Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Synthetic Peptide [W7]KR12-KAEK Against Enterococcus faecalis Strains.

The emergence of infections caused by microorganisms in the oral cavity and increasing concerns regarding the use of antibiotics have resulted in the development of novel antimicrobial molecules, such as antimicrobial synthetic peptides. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of the native peptide KR-12 and its derivative, the synthetic peptide [W7]KR12-KAEK, against planktonic and biofilms Enterococcus faecalis strains. The methods used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity in planktonic cultures include minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration assays. The effects of [W7]KR12-KAEK on biofilm formation and mature biofilms were evaluated by quantifying biomass (crystal violet staining) and counting colony-forming units. Structural assessments of the biofilms and cellular morphological changes were performed using scanning electron microscopy. Peptide [W7]KR12-KAEK showed potential antimicrobial activity against planktonic cells. Interestingly, the native peptide KR-12 showed no antimicrobial activity. Moreover, it inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted the mature biofilms of E. faecalis strains. These results suggest that [W7]KR12-KAEK may be a potential molecule for the development of auxiliary antimicrobial therapies against oral infections.

Genetic polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter are not related with depression in temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Mood disorders are the most frequent psychiatric disorders in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS). The pathophysiological mechanisms in common between TLE and mood disorders include abnormalities in the serotonergic pathway. We aimed to evaluate the association between serotonin transporter genetic polymorphisms - 5-HTTLPR and 5-HTTVNTR - and the presence of mood disorders in patients with TLE-HS. METHODS: We evaluated 119 patients with TLE-HS, with and without psychiatric disorder; 146 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), and 113 healthy volunteers. Individuals were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR and 5-HTTVNTR polymorphisms. RESULTS: No difference was observed between the TLE-HS groups, healthy controls, and MDD without epilepsy. There was a correlation between the 12-allele of the 5-HTTVNTR and the family history of patients with epilepsy with TLE-HS (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: In this study conducted in two Brazilian centers, the serotonin transporter polymorphisms evaluated cannot be associated with depressive disorder in patients with TLE-HS. Still, they do have some influence over some clinical characteristics of epilepsy in TLE-HS. These data may not be reproduced in other populations with distinct ethnic characteristics.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of Essential Oil from Croton piauhiensis Müll. Arg.

A large number of infections are caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative multi-resistant bacteria worldwide, adding up to a figure of around 700,000 deaths per year. The indiscriminate uses of antibiotics, as well as their misuse, resulted in the selection of bacteria resistant to known antibiotics, for which it has little or no treatment. In this way, the strategies to combat the resistance of microorganisms are extremely important and, essential oils of Croton species have been extensively studied for this purpose. The aim of this study was to carry the evaluation of antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant activities, and spectroscopic investigation of essential oil from Croton piauhiensis (EOCp). The EOCp exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with required MICs ranging from 0.15 to 5% (v/v). In addition, the MBC of the EOCp for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and ATCC 700698, were 0.15 and 1.25%, respectively. Moreover, the EOCp significantly reduced significantly the biofilm production and the number of viable cells from the biofilm of all bacterial strains tested. The antioxidant potential of the EOCp showed EC50 values ranging from 171.21 to 4623.83 µg/mL. The EOCp caused hemolysis (>45%) at the higher concentrations tested (1.25 to 5%), and minor hemolysis (17.6%) at a concentration of 0.07%. In addition, docking studies indicated D-limonene as a phytochemical with potential for antimicrobial activity. This study indicated that the EOCp may be a potential agent against infections caused by bacterial biofilms, and act as a protective agent against ROS and oxidative stress.

