Anti-inflammatory potential of Portuguese thermal waters.

In light of Medical Hydrology, thermal waters (TW) are all-natural mineral waters that emerge inside a thermal resort and have therapeutic applications. Their beneficial effect has been empirically recognized for centuries, being indicated for symptom alleviation and/or treatment of several diseases, almost all associated with inflammation. Indeed, an anti-inflammatory effect has been attributed to many different Portuguese TW but there is no scientific validation supporting this empiric knowledge. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of 14 TW pertaining to thermal centers located in the Central Region of Portugal, and grouped according to their ionic profile. Mouse macrophage cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a Toll-like receptor 4 agonist, were exposed to culture medium prepared in TW. Metabolism, nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression levels and the scavenging capacity of TW, were investigated in vitro. 11 out of 14 TW reduced NO production and/or iNOS expression, and/or scavenging activity, in macrophages exposed to LPS. The sulphated/calcic TW did not show any effect on at least one of the inflammatory parameters evaluated. Two sulphurous/bicarbonate/sodic TW and the sulphurous/chlorinated/sodic TW promoted an increase in NO production and/or iNOS expression. Our results validate, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory properties of Portuguese TW, supporting their therapeutic use in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases and promoting their putative application in cosmetic products and medical devices.

Zinc, manganese, and copper amino acid complexes improve performance and bone characteristics of layer-type chicks under thermoneutral and cold stress conditions.

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of mineral-amino acid complexes (AACM) as a partial replacement of inorganic mineral (IM) in layer-type chicks' diets. Both studies had the same dietary treatments, where in experiment 1 (Exp. 1) was conducted under thermoneutral conditions from 0 to 35 D and chicks in experiment 2 (Exp. 2) were exposed to cold stress conditions at nighttime during the first 15 D and to thermoneutral condition from 16 to 35 D. For each trial, 1,200 one-day-old Lohmann Brown chicks were used, with 20 cage replicates with 30 chicks per cage. Treatments consisted of the control diet (IM; with 70, 70, and 8 mg/kg of zinc [Zn], manganese [Mn], and copper [Cu], respectively) and the treatment diet (AACM, with 40, 40, and 2.75 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively, from IM sources, along with 30, 30, and 5.25 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively). Data were submitted to analysis of variance, and means were compared using the t-test (P < 0.05). In Exp. 1, there were no significant differences between treatments on chick performance. However, AACM-fed chicks had higher thymus (P = 0.03) and cecum weight (P < 0.01), superior micromineral deposition in the tibias (P < 0.01), and reduced phosphorus excretion (P = 0.03). In Exp. 2, chicks fed with AACM had higher body weight gain (P = 0.04), better average daily feed intake (P = 0.03), lower phosphorus excretion (P = 0.02), and higher liver and pancreas weight (P < 0.01) in the last week of the study. In conclusion, chicks fed with AACM under thermoneutral conditions had higher bone mineralization and reduced excretion of phosphorus, and in adverse conditions, AACM improves performance and liver and pancreas weight, also reducing phosphorus excretion.

Migraña: efectividad del tratamiento quirúrgico: revisión de la literatura / Migraine headache: effectiveness of surgical treatment: review of the literature

Resumen La migraña afecta a un porcentaje importante de la población y los síntomas pueden interferir con calidad de vida de manera importante. A pesar de los avances en el manejo médico, existe una proporción de pacientes que no responden adecuadamente a la intervención farmacológica. En los últimos años, se han planteado nuevos enfoques en el tratamiento de la migraña. Éstos se basan en la teoría que ramas sensoriales extracraneales del trigémino y de los nervios espinales cervicales pueden irritarse, atraparse o comprimirse en algún punto a lo largo de su trayecto, generándose una cascada de eventos fisiológicos que finalmente resulta en la migraña. Se ha demostrado que la inyección diagnóstica y terapéutica de toxina botulínica y la descompresión quirúrgica de estos puntos gatillos reducen o eliminan las migrañas en pacientes que no responden adecuadamente a la intervención farmacológica y siguen sintomáticos. La evidencia que respalda la eficacia y seguridad de la descompresión quirúrgica de los puntos de gatillos periféricos se está acumulando rápidamente, y la tasa de éxito general de la cirugía se acerca a 90%. Este trabajo revisa la evidencia clínica y pretende proporcionar un artículo sobre el estado actual de la técnica en el tratamiento quirúrgico de las migrañas.

