Eficácia de óleos vegetais no controle do biofilme dental: revisão integrativa / Efficacy of vegetable oils in control of dental biofilm: integrative review / Eficacia de los aceites vegetales en el control de biofilm dental: revision integrativa

Introdução:A terapia de bochecho com óleos vegetais é uma cultura tradicional na Índia com intuito de prevenir afecções bucais, como cárie e doença periodontal. Atualmente, com as mudanças nos padrões alimentares da sociedade, tem-se empregado com maior valor o uso de óleos naturais, já que estudos demonstram sua importância para saúde.Objetivo:Esta revisão integrativa teve como objetivo selecionar evidências que mostrassem a utilização de óleos vegetais, com ação antimicrobiana, no controle do biofilme dental. Metodologia:O levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado nos meses de julho e agosto de 2020, por meio de pesquisa por via eletrônica, consultando-se o banco de dados Pubmed e SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online). Foram utilizados os descritores: Óleos vegetais, agentes antimicrobianos, Placa dental, Odontologia preventiva e Odontologia, os descritores foram usados separadamente e em cruzamento com o operador boleano AND. Utilizou-se os seguintes critérios de inclusão: Estudos clínicos, artigos completos e disponíveis gratuitamente, publicados no período de 2010 a 2020 em português e/ou inglês, e indexados nas bases de dados já citadas. Foram excluídos os trabalhos de conclusão de curso, dissertações, teses, livros e capítulos de livros, além de artigos duplicados e que não abordaram o tema do estudo.Resultados:Atenderam os critérios da pesquisa 04 estudos do tipo clínico randomizado, os quais mostraram eficiência dos óleos vegetais utilizados no controle do biofilme dental. A realização de pesquisas envolvendo e motivando a industrialização de produtos naturaiscontribui para a Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares.Conclusões:Os artigos analisados mostraram eficácia na utilização de óleos vegetais no controle do biofilme dental, sendo esses aplicados clinicamente,não mostrando prejuízo aos participantes e indicados como coadjuvante na manutenção da saúde bucal (AU).

Introduction:Mouthwash therapy with vegetable oils is a traditional culture in India with the aim of preventing oral diseases, such as caries and periodontal disease. Currently, with the changes in the dietary patterns of society, the use of natural oils has been used with greater value, since studies demonstrate its importance for health.Objective:This integrative review aimed to select evidence that showed the use of vegetable oils, with antimicrobial action, in the control of dental biofilm. Methodology:Thebibliographic survey was carried out in July and August 2020, through electronic research, consulting the Pubmed and SciELO database (Scientific Electronic Library Online). The descriptors were used: Vegetable oils, antimicrobial agents, dental plaque, preventive dentistry and dentistry, the descriptors were used separately and in cross-section with the Boolean operator AND. The following inclusion criteria were used: Clinical studies, complete and freely available articles, published between 2010 and 2020in Portuguese and / or English, and indexed in the databases already cited. Course completion papers, dissertations, theses, books and book chapters were excluded, as well as duplicate articles that did not address the subject of the study. Results:Four studies of randomized clinical type met the research criteria, which showed efficiency of vegetable oils used in the control of dental biofilm. Conducting research involving and motivating the industrialization of natural products contributes to the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices.Conclusions:The analyzed articles showed efficacy in the use of vegetable oils in the control of dental biofilm, which were applied clinically without showing any harm to the participants and indicatedas an adjunct in maintaining oral health (AU).

Introducción: La terapia de enjuague bucal con aceites vegetales es una cultura tradicional en India con el objetivo de prevenir enfermedades bucales, como caries y enfermedad periodontal. Actualmente, con los cambios en los patrones dietéticos de la sociedad, se ha utilizado con mayor valor el uso de aceites naturales, ya que los estudios demuestran su importancia para la salud. Objetivo: Esta revisión integradora tuvo como objetivo seleccionar evidencias que mostraran el uso de aceites vegetales, con acción antimicrobiana, en el control del biofilm dental.Metodología: El relevamiento bibliográfico se realizó en julio y agosto de 2020, mediante investigación electrónica, consultando la base de datos Pubmed y SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online). Se utilizaron los descriptores: Aceites vegetales, agentes antimicrobianos, placa dental, odontología preventiva y odontología, los descriptores se utilizaron por separado y en corte transversal con el operador booleano AND. Se utilizaron los siguientes criterios de inclusión: Estudios clínicos, artículos completos y de libre acceso, publicados entre 2010 y 2020 en portugués y / o inglés, e indexados en las bases de datos ya citadas. Se excluyeron trabajos de finalización de curso, disertaciones, tesis, libros y capítulosde libros, así como artículos duplicados que no abordaran el tema de estudio. Resultados: Cuatro estudios de tipo clínico aleatorizado cumplieron con los criterios de investigación, los cuales mostraron la eficiencia de los aceites vegetales utilizados enel control del biofilm dental. Realizar investigaciones que involucren y motiven la industrialización de productos naturales contribuye a la Política Nacional de Prácticas Integrativas y Complementarias.Conclusiones: Los artículos analizados mostraron eficacia en el uso de aceites vegetales en el control del biofilm dental, los cuales fueron aplicados clínicamente sin mostrar daño a los participantes e indicados como coadyuvante en el mantenimiento de la salud bucal (AU).

