Repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study of Vitex megapotamica (Spreng.) Moldenke.

Vitex megapotamica (Spreng.) Moldenke is a plant with medicinal properties popularly used in Brazil to treat diabetes and obesity. Despite the promising use of this plant, are still incipient toxicology studies on prolonged periods of treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study of V. megapotamica methanolic extract (VMME) in male and female Wistar rats. Different groups of rats (n = 8) were treated daily with three different doses of VMME (100, 300, and 900 mg/kg) or vehicle (filtered water). Body weight, water, and feed consumption, and clinical and behavioral changes were monitored daily. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were obtained for hematological and biochemical analyzes. After euthanasia, the vital organs were removed for the determination of relative weight and for histopathological analysis. No clinical signs of toxicity or mortality were found during the experimental period. Treatment with VMME did not induce any change in body weight gain, eating patterns, and behavior. We found no statistically significant changes in the different hematological and biochemical parameters evaluated. The relative weight of the organs and histopathological analysis did not show any significant change when compared to animals treated with the vehicle. The data obtained in this study allow us to conclude that the VMME obtained from V. megapotamica is safe after a repeated-dose 90-day oral toxicity study in male and female Wistar rats.

Genotoxicity Study of Vitex megapotamica (Spreng.) Moldenke.

Vitex megapotamica (Spreng) Moldenke is commonly known as tarumã, it is an important medicinal and edible fruit plant. It is native to regions of tropical and subtropical climate in greater proportion than temperate zones and widely distributed in Central America, South America, Asia, and Africa. In Brazil, it is present in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. Despite its widespread use, there are no minimum standards for quality control or information on genotoxicity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present a detailed description of the short-term genotoxicity assays of V. megapotamica and to provide parameters of a preparation routinely used in traditional folk medicine. For genotoxicity assays, five groups were used with eight wistar rats in each group. For this, three doses of the V. megapotamica extract in doses (100, 300, and 900 mg/kg) or negative control (filtered water) were administered orally and positive control cyclophosphamide monohydrate (20 mg/kg; Sigma-Aldrich®) was applied by the intraperitoneal route after 24 h. At the end, whole blood was collected in a tube containing EDTA for the comet test and later the animals were euthanized. For the micronucleus test, femurs were removed, and bone marrow was collected. In the comet assay, V. megapotamica crude extract did not show significant DNA damage at all doses tested. The micronucleus assay showed no significant increase in the frequency of inducing micronuclei at any dose examined. It can be concluded that the safety parameters in genotoxicity studies reveal that V. megapotamica has no toxicity, which characterizes the important quality control of this plant species.

O perigo que se esconde atrás da comercialização informal de alimentos e sua prevenção / The danger behind the informal trading of food and its prevention / El peligro que se oculta detrás de la comercialización informal de alimentos y su prevención

A comercialização de alimentos prontos para o consumo é algo que vem crescendo com o passar dos anos, devido à inserção da mulher no mercado de trabalho e o dispendioso tempo de preparo de alimentos em domicílio, favorecendo assim a procura pelos alimentos prontos pela população trabalhadora. Entretanto, esses alimentos se tornam fontes de disseminação de alguns patógenos prejudiciais à saúde humana, que geram doenças e prejuízos. As Doenças Transmitidas por Alimento (DTA) são causadas por micro-organismos presentes nos alimentos que na maioria das vezes passam por grande processo de manipulação e são preparados no próprio estabelecimento comercial sem controle higiênico sanitário. Alguns desses micro-organismos são os coliformes totais, que são utilizados como principal indicador das condições higiênico-sanitárias de locais de processamento de alimentos e também da água; os coliformes termotolerantes, indicadores de más condições higiênico-sanitárias dos alimentos, dos locais de preparação e ou armazenamento sendo problemas frequentes na manipulação de alimentos preparados; e os Staphylococcos spp. micro-organismos causadores de várias infecções, que são encontrados comumente na pele dos seres humanos. Neste trabalho objetivou-se mostrar alguns resultados de pesquisas da qualidade microbiológica de alimentos comercializados na cidade de Umuarama ­ PR. Uma análise do tratamento térmico de coxinhas fritas frente aos micro-organismos citados anteriormente mostrou que os coliformes totais e termotolerantes presentes nas amostras eram resistentes a temperatura de 60ºC a 65ºC, temperatura esta do interior do salgado após fritura, sendo que a contagem de coliformes totais em amostras cruas foi de 1,4x105 UFC/g e após a fritura reduziu para 2,1x104, sendo que a legislação recomenda ausência nas amostras. As amostras cruas apresentaram coliformes termotolerantes 1,3x104UFC/g e após cocção 4,1x103UFC/g, demonstrando estar fora dos padrões permitidos de 2x10UFC/g, conforme a RDC nº 12 de 2001 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Outra pesquisa realizada no comércio de Umuarama ­ PR, também mostrou que a coxinha de carne apresentava contaminação excedente para coliformes termotolerantes 5,7x10² NMP/g. Neste contexto, as DTA firmam-se como de grande importância social e econômica, pois geram anualmente custos à saúde pública relacionada aos surtos em determinadas localidades, principalmente àquelas sem medidas como Boas Práticas de Fabricação. Dessa forma, como medida de controle, devem-se criar cursos de capacitação em Boas Práticas de Fabricação de Alimentos, com esclarecimento de dúvidas e promoção de soluções para problemas encontrados em cada local, ou seja, análise criteriosa das necessidades do estabelecimento. Essas medidas fazem com que vendedores e manipuladores de alimentos se tornem capazes de entender a importância do assunto, e assim implantar essas práticas para o fornecimento de alimentos seguros para seus consumidores.(AU)

