Cryptocarya moschata extract decreases single and mixed biofilms on acrylic resins.

OBJECTIVE: This study proposed to assess the effect of Cryptocarya moschata extract on single and mixed biofilms formed on denture base and reline acrylic resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single and mixed biofilms of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans were formed on the samples and treated with C. moschata extract; Nystatin solution at 100,000 IU/mL or Penicillin antibiotic solution at 100,000 IU/mL; or PBS solution. Antimicrobial activity was analyzed by counting colony-forming units, metabolism assay, assessment of protein components of the biofilm matrix, and of cell viability using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's post-test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Cryptocarya moschata extract reduced cell viability of C. albicans and S. mutans single and mixed biofilms formed on samples. For all types of biofilms in the C. moschata group, there was a log reduction of the biofilm, proven by the Alamar Blue assay. Analyzing the extracellular matrix protein components, groups treated with the extract exhibited a lower level of fluorescence compared to the PBS groups. Reduction in thickness biofilm and viable cells was perceptible in the C. moschata group when assessing through CLSM. CONCLUSION: Cryptocarya moschata extract reduced the single and mixed biofilms of C. albicans and S. mutans on acrylic resins.

Craving for carbs: food craving and disordered eating in low-carb dieters and its association with intermittent fasting.

Studies point to positive outcomes in a diet with reduction of carbohydrates and that the associated practice of intermittent fasting (IF) might increase weight loss. Although dieting might be related to disordered eating, little evidence is available about the role of restrictive carbohydrates diets on disordered eating. This study aimed to explore if doing low-carb (LC) diets was related to disordered eating and if IF would increase these symptoms. The sample comprised university students (n = 682), with a mean age of 22 years old and average BMI of 23.6 kg/m2 (SD = 4.3). Twenty-seven percent (n = 188) of respondents reported doing LC diet in the last three months. Of those, 31% (n = 58) reported doing LC diet combined with periods of IF. Mean scores were compared using parametric tests, and effects size and correlations between variables were calculated. Dieters showed higher levels of binge eating, food cravings, cognitive restraint, cognitive restraint toward carbohydrates when compared to non-dieters. The association of LC and IF was related to an increase in disordered eating, especially binge eating and food cravings, specifically 'Lack of control', 'Thoughts or preoccupation with food,' and 'Guilt from cravings and/or for giving in to them'. These results provide evidence that restrictive carbohydrate diets and IF may increase cognitive restraint and, consequently, food cravings.Level III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Curcuma longa L. (turmeric), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary), and Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) extracts aid murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) to fight Streptococcus mutans during in vitro infection.

Finding an effective alternative way to aid defense cells to fight Streptococcus mutans was the main goal of this study. The effect of plant extracts from Curcuma longa L. (turmeric), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary), and Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) was evaluated on murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) infected by S. mutans. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined. Macrophages were infected by S. mutans and treated with each extract. From the supernatants, it was measured nitric oxide (NO) level. Posteriorly, RAW 264.7 were lysed to expose living and phagocytosed bacteria. Cytotoxicity was checked by lysosomal activity analysis, using neutral red assay. Each extract helped RAW 264.7 to eliminate S. mutans during infection, as observed by a significant bacterial reduction. Significant cell viability was also found. Besides, an increased production of NO was verified using R. officinalis L. and T. vulgaris L. extracts. The evaluated extracts demonstrated an effective action to assist RAW 264.7 to fight S. mutans during infection.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) as therapeutic and prophylactic agent.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) is a medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean region and cultivated around the world. Besides the therapeutic purpose, it is commonly used as a condiment and food preservative. R. officinalis L. is constituted by bioactive molecules, the phytocompounds, responsible for implement several pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, antitumor and protective, inhibitory and attenuating activities. Thus, in vivo and in vitro studies were presented in this Review, approaching the therapeutic and prophylactic effects of R. officinalis L. on some physiological disorders caused by biochemical, chemical or biological agents. In this way, methodology, mechanisms, results, and conclusions were described. The main objective of this study was showing that plant products could be equivalent to the available medicines.