An overview of chitosan and its application in infectious diseases.

Infectious diseases, such as the coronavirus disease-19, SARS virus, Ebola virus, and AIDS, threaten the health of human beings globally. New viruses, drug-resistant bacteria, and fungi continue to challenge the human efficacious drug bank. Researchers have developed a variety of new antiviral and antibacterial drugs in response to the infectious disease crisis. Meanwhile, the development of functional materials has also improved therapeutic outcomes. As a natural material, chitosan possesses good biocompatibility, bioactivity, and biosafety. It has been proven that the cooperation between chitosan and traditional medicine greatly improves the ability of anti-infection. This review summarized the application and design considerations of chitosan-composed systems for the treatment of infectious diseases, looking forward to providing the idea of infectious disease therapy.

Immunological regulatory effect of flavonoid baicalin on innate immune toll-like receptors.

As an essential component of the innate immune system, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of well-recognized ligand-binding receptors found in various organisms and initiate host immune responses. Activation of TLRs signaling pathways lead to the induction of numerous genes that function in host defense. Baicalin is a natural compound from the dry raw root of Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) and it has been found to exhibit several pharmaceutical actions, such as anti-inflammation, anti-tumor and antivirus. These biological activities are mainly related to the regulatory effect of baicalin on the host immune response. In this review, we provide an overview of the regulation of baicalin on TLRs signaling pathways in various pathological conditions, and highlight potential targets for the development of the regulatory effect of natural compound from traditional Chinese medicine on innate immune system.

Lactoferrin: A Critical Player in Neonatal Host Defense.

Newborn infants are at a high risk for infection due to an under-developed immune system, and human milk has been shown to exhibit substantial anti-infective properties that serve to bolster neonatal defenses against multiple infections. Lactoferrin is the dominant whey protein in human milk and has been demonstrated to perform a wide array of antimicrobial and immunomodulatory functions and play a critical role in protecting the newborn infant from infection. This review summarizes data describing the structure and important functions performed by lactoferrin in protecting the neonate from infection and contributing to the maturation of the newborn innate and adaptive immune systems. We also briefly discuss clinical trials examining the utility of lactoferrin supplementation in the prevention of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn infants. The data reviewed provide rationale for the continuation of studies to examine the effects of lactoferrin administration on the prevention of sepsis in the neonate.

Impact of Allergy and Resistance on Antibiotic Selection for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Older Women.

OBJECTIVES: To review the impact of antibiotic allergy and resistance in older women with recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) as determinants for a suitable oral antibiotic treatment choice. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of women 65 years old and older with documented RUTIs (≥3 UTI/y) and trigonitis on cystoscopy was reviewed. Demographic data, known drug allergies, renal function, antibiotic susceptibility of most recent urine culture, allergy, or resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), fluoroquinolones, and nitrofurantoin were obtained. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2014, 86 women with RUTIs met study criteria. Mean age was 77.9 ± 7.8, with 94% being Caucasian. An estimated glomerular filtration rate >30 mL/min was noted in 94%. The percentage of women allergic, resistant, or both allergic and resistant to TMP-SMX was 33%, 29%, and 15%, to fluoroquinolones was 14%, 34%, and 8.1%, or nitrofurantoin was 16%, 14%, and 5%, respectively. Twenty-eight percent (24 of 86) of women who were allergic and/or resistant to TMP-SMX and fluoroquinolones were sensitive to nitrofurantoin. Twenty percent (17 of 86) were allergic and/or resistant to all 3 antibiotics. Women who were allergic or resistant to TMP-SMX had a significantly higher number of other antibiotic resistances compared with women sensitive to TMP-SMX (4.9 ± 3.6 vs 2.1 ± 2.3; P < .0001). Similarly, women with fluoroquinolone allergy or resistance had significantly more antibiotic resistances than those who were fluoroquinolone sensitive (5.8 ± 3.5 vs 2.3 ± 2.5; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Because of allergy and/or antibiotic resistance, several first-line antibiotics are not available for many older women with RUTIs. In nearly a third of women, nitrofurantoin was the only viable alternative.