Migraine headaches affect a significant percentage of the population and the symptoms can interfere with quality of life in an important way. Despite advances in medical management, there is a proportion of patients who do not respond adequately to the pharmacological intervention. In recent years, new approaches have been proposed in the treatment of migraine. These are based on the theory that extracranial sensory branches of the trigeminal and cervical spinal nerves can become irritated, trapped or compressed at some point along their path, generating a cascade of physiological events that ultimately results in migraine. It has been shown that the diagnostic and therapeutic injection of botulinum toxin and the surgical decompression of these trigger points reduce or eliminate migraines in patients who do not respond adequately to the pharmacological intervention and remain symptomatic. The evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of surgical decompression of peripheral trigger points is rapidly accumulating, and the overall success rate of surgery approaches 90%. This paper reviews the clinical evidence and aims to provide an article on the current state of the art in the surgical treatment of migraines.

Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor is higher after combat training (Randori) than incremental ramp test in elite judo athletes.

Elite judo demands high levels of physical and psychological skills. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be of particular interest in sports medicine for its ability to promote neuroplasticity. We investigated the plasma BDNF before and after a judo training session (Randori) and the maximal incremental ramp test (MIRT) in athletes from the Brazilian national judo team and compared the results between both exercise stimuli and sexes. Fifty-six elite judo athletes were recruited who performed each task on a separated day. Anthropometric, physiological, athletic parameters, and plasma BDNF levels were measured before and after the tasks (Randori and MIRT). The groups presented similar anthropometric and physiological characteristics at baseline for the two tasks. All athletes reached maximal performance for the tasks. Plasma levels of BDNF increased significantly after Randori and MIRT for all subjects, both men and women. When comparing both exercise stimuli, a greater increase in BDNF was observed after Randori. There was no significant difference in the delta BDNF between sexes. Our findings indicate that training specificity of sport gestures influenced the increase of blood BDNF levels.

Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor is higher after combat training (Randori) than incremental ramp test in elite judo athletes

Elite judo demands high levels of physical and psychological skills. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be of particular interest in sports medicine for its ability to promote neuroplasticity. We investigated the plasma BDNF before and after a judo training session (Randori) and the maximal incremental ramp test (MIRT) in athletes from the Brazilian national judo team and compared the results between both exercise stimuli and sexes. Fifty-six elite judo athletes were recruited who performed each task on a separated day. Anthropometric, physiological, athletic parameters, and plasma BDNF levels were measured before and after the tasks (Randori and MIRT). The groups presented similar anthropometric and physiological characteristics at baseline for the two tasks. All athletes reached maximal performance for the tasks. Plasma levels of BDNF increased significantly after Randori and MIRT for all subjects, both men and women. When comparing both exercise stimuli, a greater increase in BDNF was observed after Randori. There was no significant difference in the delta BDNF between sexes. Our findings indicate that training specificity of sport gestures influenced the increase of blood BDNF levels.

In vitro screening of cell bioenergetics to assess mitochondrial dysfunction in drug development.

Drug-induced mitochondrial toxicity is considered as a common cellular mechanism that can induce a variety of organ toxicities. In the present manuscript, 17 in vitro mitochondrial toxic drugs, reported to induce Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) and 6 non-mitochondrial toxic drugs (3 with DILI and 3 without DILI concern), were tested in HepG2 cells using a bioenergetics system. The 17 mitochondrial toxic drugs represent a wide variety of mitochondrial dysfunctions as well as DILI and include 4 pairs of drugs which are structurally related but associated with different DILI concerns in human. Cell bioenergetics were measured using the XF96e analyzer which simultaneous monitor oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), indirect measurements of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, respectively. OCR associated with ATP production, maximal respiration, proton leak and spare respiratory capacity, were also assessed. Duplicate experiments resulted in a sensitivity of 82% (14/17) and specificity of 83% (5/6). The addition of stressors improved specificity considerably. Cut-offs, statistics and rules are clearly discussed to facilitate the use of this assay for screening purposes. Overall, the authors consider that this assay should be part of the battery of safety screening assays at early stages of drug development.