Antimicrobial activity and antibiotic synergy of a biphosphinic ruthenium complex against clinically relevant bacteria.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity, antibiotic-associated synergy, and anti-biofilm activity of the ruthenium complex, cis-[RuCl2 (dppb) (bqdi)]2+ (RuNN). RuNN exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 15.6 to 62.5 µg ml-1 and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranging from 62.5 to 125 µg ml-1. A synergistic effect against Staphylococcus spp. was observed when RuNN was combined with ampicillin, and the range of associated fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values was 0.187 to 0.312. A time-kill curve indicated the bactericidal activity of RuNN in the first 1-5 h. In general, RuNN inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted mature biofilms. Furthermore, RuNN altered the cellular morphology of S. aureus biofilms. Further, RuNN did not cause hemolysis of erythrocytes. The results of this study provide evidence that RuNN is a novel therapeutic candidate to treat bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus biofilms.

Genetic polymorphisms of the 5HT receptors are not related with depression in temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Temporal lobe epilepsy caused by hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) is the most frequent form of drug-resistant epilepsy in adults. Mood disorders are the most frequent psychiatric comorbidities observed in these patients. Common pathophysiological mechanisms of epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities include abnormalities in the serotonin pathway. The primary goal of this study was to determine the possible association between polymorphisms of genes encoding the serotonin receptors 5HT1A (rs6295), 5HT1B (rs6296), and 5HT2C (rs6318) and the presence of mood disorders in patients with TLE-HS. Our secondary goal was to evaluate the possible association between these variants and susceptibility to develop seizures in TLE-HS. METHODS: We assessed 119 patients with TLE-HS, with and without psychiatric comorbidities; 146 patients with major depressive disorder; and 113 healthy volunteers. Individuals were genotyped for the rs6295, rs6296, and rs6318 polymorphisms. RESULTS: No difference was observed between the group with TLE-HS, healthy controls, and the group with major depressive disorder without epilepsy regarding the polymorphisms that were evaluated. There was no correlation between rs6318, rs6295, rs6296, and epilepsy-related factors and history of psychiatric comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Our work suggests that the studied polymorphisms were not related to the presence of TLE, psychiatric comorbidities in TLE, and epilepsy-related factors.

Purification, characterization and partial sequence of a pro-inflammatory lectin from seeds of Canavalia oxyphylla Standl. & L. O. Williams.

Recent studies have shown that lectins are promising tools for use in various biotechnological processes, as well as studies of various pathological mechanisms, isolation, and characterization of glycoconjugates and understanding the mechanisms underlying pathological mechanisms conditions, including the inflammatory response. This study aimed to purify, characterize physicochemically, and predict the biological activity of Canavalia oxyphylla lectin (CoxyL) in vitro and in vivo. CoxyL was purified by a single-step affinity chromatography in Sephadex® G-50 column. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the pure lectin consists of a major band of 30 kDa (α-chain) and two minor components (ß-chain and γ-chain) of 16 and 13 kDa, respectively. These data were further confirmed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, suggesting that CoxyL is a typical ConA-like lectin. In comparison with the average molecular mass of α-chain, the partial amino acid sequence obtained corresponds to approximately 45% of the total CoxyL sequence. CoxyL presented hemagglutinating activity that was specifically inhibited by monosaccharides (D-glucose, D-mannose, and α-methyl-D-mannoside) and glycoproteins (ovalbumin and fetuin). Moreover, CoxyL was shown to be thermostable, exhibiting full hemagglutinating activity up to 60°C, and it was pH-sensitive for 1 h, exhibiting maximal activity at pH 7.0. CoxyL caused toxicity to Artemia nauplii and induced paw edema in rats. This biological activity highlights the importance of lectins as important tools to better understand the mechanisms underlying inflammatory responses.

Coal fly ash ceramics: preparation, characterization, and use in the hydrolysis of sucrose.

