasitism brain of mice infected with the protozoan compared to control group.(AU)

Estabilidade Físico-Química e Microbiológica do Bioterápico Candida albicans RC em Variadas Potências / Physical-chemical and microbiological stability of biotherapy Candida albicans RC in different potencies

Oral Candidiasis is an opportunist fungal infection, with high incidence in HIV and immunosuppressed patients and Candida albicans is the most common causing agent. In some cases, it can evolve to resistant injuries to antifungal conventional therapy. According to Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia (BHP) [1], biotherapic medicines are prepared from chemically undefined biological products. Biotherapics created by Brazilian doctor Roberto Costa (RC) have a different homeopathic compounding technique, as its dynamization starts from the ethiologic agent of the illness in its alive form, which present higher capability to stimulate the host immunological system [2,3].Further experiments are being carried out in order to confirm the preliminary data obtained.(AU)

Tratamento com bioterápico Candida albicans influencia a adesão de fungos a células Ma104 in vitro / Treatment with Candida albicans biotherapic influences in vitro fungal adhesion to Ma-104 cells

Oral candidiasis is an opportunist fungal infection in humans, mainly caused by Candida albicans. It occurs when the host presents an imbalance in the immune system and Candida spp., normally found in human flora, become able to develop the infection [1]. This disease is very common in HIV patients, and in all individuals that present immunossupression, such as patients treated with chemotherapy. Considering this scenario, the development of new medicines to treat oral candidiasis is mandatory.These results showed that the biotherapic did not present any citotoxicity, but was able to modify the morphological aspects of Ma-104 cells. Additionally, the interaction between host cells and ethilogic agent is directly influenced by biotherapic treatment, suggesting a promising antifungal potential of this medicine.(AU)

Efeito de um bioterápico 7DH de Toxoplasma gondii em camundongos infectados com o protozoário / Effect of 7DH biotherapic of Toxoplasma gondii in mice infected with the protozoan

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii worldwide distributed [1]. In both, men and animals, the infection with T. gondii can lead to important pathologies [2]. The study of alternative treatments is important to set new therapeutic protocols, especially for the prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis.Mice pre-infection treated with biotherapic 7DH, presented bigger clinical alterations, which were measured visually and statistically compared to the control group. There was a biological effect of the biotherapic, with an increase in the number of cysts compared to the control group, without statistical significance. The group 7DH showed a significant reduction of intraocular pressure and fundoscopic analysis showed a larger number of animals without ocular changes, without statistical significance. The sample size should be reevaluated for better data interpretation and decision on the effects of the biotherapic 7DH T. gondii.(AU)

Influência da idade e esquema de tratamento na parasitemia de camundongos infectados pelo Trypanosoma cruzi tratados com bioterápico de alta potência / Influence of age and ways of treatment in the parasitemia in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi treated with high potency biotherapy

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The infection of mice by Trypanosoma cruzi is well known, making this a good model for understanding the effect of highly diluted medications. Mice of different ages show different responses to biotherapic T. cruzi [1]. Other data from our laboratory using biotherapic treatment at low potencies show that long lasting treatment has a better effect in mice infected with T. cruzi. However, the use of high potency biotherapics in mice of different ages infected with T. cruzi has not been analysed yet.Conclusion: The age and the ways of treatment used are important factors to be considered when using a highly diluted medication. The clinical use of these results in humans, should take into consideration the allometric system of medication dosage which takes into account the metabolic rate of each organism.(AU)

Introdução: A infecção murina pelo Trypanosoma cruzi é bem conhecida, fazendo deste um bom modelo para o entendimento do efeito de medicamentos ultradiluídos. Camundongos de diferentes idades mostram diferentes respostas a bioterápico de T. cruzi [1]. Outros dados do nosso laboratório utilizando tratamento com bioterápico em baixas potências mostram que o tratamento prolongado exerce melhor efeito em camundongos infectados pelo T. cruzi. No entanto, a utilização de bioterápicos em alta potência em camundongos de diferentes idades infectados pelo T. cruzi ainda não foi explorada.Conclusão: A idade e o esquema de tratamento utilizado são fatores importantes a serem considerados na utilização de medicamento ultradiluído. A utilização clínica destes resultados em humanos, deve considerar o sistema alométrico de dosagem de medicamentos que leva em conta a taxa metabólica de cada organismo.(AU)

Bioterápico 17DH T. cruzi em uso prolongado melhora clinicamente camundongos infectados pelo Trypanosoma cruzi / Biotherapic T. cruzi 17DH when continuously used clinically improves mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi.

Introduction: In Trypanosoma cruzi infection, the pathogenesis is the result of a rupture in the host - parasite relationship [1]. This rupture is related to the imbalance of the vital force of the host, expressed through signs and symptoms, defined by Hahnemann (1995)[2] as being the source of the disease. There is no research in the literature about the clinical evolution of mice experimentally infected with T. cruzi and treated in different ways using biotherapic. Therefore, this is an area to be studied in the future.Conclusion: The use of biotherapic T. cruzi 17DH for a long period causes clinical improvement of the infected mice with Trypanosoma cruzi. The clinical use of these results in human beings should consider the allometric medicine dosage which takes into account the metabolic rate of each organism(AU)

Introdução: Na infecção pelo Trypanosoma cruzi, a patogenia é resultado do rompimento do equilíbrio da relação parasito - hospedeiro (Tafuri, 1987), que está relacionada com o desequilíbrio da força vital do hospedeiro, expressando-se através de sinais e sintomas, definido por Hahnemann (2007), como sendo a origem da doença. Não existe na literatura trabalhos que abordem a evolução clínica de camundongos experimentalmente infectados pelo T. cruzi e tratados com diferentes esquemas de tratamento utilizando bioterápico. Sendo assim, é necessária a realização de estudos com este objetivo.Conclusão: O uso prolongado do bioterápico 17DH T. cruzi melhora clinicamente camundongos infectados pelo T. cruzi. A utilização clínica destes resultados em humanos, deve considerar o sistema alométrico de dosagem de medicamentos que leva em conta a taxa metabólica de cada organismo.(AU)