Titanium alloys: in vitro biological analyzes on biofilm formation, biocompatibility, cell differentiation to induce bone formation, and immunological response.

Biological effects of titanium (Ti) alloys were analyzed on biofilms of Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sanguinis, as well as on osteoblast-like cells (MG63) and murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). Standard samples composed of aluminum and vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V), and sample containing niobium (Ti-35Nb) and zirconium (Ti-13Nb-13Zr) were analyzed. Monomicrobial biofilms were formed on the Ti alloys. MG63 cells were grown with the alloys and the biocompatibility (MTT), total protein (TP) level, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralization nodules (MN) formation were verified. Levels of interleukins (IL-1ß and IL-17), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and oxide nitric (NO) were checked, from RAW 264.7 cells supernatants. Data were statically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test, or T-test (P ≤ 0.05). Concerning the biofilm formation, Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy showed the best inhibitory effect on E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus. And, it also acted similarly to the Ti-6Al-4V alloy on C. albicans and Streptococcus spp. Both alloys were biocompatible and similar to the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Additionally, Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy was more effective for cell differentiation, as observed in the assays of ALP and MN. Regarding the stimulation for release of IL-1ß and TNF-α, Ti-35Nb and Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloys inhibited similarly the synthesis of these molecules. However, both alloys stimulated the production of IL-17. Additionally, all Ti alloys showed the same effect for NO generation. Thus, Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy was the most effective for inhibition of biofilm formation, cell differentiation, and stimulation for release of immune mediators.

Antimicrobial activity of noncytotoxic concentrations of Salvia officinalis extract against bacterial and fungal species from the oral cavity.

The use of medicinal plants can be an alternative method for the control of microorganisms responsible for human infections. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Salvia officinalis Linnaeus (sage) extract on clinical samples isolated from the oral cavity and reference strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata. In addition, testing assessed the cytotoxic effect of S officinalis on murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). Minimum inhibitory, minimum bactericidal, and minimum fungicidal concentrations of S officinalis extract were determined by broth microdilution method in 60 microbial samples. The cytotoxicity was checked by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The quantities of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) produced by RAW 264.7 were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An S officinalis concentration of 50.0 mg/mL was effective against all microorganisms. Regarding cytotoxicity, the groups treated with 50.0-, 25.0-, and 12.5-mg/mL concentrations of S officinalis presented cell viability statistically similar to that of the control group, which was 100% viable. The production of IL-1ß and TNF-α was inhibited at a 50.0-mg/mL concentration of S officinalis. Thus, S officinalis extract presented antimicrobial activity on all isolates of Staphylococcus spp, S mutans, and Candida spp. No cytotoxic effect was observed, as demonstrated by the survival of RAW 264.7 and inhibition of IL-1ß and of TNF-α.

Mouthwashes: an in vitro study of their action on microbial biofilms and cytotoxicity to gingival fibroblasts.

This study evaluated the in vitro antibiofilm effect of 5 different commercial mouthwashes (Cepacol Traditional, Colgate Plax Fresh Mint, Listerine Cool Mint, Oral-B Complete, and Sensodyne) on Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The cytotoxic effect of the mouthwashes on gingival fibroblasts was also analyzed. A colorimetric assay with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) was used to investigate the viability of biofilms after 48 hours and gingival fibroblasts after 24 hours. The biofilms were exposed to the mouthwashes for 2 different lengths of time: T1, the time recommended by the manufacturer (30 or 60 seconds); and T2, double the recommended time (60 or 120 seconds). All antiseptic mouthwashes caused a significant reduction of biofilm (P < 0.05) as well as a significant reduction of viable gingival fibroblasts (P < 0.05) with both exposure times (T1 and T2). It can be concluded that the commercial mouthwashes demonstrated effective antibiofilm activity; they were more effective on bacteria than on C albicans. A significant cytotoxic effect on gingival fibroblasts was also observed.