Potencial antimicrobiano de extratos glicólicos vegetais sobre bactérias anaeróbias / Antimicrobial potential of plant glycolic extracts on anaerobic bacteria

A resistência microbiana aos antibióticos disponíveis é preocupação constante, devido à dificuldade no tratamento de infecções causadas por cepas resistentes, em decorrência do uso indiscriminado de antimicrobianos. Assim, a busca por terapias antimicrobianas alternativas tem sido crescente e necessária, sendo a fitoterapia umas das opções de escolha. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a atividade antibacteriana de extratos glicólicos de Achyrocline satureioides (macela), Cynara scolymus (alcachofra), Hamamelis virginiana (hamamelis) e Persea americana (abacateiro), pelos períodos de 5 min e 24 h de exposição sobre bactérias anaeróbias Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, Porphyromonas endodontalis e Porphyromonas gingivalis, em culturas planctônica e biofilmes. As bactérias armazenadas a -80ºC foram ativadas em caldo Brucella enriquecido (hemina 1%, menadiona 1% e sangue de carneiro desfibrinado 5%) e incubadas em câmara de anaerobiose por 48 h a 37ºC por sete dias. A partir de culturas puras, o teste de microdiluição em caldo foi conduzido em microplacas por meio de suspensões bacterianas padronizadas em solução fisiológica estéril (NaCl 0,9%) e diluições dos extratos em caldo, sendo as placas incubadas por 48 h a 37ºC em anaerobiose. Alíquotas de cada poço foram semeadas em ágar Brucella enriquecido. Após incubação, a Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) foram determinadas. As concentrações efetivas de cada extrato foram aplicadas sobre os biofilmes de cada espécie, formados em microplacas a partir de suspensões bacterianas puras padronizadas na escala 0,5 de McFarland. As microplacas foram incubadas por sete dias a 37ºC para formação dos biofilmes, sendo o meio trocado a cada 48 h. Os biofilmes foram tratados por 5 min e 24 h. Em seguida, foram lavados e desprendidos por homogeneizador ultrassônico. As suspensões diluídas foram adicionadas em ágar Brucella enriquecido. Após 48 h, as Unidades Formadoras de Colônia por mililitro (UFC/mL) foram determinadas. Os resultados foram analisados por ANOVA e teste de Tukey ou por Kruskal-Wallis e teste Dunns, ambos com nível de significância de 5% (p≤0,05). Sobre as culturas planctônicas, a CIM e CBM dos extratos foi determinada apenas para F. nucleatum. A CBM dos extratos de A. satureioides, C. scolymus e P. americana foi obtida sobre P. micra. Não foi obtida atividade bactericida para P. endodontalis e P. gingivalis. Sobre biofilmes, todas as espécies apresentaram reduções significativas quando expostas aos extratos em ambos os tempos. Pode-se concluir que os extratos testados apresentaram efeito bacteriostático sobre F. nucleatum. Atividade bactericida dos extratos foi observada sobre F. nucleatum, bem como sobre P. micra, exceto para H. virginiana. Os extratos avaliados também apresentaram efeito antibiofilme sobre F. nucleatum, P. micra, P. endodontalis e P. gingivalis por 5 min e 24 h de exposição(AU)

Microbial resistance to antibiotics available is constant concern, due to the difficulty in treating infections caused by resistant strains as a result of the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials. Thus, the search for antimicrobial alternative therapies has been growing and necessary, being one option the herbal medicine. The objective of the present study was to analyze the antibacterial activity to Achyrocline satureioides glycolic extracts (macela), Cynara scolymus (artichoke), Hamamelis virginiana (Witch-Hazel) and Persea americana (avocado), for periods of 5 min and 24 h from exhibition on anaerobic bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontalis in planktonic communities and biofilms. Bacteria stored at -80°C have been activated in Brucella broth enriched (hemin 1%, menadione 1% and defibrinated sheep blood 5%) and incubated in anaerobiose chamber for 48 h at 37° C for seven days. From pure cultures, the microdiluição test in broth was conducted in microplates through standardized bacterial suspensions in sterile saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) and dilution of the extracts in broth, being incubated plates for 48 h at 37° C in anaerobiosis. Aliquots of each well were sown in Brucella agar enriched. After incubation, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined. Effective concentrations of each extract were applied on the biofilms of each species, formed in microplates from pure bacterial suspensions in 0.5 McFarland scale standard. The microplates were incubated for 7 days at 37°C for the formation of biofilms, being the culture medium replaced every 48 h. Biofilms were treated for 5 min and 24 h have been washed and given off by ultrasonic homogenizer. Dilute suspensions were added in Brucella agar enriched. After 48 h, the Colony Forming Units per milliliter (CFU/ml) were determined. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test, or Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunns, both with a significance level of 5% (p ≤ 0.05). On the planktonic cultures, CIM and CBM of extracts was determined only to F. nucleatum. The CBM of the extracts of A. satureioides, C. scolymus and P. americana was obtained on P. micra. Bactericidal activity was not obtained for P. endodontalis and P. gingivalis. About biofilms, all species exhibited significant reductions when exposed to the extracts in both times. It can be concluded that the extracts tested showed bacteriostatic effect on F. nucleatum. Bactericidal activity of extracts was observed on F. nucleatum and P. micra, except for H. virginiana. The extracts evaluated also presented antibiofilme effect on F. nucleatum, P. micra, P. endodontalis and P. gingivalis for 5 min and 24 h(AU)

