Intraparenchymal Meningioma.

Meningiomas have been described as the most frequent extra-axial tumor in the brain. Most are benign and correspond to World Health Organization (WHO) grade I; however, there are some reports of cases that shows atypical locations, like subcortical intra-axial meningiomas. This represents a challenge in radiological diagnosis because it could be taken as a metastasis tumor or vascular malformations. The authors bring a case report of a previously healthy patient who presents a traumatic brain injury with no traumatic lesions. A computed tomography (CT) evidenced a left frontal rounded subcortical lesion surrounded by large vasogenic edema. The first diagnostic impression was a metastasis tumor. During surgery, a total resection was completed, and the appearance of the tumor was meningioma. This was later confirmed by histological analysis. The literature was reviewed in order to determine the importance of including intraparenchymal meningiomas in the differential diagnosis of intracranial lesions.

Cacao extract enriched in polyphenols prevents endocrine-metabolic disturbances in a rat model of prediabetes triggered by a sucrose rich diet.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cocoa extracts rich in polyphenols are used as potential agent for treating diabetes. Cocoa polyphenols have been proved to ameliorate important hallmarks of type-2 diabetes (T2D). They can regulate glucose levels by increasing insulin secretion, promoting ß-cell proliferation and a reduction of insulin resistance. In addition, epidemiological evidence indicates that consumption of flavonoid decreases the incidence of T2D. AIM OF THE STUDY: T2D is preceded by a prediabetic state in which the endocrine-metabolic changes described in T2D are already present. Since epidemiological evidence indicates that consumption of flavonoid decreases its incidence, we evaluated possible preventive effects of polyphenol-enriched cocoa extract on a model of prediabetes induced by sucrose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined circulating parameters and insulin sensitivity indexes, liver protein carbonyl groups and reduced glutathione, liver mRNA expression levels of lipogenic enzymes, expression of different pro-inflammatory mediators, fructokinase activity and liver glycogen content. For that, radioimmunoassay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, spectrophotometry, and immunohistochemistry were used. RESULTS: We demonstrated that sucrose administration triggered hypertriglyceridemia, insulin-resistance, and liver increased oxidative stress and inflammation markers compared to control rats. Additionally, we found an increase in glycogen deposit, fructokinase activity, and lipogenic genes expression (SREBP-1c, FAS and GPAT) together with a decrease in P-Akt and P-eNOS protein content (P < 0.05). Sucrose-induced insulin resistance, hepatic carbohydrate and lipid dysmetabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation were effectively disrupted by polyphenol-enriched cocoa extract (PECE) co-administration (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dietary administration of cocoa flavanols may be an effective and complementary tool for preventing or reverting T2D at an early stage of its development (prediabetes).

Guia prático de atualização: medicamentos biológicos no tratamento da asma, doenças alérgicas e imunodeficiências / Practical update guide: biological drugs in the treatment of asthma, allergic diseases and immunodeficiencies

O presente guia apresenta revisão extensa sobre imunobiológicos utilizados, liberados e ainda sob estudo, para o tratamento da asma, doenças alérgicas e imunodeficiências. Além das características físico-químicas de alguns desses fármacos, são revisadas as indicações e os resultados de estudos clínicos realizados para avaliar eficácia e segurança. Separados por doença específica, são apresentados os principais agentes disponíveis e aprovados para utilização segundo as normas regulatórias nacionais.

This guide presents an extensive review of immunobiological drugs used, approved and/or under investigation for the treatment of asthma, allergic diseases and immunodeficiencies. In addition to the physicochemical characteristics of some of these drugs, their indications and results of clinical studies evaluating efficacy and safety are reviewed. The main agents available and approved for use in each specific disease according to national regulatory standards are presented.