The antimicrobial activity of an antiseptic soap against Candida Albicans and Streptococcus Mutans single and dual-species biofilms on denture base and reline acrylic resins.

To evaluate the effect of antiseptic soap on single and dual-species biofilms of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans on denture base and reline resins. Samples of the resins were distributed into groups (n = 9) according to the prevention or disinfection protocols. In the prevention protocol, samples were immersed in the solutions (Lifebuoy, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution and PBS) for 7, 14 and 28 days before the single and dual-species biofilms formation. Overnight denture disinfection was simulated. In the disinfection protocol, samples were immersed in the same solutions during 8 hours after the single and dual-species biofilms formation. Antimicrobial activity was analyzed by counting colony-forming units (CFU/mL) and evaluating cell metabolism. Cell viability and protein components of the biofilm matrix were evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data were submitted to ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-test (α = 0.05) or Dunnett's T3 multiple comparisons test. In the prevention protocol, Lifebuoy solution effectively reduced the number of CFU/mL of both species. In addition, the solution decreased the cell metabolism of the microorganisms. Regarding disinfection protocol, the Lifebuoy solution was able of reduce approximately of 2-3 logs for all the biofilms on the denture base and reline resin. Cellular metabolism was also reduced. The images obtained with CLSM corroborate these results. Lifebuoy solution was effective in reducing single and dual-species biofilms on denture base and reline resins.

Very low-calorie ketogenic diet in the treatment of adaptive thermogenesis: A case report.

OBJECTIVES: The management of the phenomenon of adaptive thermogenesis poses a challenge to the successful treatment of overweight/obesity with a nutritional intervention that minimizes the loss of muscle mass, with little cognitive restraint use and disorganization of eating behavior. On the other hand, it creates a significant calorie deficit for the reduction of body fat. The aim of this case report was to discuss the effects of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet in a woman with obesity and low resting metabolic rate. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 36-y-old white woman with a history of obesity and bulimia nervosa who has had difficulty losing and maintaining weight despite numerous dietary and pharmacologic treatments. RESULTS: There was a loss of 12 kg in 115 d, reaching 13.4 kg, with 11.4 kg of fat mass (FM). The resting metabolic rate showed an increase of 79% in relation to the initial rate, reaching normal levels for the predictive equations and maintaining this level in the first-year follow-up. Additionally, improvement of metabolic laboratory parameters and eating behavior traits were described. CONCLUSIONS: In this specific case of bulimia nervosa resulting in hypometabolism (low resting metabolic rate/fat-free mass) and obesity, the very low-calorie ketogenic diet intervention has demonstrated a possibility of weight loss with little cognitive restraint use, thereby increasing resting metabolic rate in the short and medium terms, ultimately promoting a negative energy balance. In relation to the numeric results, it seems positive; however, more research is necessary to evaluate the effects on the overall relationship with food and its long-term repercussions.

Streptococcus mutans supernatant affects the virulence of Candida albicans.

Candida albicans causes a variety of clinical manifestations through multiple virulence factors that act simultaneously to overcome the immune system and invade the host tissues. Owing to the limited number of antifungal agents available, new candidiasis therapeutic strategies are required. Previous studies have demonstrated that the metabolites produced by Streptococcus mutans lead to a decrease in the number of Candida cells. Here, for the first time, we evaluated whether the C. albicans cells that survived the pretreatment with S. mutans supernatant can modify their virulence factors and their capability to infect Galleria mellonella larvae. Streptococcus mutans supernatant (SM-S) was obtained by filtering the culture supernatant of this bacterium. Then, C. albicans cells were pretreated with SM-S for 24 h, and the surviving cells were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo assays. The C. albicans pretreated with SM-S showed a significant inhibition of hyphal growth, an altered adhesion pattern, and an impaired capability to form biofilms; however, its proteolytic activity was not affected. In the in vivo assays, C. albicans cells previously exposed to SM-S exhibited a reduced ability to infect G. mellonella and a higher amount of circulating hemocytes. Thus, SM-S could inhibit important virulence factors of C. albicans, which may contribute to the development of new candidiasis therapeutic strategies.

