Highly divergent and diverse viral community infecting sylvatic mosquitoes from Northeast Brazil.

Mosquitoes can transmit several pathogenic viruses to humans, but their natural viral community is also composed of a myriad of other viruses such as insect-specific viruses (ISVs) and those that infect symbiotic microorganisms. Besides a growing number of studies investigating the mosquito virome, the majority are focused on few urban species, and relatively little is known about the virome of sylvatic mosquitoes, particularly in high biodiverse biomes such as the Brazilian biomes. Here, we characterized the RNA virome of 10 sylvatic mosquito species from Atlantic forest remains at a sylvatic-urban interface in Northeast Brazil employing a metatranscriptomic approach. A total of 16 viral families were detected. The phylogenetic reconstructions of 14 viral families revealed that the majority of the sequences are putative ISVs. The phylogenetic positioning and, in most cases, the association with a high RNA-dependent RNA polymerase amino acid divergence from other known viruses suggests that the viruses characterized here represent at least 34 new viral species. Therefore, the sylvatic mosquito viral community is predominantly composed of highly divergent viruses highlighting the limited knowledge we still have about the natural virome of mosquitoes in general. Moreover, we found that none of the viruses recovered were shared between the species investigated, and only one showed high identity to a virus detected in a mosquito sampled in Peru, South America. These findings add further in-depth understanding about the interactions and coevolution between mosquitoes and viruses in natural environments. IMPORTANCE: Mosquitoes are medically important insects as they transmit pathogenic viruses to humans and animals during blood feeding. However, their natural microbiota is also composed of a diverse set of viruses that cause no harm to the insect and other hosts, such as insect-specific viruses. In this study, we characterized the RNA virome of sylvatic mosquitoes from Northeast Brazil using unbiased metatranscriptomic sequencing and in-depth bioinformatic approaches. Our analysis revealed that these mosquitoes species harbor a diverse set of highly divergent viruses, and the majority comprises new viral species. Our findings revealed many new virus lineages characterized for the first time broadening our understanding about the natural interaction between mosquitoes and viruses. Finally, it also provided several complete genomes that warrant further assessment for mosquito and vertebrate host pathogenicity and their potential interference with pathogenic arboviruses.

Are silymarin and N-acetylcysteine able to prevent liver damage mediated by multiple factors? Findings against ethanol plus LPS-induced liver injury in mice.

This study investigated the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and silymarin (SIL) in the liver of mice exposed to ethanol and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Mice were divided into four groups (n = 6): naive, vehicle, NAC (200 mg/kg), and SIL (200 mg/kg). Treatments were given orally (po) once daily for 10 days. Liver injury was induced by administration of ethanol (30%, po) for 10 days, once daily, followed by a single administration of LPS (2 mg/kg, ip) 24 h before euthanasia. After the treatment period, animals were euthanized, and liver and blood samples were collected. NAC, but not SIL, prevented the increase in oxalacetic glutamic transaminase (OGT) and pyruvic glutamic transaminase (PGT) serum levels. NAC and SIL did not restore levels of reduced glutathione or hepatic malonaldehyde. The treatments with NAC or SIL showed no difference in the activity of glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase compared to vehicle group. Myeloperoxidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase activities are increased, as well as the IL-6 and IL-10 levels in the liver. The treatment with NAC, but not SIL, reduced the N-acetylglucosamines activity and the IL-6 and IL-10 amount in the liver. Histological findings revealed microsteatosis in the vehicle group, which was not prevented by SIL but was partially reduced in animals receiving NAC. Unlike other liver injury models, NAC (200 mg/kg) or SIL (200 mg/kg) did not positively affect antioxidant patterns in liver tissue of animals exposed to ethanol plus LPS, but NAC treatment displays anti-inflammatory properties in this model.

Association between food insecurity and long COVID in adults from southern Brazil: findings of the PAMPA cohort.