Activation of AMPK by Medicinal Plants and Natural Products: Its Role in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Type-2 Diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease characterized by permanent hyperglycemia, whose development can be prevented or delayed by using therapeutic agents and implementing lifestyle changes. Some therapeutic alternatives include regulation of glycemia through modulation of different mediators and enzymes, such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a highly relevant cellular energy sensor for metabolic homeostasis regulation, with particular relevance in the modulation of liver and muscle insulin sensitivity. This makes it a potential therapeutic target for antidiabetic drugs. In fact, some of them are standard drugs used for treatment of T2D, such as biguanides and thiazolidindiones. In this review, we compile the principal natural products that are activators of AMPK and their effect on glucose metabolism, which could make them candidates as future antidiabetic agents. Phenolics such as flavonoids and resveratrol, alkaloids such as berberine, and some saponins are potential natural activators of AMPK with a potential future as antidiabetic drugs.

Cardioprotection and natural polyphenols: an update of clinical and experimental studies.

Myocardial ischemia is the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite better outcomes with early coronary artery reperfusion strategies, morbidity and mortality remain significant. The principal myocardial hallmark of myocardial ischemia is cell death and the associated impairment of cardiac contractility. In this way, the use of extracts from medicinal plants versus synthetic drugs to mitigate post-ischemic damage constitutes an alternative. Despite their proven beneficial effects in cardiovascular disorders, the use of many plants is questioned. Our aim is to update the clinical and experimental studies about the actions of medicinal plants and polyphenol-enriched extracts against ischemia-reperfusion injury and the involved mechanisms. A review of the recent scientific literature (last ten years) on cardioprotective medicinal plants was developed using the following bibliographic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar. Herein, the clinical and experimental studies on medicinal plants and their phenolic compounds have been reviewed. The second part of this review was centered on the search for medicinal plant extracts and natural products isolated from them as potential cardioprotective agents. The botanical names of the cited plants have been authenticated by searching the Plant List and Royal Botanical Garden, Kew databases. The data collected show that treatment with natural products diminishes post-ischemic damage through an improvement of the mitochondrial functionality mainly mediated by enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability. Despite these results, further studies must be carried out to validate their use to prevent or mitigate ischemia-reperfusion injury in the clinical setting.

[Melioidosis: report of the first case in a northern state of México]. / Melioidosis: reporte del primer caso en el estado de Sonora, México.

The melioidosis, is an infection caused by Burkhordelia pseudomallei that comprises heterogeneous clinical syndromes with acute or chronic evolution. The objective of this article is to report a case with unusual presentation and outside the known epidemiological context. We present the case of a 48-year-old man who came to our hospital with fever and a history of an abscess in the right subscapular region, physical examination showed hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, fever, without pulmonary symptoms. Within study it reveal multiple abscesses in liver and spleen, requiring surgical exploration and antibiotics (meropenem/vancomycin). Blood cultures reveal Burkhordelia pseudomallei adding trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole with resolution of symptoms.

La melioidosis, infección ocasionada por la bacteria Burkhordelia pseudomallei, comprende síndromes clinicos heterogéneos de evolución aguda o crónica. El objetivo del presente artículo es informar de un caso con presentación poco habitual y fuera del contexto epidemiológico conocido. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 48 años de edad que acude a nuestro hospital por fiebre e historia de absceso en región subescapular derecha, a la exploración física mostraba hepatomegalia, esplenomegalia y fiebre, sin manifestar síntomas pulmonares. Dentro de su protocolo de estudio se concluyó que padecía múltiples abscesos en hígado y bazo, requiriendo de exploracion quirurgica y antibióticos (meropenem/vancomicina). Mediante hemocultivos hubo desarrollo de Burkhordelia pseudomallei, agregando al manejo trimetropima/sulfametoxazol con resolución de síntomas.

Ex Vivo Treatment with a Polyphenol-Enriched Cocoa Extract Ameliorates Myocardial Infarct and Postischemic Mitochondrial Injury in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats.

