Primer reporte de caso autóctono de tinea nigra en Chile / First autochthonous case report of tinea nigra in Chile

Resumen La tinea nigra es una infrecuente micosis superficial causada por el hongo dematiáceo Hortaea werneckii. Se presenta habitualmente en zonas costeras tropicales, siendo muy escasos los reportes en países sudamericanos con climas más templados. Habitualmente corresponde a infecciones importadas por viajeros. Se presenta el caso de una paciente adulta chilena, sin historia previa de viajes recientes, cursando con cuadro clínico y microbiológico compatible con tinea nigra palmar, tratado con itraconazol oral y sertaconazol tópico con respuesta favorable. Esta paciente corresponde al primer caso reportado en Chile de origen autóctono.

Abstract Tinea nigra is an infrequent superficial mycosis caused by the dematiaceous fungus Hortaea werneckii. It usually occurs in tropical coastal areas, with very few reports in South American countries with temperate climates, generally corresponding to infections imported by travelers. We present the case of a Chilean adult patient, with no previous history of recent trips, with clinical and microbiological background consistent with palmar tinea nigra, treated with oral itraconazole and topical sertaconazole with a favorable response. This article is the first case reported in Chile, of autochthonous origin.

Beneficial effects of Oltipraz, nuclear factor - erythroid - 2 - related factor 2 (Nrf2), on renal damage in unilateral ureteral obstruction rat model

ABSTRACT Introduction: We investigated whether Oltipraz (OPZ) attenuated renal fibrosis in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model. Materials and Methods: We randomly divided 32 rats into four groups, each consisting of eight animals as follows: Rats in group 1 underwent a sham operation and received no treatment. Rats in group 2 underwent a sham operation and received OPZ. Rats in group 3 underwent unilateral ureteral ligation and received no treatment. Group 4 rats were subjected to unilateral ureteral ligation plus OPZ administration. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), E-cadherin, nitric oxide (NO) and hydroxyproline levels were measured. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were carried out. Results: TGF-β1, NO and E-cadherin levels in the UUO group were significantly higher than the sham group and these values were significantly different in treated groups compared to the UUO group. In rats treated with UUO + OPZ, despite the presence of mild tubular degeneration and less severe tubular necrosis, glomeruli maintained a better morphology when compared to the UUO group. Expressions of α-SMA in immunohistochemistry showed that the staining positivity decreased in the tubules of the OPZ-treated group. Conclusions: While the precise mechanism of action remains unknown, our results demonstrated that OPZ exerted a protective role in the UUO-mediated renal fibrosis rat model highlighting a promising therapeutic potency of Nrf2-activators for alleviating the detrimental effects of unilateral obstruction in kidneys.

Strontium ranelate inhibits wear particle-induced aseptic loosening in mice

The imbalance between bone formation and osteolysis plays a key role in the pathogenesis of aseptic loosening. Strontium ranelate (SR) can promote bone formation and inhibit osteolysis. The aim of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of SR in aseptic loosening induced by wear particles. Twenty wild-type (WT) female C57BL/6j mice and 20 sclerostin-/- female C57BL/6j mice were used in this study. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: WT control group, WT SR group, knockout (KO) control group, and KO SR group. We found that SR enhanced the secretion of osteocalcin (0.72±0.007 in WT control group, 0.98±0.010 in WT SR group, P=0.000), Runx2 (0.34±0.005 in WT control group, 0.47±0.010 in WT SR group, P=0.000), β-catenin (1.04±0.05 in WT control group, 1.22±0.02 in WT SR group, P=0.000), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) (0.59±0.03 in WT control group, 0.90±0.02 in WT SR group, P=0.000). SR significantly decreased the level of receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) (1.78±0.08 in WT control group, 1.37±0.06 in WT SR group, P=0.000) and improved the protein ratio of OPG/RANKL, but these effects were not observed in sclerostin-/- mice. Our findings demonstrated that SR enhanced bone formation and inhibited bone resorption in a wear particle-mediated osteolysis model in wild-type mice, and this effect relied mainly on the down-regulation of sclerostin levels to ameliorate the inhibition of the canonical Wnt pathway.

Strontium ranelate as a possible disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug: a systematic review

Considering that osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disease worldwide, multiple pharmacological treatments have been proposed to alter the articular structure with potential benefit in the progression of the disease. The so-called disease-modifying OA drugs have been frequently investigated but conclusive findings are rare. Strontium ranelate (SrRan) is a drug usually prescribed to treat osteoporosis, with proven effects in decreasing the risk of fractures and possible effect in reducing the progression of OA. The objective of this review was to demonstrate the current panorama of knowledge on the use of SrRan in clinical and experimental models, clarifying its mechanisms of action and describing possible anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. The systematic review was based on the PRISMA statement and included articles that are indexed in scientific databases. Fifteen studies were included: seven pre-clinical and eight clinical studies. Despite the limited number of studies, the results suggest a positive effect of SrRan in patients with OA, through changes in functional capacity and reduction of progression of morphological parameters and joint degradation, with moderate quality of evidence for those clinical outcomes. Novel studies are necessary to elucidate the molecular targets of SrRan, focusing on anti-inflammatory effects and histological changes promoted by SrRan, which seemed to reduce the progression of OA in the experimental and clinical studies.

