In vitro-in vivo availability of metformin hydrochloride-PLGA nanoparticles in diabetic rats in a periodontal disease experimental model.

CONTEXT: Metformin is an important oral anti-hyperglycemic used in diabetes. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) has been widely used due to its reliability in controlling the release of drugs. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the in vitro-in vivo availability of metformin hydrochloride-loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In vitro metformin release (Met-free or PLGA + Met-12.5 mg/mL per 360 min) was evaluated using static Franz vertical diffusion cells. The in vivo study was performed with two control groups (validation bioanalytical method) and two experimental groups of diabetic male Wistar rats treated with PLGA + Met 10 mg/kg or Met 100 mg/kg by oral gavage. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) through the penile vein. Blood samples were collected 0.5, 1, 4, 7, 10, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h and analysed by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). RESULTS: PLGA + Met 10 mg/kg was released in the in vitro assay suggesting a parabolic diffusion kinetic model (K -0.0619-0.5h) with a 100% release profile in 10 h by controlled diffusion. The in vivo assay showed the apparent volume of distribution Vz/F (PLGA + Met 10 mg/kg, 40971.8 mL/kg vs. Met 100 mg/kg, 2174.58 mL/kg) and mean residence time MRTinf (PLGA + Met 10 mg/kg, 37.66 h vs. Met 100 mg/kg, 3.34 h). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The formulation modifies pharmacokinetics parameters such as apparent distribution volume and mean residence time. The PLGA + Met 10 mg/kg had a slower elimination rate compared to Met 100 mg/kg in diabetic rats in a periodontal disease experimental model.

Ceramide and palmitic acid inhibit macrophage-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer.

Accumulating evidence indicates that ceramide (Cer) and palmitic acid (PA) possess the ability to modulate switching of macrophage phenotypes and possess anti-tumorigenic effects; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Cer and PA could induce switching of macrophage polarization from the tumorigenic M2- towards the pro-inflammatory M1-phenotype, and whether this consequently altered the potential of colorectal cancer cells to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a hallmark of tumor progression. Our study showed that Cer- and PA-treated macrophages increased expression of the macrophage 1 (M1)-marker CD68 and secretion of IL-12 and attenuated expression of the macrophage 2 (M2)-marker CD163 and IL-10 secretion. Moreover, Cer and PA abolished M2 macrophage-induced EMT and migration of colorectal cancer cells. At the molecular level, this coincided with inhibition of SNAI1 and vimentin expression and upregulation of E-cadherin. Furthermore, Cer and PA attenuated expression levels of IL-10 in colorectal cancer cells co-cultured with M2 macrophages and downregulated STAT3 and NF-κB expression. For the first time, our findings suggest the presence of an IL-10-STAT3-NF-κB signaling axis in colorectal cancer cells co-cultured with M2 macrophages, mimicking the tumor microenvironment. Importantly, PA and Cer were powerful inhibitors of this signaling axis and, consequently, EMT of colorectal cancer cells. These results contribute to our understanding of the immunological mechanisms that underlie the anti-tumorigenic effects of lipids for future combination with drugs in the therapy of colorectal carcinoma.

Correction to: Ceramide and palmitic acid inhibit macrophage-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer.

The third and fifth author's affiliation was published incorrectly in the original article. Also, the Figure 5 and the Acknowledgement section was published incorrectly. The corrected affiliation, Figure 5 and the Acknowledgement section are provided in this correction.

p-Cymene and Rosmarinic Acid Ameliorate TNBS-Induced Intestinal Inflammation Upkeeping ZO-1 and MUC-2: Role of Antioxidant System and Immunomodulation.

p-Cymene (p-C) and rosmarinic acid (RA) are secondary metabolites that are present in medicinal herbs and Mediterranean spices that have promising anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate their intestinal anti-inflammatory activity in the trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model in rats. p-C and RA (25-200 mg/kg) oral administration reduced the macroscopic lesion score, ulcerative area, intestinal weight/length ratio, and diarrheal index in TNBS-treated animals. Both compounds (200 mg/kg) decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), restored glutathione (GSH) levels, and enhanced fluorescence intensity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). They also decreased interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and maintained IL-10 basal levels. Furthermore, they modulated T cell populations (cluster of differentiation (CD)4+, CD8+, or CD3+CD4+CD25+) analyzed from the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and colon samples, and also decreased cyclooxigenase 2 (COX-2), interferon (IFN)-γ, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear transcription factor kappa B subunit p65 (NFκB-p65) mRNA transcription, but only p-C interfered in the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) expression in inflamed colons. An increase in gene expression and positive cells immunostained for mucin type 2 (MUC-2) and zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) was observed. Altogether, these results indicate intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of p-C and RA involving the cytoprotection of the intestinal barrier, maintaining the mucus layer, and preserving communicating junctions, as well as through modulation of the antioxidant and immunomodulatory systems.

