Venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps attenuates inflammatory pain in mouse cutaneous wound healing model

Arthropod venoms are potential sources of bioactive substances, providing tools for the validation of popular use and new drugs design. Ants belonging to the genus Dinoponera are used in the folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. It was previously demonstrated that the venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps (DqV), containing a mixture of polypeptides, elicit antinociceptive effect in mice models of chemical, mechanical and thermal nociception. The aim of this study was to evaluate DqV antiinflammatory and antihypernociceptive effects in a mice model of traumatic cutaneous wound. Colonies of D. quadriceps were collected in the 'Serra de Maranguape' (State of Ceará, northeastern Brazil), a small mountain range located on the coastal zone, and the venom secreted by the ant glands was extracted with capillary tubes, further lyophilized and maintained at -20 ± 1ºC until use. Wounds were performed in the dorsum of Swiss mice. Animals received intravenous (i.v.) injection of DqV (50 µg kg-1 day-1) during 3 days for evaluation of inflammatory parameters present in the wounds: hypernociception, leukocyte infiltrate, myeloperoxidase activity, nitrite/nitrate content. Data was tested by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-hoc test. DqV reduced (2.7 folds) hypernociception at 48 hours, leukocyte infiltration by 65% at 6 hours and myeloperoxidase activity by 60% at 0.5 hour after wound induction. In conclusion, the venom extracted from D. quadriceps glands attenuates inflammation and hypernociception in mice cutaneous wounds.(AU)

Celecoxib in the treatment of orofacial pain and discomfort in rats subjected to a dental occlusal interference model

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor on trigeminal ganglion changes and orofacial discomfort/nociception in rats submitted to an experimental model of dental occlusal interference (DOI). Methods: Female Wistar rats (180-200 g) were divided into five groups: a sham group (without DOI) (n=15); and four experimental groups with DOI treated daily with 0.1 mL/kg saline (DOI+SAL), 8, 16, or 32 mg/kg celecoxib (DOI+cel -8, -16, -32) (n=30/group). The animals were euthanized after one, three, and seven days. The bilateral trigeminal ganglia were analyzed histomorphometrically (neuron cell body area) and immunohistochemically (COX-2, nuclear factor-kappa B [NFkB], and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-y [PPARy]). A bilateral nociception assay of the masseter muscle was performed. The number of bites/scratches, weight, and grimace scale scores were determined daily. One-way/two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)/Bonferroni post hoc tests were used (P < .05, GraphPad Prism 5.0). Results: DOI+SAL showed a reduction in neuron cell body area bilaterally, whereas DOI+cel-32 exhibited a significative increase in neuron cell body area compared with DOI+SAL group (P < 0.05). The ipsilateral (P=0.007 and P=0.039) and contralateral (P < 0.001 and P=0.005) overexpression of COX-2 and NFkB and downregulation of PPARy (P=0.016 and P < 0.001) occurred in DOI+SAL, but DOI+cel-32 reverted this alteration. DOI+SAL showed increase in isplateral (P < 0.001) and contralateral (P < 0.001) nociception, an increased number of bites (P=0.010), scratches (P < 0.001), and grimace scores (P=0.032). In the group of DOI+cel-32, these parameters were reduced. Conclusions: Celecoxib attenuated DOI-induced transitory nociception/orofacial discomfort resulting from trigeminal COX-2 overexpression.

Venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps attenuates inflammatory pain in mouse cutaneous wound healing model

Arthropod venoms are potential sources of bioactive substances, providing tools for the validation of popular use and new drugs design. Ants belonging to the genus Dinoponera are used in the folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. It was previously demonstrated that the venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps (DqV), containing a mixture of polypeptides, elicit antinociceptive effect in mice models of chemical, mechanical and thermal nociception. The aim of this study was to evaluate DqV antiinflammatory and antihypernociceptive effects in a mice model of traumatic cutaneous wound. Colonies of D. quadriceps were collected in the ‘‘Serra de Maranguape’’ (State of Ceará, northeastern Brazil), a small mountain range located on the coastal zone, and the venom secreted by the ant glands was extracted with capillary tubes, further lyophilized and maintained at -20 ± 1ºC until use. Wounds were performed in the dorsum of Swiss mice. Animals received intravenous (i.v.) injection of DqV (50 µg -1kg day-1) during 3 days for evaluation of inflammatory parameters present in the wounds: hypernociception, leukocyte infiltrate, myeloperoxidase activity, nitrite nitrate-1 content. Data was tested by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s post-hoc test. DqV reduced (2.7 folds) hypernociception at 48 hours, leukocyte infiltration by 65% at 6 hours and myeloperoxidase activity by 60% at 0.5 hour after wound induction. In conclusion, the venom extracted from D. quadriceps glands attenuates inflammation and hypernociception in mice cutaneous wounds.

Venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps attenuates inflammatory pain in mouse cutaneous wound healing model

Arthropod venoms are potential sources of bioactive substances, providing tools for the validation of popular use and new drugs design. Ants belonging to the genus Dinoponera are used in the folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. It was previously demonstrated that the venom of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps (DqV), containing a mixture of polypeptides, elicit antinociceptive effect in mice models of chemical, mechanical and thermal nociception. The aim of this study was to evaluate DqV antiinflammatory and antihypernociceptive effects in a mice model of traumatic cutaneous wound. Colonies of D. quadriceps were collected in the ‘‘Serra de Maranguape (State of Ceará, northeastern Brazil), a small mountain range located on the coastal zone, and the venom secreted by the ant glands was extracted with capillary tubes, further lyophilized and maintained at -20 ± 1ºC until use. Wounds were performed in the dorsum of Swiss mice. Animals received intravenous (i.v.) injection of DqV (50 µg -1kg day-1) during 3 days for evaluation of inflammatory parameters present in the wounds: hypernociception, leukocyte infiltrate, myeloperoxidase activity, nitrite nitrate-1 content. Data was tested by two-way ANOVA and Bonferronis post-hoc test. DqV reduced (2.7 folds) hypernociception at 48 hours, leukocyte infiltration by 65% at 6 hours and myeloperoxidase activity by 60% at 0.5 hour after wound induction. In conclusion, the venom extracted from D. quadriceps glands attenuates inflammation and hypernociception in mice cutaneous wounds.(AU)

Utilização da pele de tilápia-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) como xenoenxerto em um equino com ferimento traumático / Treatment of a traumatic equine wound using Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin as a xenograft

Background: Wounds are disruptions of the normal continuity of anatomic structures, generally due to local trauma. Theyare extremely prevalent in animals, especially horses, and a common reason for seeking veterinary attention. Their management aims to restore the function and integrity of the affected area in the shortest possible time and cost, while providingsatisfactory cosmetic results. This task becomes challenging when working with horses, considering the contact betweenwounds and contaminated environment is common. Thus, the present study aims to report the case of a traumatic equinewound treated with Nile Tilapia Fish Skin (NTFS).Case: A male 27-year-old horse previously castrated, with no defined breed (NDB), and weighing 400 kg presented a 6.0 x5.5 cm superficial wound in the distal left anterior limb (LAL) due to skin laceration. The animal belonged to the cavalry ofthe Military Police of Ceará, a public institution in Fortaleza, Brazil. Although in excellent general health, with no previouscomorbidities or restriction of movement, the animal was removed from its role in equine-assisted therapy (EAT) until completewound healing, aiming adequate evaluation of the novel biomaterial via lower influence of external factors. After informedconsent from the owner was obtained, Nile Tilapia Fish Skin was applied to the lesion. The Ethics Committee on the use ofanimals of the Drug Research and Development Center of the Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil, approved the studyprotocol. Compliance with regulations on the ethical treatment of animals was performed. Nile Tilapia Fish Skin applicationfollowed a protocol similar to that established in human clinical studies. Initially, the horse was submitted to wound cleaningwith tap water and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, with no requirement of pre-treatment surgical...

Utilização da pele de tilápia-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) como xenoenxerto em um equino com ferimento traumático / Treatment of a traumatic equine wound using Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin as a xenograft

Background: Wounds are disruptions of the normal continuity of anatomic structures, generally due to local trauma. Theyare extremely prevalent in animals, especially horses, and a common reason for seeking veterinary attention. Their management aims to restore the function and integrity of the affected area in the shortest possible time and cost, while providingsatisfactory cosmetic results. This task becomes challenging when working with horses, considering the contact betweenwounds and contaminated environment is common. Thus, the present study aims to report the case of a traumatic equinewound treated with Nile Tilapia Fish Skin (NTFS).Case: A male 27-year-old horse previously castrated, with no defined breed (NDB), and weighing 400 kg presented a 6.0 x5.5 cm superficial wound in the distal left anterior limb (LAL) due to skin laceration. The animal belonged to the cavalry ofthe Military Police of Ceará, a public institution in Fortaleza, Brazil. Although in excellent general health, with no previouscomorbidities or restriction of movement, the animal was removed from its role in equine-assisted therapy (EAT) until completewound healing, aiming adequate evaluation of the novel biomaterial via lower influence of external factors. After informedconsent from the owner was obtained, Nile Tilapia Fish Skin was applied to the lesion. The Ethics Committee on the use ofanimals of the Drug Research and Development Center of the Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil, approved the studyprotocol. Compliance with regulations on the ethical treatment of animals was performed. Nile Tilapia Fish Skin applicationfollowed a protocol similar to that established in human clinical studies. Initially, the horse was submitted to wound cleaningwith tap water and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, with no requirement of pre-treatment surgical...(AU)