Antibacterial Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree essential oil) on Bacteria of the Dental Biofilm

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of tea tree EO on Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), S. salivarius (ATCC 7073) and Lactobacillus rhaminosus (ATCC 9595). Material and Methods: The antibacterial activity of M. alternifolia EO was evaluated by the broth dilution method, by which minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) were determined. Serial dilutions range from 70243.90 µg/mL to 26.14 µg/mL. The MIC evaluation was performed in 96-well microplates, in which 100 µL of Brain Heart Infusion (BHI), 100 µL of the EO dilution and 5 µL of the inoculum (final concentration = 5x105 CFU/mL) were inserted. After 24 h of incubation, MIC was determined as the lowest concentration capable of inhibiting microbial growth, identified by the resazurin reaction (100 µg/mL). CBM was identified by the absence of subculture growths (50 µL) of dilutions equal to or greater than MIC. Tests were performed in triplicate and at three different times (n = 9). Pharmacological controls (0.05% and 0.12% Chlorhexidine), growth and sterility were used to validate the results. Results: The MIC of M. alternifolia compared to S. mutans, S. salivarius and L. rhaminosus was 1940.16 µg/mL, 3977.34 µg/mL and 3977.34 µg/mL, respectively. The MBC values were 70243.90 µg/mL, 3977.34 µg/mL and 34265.31 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The essential oil of M. alternifolia presented antibacterial activity against the microorganisms evaluated when in high concentration.

Clinical Benefits of Milk Fat Globule Membranes for Infants and Children.

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in breast milk contains many bioactive components. Infant formulas traditionally have been devoid of the MFGM fraction, but dairy technology now has made the addition of bovine MFGM technically feasible. We identified 6 double-blinded randomized controlled trials exploring the effects of MFGM supplementation on the diets of infants or children. Results suggest that supplementation is safe and indicate positive effects on both neurodevelopment and defense against infections. MFGM supplementation of infant formula may narrow the gap in cognitive performance and infection rates between breastfed and formula-fed infants. Because of the small number of studies and the heterogeneity of interventions, more high-quality double-blinded randomized controlled trials are needed, with well characterized and clearly defined MFGM fractions, before firm conclusions on the effects of MFGM supplementation on the health and development of infants can be drawn.

Neutrophils and arthritis: Role in disease and pharmacological perspectives.

The inflammatory response in the joint can induce an intense accumulation of leukocytes in the tissue that frequently results in severe local damage and loss of function. Neutrophils are essential cells to combat many pathogens, but their arsenal can contribute or aggravate articular inflammation. Here we summarized some aspects of neutrophil biology, their role in inflammation and indicated how the modulation of neutrophil functions could be useful for the treatment of different forms of arthritis.

Potencial antimicrobiano dos antissépticos de uso popular anapyon®, água rabelo® e malvatricin® sobre microrganismos do meio ambiente oral / Antimicrobial Potential of the Popular Antiseptics Anapyon®, Água Rabelo® and Malvatricin® against Oral Microorganisms