Coal ash is a byproduct of mineral coal combustion in thermal power plants. This residue is responsible for many environmental problems because it pollutes soil, water, and air. Thus, it is important to find ways to reuse it. In this study, coal fly ash, obtained from the Presidente Médici Thermal Power Plant, was utilized in the preparation of ceramic supports for the immobilization of the enzyme invertase and subsequent hydrolysis of sucrose. Coal fly ash supports were prepared at several compaction pressures (63.66-318.30 MPa) and sintered at 1200°C for 4 h. Mineralogical composition (by X-ray diffraction) and surface area were studied. The ceramic prepared with 318.30 MPa presented the highest surface area (35 m(2)/g) and amount of immobilized enzyme per g of support (76.6 mg/g). In assays involving sucrose inversion, it showed a high degree of hydrolysis (around 81%) even after nine reuses and 30 days' storage. Therefore, coal fly ash ceramics were demonstrated to be a promising biotechnological alternative as an immobilization support for the hydrolysis of sucrose.

A lectin from Dioclea violacea Interacts with midgut surface of Lutzomyia migonei, unlike its homologues, Cratylia floribunda lectin and Canavalia gladiata lectin.

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease transmitted by phlebotomine sand fly. Susceptibility and refractoriness to Leishmania depend on the outcome of multiple interactions that take place within the sand fly gut. Promastigote attachment to sand fly midgut epithelium is essential to avoid being excreted together with the digested blood meal. Promastigote and gut sand fly surface glycans are important ligands in this attachment. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the interaction of three lectins isolated from leguminous seeds (Diocleinae subtribe), D-glucose and D-mannose-binding, with glycans on Lutzomyia migonei midgut. To study this interaction the lectins were labeled with FITC and a fluorescence assay was performed. The results showed that only Dioclea violacea lectin (DVL) was able to interact with midgut glycans, unlike Cratylia floribunda lectin (CFL) and Canavalia gladiata lectin (CGL). Furthermore, when DVL was blocked with D-mannose the interaction was inhibited. Differences of spatial arrangement of residues and volume of carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) may be the cause of the fine specificity of DVL for glycans in the surface on Lu. migonei midgut. The findings in this study showed the presence of glycans in the midgut with glucose/mannose residues in its composition and these residues may be important in interaction between Lu. migonei midgut and Leishmania.

Effect of leguminous lectins on the growth of Rhizobium tropici CIAT899.

Rhizobium tropici is a Gram-negative bacterium that induces nodules and fixed atmospheric nitrogen in symbiotic association with Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) and some other leguminous species. Lectins are proteins that specifically bind to carbohydrates and, consequently, modulate different biological functions. In this study, the d-glucose/ d-mannose-binding lectins (from seeds of Dioclea megacarpa, D. rostrata and D. violacea) and D-galactose-binding lectins (from seeds of Bauhinia variegata, Erythina velutina and Vatairea macrocarpa) were purified using chromatographic techniques and evaluated for their effect on the growth of R. tropici CIAT899. All lectins were assayed with a satisfactory degree of purity according to SDS-PAGE analysis, and stimulated bacterial growth; in particular, the Dioclea rostrata lectin was the most active among all tested proteins. As confirmed in the present study, both d-galactose- and d-glucose/d-mannose-binding lectins purified from the seeds of leguminous plants may be powerful biotechnological tools to stimulate the growth of R. tropici CIAT99, thus improving symbiotic interaction between rhizobia and common bean and, hence, the production of this field crop.

A new strategy for treating drug-resistant focal aware seizures: thalamic specific nuclei deep brain stimulation. Illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Focal aware seizures (FASs) are relatively common and frequently pharmaco-resistant. If the seizure onset zone (SOZ) is in eloquent cortical areas, making resective surgery risky and inadvisable, deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus, which is efficacious in less than half of the cases, has been the main alternative. New targets should be searched to address this deficiency. The present study aims to determine if DBS of different thalamic specific nuclei can modulate the abnormal electrical activity of the SOZ located in their respective cortical projection areas. Herein, the authors present the first patient in an ongoing trial. OBSERVATIONS: A 60-year-old female patient presented with 25-year history of pharmaco-resistant focal aware visual seizures frequently evolving to focal impaired awareness seizures. The SOZ was in the right occipital lobe (positron emission tomography-computed tomography/video electroencephalography). Magnetic resonance imaging was normal. She underwent ipsilateral lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) DBS procedure. After a 24-month follow-up, seizure frequency decreased by 97%, improving quality of life and daily functioning without complications. LESSONS: This is the first time the LGN has been targeted in humans. The results support the hypothesis that led to this study. This strategy represents a paradigm shift in the way of treating pharmaco-resistant FASs not amenable to resective surgery.