Anthelmintic activity of nanoencapsulated carvacryl acetate against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and its toxicity in rodents / Atividade anti-helmíntica do acetato de carvacrila nanoencapsulado sobre nematoides gastrintestinais de ovinos e toxicidade em roedores

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of carvacryl acetate (CVA) and nanoencapsulated CVA (nCVA) on gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. The CVA was nanoencapsulated with chitosan/gum arabic and the efficacy of nanoencapsulation (EE), yield, zeta potential, nanoparticle morphology and release kinetics at pH 3 and 8 were analyzed. Acute and subchronic toxicity were evaluated in rodents and reduction of egg counts in the faeces (FECRT) of sheep. The sheep were divided into four groups (n = 10): G1, 250 mg/kg CVA; G2, 250 mg/kg nCVA; G3, polymer matrix and G4: 2.5 mg/kg monepantel. EE and nCVA yield were 65% and 57%, respectively. The morphology of the nanoparticles was spherical, size (810.6±286.7 nm), zeta potential in pH 3.2 (+18.3 mV) and the 50% release of CVA at pHs 3 and 8 occurred at 200 and 10 h, respectively. nCVA showed LD50 of 2,609 mg/kg. CVA, nCVA and monepantel reduced the number of eggs per gram of faeces (epg) by 57.7%, 51.1% and 97.7%, respectively. The epg of sheep treated with CVA and nCVA did not differ from the negative control (P>0.05). Nanoencapsulation reduced the toxicity of CVA; however, nCVA and CVA presented similar results in the FECRT.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia do acetato de carvacrila (ACV) e do ACV nanoencapsulado (nACV) sobre nematóides gastrintestinais de ovinos. O ACV foi nanoencapsulado com quitosana/goma arábica e foi analisada a eficácia de nanoencapsulamento (EE), o rendimento, potencial zeta, morfologia das nanopartículas e cinética de liberação em pH 3 e 8. Foram avaliadas as toxicidades aguda e subcrônica em roedores e a redução da contagem de ovos nas fezes (RCOF) de ovinos. Os ovinos foram divididos em quatro grupos (n = 10): G1, 250 mg/kg ACV; G2, 250 mg/kg de nACV; G3, matriz polimérica e G4: 2,5 mg/kg de monepantel. A EE e o rendimento de nACV foram de 65% e 57%, respectivamente. A morfologia das nanopartículas foi esférica, tamanho (810,6±286,7 nm), potencial zeta no pH 3,2 (+18,3 mV) e a liberação de 50% de CVA nos pHs 3 e 8 ocorreu às 200 e 10 h, respectivamente. nACV apresentou DL50 de 2.609 mg/kg. ACV, nACV e o monepantel reduziram a contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (opg) em 57,7%, 51,1% e 97,7%, respectivamente. A contagem de opg de ovelhas tratadas com ACV e nCVA não diferiu do controle negativo (P>0,05). O nanoencapsulamento reduziu a toxicidade do AVC; no entanto, nACV e ACV apresentaram resultados semelhantes na RCOF.(AU)

Experimental model of traumatic ulcer in the cheek mucosa of rats / Modelo experimental de úlcera traumática em mucosa jugal de ratos