Objetivo: Verificar, ?in vitro?, o potencial antimicrobiano do Anapyon®, da Água Rabelo® e do Malvatricin® sobre microrganismos presentes na cavidade oral.Método: Para realização do experimento, utilizou-se o protocolo sequenciado durante quatro dias que avaliou, através da medida da densidade óptica, o potencial antimicrobiano dos fármacos nos microrganismos (Staphylococcus aureus, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis e Candida albicans), em suas formas planctônicas, apenas o Malvatricin® foi avaliado sobre as formas de biofilme por ser o único fármaco que apresentou resultados satisfatórios sobre as formas planctônicas. O estudo adotou como controle negativo a água destilada e controle positivo a Clorexidina®. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos a uma análise estatística com os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Observou-se, através da medida da densidade óptica, que apenas o Malvatricin® apresentou bons resultados na forma planctônica, sendo estes semelhantes ao controle positivo (clorexidina), considerado padrão nos ensaios antimicrobianos em Odontologia. Os resultados do Malvatricin® foram estatisticamente melhores quando comparados aos demais fármacos (Anapyon®, Água Rabelo®) e ao controle negativo. Este resultado foi semelhante para todos os microrganismos estudados: Staphylococcus aureus (p=0,002), Candida tropicalis (p=0,002), Candida parapsilosis (p=0,001) e Candida albicans (p<0,001). Desta forma, apenas o Mavatricin® foi testado para o microrganismo arranjado em biofilme. Observou-se, então, que para a C.albicans e para o S. aureus, houve diferença significativa entre clorexidina e Malvatricin® (p<0,05), com melhores resultados para o clorexidina. Para C. tropicalis, o Malvatricin® diferiu significativamente (p<0,05) da água destilada. Em relação a C.parapsilosis, nenhuma diferença foi observada em relação ao controle negativo (p=0,468). Conclusão: Apesar de alguns fármacos alternativos serem tidos como antimicrobianos, tais propriedades sobre células planctônicas e, principalmente, sobre biofilme foram observadas apenas para o Malvatricin®.

Objective: To evaluate in vitro the antimicrobial potential of Anapyon®, Água Rabelo and Malvatricin® against oral microorganisms.Method: The experiment used a four-day sequential protocol that evaluated by optical density measurements the antimicrobial potential of these products against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans in their planktonic forms. Only Malvatricin® was also evaluated against microbial biofilms because it was the only one to produce satisfactory results against the planktonic forms. Distilled water was used as negative control and Chlorhexidine® as positive control. The data were analyzed statistically by the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: According to the optical density readings, only Malvatricin® was effective against the planktonic microorganisms and its results were similar to those of the positive control (Chlorhexidine), which is the gold standard antimicrobial agent in dental research. Malvatricin® presented significantly higher efficacy than the other antiseptics (Anapyon® and Água Rabelo®) and the negative control, and this result was similar for all tested microorganisms: S. aureus (p=0.002), C tropicalis (p=0.002), C. parapsilosis (p=0.001) and C. albicans (p<0.001). For this reason, only Malvatricin® was evaluated against the microorganisms arranged as biofilms. Chlorhexidine presented significantly better results (p<0.05) than Malvatricin® against C. albicans and S. aureus. When tested against C. tropicalis, Malvatricin® differed significantly (p<0.05) from distilled water, while against C. parapsilosis no significant difference (p=0.468) was observed in comparison with the negative control. Conclusion: Although some pharmaceutical products being considered anti-microbial, such properties against planktonic cells and especially the biofilms were observed only for Malvatricin®.

The role of vitamin D in prevention and treatment of infection.

Vitamin D is well known for its classic role in the maintenance of bone mineral density. However, vitamin D also has an important "non-classic" influence on the body's immune system by modulating the innate and adaptive immune system, influencing the production of important endogenous antimicrobial peptides such as cathelicidin, and regulating the inflammatory cascade. Multiple epidemiological studies in adults and children have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk and greater severity of infection, particularly of the respiratory tract. Although the exact mechanisms by which vitamin D may improve immune responses to infection continue to be evaluated, vitamin D supplementation trials of prevention and adjunct therapy for infection are underway. Given its influence on the immune system and inflammatory cascade, vitamin D may have an important future role in the prevention and treatment of infection.

Avaliação in vitro da atividade antimicrobiana dos componentes de um enxaguatório bucal contendo malva / In vitro antimicrobial activity of the components of a mouthwash containing malva sylvestris

