Chondroitin Sulfate from Oreochromis niloticus Waste Reduces Leukocyte Influx in an Acute Peritonitis Model.

Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia) is one of the most cultivated fish species worldwide. Tilapia farming generates organic waste from fish removal processes in nurseries. Visceral waste can damage natural ecosystems. Therefore, the use of this material as a source of biomolecules helps reduce environmental impacts and improve pharmacological studies. Tilapia viscera were subjected to proteolysis and complexation with an ion-exchange resin. The obtained glycosaminoglycans were purified using ion exchange chromatography (DEAE-Sephacel). The electrophoretic profile and analysis of 1H/13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra allowed for the characterization of the compound as chondroitin sulfate and its sulfation position. This chondroitin was named CST. We tested the ability of CST to reduce leukocyte influx in acute peritonitis models induced by sodium thioglycolate and found a significant reduction in leukocyte migration to the peritoneal cavity, similar to the polymorphonuclear population of the three tested doses of CST. This study shows, for the first time, the potential of CST obtained from O. niloticus waste as an anti-inflammatory drug, thereby contributing to the expansion of the study of molecules with pharmacological functions.

Immunohistochemical analysis of H3K27me3 demonstrates global reduction in group-A childhood posterior fossa ependymoma and is a powerful predictor of outcome.

Posterior fossa ependymomas (EPN_PF) in children comprise two morphologically identical, but biologically distinct tumor entities. Group-A (EPN_PFA) tumors have a poor prognosis and require intensive therapy. In contrast, group-B tumors (EPN_PFB) exhibit excellent prognosis and the current consensus opinion recommends future clinical trials to test the possibility of treatment de-escalation in these patients. Therefore, distinguishing these two tumor subtypes is critical. EPN_PFA and EPN_PFB can be distinguished based on DNA methylation signatures, but these assays are not routinely available. We have previously shown that a subset of poorly prognostic childhood EPN_PF exhibits global reduction in H3K27me3. Therefore, we set out to determine whether a simple immunohistochemical assay for H3K27me3 could be used to segregate EPN_PFA from EPN_PFB tumors. We assembled a cohort of 230 childhood ependymomas and H3K27me3 immunohistochemistry was assessed as positive or negative in a blinded manner. H3K27me3 staining results were compared with DNA methylation-based subgroup information available in 112 samples [EPN_PFA (n = 72) and EPN_PFB tumors (n = 40)]. H3K27me3 staining was globally reduced in EPN_PFA tumors and immunohistochemistry showed 99% sensitivity and 100% specificity in segregating EPN_PFA from EPN_PFB tumors. Moreover, H3K27me3 immunostaining was sufficient to delineate patients with worse prognosis in two independent, non-overlapping cohorts (n = 133 and n = 97). In conclusion, immunohistochemical evaluation of H3K27me3 global reduction is an economic, easily available and readily adaptable method for defining high-risk EPN_PFA from low-risk posterior fossa EPN_PFB tumors to inform prognosis and to enable the design of future clinical trials.

The role of resection alone in select children with intracranial ependymoma: the Canadian Pediatric Brain Tumour Consortium experience.

PURPOSE: Gross total resection (GTR) of intracranial ependymoma is an accepted goal. More controversial is radiotherapy deferral. This study reports on children treated with gross total resection who did not receive upfront adjuvant radiotherapy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of children with intracranial ependymoma in 12 Canadian centers. Patients who had GTR of their tumor and no upfront radiotherapy were identified. Immunostaining was performed for Ki-67, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and EZH2 on archived tissue. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed and compared with those who had GTR followed by radiation. RESULTS: Twenty-six children were identified treated with GTR alone at diagnosis; 12 posterior fossa ependymoma (PFE) WHO grade II, and 14 supratentorial ependymoma (STE). Progression-free survival (PFS) in ependymoma treated with GTR alone at diagnosis was inferior in those with high Ki-67 or positive EZH2 immunostaining. Survival was inferior for patients less than 2 years old at diagnosis (p = 0.002). Survival was comparable to PFE WHO grade II and STE who had GTR followed by radiation (p = 0.62). Five-year PFS and overall survival (OS) of those treated with GTR alone were 60 and 70% respectively for PFE and 45 and 70% respectively for STE (p = 0.2; 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there is a subset of children with certain biologic features who, in the setting of a prospective clinical trial, might be candidates for observation following GTR. Good risk factors for this approach include age of 2 years or older, low Ki-67, and negative EZH2. If relapse occurs, it may be confined to the primary site, allowing for possible salvage with GTR followed by XRT.

