Fatty acid composition of vegetable oil blend and in vitro effects of pharmacotherapeutical skin care applications.

Vegetable oils have been used for a plethora of health benefits by their incorporation in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products, especially those intended for skin care. This study aimed to investigate the cutaneous benefits of a vegetable oil blend (VOB) formulation and its fatty acid composition. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied in macrophages of RAW 264.7 cells by investigating the release of nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anion generation (O2-), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). ABTS cation radical scavenging capacity assay, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and NO free radical scavenging assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. VOB was tested for its ability to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and migration using the scratch assay, and antibacterial activity by the microdilution test. The fatty acid profile of a freshly prepared VOB formulation was determined by gas chromatography before and after accelerated stability testing. Chemical composition of VOB revealed the presence of oleic acid (C18:1n-9; 63.3%), linoleic acid (C18:2n-6; 4.7%), and linolenic acid (C18:3n-6; 5.1%) as major mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. No changes in the organoleptic characteristics and fatty acid composition were observed after the accelerated stability test. VOB 100 µg/mL reduced the healing time by increasing the total number of cells in the wounded area by 43.0±5.1% compared to the negative control group. VOB also suppressed the pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, and NO and O2- production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage cells. In conclusion, the VOB formulation contributed to the improvement of current therapeutic strategies for cutaneous applications in skin care.

Fatty acid composition of vegetable oil blend and in vitro effects of pharmacotherapeutical skin care applications

Vegetable oils have been used for a plethora of health benefits by their incorporation in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products, especially those intended for skin care. This study aimed to investigate the cutaneous benefits of a vegetable oil blend (VOB) formulation and its fatty acid composition. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied in macrophages of RAW 264.7 cells by investigating the release of nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anion generation (O2-), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). ABTS cation radical scavenging capacity assay, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and NO free radical scavenging assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. VOB was tested for its ability to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and migration using the scratch assay, and antibacterial activity by the microdilution test. The fatty acid profile of a freshly prepared VOB formulation was determined by gas chromatography before and after accelerated stability testing. Chemical composition of VOB revealed the presence of oleic acid (C18:1n-9; 63.3%), linoleic acid (C18:2n-6; 4.7%), and linolenic acid (C18:3n-6; 5.1%) as major mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. No changes in the organoleptic characteristics and fatty acid composition were observed after the accelerated stability test. VOB 100 µg/mL reduced the healing time by increasing the total number of cells in the wounded area by 43.0±5.1% compared to the negative control group. VOB also suppressed the pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, and NO and O2- production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage cells. In conclusion, the VOB formulation contributed to the improvement of current therapeutic strategies for cutaneous applications in skin care.

Efficacy of Solithromycin (CEM-101) for Experimental Otitis Media Caused by Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Solithromycin (CEM-101) is a "fourth-generation" macrolide, as it has three binding site and is acid stable. The three binding sites confer activity against bacteria resistant to the older macrolides and ketolides, including multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). The objective of this study was to evaluate solithromycin pharmacokinetics (PK), middle ear fluid (MEF) concentrations, and microbiologic efficacy in a chinchilla model of experimental otitis media (EOM) due to strains of S. pneumoniae or NTHi. Plasma PK (maximum concentration of drug in serum [Cmax] and area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h [AUC0-24]) and middle ear fluid (MEF) concentrations were determined. Isolates with specified antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were inoculated directly into the middle ear (ME). Plasma and MEF were collected for PK and MEF cultures performed to determine efficacy. Solithromycin administered at 150 mg/kg of body weight/day resulted in Cmax and AUC0-24 values of 2.2 µg/ml and 27.4 µg · h/ml in plasma and 1.7 µg/ml and 28.2 µg · h/ml in extracellular MEF on day 1. By day 3, Cmax and AUC0-24 values had increased to 4.5 µg/ml and 54 µg · h/ml in plasma and 4.8 µg/ml and 98.6 µg · h/ml in extracellular MEF. For NTHi EOM, three isolates with MIC/minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) ratios of 0.5/1 µg/ml (isolate BCH1), 2/2 µg/ml (isolate BMC1247C), and 4/4 µg/ml (isolate BMC1213C) were selected. The MEF of >85% of animals infected with BCH1 and BMC1247C was sterilized. For NTHi BMC1213, >85% of MEF cultures remained positive. For S. pneumoniae EOM, 3 isolates with MIC/MBC ratios of 0.06/0.125 µg/ml (S. pneumoniae 331), 0.125/1 µg/ml (S. pneumoniae CP-645 [MLSB phenotype]), and 0.5/2 µg/ml (CP-712 [mefA subclass mefA resistance]) were selected. Solithromycin sterilized MEF in 100% of animals infected with S. pneumoniae 331 and S. pneumoniae CP-645. ME infection persisted in 60% of animals infected with CP-712. In a model of EOM, solithromycin sterilized MEF in >85% of animals challenged with NTHi with an MIC of ≤2 µg/ml and 100% of ME infected with S. pneumoniae with an MIC of ≤0.125 µg/ml.

