Unveiling the Remarkable Antioxidant Activity of Plant-Based Fish and Seafood Analogs through Electrochemical Sensor Analysis.

The global consumption of vegan foods is experiencing an expressive upward trend, underscoring the critical need for quality control measures based on nutritional and functional considerations. This study aimed to evaluate the functional quality of caviar and salmon analog food inks based on pulses combined with nano ingredients and produced in our laboratory (LNANO). The primary objective of this work was to determine the total antioxidant compounds contained in these samples using a voltammetric technique with a glassy carbon electrode. The samples underwent ethanolic extraction (70%) with 1 h of stirring. The voltammograms were acquired in a phosphate buffer electrolyte, pH 3.0 with Ag/AgCl (KCl 3 mol L-1) as the reference electrode and platinum wire as the auxiliary electrode. The voltammograms revealed prominent anodic current peaks at 0.76-0.78 V, which are attributed to isoflavones. Isoflavones, known secondary metabolites with substantial antioxidant potential commonly found in pulses, were identified. The total isoflavone concentrations obtained ranged from 31.5 to 64.3 mg Eq genistein 100 g-1. The results not only validated the efficacy of the electrochemical sensor for quantifying total antioxidant compounds in the samples but also demonstrated that the concentration of total isoflavones in caviar and salmon analogs fell within the expected limits.

Nucleotides Entrapped in Liposome Nanovesicles as Tools for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Use in Biomedical Applications.

The use of nucleotides for biomedical applications is an old desire in the scientific community. As we will present here, there are references published over the past 40 years with this intended use. The main problem is that, as unstable molecules, nucleotides require some additional protection to extend their shelf life in the biological environment. Among the different nucleotide carriers, the nano-sized liposomes proved to be an effective strategic tool to overcome all these drawbacks related to the nucleotide high instability. Moreover, due to their low immunogenicity and easy preparation, the liposomes were selected as the main strategy for delivery of the mRNA developed for COVID-19 immunization. For sure this is the most important and relevant example of nucleotide application for human biomedical conditions. In addition, the use of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 has increased interest in the application of this type of technology to other health conditions. For this review article, we will present some of these examples, especially focused on the use of liposomes to protect and deliver nucleotides for cancer therapy, immunostimulatory activities, enzymatic diagnostic applications, some examples for veterinarian use, and the treatment of neglected tropical disease.

Priming of defense-related genes in Brassica oleracea var. capitata using concentrated metabolites produced by Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899.

To verify the potential of metabolites extracted from Rhizobium tropici to trigger the priming of defense responses in cruciferous plants, we analyzed the expression of defense-related genes by qRT-PCR. Brassica oleracea var. capitata, susceptible to Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, were grown in greenhouse conditions. At 18 days after sowing, plants were inoculated with 1 mL of 1% concentrated metabolites produced by R. tropici (CM-RT) in the root. In a second experiment, leaves were sprayed with 1 mL of a solution containing 1% CM-RT. Aerial and root tissue were collected separately at 0 (non-treated control condition), 24, and 48 h after application, submitted to RNA extraction and gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR. The results showed that, after root treatment with CM-RT, most evaluated genes were upregulated at 24 h after application and downregulated at 48 h after application in roots, while in leaves, genes were downregulated both at 24 and 48 h after application. On the other hand, leaf treatment with CM-RT showed that most evaluated genes in leaves and roots were upregulated at 24 and 48 h after application. These results indicate that the effect of CM-RT applied in roots seems restricted to the applied region and is not sustained, while the application in leaves results in a more systemic response and maintenance of the effect of CM-RT for a longer period. The results obtained in this study emphasize the biotechnological potential of using metabolites of R. tropici as an elicitor of active defense responses in plants.

Fraternine, a Novel Wasp Peptide, Protects against Motor Impairments in 6-OHDA Model of Parkinsonism.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS). Insect venoms show high molecular variability and selectivity in the CNS of mammals and present potential for the development of new drugs for the treatment of PD. In this study, we isolated and identified a component of the venom of the social wasp Parachartergus fraternus and evaluated its neuroprotective activity in the murine model of PD. For this purpose, the venom was filtered and separated through HPLC; fractions were analyzed through mass spectrometry and the active fraction was identified as a novel peptide, called Fraternine. We performed two behavioral tests to evaluate motor discoordination, as well as an apomorphine-induced rotation test. We also conducted an immunohistochemical assay to assess protection in TH+ neurons in the Substantia Nigra (SN) region. Group treated with 10 µg/animal of Fraternine remained longer in the rotarod compared to the lesioned group. In the apomorphine test, Fraternine decreased the number of rotations between treatments. This dose also inhibited dopaminergic neuronal loss, as indicated by immunohistochemical analysis. This study identified a novel peptide able to prevent the death of dopaminergic neurons of the SN and recover motor deficit in a 6-OHDA-induced murine model of PD.