Our objective was to determine the effects of a polyphenol-enriched cocoa extract (PCE) on myocardial postischemic alterations in normotensive (Wistar rats, W) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Isolated hearts were submitted to 110 min of perfusion or 20 min stabilization, 30 min global ischemia, and 60 min reperfusion (R). Other hearts were treated with PCE at the onset of R. Infarct size, the reduced glutathione (GSH), and the expression of phospho-Akt, P-GSK-3ß, and P-eNOS were assessed. In isolated mitochondria, the Ca(2+)-mediated response of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), membrane potential (Δψm), and superoxide production were determined. PCE decreased infarct size, partly preserved GSH, increased the P-Akt, P-GSK-3ß, and P-eNOS contents, improved mPTP response to Ca(2+), decreased the superoxide production, and restored Δψm. These data show that PCE decreases the cardiac postischemic damage in W rats and SHR and suggest that Akt/GSK-3ß/eNOS dependent pathways are involved.

Biological activities of polyphenols-enriched propolis from Argentina arid regions.

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a bioactive natural product collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from plant sources. PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine the effect of propolis extracts from arid region of Argentina, on the activity/expression of pro-inflammatory enzymes, and as potential free radical scavenger, antifungal and anthelmintic agent as well as to get a first insight into the polyphenolic profile of the active fractions. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: Two propolis samples were collected in different time from hives located in Tucumán, Argentina. They are representative of the collection time of the raw material for phytotherapeutical purposes. Ethanolic extracts from both propolis were obtained. The PEEs were analyzed for total polyphenol (TP), non-flavonoid phenols (NFP) and flavonoid (FP) content followed by HPLC-DAD analysis and identification of components by HPLC-MS/MS(n). The potentiality as anti-inflammatory (LOX, COX, iNOS enzymes), antioxidant, antifungal and nematicidal was determined. RESULTS: PEEs contain high levels of TP, NFP and FP, including cinnamic acid, caffeic acid prenyl ester, caffeoyl dihydrocaffeate and caffeic acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl ester, liquiritigenin, 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone and 2',4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxychalcone. The PEEs in vitro reduced the activity of LOX and COX-2. Pretreatment of RAW 264.7 cells with PEEs before the induction of inflammatory state, inhibited NO overproduction and the iNOS protein expression was significantly decreased. The PEEs exhibited antioxidant, antifungal (Candida sp.) and nematicidal effect (C. elegans). CONCLUSION: These findings show the potential use of characterized PEEs from arid regions of Argentina as phytomedicine.

Effect of an Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) extract on infarct size in isolated rat hearts: the mechanisms involved.

Tea made from Ilex paraguariensis (IP) dried and minced leaves is a beverage widely consumed by large populations in South America as a source of caffeine (stimulant action) and for its medicinal properties. However, there is little information about the action of IP on the myocardium in the ischemia-reperfusion condition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of an aqueous extract of IP on infarct size in a model of regional ischemia. Isolated rat hearts were perfused by the Langendorff technique and subjected to 40 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 60 min of reperfusion (ischemic control hearts). Other hearts received IP 30 µg mL(-1) during the first 10 min of reperfusion in the absence or presence of l(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester [l-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor]. The infarct size was determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Post-ischemic myocardial function and coronary perfusion were also assessed. Cardiac oxidative damage was evaluated by using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentration and the reduced glutathione (GSH) content. To analyze the mechanisms involved, the expressions of phosphorylated forms of eNOS and Akt were measured. In isolated mitochondria the Ca(2+)-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening was determined. IP significantly decreased the infarct size and improved post-ischemic myocardial function and coronary perfusion. TBARS decreased, GSH was partially preserved, the levels of P-eNOS and P-Akt increased and mPTP opening diminished after IP addition. These changes were abolished by l-NAME. Therefore, our data demonstrate that acute treatment with IP only during reperfusion was effective in reducing myocardial post-ischemic alterations. These actions would be mediated by a decrease of mitochondrial permeability through IP-activated Akt/eNOS-dependent pathways.