Protective effects of hydroxytyrosol-supplemented refined olive oil in animal models of acute inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.

Virgin olive oil is the primary source of fat in the Mediterranean diet, and its beneficial health effects have been related with oleic acid and phenolic compounds content. Hydroxytyrosol, a typical virgin olive oil phenolic compound, has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as previously reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydroxytyrosol-supplemented refined olive oil at 0.5 and 5 mg/kg in a rodent model of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis was induced by intradermic administration, in male Wistar rats, of Freund's adjuvant with collagen type II on days 1 and 21. Hydroxytyrosol-supplemented refined olive oils were administrated by gavage from day 23 until day 35. The treatment at 5-mg/kg dose significantly decreased paw edema (P<.01), histological damage, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and markedly reduced the degree of bone resorption, soft tissue swelling and osteophyte formation, improving articular function in treated animals. Acute inflammation, induced by carrageenan, was also evaluated for hydroxytyrosol-supplemented refined olive oils at 0.5 and 5 mg/kg. Both doses significantly reduced paw edema (P<.001). Our results suggest that the supplementation of refined olive oil with hydroxytyrosol may be advantageous in rheumatoid arthritis with significant impact not only on chronic inflammation but also on acute inflammatory processes.

Chemical characterization of a red raspberry fruit extract and evaluation of its pharmacological effects in experimental models of acute inflammation and collagen-induced arthritis.

Berries are an important dietary source of fibres, vitamins, minerals and some biologically active non-nutrients. A red raspberry fruit extract was characterized in terms of phenolic content and the anti-inflammatory properties and protective effects were evaluated in two experimental models of inflammation. The antioxidant potential of the extract, the cellular antioxidant activity and the effects over neutrophils' oxidative burst were also studied to provide a mechanistic insight for the anti-inflammatory effects observed. The extract was administered in a dose of 15 mg kg(-1), i.p. and significantly inhibited paw oedema formation in the rat. The same dose was administered via i.p. and p.o. routes in the collagen-induced arthritis model in the rat. The extract showed pharmacological activity and was able to significantly reduce the development of clinical signs of arthritis and markedly reduce the degree of bone resorption, soft tissue swelling and osteophyte formation, preventing articular destruction in treated animals.

Evaluation of cardiovascular protective effect of different apple varieties - Correlation of response with composition.

Epidemiological evidence supports the concept that diets rich in fruits and vegetables promote health and attenuate or delay the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In particular, a reduced risk of CVD has been associated with apple consumption, probably due to the cholesterol-lowering effect of the main bioactive compounds, namely fibre and polyphenols. In this work, the effect of diet supplementation with 20% of three Portuguese apple cultivars (Bravo de Esmolfe, Malápio Serra and Golden), containing distinct phenolic and fibre concentrations, on serum lipid profile and oxLDL of male Wistar rats fed a cholesterol-enriched diet (2%) was evaluated. After 30 days, only Bravo de Esmolfe apple was able to decrease significantly serum levels of triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol concentrations (reductions of 27.2%, 21.0% and 20.4%, respectively, in relation to the cholesterol-enriched diet group, P<0.05). The levels of oxLDL were also significantly improved with the consumption of this apple variety (reductions of 20.0% and 11.9%, in relation to the cholesterol-enriched diet group and control group, respectively, P>0.05) as well as with Malapio da Serra apple (reductions of 9.8% in relation to the cholesterol-enriched diet group, P<0.05). Correlation of the bioactive response with chemical composition showed that catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B1 and ß-carotene are the major phytocompounds responsible for the cholesterol lowering ability of apples. The antioxidant potential may have also contributed to this beneficial effect.