Chloroplast Proteome of Nicotiana benthamiana Infected by Tomato Blistering Mosaic Virus.

Tymovirus is a genus of plant pathogenic viruses that infects several dicotyledonous plants worldwide, causing serious diseases in economically important crops. The known cytopathic effect on the host cell organelles involves chloroplast membrane deformation and the induction of vesicles in its periphery. These vesicles are known to be the location where tymoviral genomic RNA replication occurs. Tomato blistering mosaic virus (ToBMV) is a tymovirus recently identified in tomato plants in Brazil, which is able to infect several other plants, including tobacco. In this work, we investigated the chloroplast proteomic profile of ToBMV-infected N. benthamiana using bidimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry, aiming to study the virus-host interaction related to the virus replication and infection. A total of approximately 200 spots were resolved, out of which 36 were differentially abundant. Differential spots were identified by mass spectrometry including photosynthesis-related and defense proteins. We identified proteins that may be targets of a direct interaction with viral proteins, such as ATP synthase ß subunit, RNA polymerase beta-subunit, 50S ribosomal protein L6 and Trigger factor-like protein. The identification of these candidate proteins gives support for future protein-protein interaction studies to confirm their roles in virus replication and disease development.

Salivary proteomics: A new adjuvant approach to the early diagnosis of familial juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystemic disease characterized by autoimmune inflammatory disturbance. Pleomorphic manifestations are present and a potentially progressive and debilitating course can be detected. SLE rarely manifests before age 5, and its onset peaks is around puberty. Although clinical manifestations, immunological alterations and treatment do not differ between juvenile and adult SLE, children tend to present with a more aggressive disease course than adults. Hence, autoimmune rheumatic diseases are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric populations. Blood serum analysis plays an especially important role in the detection and monitoring of autoantibodies in SLE. However, since blood sampling is an uncomfortable procedure, especially in children, novel less invasive techniques and approaches are of utmost importance to evaluate pediatric subjects. In this regard, saliva samples have several advantages, such as: easy access, fast collection, painless and riskless procedure. Saliva has antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as several other relevant features. The whole saliva is a complex mixture of major and minor salivary gland secretion, gingival crevicular fluid, transudates plasma protein, keratinocyte products and oral microbiota. This biological fluid reflects the physiological state of the body, including the emotional condition, and endocrine, nutritional and metabolic changes. Therefore, salivary proteomics is becoming increasingly used for the early diagnosis of several diseases such as breast cancer, oral cancer, Sjögren's syndrome, diffuse systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, among others. Considering the detection of some potential markers related to SLE in serum and urine, this study aims to conduct an initial evaluation of the possible presence of such biomarkers in saliva. Furthermore, it is expected to track down new salivary proteins that could be correlated with the disease. As such, it is important to evaluate whether the analysis of the salivary proteome of children whose mothers have SLE may help identify biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of the condition.

Antimycobacterial Activity of a New Peptide Polydim-I Isolated from Neotropical Social Wasp Polybia dimorpha.

Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense, a rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) that is becoming increasingly important among human infectious diseases, is virulent and pathogenic and presents intrinsic resistance to several antimicrobial drugs that might hamper their elimination. Therefore, the identification of new drugs to improve the current treatment or lower the risk of inducing resistance is urgently needed. Wasp venom primarily comprises peptides that are responsible for most of the biological activities in this poison. Here, a novel peptide Polydim-I, from Polybia dimorpha Neotropical wasp, was explored as an antimycobacterial agent. Polydim-I provoked cell wall disruption and exhibited non-cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells. Polydim-I treatment of macrophages infected with different M. abscessus subsp. massiliense strains reduced 40 to 50% of the bacterial load. Additionally, the Polydim-I treatment of highly susceptible mice intravenously infected with M. abscessus subsp. massiliense induced 0.8 to 1 log reduction of the bacterial load in the lungs, spleen, and liver. In conclusion, this is the first study to show the therapeutic potential of a peptide derived from wasp venom in treating mycobacteria infections. Polydim-I acts on the M. abscessus subsp. massiliense cell wall and reduce 40-90% of the bacterial load both in vitro and in vivo. The presented results encourage further studies on the use of Polydim-I as one of the components for M. abscessus subsp. massiliense treatment.