Ventral intermediate nucleus deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant focal aware motor seizures: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Resection of the seizure onset zone (SOZ) is considered the gold standard for treating refractory focal aware seizures (FASs). When resective surgery is unadvisable, deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT; ANT-DBS) has been the procedure of choice. However, less than half of patients with FASs respond to ANT-DBS. The need for alternative targets to effectively treat FAS is thus evident. OBSERVATIONS: The authors report the case of a 39-year-old woman presenting with pharmaco-resistant focal aware motor seizures, with the SOZ located in the primary motor cortical area. She had previously undergone unsuccessful resection of the left temporoparietal operculum elsewhere. Considering the risk of new resective surgery, she was offered combined ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim)/ANT-DBS. Vim-DBS proved to be superior to ANT-DBS for seizure control (88% vs 32%), although the association of both provided the best results (97%). LESSONS: This is the first report on the use of the Vim as a target of DBS for the treatment of FAS. The excellent results were presumably obtained by modulation of the SOZ through Vim projections to the motor cortex. This opens a completely new avenue for treating FAS: chronic stimulation of specific thalamic nuclei.

Predictive factors for successful vagus nerve stimulation in patients with refractory epilepsy: real-life insights from a multicenter study.

Introduction: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy is an established treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy that reduces seizure frequency by at least 50% in approximately half of patients; however, the characteristics of the patients with the best response have not yet been identified. Thus, it is important to identify the profile of patients who would have the best response to guide early indications and better patient selection. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as an adjuvant therapy for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy from six epilepsy centers in Brazil. Data from 192 patients aged 2-66 years were analyzed, and all patients received at least 6 months of therapy to be included. Results: Included patients were aged 2-66 years (25.6 ± 14.3), 105 (54.7%) males and 87 (45.8%) females. Median follow-up interval was 5 years (range, 2005-2018). Overall, the response rate (≥50% seizure reduction) after VNS implantation was 65.6% (126/192 patients). Most patients had 50-90% seizure reduction (60.9%) and nine patients became seizure-free. There were no serious complications associated with VNS implantation. The rate of a ≥ 50% seizure reduction response was significantly higher in patients with no history of neurosurgery. The presence of focal without generalized seizures and focal discharges on interictal EEG was associated with better response. Overall, etiological predictors of a better VNS response profile were tumors while a worse response to VNS was related to the presence of vascular malformations and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Discussion: We observed an association between a better response to VNS therapy no history of neurosurgery, focal interictal epileptiform activity, and focal seizure pattern. Additionally, it is important to highlight that age was not a determinant factor of the response, as children and adults had similar response rates. Thus, VNS therapy should be considered in both adults and children with DRE.

Stability, oviposition attraction, and larvicidal activity of binary toxin from Bacillus sphaericus expressed in Escherichia coli.

Bacillus sphaericus produces a two-chain binary toxin composed of BinA (42 kDa) and BinB (51 kDa), which are deposited as parasporal crystals during sporulation. The toxin is highly active against Culex larvae and Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes, which are the principal vectors for the transmission of malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis, and dengue. The use of B. sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis in mosquito control programs is limited by their sedimentation in still water. In this study, the binA and binB genes were cloned and the recombinant BinAB protein was expressed in three strains of Escherichia coli. These recombinant strains were used in a toxicity assay against Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. The highest expression level was achieved when both proteins were expressed in a single operon construct. The BinAB protein expressed in the E. coli Arctic strain showed higher larvicidal activity than either of the recombinant proteins from the E. coli Ril or pLysS strains. Furthermore, it had the highest oviposition attraction (49.1%, P < 0.05). These data suggest that biologically active recombinant BinA and BinB toxins might be useful in mosquito control programs, delivered by inactivated bacterial cells or in traps.