The trade of ready-to-eat food has been growing during the years due to the insertion of women in the labor market and the time spent to prepare food at home, thus favoring the demand for ready-made food from the working population. However, such food can become sources of dissemination of some pathogens that are harmful to human health, generating diseases and losses. Food-borne diseases are caused by microorganisms present in food that most often undergo extensive handling process and are prepared in the establishments without due sanitary hygienic control. Among such microorganisms, total coliforms are used as the main indicator of hygienic-sanitary conditions for food processing sites and also for water; thermotolerant coliforms are used as indicators of poor hygienic-sanitary conditions of food, preparation and storage sites, and are frequently considered as a sign of problems in the handling of prepared foods; and Staphylococcus spp. micro-organisms that can cause various infections, which are commonly found in the human skin. This paper aimed at showing some of the research results regarding the microbiological quality of foods traded in the city of Umuarama, in the state of PR. An analysis of the heat treatment of fried "coxinhas" against the aforementioned microorganisms showed that total and thermotolerant coliforms present in the samples were resistant to temperature of 60 ºC to 65 ºC, the core temperature of the dish after frying. Total coliform count on raw samples was 1.4x105 CFU/g and after frying, it reduced to 2.1x104. Nevertheless, the current legislation recommends the samples to be absent from those microorganisms. Raw samples presented thermotolerant coliforms at 1.3x104 CFU/g and 4.1x103 CFU/g after frying, demonstrating that they were non-compliant with the permitted standards of 2x10 UFC/g, according to RDC No. 12 from 2001 issued by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency. Another study carried out in Umuarama - PR also revealed that the "coxinha" made with beef also presented excessive contamination by thermotolerant coliforms - 5.7x10² NMP/g. In this context, food-borne diseases present great social and economic importance, since they generate yearly public health expenditure related to outbreaks in certain locations, especially those without measures such as Good Manufacturing Practices. Thus, training courses on Good Manufacturing Practices should be implemented as a control measure.(AU)