BACKGROUND: Social and economic factors, such as food insecurity, contribute to long coronavirus disease (COVID). During the pandemic, a significant rise in food insecurity was observed, both in Brazil and worldwide. We aimed to investigate the association between food insecurity and long COVID in Brazilian adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study nested within the Prospective study About Mental and Physical Health in Adults (PAMPA) Cohort. Participants completed an online questionnaire in June 2022. We assessed food insecurity using the Brazilian Scale of Food Insecurity. Long COVID was defined as any post-coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms that persisted for at least 3 months after infection. RESULTS: A total of 956 participants were included (74.0% female, median age 36 (Interquartile Range [IQR] (29-45.7). The prevalence of food insecurity was 29.4%, and 77.8% had long COVID. Food insecurity was associated with an increased probability of long COVID (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.22). Participants in food insecurity situations had a higher likelihood of experiencing neurological (PR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10-1.28), pulmonary (PR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.17-1.52) and gastrointestinal (PR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.31-1.88) symptoms after infection. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity was associated with long COVID. Governments must plan public policies to mitigate the effects of long COVID and food insecurity.

Longitudinal impact of leisure-time physical activity on pain intensity and daily activity limitation in people with low back pain. Findings from the PAMPA cohort.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to prospectively evaluate the association between leisure-time physical activity and outcomes related to low back pain (LBP), such as pain intensity and daily activity limitation. METHODS: We analyzed data from the PAMPA (Prospective Study about Mental and Physical Health) cohort, a longitudinal study with adults residing in Southern Brazil. Participants answered an online-based, self-administered questionnaire. Physical activity was assessed as minutes per week, and those who reported engaging in 150 min/week or more were considered active. We also assessed the types of activities participants engaged. Pain intensity was assessed with a numeric pain rating scale (from 0 to 10), and participants reported whether their pain restricted their daily activities. Generalized linear models were used to investigate the association between physical activity and LBP outcomes. RESULTS: Data from 991 individuals (82.7% women) aged 38.9 ± 13.9 were analyzed. Pain intensity was higher in those inactive in waves one (ß: 0.54; 95 % CI 0.23, 0.86), three (ß: 0.38; 95% CI 0.02, 0.75), and four (ß: 0.48; 95% CI 0.06, 0.90). Also, being physically inactive at wave one was associated with a higher probability of daily activity limitation at waves two (IRR 1.77; 95% CI 1.27; 2.46), three (IRR 1.63; 95% CI 1.17, 2.29), and four (IRR 1.73; 95% CI 1.20, 2.50). CONCLUSION: Not practicing at least 150 min/week of physical activity resulted in higher levels of pain and an increased risk of daily activity limitation in individuals with LBP. Moreover, various forms of activities have shown to be advantageous in alleviating pain among this group.

Chikungunya virus infection in the southernmost state of Brazil was characterised by self-limited transmission (2017-2019) and a larger 2021 outbreak.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that has been causing large outbreaks in the Americas since 2014. In Brazil, Asian-Caribbean (AC) and East-Central-South-African (ECSA) genotypes have been detected and lead to large outbreaks in several Brazilian states. In Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the southernmost state of Brazil, the first cases were reported in 2016. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: We employed genome sequencing and epidemiological investigation to characterise the Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) burden in RS between 2017-2021. FINDINGS: We detected an increasing CHIKF burden linked to travel associated introductions and communitary transmission of distinct lineages of the ECSA genotype during this period. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Until 2020, CHIKV introductions were most travel associated and transmission was limited. Then, in 2021, the largest outbreak occurred in the state associated with the introduction of a new ECSA lineage. CHIKV outbreaks are likely to occur in the near future due to abundant competent vectors and a susceptible population, exposing more than 11 million inhabitants to an increasing infection risk.

Traditional Plants Used in Southern Brazil as a Source to Wound Healing Therapies.

In southern Brazil, the biodiversity is great and the traditional use of medicinal plants for wound healing has been documented in ethnobotanical studies and pharmacological studies have assessed their wound properties and phytochemistry. Therefore, this study evaluated ethnobotanical surveys regarding medicinal plants used in southern Brazil for wound healing and studies about the healing properties of these plants published between 2000 and 2022. To retrieve articles related to the study, Web of Science, PubMed (NLM), Open Access Journals, Scielo, Lilacs, and Google Scholar, with keywords including medicinal plants, wound healing, and South of Brazil, have been used. As a result, 73 medicinal plants belonging to 39 families were found in ethnobotanical surveys as a traditional resource used for wound healing in southern Brazil, 15 of which were cited more than once. Besides, 14 of these 15 plants were also used as healing agents worldwide. The most cited plant with healing actions in southern Brazil was Symphytum officinale L. (comfrey). From 2000 to date, 44 articles scientifically demonstrated the wound-healing effects of the southern Brazilian plants found in ethnobotanical surveys reviewed. The folk medicine of southern Brazil presents a variety of medicinal plants for wound-healing purposes, and scientific data were found for some of those plants. However, the wound-healing properties of many plants have yet to be investigated, and the current literature still needs more phytochemical information about the plants studied. Aside from this, the future focus should be on the standardization of herbal extracts, and further research is required to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms. Clinical research in this area remains in its infancy and warrants more robust further clinical studies.