Crude extract from Libidibia ferrea (Mart. ex. Tul.) L.P. Queiroz leaves decreased intra articular inflammation induced by zymosan in rats.

BACKGROUND: Libidibia ferrea (L. ferrea) has been used in folk medicine to treat several conditions and to prevent cancer. This study performed a chromatographic analysis of the crude aqueous extract of Libidibia ferrea (Mart. ex. Tul.) L.P. Queiroz (LfAE) leaves and evaluated its in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. METHODS: Polyphenols present in LfAE were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Anti-inflammatory activity was studied in an experimental model of zymosan-induced intra-articular inflammation, conducted in Wistar rats treated with LfAE at the doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg by gavage. Synovial fluid was collected for global leukocyte count, for spectrocopical UV/VIS analysis of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, total glutathione and malondialdehyde (MDA), and for quantification of inflammatory cytokines IL1-ß and TNF-α by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Synovial membrane was collected for histological analysis. The level of statistical significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS: HPLC detected concentrations of 1.56 (0.77) %m/m for ellagic acid and 1.20 (1.38) %m/m for gallic acid in LfAE leaves. Treatment with LfAE at all doses significantly decreased the leukocyte influx into the synovial fluid (p < 0.001) and myeloperoxidase activity (p < 0.001), an important marker of neutrophils. LfAE at doses of 100 (p < 0.05), 200 and 300 mg/kg (p < 0.001) also reduced the levels of MDA. LfAE at doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg significantly decreased the levels of IL-1ß (p < 0.05) and TNF-α (p < 0.001). All doses of LfAE resulted in increased levels of total glutathione (p < 0.001). Histopathological findings confirmed a reduction of the inflammatory infiltrate in the rats treated with LfAE at a dose of 200 mg/kg (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: LfAE has an important anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on intra-articular inflammation.

Gastroprotective and Antioxidant Activity of Kalanchoe brasiliensis and Kalanchoe pinnata Leaf Juices against Indomethacin and Ethanol-Induced Gastric Lesions in Rats.

Kalanchoe brasiliensis and Kalanchoe pinnata are used interchangeably in traditional medicine for treating peptic ulcers and inflammatory problems. In this context, this study aims to characterize the chemical constituents and evaluate the gastroprotective activity of the leaf juices of the two species in acute gastric lesions models. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometer (UHPLC-MS) were performed for chemical characterization. Wistar rats were pre-treated orally with leaf juices (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) or ranitidine (50 mg/kg). The peaks observed in the chromatogram of K. brasiliensis showed similar mass spectra to flavonoid glycosides derived from patuletin and eupafolin, while K. pinnata showed mass spectra similar to compounds derived from quercetin, patuletin, eupafolin and kaempferol. K. brasiliensis at all doses and K. pinnata at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the lesions in the ethanol induction model. In the indomethacin induction model, both species showed significant results at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Also, the pre-treatment with leaf juices increased the antioxidant defense system, glutathione (GSH), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly decreased. Treatment with leaf juices led to the upregulation of zone occludes-1 (ZO-1) and the downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and factor nuclear-κβ transcription (NF-κB-p65), while also showing a cytoprotective effect and maintaining mucus production. These findings show that the leaf juices of the two species showed gastroprotective effects on ethanol and gastric indomethacin injury which were a consequence of gastric inflammation suppression, antioxidant activity and the maintenance of cytoprotective defenses and mucosal structure architecture.

Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Aqueous Extract from Ipomoea asarifolia in DNBS-Induced Colitis in Rats.

