Effectiveness of Saccharomyces boulardii and Metronidazole for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Systemic Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) affects up to 60% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and it improves with antibiotics. The addition of probiotics could lead to better results. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) versus metronidazole (M) versus M + SB for 2 months, to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and SIBO assessed with hydrogen breath test in SSc. METHODS: An open pilot clinical trial performed in forty patients with SIBO and SSc (ACR-EULAR 2013) who signed informed consent. Three groups were assigned: M, SB, and M + SB, for 2 months. Hydrogen was measured in parts per million with a hydrogen breath test to evaluate SIBO. The National Institutes of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (NIH-PROMIS) questionnaire was applied to quantify gastrointestinal symptoms with a raw score of eight symptoms. This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the following ID: NCT03692299. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The average age was 53.2 ± 9.3 years, and the evolution of SSc was 13.5 (1-34) years. After 2 months of treatment, SIBO was eradicated in 55% of the M + SB group: 33% of SB, and 25% of M. The SB and M + SB groups had decreased diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas/bloating/flatulence, but M remained unchanged. Reductions in expired hydrogen at 45 to 60 min were as follows: M + SB 48% and 44%, M 18% and 20%, and SB 53% and 60% at the first and second months, respectively (p < 0.01). Adverse effects were epigastric burning and constipation in M (53%) and M + SB (36%), and flatulence/diarrhea in SB (22%). CONCLUSIONS: Metronidazole treatment is partially effective in SIBO, but S. boulardii in monotherapy or in combination improves the gastrointestinal outcomes in SSc.

Effect of Silymarin Supplementation on Physical Performance, Muscle and Myocardium Histological Changes, Bodyweight, and Food Consumption in Rats Subjected to Regular Exercise Training.

(1) Background: Regular exercise induces physiological and morphological changes in the organisms, but excessive training loads may induce damage and impair recovery or muscle growth. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of Silymarin (SM) consumption on endurance capacity, muscle/cardiac histological changes, bodyweight, and food intake in rats subjected to 60 min of regular exercise training (RET) five days per week. (2) Methods: Male Wistar rats were subjected to an eight-week RET treadmill program and were previously administered SM and vitamin C. Bodyweight and food consumption were measured and registered. The maximal endurance capacity (MEC) test was performed at weeks one and eight. After the last training session, the animals were sacrificed, and samples of quadriceps/gastrocnemius and cardiac tissue were obtained and process for histological analyzes. (3) Results: SM consumption improved muscle recovery, inflammation, and damaged tissue, and promoted hypertrophy, vascularization, and muscle fiber shape/appearance. MEC increased after eight weeks of RET in all trained groups; moreover, the SM-treated group was enhanced more than the group with vitamin C. There were no significant changes in bodyweight and in food and nutrient consumption along the study. (5) Conclusion: SM supplementation may enhance physical performance, recovery, and muscle hypertrophy during the eight-week RET program.

Asthma: New Integrative Treatment Strategies for the Next Decades.

Asthma is a chronic disease whose main anatomical-functional alterations are grouped into obstruction, nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity, inflammation and airway remodeling. Currently, the Global Initiative of Asthma 2020 (GINA 2020) suggests classifying it into intermittent cases, slightly persistent, moderately persistent and severely persistent, thus determining the correct guidelines for its therapy. In general, the drugs used for its management are divided into two groups, those with a potential bronchodilator and the controlling agents of inflammation. However, asthmatic treatments continue to evolve, and notable advances have been made possible in biological therapy with monoclonal antibodies and in the relationship between this disease and oxidative stress. This opens a new path to dietary and herbal strategies and the use of antioxidants as a possible therapy that supports conventional pharmacological treatments and reduces their doses and/or adverse effects. This review compiles information from different published research on risk factors, pathophysiology, classification, diagnosis and the main treatments; likewise, it synthesizes the current evidence of herbal medicine for its control. Studies on integrative medicine (IM) therapies for asthmatic control are critically reviewed. An integrative approach to the prevention and management of asthma warrants consideration in clinical practice. The intention is to encourage health professionals and scientists to expand the horizons of basic and clinical research (preclinical, clinical and integrative medicine) on asthma control.

Genotoxic Evaluation of Duloxetine II. The Effect on the Number of Sister Chromatid Exchanges, the Mitotic Index, and the Proliferation Kinetics in Mouse Bone Marrow.