Brazilian Red Propolis Accelerates Gastric Healing and Reduces Gastric Submucosal Layer Inflammation in Ultrasound-Monitored Rats.

Propolis has been used for the treatment of gastric disturbances in folk medicine, nevertheless, the gastric healing effects of Brazilian red propolis have not been unveiled. This study aimed to assess the gastric healing effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of red propolis (HERP) in the acetic acid-induced ulcer model. Rats under acetic acid-induced-ulcer were treated with HERP (100 mg/kg, p.o.) twice a day for seven days. Histological changes, oxidative stress, and inflammatory parameters were analyzed in the gastric tissue. Moreover, the gastric wall thickness was measured by ultrasound. The in vitro cytotoxicity of HERP and cellular migration of fibroblasts were evaluated. The treatment with HERP promoted gastric healing, reducing gastric wall thickness, macroscopic lesion area, and histopathological damages compared to the vehicle. Moreover, HERP reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in the gastric tissue but did not change mucin or collagen levels. HERP did not show signs of toxicity either in vivo or in vitro. HERP displayed a healing effect in vivo by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. These data contribute to validating the popular use of this product in the treatment of gastric disorders and advance scientific knowledge in the search for new drugs for the management of gastric ulcers.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on population attributable fraction for physical inactivity to dementia.

INTRODUCTION: The number of cases of dementia attributable to physical inactivity remains unclear due to heterogeneity in physical inactivity definitions and statistical approaches used. METHODS: Studies that used population-based samples to estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) of physical inactivity for dementia were included in this review. Weighted PAFs were adjusted for communality among the risk factors (i.e., inactive persons may also share other risk factors) analyzed. Values were reported as percentage (%) of cases of dementia attributable to physical inactivity. RESULTS: We included 22 studies. The overall impact of physical inactivity, defined by any criteria, on dementia ranged from 6.6% (95% CI: 3.6%, 9.6%; weighted) to 16.6% (95% CI: 14.4%, 18.9%; unweighted). Studies using the WHO criterion for physical inactivity estimated a higher unweighted impact (ß = 7.3%; 95% CI: 2.0%, 12.6%) than studies using other criteria. DISCUSSION: Conservatively, one in 15 cases of dementia may be attributable to physical inactivity, defined by any criteria.

Neuroprotective effects of strength training in a neuroinflammatory animal model.

BACKGROUND: The preventive role of muscular strength on diminishing neuroinflammation is yet unknown. In this study, the role of the prophylactic muscular strength exercise was investigated in order to verify whether it would diminish cognitive alterations and modify the antioxidant intracellular scenery in an animal neuroinflammatory model in of the CA1 region of the hippocampus. METHODS: The animals received muscular strength training (SE) three times a week for eight weeks. Subsequently, the stereotaxic surgery was performed with an intra-hippocampal infusion of either saline solution (SAL) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Next, we performed the behavioral tests: object recognition and social recognition. Then, the animals were euthanized, and their hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were collected. In another moment, we performed the dosage of the antioxidant activity and histological analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the muscular strength exercises could show a beneficial prophylactic effect in the cognitive deficiencies caused by acute neuroinflammation. Regarding oxidative stress, there was an increase in catalase enzyme activity (CAT) in the group (SE + LPS) compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). As for the cognitive alterations, there were found in the (SE + LPS) group, diminishing the mnemonic hazard of the discriminative and social memories compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded, therefore, that the exercise performed prophylactically presents a protective effect capable of minimizing such mnemonic deficits and increasing catalase enzyme activity in rats that suffered a local neuroinflammatory process in the hippocampus.

Point-of-care testing allows successful simultaneous screening of sickle cell disease, HIV, and tuberculosis for households in rural Guinea-Bissau, West Africa.