Profiling of antioxidant potential and phytoconstituents of Plantago coronopus / Avaliação do potencial antioxidante e perfil fitoquímico do Plantago coronopus

Abstract The halophyte species Plantago coronopus has several described ethnomedicinal uses, but few reported biological activities. This work carried out for the first time a comparative analysis of P. coronopus organs in terms of phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of organic and water extracts from roots, leaves and flowers. The leaves contents in selected nutrients, namely amino acids and minerals, are also described. Roots (ethyl acetate and methanol extracts) had the highest radical scavenging activity (RSA) towards 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, while leaves (hexane extract) had higher RSA on nitric oxide radical and iron chelating ability. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified eighteen phenolics from which salicylic acid and epicatechin are here firstly described in Plantago species. Leaves had mineral levels similar to those of most vegetables, proving to be a good source for elements like calcium, sodium, iron and magnesium, and also for several of the essential amino acids justifying it use as food. Our results, especially those regarding the phenolics composition, can explain the main traditional uses given to this plantain and, altogether, emphasize the potential of P. coronopus as a source of bioactive molecules particularly useful for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases.

Resumo A espécie halófita Plantago coronopus tem vários usos etnomedicinais já descritos, mas em relação à bioatividade a informação é escassa. Este trabalho efetuou, pela primeira vez, uma análise comparativa dos órgãos de P. coronopus em termos de compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante de extratos orgânicos e aquosos provenientes das raízes, folhas e flores da planta, bem como o conteúdo de determinados nutrientes, aminoácidos e minerais, nas folhas da planta. As raízes (extratos de acetato de etila e metanol) apresentaram a maior atividade de captação para os radicais 1,1-difenil-2-picril hidrazil (DPPH) e 2,2'-azino-bis(3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfónico) (ABTS), enquanto as folhas (extrato de hexano) mostraram maior atividade captadora para o radical óxido nítrico bem como maior capacidade quelante do ferro. A análise por cromatografia liquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) identificou dezoito compostos fenólicos e, destes, o ácido salicílico e a epicatequina são aqui descritos pela primeira vez em espécies de Plantago. As folhas desta planta halófita mostraram ainda conter minerais em níveis semelhantes aos da maioria dos vegetais, provando ser uma boa fonte de elementos como o cálcio, sódio, ferro e magnésio, bem como de vários dos aminoácidos essenciais o que justifica seu uso na alimentação. Os resultados, particularmente aqueles relacionados à composição fenólica, podem justificar os principais usos medicinais atribuídos a esta espécie e, na sua totalidade, demonstram o potencial de P. coronopus como fonte de moléculas bioativas particularmente úteis na prevenção de doenças relacionadas com estresse oxidativo.

Profiling of antioxidant potential and phytoconstituents of Plantago coronopus.

The halophyte species Plantago coronopus has several described ethnomedicinal uses, but few reported biological activities. This work carried out for the first time a comparative analysis of P. coronopus organs in terms of phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of organic and water extracts from roots, leaves and flowers. The leaves contents in selected nutrients, namely amino acids and minerals, are also described. Roots (ethyl acetate and methanol extracts) had the highest radical scavenging activity (RSA) towards 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, while leaves (hexane extract) had higher RSA on nitric oxide radical and iron chelating ability. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified eighteen phenolics from which salicylic acid and epicatechin are here firstly described in Plantago species. Leaves had mineral levels similar to those of most vegetables, proving to be a good source for elements like calcium, sodium, iron and magnesium, and also for several of the essential amino acids justifying it use as food. Our results, especially those regarding the phenolics composition, can explain the main traditional uses given to this plantain and, altogether, emphasize the potential of P. coronopus as a source of bioactive molecules particularly useful for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases.

The use of papain gel cream and sunflower oil in promoting healing in a wound in dogs: three case reports / Uso de gel creme de papaína na cicatrização de feridas em cães: relato de três casos

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme removed from the leaves of green papaya and/or latex. This enzyme is widely known as a medicinal fruit used extensively in human medicine for the treatment of wounds of various etiologies. However, studies and reports in veterinary medicine are scarce. Another herbal drug widely used in wound healing is Sunflower oil (Helianthus annus). It has inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which stimulate the local neovascularization, promoting tissue granulation, cell migration, fibroblast proliferation, and differentiation. Three dogs were treated with infected necrosis wounds, considered large, extent, and severe, with varied etiology. All cases were treated with papain gel with the exception of one dog, which was given the sunflower oil at the end of the treatment. Papain gel shows effectiveness in the treatment of wounds especially with wound debridement and removal of necrotic tissue. In addition, the healing time was shorter when compared to the treatment with sunflower oil. Finally, the herbal drugs have a low cost and high accessibility. This study contributes to create a new research regarding the use of this drug in animal wound healing.(AU)