Characterization of isoforms of the lectin isolated from the red algae Bryothamnion seaforthii and its pro-healing effect.

Lectins are a structurally heterogeneous group of proteins that have specific binding sites for carbohydrates and glycoconjugates. Because of their biotechnological potential, lectins are widely used in biomedical research. The present study aimed to evaluate the healing potential of the lectin isolated from the marine red alga Bryothamnion seaforthii (BSL). The lectin was purified using ion exchange chromatography with DEAE cellulose and characterized using tandem mass spectrometry. For healing tests, skin wounds were induced in the dorsal thoracic region of mice. These animals were randomly divided into three groups and subjected to topical treatment for 12 days with BSL, bovine serum albumin and 150 mM NaCl. To evaluate the potential of each treatment, the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed on days 2, 7 and 12, respectively. The parameters evaluated included the wound area, the proportion of wound closure and the histological diagnosis. The wound closure was more effective with BSL (Postoperative Day 7 and 12) than controls. The luminal epithelium was completely restructured; the presence of collagen in the dermis and the strongly active presence of young skin annexes demonstrate the potential of treatment with BSL compared with controls. Our findings suggest that BSL has pro-healing properties and can be a potential medical process in the treatment of acute wounds.

Lectin from Canavalia brasiliensis seeds (ConBr) is a valuable biotechnological tool to stimulate the growth of Rhizobium tropici in vitro.

To study the interactions between a Rhizobium tropici strain and lectins isolated from the seeds of Canavalia ensiformis (ConA) and Canavalia brasiliensis (ConBr), a lectin fluorescence assay was performed. In addition, an experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of the two lectins on bacterial growth. Both lectins were found to bind to R. tropici cells, but the interactions were inhibited by D-mannose. Interestingly, only ConBr stimulated bacterial growth in proportion to the concentrations used (15.6-500 µg/mL), and the bacterial growth stimulation was inhibited by D-mannose as well. Structure/Function analyses by bioinformatics were carried out to evaluate the volume and carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) configuration of ConA and ConBr. The difference of spatial arrangement and volume of CRD may indicate the variation between biological activities of both lectins. The results suggest that ConBr could be a promising tool for studies focusing on the interactions between rhizobia and host plants.

Antifungal activity of lectins against yeast of vaginal secretion.

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins of non-imune origin. This group of proteins is distributed widely in nature and they have been found in viruses, microorganisms, plants and animals. Lectins of plants have been isolated and characterized according to their chemical, physical-chemical, structural and biological properties. Among their biological activities, we can stress its fungicidal action. It has been previously described the effect of the lectins Dviol, DRL, ConBr and LSL obtained from the seeds of leguminous plants on the growth of yeasts isolated from vaginal secretions. In the present work the experiments were carried out in microtiter plates and the results interpreted by both methods: visual observations and a microplate reader at 530nm. The lectin concentrations varied from 0.5 to 256µg/mL, and the inoculum was established between 65-70% of trammitance. All yeast samples isolated from vaginal secretion were evaluated taxonomically, where were observed macroscopic and microscopic characteristics to each species. The LSL lectin did not demonstrate any antifungal activity to any isolate studied. The other lectins DRL, ConBr and DvioL, showed antifungal potential against yeast isolated from vaginal secretion. These findings offering offer a promising field of investigation to develop new therapeutic strategies against vaginal yeast infections, collaborating to improve women's health.

Wound healing activity of lectin isolated from seeds of Centrolobium microchaete Mart. ex Benth. on cutaneous wounds in mice.