Diagnosis of noncommunicable genetic diseases like sickle cell disease (SCD) and communicable diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or tuberculosis (TB) is often difficult in rural areas of Africa due to the lack of infrastructures, trained staff, or capacity to involve families living in remote areas. The availability of point-of-care (POC) tests for the above diseases offers the opportunity to build joint programs to tackle all conditions. We report successful simultaneous screening of SCD, HIV, and TB utilizing POC tests in 898 subjects in Fanhe, in rural Guinea-Bissau. Adherence was 100% and all diagnosed subjects were enrolled in care programs.

Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Dyspepsia: An Overview.

This review focuses on the efficacy of herbal medicines for managing dyspepsia in humans and animals. Searches were conducted on the PubMed, Science Direct, and Medline databases, for publications in the last 3 years. In each database, the search terms used consisted of the 2 key terms describing the disorder and subtypes plus each of the terms relating to the therapy. The key terms used were "natural product" and "medicinal plant" in a cross-over with "dyspepsia" and "functional dyspepsia" (i.e., gastroprotection, Helicobacter pylori infection, prokinetic). We included all human and animal studies on the effects of herbal medicines reporting the key outcome of dyspepsia symptoms. Preclinical studies using critically validated models showed that most medicinal plants with gastroprotective action had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antisecretory effects. Moreover, several species displayed anti Helicobacter pylori and prokinetic efficacy. The data availability of controlled clinical studies is currently minimal. The use of different methodologies and the minimal number of patients raise doubts about the effects of these preparations. Only adequate clinical trials with scientifically validated methods can determine whether different herbal medicines can be used as viable alternatives to the conventional pharmacological treatments used to control dyspepsia symptoms.

Dimethyl Cardamonin from Fruits of Campomanesia reitziana D. Legrand Promotes Gastroprotection and Gastric Healing Effects in Rodents.

Campomanesia reitziana D. Legrand (Myrtaceae) displays antiulcer properties when given to rodents. The major active chemical components of C. reitziana are chalcones, including 4',6'-dihydroxy-2'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone or dimethyl cardamonin (DMC); therefore, we hypothesized that this compound could have antiulcer effects and the present study aimed to evaluate its gastroprotective and gastric healing properties. DMC was isolated from the fruits of C. reitziana, and its gastroprotective effect was evaluated by ethanol and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models in mice (0.1 mg/kg, i.p. and 1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o.). Oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters were analyzed in the gastric tissue. Moreover, its gastric healing effect was evaluated in rats. In addition, the compound's mode of action was evaluated in vivo and in vitro by measuring H+ -K+ -ATPase activity. Finally, the cytotoxic potential of DMC was tested in fibroblasts and human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. The DMC reduced the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice by 77 %, increased the adhered mucus, and reduced lipoperoxides levels. The block of nonprotein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) compounds by pretreatment with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME), or the antagonism of α2 receptor using yohimbine reversed the gastroprotective effects of DMC. Furthermore, DMC reduced the acidity of gastric content in pylorus-ligated rats but did not change H+ , K+ -ATPase (isolated from rabbit) activity in vitro. DMC reduced the lesion area in acetic acid-induced ulcers and decreased myeloperoxidase activity. DMC did not change the viability of fibroblast cells (L929) but reduced the viability of human gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS). The results confirmed that DMC could significantly enhance the gastric healing process and prevent ulcers due to improving protective factors on the gastric mucosa and reducing gastric acid secretion.

Exotic Medicinal Plants Used in Brazil with Diuretic Properties: A Review.

Several exotic plants (non-native) are used in Brazilian traditional medicine and are known worldwide for their possible diuretic actions. Among the wide variety of plants, standing out Achillea millefolium L., Camellia sinensis L. Kuntze, Crocus sativus L., Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn., Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) A.W. Hill, Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber, and Urtica dioica L., whose effects have already been the subject of some scientific study. In addition, we also discussed other exotic species in Brazil used popularly, but that still lack scientific studies, like the species Arctium lappa L., Carica papaya L., Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don, Centella asiatica (L.) Urb, Citrus aurantium L., and Persea americana Mill. However, generally, clinical studies on these plants are scarce. In this context, different plant species can be designated for further comprehensive studies, therefore, promoting support for developing an effective medicine to induce diuresis.