Lack of treatment-related mortality definitions in clinical trials of children, adolescents and young adults with lymphomas, solid tumors and brain tumors: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of standardized definition for treatment-related mortality (TRM), which represents an important endpoint in cancer. Our objective was to describe TRM definitions used in studies of children, adolescents and young adults with lymphomas, solid tumors and brain tumors. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of studies enrolling children, adolescents and young adults with lymphomas, solid tumors and brain tumors in which an anti-cancer intervention was randomized, or all study designs in which TRM was a primary or secondary outcome. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews from 1980 to June 2013. Two reviewers evaluated study eligibility and abstracted data. RESULTS: In total, 67 studies were included and consisted of 62 randomized therapeutic trials and 5 TRM studies. None of the studies (0/67) provided a definition for TRM. Only one randomized trial of rhabdomyosarcoma provided a definition of early death. CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to identify any TRM definitions used in studies of children, adolescents and young adults with lymphomas, solid tumors and brain tumors. Given that a proportion of this patient population may receive intensive treatment, there is an urgent need for consensus-based definitions of TRM for use across clinical trials.

Structural and Anticancer Studies of Methoxyflavone Derivative from Strychnos pseudoquina A.St.-Hil. (Loganiaceae) from Brazilian Cerrado.

The Cerrado biome is the world's largest and most diversified tropical savanna. Despite its diversity, there remains a paucity of scientific discussion and evidence about the medicinal use of Cerrado plants. One of the greatest challenges is the complexity of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, present in those plants and their extraction, purification, and characterization, which involves a wide range of approaches, tools, and techniques. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the search for accurately proven medicinal plants against cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide, has contributed to this growing area of research. This study set out to extract, purify, and characterize 3-O-methylquercetin isolated from the plant Strychnos pseudoquina A.St.-Hil. (Loganiaceae) and to test it for antiproliferative activity and selectivity against different tumor and nontumor human cell lines. A combined-method approach was employed using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and theoretical calculations to extensively characterize this bioflavonoid. 3-O-methylquercetin melts around 275 °C and crystallizes in a nonplanar conformation with an angle of 18.02° between the pyran ring (C) and the phenyl ring (B), unlike quercetin and luteolin, which are planar. Finally, the in vitro cytotoxicity of 3-O-methylquercetin was compared with data from quercetin, luteolin, and cisplatin, showing that structural differences influenced the antiproliferative activity and the selectivity against different tumor cell lines.

Choroid plexus tumors in children less than 36 months: the Canadian Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (CPBTC) experience.

