The therapeutic effects of curcumin and capsaicin against cyclophosphamide side effects on the uterus in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the impact of systemic cyclophosphamide treatment on the rat uterus and investigate the potential therapeutic effects of natural antioxidant preparations curcumin and capsaicin against cyclophosphamide side effects. Methods: A 40 healthy adult female Wistar albino rats were used in this study. Rats were randomly divided into four groups to determine the effects of curcumin and capsaicin against Cyclophosphamide side effects on the uterus (n=10 in each group); Group 1 was the control group (sham-operated), Group 2 was the cyclophosphamide group, Group 3 was the cyclophosphamide + curcumin (100mg/kg) group, and Group 4 was the cyclophosphamide + capsaicin (0.5 mg/kg) group. Results: Increased tissue oxidative stress and histological damage in the rat uterus were demonstrated due to the treatment of systemic cyclophosphamide chemotherapy alone. The level of tissue oxidant and antioxidant markers and histopathological changes were improved by the treatment of curcumin and capsaicin. Conclusion: Cytotoxic effects of natural alkylating chemotherapeutic agents like cyclophosphamide on the uterus can be prevented by curcumin and capsaicin.

Capsiate treatment in liver surgeries may compromise its recovery

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effects of capsiate treatment on hepatic hyperplasia in partially hepatectomized rats. Methods: The animals were divided into a Capsiate group (CPH), a Capsiate Post-Partial Hepatectomy group (CPPH) and a Partial Hepatectomy Control group (PH). CPH and CPPH animals received 60 mg/kg/day Capsiate for 30 days. Next, the rats underwent partial hepatectomy. CPPH animals continued to receive treatment for 48 h after partial hepatectomy. Liver tissue and intracardiac blood samples were obtained 24 or 48 h after PH. Results: Capsiate treatment interfered with hepatic parameters, reducing the number of mitoses and apoptosis and increasing blood ALT and alkaline phosphatase concentrations. Conclusion: Capsiate treatment preceding hepatic surgery may compromise the initial period of postoperative recovery.

Expression and distribution of kinin B2 receptor in medulla and spinal cord tissues of Rats treated with capsaicin / Expresión y distribución del receptor B2 de cininas en la médula y tejido medular espinal de ratones tratados con capsaicina

Kinins are vasoactive peptides that promote pain and inflammation, yet centrally believed to participate to cardiovascular defensive reflexes produced by noxious stimuli. These peptides signal through the activation of two transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors named B1 and B2 receptors (B1R and B2R). The B2R is constitutive in healthy tissues and animals. The aim of the study was to measure the gene and protein expression of B2R kinin receptors in central and peripheral tissues isolated from control rats and rats were pre-treated with capsaicin on the second day of life (50 mg/kg, s.c.) or two weeks prior to sacrifice (125 mg/kg over three days, s.c.). The same treatment with saline was made in control animals. Levels of mRNA for B2R were measured by quantitative RT-PCR and Qualitative while receptor binding sites were measured on tissue sections with the radioligands 125I-HPP-Hoe 140 (B2R). B2R was expressed in all studied tissues (hypothalamus, paratrigeminal nucleus, nucleus of solitary tract, spinal cord, aorta and liver) and treatment capsaicin neonates when compared to controls, did not affect its level of expression. Capsaicin had no significant effect on the expression of B2R in some tissues on binding sites. The synthesis of B2R kinin receptor is not associated with sensory C-fibre and tissues showed no significant difference indicating that B2R was regulated by distinct mechanisms.