In vitro cytotoxic activity of chitosan-bullfrog oil microemulsion against melanoma cells.

Microemulsion-based animal oils, alone or associated with polymers have been extensively used in pharmacy, medicine and cosmetics, since the major lipid constituents of the oils show several biological activities. Despite showing antimicrobial activity, there are no reports in the literature regarding the effects of bullfrog oil on cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. The aim of the present study was to synthesize, characterise and evaluate the in vitro effects on melanoma cell line (B16F10) of bullfrog oil microemulsions associated or not with chitosan, surfactant and bullfrog oil (CSBO) and surfactant and bullfrog oil (SBO), respectively. The microemulsions were developed and their physical-chemical characteristics were evaluated by light microscopy, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy and zeta potential. The microemulsions showed regular spherical shapes, high polydispersity and excellent (+82.2 ± 1.0 mV) to low (-16.0 ± 0.5 mV), colloidal stability. The systems significantly decreased the in vitro cell viability of melanoma skin cancer by up to 90.2% (CSBO) and 91.8% (SBO); while free bullfrog oil showed no effects. The results obtained from microemulsions of bullfrog oil indicate the potential of the microemulsions developed, alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, for future use in biomedical approaches aiming towards cancer therapy.

Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor from Vigna unguiculata seeds enhances the action of bradykinin-related peptides.

The hydrolysis of bradykinin (Bk) by different classes of proteases in plasma and tissues leads to a decrease in its half-life. Here, Bk actions on smooth muscle and in vivo cardiovascular assays in association with a protease inhibitor, Black eyed-pea trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor (BTCI) and also under the effect of trypsin and chymotrypsin were evaluated. Two synthetic Bk-related peptides, Bk1 and Bk2, were used to investigate the importance of additional C-terminal amino acid residues on serine protease activity. BTCI forms complexes with Bk and analogues at pH 5.0, 7.4 and 9.0, presenting binding constants ranging from 103 to 104 M-1. Formation of BTCI-Bk complexes is probably driven by hydrophobic forces, coupled with slight conformational changes in BTCI. In vitro assays using guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) ileum showed that Bk retains the ability to induce smooth muscle contraction in the presence of BTCI. Moreover, no alteration in the inhibitory activity of BTCI in complex with Bk and analogous was observed. When the BTCI and BTCI-Bk complexes were tested in vivo, a decrease of vascular resistance and consequent hypotension and potentiating renal and aortic vasodilatation induced by Bk and Bk2 infusions was observed. These results indicate that BTCI-Bk complexes may be a reliable strategy to act as a carrier and protective approach for Bk-related peptides against plasma serine proteases cleavage, leading to an increase in their half-life. These findings also indicate that BTCI could remain stable in some tissues to inhibit chymotrypsin or trypsin-like enzymes that cleave and inactivate bradykinin in situ.

Biochemical aspects of the soybean response to herbivory injury by the brown stink bug Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Plant defense response is an elaborate biochemical process shown to depend on the plant genetic background and on the biological stressor. This work evaluated the soybean biochemical foliar response to brown stink bug herbivory injury through an analysis of redox metabolism and proteomic 2DE profiles of susceptible (BRS Silvania RR) and resistant (IAC-100) varieties. The activity of lipoxygenase-3, guaiacol peroxidase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase was monitored every 24 h up to 96 h. In the susceptible variety, injury caused an increase in the activities of lipoxygenase 3 and guaiacol peroxidase, no change in ascorbate peroxidase, and a decrease in catalase. In the resistant variety, injury did not cause an alteration of any of these enzymes. The proteomic profiles were evaluated after 24 h of injury and revealed to have a similar proportion (4-5%) of differential protein expression in both varieties. The differential proteins, identified by mass spectrometry, in the susceptible variety were related to general stress responses, to plant defense, and to fungal infections. However, in the resistant variety, the identified change in protein profile was related to Calvin cycle enzymes. While the susceptible variety showed adaptive changes in redox metabolism and expression of stress-responsive proteins, the resistant showed a defense response to circumvent the biological stressor.