Duloxetine is an antidepressant which has showed valuable results, particularly in patients with major depression. This type of drugs is known to require genotoxic studies as part of their preclinical safety evaluation. In the case of duloxetine, however, there have been controversial results. Therefore, we considered it worthwhile to extend studies on the matter in an attempt to reach a conclusion. The present assay was made in mouse bone marrow to evaluate the capacity of the drug to induce sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), as well as to modify the proliferation kinetics and the mitotic index. Three doses of the antidepressant were tested (2, 20, and 200 mg/kg), besides the control mice were administered with purified water, and the positive treated animals administered with 1 mg/kg of doxorubicin. The results indicated a moderate but significant increase of SCE with the three tested doses, no effect regarding the mitotic index and a small reduction in the proliferation kinetics. Although in our assay the drug showed a lower effect, the present study agreed with a previous report that analyzed the amount of micronuclei in mouse peripheral blood, and it confirmed the relevance of evaluating the genotoxic effect of antidepressants, specifically duloxetine by applying diverse tests.

Effects of Heliopsis longipes ethanolic extract on mouse spermatozoa in vitro.

CONTEXT: Heliopsis longipes (A. Gray) Blake (Asteraceae), a plant native to Mexico, is used in traditional medicine as analgesic and microbicide. The main component in the H. longipes ethanolic extract (HLEE) is affinin, as determined by HPLC/UV-visible and NMR measurement. To date, there is no documented evidence on the spermicidal activity of this extract. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess in vitro the effectiveness of HLEE as spermicide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The spermicidal activity of HLEE was evaluated by the Sander-Cramer assay. Spermatozoa were incubated for 20 s with HLEE in concentrations ranging from 75 to 2000 µg/mL to determine the minimum effective concentration (MEC) value. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) of HLEE was estimated by assaying serial dilutions from the MEC. Additionally, sperms were incubated with 125, 250, or 500 µg/mL of HLEE to evaluate the viability and the integrity of sperm membrane. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay. RESULTS: HLEE caused an inhibition of 100% in spermatozoa motility at a MEC value of 2000 µg/mL; the EC50 value was 125 µg/mL. Additionally, exposure to HLEE at 125, 250, or 500 µg/mL for 30 min decreased sperm viability to 27%, 8%, and 2% of the control value, respectively, and significantly increased the percentage of sperms with structurally disorganized membrane. HLEE also increased significantly the level of lipid peroxidation in sperms with respect to controls. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the spermicidal activity of HLEE in vitro and suggest that this action is caused by oxidative damage and alterations in the spermatozoal membrane.

Evaluation of Duloxetine as Micronuclei Inducer in an Acute and a Subchronic Assay in Mouse.

Duloxetine is a widely used antidepressant worldwide. In the present report, we evaluated its capacity to induce micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPEs) and micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes (MNNEs) in mice. Two assays were performed, one with a single chemical administration and the other with daily chemical administration. In the first, we administered the antidepressant once to groups of 5 mice by the intragastric (i.g.) route (2, 20, and 200 mg/kg) and performed the analysis at 24, 48, and 72 h postadministration. A control group administered i.g. distilled water was included in the assay, as well as another treated with the micronuclei-inducing chemical daunorubicin (2.5 mg/kg, injected intraperitoneally (i.p.)). In this assay, we found significant damage induced by duloxetine starting from the first time evaluated, showing the highest MNPE increase at the end of the assay. We observed a saturation effect as well, suggested by a decreasing relative efficiency with respect to each tested dose. In a second assay, we administered the antidepressant i.g. every day for 5 weeks (2, 6, and 12 mg/kg), and micronuclei analysis was performed at the end of each week. In this study, we also found a significant increase in both MNPEs and MNNEs which was clear by the second week of administration. Our results suggest that short-term as well as cumulative damage is produced by duloxetine. Thus, confirmation of the observed genotoxic potential in other models seems advisable, as well as caution when prescribing this antidepressant.

Efficacy and safety of sitagliptin with basal-plus insulin regimen versus insulin alone in non-critically ill hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes: SITA-PLUS hospital trial.

