New approach to the use of propolis against dermatomycosis.

In recent years, propolis extract (PE) has demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of a bioadhesive thermoresponsive system containing 16% propolis (BTSP 16%) against Microsporum canis, Nannizzia gypsea, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum. We also evaluated PE alone against the same strains. The results showed that both PE and BTSP 16% significantly reduced the fungal viability of all evaluated strains. In addition, they interacted with the biofilm of these species in different stages of biofilm formation. We observed that the bioadhesive and thermoresponsive properties of BTSP 16% prolonged propolis presence at infection sites, leading to positive results against planktonic fungal cells and mature biofilms. These characteristics make this formulation a valuable alternative treatment for dermatomycosis.

Simvastatin attenuated sickness behavior and fever in a murine model of endotoxemia.

AIMS: During illnesses caused by infectious disease, a suite of brain-mediated responses called sickness syndrome occurs, triggering behavioral and physiological (fever) changes. Simvastatin is widely used as a lipid-lowering medication that has beneficial immunomodulatory properties. This study investigated the effects of simvastatin in a mouse model of sickness syndrome by systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MAIN METHODS: Male mice were pretreated with vehicle or simvastatin (40 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days and received LPS (200 µg/kg, i.p.) or sterile saline. We investigated the behavioral effects in male mice 2 h after LPS administration using tests screening for depressive-like behavior and locomotor activity alterations. Changes in body temperature were measured by biotelemetry probe preimplanted in the peritoneal cavity to evaluate the effect of simvastatin on the thermoregulatory response during immunological challenge. KEY FINDINGS: Pretreatment with simvastatin blunted most of the assessed parameters related to sickness syndrome, including depressive-like behavior and depressed locomotor activity, and attenuated LPS-induced fever. These data are consistent with simvastatin promoting alterations in peripheral febrigenic signaling (plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-10). SIGNIFICANCE: Our data provide further evidence of the capacity of simvastatin to attenuate sickness behavior and fever induced by immunological challenge through a mechanism related to changes in the profile of cytokine production.