Las cininas son péptidos vaso activos que participan de mecanismos de dolor e inflamación, con la promoción de reflejos cardiovasculares defensivos producidos por estímulos nocivos. Estos péptidos señalizan por medio de la activación de dos receptores transmembrana acoplados a proteína G llamados receptores B1 y B2 (B1R y B2R). El B2R es constitutivo en tejidos saludables y en animales. El objetivo de este estudio consistió en tomar las medidas de la expresión del gen y la proteína del receptor B2R de cinina en tejidos centrales y periféricos aislados de ratones control y ratones pre tratados con capsaicina en el segundo día de vida (50 mg/kg, s.c.) o con dos semanas antes del sacrificio (125 mg/kg por tres días, s.c.). El mismo tratamiento fue hecho con solución salina en los animales control. Fueron medidos niveles de mRNA para B2R por RT-PCR en forma cuantitativa y cualitativa, en cuanto los sitios de unión del receptor fueron medidos en secciones de tejido con radioligante 125I-HPP-Hoe 140 (B2R). B2R fue expresado en todos los tejidos estudiados (hipotálamo, núcleo paratrigeminal, núcleo del tracto solitario, médula espinal, aorta e hígado). El tratamiento con capsaicina en ratones neonatos comparados con controles no presentaron afectación del nivel de expresión. Por otro lado, la capsaicina no tuvo efecto significante en la expresión de los sitios de unión de B2R en los tejidos. La síntesis del receptor B2R de cininas no está asociado con fibras C sensoriales así como los tejidos no mostraron diferencias significativas indicando que B2R es regulado por mecanismos distintos.

The effect of capsaicin on expression patterns of CGRP in trigeminal ganglion and trigeminal nucleus caudalis following experimental tooth movement in rats

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the effect of capsaicin on expression patterns of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) and trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) following experimental tooth movement. Material and Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study and divided into small-dose capsaicin+force group, large-dose capsaicin+force group, saline+force group, and no force group. Closed coil springs were used to mimic orthodontic forces in all groups except for the no force group, in which springs were inactivated. Capsaicin and saline were injected into periodontal tissues. Rats were euthanized at 0 h, 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, 5 d, and 7 d following experimental tooth movement. Then, TG and Vc were obtained for immunohistochemical staining and western blotting against CGRP. Results Immunohistochemical results indicated that CGRP positive neurons were located in the TG, and CGRP immunoreactive fibers were distributed in the Vc. Immunohistochemical semiquantitative analysis and western blotting analysis demonstrated that CGRP expression levels both in TG and Vc were elevated at 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, 5 d, and 7 d in the saline + force group. However, both small-dose and large-dose capsaicin could decrease CGRP expression in TG and Vc at 1 d and 3 d following experimental tooth movement, as compared with the saline + force group. Conclusions These results suggest that capsaicin could regulate CGRP expression in TG and Vc following experimental tooth movement in rats.

Avaliação do potencial biológico da Tabebuia aurea (Silva Manso) como fonte de moléculas bioativas para atividade antimicrobiana, antiedematogênica e antirradicalar / Biological potential assessment of Tabebuiaaurea (Silva Manso) as a source of bioactive molecules for antimicrobial, antiedematogenic and antiradical activity

RESUMO As espécies da família Bignoniaceae e do gênero Tabebuia são amplamente utilizadas na medicina tradicional e possuem um forte potencial terapêutico. Diante disso, objetivou-se avaliar o potencial biológico da Tabebuia aurea, determinando a atividade antimicrobiana; por meio do método da microdiluição em caldo, para a determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM); antiedematogênica, pelo ensaio de edema de orelha induzido por capsaicina; e antirradicalar, frente ao radical DPPH. Os extratos etanólicos de T. aurea não evidenciaram citotoxicidade, exceto o extrato etanólico da flor nas concentrações > 0,5 mg mL-1. O extrato etanólico da flor foi ativo com ação bactericida frente a S. epidermidis (CIM de 0,06 mg mL-1) enquanto o extrato etanólico da folha foi moderadamente ativo frente a S. epidermidis (CIM: 0,25 mg mL-1) e S. aureus (CIM: 0,50 mg mL-1) sugerindo ação bacteriostática para ambas as linhagens. Os dois extratos apresentaram ação antiedematogênica, com inibição do edema de 40,50% pelo extrato etanólico da flor e de 41,73% pelo extrato da folha. T. aurea não apresentou atividade antirradicalar. Os resultados comprovam o perfil antibacteriano e antiedematogênico com ausência de citotoxidade pela T. aurea. Sugere-se a continuação dos testes com frações e substâncias isoladas das flores e folhas da referida espécie vegetal, bem como de experimentos in vivo, como forma de agregar evidências visando à busca de novos fitoterápicos.