Inflammatory bowel disease is triggered by an uncontrolled immune response associated with genetic, environmental, and intestinal microbiota imbalance. Ipomoea asarifolia (IA), popularly known as "salsa" or "brave salsa", belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. The aim of this approach was to study the preventive effect of IA aqueous extract in 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis in rats. Rats pretreated with IA extract or sulfasalazine (SSZ) received intracolonic instillation of DNBS in 50% ethanol (v/v). IA extract presented a protective effect against intestinal inflammation, with improvement in the disease activity index and macroscopic damage. IA or SSZ significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity, and also down-regulation of the gene expression of JNK1, NF-κß-p65, STAT3, and decreased levels of TNFα, IL-1ß, and increased IL-10, associated with a significant improvement of oxidative stress, in addition to a reduction in MDA and an increase of glutathione in colonic tissue. The protective effect of the extract was also confirmed in histological evaluation, showing preservation of the colonic cytoarchitecture. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed down-regulation of NF-κß-p65, iNOS, IL-17, and up-regulation of SOCs-1 and MUC-2. IA extract presents antioxidant and anti-inflammatory intestinal properties, and proved to be a potential application for preventing damage induced by DNBS.

Low-level laser therapy (780 nm) combined with collagen sponge scaffold promotes repair of rat cranial critical-size defects and increases TGF-ß, FGF-2, OPG/RANK and osteocalcin expression.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of collagen sponge scaffold (CSS) implantation associated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on repairing bone defects. A single 5-mm cranial defect was surgically created in forty Wistar rats, which then received one of the following four interventions (n = 10 per group): no treatment (G0); bone defect implanted with collagen sponge scaffold (CSS) alone (G1); defect treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (wavelength 780 nm; total energy density 120 J/cm2 ; power 50 mW) alone (G2); and CSS associated with LLLT treatment (G3). After surgery, animals in each group were euthanized at 21 days and 30 days (n = 5 per euthanasia time group). Bone formation was monitored by X-ray imaging analysis. Biopsies were collected and processed for histological analysis and immunohistochemical evaluation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor ƙ (RANK). Osteocalcin (OCN) was detected by immunofluorescence analysis. Compared to the G0 group, defects in the 30-day G3 group exhibited increased bone formation, both by increase in radiopaque areas (P < 0.01) and by histomorphometric analysis (P < 0.001). The histopathological analysis showed a decreased number of inflammatory cells (P < 0.001). The combined CCS + LLLT (G3) treatment also resulted in the most intense immunostaining for OPG, RANK, FGF-2 and TGF-ß, and the most intense and diffuse OCN immunofluorescent labelling at 30 days postsurgery (G3 vs. G0 group, P < 0.05). Therefore, the use of CCS associated with LLLT could offer a synergistic advantage in improving the healing of bone fractures.

Quality of Life, Integrative Community Therapy, Family Support, and Satisfaction with Health Services Among Elderly Adults with and without Symptoms of Depression.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyse quality of life, socio-demographic characteristics, family support, satisfaction with health services, and effect of integrative community therapy among non-institutionalised elderly adults with and without symptoms of depression in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Data from elderly adults with (n = 59) and without (n = 61) depressive symptoms were compared. The instruments used were the Mini-Mental State Examination, the short version of the Geriatric Depression Scale, a clinical socio-demographic questionnaire, the abbreviated version of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire, the Family Assessment Device, and the Patient Satisfaction with Mental Health Services Rating Scale. Elderly adults with depressive symptoms had lower quality of life in the social relations domain than did those without depressive symptoms (p = 0.003). In addition, compared with those without depression, fewer elderly adults with depressive symptoms attended integrative community therapy (p = 0.04); they also reported a low degree of family involvement in problem solving (p = 0.04) and showed apathy regarding their satisfaction with health services (p = 0.007). These results have important implications in the decision-making process with regard to strategies for improving the health status of elderly adults with depressive symptoms.

Olmesartan Prevented Intra-articular Inflammation Induced by Zymosan in Rats.

The objective of this study was to study the effect of olmesartan medoxomil (OLM), an antihypertensive drug, on intra-articular inflammation induced by zymosan (Zy) in Wistar rats. Intra-articular inflammation was induced in the right knees of rats by 1 mg Zy dissolved in saline. The animals were divided into the following groups: saline only (oral saline and intra-articular saline); Zy only (intra-articular Zy and oral saline), and intra-articular Zy and oral OLM (5, 15, or 30 mg/kg) or diclofenac sodium (SD; 100 mg/kg). Twenty-four hours after Zy injection, synovial fluid was collected for total leukocyte counts, blood was collected for biochemical measurements, and synovial tissue was collected for histopathology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and myeloperoxidase (MPO), malonaldehyde (MDA), and non-protein sulphydryl (NPSH) assays. OLM doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg had protective effects, as evidenced by improved histopathological parameters of synovium, reduced total leukocyte counts, reduced MPO and MDA levels, and increased NPSH group levels compared with the Zy group. OLM reduced immunostaining for cyclooxygenase 2, tumour necrosis factor and interleukin 17 and increased immunostaining for superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. SD produced similar results. The drugs studied caused no change in biochemical parameters of the animals. OLM showed protective effects in this model of Zy-induced intra-articular inflammation.

