Alpha-terpineol prevents myocardial damage against isoproterenol-MI induced in Wistar-Kyoto rats: new possible to promote cardiovascular integrity.

Alpha-terpineol (TPN) is one of the major components of the resin obtained from Protium heptaphyllum. This plant has been utilized as medicine by Brazilian indigenous tribes to treat cardiovascular diseases. Scientific reports have shown that the TPN possesses vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects. This study was conducted to assess the cardioprotective action of TPN against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity. Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups. Rats were orally administered with TPN (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg, respectively) for 15 days, and ISO was administered (85 mg/kg, subcutaneously) on the 14th and 15th days. At the end of the experiment, the hemodynamic, baroreflex test, ECG, biochemical, histological, and morphometric changes were monitored from control and experimental groups, i.e., on the 15th day. ISO-induced myocardial infarcted rats showed an increase in mortality rates, cardiac marker enzymes, tachycardia, hypertrophy, myocardium necrosis, edema, hemorrhagic areas, infiltration of inflammatory cells like lymphocytes, and increased myocardial infarct size. However, pretreatment with TPN significantly inhibited these effects of ISO. The histopathological findings obtained for the myocardium further confirmed the biochemical results. Thus, the present study provides evidence for the efficacy of TPN against ISO-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

[Effectiveness of magnesium sulfate compared to rocuronium for rapid sequence tracheal intubation in adults: clinical randomized trial]. / Efetividade do sulfato de magnésio comparado ao rocurônio para intubação em sequência rápida em adultos: ensaio clínico randomizado.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Magnesium sulfate has been used in anesthesia because it has relevant clinical features such as: analgesia, autonomic response control and muscle relaxation. Using the agent to establish adequate conditions for tracheal intubation remains controversial. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate and rocuronium for rapid sequence tracheal intubation in adults. METHODS: Double blind, randomized, unicentric, prospective study assessed 68 patients, ASA 1 or 2, over 18 years, scheduled for appendectomy under general anesthesia. Patients were divided into two groups. GM patients received 50 mg.kg-1magnesium sulfate and GR patients, 1 mg.kg-1 rocuronium immediately before anesthesia induction. Arterial Blood Pressure (BP) and Heart Rate (HR) were measured in both groups at five times related to the administration of the drugs studied. The primary variable was the clinical status of tracheal intubation. TRIAL REGISTRY: RBR-4xr92k. RESULTS: GM was associated with no significant hemodynamic parameter change after injection. GM showed 85% (29/34) poor intubation clinical status, 15% (5/34) good, and 0% excellent (< 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Magnesium sulfate did not provide adequate clinical status when compared to rocuronium at a dose of 50 mg.kg-1 for rapid sequence intubation in adult patients.

Effectiveness of magnesium sulfate compared to rocuronium for rapid sequence tracheal intubation in adults: clinical randomized trial / Efetividade do sulfato de magnésio comparado ao rocurônio para intubação em sequência rápida em adultos: ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Introduction and objectives: Magnesium sulphate has been used in anesthesia because it has relevant clinical features such as: analgesia, autonomic response control and muscle relaxation. Using the agent to establish adequate conditions for tracheal intubation remains controversial. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate and rocuronium for rapid sequence tracheal intubation in adults. Methods: Double blind, randomized, unicentric, prospective study assessed 68 patients, ASA 1 or 2, over 18 years, scheduled for appendectomy under general anesthesia. Patients were divided into two groups. GM patients received 50 mg.kg-1magnesium sulfate and GR patients, 1 mg.kg-1 rocuronium immediately before anesthesia induction. Arterial Blood Pressure (BP) and Heart Rate (HR) were measured in both groups at five times related to the administration of the drugs studied. The primary variable was the clinical status of tracheal intubation. Trial Registry: RBR-4xr92k. Results: GM was associated with no significant hemodynamic parameter change after injection. GM showed 85% (29/34) poor intubation clinical status, 15% (5/34) good, and 0% excellent (< 0.0001). Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate did not provide adequate clinical status when compared to rocuronium at a dose of 50 mg.kg-1 for rapid sequence intubation in adult patients.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O sulfato de magnésio vem sendo utilizado em anestesia por apresentar características relevantes à prática clínica como: analgesia, controle dos reflexos autonômicos e relaxamento muscular. A utilização deste agente para garantir condições adequadas para a intubação traqueal permanece controverso. O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar a efetividade do sulfato de magnésio comparado ao rocurônio para intubação orotraqueal em sequência rápida em pacientes adultos. Métodos: Este estudo duplamente encoberto, aleatorizado, unicêntrico e prospectivo avaliou 68 pacientes, ASA 1 ou 2, maiores de 18 anos, escalados para cirurgias de apendicectomia sob anestesia geral. Foram alocados em dois grupos, o GM recebeu 50 mg.kg-1 de sulfato de magnésio e o GR, 1 mg.kg-1 de rocurônio imediatamente antes da indução anestésica. Os valores de Pressão Arterial (PA) e Frequência Cardíaca (FC) foram aferidos nos dois grupos em cinco momentos relacionados com a administração dos fármacos do estudo. A variável primária foi condição clínica da intubação. Registro: RBR-4xr92k. Resultados: O GM não apresentou alteração significativa dos parâmetros hemodinâmicos após infusão. O GM apresentou 85% (29/34) de condição pobre, 15% (5/34) condição clínica boa e 0% condição clínica excelente (< 0,0001). Conclusão: O sulfato de magnésio não propiciou condições clínicas aceitáveis quando comparado ao rocurônio para intubação orotraqueal em sequência rápida em pacientes adultos quando utilizada a dose de 50 mg.kg-1.