BACKGROUND: Choroid plexus tumors (CPT) are rare pediatric tumors. A population-based study on choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC) and choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) was carried out to describe the incidence, demographic, and outcome data and to identify potential prognostic factors. METHODS: The CPT population from the Canadian databank of CNS tumor in children ≤ 36 months diagnosed between 1990 and 2005 was reviewed RESULTS: Out of the 579 reported cases of CNS tumors, 37 were CPT. The annual age-adjusted incidence rate was 0.22 + 0.12 (95% CI 0.16-0.28)/100,000 children < 3 years. There were 21 (56.7%) CPP and 16 (43.3.5%) CPC. Twenty patients (54%) were males. Median age at diagnosis was 7 months(range 0-30). Ten patients(62.5%) with CPC and one with CPP were metastatic at diagnosis. Twenty patients with CPP (95%) had a complete resection, whereas 6/16 CPC (37.5%) achieved a resection >90%. Fourteen CPC patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. None of the 37 patients received adjuvant radiation. At completion of survey, all CPP and five CPC were alive. Median survival time for CPC patients was 15 months (0-120). One death was related to intraoperative hemorrhage, another to chemotherapy-induced toxicity, and one to secondary AML. Age at diagnosis, degree of resection and metastatic status were not significant prognostic factors for CPC. CONCLUSION: By contrast to CPC, CPP have an excellent prognosis following surgery alone. Survival of CPC remains poor. However, these data may suggest adjuvant chemotherapy can alter the aggressive natural history of CPC. As with other rare CNS tumors, international collaboration is required to identify optimal therapy.

Color stability of Bulk-Fill composite restorations.

BACKGROUND: The color stability of the composite resin is an important property that influences its clinical longevity, which remains an inherent challenge to the material. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the color stability of bulk-fill resins when exposed to dye. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cavities were prepared in 80 bovine incisors, which were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 20) according with the resin composite used: P60 (Control Group - Filtek P60, 3M/ESPE), FP (Filtek Bulk-Fill Posterior, 3M/ESPE), SDR (SDR, Dentsply) and FF (Filtek Bulk Fill Flow, 3M/ESPE). All restorations were performed according to the protocol of each manufacturer, the control group was restored using the incremental technique, and the other groups using single-increment technique. The color of each restoration was measured using a portable digital spectrophotometer (Easyshade-Vita) according to the CIELab system, and then the teeth were submerged in red wine for 07 days, kept in a biological oven at 37ºC. New color registration was performed to measure the ΔE index of color variation. RESULTS: The P60 group had the lowest average ΔE (16.96), while the FF group had the highest average (28.09) and ranged from 21.19 to 26.28 in the FP and SDR groups. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the color variation showed that the control group had better color stability than the Bulk-Fill resins evaluated. Key words:Dental restoration failure, Food coloring agents, polymerization.

Effect of ultrasound on proteolysis and the formation of volatile compounds in dry fermented sausages.

Ultrasound (US) is an emerging technology capable of affecting enzymes and microorganisms, leading to the release of amino acids and the formation of volatile compounds. The effect of different exposure times (0, 3, 6, and 9 min) of US (25 kHz, 128 W) on the proteolysis and volatile compounds of dry fermented sausages during processing (day 0 and 28) and storage (day 1 and 120) was investigated. Lower alanine, glycine, valine, leucine, proline, methionine, and tyrosine levels were observed at the beginning of manufacture for the sample subjected to 9 min of US (p < 0.05) when compared to the control. During the storage period, the samples subjected to US exposure for 3 and 6 min exhibited higher free amino acid levels. A greater formation of hexanal, pentanal, and hexanol was observed in the US-treated samples when compared to the control (p < 0.05), as well as other derivatives from the oxidation reactions during the storage. The use of US (25 kHz and 128 W) in the manufacture of dry fermented sausages can affect the proteolysis and the formation of compounds derived from lipid oxidation during the storage.

Does comsumption of staining drinks compromise the result of tooth whitening?

BACKGROUND: After dental bleaching procedures dentists commonly advise patients to reduce the consumption of beverages that may cause the teeth to stain, however, the effectiveness of teeth whitening may not be directly affected by diet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was evaluated through in vitro study whether contact with dyes through in-office bleaching sessions with 35% hydrogen peroxide would influence the effectiveness of treatment. Sixty bovine incisors were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n = 12) according to contact frequency and type of dye solutions. All dental elements received three in-office bleaching sessions with 35% hydrogen peroxide one week apart. Except for GCTRL (control), all experimental groups were submerged in dyes (coffee or wine) for 5 min once a day. In groups GC24 and GW24 contact with the dyes was made from 24 hours after each bleaching session, while in groups GC72 and GW72, from 72 hours. The color was measured with a digital spectrophotometer. Data were expressed as statistics: mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: Contact with dyes during in-office bleaching treatment with 35% hydrogen peroxide did not influence the staining averages after three bleaching sessions. The speed of the whitening effect was influenced by contact with coffee from 24 hours after the sessions and with wine from 24 hours and 72 hours after the whitening session. The whitening result was reversed after one week for all groups, especially for groups that came in contact with red wine either 24 hours or 72 hours after session and coffee after 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Contact with dyes during in-office bleaching treatment did not influence the final staining averages after three bleaching sessions although there was influence on speed of the whitening effect between the sessions. Key words:Tooth bleaching, hydrogen peroxide, spectrophotometry.