A papaína é uma enzima proteolítica retirada do mamão-papaia verde e/ou do látex das folhas do mamoeiro, tendo propriedades medicinais conhecidas na medicina humana para tratamento de feridas de diversas etiologias. Estudos e/ou relatos na medicina veterinária são escassos. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se descrever três casos de cães, que foram atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Lavras, Brasil, todos com feridas infectadas, necrosadas, com etiologia variada e consideradas de grande extensão e gravidade, sendo tratados com gel de papaína. O tratamento demonstrou efetividade na recuperação das feridas, com a formação de grande quantidade de tecido de granulação, em um período menor que os tratamentos convencionais. Por se tratar de um fitoterápico, de baixo custo e alta acessibilidade, o gel de papaína pode ser utilizado no tratamento de feridas de grande extensão em cães e, assim como em humanos, parece ter um efeito benéfico no processo de cicatrização. Pesquisas devem ser conduzidas para elucidar a ação desse produto nos tecidos, bem como as diferentes concentrações a serem administradas.(AU)

Oral physiology, nutrition and quality of life in diabetic patients associated or not with hypertension and beta-blockers therapy.

The relationship between type 2 diabetes oral physiology, nutritional intake and quality of life has not been fully elucidated. We assessed the impact of type 2 diabetes - exclusive or associated with hypertension with beta-blockers treatment - on oral physiology, mastication, nutrition and quality of life. This cross-sectional study was performed with 78 complete dentate subjects (15 natural teeth and six masticatory units minimum; without removable or fixed prostheses), divided into three groups: diabetics (DM) (n = 20; 45·4 ± 9·5 years), diabetics with hypertension and receiving beta-blockers treatment (DMH) (n = 19; 41·1 ± 5·1 years) and controls (n = 39; 44·5 ± 11·7 years) matched for gender, age and socioeconomic status. Blood glucose, masticatory performance, swallowing threshold, taste, food intake, stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow, pH and buffering capacity of saliva were assessed. Glycemia was higher in DM than in controls (P < 0·01). No differences were observed between DM and controls for nutrition and quality of life. Both stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rate were lower in DMH (P < 0·01), which also presented the lowest number of teeth and masticatory units (P < 0·0001), and reduction in the number of chewing cycles (P < 0·01). Controls showed lower Decayed Missing Filled Teeth index (DMFT) scores in comparison with DMH (P = 0·021). Masticatory performance and saliva buffering capacity were similar among groups. Exclusive type 2 diabetes did not alter oral physiology, nutrition or quality of life. However, when hypertension and beta-blockers treatment were associated with diabetes, the salivary flow rate, chewing cycles and number of teeth decreased.

Isolation and identification of toxigenic and non-toxigenic fungi in samples of medicinal plants from the market / Isolamento e identificação de fungos toxigênicos e não toxigênicos em amostras plantas medicinais do comércio

ABSTRACT: The consumption of preparations of medicinal plants has been increasing during the last decades in occidental societies. The presence of toxigenic fungi in a plant product may represent a potential risk of contamination, because of aflatoxins and ochratoxins. In this study, 12 samples of medicinal plants were analyzed in relation to the level of fungal contamination, and the presence of producers of ochratoxin A and aflatoxins was assessed by visualization of fungi using a cromatovisor in coconut milk. Most of the species found belong to the genus Cladosporium, Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium. Species producing ochratoxin A were present in 2 samples (16.7%), Melissa and Hibiscus. Species producing aflatoxin were found in samples of Jacaranda decurrens (8.33%). This study suggests that herbs, if stored improperly, can provide the growth of fungi and should be examined before consumption.

RESUMO: O consumo das plantas medicinais vem aumentando nas últimas décadas nas sociedades ocidentais, porém, a presença de fungos toxigênicos nestas plantas pode representar um risco em potencial de contaminação devido à produção de aflatoxinas e ocratoxinas. Neste trabalho, 12 amostras de plantas medicinais foram analisadas em relação ao nível de contaminação por fungos, enquanto a presença de produtores de ocratoxina A e aflatoxinas foi avaliada pela visualização em cromatovisor dos fungos em meio de leite de coco. A maioria das espécies encontradas pertence aos gêneros Cladosporium, Fusarium, Aspergillus e Penicillium. Espécies produtoras de ocratoxina A estavam presentes em 2 amostras (16,7%), Melissa e Hibisco. Espécies produtoras de aflatoxina foram encontradas na amostra de Carobinha (8,33%). Este trabalho sugere que as ervas, sendo armazenadas inadequadamente, proporcionam o crescimento de fungos e, por isso, estes devem ser examinados antes do consumo.

