Conociendo las propiedades del Eucalipto, ¿un alivio para la tos? / Knowing the properties of Eucalyptus, ¿a cough relief?

El eucalipto se ha empleado popularmente para tratar afecciones respiratorias. Muchas veces en nuestras consultas como médicos de familia, los pacientes con problemas respiratorios nos preguntan sobre esta práctica y sus efectos en la salud. Por esto, decidimos hacer una búsqueda de la evidencia disponible. Luego de realizar una búsqueda bibliográfica y seleccionar la evidencia más reciente y de mejor calidad, podemos decir, que el eucalipto tuvo un efecto estadísticamente significativo en comparación con el placebo en cuanto a los síntomas relacionados con la tos como así también en su frecuencia. Igualmente, concluimos que estos efectos del eucalipto sobre la tos en procesos respiratorios agudos, deberían tomarse con precaución, siempre informando a nuestros pacientes sobre la evidencia actual limitada disponible, sin olvidar las creencias de cada persona para la toma de decisiones (AU)

Eucalyptus has been popularly used to treat respiratory conditions. Many times in our consultations as family doctors, patients with respiratory problems ask us about this practice and its effects on health. For this reason, we decided to do a search of the available evidence. After conducting a literature search and selecting the most recent and best-quality evidence, we can say that eucalyptus had a statistically significant effect compared to placebo in terms of cough-related symptoms as well as their frequency . Likewise, we conclude that these effects of eucalyptus on coughing in acute respiratory processes should be taken with caution, always informing our patients about the limited current evidence available, without forgetting each person's beliefs for decision-making (AU)

In vitro inhibition of glucose gastro-intestinal enzymes and antioxidant activity of hydrolyzed collagen peptides from different species.

The growing value of industrial collagen by-products has given rise to interest in extracting them from different species of animals. Intrinsic protein structure variation of collagen sources and its hydrolysis can bring about different bioactivities. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the differences in vitro biological potential of commercial bovine (BH), fish (FH), and porcine hydrolysates (PH) regarding their antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. All samples showed percentages above 90% of protein content, with high levels of amino acids (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline), responsible for the specific structure of collagen. The BH sample showed a higher degree of hydrolysis (DH) (8.7%) and a higher percentage of smaller than 2 kDa peptides (74.1%). All collagens analyzed in vitro showed inhibition of pancreatic enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), with the potential to prevent diabetes mellitus. The PH sample showed higher antioxidant activities measured by ORAC (67.08 ± 4.23 µmol Trolox Eq./g) and ABTS radical scavenging (65.69 ± 3.53 µmol Trolox Eq./g) methods. For the first time, DNA protection was analyzed to hydrolyzed collagen peptides, and the FH sample showed a protective antioxidant action to supercoiled DNA both in the presence (39.51%) and in the absence (96.36%) of AAPH (reagent 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)). The results confirmed that the source of native collagen reflects on the bioactivity of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, probably due to its amino acid composition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Our data provide new application for collagen hydrolysates with hypoglycemiant and antioxidant activity. These data open discussion for future studies on the additional benefits arising from collagen peptide consumption for the prevention of aging complications or hyperglycemic conditions as observed in chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus type II (DM 2). The confirmation of these results can open new market areas for the use of collagen with pharmacological applications or to produce new supplements. Furthermore, provides a solution for waste collagen from meat industries and adds value to the product.

Effectiveness of vancomycin plus cloxacillin compared with vancomycin, cloxacillin and daptomycin single therapies in the treatment of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in a rabbit model of experimental endocarditis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate if the addition of cloxacillin to vancomycin enhances the activity of both monotherapies for treating MSSA and MRSA experimental endocarditis (EE) in rabbits. METHODS: Vancomycin plus cloxacillin was compared with the respective monotherapies and daptomycin. In vitro time-kill studies were performed using standard (105 cfu) and high (108 cfu) inocula of five MRSA, one glycopeptide-intermediate (GISA) and five MSSA strains. One MSSA (MSSA-678) and one MRSA (MRSA-277) strain were selected to be used in the in vivo model. A human-like pharmacokinetics model was applied and the equivalents of cloxacillin 2 g/4 h IV and daptomycin 6 mg/kg/day IV were administered. To optimize vancomycin activity, dosage was adjusted to achieve an AUC/MIC ≥400. RESULTS: Daptomycin sterilized significantly more vegetations than cloxacillin (13/13, 100% versus 9/15, 60%; P = 0.02) and showed a trend of better activity than vancomycin (10/14, 71%; P = 0.09) and vancomycin plus cloxacillin (10/14, 71%; P = 0.09) against MSSA-678. Addition of cloxacillin to vancomycin (13/15, 87%) was significantly more effective than vancomycin (8/16, 50%; P = 0.05) and showed similar activity to daptomycin (13/18, 72%; P = 0.6) against MRSA-277. In all treatment arms, the bacterial isolates recovered from vegetations were re-tested and showed the same daptomycin susceptibility as the original strains. CONCLUSIONS: Vancomycin plus cloxacillin proved synergistic and bactericidal activity against MRSA. Daptomycin was the most efficacious option against MSSA and similar to vancomycin plus cloxacillin against MRSA. In settings with high MRSA prevalence, vancomycin plus cloxacillin might be a good alternative for empirical therapy of S. aureus IE.