Effectiveness of using preservative-free artificial tears versus preserved lubricants for the treatment of dry eyes: a systematic review / Eficácia do uso de colírios sem preservativos comparados com colírios com preservativos no tratamento do olho seco: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of using preservative-free artificial tears versus preserved lubricants for the treatment of dry eyes in Universidade Federal de Alagoas (PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018089933). Online databases were searched (LILACS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL) from inception to April 2018; references from included papers were also searched. The following keywords were used: lubricants OR artificial tears OR artificial tears, lubricants AND dry eye OR dry eye syndrome OR syndromes, dry eye OR dry eyes. Among the 2028 electronic search results, 29 full papers were retrieved and four were considered relevant. The number of participants from these studies ranged from 15 to 76. Meta-analysis was possible for the following outcomes: score of symptoms according to the Ocular Surface Disease Index - Allergan (OSDI), tear secretion rate using the Schirmer test, tear evaporation rate using the tear film breakup time test, burning, foreign body sensation, and photophobia. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups, and no side effects were attributed to the interventions. Evidence proving that preservative-free artificial tears are more effective than preserved artificial tears is lacking.

RESUMO Esta revisão sistemática teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia do uso de lágrimas artificiais sem conservantes em comparação com lubrificantes preservados no tratamento do olho seco na Universidade Federal de Alagoas (PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018089933). As bases de dados online foram pesquisadas (LILACS, EMBASE, MEDLINE e CENTRAL) desde o início até abril de 2018; referências de artigos incluídos também foram pesquisadas. Foram utilizados os seguintes descritores: lubrificantes OU lágrimas artificiais OU lágrimas artificiais, lubrificantes E olho seco OU síndrome do olho seco OU síndromes, olho seco OU olhos secos. Dos 2028 resultados de busca eletrônica, 29 artigos completos foram recuperados, e quatro foram considerados relevantes. O número de participantes desses estudos variou de 15 e 76. A meta-análise foi possível para as seguintes variáveis: escore de desfecho dos sintomas de acordo com o Índice de Doença da Superfície Ocular - Allergan (OSDI), taxa de secreção lacrimal pelo teste de Schirmer, taxa de evaporação lacrimal usando o teste de tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal, queimação, sensação de corpo estranho e fotofobia. Nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significativa foi observada entre os dois grupos, e nenhum efeito adverso foi atribuído às intervenções. Evidências provando que as lágrimas artificiais sem conservantes são mais eficazes do que as lágrimas artificiais preservadas estão faltando.

Effectiveness of using preservative-free artificial tears versus preserved lubricants for the treatment of dry eyes: a systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of using preservative-free artificial tears versus preserved lubricants for the treatment of dry eyes in Universidade Federal de Alagoas (PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018089933). Online databases were searched (LILACS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL) from inception to April 2018; references from included papers were also searched. The following keywords were used: lubricants OR artificial tears OR artificial tears, lubricants AND dry eye OR dry eye syndrome OR syndromes, dry eye OR dry eyes. Among the 2028 electronic search results, 29 full papers were retrieved and four were considered relevant. The number of participants from these studies ranged from 15 to 76. Meta-analysis was possible for the following outcomes: score of symptoms according to the Ocular Surface Disease Index - Allergan (OSDI), tear secretion rate using the Schirmer test, tear evaporation rate using the tear film breakup time test, burning, foreign body sensation, and photophobia. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups, and no side effects were attributed to the interventions. Evidence proving that preservative-free artificial tears are more effective than preserved artificial tears is lacking.

