Comparison of Gambier Extract (Uncaria Gambier Robx) and Angiotensin Receptor Blocker on Proteinuria Reduction and Antioxidants - Enhancement in Nephrotic Rat Models.

Background: Proteinuria is a significant clinical manifestation that causes edema in several diseases, including Nephrotic Syndrome (NS). Untreated proteinuria is strongly linked to the progression of kidney failure. One of the adjuvant therapies could be used to reduce proteinuria such as Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) including Losartan®. Gambier is a traditional medicinal plant widely known for its antioxidant effects. Catechin, a compound contained in Gambier Extract (GE), has been used to reduce microalbuminuria in diabetics. However, its application in NS has not been widely studied. Objective: This study compared the effects of GE and ARB in reducing proteinuria and increasing antioxidant activity levels, as well as reported histopathological findings in the nephrotic Wistar rat model. Methods: An experimental design study with a control group and a posttest was conducted. The experimental animals were divided into four groups: the control group (K1), the group with puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) injection (K2), the group with PAN injection + GE (K3), and the group with PAN injection + Losartan® (K4). The standard GE used was Sarie Uncariae® by Toyo Brothers, PT while the ARB (Losartan®) was obtained from Novell, PT. Protein urine, the activity level of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed using the colorimetric method. Renal histopathology was assessed based on Rollerman's criteria. Results: Gambier extract significantly reduced proteinuria, as depicted by a decrease in protein/volume urine (p = 0.009), increased antioxidant activity, as illustrated by an elevation in T-SOD activity levels (p = 0.007), and tended to decrease MDA levels compared to Losartan®. Based on histopathological findings, GE tended to reduce the percentage of kidney damage in rats induced by puromycin. Conclusion: Gambier extract has been shown a higher antioxidant effect by increasing T-SOD activity levels, reducing proteinuria and also exhibiting a tendency to diminish kidney damage.

Burnout: evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of TARGET 1® for professional fatigue syndrome (burnout).

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of a dietary supplement (TARGET 1®: a combination of casozepine, taurine, Eleutherococcus senticosus and extramel) on burnout symptomatology. METHODS: A 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in workers engaged in professional contact with patients, students or clients. All were affected by burnout syndrome based on a score of ≥4 on the Burnout Measure Scale (BMS-10). The primary outcome measure was the change in the BMS-10 score; secondary outcome measures included the change in the Maslach's Burnout Inventory scale-Human Service Survey (MBI-HSS) score and the Beck Depression Inventory. Five scores were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-seven participants were enrolled in the study: 44 received the active formulation (verum group); 43 received placebo. After 12 weeks' supplementation, the placebo group showed significant improvements in scores for BMS-10, MBI-HSS fatigue and the Beck Depression Inventory, but MBI-HSS depersonalization and task management were not improved; the verum group showed significant improvements in all five scores. The verum group consistently showed significantly greater improvements in scores than the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: TARGET 1® significantly improved the symptoms of burnout after 12 weeks' use.

Anti-inflammatory activity of various superoxide dismutases on polyarthritis in the Lewis rat.

The anti-arthritic activity of four superoxide dismutases (SODs) has been compared by using the adjuvant-induced polyarthritis rat model. Many of the clinical signs observed in the rat closely resemble those of human rheumatic diseases and the Fiessinger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome. An original protocol and various approaches allowed study of the evolution of long term (30-90 days) SOD treatment. Results are relevant to clinical application: human and bovine Cu-SODs are fully active during secondary and tertiary arthritic reaction; homologous rat Cu-SOD is active only transiently at the end of the secondary reaction; human Mn-SOD is active only on the second stage of arthritic reaction. It should be noted that bovine and human SODs slightly delay the appearance of bony damage. These data were confirmed by the scintigraphic study. Finally it is noteworthy that drug pharmacological activity decreases when the blood level of anti-SOD antibodies increases. This indicates the existence of an immunological reaction following SOD administration.