Identification of Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme-Inhibitory and Anticoagulant Peptides from Enzymatic Hydrolysates of Chicken Combs and Wattles.

Peptides from protein hydrolysate of a mixture of chicken combs and wattles (CCWs) were obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis, and their anticoagulant and inhibitory effects on angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) were investigated. The protein hydrolysate exhibited anticoagulant capacity by the intrinsic pathway (activated partial thromboplastin time) and potent ACE-inhibitory activity. The peptides were sequenced by LC-MS to identify those with higher inhibitory potential. From the pool of sequenced peptides, the following three peptides were selected and synthesized based on their low molecular weight and the presence of amino acids with ACE-inhibitory potential at the C-terminus: peptide I (APGLPGPR), peptide II (Piro-GPPGPT), and peptide III (FPGPPGP). Peptide III (FPGPPGP) showed the highest ACE-inhibitory capacity among the peptides selected. In conclusion, a peptide (FPGPPGP) of unknown sequence was identified as having potent ACE-inhibitory capacity. This peptide originated from unconventional hydrolysates from poultry slaughter waste, including combs and wattles.

Microencapsulation performance of Fe-peptide complexes and stability monitoring.

Iron supplementation presents several challenges, such as low bioavailability, high reactivity and a metallic taste. Iron absorption is enhanced by complexing with organic compounds such as peptides, while microencapsulation is an alternative to protect the mineral and mask undesirable flavors. Fe-peptide complexes were obtained by reacting small whey peptides (< 5 kDa) with iron (from ferrous sulfate) under controlled conditions. Maltodextrin (MD) and polydextrose (PD) were used as the wall materials and spray dried to form particles containing the active Fe-peptide. The conditions of enzymatic hydrolysis with the bacterial endopeptidase produced from Bacillus licheniformis were optimized to achieve a high degree of cleavage (~20% degree of hydrolysis). The physicochemical and structural properties of the microparticles were evaluated during storage (365 days). The encapsulation process showed high efficiency (84%) and process yield (≥90%). The iron dialyzability and uptake by Caco-2 cells from microparticles were at least 3-fold higher than the ferrous sulfate. The water content and water activity varied from 3.0 to 5.7% and from 0.29 to 0.44, respectively, after 365 days. SEM revealed morphological stability during storage and EDX showed the presence of iron ions at the surface of the microparticles, which could be free or complexed. The microparticles can be an alternative of higher bioavailable iron besides the further protection and iron stability which the microparticles may present when compared with the Fe-peptide complexes. Future studies could demonstrate the feasibility of applying these microparticles in formulation for food supplementation, concerning bioavailability and sensory aspects.

Short communication: Identification of iron-binding peptides from whey protein hydrolysates using iron (III)-immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography and reversed phase-HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry.

Peptides with iron-binding capacity obtained by hydrolysis of whey protein with Alcalase (Novozymes, Araucaria, PR, Brazil), pancreatin, and Flavourzyme (Novozymes) were identified. Hydrolysates were subjected to iron (III)-immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography, and the bound peptides were sequenced by mass spectrometry. Regardless of the enzyme used, the domains f(42-59) and f(125-137) from ß-lactoglobulin enclosed most of identified peptides. This trend was less pronounced in the case of peptides derived from α-lactalbumin, with sequences deriving from diverse regions. Iron-bound peptides exhibited common structural characteristics, such as an abundance of Asp, Glu, and Pro, as revealed by mass spectrometry and AA analysis. In conclusion, this characterization of iron-binding peptides helps clarify the relationship between peptide structure and iron-chelating activity and supports the promising role of whey protein hydrolysates as functional ingredients in iron supplementation treatments.

Ultrasonically enhanced extraction of bioactive principles from Quillaja Saponaria Molina.

A study of ultrasonic enhancement in the extraction of bioactive principles from Quillaja Saponaria Molina (Quillay) is presented. The effects influencing the extraction process were studied through a two-level factorial design. The effects considered in the experimental design were: granulometry, extraction time, acoustic Power, raw matter/solvent ratio (concentration) and acoustic impedance. It was found that for aqueous extraction the main factors affecting the ultrasonically-assisted process were: granulometry, raw matter/solvent ratio and extraction time. The extraction ratio was increased by Ultrasonics effect and a reduction in extraction time was verified without any influence in the product quality. In addition the process can be carried out at lower temperatures than the conventional method. As the process developed uses chips from the branches of trees, and not only the bark, this research contributes to make the saponin exploitation process a sustainable industry.