Geraniol accelerates the gastric healing, minimizes ulcers recurrence, and reduces anxiolytic-like behavior in ulcerated rodents by oral or inhaled route.

BACKGROUND: Geraniol (GE) is dietary acyclic monoterpene alcohol found in essential oils from aromatic plants with therapeutic value against gastric ulcers already described. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: To assess whether oral GE accelerates gastric healing or prevents ulcer recurrence, and to evaluate the hypothesis that GE promotes antiulcer effects by the inhaled route and that promotes changes in the behavior of ulcerated rodents. METHODS: Gastric healing effects, underlining mechanisms, and behavioral changes were measured in80% acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer model in rats receiving GE by oral (30 mg/kg) or inhaled route (1 mg/L of air/min); whereas the effects of GE to avoid ulcer recurrence was evaluated in mice submitted to 10% acetic acid plus IL-1ß ulcer. RESULTS: GE administered by both routes accelerates gastric healing, increasing mucin and GSH levels, CAT, and GST activities, and reducing MPO activity. Moreover, oral, and inhaled GE minimized ulcer recurrence reducing gastric TNF and IL-6 levels and preserving mucin levels. Interestingly, the inhalation or oral intake of GE promotes anxiolytic-like effects in ulcerated rats. CONCLUSION: Data altogether suggest that the GE accelerates gastric healing through the strengthening of protective factors of the gastric mucosa, promoting a quality healing that reduces the recurrence of the lesion. Besides, the anxiolytic-like effect of GE may also contribute to its gastric healing action since anxiety is recognized as one of the etiologic agents of ulcers.

Mitochondria-Rich Fraction Isolated From Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Reduces Lung and Distal Organ Injury in Experimental Sepsis.

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain whether systemic administration of mitochondria-rich fraction isolated from mesenchymal stromal cells would reduce lung, kidney, and liver injury in experimental sepsis. DESIGN: Animal study. SETTING: Laboratory investigation. SUBJECTS: Sixty C57BL/6 male mice. INTERVENTIONS: Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture; sham-operated animals were used as control. At 24 hours after surgery, cecal ligation and puncture and Sham animals were further randomized to receive saline or mitochondria-rich fraction isolated from mesenchymal stromal cells (3 × 106) IV. At 48 hours, survival, peritoneal bacterial load, lung, kidney, and liver injury were analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of mitochondria on oxygen consumption rate and reactive oxygen species production of lung epithelial and endothelial cells were evaluated in vitro. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In vitro exposure of lung epithelial and endothelial cells from cecal ligation and puncture animals to mitochondria-rich fraction isolated from mesenchymal stromal cells restored oxygen consumption rate and reduced total reactive oxygen species production. Infusion of exogenous mitochondria-rich fraction from mesenchymal stromal cells (mitotherapy) reduced peritoneal bacterial load, improved lung mechanics and histology, and decreased the expression of interleukin-1ß, keratinocyte chemoattractant, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2, and programmed cell death protein 1 in lung tissue, while increasing keratinocyte growth factor expression and survival rate in cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis. Mitotherapy also reduced kidney and liver injury, plasma creatinine levels, and messenger RNA expressions of interleukin-18 in kidney, interleukin-6, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2, and programmed cell death protein 1 in liver, while increasing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 and superoxide dismutase-2 in kidney and interleukin-10 in liver. CONCLUSIONS: Mitotherapy decreased lung, liver, and kidney injury and increased survival rate in cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis.

Diuretic and Renal Protective Effect of Kaempferol 3-O-Alpha-l-rhamnoside (Afzelin) in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats.

Our previous study showed that kaempferitrin, the main flavonoid from Bauhinia forficata Link leaves, induces diuresis and saluresis when orally given to rats. Since afzelin (AFZ) and kaempferol (KFL) are active compounds from the biometabolism of kaempferitrin, the diuretic and renal protective properties of these two compounds were evaluated. While the acute treatment with AFZ evoked a diuretic action associated with an increase in Cl- excretion and a Ca2+-sparing effect, KFL did not present any activity. The pretreatment with a muscarinic receptor blocker or with an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase fully avoided AFZ-induced diuresis. AFZ also induced a prolonged (7-day treatment) diuretic effect in normotensive (NTR) and hypertensive rats (SHR), with an increase of urinary Na+ and Cl- excretion, while it decreased the elimination of Ca2+. AFZ was able to decrease ROS and nitrite generation on kidney homogenates in comparison with the SHR group treated with the vehicle, as well as mitigated the changes in the renal corpuscle region (glomerulus and Bowman's capsule). Moreover, AFZ significantly reduced calcium oxalate crystal formation in urine, with inhibition rates of 41% for the NTR and 92% for the SHR group. Taken together, this study shows that AFZ exerts acute and prolonged diuretic effects plus protective renal properties.

