Limonene-carvacrol: A combination of monoterpenes with enhanced antileishmanial activity.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is a parasitosis with a wide incidence in developing countries. The drugs which are indicated for the treatment of this infection usually are able to promote high toxicity. PURPOSE: A combination of limonene and carvacrol, monoterpenes present in plants with antiparasitic activity may constitute an alternative for the treatment of these diseases. METHODS: In this study, the antileishmania activity against Leishmania major, cytotoxicity tests, assessment of synergism, parasite membrane damage tests as well as molecular docking and immunomodulatory activity of limonene-carvacrol (Lim-Car) combination were evaluated. RESULTS: The Lim-Car combination (5:0; 1:1; 1:4; 2:3; 3:2; 4:1 and 0:5) showed potential antileishmania activity, with mean inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 5.8 to 19.0 µg.mL-1. They demonstrated mean cytotoxic concentration (CC50) ranging from 94.1 to 176.0 µg.mL-1, and did not show significant hemolytic effect. In the investigation of synergistic interaction, the 4:1 Lim-Car combination showed better fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index as well as better activity on amastigotes and IS. The samples caused considerable damage to the parasite membrane this monoterpene activity seems to be more related to Trypanothione Reductase (TryR) enzyme interaction, demonstrated in the molecular docking assay. In addition, the 4:1 Lim-Car combination stimulated macrophage activation, and showed at was the best association, with reduction of infection and infectivity of parasitized macrophages. CONCLUSION: The 4:1 Lim-Car combination appears to be a promising candidate as a monotherapeutic antileishmania agent.

Methods of macrophages activation and their modulation for the prospection of new antileishmania drugs: a review

Leishmaniasis are a group of parasitic zoonoses provoked by protozoa from Leishmania genus and belonging to the group of neglected tropical diseases. The search and development for new drugs is necessary not only to investigate the activity against only the parasite, but also to investigate the possible synergistic effect of new drugs with the immune response of the host. In the present review, macrophages are pointed out as potential targets of the investigation of new antileishmanial drugs, and some methodologies in order to assess their activation as response to Leishmania-infected cells are presented. Macrophages are an important role in the cellular immune response, since they are cells from mononuclear phagocytic system, the first line of defense of the host, against parasites from Leishmania genus. Phagocytic capacity, lysosomal activity, increase of nitric oxide and intracellular calcium levels are parameters regarding assessment of macrophages activation which allow them to be more hostile in order to solve the infection and lead the patient to cure. In this context, we bring 19 substances already investigated and that activate macrophages, what makes them promising in the antileishmanial treatment. Therefore, assessment of macrophages activation, are important tools for discovery of immunomodulatory compounds which have potential to act in synergism with host immune response. Such compounds might be promising as monotherapy in the treatment of leishmaniasis, as well as being used as adjuvants in vaccines and/or in combination with conventional drugs.

Conhecimento de Estudantes da Área da Saúde Sobre o Controle e Prevenção de Infecções Hospitalares / The Knowledge of Health Students regarding the Control and Prevention of Nosocomial Infections

Introdução: Apesar dos avanços científicos e tecnológicos na área de cuidados de saúde, a infecção hospitalar (IH) ainda é considerada como um grave problema de saúde pública. A IH pode ser definida como uma infecção adquirida após a admissão hospitalar do paciente e que se manifesta durante a internação ou após a sua alta. Objetivos: O estudo apresentou como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento dos estudantes técnicos e universitários em saúde sobre as IHs, suas formas de divulgação e prevenção, para promover, assim, a consciência dos riscos relacionados com a má conduta na atividade profissional. Material e Métodos: A coleta de dados foi realizada através de um questionário com questões sobre o assunto, seguido pela apresentação de palestras. Um total de 34 estudantes do ensino superior e 100 estudantes de ensino técnico foi incluído no estudo. Resultados: A definição correta de IH foi observada no primeiro questionário de 33 (97,1%) estudantes do ensino superior e em 86 (86,0%) alunos do ensino técnico, alcançando 100% nos dois casos, após a palestra. Foi observado uma melhora na compreensão dos alunos sobre a importância da diminuição do uso indiscriminado de antibióticos e da contribuição da higienização das mãos para a prevenção da IH, após a palestra, em 85,3% e 87,0% dos estudantes de ensino superior e técnico, respectivamente. Conclusão: Houve um aumento significativo na melhora do conhecimento dos alunos sobre o conceito e causas das IHs após as palestras.(AU)

Introduction: Despite the scientific and technological advances in the field of healthcare, nosocomial infections (NI) remain a serious public health issue. NI can be defined as an infection acquired after hospital admission and manifested during patient hospitalization or after discharge. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of higher and technical education health students about NI, as well as about dissemination and prevention strategies. Ultimately, it is aimed to promote the awareness of risks related to misconduct in professional practice. Material and Methods: The data were collected using a questionnaire, followed by a lecture. A total of 34 students of higher education and 100 students of technical education were included. Results: A correct definition of NI was reported based on the first questionnaire by 33 (97.1%) students of higher education and 86 (86%) students of technical education. After the lecture, 100% of participants from both groups reported the correct definition of NI. After the lecture, 85.3% and 87% of higher and technical education students, respectively, showed an improved understanding of the importance of decreasing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics as well as of hand hygiene for NI prevention. Conclusion: There was a significant increase in the improvement of students' knowledge about the concept and causes of NI after the lectures. (AU)