Productive performance, meat quality and fatty acid profile of steers finished in confinement or supplemented at pasture.

Thirty Aberdeen Angus crossbred steers (281 ± 16 kg) were used to test the effect of finishing feeding system on growth performance, meat quality and fatty acid (FA) profile in intramuscular fat. Steers were fed in confinement (forage:concentrate ratio of 50 : 50; DM basis) or with different levels of energy supplementation (0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2% BW) at pasture (Avena strigosa Schreb and Lolium multiflorum L.). There were no differences between treatments for ADG (average=1.60 kg/day), hot carcass weight (HCW) (average=229 kg) and subcutaneous fat depth (average=3 mm). Dressing % (P=0.06; tendency) and carcass ADG (P=0.02) linearly increased with level of supplementation for pasture steers. No differences were observed between treatments for tenderness, marbling, pH, color b*, or cooking loss and drip loss in samples of Longissimus dorsi. However L* increased linearly (P=0.05) with level of supplementation. The concentrations of myristic, palmitic, estearic and linoleic FA did not differ among treatments. The concentration of n-3 FA increased (P<0.001) in steers at pasture compared with confinement, but n-6 FA concentrations did not differ between feeding system. Supplementation up to 0.4% BW increase (P<0.001) conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and linolenic FA concentrations in intramuscular fat when compared with confinement. The level of supplementation on pasture linearly decreased (P<0.001) n-3 and CLA and linearly increased (P=0.001) the n-6 : n-3 ratio. Finishing of steers grazing winter pasture with energy supplementation or in confinement fed a medium-concentrate diet did not affect meat quality (tenderness, marbling, parameter b* on the CIE L*a*b* scale, cooking and drip losses) except for a* and L*. However, intramuscular fat of animals finished at pasture with moderate level of supplementation compared to animals fed in confinement had greater concentration of CLA, linolenic, and n-3, and lower n-6 : n-3 in intramuscular fat.

Protective effect of leptin and ghrelin against toxicity induced by amyloid-ß oligomers in a hypothalamic cell line.

In addition to cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients also exhibit an unexplained weight loss that correlates with disease progression. In young and middle-aged AD patients, large amounts of amyloid-ß (Aß) deposits were observed in the hypothalamus, a brain region involved in the control of feeding and body weight through the action of peripheral metabolic peptides, which have recently been shown to have neuroprotective effects. Moreover, levels of peripheral metabolic peptides, such as leptin and ghrelin, are changed in AD patients. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Aß peptide in the survival of hypothalamic cells and to explore the receptor-mediated protective effect of leptin and ghrelin against Aß-induced toxicity in these cells. Using the mHypoE-N42 cell line, we demonstrated for the first time that oligomeric Aß is toxic to hypothalamic cells, leading to cell death. It was also demonstrated that leptin and ghrelin protect these cells against AßO-induced cell death through the activation of the leptin and ghrelin receptors, respectively. Furthermore, ghrelin and leptin prevented superoxide production, calcium rise and mitochondrial dysfunction triggered by AßO. Taken together, these results suggest that peripheral metabolic peptides, in particular leptin and ghrelin, might be considered as preventive strategies for ameliorating hypothalamic alterations in AD.

Comparação entre dois protocolos de tratamento de ceratoconjuntivite seca experimentalmente induzida em coelhos / Comparison of two treatment protocols of experimentally induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca in rabbits

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar a eficácia de dois protocolos de tratamento de ceratoconjuntivite seca (CCS) experimentalmente induzida em coelhos: uma formulação oftálmica tópica composta por álcool polivinílico 1,4%, adicionado com acetilcisteína 10% e pilocarpina 1% (AAP), e outro protocolo com o uso do óleo de semente de linhaça (OL) tópico em forma de colírio, durante 12 semanas. Foram utilizados 15 coelhos machos, adultos, da raça Nova Zelândia, alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo C (controle), grupo AAP (formulação oftálmica) e grupo L (OL tópica). Os animais foram avaliados semanalmente pelo teste lacrimal de Schirmer, teste de fluoresceína e teste de Rosa Bengala; uma vez por mês, pelo exame de citologia esfoliativa ocular; ao final do experimento, pela análise histopatológica da córnea e conjuntiva. Os resultados demonstraram que houve um aumento maior na produção lacrimal quando utilizada a formulação oftálmica, e uma resolução mais rápida das úlceras de córnea, bem como diminuição no número de células desvitalizadas quando utilizado o óleo de semente de linhaça, além de aumento no número de células caliciformes em ambos os grupos de tratamento. A associação desses dois protocolos pode ser no futuro uma alternativa no tratamento da CCS.