Morfometria de fibroblastos e fibrócitos durante o processo cicatricial na pele de coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia Branco tratados com calêndula / Morphometry of fibroblasts and fibrocytes during wound healing in the skin of rabbits of the New Zeland White breed treated with marigold

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a capacidade cicatrizante da calêndula (Calendula officinalis L.) sobre feridas cutâneas experimentais, em 15 coelhos, distribuídos em três grupos denominados: excipiente, calêndula e controle. Cada animal foi submetido à uma incisão cirúrgica de 6cm de comprimento, lateral à coluna vertebral e suturada no padrão U. Os produtos avaliados foram colocados sobre as incisões durante sete dias na quantidade de 0,1ml (loção cremosa não-iônica - grupo excipiente; tintura de calêndula a 5 por cento - grupo calêndula) e nos animais do grupo controle não se utilizou nenhum produto. A biópsia de pele foi realizada no 1º, 3º, 5º e 7º dia após a incisão cirúrgica para avaliação morfométrica do processo cicatricial, analisando-se o número de fibroblastos e fibrócitos. A morfometria foi realizada por meio de microscópio óptico adaptado a um sistema computadorizado de análise de imagens. De acordo com os resultados, a calêndula propiciou obtenção dos maiores valores médios das células envolvidas no processo cicatricial, os fibroblastos, deduzindo que a mesma, inferiu uma resposta mais satisfatória na cicatrização em relação aos demais tratamentos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the scarring capability of marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) on experimental skin wounds in 15 rabbits, distributed in three groups: excipient, marigold and control. Each animal was subjected to a surgical incision measuring 6cm in length, laterally to the spinal column and sutured in U-shape. Products evaluated were placed on the incisions for 7 days, at a rate of 0.1ml (nonionic creamy lotion - excipient group; 5 percent marigold extract) and no treatment was provided to control animals. Skin biopsy was performed on 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after wounding, for morphometric and cicatricial process evaluations. The morphometry was performed with an optical microscope adapted to a computadorized picture analysis system. The results showed that marigold allowed the highest growth rate in cells directly involved in the cicatricial process, the fibroblasts and fibrocytes and can therefore be considered the most satisfactory on the wound healing in comparison to the other treatments.

Effect of different hydrolysates of whey protein on hepatic glutathione content in mice.

This study was designed to compare the effects of diets prepared with enzymatic hydrolysate of a whey protein concentrate (WPC) by pancreatin, protamex (Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), and alcalase proteases on the hepatic glutathione content in mice. The undenatured WPC was produced in a pilot plant by membrane technology (microfiltration/diafiltration) after separation of the casein clot through a conventional process. All three hydrolysates with 20% degree of hydrolysis showed an amino acid profile similar to WPC. Male A/J mice were fed on diets containing 20% WPC or hydrolysates. Commercial casein was used as a reference protein in the biological assays. The glutathione content was determined after liver extraction through high-performance capillary electrophoresis. WPC and its pancreatin and protamex hydrolysates showed higher ability to stimulate liver glutathione synthesis than alcalase hydrolysate. This difference was probably related to an amino acid sequence in the peptides that were formed during hydrolysis of whey proteins. Commercial casein and WPC alcalase hydrolysate produced lower stimulation of liver glutathione synthesis (7.09 and 5.66 micromol/g of wet weight) compared with WPC and pancreatin and protamex hydrolysates (8.72, 8.71, and 8.45 micromol/g of wet weight, respectively). These results indicate that the hydrolysates obtained by treatment with pancreatin and protamex are good sources of peptides with activity to stimulate glutathione synthesis.

Mantenimientos realizados en la Facultad de Odontología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, entre 1997 y 1998: evaluación de historias clínicas / Maintenance therapy in patients attending the school of dentistry at Javeriana University: evaluation of clinical histories

ANTECEDENTES: el mantenimiento es la última fase del tratamiento y la más importante; en éste se quiere conservar al paciente en salud y minimizar los riesgos de recidiva. Por esto, debe ser completamente integral, abarcando todas las ramas de la odontología. PROPÓSITO: con este trabajo de investigación se pretendió conocer la importancia que se da al mantenimiento en la facultad de odontología por parte de los alumnos y docentes, conociendo el número de mantenimiento por área ( periodontal, operatoria, protésica), evaluados si son realizados correctamente según las necesidades del paciente desertan de la consulta odontológica. METODOS: para ello se tomaron las historias clínicas entregadas entre 1997 y 1998 (10.966), de las cuales 1.144 equivalían a mantenimientos, ya que las demás se encontraban extraviadas. RESULTADOS: del total de la muestra, se encontró que el 93/100 de los pacientes se realizaron mantenimientos de tratamientos periodontales (el 83/100 equivalía a control de placa bacteriana. El 56/100 a raspaje y alisado radicular y el 4/100 a mantenimientos de cirugía). Del total de la muestra, en el 85/100 se realizaron mantenimiento de operatoria (el 18/100 equivalía a sellantes, el 38//100 a resinas y el 62/100 a amalgamas). También se conoció que el 27.86/100 eran mantenimientos de tratamientos protésicos el 13/100 equivalió a coronas individuales, el 11/100 a prótesis removibles y un 3/100 a prótesis totales). Los pacientes desertaron en un 1/100 y se realizaron mantenimientos integrales en un 16/100.