Quality of Life and Hormonal, Biochemical, and Anthropometric Profile Between Olanzapine and Risperidone Users.

This cross-sectional study compared quality of life and side effects in 108 users of olanzapine or risperidone suffering schizophrenia and being attended at psychiatric ambulatory services in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Economic, socio-demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal variables were compared. The EuroQoL Five-Dimension Scale (EQ-5D) was used to evaluate quality of life, and side effects were assessed using the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser (UKU) Side Effect Rating Scale and the Simpson-Angus Scale. Data were analysed using the χ(2) test and Student's t test, with a significance level of 5 %.The household incomes of approximately 80 % of patients were <2.0 minimum wages ($678). Anthropometric variables (waist circumference, hip circumference, weight, waist-to-hip ratio) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were noted among male olanzapine users (all p < 0.05). EQ-5D scores showed that olanzapine use significantly impacted self-help ability (p < 0.001). Risperidone users had a mean quality-adjusted life year value of 1. Mean total Simpson-Angus Scale scores was 0.38 for olanzapine users and 0.11 for risperidone users (p < 0.02). Significant differences in UKU were observed for the following items: asthenia/lassitude/fatigue (higher among olanzapine users, p = 0.02), dystonia (higher among olanzapine users, p = 0.01), tremors (higher among olanzapine users, p = 0.03), gynecomastia (higher among risperidone users, p < 0.02), and ejaculatory dysfunction (higher among risperidone users, p < 0.02). Olanzapine users had impaired quality of life, which can be explained in part by adverse motor, biochemical, and hormonal effects characteristic of metabolic syndrome.

In a methotrexate-induced model of intestinal mucositis, olmesartan reduced inflammation and induced enteropathy characterized by severe diarrhea, weight loss, and reduced sucrose activity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of olmesartan (OLME), an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, on an intestinal mucositis model. Briefly, daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of methotrexate (MTX) 7 mg/kg were administered to rats on 3 consecutive days. A subset of these rats was also pretreated with oral administration of OLME (0.5, 1.0, or 5.0 mg/kg) or vehicle as a control 30 min prior to MTX injection. Body weight, feces scoring, and death were recorded daily. On day 4, the rats were killed, and intestinal tissues were assayed for levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, myeloperoxidase and sucrose activity, and histopathological findings. A significant reduction in body weight was observed in the MTX+1.0 mg/kg OLME group (p<0.01). The feces scores for the MTX+0.5 mg/kg OLME and MTX+5.0 mg/kg OLME groups were also significantly higher (p<0.001). Sucrose activity was reduced in all groups treated with OLME (p<0.05). Treatment with MTX+OLM at all doses resulted in reduced inflammatory infiltration, ulcerations, vasodilation, and hemorrhagic areas (p<0.05), as well as reduced concentrations of myeloperoxidase (p<0.001). The IL-1ß and TNF-α levels were decreased in the MTX+OLME 5.0 mg/kg (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively) compared with the MTX-alone group. Overall, antiinflammatory activity was observed in rats with MTX-induced intestinal mucositis that were administered OLME. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the adverse effects of OLME.