ABSTRACT The species of Bignoniaceae family and genus Tabebuia are widely used in the traditional medicine and have a great therapeutic potential. The aim of the current research was to evaluate the biological potential of the Tabebuia aurea, determining its antimicrobial activity by the microdilution broth method, to predict the anti-edematogenic Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by ear edema assay induced by capsaicin; and the antiradical one, towards DPPH. The ethanol extracts of T. aureashowed no cytotoxicity, except for the flower ethanol extract in concentrations above > 0.5 mg mL-1. The ethanol extract of the flower was active, with bactericidal action, against S. epidermidis (MIC 0.06 mg ml-1) and the ethanol extract of moderately active recto S. epidermidis (CIM: 0.25 mg mL-1) and S. aureus (MIC: 0.50 mg mL-1) were bacteriostatic for both strains. Both extracts had antiedematogenic action on the inhibition of edema of 40.50% by the ethanol extract of the flower and 41.73% by leaf extract. T. aurea did not show antiradical activity. The results indicate the antibacterial and antiedematogenic profile with no cytotoxicity by the T. aurea. It suggests the continuation of tests with isolated fractions and substances of flowers and leaves of that plant species as well as in vivo trials, in order to enhance the evidences targeted on finding new herbal medicines.

Limits and possibilities experienced by nurses in the treatment of women with chronic venous ulcers / Límites y posibilidades vividas por enfermeras en el tratamiento de mujeres con úlcera venosa crónica / Limites e possibilidades vivenciados por enfermeiras no tratamento de mulheres com úlcera venosa crônica

Objective To understand the experiences and expectations of nurses in the treatment of women with chronic venous ulcers. Method Phenomenological research was based on Alfred Schütz, whose statements were obtained in January, 2012, through semi-structured interviews with seven nurses. Results The nurse reveals the difficulties presented by the woman in performing self-care, the perceived limitations in the treatment anchored in motivation, and the values and beliefs of women. It showed professional frustration because venous leg ulcer recurrence, lack of inputs, interdisciplinary work and training of nursing staff. There was an expected adherence to the treatment of women, and it emphasized the need for ongoing care, supported self-care and standard practices in treatment. Conclusion That treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers constitutes a challenge that requires collective investment, involving women, professionals, managers and health institutions. .

Objetivo Comprender las experiencias y expectativas de enfermeras en el tratamiento de mujeres con úlcera venosa crónica. Método Investigación fenomenológica fundamentada en Alfred Schutz, que buscó Se realizó entrevista semiestructurada con siete enfermeras, en enero del 2012. Resultados La enfermera revela dificultades presentadas por la mujer para realizar el autocuidado, percibe limitaciones en el tratamiento relacionadas con la desmotivación, los valores y las creencias de las mujeres. Refiere frustración profesional debido a la recidiva de la lesión, a la falta de insumos, al deficiente trabajo interdisciplinar y a la limitada capacitación del equipo de enfermeras. Espera la adhesión de la mujer al tratamiento y resalta la necesidad del cuidado continuo, del autocuidado apoyado y de estandarizar conductas de tratamiento. Conclusión El tratamiento de la úlcera venosa crónica es un desafío que requiere contribución colectiva, involucrando a las mujeres, a los profesionales, a los gestores y a las instituciones de salud. .

Objetivo Compreender as experiências e expectativas de enfermeiras no tratamento de mulheres com úlcera venosa crônica na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método Pesquisa fundamentada na fenomenologia social de Alfred Schütz, com depoimentos obtidos em janeiro de 2012, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com sete enfermeiras. Resultados As enfermeiras revelam dificuldades apresentadas pelas mulheres com úlcera venosa crônica para realizar o autocuidado, percebem limitações na terapêutica ancoradas na desmotivação e nos valores e crenças das mulheres. Referem frustração profissional em razão da recidiva da lesão, falta de insumos e tecnologia, de trabalho interdisciplinar e da capacitação da equipe de enfermagem. Esperam a adesão das mulheres ao tratamento e ressaltam a necessidade do cuidado contínuo, do autocuidado apoiado e da padronização de condutas no tratamento. Conclusão O tratamento da úlcera venosa crônica constitui-se em um desafio que requer investimento coletivo, envolvendo a mulher, os profissionais, os gestores e as instituições de saúde. .