La comercialización de alimentos listos para el consumo es algo que viene creciendo con el paso de los años, debido a la inserción de la mujer en el mercado de trabajo y el costoso tiempo de preparación de alimentos en domicilio, favoreciendo así la demanda por alimentos listos por la población trabajadora. Sin embargo, esos alimentos se convierten en fuentes de diseminación de algunos patógenos perjudiciales para la salud humana, que generan enfermedades y pérdidas. Las Enfermedades Transmitidas por Alimento (ETA) son causadas por microorganismos presentes en los alimentos que en la mayoría de las veces pasan por gran proceso de manipulación y son preparados en el propio establecimiento comercial sin control higiénico sanitario. Algunos de estos microorganismos son los coliformes totales, que se utilizan como principal indicador de las condiciones higiénico-sanitarias de locales de procesamiento de alimentos y también del agua; los coliformes termotolerantes, indicadores de malas condiciones higiénico-sanitarias de alimentos de los locales de preparación y/o almacenamiento, siendo problemas frecuentes en la manipulación de alimentos preparados; y los Staphylococcos spp., microorganismos causantes de varias infecciones, que se encuentran comúnmente en la piel de los seres humanos. En esta investigación se objetivó mostrar algunos resultados de investigaciones de la calidad microbiológica de alimentos comercializados en la ciudad de Umuarama - PR. Un análisis del tratamiento térmico de "coxinhas" (empanadas) fritas frente a los microorganismos citados anteriormente, mostró que los coliformes totales y termotolerantes presentes en las muestras eran resistentes a temperatura de 60ºC a 65ºC, temperatura esta del interior del salado tras la fritura, siendo que el conteo de coliformes totales en muestras crudas fue de 1,4x105 UFC/g y después de la fritura redujo a 2,1x104, siendo que la legislación recomienda ausencia en las muestras. Las muestras crudas presentaron coliformes termotolerantes 1,3x104 UFC/g y después de cocción 4,1x103 UFC/g, demostrando estar fuera de los estándares permitidos de 2 x10 UFC/g, conforme la RDC nº 12 de 2001 de la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria. Otra investigación realizada en el comercio de Umuarama - PR, también mostró que la "coxinha" empanada de carne presentaba contaminación excedente para coliformes termotolerantes 5,7x10² NMP/g. En este contexto, las ETA se firman como de gran importancia social y económica, pues generan anualmente costos a la salud pública relacionada a los brotes en determinadas localidades, principalmente a aquellas sin medidas como Buenas Prácticas de Fabricación. De esa forma, como medida de control, se deben crear cursos de capacitación en Buenas Prácticas de Fabricación de Alimentos, con aclaración de dudas y promoción de soluciones para problemas encontrados en cada local, o sea, análisis riguroso de las necesidades del establecimiento. Esas medidas hacen con que los vendedores y manipuladores de alimentos sean capaces de entender la importancia del asunto, y así implantar esas prácticas para el suministro de alimentos seguros para sus consumidores.(AU)

Prevalência de brucelose bovina na região noroeste do estado do Paraná de 2014 á 2016 / Bovine brucellosis prevalence in the northwest region of the state of Paraná from 2014 to 2016 / Prevalencia de brucelosis bovina en la región noroeste del estado de Paraná de 2014 a 2016

Dentre as zoonoses responsáveis pelas maiores perdas socioeconômicas na bovinocultura brasileira, a brucelose possui significativo destaque, sendo considerada uma antropozoonose causada pelas bactérias do gênero Brucella spp. Essas bactérias possuem potencial para infectar diversos mamíferos, inclusive, existem registros de brucelose em cetáceos (baleias e golfinhos). Nos bovinos, as principais maneiras de transmissão se dão pelas descargas bacterianas presentes nos restos de materiais provenientes de abortos de vacas positivas para brucelose, mas também pode ser transmitida pelo leite, cópula, fômites, solo e até a água. As vacas continuam liberando as bactérias por cerca de 30 dias após o parto ou aborto. Para diagnóstico são utilizados testes diretos ou indiretos preconizados pelo Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e da Tuberculose Animal (PNCEBT). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o perfil epidemiológico de Brucelose bovina na região noroeste do estado do Paraná de 2014 a 2016. Entre os anos de 2014 a 2016, foram utilizados dados de exames realizados por Médico Veterinário devidamente registrado e habilitado para a realização do diagnóstico. Entre bovinos machos e fêmeas foram testados 12.640 animais, na região noroeste do estado Paraná, sendo o teste utilizado o do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). 26 animais foram positivos para brucelose, perfazendo um percentual de 0,2 % do rebanho analisado. Apesar dos baixos índices de animais infectados pela Brucella spp. apresentados nessa pesquisa o controle e uma possível erradicação da brucelose se tornam indispensáveis devido à fácil transmissão e às perdas econômicas provocadas, principalmente pelos abortos ocorridos nos últimos trimestres das gestações.(AU)