Synthesis of some novel pyrimidine, thiophene, coumarin, pyridine and pyrrole derivatives and their biological evaluation as analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agents

Pyrimidine derivative 3 was afforded through the reaction of compound (1) with 5-ureidohydantion (2). Product 3 underwent a cyclization to produce fused pyrimidine derivative 7, although the latter product 7 was synthesized through one step via the reaction of compound (1) with 5-ureidohydantion (2) using another catalyst. Compound 3 was oriented to react with cyclic ketones 8a,b in the presence of elemental sulfur, salicylaldehyde (10), aryldiazonium chlorides 12a,b and ω-bromo-4-methoxy- acetophenone (14), which afforded, fused thiophene derivatives 9a,b, coumarin derivative 11, arylhdrazono derivatives 13a,b and 4-methoxyphenyl butenyl derivative 15, respectively. The latter product 15 was reacted with either potassium cyanide (16a) or potassium thiocyanide (16b) to form cyano and thiocyano derivatives 17a,b, respectively. Compound 17a underwent further cyclization to afford pyridopyrimidine derivative 19. Compound 15 was reacted with either hydrazine (20a) or phenylhydrazine (20b) to produce hydrazo derivatives 21a,b and these products were cyclize to produce pyrrole derivatives 23a,b. Finally, 5-ureidohydantion (2) was reacted with compounds 24a,b,c to afford pyrimidine derivatives 25a,b,c. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed using IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectrometry techniques. Compounds 11 and 19 have promising as analgesic and antipyretic activities

Efecto del ranelato de estroncio sobre la densidad mineral ósea en hombres con osteoporosis / Effect of strontium ranelate on bone mineral density in men with osteoporosis

La osteoporosis afecta al 6-7% de la población masculina. Es alta la proporción de pacientes con fracturas sin diagnóstico previo de esta enfermedad. La mortalidad luego de una fractura es mayor en hombres que en población femenina; a pesar de esto, la mayoría de los pacientes no reciben tratamiento. Los fármacos aprobados, en nuestro medio, para tratar la osteoporosis masculina son: bifosfonatos, teriparatida y ranelato de estroncio. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto del ranelato de estroncio sobre la densidad mineral ósea en hombres después de 1 año de tratamiento. Se incluyeron los registros de 20 hombres de 67,8±3,0 años, tratados con ranelato de estroncio (2 g/día) durante 1 año. Todos los pacientes presentaban un T-score inferior a -2,5 en cadera o columna vertebral o un T-score inferior a -2,0 y factores de riesgo de fractura. No hubo modificación de parámetros de laboratorio luego del tratamiento (calcemia, calciuria, fósforo sérico, parathormona, 25(OH)vitamina D, fosfatasa alcalina y desoxipiridinolina) en relación a los basales. Luego del tratamiento con ranelato de estroncio se observó incremento de la densidad mineral ósea en columna lumbar: 0,953±0,029 versus 0,997±0,030 g/cm2 (p=0,0068), cuello femoral: 0,734±0,013 versus 0,764±0,016 g/cm2 (p=0,0084) y cadera total: 0,821±0,02 versus 0,834±0,02 g/cm2 (p=0,0419). Conclusión: el tratamiento con ranelato de estroncio produjo un incremento significativo de la densidad mineral ósea en columna lumbar y fémur proximal en hombres con osteoporosis. (AU)

Osteoporosis affects 6-7% of the male population. The proportion of patients with fragility fractures but without diagnosis of the disease is high. Mortality after hip fracture is higher in men than in women; in spite of this, most patients are left without treatment for osteoporosis. Drugs approved, for the treatment of osteoporosis in our country are bisphosphonates, teriparatide, and strontium ranelate (SrR). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of SrR on axial BMD in men after one year of treatment. We obtained pertinent data from medical registries of 20 men aged 67,8±3,0 years, treated with oral SrR (2 g/day) for 12 months. All patients had a T-score below -2,5 at the hip or the lumbar spine, or a T-score below -2,0 and one or more risk factors for fracture. The levels of serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, or PTH, or urinary calcium and desoxipyridinoline remained unchanged following SrR administration. After treatment with SrR there were significant increases in BMD at the lumbar spine: 0,953±0,029 versus 0,997±0,030 g/cm2 (p=0,0068), femoral neck: 0,734±0,013 versus 0,764±0,016 g/cm2 (p=0.0084), and total hip: 0,821±0,02 versus 0,834±0,02 g/cm2 (p=0,0419). Conclusion: in osteoporotic men, treatment with SrR significantly increases BMD in the lumbar spine and the proximal femur. (AU)

Effects of strontium ranelate on alveolar ridge morphology augmentation / Efectos del ranelato de estroncio en el aumento del rebforde alveolar