High M2-TAM Infiltration and STAT3/NF-κB Signaling Pathway as a Predictive Factor for Tumor Progression and Death in Cervical Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the progression, invasion, and metastasis of cervical carcinoma (CC). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are significant components of the CC TME, but studies on their correlation with CC progression are still controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between TAM infiltration, the STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway, and Overall Survival (OS) in CC patients. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 691 CC patients who had received a definitive histopathologic diagnosis of CC scored by the FIGO staging system and not undergone preoperative treatment were selected from a database. The effect of TAM infiltration on tumor progression biomarkers using Tissue Microarray (TMA) and immunohistochemistry was evaluated. Furthermore, the impact of the expression of these biomarkers and clinical-pathological parameters on recurrence-free (RF) and OS using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression methods was also analyzed. RESULTS: High stromal CD163 + 204 + TAMs density and via STAT3 and NF-κB pathways was relevant to the expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP9, VEGFα, Bcl-2, Ki-67, CD25, MIF, FOXP3, and IL-17 (all p < 0.0001). In addition, elevated TNM staging IV had a strong association correlation with STAT3 and NF-κB pathways (p < 0.0001), CD25 (p < 0.001), VEGFα (p < 0.001), MIF (p < 0.0001), and Ki-67 (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, overall and recurrence survival was shown to be strongly influenced by the expression of SNAIL (HR = 1.52), E-cadherin (HR = 1.78), and Ki-67 (HR = 1.44). CONCLUSION: M2-TAM and via STAT3/NF-κB pathways had a strong effect on CC tumor progression which reverberated in the severity of clinicopathological findings, becoming an important factor of poor prognosis.

Chemopreventive and immunomodulatory effects of phenolic-rich extract of Commiphora leptophloeos against inflammatory bowel disease: Preclinical evidence.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) J.B. Gillet (Burseraceae) is a medicinal plant native to Brazil, popularly known as "imburana". Homemade leaf decoction and maceration were used to treat general inflammatory problems in the Brazilian Northeast population. Our previous research confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of the C. leptophloeos hydroalcoholic leaf extract. AIM OF THE STUDY: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory disorder of the gut with no ideal treatment to maintain the remissive status. This work aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition and physicochemical properties of the C. leptophloeos hydroalcoholic leaf extract and its efficacy in chemopreventive and immunomodulatory responses in inflammatory bowel disease in non-clinical models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mass spectrometry and physicochemical tests determined the phytochemical profile and physicochemical characteristics of the Commiphora leptophloeos (CL) extract. The chemopreventive and immunomodulatory effects of CL extract (50 and 125 µg/mL) were evaluated in vitro in the RAW 264.7 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced cell assay and in vivo in the model of intestinal inflammation induced by 2,4-Dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS) in mice when they were treated with CL extract by intragastric gavage (i.g.) at doses of 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg. RESULTS: Phytochemical annotation of CL extract showed a complex phenolic composition, characterized as phenolic acids and flavonoids, and satisfactory physicochemical characteristics. In addition, CL extract maintained the viability of RAW macrophages, reduced ROS and NO production, and negatively regulated COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-17 (p < 0.05). In the intestinal inflammation model, CL extract was able to downregulate NF-κB p65/COX-2, mTOR, iNOS, IL-17, decrease levels of malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase and cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, CL extract reduced inflammatory responses by down-regulating pro-inflammatory markers in macrophages induced by LPS and DNBS-induced colitis in mice through NF-κB p65/COX-2 signaling. CL leaf extract requires further investigation as a candidate for treating inflammatory bowel disease.

Anti-inflammatory, healing and antiophidic potential of Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae): From popular use to pharmaceutical formulation in gel.

Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory disorders. So, a topical gel containing the hydroethanolic extract of its leaves was developed and evaluated for its anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antiophidic properties in mice. First, the chemical profile of different parts of the plant was characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) using molecular networking. In the leaf extract, 11 compounds were characterized, with a particular emphasis on the identification of flavonoids. The gel efficiently inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema, as well as acute and chronic croton oil-induced ear edema models, thereby reducing inflammatory and oxidative parameters in inflamed tissues. Besides anti-inflammatory activity, the herbal gel showed significant wound healing activity. The edematogenic, hemorrhagic and dermonecrotic activities induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom were effectively inhibited by the treatment with J. mollissima gel. The association with the herbal gel improved in up to 90% the efficacy of commercial snake antivenom in reduce venom-induced edema. Additionally, while antivenom was not able to inhibit venom-induced dermonecrosis, treatment with herbal gel reduced in 55% the dermonocrotic halo produced. These results demonstrate the pharmacological potential of the herbal gel containing J. mollissima extract, which could be a strong candidate for the development of herbal products that can be used to complement the current antivenom therapy against snake venom local toxicity.

Quality of life and adverse effects of olanzapine versus risperidone therapy in patients with schizophrenia.