Objetivo: Avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro dos componentes (tirotricina, quinosol e tintura de malva) de um enxaguatório bucal contendo malva (Malvatricin®) sobre Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. e um pool de micro-organismos da cavidade bucal. Método: Para a verificação do potencial antimicrobiano do enxaguatório bucal contendo malva (Malvatricin®) e de seus diferentes componentes, a metodologia utilizada foi a da difusão em ágar-cilindro em placas. Utilizaram-se dez placas com ágar Brain Heart Infusion para cada micro-organismo e foram testadas as seguintes soluções: Malvatricin®, tirotricina, quinosol e tintura de malva. Como controle positivo foi utilizada uma solução de clorexidina 0,12%. As placas foram incubadas por 24 horas a 37°C em anaerobiose. Após 24 horas, mensuraram-se os diâmetros das zonas de inibição. Utilizou-se o teste de Kruskal-Wallis, seguido pelo teste de comparações múltiplas, quando indicado, para comparar o efeito de cada substância sobre os micro-organismos testados. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: Sobre Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus e um pool de micro-organismos da cavidade bucal, Malvatricin® apresentou valores de medianas 23,47; 8,61 e 11,23, respectivamente. O quinosol apresentou resultado semelhante ao de Malvatricin®, mostrando-se efetivo para inibir o crescimento microbiano de todos os micro-organismos (27,17; 9,33; 12,53). A tirotricina (0; 5,66; 0) e a tintura de malva (0; 0; 4,29) apresentaram pouca ou nenhuma atividade antimicrobiana. A clorexidina apresentou as maiores zonas de inibição frente a todos os micro-organismos testados (30,06; 15,54; 20,89). Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que, dentre os componentes presentes na composição do produto comercial Malvatricin®, a substância quinosol apresenta a maior atividade antimicrobiana frente aos micro-organismos testados. E que a atividade antimicrobiana verificada para o produto comercial provavelmente deva-se à ação da substância quinosol, presente em sua composição.

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the components (tyrothricin, hydroxyquinoline and Malva sylvestris tincture) of a mouthwash containing Malva sylvestris (Malvatricin®) against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. and a pool of oral microorganisms. Method: In order to verify the antimicrobial potential of the Malva sylvestris-containing mouthwash (Malvatricin®) and its different components, was used the cylinder-agar diffusion plate methodology. Ten plates with Brain Heart Infusion agar were used for each microorganism and the following solutions were tested: Malvatricin®, tyrothricin, hydroxyquinoline and Malva sylvestris tincture. The positive control was a 0.12% chlorhexidine solution. The plates were incubated for 24 hours at 37°C in anaerobiosis. After 24 hours, the diameters of bacterial growth inhibition zones were measured. The Kruskal-Wallis test and the multiple-comparisons test (when required) were used to compare the effect of each substance against the test microorganisms. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Malvatricin® presented medians of 23.47, 8.61 and 11.23, respectively, against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. and a pool of oral microorganisms. Hydroxyquinoline showed similar result to Malvatricin®, being effective to inhibit the growth of all microorganisms (27.17, 9.33 and 12.53, respectively). Tyrothricin (0, 5.66, 0, respectively) and Malva sylvestris tincture (0, 0, 4.29, respectively) showed little or no antimicrobial activity. Chlorhexidine produced the largest inhibition zones against the tested microorganisms (30.06, 15.54, 20.89, respectively). Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that among all components of Malvatricin®, hydroxyquinoline presented the greatest antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms, and that the antimicrobial activity of the commercial product is likely due to the action of the hydroxyquinoline present in its composition

Preparation of a single-chain variable fragment and a recombinant antigen-binding fragment against the anti-malarial drugs, artemisinin and artesunate, and their application in an ELISA.

Two different recombinant antibodies, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) and an antigen-binding fragment (Fab), were prepared against artemisinin (AM) and artesunate (AS) and were developed for use in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The recombinant antibodies, which were derived from a single monoclonal antibody against AM and AS (mAb 1C1) prepared by us, were expressed by Escherichia coli cells and their reactivity and specificity were characterized. As a result, to obtain sufficient signal in indirect ELISA, a much greater amount of a first antibody was needed in the use of scFv due to the differences of the secondary antibody and conformational stability. Therefore, we focused on the development of the recombinant Fab antibodies and applied it to indirect competitive ELISA. The specificity of the Fab was similar to that of mAb 1C1 in that it showed specific reactivity toward AM and AS only. The sensitivity of the icELISA (0.16 µg/mL to 40 µg/mL for AM and 8.0 ng/mL to 60 ng/mL for AS) was sufficient for analysis of antimalarial drugs, and its utility for quality control of analysis of Artemisia spp. was validated. The Fab expression and refolding systems provided a good yield of high-quality antibodies. The recombinant antibody against AM and AS provides an essential component of an economically attractive immunoassay and will be useful in other immunochemical applications for the analysis and purification of antimalarial drugs.

Herbal plants and their derivatives as growth and health promoters in animal nutrition.