Cytotoxicity of Brazilian plant extracts against oral microorganisms of interest to dentistry.

BACKGROUND: With the emergence of strains resistant to conventional antibiotics, it is important to carry studies using alternative methods to control these microorganisms causing important infections, such as the use of products of plant origin that has demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity besides biocompatibility. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts of Equisetum arvense L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Punica granatum L. and Stryphnodendron barbatimam Mart. against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata, and to analyze the cytotoxicity of these extracts in cultured murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). METHODS: Antimicrobial activity of plant extracts was evaluated by microdilution method based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), M7-A6 and M27-A2 standards. The cytotoxicity of concentrations that eliminated the microorganisms was evaluated by MTT colorimetric method and by quantification of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and TNF-α) using ELISA. RESULTS: In determining the minimum microbicidal concentration, E. arvense L., P. granatum L., and S. barbatimam Mart. extracts at a concentration of 50 mg/mL and G. glabra L. extract at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, were effective against all microorganisms tested. Regarding cell viability, values were 48% for E. arvense L., 76% for P. granatum L, 86% for S. barbatimam Mart. and 79% for G. glabra L. at the same concentrations. About cytokine production after stimulation with the most effective concentrations of the extracts, there was a significant increase of IL-1ß in macrophage cultures treated with S. barbatimam Mart. (3.98 pg/mL) and P. granatum L. (7.72 pg/mL) compared to control (2.20 pg/mL) and a significant decrease of TNF-α was observed in cultures treated with G. glabra L. (4.92 pg/mL), S. barbatimam Mart. (0.85 pg/mL), E. arvense L. (0.83 pg/mL), and P. granatum L. (0.00 pg/mL) when compared to control (41.96 pg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: All plant extracts were effective against the microorganisms tested. The G. glabra L. extract exhibited least cytotoxicity and the E. arvense L. extract was the most cytotoxic.

Antiviral activity of medicinal plant-derived products against SARS-CoV-2.

This review presents information from several studies that have demonstrated the antiviral activity of extracts (Andrographis paniculata, Artemisia annua, Artemisia afra, Cannabis sativa, Curcuma longa, Echinacea purpurea, Olea europaea, Piper nigrum, and Punica granatum) and phytocompounds derived from medicinal plants (artemisinins, glycyrrhizin, and phenolic compounds) against SARS-CoV-2. A brief background of the plant products studied, the methodology used to evaluate the antiviral activity, the main findings from the research, and the possible mechanisms of action are presented. These plant products have been shown to impede the adsorption of SARS-CoV-2 to the host cell, and prevent multiplication of the virus post its entry into the host cell. In addition to antiviral activity, the plant products have also been demonstrated to exert an immunomodulatory effect by controlling the excessive release of cytokines, which is commonly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Curcuma longa L. helps macrophages to control opportunistic micro-organisms during host-microbe interactions.

Aim: Plant products have been evaluated to control opportunistic micro-organisms, as well as fortify immune system cells. Thus, Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) extract was evaluated in interactions of murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, in order to establish cooperation with defense cells. Materials & methods: Effects of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the plant extract were analyzed on phagocytosis, cell viability of RAW 264.7 and production of inflammation-related molecules (IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-10 and NO). Results: The plant extract was cytocompatible and promoted significant reductions of micro-organisms, and synthesis of inflammation-related molecules, during interactions. Conclusion:C. longa L. extract showed significant antimicrobial response and cooperation with macrophages, by fighting bacteria and yeasts during host-microbe interactions.