AIMS: To compare the efficacy and safety of basal-plus (BP) insulin regimen with or without sitagliptin in non-critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: This open-label, randomized clinical trial included inpatients with a previous diagnosis of T2D and blood glucose (BG) between 180 and 400 mg/dL. Participants received basal and correctional insulin doses (BP regimen) either with or without sitagliptin. The primary outcome was the difference in the mean daily BG among the groups. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients (mean age 60 years, 64 % men) were randomized. Compared with BP insulin therapy alone, the sitagliptin-BP combination led to a lower mean daily BG (158.8 vs 175.0 mg/dL, P = 0.014), a higher percentage of readings within a BG range of 70-180 mg/dL (75.9 % vs 64.7 %, P < 0.001), and a lower number of BG readings >180 mg/dL (P < 0.001). Sitagliptin-BP resulted in fewer basal and supplementary insulin doses (P = 0.024 and P = 0.017, respectively) and lower daily insulin injections (P = 0.023) than those with insulin alone. The proportion of patients with hypoglycemia was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: For inpatients with T2D and hyperglycemia, the sitagliptin and BP regimen combination is safe and more effective than insulin therapy alone. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier: NCT05579119.

Evaluation of the Antigenotoxic Potential of Two Types of Chayote (Sechium edule) Juices.

Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz is a perennial herbaceous climbing plant with tendrils and tuberous roots belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Its fruits ("chayote"), stems, roots, and leaves are edible and are commonly ingested by humans. It has shown medicinal properties attributed to its bioactive compounds (vitamins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, triterpenoids, polyphenolic compounds, phytosterols, and cucurbitacins), which together have been associated with the control and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases, highlighting its antibacterial, anti-cardiovascular/antihypertensive, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activities. The objective of the study was to determine the antigenotoxic potential of two types of fresh chayote juice (filtered (FChJ) and unfiltered (UFChJ)) against DNA damage produced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) using an in vivo mouse peripheral blood micronucleus assay (MN). The juices were consumed freely for 2 weeks. A negative control, a control group of each juice, a positive batch [B[a]P], and two combined batches (B[a]P plus FChJ or UFChJ) were included. Blood smears were stained and observed under a microscope to quantify the number of micronucleated normochromic erythrocytes (MNNEs). The results indicate: (a) B[a]P increased the frequency of MNNEs and reduced the rate of PEs; and (b) no juice produced toxic effects or induced MN. On the contrary, both juices were genoprotective. However, the most significant effect was presented by UFChJ at the end of the experiment (70%). It is suggested that UFChJ has a greater amount of fiber and/or phytochemicals that favor the therapeutic effect. Possibly, the genoprotection is also related to its antioxidant capacity.

Phytochemicals and Their Usefulness in the Maintenance of Health.

Inflammation is the immune system's first biological response to infection, injury, or irritation. Evidence suggests that the anti-inflammatory effect is mediated by the regulation of various inflammatory cytokines, such as nitric oxide, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor alpha-α, interferon gamma-γ, as well as the non-cytokine mediator, prostaglandin E2. Currently, the mechanism of action and clinical usefulness of phytochemicals is known; their action on the activity of cytokines, free radicals, and oxidative stress. The latter are of great relevance in the development of diseases, such that the evidence collected demonstrates the beneficial effects of phytochemicals in maintaining health. Epidemiological evidence indicates that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is related to a low risk of developing cancer and other chronic diseases.

In vitro effect of sodium fluoride on malondialdehyde concentration and on superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in human erythrocytes.

The aim of this paper was to describe the in vitro effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the specific activity of the major erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes, as well as on the membrane malondialdehyde concentration, as indicators of oxidative stress. For this purpose, human erythrocytes were incubated with NaF (0, 7, 28, 56, and 100 µg/mL) or NaF (100 µg/mL) + vitamin E (1, 2.5, 5 and 10 µg/mL). The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration on the surface of the erythrocytes was determined, as were the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GlPx). Our results demonstrated that erythrocytes incubated with increasing NaF concentrations had an increased MDA concentration, along with decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes. The presence of vitamin E partially reversed the toxic effects of NaF on erythrocytes. These findings suggest that NaF induces oxidative stress in erythrocytes in vitro, and this stress is partially reversed by the presence of vitamin E.

Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Pteropodine in Rodents.