Role of the antioxidant properties in the gastroprotective and gastric healing activity promoted by Brazilian green propolis and the healing efficacy of Artepillin C.

Green propolis is a resinous substance used in folk medicine given its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-ulcer effects. Our research group has already confirmed the gastroprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract from green propolis (HEGP), as well as of its main isolated compounds. In continuity, this study evaluated the antioxidant mode of action involved in the preventive effect induced by HEGP, and its therapeutic gastric healing potential on installed ulcers. In addition, the healing effect of its main compound Artepillin C was also investigated. Acute and chronic ulcers were induced in rats by given ethanol or acetic acid, respectively. In acute model, the rats were orally pre-treated with vehicle (water plus 1% Tween, 1 mL/kg), HEGP (30-300 mg/kg), or carbenoxolone (200 mg/kg) 1 h prior the ulcer induction. In the chronic ulcer protocol, the rats received vehicle (water plus 1% Tween, 1 mL/kg), HEGP (300 mg/kg), or omeprazole (20 mg/kg) twice a day by 7 days, whereas groups of mice received vehicle (water plus 1% Tween, 1 mL/kg), Artepillin C (18 mg/kg), or ranitidine (20 mg/kg) twice a day by 4 days. Ulcerated tissue was collected for histological, histochemical, immunostaining, oxidative, and inflammatory analyses. The in vitro scavenger activity of HEGP was also verified using the DPPH assay. The oral pre-treatment with HEGP (100 and 300 mg/kg) prevented the gastric epithelial damage promoted by ethanol. Besides, HEGP (100 and 300 mg/kg) reduced SOD activity about 11% and 26%, respectively, and increased the activity of GST around 20% and CAT in 80%. HEGP (300 mg/kg) also reduced the production of reactive oxygen species, as well as lipoperoxidation levels in the ethanol-ulcerated tissue. In the acetic acid-induced chronic ulcer, the daily treatment with HEGP (300 mg/kg) accelerates the healing process by 71%. In this model, HEGP normalized SOD and CAT activity and increased GST activity by 109% when compared to non-ulcerated rats. In both models, the extract administration increased the mucin PAS staining and reduced the myeloperoxidase activity at the ulcer site. Moreover, the treatment with HEGP enhanced the PCNA immunostaining, but did not alter the concentration of collagen in the acetic acid-ulcerated tissue. The extract had a direct DPPH radical-scavenging ability (LogIC50: 0.56). Besides, as expected, HPLC analysis showed Artepillin C as a major compound and its administration at 18 mg/kg also accelerated the gastric healing ulcer process in mice. Our findings confirm that HEGP displays both gastroprotective and gastric healing properties, contributing to the validation of its popular use as preventive and therapeutic approaches. These actions occur through the increase in mucin production and the reestablishment of the oxidative balance due to a reduction in gastric inflammation.

Salvia lachnostachys Benth has antitumor and chemopreventive effects against solid Ehrlich carcinoma.

Salvia lachnostachys is an herbaceous plant with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and cytotoxic properties. This study investigated the antitumor effect of an ethanolic extract of Salvia lachnostachys leaves (EES) in a solid Ehrlich carcinoma model. Ehrlich cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the right pelvic member (2 × 106 cells) in female Swiss mice. The animals were treated with vehicle (10 mL kg-1, p.o.), EES (30 and 100 mg kg-1, p.o.), or methotrexate (2.5 mg kg-1, i.p.) for 21 days (early treatment) or 14 days (late treatment) after tumor inoculation, or 10 days before tumor inoculation and continued for 21 days after tumor inoculation (chemopreventive treatment). The acute toxicity test was performed according OECD guidelines Late treatment with EES had no antitumor effect. Early treatment with 100 mg kg-1 EES prevented tumor development, increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels and decreased tumor superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels and Cyclin D1 expression, and tumor cell necrosis was observed. Chemopreventive treatment with EES for 10 and 31 days prevented tumor development in the same manner. EES treatment for 31 days decreased hepatic and tumor SOD activity, tumor IL-10 levels and Cyclin D1 expression, and increased tumor reduced glutathione, N-acetylglucosaminidase, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, TNF-α levels and Nrf2 expression. No toxicity was observed in the acute toxicity assay. In conclusion, EES had an antitumor effect by inhibiting Cyclin D1 expression and increasing inflammation with early and chemopreventive treatment. Modulation of the antioxidant system also contribute for the antitumor effects of EES.

