Dihydroeugenol derivatives associated with blue LED light: A different form to face multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria.

Eugenol has already had its pharmacological properties elucidated in previous studies, including antibacterial and antifungal properties. Based on such information, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and modulatory activity of coumarin compounds prepared from dihydroeugenol and to associate them with blue LED light for the same activity. For this study, five of the substances available: compound 1 (C1), 8-methoxy-2-oxo-6-propyl-2H-chromen-3-carboxylic acid, compound (C2), 3-(hydroxy(4-nitrophenyl)methyl)-8- methoxy-6-propyl-2H-chromen-2-one, compound 7 (C3), 8-hydroxy-3-(4-nitrobenzoyl)-6-propyl-2H-chromen-2-one, compound 8 (C4), 3-(4-aminobenzoyl)-8-methoxy-6-propyl-2H-chromen-2-one and Compound 9 (C5), 8-methoxy-3-(4-nitrobenzoyl)-6-propyl-2H-chromen-2-one 2-one. To determine the MIC, the broth microdilution technique was used. The products were evaluated for their potential to modulate the activity of antibiotics. Afterward, the plates were submitted to blue LED light for 20 min. When exposed to LED, C3 exhibited a decrease in MIC for SA ATCC and C5 for EC ATCC, with an average of 645.08 µg/mL for both cases. C2 and C4 exhibited synergism in a greater number of situations. However, C3 showed promising activity against S. aureus. C1 and C2 already acted better against E. coli, with the difference that C1 acted better against these bacteria when associated with LED. In general, the compounds studied here exhibited good antibacterial activity when associated with LED.

Exploring how structural changes to new Licarin A derivatives effects their bioactive properties against rapid growing mycobacteria and biofilm formation.

Several species of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) have been associated with biofilms in areas such as biomedical devices, water distribution systems, cosmetic surgery, and catheter-related blood infections. Biofilms which exhibit antimicrobial resistance such as those formed by the genus Mycobacterium pose a significant risk to health and are of particular interest to researchers. Licarin A (a neolignan found in numerous plant species e.g. nutmeg) has been reported to show a wide range of biological actions including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The aim of this study was to prepare a set of Licarin A derivatives and investigate the impact of specific structural changes on its antimycobacterial ability, and its effect on the biofilm formation of RGM species. Initially, the phenolic sub-unit and alkenyl side chain of Licarin A were modified to create derivatives with a higher partition coefficient; as the activity of a compound against mycobacteria seems to be strongly influenced by its hydrophobicity. Further, polar groups were inserted into the side chain to change the hydrophilic-lipophilic profile of the molecules. Results showed variability in the susceptibility profile of mycobacteria against the Licarin A derivatives under analysis. A number of the derivatives showed significant inhibitory activity of planktonic growth of the three strains of mycobacteria used, with even lower MIC values than those observed with reference drugs and Licarin A itself. Cytotoxicity assays showed they also have low toxicity, confirming that structural modifications to the Licarin A have made improvements to its antimycobacterial properties.

Exogenous intoxication by non-prescribed use of vitamin D, a case report.

BACKGROUND: This case report, unlike the current literature related to vitamin D intoxication, aims to highlight the risk of self-medication, and how publicity boosts the acquisition of vitamins for different purposes, increasing consumption with no professional indication or supervision. This practice can pose a serious health risk to the population. CASE PRESENTATION: Our patient, a brazilian retired 64-year-old female, presented to the emergency service with post-prandial food vomiting of undigested content and stabbing abdominal pain with worsening during palpation. Concomitantly, onset of sporadic frontal headache, fatigue, hyporexia, weight loss of 18 kg in the same period, severe pruritus, musculoskeletal pain in the limbs and nocturia. The physical examination showed hypertension (160/80 mmHg) and itchy macules in the lower limb. Initially, the main diagnostic hypotheses were multiple myeloma, hyperparathyroidism and pancreatitis secondary to hypercalcemia, osteolytic neoplasms and other neoplasms that present with hypercalcemia. However, blood count, parathyroid hormone, chest X-ray, immunoglobulins, myelogram and bone marrow biopsy were not compatible with these diagnoses. Meanwhile, 25 OH vitamin D dosage and diluted vitamin D test confirmed the diagnosis of hypervitaminosis D. Hypercalcemic crisis was managed with vigorous hydration (50 ml/kg in 2 h), furosemide, bisphosphonates and blood pressure control with amlodipine and atenolol. Subsequently, the patient was discharged from the outpatient clinic with complete remission of symptoms, weight gain, serum calcium values of 10.76 mg/dL and ionizable calcium values of 6.52 mg/dL. CONCLUSION: Our report summarizes the possible consequences of using a vitamin compound without supervision of a competent professional, as these substances are mistakenly considered non-toxic. To add, little information is available about the supplements' metabolism and their biological effects. Therefore, It is difficult to diagnose intoxication. This case report shows that even the self-administration of a product designed to bring health benefits can become a risky behavior. These vitamin and mineral supplements are supposed to bring patient empowerment and reduce government spending in health-care, but indeed represent a significant public health concern due to possible overdose and drug interactions.