Pteropodine (PT) is a component of some plants with potentially useful pharmacological activities for humans. This compound has biomedical properties related to the modulation of the immune system, nervous system, and inflammatory processes. This study addresses the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of pteropodin in a murine model of arthritis and induced edema of the mouse ear. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity, we used the reversed passive Arthus reaction (RPAR), which includes the rat paw edema test, the rat pleurisy test, and a mouse ear edema model. The antioxidant effect of PT was evaluated by determining the myeloperoxidase enzyme activity. PT showed an anti-inflammatory effect in the different specific and non-specific tests. We found a 51, 66 and 70% inhibitory effect of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg of PT, respectively, in the rat paw edema test. In the pleurisy assay, 40 mg/kg of PT induced a low neutrophil count (up to 36%) when compared to the negative control group, and 20 mg/kg of PT increased the content of lymphocytes by up to 28% and the pleural exudate volume decreased by 52% when compared to the negative control group, respectively. We also found an 81.4% inflammatory inhibition of the edema ear with 0.04 mg/ear of PT, and a significant myeloperoxidase enzyme inhibition by the three doses of PT tested. We conclude that PT exerted a potent anti-inflammatory effect in the acute inflammation model in rodents.

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon Larreat (Sterculiaceae), a Potential Nephroprotector against Oxidative Damage Provoked by STZ-Induced Hyperglycemia in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Chiranthodendron pentadactylon, known in Mexico as the "tree of the little hands", flower's infusion is used to treat kidney failure associated with diseases such as diabetes. The aim of this work is to evaluate the antioxidant effect of the methanolic extract of its flowers on oxidative damage in kidneys caused by streptozotocin in rats. METHODS: The extract phytochemical profile was performed with HPLC. Antioxidant potential in vitro was determined with DPPH and total phenolic tests; antioxidant evaluation in vivo was performed in diabetic rats administered daily via the intragastric route (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 6 weeks; serum glucose/creatinine, food/water consumption, and urinary volume were measured. Relative weight, protein/DNA ratios and oxidative stress were measured in renal tissue. RESULTS: The extract showed 20.53% of total phenolic content and IC50 of 18.05 µg/mL in DPPH, and this was associated with ferulic acid, phloretin and α-amyrin. Both doses showed a moderate decrease in the protein/DNA ratio in renal tissue, and the same behavior was observed for total urinary protein loss and serum creatinine, while the best antioxidant effect was exerted by a lower dose, which increased catalase activity and decreased lipid peroxidation in the kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrated that C. pentadactylon methanolic flower's extract improves renal function through antioxidant mechanisms during experimental diabetes.

Antitumor Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate and Vincristine in Mice with L5178Y Lymphoma.

The main objective of research into new therapies is the search for more efficacy and fewer toxic effects in cancer treatments. On one hand, vincristine (VCR) is a chemotherapeutic used in different kinds of tumors. On the other hand, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a green tea metabolite that has shown an antineoplastic effect in diverse investigations, so the objective of this work is to evaluate the antitumor effects of the EGCG/VCR combination on tumor volume and survival. To achieve this objective, the solid model of lymphoma L5178Y was used in BALB/c mice with different doses of VCR, EGCG, and their combination allowed tumor growth and survival time recording. After tumor collection, measurements, and immunohistochemistry for p53, Bcl2, and Cyclin D1 were performed. The results showed that the EGCG/vincristine combination had a greater antitumor effect than those effects of vincristine and EGCG. It can be attributed to the fact that the greatest inhibition of Bcl2 was present in gathering of EGCG harvest with vincristine. Therefore, the combination of EGCG with vincristine has a better antineoplastic effect by inhibiting tumor development and increasing survival on both substances independently.

Antioxidant Activity and Anticarcinogenic Effect of Extracts from Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl.

According to the available ethnobotanical data, the Bouvardia ternifolia plant has long been used in Mexican traditional medicine to relieve the symptoms of inflammation. In the present study, the cytotoxic effect of extracts obtained from the flowers, leaves and stems of B. ternifolia using hexane, ethyl acetate (AcOEt) and methanol (MeOH) was evaluated by applying them to the SiHa and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. An MTT reduction assay was carried out along with = biological activity assessments, and the content of total phenols, tannins, anthocyanins, betalains and saponins was quantified. According to the obtained results, nine extracts exhibited a cytotoxic effect against both the SiHa and MDA lines. The highest cytotoxicity was measured for leaves treated with the AcOEt (ID50 of 75 µg/mL was obtained for MDA and 58.75 µg/mL for SiHa) as well as inhibition on ABTS•+ against DPPH• radical, while MeOH treatment of stems and AcOEt of flowers yielded the most significant antioxidant capacity (90.29% and 90.11% ABTS•+ radical trapping). Moreover, the highest phenolic compound content was measured in the stems (134.971 ± 0.294 mg EAG/g), while tannins were more abundant in the leaves (257.646 mg eq cat/g) and saponins were most prevalent in the flowers (20 ± 0 HU/mg). Screening tests indicated the presence of flavonoids, steroids, terpenes and coumarins, as well as ursolic acid, in all the studied extracts. These results demonstrate the biological potential of B. ternifolia.