This study aims to evaluate the wound healing potential of lectin isolated from the seeds of Centrolobium microchaete (Mart. ex Benth) (CML) on cutaneous wounds in mice. CML did not show cytotoxicity on murine dermal fibroblasts (L929 cell line). The wounds treated with CML (200 µg/mL) showed a decrease in area within 12 days post-operative (P.O.) when compared to control. On 3rd and 7th day P.O., the CML-treated group exhibited fibroblast proliferation and neovascularization. On 12th day P.O., complete restructuring of the epithelial layer and connective tissue was observed in the CML-treated group, whereas control groups exhibited incomplete reepithelialization. CML treatment enhanced the wound closure via the wound contraction process, resulting in the restructuring of the skin layers on 12th day P.O. In conclusion, CML induced a fast and efficient wound healing, suggesting that it can be used as a promising therapeutic tool to heal acute wounds.

Immunostimulatory activity of ConBr: a focus on splenocyte proliferation and proliferative cytokine secretion.

Lectins constitute a class of glycoproteins, which are capable of selectively and reversibly binding to carbohydrates, distinguishing small structural differences in complex oligosaccharides. Studies have shown that the binding of lectins to cell-surface carbohydrates can lead to various effects such as cellular proliferation, histamine release and cytokine production. Canavalia brasiliensis lectin (ConBr) is a (D-mannose) D-glucose lectin. In this study, murine splenocytes were cultured to determine the effect of ConBr on cell proliferation, nitric oxide (NO) release and cytokine secretion. In addition, cellular viability assays were performed to evaluate any mitogenic activity induced by this lectin. ConBr significantly increased cell proliferation with minimal cell damage. This lectin was able to induce an increased production of cytokines such as IL-2, IL-6 and IFN-γ and a decreased production of IL- 10. The release of NO was also observed. The results of this study indicate that ConBr could potentially be used as an immunomodulator.

Effect of lectins from Diocleinae subtribe against oral Streptococci.

Surface colonization is an essential step in biofilm development. The ability of oral pathogens to adhere to tooth surfaces is directly linked with the presence of specific molecules at the bacterial surface that can interact with enamel acquired pellicle ligands. In light of this, the aim of this study was to verify inhibitory and antibiofilm action of lectins from the Diocleinaesubtribe against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus oralis. The inhibitory action against planctonic cells was assessed using lectins from Canavaliaensi formis (ConA), Canavalia brasiliensis (ConBr), Canavalia maritima (ConM), Canavalia gladiata (CGL) and Canavalia boliviana (ConBol). ConBol, ConBr and ConM showed inhibitory activity on S. mutans growth. All lectins, except ConA, stimulated significantly the growth of S. oralis. To evaluate the effect on biofilm formation, clarified saliva was added to 96-well, flat-bottomed polystyrene plates, followed by the addition of solutions containing 100 or 200 µg/mL of the selected lectins. ConBol, ConM and ConA inhibited the S. mutans biofilms. No effects were found on S. oralis biofilms. Structure/function analysis were carried out using bioinformatics tools. The aperture and deepness of the CRD (Carbohydrate Recognition Domain) permit us to distinguish the two groups of Canavalia lectins in accordance to their actions against S. mutans and S. oralis. The results found provide a basis for encouraging the use of plant lectins as biotechnological tools in ecological control and prevention of caries disease.

Effect of the lectin of Bauhinia variegata and its recombinant isoform on surgically induced skin wounds in a murine model.

Lectins are a structurally heterogeneous group of highly specific carbohydrate-binding proteins. Due to their great biotechnological potential, lectins are widely used in biomedical research. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the healing potential of the lectin of Bauhinia variegata (nBVL) and its recombinant isoform (rBVL-1). Following surgical creation of dorsal skin wounds, seven groups of mice were submitted to topical treatment for 12 days with lectin, D-galactose, BSA and saline. The animals were anesthetized and euthanized on POD 2, 7 and 12 in order to evaluate the healing potential of each treatment. The parameters considered included wound size, contraction rate, epithelialization rate and histopathological findings. Wound closure was fastest in animals treated with rBVL-1 (POD 7). nBVL was more effective than the controls. All skin layers were reconstructed and keratin deposition increased. Our findings indicate that the lectin of Bauhinia variegata possesses pro-healing properties and may be employed in the treatment of acute skin wounds.