This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the effects of treatment with an atypical antipsychotic drug (olanzapine or risperidone) on quality of life (QoL) and to document adverse effects in 115 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who attended the ambulatory service of Hospital Dr. João Machado, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Socioeconomic, sociodemographic, and clinical variables were compared. The QoL Scale validated for Brazil (QLS-BR) was used to evaluate QoL, and adverse effects were assessed using the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser Side Effect Rating Scale. Data were analyzed using the χ(2) test and Student's t test, with a significance level of 5 %. Patients in both drug groups showed severe impairment in the occupational domain of the QLS-BR. Global QLS-BR scores indicated impairment among risperidone users and severe impairment among olanzapine users. The most significant side effects were associated with risperidone, including asthenia/lassitude/fatigue, somnolence/sedation, paresthesia, change in visual accommodation, increased salivation, diarrhea, orthostatic posture, palpitations/tachycardia, erythema, photosensitivity, weight loss, galactorrhea, decreased sexual desire, erectile/orgasmic dysfunction, vaginal dryness, headache, and physical dependence. QoL was impaired in patients using olanzapine and in those using risperidone. Risperidone use was associated with psychic, neurological, and autonomous adverse effects and other side effects.

Effective breast cancer therapy based on palmitic acid-loaded PLGA nanoparticles.

Although new strategies for breast cancer treatment have yielded promising results, most drugs can lead to serious side effects when applied systemically. Doxorubicin (DOX), currently the most effective chemotherapeutic drug to treat breast cancer, is poorly selective towards tumor cells and treatment often leads to the development of drug resistance. Recent studies have indicated that several fatty acids (FAs) have beneficial effects on inhibiting tumorigenesis. The saturated FA palmitic acid (PA) showed anti-tumor activities in several types of cancer, as well as effective repolarization of M2 macrophages towards the anti-tumorigenic M1 phenotype. However, water insolubility and cellular impermeability limit the use of PA in vivo. To overcome these limitations, here, we encapsulated PA into a poly(d,l-lactic co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticle (NP) platform, alone and in combination with DOX, to explore PA's potential as mono or combinational breast cancer therapy. Our results showed that PLGA-PA-DOX NPs and PLGA-PA NPs significantly reduced the viability and migratory capacity of breast cancer cells in vitro. In vivo studies in mice bearing mammary tumors demonstrated that PLGA-PA-NPs were as effective in reducing primary tumor growth and metastasis as NPs loaded with DOX, PA and DOX, or free DOX. At the molecular level, PLGA-PA NPs reduced the expression of genes associated with multi-drug resistance and inhibition of apoptosis, and induced apoptosis via a caspase-3-independent pathway in breast cancer cells. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis of residual tumors showed a reduction in M2 macrophage content and infiltration of leukocytes after treatment of PLGA-PA NPs and PLGA-PA-DOX NPs, suggesting immunomodulatory properties of PA in the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, the use of PA alone or in combination with DOX may represent a promising novel strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.

Erythrocyte-cancer hybrid membrane-coated reduction-sensitive nanoparticles for enhancing chemotherapy efficacy in breast cancer.

Cell-membrane-coated biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted great attention due to their prolonged circulation time, immune escape mechanisms and homotypic targeting properties. Biomimetic nanosystems from different types of cell -membranes (CMs) can perform increasingly complex tasks in dynamic biological environments thanks to specific proteins and other properties inherited from the source cells. Herein, we coated doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded reduction-sensitive chitosan (CS) NPs with 4T1 cancer cell -membranes (CCMs), red blood cell -membranes (RBCMs) and hybrid erythrocyte-cancer membranes (RBC-4T1CMs) to enhance the delivery of DOX to breast cancer cells. The physicochemical properties (size, zeta potential and morphology) of the resulting RBC@DOX/CS-NPs, 4T1@DOX/CS-NPs and RBC-4T1@DOX/CS-NPs, as well as their cytotoxic effect and cellular NP uptake in vitro were thoroughly characterized. The anti-cancer therapeutic efficacy of the NPs was evaluated using the orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer model in vivo. The experimental results showed that DOX/CS-NPs had a DOX-loading capacity of 71.76 ± 0.87 %, and that coating of DOX/CS-NPs with 4T1CM significantly increased the NP uptake and cytotoxic effect in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, by optimizing the ratio of RBCMs:4T1CMs, it was possible to increase the homotypic targeting properties towards breast cancer cells. Moreover, in vivo tumor studies showed that compared to control DOX/CS-NPs and free DOX, both 4T1@DOX/CS-NPs and RBC@DOX/CS-NPs significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastasis. However, the effect of 4T1@DOX/CS-NPs was more prominent. Moreover, CM-coating reduced the uptake of NPs by macrophages and led to rapid clearance from the liver and lungs in vivo, compared to control NPs. Our results suggest that specific self-recognition to source cells resulting in homotypic targeting increased the uptake and the cytotoxic capacity of 4T1@DOX/CS-NPs by breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, tumor-disguised CM-coated DOX/CS-NPs exhibited tumor homotypic targeting and anti-cancer properties, and were superior over targeting with RBC-CM or RBC-4T1 hybrid membranes, suggesting that the presence of 4T1-CM is critical for treatment outcome.