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two treatment protocol of experimentally induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in rabbits, a topical ophthalmic formulation composed by 1.4% povinilic alcohol added with 10% acetylcysteine and 1% pilocarpine (AAP) and another protocol with the topical use of the linseed seed oil (LO) in eye drop form f or 12 weeks. Fifteen male New Zealand white rabbits were aleatory allocated in 3 groups: Group C (Control), Group AAP (ophthalmic formulation) and Group L (LO topical). The animals were evaluated weekly using the Schirmer's tear test, fluorescein test and Rose Bengal test monthly for ocular cytology, and at the end of the experiment for histopathological analysis of cornea and conjunctive. The results demonstrated that there was a larger increase in the tear production when the ophthalmic formulation was us ed and a faster rapid resolution of corneal ulcers and decrease in the number of devitalized cells when linseed seed oil was used, besides an increase in the number of caliciform cells in both treatment groups. The association of those two protocols can be a future alternative in the treatment of KCS.

Chemical characterization of the Allium sativum and Origanum vulgare essential oils and their inhibition effect on the growth of some food pathogens / Caracterização química e efeito inibitório dos óleos essenciais de Allium sativum e Origanum vulgare frente ao crescimento de alguns patógenos de alimentos

This study sought to evaluate the chemical composition of the Allium sativum and Origanum vulgare essential oils and their effect on the growth inhibition of microorganisms, such as P. aeruginosa, S. Choleraesuis, A. flavus, A. niger and P. simplicissimum, important food contaminants. The main constituents of the oregano essential oil were 4-terpineol (27.03%), γ-terpinene (20.04%), and β-cymene (6.34%), and the main constituents of the garlic essential oil were diallyl trisulfide (38, 81%), diallyl disulfide (25.23%), and methyl allyl trisulfide (12.52%). Inhibition zones were formed in in vitro tests on the bacteria S. Choleraesuis and P. aeruginosa, except for A. sativum against P. aeruginosa. The inhibition of mycelial growth caused by the oregano essential oil occurred with the concentrations of 0.10, 0.03 and 0.05 mg mL-1 for the A. flavus, A. niger and P. simplicissimum fungi, respectively. The CMI for the garlic oil began at the 0.03 mg mL-1 concentration for all species of fungi. The oils presented an inhibitory effect against the microorganisms studied and constitute an alternative for microbiological control in food.

Objetivou-se avaliar a composição química e o efeito inibitório dos óleos essenciais de Allium sativum e Origanum vulgare frente ao crescimento dos micro-organismos Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Choleraesuis, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger e Penicillium simplicissimum, importantes patógenos causadores de contaminações em alimentos. Para quantificação e identificação dos constituintes químicos dos óleos, utilizou-se cromatógrafo gasoso acoplado a espectrômetro de massas. Os principais constituintes do óleo essencial de orégano foram o 4-terpineol (27,03%), γ-terpineno (20,04%), β-cimeno (6,34%), e do alho, o dialil trissulfeto (38,81%), dialil dissulfeto (25,23%), metil alil trissulfeto (12,52%). Os resultados dos testes in vitro sobre as bactérias S. Choleraesuis e P. aeruginosa indicaram a formação de halo de inibição e revelaram o efeito inibitório para os referidos óleos, exceto para o óleo de A. sativum frente a P. aeruginosa. Para os fungos A. flavus, A. niger e P. simplicissimum a inibição do crescimento micelial provocada pelo óleo essencial de orégano ocorreu a partir das concentrações de 0,10, 0,03 e 0,05 µg mL-1, respectivamente, sendo que a CMI para o óleo de alho iniciou-se a partir da concentração 0,03 µg mL-1 para todas as espécies de fungos. Foi possível verificar que os óleos possuem efeito inibitório sobre os microrganismos estudados, sendo, portanto, uma alternativa no controle microbiológico de alimentos.