Sickle cell retinopathy: A literature review / Retinopatia da doença falciforme: revisão da literatura

Summary Hemoglobinopathies are a group of hereditary diseases that cause quantitative or qualitative changes in the shape, function or synthesis of hemoglobin. One of the most common is sickle cell anemia, which, due to sickling of erythrocytes, causes vaso-occlusive phenomena. Among the possible ocular manifestations, the most representative is retinopathy, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. Therefore, periodic ophthalmologic monitoring of these patients is important for early diagnosis and adequate therapeutic management, which can be done localy by treating the lesions in the eyes, or systemically.

Resumo As hemoglobinopatias são um grupo de doenças hereditárias que causam alterações quantitativas ou qualitativas no formato, na função ou na síntese de hemoglobinas. Uma das mais comuns é a anemia falciforme, cuja patogenia é a foicização das hemácias, causando fenômenos vaso-oclusivos. Dentre as manifestações oculares possíveis, a mais representativa é a retinopatia, que pode levar à cegueira caso não seja tratada. Por isso, é importante que haja o acompanhamento oftalmológico periódico desses pacientes, a fim de obter diagnóstico precoce e abordagem terapêutica adequada. Esta última pode ser de maneira direta, com tratamento das lesões oculares, ou de forma sistêmica.

O uso do concentrado de plaquetas na oftalmologia: uma revisão de literatura / The use of platelet rich-plasma in Ophthalmology: a literature review

Resumo Esta revisão tem por objetivo elencar as condições oftalmológicas em que tem sido utilizado o concentrado de plaquetas (CP), assim como as suas propriedades bioquímicas e fisiológicas. O CP possui tanto o potencial anticatabólico, presente no soro autólogo, quanto substâncias com propriedades anabólicas, que em conjunto são responsáveis pelos seus benefícios no tratamento de doenças da superfície ocular. Atualmente há um lapso de ensaios clínicos neste tema, tanto na oftalmologia como em outras áreas médicas, existindo mais estudos e relatos sobre o uso de soro autólogo. Em oftalmologia, o CP tem sido usado no tratamento do olho seco sintomático, úlceras corneanas, queimaduras oculares dentre outras aplicações, sendo uma alternativa eficaz em diversas patologias oculares; portanto, é evidente a importância de mais estudos nesse tema, para comprovar a efetividade do produto.

Abstract The aim of this review is to list the ophthalmological conditions in which platelet concentrate (CP) has been used, as well as its biochemical and physiological properties. The CP has both anticatabolic potential, present in autologous serum, and substances with anabolic properties, which together are responsible for its benefits in the treatment of ocular surface diseases. There is currently a shortage of clinical trials in this area, both in ophthalmology and other medical areas, with more studies and reports on the use of autologous serum. In ophthalmology, CP has been used in the treatment of symptomatic dry eye, corneal ulcers and ocular burns, among other applications, being an effective alternative in several ocular pathologies; therefore, it's evident the importance of more studies in this topic to prove the efficiency of this product.

Sickle cell retinopathy: A literature review.

Hemoglobinopathies are a group of hereditary diseases that cause quantitative or qualitative changes in the shape, function or synthesis of hemoglobin. One of the most common is sickle cell anemia, which, due to sickling of erythrocytes, causes vaso-occlusive phenomena. Among the possible ocular manifestations, the most representative is retinopathy, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. Therefore, periodic ophthalmologic monitoring of these patients is important for early diagnosis and adequate therapeutic management, which can be done localy by treating the lesions in the eyes, or systemically.

Avaliação da adesão aos colírios em pacientes com glaucoma através da Escala de Morisky de 8 itens: um estudo transversal / Adherence assessment of eye drops in patients with glaucoma using 8 item Morisky Score: a cross sectional study

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a adesão aos colírios antiglaucomatosos em pacientes do Projeto Glaucoma (Ministério da Saúde) por meio da escala de Morisky de 8 itens. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal por meio de questionário aplicado a 237 pacientes diagnosticados com glaucoma inscritos regularmente no Projeto Glaucoma do Instituto de Olhos de Maceió, adaptando a escala de Morisky já validada em português para colírios. As variáveis foram a adesão aos colírios antiglaucomatosos, idade, sexo, raça, tempo de diagnóstico do glaucoma, número de colírios utilizados, doenças sistêmicas, escolaridade, perfil de visão (ruim, razoável ou boa) e os fatores correlacionados com a adesão. A análise estatística entre as variáveis foi realizada com os testes estatísticos do Quiquadrado para as variáveis categóricas e Teste U de Mann-Whitney para as contínuas, considerando um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: A adesão aos colírios foi de 54%. A idade e o número de colírios (p=0,02 e 0,03 respectivamente) foram estatisticamente relevantes, assim como a qualidade de visão também foi (p<0,001) para o não uso adequado do tratamento. O motivo mais comum tanto no grupo de aderentes como no de não aderentes foi o esquecimento (23% e 76,15% respectivamente). Conclusão: Utilizando a escala de Morisky adaptada para colírios antiglaucomatosos a adesão aos colírios foi de 54% .