Ultrasound: A promising technology to improve the technological quality of meat emulsions.

The use of ultrasound (US) has proven to be an effective tool in the preparation of emulsions. However, the cavitation phenomenon leads to an increase in temperature, which can affect the emulsion stability and the texture. Thus, different US operating modes (degas, normal, and sweep) were applied in meat emulsions for 5.5 min, at 25 kHz frequency and 60% amplitude, and the temperature behavior, yield, emulsion stability, texture, and lipid and protein oxidation were evaluated. The results showed that the wave propagation mode in the US bath exerts a great influence on the increase of temperature of meat emulsions. The distribution of cavitation in normal operating mode significantly favored (P < .001) a higher yield (88.7%) and emulsion stability, with good values of cohesiveness (0.76), hardness (26.9 N), and chewiness (26.1 N), not increasing lipid and protein oxidation. Therefore, this study has proven that that the use of normal US operating mode improved the technological quality of meat emulsions.

Effect of ultrasound on the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of Italian salami.

Italian salami were sonicated in different times (0, 3, 6 and 9min) using ultrasound bath (US, 25kHz). The effect of sonication on microbial growth (lactic acid bacteria and Micrococcaceae), lipid and protein oxidation, total heme pigments (THP), non heme iron (NHI) and metmyoglobin (MMb) was investigated during processing (0, 2, 15, and 28days) and storage (1, 30, and 120days). US enhanced growth of microorganisms (P<0.05), mainly for the treatment 9min of sonication. The lipid (peroxide value and TBARS) and protein (thiol group) oxidative reactions were accelerated by US (P<0.05) and they should be considered to maintain Italian salami quality. Sonication contributed to maintenance of THP (P<0.05), especially during storage. MMb pigment was not affected by sonication (P>0.05). This study presented some features of US application that could be explored in the manufacture of Italian salami.

Evaluation of environmental quality of sandy beaches in southeastern Brazil.

The effect of urbanization on the environmental quality of two sandy beaches was evaluated using metrics such as pH, dissolved oxygen, coliforms and solid waste. Urbanization effects on physicochemical metrics (pH and dissolved oxygen) were not significant. The coliforms concentration was below the established limit for primary contact, but it was significantly higher on beaches with highest recreational potential. Similarly, the abundance of solid waste was significantly higher in urbanized areas (~4.5 items/m2), and it was higher than what was found for 106 beaches worldwide. Plastic represented 84% of the total number of items and recreational activities were the main sources of debris (80%). Therefore, a balance between recreation and conservation actions, based on short-term (e.g. fines) and long-term measures (e.g. educational policies) is recommended. We demonstrate that the use of multiple metrics provides more robust estimates of the environmental quality of sandy beaches than a single impact metric.

Application of electrolyzed water for improving pork meat quality.