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to compare the Primary and Secondary stability of immediate implant placement with Alveolar Ridge Augmentation (ARA) and Strontium Ranelate (SR) as aids to enhance the stability using Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA). Fifty eight subjects ideal for immediate implants were assigned to two groups to compare the primary and secondary stability of the implant using Alveolar Ridge Augmentation and oral strontium ranelate. They were tested for primary stability on placement of the implant and after eight weeks of placement for secondary stability. The stability was measured using resonance frequency analysis. Both the procedures showed an improvement in the stability but the Alveolar Ridge Augmentation procedure showed a significantly better primary stability (P< .03) and the secondary stability (P<.00). The means of the implant stability quotient value (ISQ) for the Alveolar ridge augmentation procedure was 74.2 for primary stability, and 83.34 for secondary stability. With the enhancement of stability with both the procedures Alveolar Ridge Augmentation proved to be a better procedure to achieve successful results of an immediately placed implant.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la estabilidad primaria y secundaria de la colocación inmediata del implante con el aumento de reborde alveolar (ARA) y el ranelato de estroncio (SR) como ayudas para mejorar la estabilidad mediante el análisis de frecuencia de resonancia (RFA). Cincuenta y ocho sujetos, ideales para implantes inmediatos, fueron asignados a dos grupos para comparar las estabilidades primaria y secundaria del implante usando el aumento del reborde alveolar y el ranelato de estroncio oral. Se efectuaron pruebas de estabilidad primaria en la colocación del implante, y después de ocho semanas para la estabilidad secundaria. La estabilidad se midió utilizando análisis de frecuencia de resonancia. Ambos procedimientos mostraron una mejora en la estabilidad, sin embargo el procedimiento del aumento del reborde alveolar mostró una estabilidad primaria significativamente mejor (P <0,03) que la estabilidad secundaria (P <0,00). Las medias del valor de cociente de estabilidad del implante (ISQ) para el procedimiento de aumento de reborde alveolar fueron 74,2 para la estabilidad primaria y 83,34 para la estabilidad secundaria. Se observó una mejora de la estabilidad en ambos procedimientos, el aumento del reborde alveolar demostró ser un mejor procedimiento para lograr resultados exitosos del posicionamiento de implante inmediato.

Erdosteine ameliorates the harmful effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury on the liver of rats

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the potential protective effects of erdosteine against the harmful effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury on the liver in an experimental rat model. Methods: Forty rats were divided into 4 groups. In the sham group, only the hepatic pedicle was mobilized. No other manipulation or treatment was performed. In the other groups, ischemia was achieved by clamping the hepatic pedicle for 60 min. After that, 90 min reperfusion was provided. In the control group, no treatment was given. In the perioperative treatment group, 100 mg/kg erdosteine was administered 2 hours before ischemia induction. In the preoperative treatment group, 100 mg/kg/day erdosteine was administered daily for ten days before the operation. At the end of the procedures, blood and liver samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological assessment. Results: Treatment with erdosteine ameliorated the histopathological abnormalities when compared with the control group. Furthermore, this treatment significantly decreased the serum liver function test values. It was also found that erdosteine ameliorated the oxidative stress parameters in both the perioperative and preoperative treatment groups. Conclusion: The current study is the first to have shown the favorable effects of erdosteine on the harmful effects of experimental hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Drug-induced Liver Injury Caused by Ipragliflozin Administration with Causality Established by a Positive Lymphocyte Transformation Test (LTT) and the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM): A Case Report

ABSTRACT A 75-year old male patient had been regularly visiting our hospital for the management of his type 2 diabetes mellitus since he was diagnosed at age 64 years. When he developed hypoglycemic episodes with sulfonylurea, ipragliflozin (50 mg/day) was started to replace the sulfonylurea therapy. However, 49 days after starting ipragliflozin, his AST increased from 13 to 622 U/L, ALT increased from 9 to 266 U/L, ALP increased from 239 to 752 U/L, and γ-GTP increased from 19 to 176 U/L. ZTT was 3.5 U, TTT was 0.4 U, and total bilirubin was 0.7 mg/dL. IgM hepatitis A antibody, hepatitis B antigen, hepatitis C virus antibody, IgM CMV antibody, and IgM EB VCA antibody were negative, whereas a lymphocyte transformation test for ipragliflozin was positive. Abdominal CT scan showed mild fatty liver but no sign of nodular lesions. Following admission to our hospital, he received liver supportive therapy with the discontinuation of ipragliflozin therapy. He was discharged from the hospital 18 days later with AST and ALT levels reduced to 20 U/L and 13 U/L, respectively. Based on the clinical presentation of this patient, it is highly important to monitor liver function along with other possible clinical complications (e.g., dehydration, ketosis, and urinary tract infection) associated with SGLT2 inhibitor therapy.