Apoptotic activity of isoespintanol derivatives in human polymorphonuclear cells / Actividad apoptótica de derivados semisintéticos del isopentanol en células polimorfonucleares humanas

Background: Inflammation is a complex physiopathologic response to different stimuli. Recently, some pharmacological strategies have been proposed that could be used for resolution of inflammation by enhancing apoptosis of inflammatory cells. Objectives: To study in vitro apoptotic activity of isoespintanol [ISO] and of two semi-synthetic derivatives, bromide isoespintanol [BrI] and demethylated isoespintanol [DMI], in human polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells. Methods: PMN were exposed to the different concentrations of ISO, BrI and DMI for 30 min in phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.4 containing 1 mg/mL glucose, 0.4 mM Mg2+, and 1.20 mM Ca2+. Viability was assessed by dimethylthiazol diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). To distinguish between the two modes of cell death, apoptosis and necrosis, we examined differences in morphological and biochemical changes of cells stained with annexin V- FITC (An) and/or propidium iodide (PI) using two different assays based on flow cytometry Results: The MTT assay revealed the ability of cells to reduce MTT salt to formazan. In the presence of BrI and DMI a significant concentration-dependent decrease of cell viability was observed. The annexin V- FITC binding assay showed a high proportion of apoptotic cells for those treated with BrI (An+/ PI- : 62.3 ± 8.2% vs. 2.1 ± 0.5% of control, P<0.05). The population of PMN treated with DMI produced the highest percentage (An+/IP+: 43.4 ± 5.2 % vs. 0.4 ± 0.3 % of control, P<0.05) of necrotic cells. Apoptotic nuclei were analyzed by PI staining. The cell population in the sub G0/G1 region represents cells with hypodiploidal DNA, an indicator of apoptosis. When cells were incubated with 50 and 100 µM of BrI, the cell population in the sub G0/G1 region increased, suggesting a dose-dependent increase in the population of apoptotic cells. The presence of the pan-inhibitor of caspases (Z-VAD-fmk) showed a significant reduction in cell population in the sub G0/G1 region, indicating less degradation of DNA. Conclusions: Bromide isoespintanol [BrI] induces an apoptotic process in PMN, mediated ­at least in part­ by activation of caspases, although this compound may probably act through other caspase-independent mechanisms as well.

Antecedentes: La inflamación es una respuesta fisiopatológica compleja generada por diferentes estímulos. Recientemente, se han propuesto nuevas estrategias farmacológicas que podrían ser utilizadas para conducir a la resolución de la inflamación mediante el aumento de la apoptosis de células inflamatorias. Objetivo: Estudiar la actividad apoptótica in vitro del isopentanol [ISO] y dos derivados semisintéticos ­bromuro de isoespintanol [BrI] e isoespintanol desmetilado [DMI] ­ en células polimorfonucleares humanas (PMN). Métodos: Las PMN fueron expuestas a diferentes concentraciones de los compuestos durante 30 min en una disolución salina tamponada con fosfato (pH 7,4). La viabilidad celular se evaluó utilizando el ensayo de 3-[4,5-dimetil-tiazol-2-il]-2,5-difenil tetrazolio (MTT). Para distinguir entre los dos modos de muerte celular, la apoptosis y la necrosis, se examinaron las diferencias en los cambios morfológicos y bioquímicos de las células teñidas con anexina V (An) y/o yoduro de propidio (PI) usando dos técnicas de citometría de flujo. Resultados: Mediante el ensayo con MTT, se demostró que los compuestos BrI y DMI disminuyeron significativamente y de manera concentración-dependiente la viabilidad celular. El ensayo de unión con la anexina V-FITC mostró una alta proporción de células apoptóticas en las células tratadas con BrI (An+/PI- : 62,3 ± 8,2% versus 2,1 ± 0,5% del control, P<0,05). El análisis de núcleos apoptóticos se llevó a cabo a través de tinción con PI. La población de células en la región sub G0/G1 representa células con ADN hipodiploidal, que es un indicador de apoptosis. Cuando las células se incubaron con BrI, la población de células en la región sub G0/G1 aumentó, confirmando su mecanismo citotóxico. En presencia de un inhibidor de caspasas (Z-VAD-FMK), se observó una reducción significativa en la población celular en la región sub G0/G1, indicando una menor degradación del ADN. Conclusiones: El bromuro de isoespintanol [BrI], induce un proceso apoptótico en PMN que está mediado ­al menos en parte­ por la activación de las caspasas, aunque este compuesto probablemente podría actuar también a través de otros mecanismos independientes de las caspasas.

An aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis reduces carrageenan-induced edema and inhibits the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in animal models of inflammation.

Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a highly popular herbal beverage in South America due to its high content of caffeine. Its hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties are of increasing interest in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders and for weight control. In the present study, we show for the first time both the local and systemic anti-inflammatory effects of an aqueous extract of mate in three classic in vivo models, namely acute and chronic 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate-induced mouse ear edema and acute carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema. Caffeine, rutin, chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicafeoyl quinic acid, and 4,5-dicafeoyl quinic acid, accompanied by a complex mixture of other simple phenolic acids, were identified in the extract by HPLC-UV analyses. In the acute edema model, mate extract applied topically (1 mg/ear) halved the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate-induced acute edema (50 %) and almost suppressed neutrophil infiltration (93 %), while in the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate-induced subchronic inflammation, the edema was significantly reduced by 62 % (1 mg/ear/day × seven doses). The oral administration of the mate extract (250 mg/kg) significantly reduced the carrageenan-induced edema at all time points, an effect which was accompanied by a 43 % and 53 % reduction of the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, respectively. Histological analyses confirmed a reduction of epithelium thickness, dermis with mild inflammation, hair follicles with some secretory cells of sebaceous glands, and hypodermic adipocytes. In conclusion, mate is endowed with in vivo preventative or therapeutic anti-inflammatory effects in both local and systemic inflammatory processes.

Antioxidant Activity and Cardioprotective Effect of a Nonalcoholic Extract of Vaccinium meridionale Swartz during Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats.

Our objective was to assess the antioxidant properties and the effects against the reperfusion injury of a nonalcoholic extract obtained by fermentation from the Colombian blueberry, mortiño (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz, Ericaceae). Antioxidant properties were assessed by in vitro systems. To examine the postischemic myocardial function, isolated rat hearts were treated 10 min before ischemia and during the first 10 min of reperfusion with the extract. To analyze the participation of nitric oxide (NO), other experiments were performed in the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). In cardiac tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, endothelial NOS (eNOS), and Akt expression were also measured. The blueberry extract showed higher total phenols and anthocyanins contents, scavenging activity of superoxide radical and systolic and diastolic function was improved, TBARS diminished, GSH was partially preserved, and both NOS and Akt expression increased in hearts treated with the extract. These beneficial effects were lost when eNOS was inhibited. In resume, these data show that the increase of eNOS expression via Akt and the scavenging activity contribute to the cardioprotection afforded by acute treatment with Colombian blueberry extract against ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Human apolipoprotein A-I natural variants: molecular mechanisms underlying amyloidogenic propensity.

Human apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I)-derived amyloidosis can present with either wild-type (Wt) protein deposits in atherosclerotic plaques or as a hereditary form in which apoA-I variants deposit causing multiple organ failure. More than 15 single amino acid replacement amyloidogenic apoA-I variants have been described, but the molecular mechanisms involved in amyloid-associated pathology remain largely unknown. Here, we have investigated by fluorescence and biochemical approaches the stabilities and propensities to aggregate of two disease-associated apoA-I variants, apoA-IGly26Arg, associated with polyneuropathy and kidney dysfunction, and apoA-ILys107-0, implicated in amyloidosis in severe atherosclerosis. Results showed that both variants share common structural properties including decreased stability compared to Wt apoA-I and a more flexible structure that gives rise to formation of partially folded states. Interestingly, however, distinct features appear to determine their pathogenic mechanisms. ApoA-ILys107-0 has an increased propensity to aggregate at physiological pH and in a pro-inflammatory microenvironment than Wt apoA-I, whereas apoA-IGly26Arg elicited macrophage activation, thus stimulating local chronic inflammation. Our results strongly suggest that some natural mutations in apoA-I variants elicit protein tendency to aggregate, but in addition the specific interaction of different variants with macrophages may contribute to cellular stress and toxicity in hereditary amyloidosis.