The microbiological and oxidative qualities of pork loin sprayed with different types (slightly acidic, acidic and basic) and combinations of electrolyzed water (EWs) were evaluated. The EWs were applied at two temperatures (18° and 30°C) and pressures (30 and 45psi) and the volume corresponded to approximately 10% water commonly used in carcass washing. EW after spraying exhibited a chlorine concentration between 15 and 25ppm. The application of acidic EW (AEW) alone or in combination with basic EW (BEW) decreased (P<0.05) the microbial counts shortly after spraying. In addition, the combination of BEW+AEW (30psi) reduced the mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria counts throughout the refrigerated storage (P<0.05). The EWs did not increase the lipid oxidation of the samples. On the other hand, a high protein oxidation was observed in the samples sprayed with AEW and slightly acidic EW (SAEW), while BEW was effective to reduce the oxidation reactions. Therefore, the results showed that the combination BEW+AEW may be a viable alternative to reduce the volume of water used at slaughter and to improve the microbiological quality of pork meat.

Apoio matricial em saúde mental: percepção de profissionais no território / Apoyo matricial en la salud mental: percepción de los profesionales en el territorio / Matrix support in mental health: the perception of professional in territory

Investigar a percepção dos profissionais de saúde acerca da articulação entre os serviços de um mesmo território, na perspectiva do cuidado ao portador de transtorno mental. Métodos: Pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvida no município de Caicó/RN, sendo entrevistados 12 profissionais de saúde em abril de 2011. Resultados: A maioria dos sujeitos era do sexo feminino (75%), e 50% com idade entre 21 e 29 anos. Além disso, 75% afirmaram nunca ter trabalhado em outro serviço de saúde mental. Foram criadas três categorias: Apoio matricial sob a ótica do encaminhamento; A medicalização dos serviços de saúde mental e ESF; e Formação acadêmica e o processo de trabalho em saúde. Conclusão: Os serviços de saúde pesquisados desenvolvem um cuidado fragmentado e pouco articulado, além de não reconhecerem o matriciamento como prática do processo de trabalho em saúde.

Investigar la percepción de los profesionales de salud sobre la conexión entre los servicios de un mismo territorio, en la perspectiva del cuidado a pacientes con trastornos mentales. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, de abordaje cualitativo, desarrollado en el municipio de Caicó/RN, donde se entrevistó a 12 profesionales de salud en abril de 2011. Resultados: La mayoría de los sujetos eran mujeres (75%), y el 50% con edades entre 21 y 29 años. Además, el 75% reportó nunca haber trabajado en otro servicio de salud mental. Se crearon tres categorías: apoyo matricial bajo la óptica de la referencia; La medicalización de los servicios de salud mental y ESF; y Grado académico y el proceso de trabajo en salud. Conclusión: Los servicios de salud encuestados desarrollan un cuidado fragmentado y poco articulado, además no reconocen el matriciamiento como práctica del proceso de trabajo en salud.

Objective: To investigate the perception of health professionals about the articulation between the services of a same territory, from the perspective of care for patients with mental disorders. Methods: A descriptive research with qualitative approach, developed in the municipality of Caicó / RN, through interviews with 12 health professionals in April 2011. Results: Most subjects were female (75%), and 50% aged between 21 and 29 years. Moreover, 75% reported never having worked in other mental health service. Were created three categories: Matrix support in light of the referral; the medicalization of mental health services and FHS; and academic formation and the work process in health. Conclusion: The health services surveyed develop a fragmented and poorly articulated care, and does not recognize the matrix as practice of work process in health.

ent-Trachylobane diterpenoids from Xylopia langsdorffiana.

Two new diterpenes of the ent-trachylobane type were isolated from the stems of Xylopia langsdorffiana, ent-7alpha-acetoxytrachyloban-18-oic acid (1) and ent-7alpha-hydroxytrachyloban-18-oic acid (2). The structures of these isolates were deduced by spectroscopic data interpretation. X-ray crystallography of 1 was used to confirm its structure. The cytotoxic activity of 1 against V79 fibroblasts and rat hepatocytes was investigated.