Effect of strontium ranelate on pain behavior in an experimental model of osteoarthritis

Strontium ranelate (SrRan) is a drug usually prescribed to treat osteoporosis, with proven effects of decreasing the risk of fractures and an indication of reducing the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to investigate the effects of SrRan as either a prophylactic or a treatment drug, using an OA rat model to assess pain behavior. A monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced knee joint OA model in Wistar rats was used. Thirty Wistar rats (both sexes, 60 days old) were distributed in five groups of 6 rats each: the control group, that received no intervention; a prophylactic group, that received oral administration of 25 mg·kg-1·day-1 of SrRan for 28 days before induction of OA; a group treated with 25 mg·kg-1·day-1 of SrRan for 28 days after OA induction; a group treated with 50 mg·kg-1·day-1 during 28 days after OA induction; and a group that received oral saline for 28 days after induction. The assessment of pain behavior was performed considering articular incapacitation (weight-bearing test), mechanical hyperalgesia (Randall Selitto test) and motor activity (rotarod test), on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. This experiment did not yield a significant difference when comparing the group that received SrRan prophylactically with the groups treated with 25 or 50 mg·kg-1·day-1 and the group that received oral saline. Thus, SrRan did not provide analgesia in either treated rats or as a prophylactic drug with the tested doses. Higher doses should be tested further to achieve possible significant results.

Strontium Ranelate Effect on the Repair of Bone Defects and Molecular Components of the Cortical Bone of Rats

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of treatment with strontium ranelate (SR) on the repair of bone defects and molecular components of bones in femurs. Adult female rats (n=27) were subjected to ovariectomy (OVX) or Sham surgery. Thirty days after surgery, a defect was made in the femur and the animals were then divided into three groups: OVX, SHAM and OVX+SR. Euthanasia was performed four weeks after the bone defect surgery. Repair in bone defect was assessed by computed microtomography (μCT) and chemical composition of cortical bone was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) of the newly formed bone in the OVX+SR group was significantly higher than that for the OVX group. The collagen maturity in the OVX+SR group was smaller than in the other two groups. In this group, a significant increase in the amount of strontium (Sr) and a decrease in the amount of calcium (Ca) embedded to bone tissue were also observed. Systemic treatment with SR improved microarchitecture of the newly formed bone inside the defect, but decreased cross-linking of mature collagen in cortical bone.

Resumo Este estudo foi conduzido para avaliar os efeitos do tratamento com ranelato de estrôncio (RE) na reparação de defeitos ósseos e componentes moleculares de ossos nos fêmures. Ratas adultas (n = 27) foram submetidas a ovariectomia (OVX) ou cirurgia Sham. Trinta dias após a cirurgia, um defeito foi feito no fêmur e os animais foram então divididos em três grupos: OVX, SHAM e OVX+RE. A eutanásia foi realizada quatro semanas após a cirurgia de preparo do defeito ósseo. A reparação do defeito ósseo foi avaliada por microtomografia computorizada (μCT) e a composição química do osso cortical foi analisada por espectroscopia de infravermelho de transformada de Fourier (FTIR) e espectroscopia por energia dispersiva de raios X (EDS). A espessura do osso trabecular (Tb.Th) recém formado no grupo OVX+SR foi significativamente maior que a do grupo OVX. A maturidade do colágeno no grupo OVX+SR foi menor do que nos outros dois grupos. Neste grupo, observou-se também um aumento significativo na quantidade de estrôncio (Sr) e uma diminuição na quantidade de cálcio (Ca) no tecido ósseo. O tratamento sistêmico com RE melhorou a microarquitetura do osso recém formado dentro do defeito, mas diminuiu a reticulação do colágeno maduro no osso cortical.

Incidence of vertebral fractures in calcium and vitamin D-supplemented postmenopausal Brazilian women with osteopenia or osteoporosis: data from Arzoxifene Generations Trial

ABSTRACT Objective Vertebral fracture is the most common osteoporotic fracture, affecting quality of life and increasing mortality. Epidemiological data on incidence of vertebral fracture are scarce in Brazil and throughout Latin America. Our aim was to determine vertebral fracture incidence and risk factors in a female Brazilian population. Subjects and methods Postmenopausal women with low bone mass were studied from the Brazilian placebo group of Arzoxifene Generations Trial (n = 974), followed for up to 5 years. The primary endpoint was new vertebral fractures, detected by X-Ray. Experimental design defined two strata: A. Osteoporosis or previous vertebral fracture with osteopenia; B. Osteopenia without previous fracture. Previous fracture, T-score, ionized calcium, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and glucose were analyzed at baseline. Crude and adjusted incidence rates of vertebral fractures were estimated and Poisson regression model was used. Results Incidence rate was 7.7 (95% CI of 5.4 to 10.9) per 1,000 person-years (PY), increasing as a function of age. Women with new vertebral fractures had higher prevalence of previous nonvertebral fracture after menopause, were older and had lower lumbar spine (LS) T-score. Fracture risk increased by 46% for each unit reduction in LS T-score. Variables correlated with new vertebral fracture were age (p = 0.034), LS T-score, stratum A (p = 0.001 for both) and previous nonvertebral fracture after menopause (p = 0.019). In the final model, LS T-score was the strongest predictor. Conclusions Incidence rate of vertebral fracture of 7.7 per 1,000 PY. Age and previous fractures were associated with new vertebral fracture, but LS T-score was the most important predictor.