The purpose of this review is to summarize the effectiveness, modes of action and commercial application of herbal plants and their derivatives as growth promoters for animal. Feed supplements are a group of feed ingredients that can cause a desired animal response in a non-nutrient role such as pH shift, growth, or metabolic modifier (Hutjens, 1991). Common feed additives used in animal diets include immunostimulators, antimicrobials, antioxidants, pH control agents and enzymes. Herbal plants, are a new class of growth promoters and in recent years this feed additives have gained extensive attention in the feed industry. They are a wide variety of herbs, spices, and products derived thereof, and are mainly essential oils. Although numerous reports have demonstrated antioxidative and antimicrobial and immune stimulation efficacy in vitro, respective experimental in vivo evidence is still quite limited. A limited number of experimental comparisons of herbal plants feed additives with antibiotics or organic acid have suggested similar effects on the animal gut microflora. Gut microflora has significant effects on host nutrition, health, and growth performance by interacting with nutrient utilization and the development of gut system of the host. In addition, some phytogenic compounds seem to promote intestinal mucus production. However, the future of using herbs in animal feeding will in great measure depend on the knowledge of chemical structure, their value and characteristics of practical herbs or their extract physiological needs and well-being of animal, and, above all on consumer's preferences and expectations.

Immunomodulatory effect of Aegle marmelos leaf extract on freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio infected by bacterial pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila.

CONTEXT: Aquatic organisms (especially fish) require potent defense mechanisms to protect themselves against pathogen invasion and disease formation. The use of immunostimulants in fish culture can prevent the diseases through augmentation of both specific and non-specific immunity. OBJECTIVE: A study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of different dietary doses of Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Corr. Serr. (Rutaceae) leaf extract for the immune response and the disease resistance of the freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio Linn. (Cyprinidae) infected by Aeromonas hydrophila Chester (Aeromonadaceae). MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: Hematological, specific immune response, non-specific immune response and enzyme assay studies were performed on fish and were scrutinized after 50 days of feeding trial. RESULTS: Fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila at a dose of 1.5 × 10(4) cells/mL through intraperitoneal injection, and the hematological changes, the immune response, the enzyme activity and the disease resistance of Cyprinus carpio against the pathogen were also studied for 20 days at 5-day intervals. DISCUSSION: The results obtained from the study demonstrated that the fish fed with leaf extract of Aegle marmelos incorporated into feed significantly enhanced the red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, phagocytic activity, nitroblue tetrazolium chloride assay, lysozyme, pathogen clearance and enzyme activity compared with the control group. The survivability was higher in the fish which consumed leaf extract-incorporated feed, and the fish group fed with 5 g diet showed highest percentage survival of the fish. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that Aegle marmelos stimulates the immunity and makes the freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio more resistant to Aeromonas hydrophila.

Vitamin D and host resistance to infection? Putting the cart in front of the horse.

Vitamin D is being touted as an anti-infective agent and it has even been suggested that vitamin D supplementation could be effective against the H1N1 influenza virus. The claims are largely based on the ability of vitamin D to induce antibacterial peptides and evidence that the immune system produces active vitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) in situ. While there are many examples of immune production of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in vitro, there is little in vivo evidence. In addition, it is not clear what role immune production of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) has on the course of disease. Vitamin D and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) inhibit T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th17-mediated immune responses and autoimmune diseases by acting on the innate and acquired immune system to inhibit the function of Th1 and Th17 cells. Th1 and Th17 cells are important in host resistance to many infections including tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Paradoxically the innate immune system is induced to produce antibacterial peptides that are effective against TB in vitro. Data from several models of infection have so far not supported a role for vitamin D in affecting the course of disease. There is also very little evidence that vitamin D affects the course of human TB infection. Experiments have not been done in cells, mice or humans to evaluate the effect of vitamin D on influenza virus. At this time it would be premature to claim that vitamin D has an effect on TB, influenza or any other infection.

Effect of propolis, some isolated compounds and its source plant on antibody production.

Propolis is a beehive product with a very complex chemical composition, widely used in folk medicine because of its several therapeutic activities. Its biological properties and chemical composition may vary according to the geographic location and to the different plant sources. The possible mechanism of action of propolis as well as of its active compounds has been the subject of researchers in recent years. In this work, first we reported the results of our study on the seasonal effect of the immunomodulatory action of propolis on antibody production in bovine serum albumin (BSA)-immunized rats. Then, we compared the effect of Brazilian and Bulgarian propolis, some isolated compounds and Baccharis extract on anti-BSA antibody levels. Based on the results, we conclude that propolis stimulates antibody production, independently of the season and geographic origin. Caffeic acid, quercetin and Baccharis extract had no effect on antibody production, although the importance of isolated compounds is well reported in other biological assays. Propolis action is a consequence of plant-derived products with synergic effects, while isolated compounds or extracts from its plant sources had no effect in this assay.

