Characterization of Brazilian Buriti oil biomaterial: the influence on the physical, chemical properties and behaviour of Goat Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells.

The Brazilian Buriti oil presents low extraction costs and relevant antioxidant properties. Thus, this work aimed to analyze Buriti oil biomaterial (BB), within its physicochemical properties, biocompatibility and cellular integration, with the purpose to the use as a growth matrix for Goat Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells. Biomaterials were produced from Buriti oil polymer (Mauritia flexuosa), for it's characterization were performed Infrared Region Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG and DTG). The biointegration was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and histological techniques. In order to investigate biocompatibility, MTT (3-(4,5-dimetil-2-tiazolil)-2,5-difenil-2H-tetrazólio) test and hemolytic activity tests were performed. The activation capacity of immune system cellswas measured by phagocytic capacity assay and nitric oxide synthesis . The BB presented an amorphous composition, with high thermal stability and high water expansion capacity, a surface with micro and macropores, and good adhesion of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCWJ). We verified the absence of cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity, in addition, BB did not stimulate the activation of macrophages. Proving to be a safe material for direct cultivation and also for manufacturing of compounds used for in vivo applications.

Antiulcerogenic and healing activity of hecogenin acetate in rodents.

Peptic ulcers are lesions in the gastric and duodenal mucosa generated by an imbalance between protective factors (gastroduodenal mucus secretion, bicarbonate production, adequate blood flow) and harmful factors (excess pepsin or hydrochloric acid). Some drugs used in peptic ulcer therapy are associated with adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiulcerogenic and healing activity of hecogenin acetate (HA) in acute and chronic models of gastric lesions in rodents. The antiulcerogenic activity of HA was evaluated in models of gastric lesions induced by absolute ethanol and in acidified ethanol with HA (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg). For the model of gastric lesions induced by ischemia and reperfusion, rats were pre-treated with HA (5, 10, 20 mg/kg). After that, they were submitted to 30 min of ischemia, followed by 1 h of reperfusion. To evaluate the healing activity was induced gastric ulcer using acetic acid (80%) in rats. After 24 h, they were treated for 7 consecutive days with HA (10 and 20 mg/kg). They were evaluated the possible signs of toxicity, measurement of the lesions, collagen deposition, and histological analysis. HA significantly reduced the area of the lesion in models of gastric lesions induced by absolute and acidified ethanol, ischemia-induced gastric lesions and reperfusion, and regarding healing. In the collagen deposition, the presence and increase of collagen demonstrate the healing effect. The AH has antiulcerogenic and healing potential demonstrated by the decrease in gastric injury and presence of collagen fibers, respectively.

Culture of goat preantral follicles in situ associated with mesenchymal stem cell from bone marrow.

This study aims to develop an in vitro co-culture system of in situ goat preantral follicles with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC), evaluating the influence of these cells on follicular growth, rate of activation and morphologically normal follicles. Fragments of ovarian cortex were cultured for 1 or 7 days in the presence of BM-MSC (BM-MSC+) and absence of BM-MSC (BM-MSC-). Histological sections of the fragments were analysed and data were obtained regarding morphological classification, survival rate of morphologically normal follicles and rate of follicular activation. Culture medium on days 1 and 7 was also sampled for nitrite concentration and reduced glutathione activity. There was a reduction (P < 0.05) in the percentage of morphologically normal follicles in the BM-MSC+ compared with the fresh control only on the seventh day of culture. When comparing treatments, on the seventh day of culture, a higher rate of morphologically normal preantral follicles was observed in BM-MSC+ (P < 0.05). In both treatments, primordial and developing follicle rates were similar to the fresh control (P > 0.05). When comparing treatments with each other, as well as with the fresh control, no differences were observed in follicular diameter (P > 0.05) or nitrite concentration (P > 0.05). The concentration of reduced glutathione was lower on the seventh day of co-culture in both treatments (P < 0.05). In conclusion, co-culture had no influence on follicular or oocyte development. However, it was critical to maintain the survival of preantral follicles during 7 days of culture.

Behavior and biocompatibility of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with bacterial cellulose membrane.