Efectos in vivo del ranelato de estroncio sobre células progenitoras de médula ósea de ratas diabéticas / In vivo effects of strontium ranelate on bone marrow progenitor cells of diabetic rats

La diabetes mellitus (DM) crónica se asocia con reducción en el contenido mineral óseo (osteopenia y osteoporosis). El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la acción del ranelato de estroncio (RaSr) administrado por vía oral a animales control y diabéticos, sobre el potencial osteogénico de células progenitoras de médula ósea (CPMO). Dieciséis ratas Wistar macho jóvenes se dividieron en dos grupos: controles (C) y diabéticas (D) con destrucción parcial de células b-pancreáticas mediante inyecciones intraperitoneales consecutivas de nicotinamida y estreptozotocina. Siete días después de la inyección, cada grupo se subdividió: sin tratamiento, o tratadas oralmente con RaSr (625 mg/kg/día) durante seis semanas, luego de lo cual los animales fueron sacrificados. Las CPMO se obtuvieron de ratas de los cuatro grupos, por lavados del canal diafisario medular (húmero o fémur o ambos) y cultivo hasta confluencia en DMEM-10% FBS. La proliferación celular se evaluó mediante el ensayo de MTT. Luego las CPMO se replaquearon e incubaron en un medio osteogénico durante 14 días (fosfatasa alcalina [FAL] y colágeno tipo 1) o 21 días (mineralización). Las CPMO del grupo C+RaSr mostraron un aumento significativo versus control en la proliferación (133%) y en la diferenciación osteogénica (colágeno 143%, FAL 168%, mineralización 117%). La DM (grupo D) disminuyó significativamente la proliferación y diferenciación osteoblástica de las CPMO. El tratamiento con RaSr (grupo D+RaSr) previno completamente estos efectos antiosteogénicos de la DM. Así, en nuestro modelo experimental in vivo, la DM disminuye el potencial osteogénico de CPMO, efecto que puede ser prevenido por un tratamiento oral con RaSr. (AU)

Chronic diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a reduction in bone mineral content (osteopenia and osteoporosis). The object of this study was to evaluate the in vivo effect of he anti-osteoporotic drug strontium ranelate (SrRa) administered orally to control and diabetic animals, on the osteogenic potential of bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPC). Sixteen young male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (C) and diabetic with partial beta-cell destruction via consecutive intra-peritoneal injections of nicotinamide and streptozotocin (D). Seven days postinjection, each group was sub-divided: without treatment, or oral treatment with SrRa (625 mg/kg/day) for six weeks, after which the animals were euthanised (groups C, C+SrRa, D, D+SrRa). BMPC were obtained from rats of all four groups by flushing of the diaphysary canal (humerus and/or femur). Adherent cells were then cultured until confluence in DMEM10% FBS. Cell proliferation was evaluated with the MTT mitogenic bioassay. BMPC were replated and incubated in an osteogenic medium for 14 days (determination of alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and type-1 collagen) or 21 days (evaluation of mineralisation). BMPC from C+SrRa rats showed a significant increase versus control in proliferation (133%) and in osteogenic differentiation (collagen 143%, ALP 168%, mineralisation 117%). Induction of diabetes (group D) significantly decreased the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of BMPC. Treatment of diabetic animals with SrRa (group D+SrRa) completely prevented these anti-osteogenic effects of Diabetes. Thus, in our experimental in vivo model, Diabetes decreases the osteogenic potential of BMPC, an effect that can be prevented by oral treatment with strontium ranelate. (AU)

Sequential administration of alendronate and strontium ranelate: histomorphometry and bone biomechanics in ovariectomized animals

Bisphosphonates are the first choice therapy for the pharmaco logical treatment of osteoporosis. Following reports of cases of bisphosphonaterelated osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fracture, the safety of longterm use of bisphosphonates has been evaluated, resulting in the proposal of strontium as an alternative drug. No experimental study using a sequential administration design has been reported to date. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on bone tissue of ovariectomized rats of administration of alendronate followed by strontium ranelate. Fortyeight female Wistar rats were ovariectomized on day 1 of the experiment. Beginning on day 30, they were administered 0.3 mg/kg/week of alendronate (ALN) or vehicle (VEH) for 8 weeks. Two groups (ALN and corresponding control) were euthanized at this time, and the remaining animals were divided into 4 groups and given 290 mg/kg/day of strontium ranelate (SR) in their drinking water (TW) or only water for 4 months. Experimental groups were: ALN+SR, ALN+TW, VEH+SR, VEH+TW, ALN and VEH. The tibiae and hemimandibles were resected for histomorphometric evaluation, and the right femur was used to perform biomechanical studies. ANOVA and Bonferroni test were applied. Diaphyseal stiffness, maximum elastic load and fracture load increased in animals that received alendronate, regardless of whether or not they received subsequent SR treatment. Fracture load also increased in VEH+ SR versus control (VEH+TW). Subchondral and interradicular bone volumes were significantly higher in animals that received ALN than in those that received vehicle. No difference was observed in cortical area or thickness of the tibia among treatments. The results obtained with the model presented here, evaluating tibial and mandibular interradicular bone, showed that the combination of ALN and SR and administration of ALN alone are equally effective in preventing bone loss associated with ovariectomyinduced estrogen depletion.