Inhibition of murine colorectal cancer metastasis by targeting M2-TAM through STAT3/NF-kB/AKT signaling using macrophage 1-derived extracellular vesicles loaded with oxaliplatin, retinoic acid, and Libidibia ferrea.

Colorectal cancer is still unmanageable despite advances in target therapy. However, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown potential in nanomedicine as drug delivery systems, especially for modulating the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, M1 Macrophage EVs (M1EVs) were used as nanocarriers of oxaliplatin (M1EV1) associated with retinoic acid (M1EV2) and Libidibia ferrea (M1EV3), alone or in combination (M1EV4) to evaluate their antiproliferative and immunomodulatory potential on CT-26 and MC-38 colorectal cancer cell lines and prevent metastasis in mice of allograft and peritoneal colorectal cancer models. Tumors were evaluated by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The cell death profile and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process (EMT) were analyzed in vitro in colorectal cancer cell lines. Polarization of murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) was also carried out. M1EV2 and M1EV3 used alone or particularly M1EV4 downregulated the tumor progression by TME immunomodulation, leading to a decrease in primary tumor size and metastasis in the peritoneum, liver, and lungs. STAT3, NF-kB, and AKT were the major genes downregulated by of M1EV systems. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) shifted from an M2 phenotype (CD163) to an M1 phenotype (CD68) reducing levels of IL-10, TGF-ß and CCL22. Furthermore, malignant cells showed overexpression of FADD, APAF-1, caspase-3, and E-cadherin, and decreased expression of MDR1, survivin, vimentin, and PD-L1 after treatment with systems of M1EVs. The study shows that EVs from M1 antitumor macrophages can transport drugs and enhance their immunomodulatory and antitumor activity by modulating pathways associated with cell proliferation, migration, survival, and drug resistance.

Phenolic-rich extract of Nopalea cochenillifera attenuates gastric lesions induced in experimental models through inhibiting oxidative stress, modulating inflammatory markers and a cytoprotective effect.

Nopalea cochenillifera (Cactaceae), popularly known as "palma" or "palma doce", is from Mexico, but it was widely introduced in Brazil through crops. It has been used as food and in traditional medicine and is a good source of phenolic compounds. In this study the phytochemical profile and gastroprotective activity of phenolic-rich extract of N. cochenillifera in acute gastric lesion models induced by ethanol and indomethacin were evaluated. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI/MSn) allowed the characterization of 12 compounds such as sugars, phenolics and flavonoids. Among polyphenols, the main peak was assigned to isorhamnetin-3-O-(2'',3''-O-di-rhamnose)-glucoside. The TPC and TFC in the dry extract were 67.85 mg of gallic acid equivalent per g/extract and 46.16 mg quercetin equivalent per g/extract, respectively. In the in vitro MTT assay, the extract showed no cytotoxicity and suppressed ROS levels in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Preclinical models in rats showed that a dose of 100 mg kg-1 (p < 0.0001) in the ethanol model and doses of 100 mg kg-1 (p < 0.5) and 200 mg kg-1 (p < 0.01) in the indomethacin model reduced the gastric lesions. Also, the extract reduced the MPO, MDA, TNF-α and IL-1ß levels and increased the GSH and IL-10 levels. The pre-treatment with the extract led to the upregulation of SOD and the downregulation of COX-2 by immunohistochemical analysis. It also showed a cytoprotective effect in the histopathological analysis and stimulated the restoration of the mucus content as observed in the periodic acid-Schiff analysis without modifying the pH, volume or total acidity of the gastric juice. Taken together, N. cochenillifera extract can be applied as a novel gastroprotective ingredient for food or pharmaceutical products.