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering has been shown to exhibit great potential for the creation of biomaterials capable of developing into functional tissues. Cellular expansion and integration depends on the quality and surface-determinant factors of the scaffold, which are required for successful biological implants. The objective of this research was to characterize and evaluate the in vitro characteristics of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) associated with a bacterial cellulose membrane (BCM). We assessed the adhesion, expansion, and integration of the biomaterial as well as its ability to induce macrophage activation. Finally, we evaluated the cytotoxicity and toxicity of the BCM. METHODS: Samples of rabbit bone marrow were collected. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from medullary aspirates to establish fibroblast colony-forming unit assay. Osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation was performed. Integration with the BCM was assessed by scanning electron microscopy at 1, 7, and 14 days. Cytotoxicity was assessed via the production of nitric oxide, and BCM toxicity was assessed with the MTT assay; phagocytic activity was also determined. RESULTS: The fibroblastoid colony-forming unit (CFU-F) assay showed cells with a fibroblastoid morphology organized into colonies, and distributed across the culture area surface. In the growth curve, two distinct phases, lag and log phase, were observed at 15 days. Multipotentiality of the cells was evident after induction of osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Regarding the BM-MSCs' bioelectrical integration with the BCM, BM-MSCs were anchored in the BCM in the first 24 h. On day 7 of culture, the cytoplasm was scattered, and on day 14, the cells were fully integrated with the biomaterial. We also observed significant macrophage activation; analysis of the MTT assay and the concentration of nitric oxide revealed no cytotoxicity of the biomaterial. CONCLUSION: The BCM allowed the expansion and biointegration of bone marrow progenitor cells with a stable cytotoxic profile, thus presenting itself as a biomaterial with potential for tissue engineering.

In Vitro Effects of the Neolignan 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran Against Leishmania Amazonensis.

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease complex caused by protozoa from the Leishmania genus, which presents a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations: cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral forms. The current treatments are unsatisfactory considering that few drugs are available and present some level of toxicity. Many lignans and neolignans have been used for the development of new antileishmania drugs. The capability in vitro of the neolignan 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (2,3-DBF), a commonly found constituent of propolis and other plants, to inhibit the growth of promastigote and macrophage-internalized amastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis was investigated. The cytotoxicity of this compound was assessed by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test in BALB/c murine macrophages and human erythrocyte lysis assay. The 2,3-DBF was active against promastigote (IC50 =1.042 µM) and amastigote (IC50 =1.43 µM) forms, indicating a potent antileishmanial effect. There was no evidence of cytotoxicity to macrophages or erythrocytes at concentrations ranging from 13 to 0.5 µM, after 48 hr of exposure. The antileishmanial activity is probably mediated by the activation of macrophages, because treatment with 2,3-DBF increases both phagocytic and lysosomal activities, as well as the nitrite (NO2- ) levels. These results suggest that 2,3-DBF may be a potential candidate for the development of a new promising antileishmanial drug. Further studies are needed to determine its potential in vivo effect as well as additional mechanisms underlying the antileishmanial and immunomodulatory activities.

Evaluation of the in vivo leishmanicidal activity of amphotericin B emulgel: An alternative for the treatment of skin leishmaniasis.

The American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) is an infectious disease that can be fatal. The first line of treatment is pentavalent antimonies. However, due to its potential to develop resistance, Amphotericin B (AmB) started to be used as an alternative medicine. Current treatments are limited, a fact that has led to a growing interesting in developing new therapies. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential in vivo of an amphotericin B + oleic acid (OA) emulgel in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in an experimental model. Strains of Leishmania major MHOM/IL/80/Friendlin of Leishmania major were used. The animals were inoculated subcutaneously. After the development of leishmanial, nodular or ulcerative lesions, the animals were divided into three groups (control, Group A and Group B) and treated twice a day for twelve days. The weight of the animals was measured and the size of the lesions was observed. A histopathological analysis was performed with skin fragments of lesions and with the spleen of animals treated with different treatments (emulgel, AmB 3% emulgel and AmB 3% plus OA 5% emulgel). It was observed that when subjected to treatment with AmB 3% emulgel during the study period using both formulations, with enhancer and without enhancer, ulcerative lesions regress gradually or even complete cure. The quantification of the average number of parasites recovered from the inoculation site was made after the treatment in each group and the differences were considered significant. The treatment with AmB 3% and OA 5% emulgel had the best in vivo therapeutic response, showing good prospects for cutaneous leishmaniasis therapy as an alternative therapy.