PURPOSE: To establish an experimental model of traumatic ulcer in rat cheek mucosa for utilization in future alternative therapy studies. METHODS: A total of 60 adult male rats (250 - 300g) were used. Ulceration of the left cheek mucosa was provoked by abrasion using a nº 15 scalpel blade. The animals were observed for 10 days, during which they were weighed and their ulcers were measured. The histological characteristics were analyzed and scored according to the ulcer phase. In the statistical analysis, a value of p<0.01 was considered a statistically significant response in all cases. RESULTS: During the five first days, the animals lost weight (Student t test, p<0.01). The ulcerated area receded linearly over time and was almost completely cicatrized after 10 days (ANOVA, Tendency posttest, p<0.0001). Groups on days 1, 2 and 3 days displayed similar results, but a decrease in scores were observed after the 4th day. CONCLUSION: The proposed cheek mucosa ulcer model in rats can be considered an efficient, low-cost, reliable, and reproducible method.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer um modelo experimental de úlcera traumática em mucosa jugal de ratos para utilização em futuros testes de terapias alternativas. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 60 ratos, adultos, machos, pesando entre 250 a 300g. A ulceração na mucosa jugal esquerda foi provocada por meio da abrasão desta com uma lâmina de bisturi número 15. Os animais foram observados por um período de 10 dias, sendo estes pesados e suas escoriações mensuradas. As características histológicas foram analisadas e descritas adotando escores para comparação dos estágios da fase da úlcera. Na análise estatística um valor de p<0,01 foi considerado uma resposta estatisticamente significante em todos os casos. RESULTADOS: Durante os cinco primeiros dias os animais perderam peso ("t" Student - p<0,01). A área da úlcera regrediu linearmente com o tempo, estando quase que completamente cicatrizada ao final de dez dias (ANOVA, pós-teste de Tendência - p<0,0001). Os grupos do 1º, 2º e 3º dias tiveram comportamento semelhante havendo uma diminuição dos escores a partir do 4º dia. CONCLUSÃO: O modelo de úlcera na mucosa jugal de ratos proposto pode ser considerado eficaz, apresentando reprodutibilidade confiável e baixo custo.(AU)

Radiographic and histological evaluation of bisphosphonate alendronate and metotrexate effects on rat mandibles inoculated with Walker 256 carcinosarcoma / Avaliação radiográfica e histológica do efeito do bisfosfonato alendronato e do metotrexato na mandíbula de ratos inoculados com carcinossarcoma 256 de Walker

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of bisphosphosnate alendronate (ALD) and metotrexate (MTX) on an experimental model of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma developed in the oral cavity of rats. METHODS Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cell suspension (0,1 mL) containing 10(6) cell/mL was implanted in the alveoli of the first and second molars. The animals were divided and treated with saline, MTX, ALD, and MTX plus ALD. Later, the animals were sacrificed, the tumors were measured and the mandibles were removed for radiographic and histological analysis. RESULTS: In the control group, the radiographic images demonstrated radioluscency with poorly defined borders, and the microscopic examination revealed tumor infiltration into the peripheral and central regions of the bone. Areas of necrosis were commonly seen. In the treated groups with ALD, associated or not with MTX, the radiographic analysis revealed circumscribed tumor-induced osteolysis and various degrees of radiotransparence; while, histologically, preserved bone trabeculae with osteoid formation was observed among malignant cells. CONCLUSION: The bisphosphonate alendronate exherted an osteoprotective effect and induced bone neoformation on the Walker 256 carcinosarcoma inoculated in rat mandibles. The combination of metotrexate with bisphosphonate alendronate is more successful than treatment with the agents alone in controlling the growth of neoplastic cells and in stimulating reactive new bone. Therefore, this may be an alternative treatment to malignant lesions of maxillaries with osteolysis(AU)

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do bisfosfonato alendronato (ALD) e do metotrexato (MTX) em modelo do carcinossarcoma 256 de Walker na mandíbula de ratos. MÉTODOS: Uma suspensão de células tumorais do carcinossarcoma 256 de Walker (0,1mL), na concentração de 10(6) células/mL, foi implantada nos alvéolos de ratos previamente abertos por exodontia. Os animais foram divididos em grupos e tratados com salina, MTX, ALD e associação do MTX com ALD. Após o sacrifício, os tumores foram medidos e as mandíbulas removidas para exames radiográfico e histológico. RESULTADOS: No exame radiográfico do grupo controle foi verificada área lítica, sem evidência de reparo na região dos alvéolos, e no microscópico, infiltração óssea periférica e central, de pequenas células tumorais com diversas áreas de necrose. Nos grupos tratados com ALD, associado ou não ao MTX, a análise radiográfica mostrou redução da osteólise tumor-induzida com graus variados de radiotransparência na estrutura óssea; enquanto que, na análise histopatológica, trechos de tecido ósseo preservado, com formação de osteóide em meio a células tumorais foram observados. CONCLUSÃO: O bisfosfonato alendronato exerceu um efeito osteoprotetor e induziu neoformação óssea em mandíbulas de ratos implantadas com células de carcinossarcoma de Walker 256. A combinação do metotrexato com o bisfosfonato alendronato foi mais eficaz que o tratamento com os agentes isoladamente no controle do crescimento das células neoplásicas e na estimulação da formação óssea. Sendo assim, essa associação constitui-se uma alternativa de tratamento das neoplasias malignas dos maxilares com invasão e comprometimento ósseo(AU)