Effects of Spirulina maxima on a Model of Sexual Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats.

Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima (SM) is a cyanobacterium that has a long history of being used as human food. In recent years, several investigations have shown its beneficial biological effects, among which its antioxidant capacity has been highlighted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of SM on body weight, glycemia, sexual behavior, sperm quality, testosterone levels, sex organ weights, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic male rats (a disease characterized by an increase in reactive oxygen species). The experiment consisted of six groups of sexually expert adult males (n = 6): (1) control (vehicle); (2) streptozotocin (STZ)-65 mg/kg; (3) SM-400 mg/kg; (4) STZ + SM-100 mg/kg; (5) STZ + SM-200 mg/kg; and (6) STZ + SM-400 mg/kg. Sexual behavior tests were performed during the first 3 h of the dark period under dim red illumination. Our results showed that SM significantly improved sexual behavior and sperm quality vs. diabetic animals. Likewise, while the enzymatic activities of SOD and GPx increased, TBARS lipoperoxidation decreased and testosterone levels increased. In view of the findings, it is suggested that SM may potentially be used as a nutraceutical for the treatment of diabetic male sexual dysfunction due to its antioxidant property.

Investigation on the protective effects of cranberry against the DNA damage induced by benzo[a]pyrene.

There are few reports that demonstrate the antigenotoxic potential of cranberries. Although the types of berry fruits consumed worldwide are many, this paper focuses on cranberries that are commonly consumed in Mexico (Vaccinium macrocarpon species). The purpose of the present study is to determine whether cranberry ethanolic extract (CEE) can prevent the DNA damage produced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) using an in vivo mouse peripheral blood micronucleus assay. The experimental groups were organized as follows: a negative control group (without treatment), a positive group treated with B[a]P (200 mg/kg), a group administered with 800 mg/kg of CEE, and three groups treated with B[a]P and CEE (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) respectively. The CEE and benzo[a]pyrene were administered orally for a week, on a daily basis. During this period the body weight, the feed intake, and the determination of antigenotoxic potential were quantified. At the end of this period, we continued with the same determinations for one week more (recovery period) but anymore administration of the substances. The animals treated with B[a]P showed a weight increase after the first week of administration. The same phenomenon was observed in the lots combined with B[a]P and CEE (low and medium doses). The dose of 800 mg/kg of CEE showed similar values to the control group at the end of the treatment period. In the second part of the assay, when the substances were not administered, these experimental groups regained their normal weight. The dose of CEE (800 mg/kg) was not genotoxic nor cytotoxic. On the contrary, the B[a]P increases the frequency of micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes (MNNE) and reduces the rate of polychromatic erythrocytes (PE) at the end of the treatment period. With respect to the combined lots, a significant decrease in the MN rate was observed from the sixth to the eighth day of treatment with the two high doses applied; the highest protection (60%) was obtained with 800 mg/kg of CEE. The same dose showed an anticytotoxic effect which corresponded to an improvement of 62.5% in relation to the animals administered with the B[a]P. In the second period, all groups reached values that have been seen in the control group animals. Our results suggest that the inhibition of clastogenicity of the cranberry ethanolic extract against B[a]P is related to the antioxidant capacity of the combination of phytochemicals present in its chemical composition.

Investigation of the DNA Damage and Oxidative Effect Induced by Venlafaxine in Mouse Brain and Liver Cells.