Equisetum arvense hydromethanolic extracts in bone tissue regeneration: in vitro osteoblastic modulation and antibacterial activity.

OBJECTIVES: Equisetum arvense preparations have long been used to promote bone healing. The aim of this work was to evaluate osteogenic and antibacterial effects of E. arvense hydromethanolic extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dried aerial components of E. arvense were extracted using a mixture of methanol:water (1:1), for 26 days, yielding three extracts that were tested (10-1000 µg/ml) in human osteoblastic cells: E1, E2 and EM (a mixture of E1 and E2, 1:1). Cell cultures, performed on cell culture plates or over hydroxyapatite (HA) substrates, were assessed for osteoblastic markers. In addition, effects of the extracts on Staphylococcus aureus were addressed. RESULTS: Solution E1 caused increased viability/proliferation and ALP activity at 50-500 µg/ml, and deleterious effects at levels ≥1000 µg/ml. E2 inhibited cell proliferation at levels ≥500 µg/ml. EM presented a profile between those observed with E1 and E2. In addition, E1, E2 and EM, 10-1000 µg/ml, inhibited expansion of S. aureus. Furthermore, E1, tested in HA substrates colonized with osteoblastic cells, causing increase in cell population growth (10-100 µg/ml). E1 also exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus cultured over HA. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that E. arvense extracts elicited inductive effects on human osteoblasts while inhibiting activity of S. aureus, suggesting a potentially interesting profile regarding bone regeneration strategies.

Microbiota benefits after inulin and partially hydrolized guar gum supplementation: a randomized clinical trial in constipated women.

INTRODUCTION: Prebiotics positively affect gut microbiota composition, thus improving gut function. These properties may be useful for the treatment of constipation. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the tolerance and effectiveness of a prebiotic inulin/partially hydrolyzed guar gum mixture (I-PHGG) for the treatment of constipation in females, as well as its influence on the composition of intestinal microbiota and production of short chain fatty acids. METHODS: Our study enrolled 60 constipated female health worker volunteers. Participants reported less than 3 bowel movements per week. Volunteers were randomized to treatment with prebiotic or placebo. Treatment consisted of 3 weeks supplementation with 15 g/d IPHGG (fiber group) or maltodextrin (placebo group). Abdominal discomfort, flatulence, stool consistency, and bowel movements were evaluated by a recorded daily questionnaire and a weekly interview. Changes in fecal bacterial population and short chain fatty acids were assessed by real-time PCR and gas chromatography, respectively. RESULTS: There was an increased frequency of weekly bowel movements and patient satisfaction in both the fiber and placebo groups with no significant differences. Total Clostridium sp significantly decreased in the fiber group (p = 0.046) and increased in the placebo group (p = 0.047). There were no changes in fecal short chain fatty acid profile. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of I-PHGG produced clinical results comparable to placebo in constipated females, but had additional protective effects on gut microbiota by decreasing the amount of pathological bacteria of the Clostridium genera.

Eficácia e toxicidade do pó comercial de Hoodia gordonii (Masson) swet ex decne utilizado no tratamento da obesidade / Efficacy and toxicity of Hoodia gordonii commercial powder used to combat obesity

A obesidade é atualmente o principal problema de saúde em países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento. Diversos recursos terapêuticos têm sido empregados para o tratamento da obesidade destacando-se os fitoterápicos, consagrados pelo conhecimento popular. Nesse contexto, a planta Hoodia gordonii tem despertado atualmente grande interesse mundial, principalmente pelas recentes descobertas e comprovações científicas da inibição do apetite e da sede pelo glicosídeo ativo P57 isolado de espécies da planta. Apesar disso, tais efeitos ainda não foram avaliados e comprovados em amostras comerciais do pó de H. gordonii (PHG), não existindo evidências científicas que garantam a sua eficácia e segurança. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar ensaios biológicos com ratos para avaliar a atividade farmacológica e a toxicidade de amostras comerciais do pó de H. gordonii. As amostras foram administradas por gavagem em doses equivalentes a 20 vezes as recomendadas para humanos em ratas Wistar durante 4 semanas sendo avaliados os parâmetros indicadores do efeito terapêutico. Após as 4 semanas, os animais foram sacrificados, e amostras de sangue e órgãos foram coletados e submetidos à avaliação dos indicadores metabólicos, endócrinos, hematológicos e histopatológicos. Os resultados demonstraram que para todos os parâmetros avaliados não houve diferenças significativas entre o grupo controle que recebeu somente solução salina estéril e os grupos tratados com PHG indicando que os mesmos, apesar de não apresentarem quaisquer indícios de toxicidade, são incapazes de produzir os supostos efeitos de inibição de apetite e consequente tratamento da obesidade.