Flavonoid-rich fraction of Bauhinia forficata Link leaves prevents the intestinal toxic effects of irinotecan chemotherapy in IEC-6 cells and in mice.

This study evaluated the effects of flavonoid-rich fraction from Bauhinia forficata leaves (FRF-BF), against intestinal toxicity induced by irinotecan. The leaves of this plant are used like tea in Brazilian folk medicine, and it is rich in flavonoids, mainly kaempferitrin. First, the chemopreventive effects of FRF-BF and kaempferitrin were evaluated in intestinal cells (IEC-6 cells) exposed to irinotecan. Next, the effects were evaluated against irinotecan-induced mucositis in mice. Lastly, melanoma was induced in C57BL/6 mice to evaluate FRF-BF interference on irinotecan antitumor activity. The results showed that FRF-BF and kaempferitrin exert no cytotoxic effects in IEC-6 cells and confirmed that pretreatment with FRF-BF and kaempferitrin displays chemoprotective effects against cytotoxicity induced by irinotecan. Interestingly, the FRF-BF (100 mg/kg, p.o) reduced the intestinal motility in mice and attenuated parameters linked to irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis, including diarrhea, histological damage, depletion of duodenal GSH, amount of TNF-α, and MPO activity in the small intestine. Also, FRF-BF does not interfere in the antitumor activity of irinotecan and exerted antitumoral activity in murine melanoma. In conclusion, FRF-BF (100 mg/kg, p.o) presents promising pharmacological potential to prevent and attenuate the severity of intestinal mucositis during chemotherapy treatment, related to the presence of kaempferitrin.

Chrysophyllum cainito (apple-star): a fruit with gastroprotective activity in experimental ulcer models.

The gastroprotective potential of the methanolic extracts from peels (MEPe), seeds (MESe) and pulp (MEPu) of Chrysophyllum cainito L. (Sapotaceae) fruits was evaluated in mice using ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin-induced ulcer, as well as the antiulcer effect of the juice and flour from this fruit. The lowest oral gastroprotective dose of MEPe, MESe and MEPu against ethanol/HCl was 3, 3 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, all extracts increased mucin secretion at 176, 198 and 193%. Intraperitoneal administration of MEPe (0.3 mg/kg), MESe (0.3 mg/kg) and MEPu (1 mg/kg) also promoted gastroprotection against ethanol/HCl. In addition, MEPe (3 mg/kg, p.o), MESe (3 mg/kg, p.o) and MEPu (10 mg/kg, p.o) reduced indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in mice by 78, 70 and 50%, respectively. Regarding the mode of action, the gastroprotective effect of MEPe was decreased by the pre-administration of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM, a sulfhydryl group chelator, 10 mg/kg, i.p), glibenclamide (a potassium channel blocker, 10 mg/kg, i.p), yohimbine (10 mg/kg, i.p, an alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist, 10 mg/kg, i.p) and indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, 10 mg/kg, i.p). The gastroprotective effect of MESe was reduced by the pre-administration of NEM, glibenclamide, N-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 70 mg/kg, i.p) and yohimbine, while MEPu had the gastroprotective effect decreased in animals pretreated with NEM and L-NAME. However, the extracts did not reduce gastric acid secretion. The supplementation with the flour from C. cainito fruit at 10% by 7 days, but not the juice intake, displayed gastroprotective potential, evidencing the fruit as a promising functional food. Together, the antiulcer effect of extracts of the C. cainito fruit in different experimental models was confirmed by the favoring of mucosal protective mechanisms among different, but complementary, modes of action. In parallel, the gastroprotective effects of the flour from C. cainito fruit were also described.