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used worldwide. Therefore, studies to confirm its safe use are mandatory. This report evaluated the drug DNA damage capacity in the brain and liver of ICR mice, and its oxidative effect on DNA, lipids, and proteins, as well as the amount of nitrites, also in the brain and liver. Determinations were made at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h post-treatment, excluding DNA oxidation that was observed at 2 h. The tested doses of venlafaxine were 5, 50, and 250 mg/kg. The results showed DNA damage in the brain with the two more elevated doses of venlafaxine at 2 and 6 h post-treatment and also at 12 h in the liver. The comet assay plus the FPG enzyme showed DNA damage in both organs with all doses. The two high doses increased lipoperoxidation in the two tissues from 6 to 12 h post-administration. Protein oxidation increased with the three doses, mainly from 2 to 12 h, and nitrite content was elevated only with the high dose in the liver. The drug was found to affect both tissues, although it was more pronounced in the liver. Interestingly, DNA oxidative damage was observed even with a dose that corresponds to the therapeutic range. The clinical relevance of these findings awaits further investigations.

Prognostic impact of the preoperatory neutrophil/lymphocyte index on early surgical complications of patients with colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is found among those with greatest frequency and exponential increase worldwide, with high mortality rates, which are observed as increasing due to the postsurgical complications that come to present. Systemic inflammation participates in the development and progression of cancer; therefore, inflammatory and/or immunological response markers such as the neutrophil/lymphocyte index (NLI) can aid us in predicting the poor results of our interventions. The purpose of our study was to determine the impact of an NLI of ≥2.6 as a predictor of early postsurgical complications. By means of a prospective cohort, we analyzed 158 patients with CRC who were submitted to elective surgery with a later 30-day follow-up. We found that the preoperatory NLI of ≥2.6 obtained an odds ratio (OR) = 2.24 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-4.36) as a prognostic factor of early postsurgical complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification scale, which represents a low prognostic impact due to its predictive yield with low accuracy, which is the opposite of what other reports have previously published. The use of chemotherapy before the surgical procedure was also determined to be a risk factor for post-surgical complications.

Comparison of the Antibacterial Activity and Effect on Membrane Permeability of Hibiscus Acid and a Commercial Chlorhexidine Mouthrinse Against Pathogenic Oral Bacteria and Determination of Hibiscus Acid Toxicity.

The main aim of this study was to determine and compare the antimicrobial effect of hibiscus acid and a commercial 0.12% (w/v) chlorhexidine mouthrinse against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, and Staphylococcus aureus, and to determine the effect on bacterial cell membrane permeability and the toxicity of hibiscus acid in a mouse model. Hibiscus acid was obtained from acetone extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces. Chlorhexidine (0.12% w/v) mouthrinse was purchased from a local pharmacy. The antimicrobial activity of hibiscus acid and mouthrinse were determined using the gel diffusion technique. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the solutions were determined using the broth dilution method. The effect on bacterial cell membrane permeability of hibiscus acid and mouthrinse was determined by crystal violet assay. The toxicity of hibiscus acid was investigated in a mouse model (registration number: UAEH2019-A1-S-8288). Hibiscus acid and mouthrinse showed antibacterial activity against all oral pathogenic bacteria. However, hibiscus acid showed a lower antibacterial effect compared with chlorhexidine mouthrinse. The MIC and MBC for hibiscus acid were 3 and 5 mg/mL, respectively, and was between 30 and 50 µg/mL for mouthrinse. The crystal violet test results indicate that hibiscus acid and mouthrinse alter the permeability of the bacterial membrane. Finally, hibiscus acid did not show toxicity in mouse studies.

Bauhinia forficata Link, Antioxidant, Genoprotective, and Hypoglycemic Activity in a Murine Model.

Bauhinia forficata L. is a tree used in alternative medicine as an anti-diabetic agent, with little scientific information about its pharmacological properties. The hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and genoprotective activities of a methanolic extract of B. forficata leaves and stems combined were investigated in mice treated with streptozotocin (STZ). Secondary metabolites were determined by qualitative phytochemistry. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH method at four concentrations of the extract. The genoprotective activity was evaluated in 3 groups of mice: control, anthracene (10 mg/kg), and anthracene + B. forficata (500 mg/kg) and the presence of micronuclei in peripheral blood was measured for 2 weeks. To determine the hypoglycemic activity, the crude extract was prepared in a suspension and administered (500 mg/kg, i.g.) in previously diabetic mice with STZ (120 mg/kg, i.p.), measuring blood glucose levels every week as well as the animals' body weight for six weeks. The extract showed good antioxidant activity and caused a decrease in the number of micronuclei. The diabetic mice + B. forficata presented hypoglycemic effects in the third week of treatment, perhaps due to its secondary metabolites. Therefore, B. forficata is a candidate for continued use at the ethnomedical level as an adjuvant to allopathic therapy.