Obesity is currently the main health problem in developed and developing countries. Several therapeutic methods have been employed for the treatment of obesity, especially herbal medicines, highlighted by popular knowledge. In this context, the plant Hoodia gordonii has currently aroused great interest worldwide, especially for recent discoveries and scientific proof of inhibition of appetite and thirst by the active glycoside P57 isolated from plant species. Nevertheless, such effects have not been evaluated and proven for commercial samples of H. gordonii powder (PHG), with no scientific evidence to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct biological tests with rats to evaluate the pharmacological activity and toxicity of commercial samples of H. gordonii powder. The samples were administered through gavage, at doses equivalent to 20 times those recommended for humans, in female Wistar rats during 4 weeks for evaluation of the parameters indicative of therapeutic efficacy. After 4 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and blood and organ samples were collected and subjected to the evaluation of metabolic, endocrine, hematological and histopathological indicators. Results showed that for all evaluated parameters, there were no significant differences between the control group that only received sterile saline solution and the groups treated with PHG, indicating that the latter, although presenting no evidence of toxicity, are unable to produce the alleged effects of appetite inhibition and subsequent obesity treatment.

Streptococcus mutans biofilm adhesion on composite resin surfaces after different finishing and polishing techniques.

This study evaluated Streptococcus mutans biofilm adhesion on the surface of three composite resins (nanofilled, Filtek Z350, 3M ESPE, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; nanohybrid, Vit-1-escence, Ultradent Products, South Jordan, UT, USA; and microhybrid, Esthet X, Dentsply, Milford, DE, USA) following different finishing and polishing techniques. Sixty standardized samples (6 × 3 mm) of each composite were produced and randomly divided into three finishing and polishing treatments (n=20): 1) control group: composite resin surface in contact with Mylar matrix strips with no finishing or polishing performed, 2) Sof-Lex aluminum oxide disc technique (3M ESPE, and 3) carbide bur finishing and Astrobrush polishing technique (Ultradent). Half the samples of each group were incubated in human saliva for 1 hour, and all the samples were subjected to S mutans (ATCC 35688) biofilm development. The mean log of CFU/mL present in the S mutans biofilm was calculated, and data were statistically analyzed by three-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test (p<0.05). Human saliva incubation promoted a significant increase of bacterial adherence on all three of the composites' surfaces, regardless of the polishing treatment performed (p<0.05). Of the three, the nanofilled composite (Filtek Z350) had the lowest bacterial adherence with each of the finishing and polishing techniques despite the presence or absence of human saliva (p<0.05). Mylar matrix strips (control group) promoted the lowest bacterial adhesion on the surface of the microhybrid and nanofilled composites in the absence of human saliva.

Molluscicidal and ovicidal activities of plant extracts of the Piperaceae on Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818).

Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease caused by Schistosoma and occurs in 54 countries, mainly in South America, the Caribbean region, Africa and the eastern Mediterranean. Currently, 5 to 6 million Brazilian people are infected and 30,000 are under infection risk. Typical of poor regions, this disease is associated with the lack of basic sanitation and very frequently to the use of contaminated water in agriculture, housework and leisure. One of the most efficient methods of controlling the disease is application of molluscicides to eliminate or to reduce the population of the intermediate host snail Biomphalaria glabrata. Studies on molluscicidal activity of plant extracts have been stimulated by issues such as environmental preservation, high cost and recurrent resistance of snails to synthetic molluscicides. The aim of this study was to determine the molluscicide action of extracts from Piperaceae species on adult and embryonic stages of B. glabrata. Fifteen extracts from 13 Piperaceae species were obtained from stems, leaves and roots. Toxicity of extracts was evaluated against snails at two different concentrations (500 and 100 ppm) and those causing 100% mortality at 100 ppm concentration were selected to obtain the LC90 (lethal concentration of 90% mortality). Piper aduncum, P. crassinervium, P. cuyabanum, P. diospyrifolium and P. hostmannianum gave 100% mortality of adult snails at concentrations ranging from 10 to 60 ppm. These extracts were also assayed on embryonic stages of B. glabrata and those from P. cuyabanum and P. hostmannianum showed 100% ovicidal action at 20 ppm.