Si bien la primera opción terapéutica para el tratamiento farmacológico de la osteoporosis son los bisfosfonatos (BPs), luego de los primeros reportes en 2003 de los casos de osteone crosis de mandíbula asociada al uso de dichas drogas y las fracturas atípicas de fémur, se ha evaluado su seguridad a largo plazo. Además, en aquellos pacientes que no responden al tratamiento con BPs y mantienen elevado el riesgo de fractura, es necesario suspender su administración y alternar con otras drogas. Una de las que se ha utilizado en la clínica luego del tratamiento con BPs es el ranelato de estroncio (SR). Existen varios trabajos clínicos que reportan los efectos de la administra ción secuencial de ambas drogas, aunque estudios experi men tales con un diseño secuencial aun no se han reportado. Por ello el objetivo de este trabajo ha sido evaluar el efecto de la administración secuencial de alendronato, seguido de ranelato de estroncio sobre el tejido óseo de ratas ovariectomizadas. Se utilizaron 48 ratas Wistar hembras de dos meses de edad divididas en 6 grupos de 8 animales cada uno. El día 1 de experiencia todas fueron ovariectomizadas. El día 30 se comenzó con la administración de alendronato (ALN) en una dosis de 0.3 mg/kg/semana o vehículo (VEH) durante 8 semanas. Luego de este período se sacrificaron dos grupos (uno que recibió ALN y su correspondiente control (sólo vehículo). Los cuatro grupos restantes continuaron con ranelato de estroncio (SR) en el agua de bebida durante 4 meses en una dosis de 290 mg/kg/día o sólo agua corriente( TW) Luego de ese período fueron eutanasiados. Así, los grupos experimentales conformados fueron: ALN+SR, ALN+TW, VEH+SR, VEH+TW, ALN y VEH. Para los estudios histomorfométricos se extrajeron ambas tibias y hemimandíbulas; para el estudio biomecánico se utilizó el fémur derecho. Los resultados fueron analizados mediante el test de ANOVA y el test de Bonferroni. Incrementaron significativamente la rigidez diafisaria, la carga elástica límite y la carga de fractura aquellos grupos que recibieron alendronato versus aquellos que no lo recibieron, independientemente del tratamiento posterior con SR. La carga de fractura además fue mayor en el grupo VEH+SR versus el control (VEH+TW). En cuanto al volumen óseo subcondral e interradicular evaluado histomorfométricamente fue significativamente mayor en aquellos animales que recibieron ALN versus aquellos que recibieron vehículo. No se detectaron diferencias entre aquellos grupos que recibieron SR y sus controles. El área y espesor cortical de la tibia no mostraron diferencias entre grupos. Los resultados obtenidos en el modelo estudiado tanto a nivel del volumen óseo subcondral y cortical de la tibia como a nivel del hueso interradicular del maxilar inferior, mostraron que la combinación de ALN con SR y la administración aislada de ALN son igualmente efectivas para prevenir la pérdida ósea causada por la depleción estrogénica de la ovariectomía.

Desenvolvimento e validação de metodologias analíticas para quantificação de um derivado tiofênico em sistemas microemulsionados / Development and validation of analytical methodologies for measurement of a tiophene derivative in microemulsion systems

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo validar métodos por espectrofotometria UV-Vis e por CLAE para a análise quantitativa de um derivado do tiofeno, o 2-[(3,4-dicloro-benzilideno)-amino]-5,6-diidro-4H-ciclopen-ta[b]tiofeno-3-carbonitrila (5CN05) e aplicá-los no doseamento da molécula contida em microemulsões, Os métodos propostos foram validados conforme a Resolução 899/2003 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA), O comprimento de onda de máxima absorção do fármaco 5CN05 foi detectado em λ max= 387nm, O método espectrofotométrico validado mostrou-se seletivo, apresentando linearidade na faixa de 3 a 16 µg.mL-1, coeficiente de correlação (r) igual a 0,9998 e limites de detecção e quantificação de 0,12 µg.mL-1 e 0,41 µg.mL-1, respectivamente, Para o método CLAE, observou-se linearidade na faixa de 0,1 a 3,0 µg.mL-1, r = 0,99915, limites de detecção e quantificação de 0,07 µg.mL-1 e 0,10 µg.mL-1 respectivamente, Para ambos os métodos, os parâmetros precisão, exatidão e robustez mostraram-se adequados para o uso pretendido, As metodologias propostas podem ser seguramente aplicadas para quantificação do 5CN05 em produtos farmacêuticos como microemulsões...