A articulação de saberes teóricos e práticos na análise e no desenvolvimento da atividade de cuidado / The articulation of theoretical and practical knowledge in analysis and development of activity of care / La articulación de los saberes teóricos y prácticos en el análisis y desarrollo de la actividad del cuidado

Este trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar os recursos metodológicos adotados na pesquisa Processo de trabalho em saúde: análise e desenvolvimento dos modos de fazer e de viver nas relações de cuidado, trazendo a experiência vivida pelos pesquisadores no campo empírico. Os recursos metodológicos adotados têm suporte nos conceitos da Clínica da Atividade e da Vigilância em Saúde do Trabalhador. Propõe-se que as atividades de análise do trabalho sejam discutidas, coordenadas e realizadas por um grupo ampliado de pesquisa, do qual participam tanto pesquisadores do meio acadêmico quanto profissionais do serviço em análise, propiciando a articulação de diferentes saberes. O objeto da pesquisa é a atividade de enfermagem no ambulatório do Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro, vinculado à Universidade Federal Fluminense. Os resultados obtidos a partir da caracterização da equipe e observação da atividade em três setores deverão orientar a escolha de caminhos para os processos futuros da pesquisa.

This paper presents the methodological procedure adopted in the research Process of work in health: analysis and development of ways of doing and living in care relations, bringing the lived experience of researchers in the empirical field. The methodological procedures have its foundations on the concepts of Clinical Activity and Occupational Health. It is proposed that the activities of work analysis are discussed, coordinated and carried out by an expanded research group, which involved researchers from academia, and professional service in focus, providing a combination of different knowledges. The object of research is the activity of nursing at the Hospital Universitario Antonio Pedro, linked to the Federal Fluminense University. The results obtained from the characterization of the team and observation the activity in three sectors shall guide the future paths of research.

El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar el procedimiento metodológico adoptado en el Proceso de la investigación de trabajo en la salud: el análisis y desarrollo de maneras de hacer y vivir en las relaciones del cuidado, mostrando la experiencia que los investigadores han vivenciado en el (trabajo de campo empírico). Los procedimientos metodológicos utilizados son basados en los conceptos de la Clínica de Actividad y la Vigilancia de Salud en la Labor. Se propone que las actividades de análisis de este trabajo sean discutidas, coordinados y llevados a cabo por un grupo de la investigación extendido que involucre a investigadores de la academia y profesionales analistas del servicio, proporcionando una combinación de diferentes conocimientos. El objeto de investigación es la actividad de enfermeros en el Hospital Universitario Antonio Pedro, vinculado al Universidad Federal Fluminense. Los resultados obtenidos de la caracterización del equipo y la observación de la actividad en tres sectores deben conducir la opción de caminos a los procesos futuros de investigación.

Constituintes químicos, avaliação das atividades citotóxica e antioxidante de Mimosa paraibana Barneby (Mimosaceae) / Chemical constituents, evaluation of the cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Mimosa paraibana Barneby (Mimosaceae)

Mimosa paraibana Barneby foi submetida a um estudo fitoquímico para o isolamento de seus constituintes químicos, através de métodos cromatográficos usuais, e posterior identificação estrutural, utilizando-se métodos espectroscópicos de RMN ¹H e 13C uni e bidimensionais, além de comparações com modelos da literatura. Deste estudo pioneiro, foram isolados e identificados cinco constituintes da fase clorofórmica: uma mistura dos esteróides, β-sitosterol e estigmasterol, a 15¹-hidroxi-feofitina A, a 5,7-dihidroxiflavanona, o 3,4,5-trihidroxibenzoato de etila e o ácido p-cumárico. A atividade antioxidante das fases hexânica, clorofórmica e acetato de etila foi avaliada utilizando o radical estável DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-picril-hidrazil) e os resultados comparados com o padrão ácido ascórbico. A avaliação da citotoxicidade das fases foi realizada empregando-se o ensaio de letalidade contra Artemia salina. Dos extratos avaliados, somente o hexânico mostrou baixa toxicidade.