Enfermedad de Addison asociado a tuberculosis pulmonar: reporte de un caso / Addison's disease associated with pulmonary tuberculosis: a case report

La enfermedad de Addison resulta de la destrucción progresiva de las glándulas adrenales pudiendo llegar a destruir hasta el 90% antes de que aparezca una insuficiencia corticosuprarrenal clínicamente observable. Históricamente, la tuberculosis fue una causa frecuente de la enfermedad de Addison, aunque otras enfermedades también pueden producir la enfermedad. La enfermedad de Addison estima una prevalencia de aproximadamente 110 casos por millón de habitantes y una incidencia de 5 a 6 casos por millón al año. Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente de sexo masculino que ingresa al servicio de infectología del hospital Clínico Viedma, con el antecedente de cambio de coloración de la piel en miembros de cinco meses de evolución, cuadro se acompaño de disnea de clase III. En el examen físico general se observó hiperpigmentación generalizada que compromete mucosas, signos vitales normales. Al examen físico regional presentó adinamia, anorexia y astenia.

Addison's disease results because of the progressive destruction of the adrenal glands that reach up to 90% destroyed before appears clinical evidence ot adrenal insufficiency. Historically, tuberculosis was a common cause of Addison's disease, but other diseases can also cause the disease. Moreover, Addison's disease estimated prevalence is approximately 110 cases per million habitants and an incidence of five to six cases per million per year. We report a case of a male patient admitted in the Infectious Disease Clinical Hospital Viedma, with the history of change in skin coloration members, five months history painting was accompanied by dyspnea class III. In the physical examination was observed committing widespread mucosal hyperpigmentation, normal vital signs. Physical examination showed regional weakness, anorexia and asthenia.

Anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids from Cayaponia tayuya roots.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Taiuiá or tayuya (Cayaponia tayuya, Cucurbitaceae) is a climbing, lignified plant with a large swollen root that has traditionally been used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic agent in the folk medicine of Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: We have assayed the pharmacological properties of a flavonoid fraction obtained from the butanol extract of Cayaponia tayuya roots using two models of topical mouse ear oedema, paying special attention to its influence on the induction on pro-inflammatory enzymes and peptidic mediators. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The in vivo experiments involved both the acute oedema induced by a single application of TPA and the subchronic inflammation brought on by repeated applications of TPA. The effects on the induction of pro-inflammatory enzymes and peptidic mediators in RAW 264.7 macrophages were analyzed with the aid of Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The extract was identified as a mixture of flavonoids in which vicenin-2, spinosin, isovitexin, and a mixture of swertisin and isoswertisin were found. In acute TPA-induced oedema in mouse ears, the flavonoid-enriched fraction (at a dose of 0.5mg/ear) inhibited the oedema by 66% (4.2+/-0.6 mg vs. 12.3+/-1.4 mg, P<0.01) while in the subchronic model, the inhibition reached 37% at a dose of 0.5mg/ear x 7 applications (7.5+/-0.6 mg vs. 11.9+/-1.3mg, P<0.05). When assayed in vitro, the flavonoid showed no toxicity at 33.45 microg/mL on RAW 264.7 macrophages. Although the nitric oxide production in these cells was moderately reduced (42%) at 33.45 microg/mL, the flavonoid-enriched fraction had no effect on TNF-alpha production. In addition, at 22.30 microg/mL, the test sample inhibited both iNOS and COX-2 expression by 98% and 49%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids from tayuya roots most likely stems from their inhibition of the induction of the enzymes COX-2 and iNOS.

Anti-inflammatory and apoptotic activities of pomolic acid isolated from Cecropia pachystachya.

The dichloromethane extract and pomolic acid ( 5) obtained from leaves of Cecropia pachystachya both reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice. Interestingly, while the triterpenoid inhibited the in vivo production of interleukin-1beta by 39 %, it had no effect on tumour necrosis factor-alpha production. We also demonstrated that both the dichloromethane extract and 5 inhibited the viability of human polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. The PMN membrane integrity was determined with the aid of flow cytometry by means of the exclusion of propidium iodide as assay. Although the cell membrane integrity was altered, neither the extract nor 5 produced cellular necrosis. Moreover, the development of hypodiploid nuclei and DNA fragmentation in the PMN cells were both dependent on dose and time. Finally, in the annexin V-FITC binding assay, compound 5 increased the total of apoptotic cells by 42 % at 100 microM and by 71 % at 200 microM with respect to the control group. In conclusion, both the dichloromethane extract of ambay and isolated compound 5 inhibit the viability of PMN cells through apoptosis. Since they can regulate human neutrophil functions in this way, it is likely that these substances can also limit inflammation.