Proteomic identification of differentially expressed proteins during the acquisition of somatic embryogenesis in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.).

In the present study we have identified and characterized the proteins expressed during different developmental stages of Elaeis guineensis calli obtained from zygotic embryos. We were interested in the possible proteomic changes that would occur during the acquisition of somatic embryogenesis and therefore samples were collected from zygotic embryos (E1), swollen explants 14days (E2) in induction medium, primary callus (E3), and pro-embryogenic callus (E4). The samples were grinded in liquid nitrogen, followed by total protein extraction using phenol and extraction buffer. Proteins were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and the differentially expressed protein spots were analyzed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS and MS/MS). Interestingly, we have identified proteins, which can be used as potential candidates for future studies aiming at the development of biomarkers for embryogenesis acquisition and for the different stages leading to pro-embryogenic callus formation such as type IIIa membrane protein cp-wap13, fructokinase and PR proteins. The results obtained shed some light on the biochemical events involved in the process of somatic embryogenesis of E. guineensis obtained from zygotic embryos. The use of stage-specific protein markers can help monitor cell differentiation and contribute to improve the protocols for successfully cloning the species. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the fate and dynamics of cells and tissues during callus formation is essential to understand totipotency and the mechanisms involved during acquisition of somatic embryogenesis (SE). In this study we have investigated the early stages of somatic embryogenesis induction in oil palm and have identified potential markers as well as proteins potentially involved in embryogenic competence acquisition. The use of these proteins can help improve tissue culture protocols in order to increase regeneration rates. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Environmental and structural proteomics.

Comparative proteomics in the genus Paracoccidioides.

The genus Paracoccidioides comprises a complex of phylogenetic species of dimorphic pathogenic fungi, the etiologic agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a disease confined to Latin America and of marked relevance in its endemic areas due to its high frequency and severity. The members of the Paracoccidioides genus are distributed in distinct phylogenetic species (S1, PS2, PS3 and 01-like) that potentially differ in their biochemical and molecular characteristics. In this work, we performed the proteomic characterization of different members of the genus Paracoccidioides. We compared the proteomic profiles of Pb01 (01-like), Pb2 (PS2), Pb339 (S1) and PbEPM83 (PS3) using 2D electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The proteins/isoforms were selected based on the staining intensity of the spots as determined by image analysis. The proteins/isoforms were in-gel digested and identified by peptide mass fingerprinting and ion fragmentation. A total of 714 spots were detected, of which 343 were analyzed. From these spots, 301 represented differentially expressed proteins/isoforms among the four analyzed isolates, as determined by ANOVA. After applying the FDR correction, a total of 267 spots were determined to be differentially expressed. From the total, 193 proteins/isoforms were identified by PMF and confirmed by ion fragmentation. Comparing the expression profiles of the isolates, the proteins/isoforms that were related to glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and to alcohol fermentation were more abundant in Pb01 than in other representatives of the genus Paracoccidioides, indicating ahigher use of anaerobic pathways for energy production. Those enzymes related to the oxidative stress response were more abundant in Pb01, Pb2 and Pb339, indicating a better response to ROS in these members of the Paracoccidioides complex. The enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway were abundant in Pb2. Antigenic proteins, such as GP43 and a 27-kDa antigenic protein, were less abundant in Pb01 and Pb2. The proteomic profile indicates metabolic differences among the analyzed members of the Paracoccidioides genus.

Two ß-xylanases from Aspergillus terreus: characterization and influence of phenolic compounds on xylanase activity.