The phytochemical study of Mimosa paraibana Barneby led to the isolation of its chemical constituents, through the usual chromatographic methods, and further structural identification, using ¹H and 13C NMR spectroscopic methods based on one and two-dimensional techniques, in addition to comparison with literature data. From this pioneering investigation with M. paraibana, five constituents were isolated and identified from the chloroform extract: a mixture of β-sitosterol and stigmasterol, 15¹-hydroxy-phaeophytin A, 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone, ethyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate and p-coumaric acid. The antioxidant activity of the hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of M. paraibana were measured using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and the results compared with standard ascorbic acid. The toxicity activity of the extracts were performed using the bioassay of Artemia salina.

Ensaios toxicológicos pré-clínicos agudos do extrato bruto da casca do caule de Anarcardium occidentale L. em Ratos / Acute Pre-clinical Toxicological Assays of the Raw Extract of the Bark of Anacardium occidentale L. on Mice

Objetivo: Avaliar a toxicidade pré-clínica aguda do extrato seco das cascas do caule de Anacardium occidentale L., de acordo com a Portaria 116/96 SVS/MS. Material e Métodos: O material foi submetido à secagem e, posteriormente, triturado a pó. O extrato hidroalcoólico (70 por cento v/v), foi obtido por maceração até esgotamento. Após evaporação do solvente, à pressão reduzida, obteve-se o extrato seco que foi ressuspenso em soro fisiológico para os testes de toxicidade. Na determinação da toxicidade foram utilizados ratos wistar, com pesos entre 250g e 300g, separados em dois grupos de 20 animais (10 machos e 10 fêmeas). O primeiro grupo recebeu soro fisiológico via oral. O segundo grupo recebeu a dose de 5g/kg v.o., que é a dose máxima prevista na legislação. Sete dias após a administração da dose, os animais foram submetidos a exames laboratoriais. Resultados: Nos exames bioquímicos encontrou-se um aumento significante nos níveis séricos das transaminases AST e ALT nos animais tratados. No exame hematológico não se encontrou alteração. O aumento nos níveis de AST e ALT era esperado, já que a dose administrada é cerca de 350 vezes a dose usual. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o extrato bruto das cascas de A.occidentale é praticamente atóxico, visto que não provocou mortes, e as alterações observadas já eram esperadas, considerando as elevadas doses administradas aos animais

Ensaios toxicológicos pré-clínicos agudos com as folhas de Cissampelos Sympodialis Eichl em ratos / Pre-Clinical Toxicological Acute Assays with the Leaves of Cissampelos Sympodialis Eichl in Mice

Objetivo: Realizar ensaios toxicológicos pré-clínicos agudos com a fração aquosa das folhas (FAF) de Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl, em ratos, de acordo com a Portaria 116/96 SVS/MS. Material e Métodos: O extrato hidroalcoólico foi obtido através de etanol (35 por cento) e concentrado em rota-vapor, fornecendo o Extrato Hidroalcoólico Bruto (EHAB), submetido à liofilização. O EHAB foi dissolvido em água e filtrado, resultando na FAF, que foi administrada aos animais para a determinação da DL 50. Alterações comportamentais foram avaliadas durante o experimento. Sete dias após a administração, realizou-se análise laboratorial do sangue, além do estudo anatomopatológico. Resultados: Na investigação da DL 50, a administração das doses de até 5g/kg v.o. e 2g/kg i.p. não provocou mortes. O estudo anatomopatológico não evidenciou alterações. Entretanto, os cortes histológicos mostraram reações inflamatórias em nível de fígado e pulmão. Os exames laboratoriais indicaram aumento significante de AST, atribuído às alterações hepáticas demonstradas no estudo histopatológico, e uréia, o que pode representar alteração renal decorrente da maior necessidade de trabalho deste órgão para eliminar grande quantidade da substância teste. Não foram evidenciadas alterações significantes nos parâmetros hematológicos nem na contagem de plaquetas. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a fração aquosa das folhas de C. sympodialis demonstrou ser praticamente atóxica visto que não provocou mortes, e as alterações observadas já eram esperadas considerando as elevadas doses administradas aos animais