The effect of herbal remedies on the production of human inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

BACKGROUND: Some herbal remedies are sold as food additives and are believed to have immune-enhancing properties. OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of five herbal remedies--Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract, Sambucol Active Defense Formula and Sambucol for Kids (with known antiviral properties), Protec and Chizukit N (containing propolis and Echinacea, claimed to be immune enhancers)--on the production of cytokines, one of the main components of the immune system. METHODS: The production of four inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL-6 and IL-8) and one anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) was tested using blood-derived monocytes from 12 healthy donors. RESULTS: The Sambucol preparations increased the production of five cytokines (1.3-6.2 fold) compared to the control. Protec induced only a moderate production of IL-8 (1.6 fold) and IL-10 (2.3 fold) while Chizukit N caused only a moderate increase in IL-10 production (1.4 fold). Both Protec and Chizukit N caused moderate decreases in IL-1 beta, TNF alpha and IL-6 production. Lipopolysaccharide, a known activator of monocytes, induced the highest levels of cytokine production (3.6-10.7 fold). CONCLUSIONS: The three Sambucol formulations activate the healthy immune system by increasing inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines production, while the effect of Protec and Chizukit N is much less. Sambucol could therefore have immunostimulatory properties when administered to patients suffering from influenza (as shown before), or immunodepressed cancer or AIDS patients who are receiving chemotherapy or other treatments.

Corticostatins/defensins inhibit in vitro NK activity and cytokine production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Corticostatins/defensins are a family of cationic peptides recently isolated from phagocytotic cells of the myeloid lineage. Natural killer (NK) cells are spontaneously cytotoxic large granular lymphocytes that are involved in immunosurveillance against cancer and infections. Their activity is modulated by hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. We wished to determine whether two human corticostatins/defensins, HP-1 and HP-4, are able to change in vitro the spontaneous NK activity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the responses either to the stimulatory cytokines immune interferon (IFN-gamma) or interleukin 2 (IL-2) and to the inhibitory hormone cortisol. NK cell activity was measured in a 4-h direct cytotoxicity assay with K562 cells as a target. HP-1 and HP-4 (10 (-8) -10 (-9) M) significantly inhibited the spontaneous and cytokine-inducible NK activity, and increased the cortisol-dependent inhibition. Radioimmunoassay of HPLC purified fractions obtained from sonicated NK cells showed HP-1 in the two cell preparations examined. We also evaluated the effects of HP-1 and HP-4 (10 (-8) M -10(-9) M) upo IFN-gamma and interleukin 6 (IL-6) production by PBMC stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or concanavalin A (ConA). IFN-gamma was titrated with the biological assay using WISH cells as indicators and vescicular stomatitis virus (VSV) as the challenge virus. IL-6 was measured using an enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay. Both HP-1 and HP-4 significantly reduced cytokine production. Our data indicate that corticostatins/defensins are novel modulators of lymphocyte functions in vitro. Their immunodepressing properties could add complexity and plasticity to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-cytokine circuits in vivo.

[A study of clinical significance of leukocyte migration inhibition test in drug-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis].

In 71 patients suspected of drug-induced pneumonitis, the identification of the allergenic drugs were studied by leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT). The LMIT was positive in 61 cases (85.9%). Leukocyte migration activating factor (LMAF) was detected in 22 cases (30.9%), and leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LMIF) in 39 cases (54.9%), which was found significantly higher than LMAF (p < 0.05). There was no considerable difference in the LMIT-positive rate between interstial and eosinophilic pneumonia. The LMIT-positive drugs were detected in 66 of all 180 suspected drugs, in which 33 drugs (50%) were antibacterial agents and 11 were Kampo prescriptions. beta-Lactam antibiotics accounted for about half the number (16 drugs) in antibacterial agents. LMAF was detected more frequently in beta-lactam antibiotics-induced pneumonitis, which LMIF was detected more often in Kampo prescriptions-induced pneumonitis (p < 0.005). Furthermore, the latent period from drug initial to the onset of pneumonitis were about 10 days in beta-lactam antibiotics-induced pneumonitis and a few months in Kampo prescriptions-induced pneumonitis (p < 0.001). Our findings indicate that LMIT is valuable to identify the allergenic drugs in drug-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis and that delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), with which LMIF is related closely, plays a major role in the pathogenesis of this lung lesion. Furthermore, the pathogenic mechanism of beta-lactam antibiotics-induced pneumonitis may be different from that of Kampo prescriptions-induced pneumonitis.