Sugarcane bagasse was used as an inexpensive alternative carbon source for production of ß-xylanases from Aspergillus terreus. The induction profile showed that the xylanase activity was detected from the 6th day of cultivation period. Two low molecular weight enzymes, named Xyl T1 and Xyl T2 were purified to apparent homogeneity by ultrafiltration, gel filtration and ion exchange chromatographies and presented molecular masses of 24.3and 23.60 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE, respectively. Xyl T1 showed highest activity at 50 °C and pH 6.0, while Xyl T2 was most active at 45 °C and pH 5.0. Mass spectrometry analysis of trypsin digested Xyl T1 and Xyl T2 showed two different fingerprinting spectra, indicating that they are distinct enzymes. Both enzymes were specific for xylan as substrate. Xyl T1 was inhibited in greater or lesser degree by phenolic compounds, while Xyl T2 was very resistant to the inhibitory effect of all phenolic compounds tested. The apparent km values of Xyl T2, using birchwood xylan as substrate, decreased in the presence of six phenolic compounds. Both enzymes were inhibited by N-bromosuccinimide and Hg(2+) and activated by Mn(2+). Incubation of Xyl T1 and Xyl T2 with L-cysteine increased their half-lives up to 14 and 24 h at 50 °C, respectively. Atomic force microscopy showed a bimodal size distribution of globular particles for both enzymes, indicating that Xyl T1 is larger than Xyl T2.

Identification of host proteins modulated by the virulence factor AC2 of Tomato chlorotic mottle virus in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Tomato, one of the most important crops cultivated worldwide, has been severely affected by begomoviruses such as the Tomato chlorotic mottle virus (ToCMoV). Virulence factor AC2 is considered crucial for a successful virus-plant interaction and is known to act as a transcriptional activator and in some begomoviruses to function as an RNA silencing suppressor factor. However, the exact functions of the AC2 protein of the begomovirus ToCMoV are not yet established. The aim of the present study was to identify differentially expressed proteins of the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana in response to the expression of the AC2 gene, isolated from ToCMoV. N. benthamiana plants were inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens containing the viral vector Potato virus X (PVX) and with the PVX-AC2 construction. 2DE was performed and proteins were identified by MS. The results showed that the expression of ToCMoV AC2 alters the levels of several host proteins, which are important for normal plant development, causing an imbalance in cellular homeostasis. This study highlights the effect of AC2 in the modulation of plant defense processes by increasing the expression of several oxidative stress-related and pathogenesis-related proteins, as well as its role in modulating the proteome of the photosynthesis and energy production systems.

An isoniazid analogue promotes Mycobacterium tuberculosis-nanoparticle interactions and enhances bacterial killing by macrophages.

Nanoenabled drug delivery systems against tuberculosis (TB) are thought to control pathogen replication by targeting antibiotics to infected tissues and phagocytes. However, whether nanoparticle (NP)-based carriers directly interact with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and how such drug delivery systems induce intracellular bacterial killing by macrophages is not defined. In the present study, we demonstrated that a highly hydrophobic citral-derived isoniazid analogue, termed JVA, significantly increases nanoencapsulation and inhibits M. tuberculosis growth by enhancing intracellular drug bioavailability. Importantly, confocal and atomic force microscopy analyses revealed that JVA-NPs associate with both intracellular M. tuberculosis and cell-free bacteria, indicating that NPs directly interact with the bacterium. Taken together, these data reveal a nanotechnology-based strategy that promotes antibiotic targeting into replicating extra- and intracellular mycobacteria, which could actively enhance chemotherapy during active TB.

Absortividade de fios de afastamento gengival embebidos em soluções adstringentes à base de cloreto de alumínio / Gingival retraction cords absoption after soaking in aluminium chloride solutions

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, in vitro, a absortividade de fios de afastamento quando imersos em soluções de cloreto de alumínio ou água destilada. Foram utilizadas amostras de fios das marcas Ultrapack® (n = 15), Hemodent® (n = 15), Gengiret® (n = 15) e Stay-put® (n = 9) e de fios de algodão torcidos manualmente (n = 15). Os fios foram inicialmente pesados (PI) em balança analítica. Cada grupo amostral foi dividido em três subgrupos iguais, e os fios imersos em soluções de água e de cloreto de alumínio (Hemostesin® ou Hemostop®) por 30 segundos, sendo aferido o peso úmido (PU). Após esse período, os fios foram recolocados em recipientes com as soluções e submetidos à compressão por bloco de 60 gramas por 30 segundos, sendo seu peso aferido (PUC).O volume absorvido pelos fios antes da compressão (AC) e após (PC) foi determinado, sendo consideradas significativas as diferenças com P < 0,0001 utilizando o teste Schefeé. Amostras de algodão e Stay-put® absorveram mais água e Hemostesim® do que Hemostop®;o fio Ultrapack® absorveu mais Hemostop® que as demais soluções e o fio Hemodent® mais água que Hemostesim®. A determinação das razões PU:PI e PUC:PI revelaram incremento de peso semelhante entre as marcas (5x), exceto pelo algodão (20x). O índice (PU:PI):(PUC:PI) demonstrou que a compressão não influenciou na absortividade das amostras analisadas. Os resultados do presente estudo fornecem evidências da influência do processo de embebição em fios de afastamento gengival. As amostras das diferentes marcas de fios apresentaram comportamentos distintos quanto à absortividade em relação às soluções testadas. A compressibilidade não influenciou na capacidade absortiva dos fios.