This study aims to validate methods of Uv-Vis) and HPLC for quantitative determination of a thiophene derivative, 2 - [(3,4-dichloro -benzylidene)-amino] -5,6-dihydro-4H-cyclopentyl-ta [b] thiophene-3- carbonitrile referred in this study as 5CN05, and apply them to quantify the 5CN05 in microemulsions. The proposed methods were validated according to the Resolution RE 899/2003 of the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). The 5CN05 was detected by UV-Vis at λ max= 387nm. The validated UVVis UVVis method proved to be selective, showing linearity in the range of 3-16 µg.mL-1, correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9998 and limits of detection and quantification of 0.12 µg.mL-1 and 0.41 µg.mL-1 respectively. For the CLAE method the linearity was observed in the range 0.1 to 3.0 µg.mL-1, r = 0.99915, limits of detection and quantification of 0.07 µg.mL-1 and 0.10 µg.mL-1 respectively. For both UV-Vis and CLAE methods, the precision parameters, accuracy and robustness were adequate for the intended use. The proposed methodologies can be safely applied to quantify the 5CN05 in pharmaceutical microemulsions products...

Hemodynamic responses during and after multiple sets of stretching exercises performed with and without the Valsalva maneuver

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the acute hemodynamic responses to multiple sets of passive stretching exercises performed with and without the Valsalva maneuver. METHODS: Fifteen healthy men aged 21 to 29 years with poor flexibility performed stretching protocols comprising 10 sets of maximal passive unilateral hip flexion, sustained for 30 seconds with equal intervals between sets. Protocols without and with the Valsalva maneuver were applied in a random counterbalanced order, separated by 48-hour intervals. Hemodynamic responses were measured by photoplethysmography pre-exercise, during the stretching sets, and post-exercise. RESULTS: The effects of stretching sets on systolic and diastolic blood pressure were cumulative until the fourth set in protocols performed with and without the Valsalva maneuver. The heart rate and rate pressure product increased in both protocols, but no additive effect was observed due to the number of sets. Hemodynamic responses were always higher when stretching was performed with the Valsalva maneuver, causing an additional elevation in the rate pressure product. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple sets of unilateral hip flexion stretching significantly increased blood pressure, heart rate, and rate pressure product values. A cumulative effect of the number of sets occurred only for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, at least in the initial sets of the stretching protocols. The performance of the Valsalva maneuver intensified all hemodynamic responses, which resulted in significant increases in cardiac work during stretching exercises. .

Pharmacological management of osteogenesis

Osteogenesis and bone remodeling are complex biological processes that are essential for the formation of new bone tissue and its correct functioning. When the balance between bone resorption and formation is disrupted, bone diseases and disorders such as Paget's disease, fibrous dysplasia, osteoporosis and fragility fractures may result. Recent advances in bone cell biology have revealed new specific targets for the treatment of bone loss that are based on the inhibition of bone resorption by osteoclasts or the stimulation of bone formation by osteoblasts. Bisphosphonates, antiresorptive agents that reduce bone resorption, are usually recommended as first-line therapy in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Numerous studies have shown that bisphosphonates are able to significantly reduce the risk of femoral and vertebral fractures. Other antiresorptive agents indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis include selective estrogen receptor modulators, such as raloxifene. Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody, is another antiresorptive agent that has been approved in Europe and the USA. This agent blocks the RANK/RANKL/OPG system, which is responsible for osteoclastic activation, thus reducing bone resorption. Other approved agents include bone anabolic agents, such as teriparatide, a recombinant parathyroid hormone that improves bone microarchitecture and strength, and strontium ranelate, considered to be a dual-action drug that acts by both osteoclastic inhibition and osteoblastic stimulation. Currently, anti-catabolic drugs that act through the Wnt-β catenin signaling pathway, serving as Dickkopf-related protein 1 inhibitors and sclerostin antagonists, are also in development. This concise review provides an overview of the drugs most commonly used for the control of osteogenesis in bone diseases.

Antifungal activity of topical microemulsion containing a thiophene derivative

Fungal infections have become a major problem of worldwide concern. Yeasts belonging to the Candida genus and the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans are responsible for different clinical manifestations, especially in immunocompromised patients. Antifungal therapies are currently based on a few chemotherapeutic agents that have problems related to effectiveness and resistance profiles. Microemulsions are isotropic, thermodynamically stable transparent systems of oil, water and surfactant that can improve the solubilization of lipophilic drugs. Taking into account the need for more effective and less toxic drugs along with the potential of thiophene derivatives as inhibitors of pathogenic fungi growth, this study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of a thiophene derivative (5CN05) embedded in a microemulsion (ME). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the microdilution method using amphotericin B as a control. The formulations tested (ME- blank and ME-5CN05) showed physico-chemical properties that would allow their use by the topical route. 5CN05 as such exhibited moderate or weak antifungal activity against Candida species (MIC = 270-540 µg.mL-1) and good activity against C. neoformans (MIC = 17 µg.mL-1). Candida species were susceptible to ME-5CN05 (70-140 µg.mL-1), but C. neoformans was much more, presenting a MIC value of 2.2 µg.mL-1. The results of this work proved promising for the pharmaceutical industry, because they suggest an alternative therapy against C. neoformans.