Tiliroside and gnaphaliin inhibit human low density lipoprotein oxidation.

Two flavonoids, gnaphaliin and tiliroside, isolated from Helichrysum italicum, were studied in vitro for their capacity to inhibit Cu(2+)-induced human low density lipoprotein (LDL) and diluted plasma oxidation. LDL oxidation was monitored by conjugated diene, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) formation and electrophoretic mobility on agarose gel. Gnaphaliin and tiliroside increased the lag-phase for diene conjugate production in a dose-dependent manner. The reduction of TBARS production confirmed the antioxidant activity of gnaphaliin and tiliroside with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values of 8.0+/-3.9 microM and 7.0+/-2.6 microM respectively. Furthermore, the flavonoids negated the Cu(2+)-induced increase in electrophoretic mobility of LDL. Antioxidant activity of gnaphaliin and tiliroside was significantly different when diluted plasma was oxidised by adding 1 mM CuSO(4). Although both flavonoids again reduced the TBARS production, tiliroside showed higher activity than gnaphaliin (IC(50)=10.6+/-2.5 microM vs. IC(50)>50 microM). In conclusion, tiliroside and gnaphaliin are antioxidants against in vitro Cu(2+)-induced LDL oxidation in the same order of magnitude compared to that of the reference drug, probucol.

Caracteristicas de niños con diarrea persistente en la consulta ambulatoria del Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría / Characteristic of children's with persistent diarhea in ambulatory consult in the Children Hospital Ovidio Alaiga Uria

La diarrea continúa como una de la causas principales de enfermedad y muerte de niños menores de cinco años. Entre el 3 al 20 por ciento de todos los episodios de diarrea se prolongan por a 14 días a más, con marcado deterioro del estado nutricional y tasas de letalidad elevada. Se han descrito diferentes factores asociados a esta patologia muchos de ellos relacionados con el tipo de menejo del proeceso agudo. Con el objeto de conocer mejor la diarrea persistente, en el hospital del Niño "Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría", se estudiaron las características de niños de 0 a 36 meses de edad que acudieron a consulta externa con diarea, todos ellos fueron seguidos por un máximo de 21 dias o hasta la desaparición de la diarrea. En cada uno se realizó historia clinica exhaustiva, examen físico, determinación de estado de nutrición, examen de deposiciones para la búsqueda de bacterias patólogenas, estudio de parásitos, virus, determinación de sangre oculta en heces, citología de moco fecal y pruebas de intolerancia a la lactosa. Entre los rsultados señalan que el 17.9 por ciento cursaron con diarrea de duración mayor a 14 días, la edad promedio de estos niños fue de 15.10 messes. La comparación entre el grupo diarrea persistente versus aguda mostró que los primeros consultaron a personal de salud, recibieron más medicamentos y alimentos nuevos por este episodio, tuvieron menos compromiso del estado general y menos signos o sintomas de deshidratación. Entre los factores que aparentemente tienen más riesgo de incrementar la duración de la diarrea son consulta pediátrica después de ocho días de enfermedad y ingesta de mediacamentos durante este tiempo.

Tratamiento antimicrobiano de niños con diarrea en La Paz - Bolivia / Antimicrobian treatment of children with diarrhea in La Paz-Bolivia

El presente documento trata de la distribución de drogas antimicrobianas para el tratamiento de enfermedades diarreicas en niños de 4 hospitales de La Paz, Bolivia registrando el tratamiento en realción a los patógenos y a la duración de la enfermedad. Intentamos determinar si las drogas antimicrobianas fueron apropiadamente usadas, si los pacientes parecieron beneficiarse con ellos, y si podríamos hacer recomendaciones para mejorar su uso.