Capsaicin attenuates immunosuppression induced by chronic stress in BALB/C mice.

Although acute stress generally exerts positive effects on the immune system, chronic stress typically causes immunosuppression via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In this study, the effects of capsaicin (1.28 mg/kg intraperitoneally [i.p.] for 7 days) on immune parameters were evaluated under conditions of chronic stress. Capsaicin treatment significantly increased the immune response as evaluated by the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and splenocyte proliferation assays- It also is able to rescue the splenocytes of the apoptosis induced by stress. The capsaicin treatment increased the production of Th1 cytokines and decreased the production of Th2 cytokines and TGF-ß1 in the plasma and culture supernatants of immunosuppressed mice, which is associated with the modulation of Th2 induced by stress cells. Moreover, the production of corticosterone significantly decreased in capsaicin-treated animals as compared to control groups. The capsaicin treatment further attenuated the immunosuppression induced by the corticosterone treatment (40 mg/kg i.p. for 7 days), albeit less potently, as exhibited in the DTH response. Intriguingly, the capsaicin treatment decreased the induction of IL-10, IL-4, and TGF-ß1 through high doses of corticosterone, indicating direct cellular immunomodulation. These results show, that capsaicin is able to modulate chronic stress-induced immunosuppression, mediating corticosterone released inhibition, but also, that capsaicin significantly modulates the pharmacological action of corticosterone in vivo.

Effects of the fluoride on the central nervous system.

INTRODUCTION: Fluoride (F) is a toxic and reactive element, and exposure to it passes almost unnoticed, with the consumption of tea, fish, meat, fruits, etcetera and articles of common use such as: toothpaste additives; dental gels, non-stick pans and razor blades as Teflon. It has also been used with the intention of reducing the dental cares. DEVELOPMENT: Fluoride can accumulate in the body, and it has been shown that continuous exposure to it causes damaging effects on body tissues, particularly the nervous system directly without any previous physical malformations. BACKGROUND: Several clinical and experimental studies have reported that the F induces changes in cerebral morphology and biochemistry that affect the neurological development of individuals as well as cognitive processes, such as learning and memory. F can be toxic by ingesting one part per million (ppm), and the effects they are not immediate, as they can take 20 years or more to become evident. CONCLUSION: The prolonged ingestion of F may cause significant damage to health and particularly to the nervous system. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this serious problem and avoid the use of toothpaste and items that contain F, particularly in children as they are more susceptible to the toxic effects of F.