From psychosomatic to psychological medicine: what's the future?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent research findings into putative psychobiological mechanisms of emotional disorders as the future development of psychosomatic medicine are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies reinforce the communication between the immune and central nervous systems and identify the large set of peptide and nonpeptide neurotransmitters and ligands they share. Cytokines are seen as humoral mediators that may explain the interaction between endocrine and immune systems. The hypothalamic-pituitary axis has been investigated as part of the regulatory circuits that interact with autonomic regulation to expose immunologic processes related to stress or depression, and also to several diseases. Immune dysregulation and psychological distress have been linked to each other in disease, chronic stress, bereavement and other major life events. Research findings in depressive disorders and cancer may generate new theoretical paradigms in psychosomatic medicine. SUMMARY: The clinical understanding and management of distress or emotional disorders associated with physical illness may change in future because of the results of interdisciplinary research, where environmental factors will be integrated with psychological and biological systems, mainly of endocrine or neuroimmunological nature. The ultimate goal of psychosomatic medicine may be the integration of different levels of individual functioning on a systemic basis.

Uso da oxigenoterapia hiperbárica em pacientes de um serviço de reumatologia pediátrica / Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in patients of a pediatric rheumatology service

A oxigenoterapia hiperbárica consiste na respiração de oxigênio puro sob pressão maior que uma atmosfera e vem sendo empregada no tratamento adjuvante de lesões ulceradas de várias etiologias. Foram analisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de seis pacientes atendidos no Ambulatório de Reumatologia Pediátrica do Instituto da Criança do Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP entre 1996 e 2002, submetidos à oxigenoterapia hiperbárica. Esse procedimento foi indicado pela presença de osteomielite crônica e lesões ulceradas (por vasculite ou infecção) que não responderam ao tratamento habitual. Dois pacientes apresentaram poliarterite nodosa cutânea, dois osteomielite crônica multifocal recorrente, um esclerodermia cutânea difusa e um pioderma gangrenoso. Cinco pacientes eram do sexo feminino (idade variou de 6 a 13,2 anos). As sessões de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica foram realizadas sob pressões que variaram de 2,4 a 2,8 atmosferas absolutas, com duração de duas horas. O número mínimo de sessões foi 18 e o máximo 80. Em cinco pacientes houve completa cicatrização das lesões. A paciente com esclerodermia cutânea abandonou o tratamento após a décima oitava sessão, pois retornou a sua cidade natal, com melhora parcial das lesões cutâneas. O principal evento adverso durante as sessões foi otalgia, após as primeiras sessões, que desapareceu com diminuição da pressão dentro da câmara e da duração da sessão. Não foram observados perfuração timpânica ou outros eventos adversos. A oxigenoterapia hiperbárica foi eficaz e bem tolerada nos pacientes com doenças reumatológicas e lesões vasculíticas ulceradas ou infectadas e osteomielite crônica.

Influence of the antibiotic timentin on plant regeneration of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars.

Cotyledon explants of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cvs 'Santa Clara', 'Firme' mutant, 'IPA-5' and 'IPA-6') were excised from 8- to 10-day-old in vitro-grown seedlings. Four different shoot induction media supplemented with timentin (300 mg l-1) were screened. When cotyledon explants were cultured on MS-based medium with 1.0 mg l-1 zeatin plus 0.1 mg l-1 IAA and supplemented with timentin, higher regeneration frequencies and a greater number of elongated shoots were obtained. It was observed that timentin caused an increase in the morphogenesis of in vitro cotyledon explants of tomato cultivars. In two of three cultivars tested, rooting of shoots was positively influenced, both in the presence and absence of timentin in the rooting medium, among shoots regenerated from explants derived from timentin-supplemented medium. The results confirm those of a previous investigation on the beneficial effects of this class of antibiotics on tomato regeneration and, consequently, its reliability for use in the transformation of this species.