Inactivation of capsaicin-sensitive nerves reduces pulmonary remodeling in guinea pigs with chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation

Pulmonary remodeling is an important feature of asthma physiopathology that can contribute to irreversible changes in lung function. Although neurokinins influence lung inflammation, their exact role in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling remains to be determined. Our objective was to investigate whether inactivation of capsaicin-sensitive nerves modulates pulmonary ECM remodeling in animals with chronic lung inflammation. After 14 days of capsaicin (50 mg/kg, sc) or vehicle administration, male Hartley guinea pigs weighing 250-300 g were submitted to seven inhalations of increasing doses of ovalbumin (1, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL) or saline for 4 weeks. Seventy-two hours after the seventh inhalation, animals were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated and the lung mechanics and collagen and elastic fiber content in the airways, vessels and lung parenchyma were evaluated. Ovalbumin-exposed animals presented increasing collagen and elastic fiber content, respectively, in the airways (9.2 ± 0.9; 13.8 ± 1.2), vessels (19.8 ± 0.8; 13.4 ± 0.5) and lung parenchyma (9.2 ± 0.9; 13.8 ± 1.2) compared to control (P < 0.05). Capsaicin treatment reduced collagen and elastic fibers, respectively, in airways (1.7 ± 1.1; 7.9 ± 1.5), vessels (2.8 ± 1.1; 4.4 ± 1.1) and lung tissue (2.8 ± 1.1; 4.4 ± 1.1) of ovalbumin-exposed animals (P < 0.05). These findings were positively correlated with lung mechanical responses to antigenic challenge (P < 0.05). In conclusion, inactivation of capsaicin-sensitive nerve fibers reduces pulmonary remodeling, particularly collagen and elastic fibers, which contributes to the attenuation of pulmonary functional parameters.

Capsaicin on the viability of random-pattern skin flaps in rats / Capsaicina na viabilidade de retalhos isquêmicos randômicos em ratos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of capsaicin on the viability of ischemic random-pattern skin flaps in rats. METHODS:Forty EPM1-Wistar rats were randomized into two groups of 20 animals each, the capsaicin group and the control group. A random-pattern skin flap measuring 10 x 4cm was raised and a plastic barrier was placed between the flap and the donor site. After the surgical procedure, the control group was treated with an inert vehicle in the form of a cream applied uniformly to a rayon bandage which, in turn, was applied to the surface of the skin flap. The capsaicin group was treated in the same way, but in this case capsaicin was added to the cream. This procedure was repeated for two consecutive days. RESULTS: There was a significantly smaller amount of flap necrosis in the capsaicin group (35.07 percent) than in the control group (44.75 percent) (p=0.035). CONCLUSION:Topical administration of capsaicin improved the viability of ischemic random-pattern skin flaps in rats.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da capsaicina na viabilidade de retalhos isquêmicos randômicos em ratos. MÉTODOS: Quarenta ratos EPM1-Wistar foram distribuídos ao acaso em dois grupos de 20 animais cada, um grupo capsaicina e um grupo controle. Um retalho isquêmico randômico medindo 10 x 4cm foi elevado e uma barreira plástica foi colocada entre o retalho e a área doadora. Após o procedimento cirúrgico, o grupo controle foi tratado com um veículo inerte sob a forma creme aplicado uniformemente sobre uma atadura de rayon, que, por sua vez, foi aplicada à superfície do retalho. O grupo capsaicina foi tratado da mesma forma, porém a capsaicina foi adicionada ao creme. Este procedimento foi repetido por dois dias consecutivos. RESULTADOS: Houve uma quantidade significativamente menor da necrose do retalho no grupo capsaicina (35,07 por cento) comparado ao grupo controle (44,75 por cento) (p=0,035). CONCLUSÃO: A administração tópica da capsaicina melhorou a viabilidade de retalhos isquêmicos randômicos em ratos.

Capsaicin effects on blinking

Blinking is a normal human phenomenon involving trigeminal and facial pathways. To gain understanding on the neurobiology of blinking, five normal subjects were investigated before and after application of transdermal capsaicin at the forehead for two weeks. No effects of topical capsaicin were detected in eye blink rates. However, when capsaicin was applied to a female subject with blepharospasm, she showed a dramatic restoration of her vision subsequent to blinking modification. Deactivation of abnormal A-to-C fibers cross talks at the trigeminal-facial pathways seems to be the most likely mechanism of such improvement.