The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro absorption of different types of gingival retraction cords after soaking in aluminum chloride solutions or distillated water. The retraction cords tested were of the brands Ultrapack® (n = 15), Hemodent® (n = 15), Gengiret® (n = 15), Stay-put® (n = 9) and cotton cords manually twisted (n = 15). The cords were individually weighed on an analytical balance (PI). Each sample group was equally divided in three subgroups and the pieces of cords soaked in water, Hemostesin® or Hemostop® solutions for 30s and the hydrated weights were registered (PU). Thus, the samples were replaced in the recipients of the solutions and submitted to a compression of 60 g for more 30 s and the weights were registered again (PUC). The liquids uptake before (AC) and after (PC) the compressions were registered and the significant differences (P < 0.0001) were detected using a Schefee test. The cotton and Stay-put® samples had uptake more water and Hemostesin®. Ultrapack® absorbed more Hemostop® than the other solutions and Hemodent® had uptake more water than Hemostesin®. The rates PU/PI and PUC/PI showed a weight increase similar among the different cords brands (around 5-fold), excepting the cotton cords (around 20-fold). The rate (PU/PI)/ (PUC/PI) revealed that the compression did not influence the samples liquid uptake. The analyzed pieces of gingival retraction cords showed different extents of fluid absorbency. The cords compression did not significantly influence their absorbency capacity.

Effects of fish oil treatment on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Bleomycin is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of neoplasms. A major side-effect of bleomycin therapy is the induction of an intense inflammatory response that develops into pulmonary fibrosis. Several studies have shown that certain polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish oil reduce the inflammatory response in vivo. Fish oil has been employed for the treatment of several pathologies such as glomerulonephritis, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and even as an adjuvant in cancer therapy. This study examined the effects of fish oil treatment on the development of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Mice were intraperitoneally treated with bleomycin or with saline daily for 10 days, and 15 days after the last injection they started to receive fish oil by gavage for 14 days. The lungs were processed for light microscopy, biochemical and immunohistochemical investigations. Fish oil did not prevent the development of pulmonary fibrosis after the injury as shown by light microscopy, cytokines immunohistochemical analysis, TBARS content and protein levels in the lung. In addition however, fish oil itself induced a slight inflammatory process in the lung, as observed by the increase in cellularity, vasodilatation in the lung parenchyma, TBARS content, and a slight increase in the lung protein content.

Evaluation of the use of low level laser and photosensitizer drugs in healing.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the last decade, many different kinds of therapies have emerged as a consequence of advances in the field of applied technology. It is known that low level laser therapy contributes to tissue healing; however, the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in healing and the scar formation processes has not been fully explored. The present study analyses the effect of low level laser InGaAIP (685 nm), radiation, either alone or combined with a phthalocyanine-derived photosensitizer (PS) in a gel base delivery (GB) system, on the healing process of cutaneous wounds in rats. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were divided into six groups: control (untreated) (CG), gel base (GB), photosensitizer (PS), laser (LG), laser+photosensitizer (LPS), and laser+photosensitizer in a GB (LPSG). Standardized circular wounds were made on the dorsum of each rat with a skin punch biopsy instrument. After wounding, treatment was performed once daily and the animals were killed at day 8. Tissue specimens containing the whole wound area were removed and processed for histological analysis using conventional techniques. Serial cross-sections were analyzed to evaluate the organization of the dermis and epidermis as well as collagen deposition. RESULTS: The animals of groups LG, PS, LPS, and LPSG presented higher collagen content and enhanced re-epithelialization as compared to CG (control) and GB rats. Connective tissue remodeling was more evident in groups LPS and LPSG. CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly indicated a synergetic effect of light+photosensitizer+delivery drug on tissue healing. PDT did not cause any healing inhibition or tissue damage during the healing process.