Sinais e sintomas de doença da superfície ocular em usuários de hipotensores oculares tópicos / Signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease in patients on topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy

OBJETIVO: determinar a prevalência de sinais e sintomas de doença da superfície ocular (OSD) em pacientes em uso crônico de hipotensores oculares tópicos. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo transversal, foram recrutados 40 pacientes consecutivos, provenientes do ambulatório de glaucoma de um hospital público localizado no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os mesmos deveriam apresentar: idade maior ou igual a 18 anos, diagnóstico de hipertensão ocular ou glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto e deveriam estar em uso da mesma terapia hipotensora ocular há pelo menos seis meses. Foram considerados: sexo, idade, medicação utilizada e duração do tratamento. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação da superfície ocular que incluiu: entrevista por meio do questionário Ocular Surface Disease Index® (OSDI®), tempo de rotura do filme lacrimal, biomicroscopia, avaliação da superfície ocular com fluoresceína e com rosa Bengala. RESULTADOS: A média de pontuação do OSDI® foi 24,6 ± 20,7. A maioria dos pacientes (67,5%) apresentou uma pontuação anormal no questionário do OSDI®. Em 25% dos pacientes, a pontuação foi compatível com sintomas leves, em 12,5% com sintomas moderados e em 30% com sintomas graves. Blefarite e ceratite ponteada foram diagnosticadas em 42,5% e 20% dos pacientes respectivamente. Instabilidade do filme lacrimal foi observada em 75% dos pacientes, enquanto que alteração da superfície ocular foi evidenciada pelo teste de rosa bengala em 35% dos pacientes. Foi encontrada correlação positiva (r=0,4) estatisticamente significativa (p=0,01) entre a pontuação do OSDI® e o tempo de duração do tratamento com hipotensores oculares tópicos. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes em uso crônico de hipotensores oculares tópicos apresentam alta prevalência de sinais e sintomas de OSD. Existe correlação significativa entre a duração do tratamento e a gravidade dos sintomas de OSD.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease (OSD) in patients using topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 40 patients were consecutively recruited from the glaucoma clinic of a public hospital located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Eligible patients were 18 years of age or older, with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension and on the same topical ocular therapy for at least 6 months. The following data were considered: sex, age, medication history and number of years on topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy. All patients underwent an evaluation of the ocular surface which included: an interview using the Ocular Surface Disease Index® (OSDI®) questionnaire, break-up time, biomicroscopy, fluorescein corneal staining and rose Bengal ocular surface staining. RESULTS: The mean OSDI® score was 24.6 ± 20.7. Most patients (67.5%) had an abnormal score on the OSDI® questionnaire. In 25% of patients, the score was consistent with mild symptoms, 12.5% ​​with moderate symptoms and 30% with severe symptoms. Blepharitis and punctate keratitis were diagnosed in 42.5% and 20% of patients respectively. Tear film instability was observed in 75% of patients and ocular surface staining with rose Bengal in 35%. A positive statistically significant correlation (r=0.4; p=0.01) was found between OSDI® scores and the duration of topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy. CONCLUSION: Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension on topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy have high prevalence of OSD. Longer duration since diagnosis is significantly correlated with worsening of OSD symptoms.

Receptores plaquetários P2Y12: importância na intervenção coronariana percutânea / P2Y12 platelet receptors: importance in percutaneous coronary intervention

As plaquetas estão envolvidas em vários processos biológicos, desde o combate a agentes infecciosos até a coordenação do controle da permeabilidade vascular e angiogênese. Entretanto, o seu principal foco de ação consiste na modulação da cascata de coagulação. A intervenção coronariana percutânea é um procedimento com alto risco trombogênico, que induz a ativação plaquetária e de monócitos, devido à lesão direta do endotélio e pelo contato de estruturas trombogênicas com o sangue, levando ao aumento da atividade inflamatória, tanto no local do dano vascular coronariano como de forma sistêmica. Os receptores plaquetários P2Y12 desempenham papel central na amplificação da agregação induzida por todos os agonistas plaquetários, como a adenosina difosfato, o colágeno, tromboxano A2, adrenalina e serotonina. Por esse motivo, têm sido o principal alvo das drogas antiplaquetárias. Apesar de atuarem no mesmo receptor, características farmacocinéticas e farmacodinâmicas distintas conferem peculiaridades a cada agente.

Apart from their role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are involved in many other biological processes such as wound healing and angiogenesis. Percutaneous coronary intervention is a highly thrombogenic procedure inducing platelets and monocytes activation through endothelial trauma and contact activation by intravascular devices. Platelet P2Y12 receptor activation by adenosine diphosphate facilitates non-ADP agonist-mediated platelet aggregation, dense granule secretion, procoagulant activity, and the phosphorylation of several intraplatelet proteins, making it an ideal drug target. However, not all compounds that target the P2Y12 receptor have similar efficacy and safety profiles. Despite targeting the same receptor, the unique pharmacologic properties of each of these P2Y12 receptor-directed compounds can lead to very different clinical effects.