Brucellosis features among the zoonoses responsible for greatest socioeconomic losses in the Brazilian cattle farming. Considered an anthropozoonosis, its etiological agents are bacteria of the Brucella spp genus. Such bacteria have the potential to infect several mammals, with records of brucellosis even in cetaceans (whales and dolphins). In cattle, it is mainly transmitted through bacterial discharges present in the remains of materials coming from abortions tested positive for brucellosis. Nevertheless, it can also be transmitted by milk, copulation, blood transfusions, fomites, soil and even water. Cows continue releasing the bacteria for about 30 days after calving or abortion. Direct or indirect tests as recommended by the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Animal Tuberculosis (PNCEBT) can be used for diagnosis. The objective of this study was to assess the epidemiological profile of bovine brucellosis in the northwestern region of the State of Paraná from 2014 to 2016. Between 2014 and 2016, data from examinations performed by a veterinarian duly registered and qualified to perform the diagnosis were used. A total of 12,640 animals in the northwest region of the state of Paraná were tested, both male and female, using the acidified buffered antigen (ABA). A total of 26 animals tested positive for brucellosis, which corresponds to 0.2% of the studied herd. Despite the low rates of animals infected with Brucella spp. presented in this study, the control and possible eradication of brucellosis is essential due to its easy transmission and extensive economic losses mainly caused by abortions occurring during the last quarters of pregnancies.(AU)

Entre las zoonosis responsables por las mayores pérdidas socioeconómicas en la bovinocultura brasileña, la brucelosis posee significativo destaque, es considerada una antropozoonosis causada por bacterias del género Brucella spp. Esas bacterias poseen potencial para infectar diversos mamíferos, incluso, existen registros de brucelosis en cetáceos (ballenas y delfines). En los bovinos, las principales formas de transmisión se dan por las descargas bacterianas presentes en los restos de materiales provenientes de abortos de vacas positivas para brucelosis, también puede ser transmitida por la leche, cópula, fómites, suelo e incluso el agua. Las vacas continúan liberando las bacterias durante unos 30 días después del parto o aborto. Para el diagnóstico se utilizan pruebas directas o indirectas preconizadas por el Programa Nacional de Control y Erradicación de Brucelosis y de la Tuberculosis Animal (PNCEBT). El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido evaluar el perfil epidemiológico de Brucelosis bovina en la región noroeste del estado de Paraná de 2014 a 2016. Entre los años de 2014 a 2016 se utilizaron datos de exámenes realizados por Médico Veterinario debidamente registrado y habilitado para la realización del diagnóstico. Entre bovinos machos y hembras se probaron 12.640 animales, en la región noroeste del estado de Paraná, la prueba utilizada fue antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). 26 animales atestaron positivos para brucelosis, lo que significó el 0,2% del rebaño analizado. A pesar de los bajos índices de animales infectados por Brucella spp. presentados en esa investigación, el control y una posible erradicación de la brucelosis se vuelven indispensables debido a su fácil transmisión y las pérdidas económicas provocadas, principalmente por los abortos ocurridos en los últimos trimestres de las gestaciones.(AU)

Heart-Protective Effects of Echinodorus grandiflorus in Rabbits That Are Fed a High-cholesterol Diet.

Excess weight and dyslipidemia are among the most serious health problems in Western societies. These conditions enhance the risk of cardiac disease and have been linked with a higher prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. The present study investigated the cardioprotective effects of Echinodorus grandiflorus on ventricular remodeling in rabbits that were fed a 1% cholesterol-rich diet. We first obtained an ethanol-soluble fraction of E. grandiflorus and performed a detailed phytochemical study by liquid chromatography-DAD/ESI-MS. For 60 days, male rabbits were fed the cholesterol-rich diet or a diet without the addition of cholesterol. After 30 days, different groups of rabbits were treated with the ethanol-soluble fraction of E. grandiflorus (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg, p. o.), simvastatin (2.5 mg/kg), or vehicle once daily for 30 days. At the end of 60 days, the serum lipoprotein ratio, electrocardiographic profile, histopathological alterations, and the cardiac antioxidant defense system were investigated. Echocardiographic analysis showed morphological and functional alterations in cholesterol-rich diet-fed animals, indicating left ventricle hypertrophy. The total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio were significantly higher in cholesterol-rich diet-fed rabbits. Myocardial flaccidity, fatty degeneration, and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy were observed. An increase in lipid peroxidation levels, a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity, and a decrease in reduced glutathione levels were observed in the myocardium of all cholesterol-rich diet-fed rabbits. Treatment with the ethanol-soluble fraction of E. grandiflorus, especially the highest dose, significantly reduced all of these alterations, thus demonstrating the cardioprotective effect of the ethanol-soluble fraction of E. grandiflorus on cardiac changes that are induced by a cholesterol-rich diet.