El parpadeo es un fenómeno normal en los humanos que involucra las vías trigéminas faciales. Con el fin de conocer un poco más la neurobiología de este fenómeno estudiamos cinco individuos normales antes y después de aplicar capsaicina trasdérmica en la frente de cada uno de ellos, por dos semanas. La frecuencia de parpadeo no se alteró con la aplicación de capsaicina tópica. Sin embargo, cuando la misma sustancia se aplicó a una paciente con blefaroespasmo hubo dramática restauración de su visión, la cual fue secundaria a la modificación de la actividad muscular palpebral. La desactivación del cruce patológico de información que pasa de las fibras A a las fibras C, pertenecientes a las vías trigémino-faciales, parece ser el mecanismo de acción relacionado con la aplicación de capsaicina, el que estaría directamente relacionado con la recuperación clínica observada en la paciente con blefaroespasmo.

Efeitos do óxido nítrico e das fibras nervosas sensitivas sensíveis à capsaicina na modulãção da inflamação crônica de visas aéreas em cobaias / Effects of nitric oxide and sensitive nervous fibers sensitive to capsaicin im modulation of chronic airway inflammation in guinea pigs

O óxido nítrico (NO) parece modeular diferentes aspectos da fisiopatogenia da asma. Resultados prévios sugerem possíveis interações entre os mediadores do sistema não-adrenérgico não colinérgico excitatíró (neuropeptídios) e inibitório (NO) / The nitric oxide (NO) seems tod modulate different aspects of the asthma the mediators of the excitatory (beuropepitides) and inhibitory (NO) non adrenergic non-cholinergic system...

Chronotropic, inotropic and lusitropic effects of capsaicin on isolated rat Atria

This work includes results on chronotropic, inotropic and lusitropic changes induced by capsaicin on isolated rat atria. As regards spontaneous frequency, it was stimulated from 10(-9) M up to 7 x 10(-7) M of capsaicin. A simultaneous depression in developed force (F) showed a signigicant correlation with this positive chronotropic effect up to 7 X 10(-8) M of capsaicin, which is the result of the negative staircase phenomenon in the rat heart. The correlation was lost at 2 and 7 x 10(-7) M of capsaicin since in spite of the sustained increase in atrial rate the decrease in F was reversed and then depressed again at 2 and 7x 10(-6) M of capsaicin without changes in frequency. A concentration of capsaicin that overcome the negative staircase phenomenon, 5 x 10(-7) M, was tested as unique dose resulting in stimulation of the chronotropic, inotropic and lusitropic states of the atria. Percentual differences with respect to control values were maximal after 1-3 minutes for frequency (10+3 per cent), F (29+4 per cent), maximal velocity of force development (+F=50+12 per cent) (in all cases +F and -F,bold indicates +F and -F, respectively) and maximal velocity of relaxation (-F=64+13 per cent); a positive lusitropic effect was significant after 8-10 minutes (+F/-F=-17+7 per cent). Capsaicin did not affect the rat atria in the presence of 10(-6) M of ruthenium red, a blocker of capsaicin activation of sensory nerves, indicating that the stimulatory effects were entirely mediated by the release of neurotransmitters and that this concentration of capsaicin was not deleterous "per se". Capsaicin elicited similar inotropic responses in electrically driven isolated atria (+F=41+9 per cent) but the positive lusitropic effect was lost suggesting that capsaicin-induced increases in -F are limited at a frequency higher than the spontaneous frequency (11+6 vs. 32+4 per cent, respectively). 10(-6) M of CGRP8(-37), an antagonist of CGRP1 receptors, suppress the stimulatory effects of capsaicin on atrial contraction. In summary, atrial rate as compared to atrial contraction is more sensitive to the neurotransmitter released by capsaicin, which results in mechanical effects expressing the negative staircase phenomenon in the rat at low concentrations of capsaicin. The positive chronotropic, inotropic and lusitropic responses elicited by capsaicin are mediated by the reelease of neurotransmitters from sensory fibbers and no deletereous effects...