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine adherence to glaucoma eye drops in patients from Glaucoma Project (Ministry of Health) by Morisky scale of 8 items. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study through a questionnaire applied to 237 patients diagnosed with glaucoma regularly enrolled in the Glaucoma Project at Institutode Olhos de Maceio, adapting the Morisky scale, already validated in Portuguese, for eyedrops. The variables were adherence to antiglaucoma eyedrops, age, sex, race, glaucoma diagnosis time, eyedrops number used, systemic diseases, education, subjective vision (categorized in bad, reasonable or good) and the factors correlated with poor adherence. Statistical analysis between variables was performed with the statistical test Chi-square test for categorical variables and test Mann-Whitney test for continuous outcomes, considering a 5% significance level. Results: The rate of adherence to the glaucoma drops was 54%. The age and number of drops (p = 0.02 and 0,03 respectively), and quality of vision (p<0,001) were statistically significant for the inappropriate use of the therapy and the most common reason both adherent group as the non-adherent was forgetfulness (23% and 76,15% respectively). Conclusion: Using the Morisky scale adapted to antiglaucoma eyedrops the adherence was 54%.

Platelet-rich plasma in diabetic dry eye disease / Plasma rico em plaquetas no olho seco diabético

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of autologous Plasma- rich platelet (PRP) in symptomatic dry eye of diabetic patients. Design A prospective single group interventional study. Participants: Twelve diabetic patients with refractory dry eye disease. Methods Patients were treated with autologous PRP eye drops four times a day for a month. Dry eye symptoms and its frequency, according to DEWS studies, tear film breakup time, improvement of visual acuity lines, and Schirmer test. Results: All the patients had some symptomatic improvement regarding dryness, itching, burning and redness (p=0.002). Five patients, 41.66% (5/12) had improvement of 1 or more lines of visual acuity in both eyes, 50% and 58.33% had no alteration in right and left eye, respectively (p=0.14). Considering Schirmer test, 66.66% (8/12) had improvement in the test value, 25% (3/12) had no alteration in this test value and 8.33% (1/12) had a reduced value in the test after treatment.(p=0.04). Considering the value of BUT test 58.33% (7/12) had improvement in the test value and 41.66% (5/ 12) had no alteration in this test value (p=0.018). Conclusions PRP is safe and an interesting alternative therapy in symptomatic diabetic dry eye. More clinical trials are required to create specific protocols to this treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do colírio de concentrado de plaquetas (CCP) autólogo no olho seco sintomático de pacientes diabéticos. Projeto Um estudo de intervenção único grupo prospectivo. Participantes Doze pacientes diabéticos com doença do olho seco refratário. Métodos Os pacientes foram tratados com colírio de PRP autólogo quatro vezes por dia durante um mês. Sintomas de olho seco e sua frequência, seguindo os critérios de DEWS, tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal, a melhoria das linhas de acuidade visual e teste de Schirmer. Resultados Todos os pacientes tiveram alguma melhora dos sintomas de ressecamento, coceira, ardor e vermelhidão (p = 0,002). Destes, 41,66% (5/12) tiveram melhora de uma ou mais linhas de acuidade visual em ambos os olhos; 50% e 58,33% não tinham alteração no olho direito e esquerdo, respectivamente (p = 0,14) . Considerando o teste de Schirmer, 66,66% (8/12) tiveram melhora no valor do teste, 25% (3/12) não apresentaram alteração neste valor de teste e de 8,33% (1/12) tiveram um valor reduzido no teste após tratamento. (p = 0,04). Considerando o valor de teste BUT 58,33% (7/12) apresentaram melhora no valor de teste e 41,66% (12/05) não apresentaram alteração neste valor de teste (p = 0,018). Conclusões O CCP é seguro e uma terapia alternativa interessante no olho seco diabético sintomático. Mais ensaios clínicos são necessários para criar protocolos específicos para este tratamento.

Clinical features of diabetic patients with dry eye disease in a community in Maceio: a cross-sectional study / Características clínicas de pacientes diabéticos com olho seco em uma comunidade de Maceió: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: This study was carried out in order to assess the epidemiological profile of symptomatic dry eye in diabetic patients. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-one diabetic patients were evaluated using a specific questionnaire about other diseases and drugs. Of these, 58 who classified as having moderate to severe dry eye were included. Results: In this study, 58 of the 221 diabetic patients had moderate to severe dry eye (26.2%). Of the 58 patients, dry eye was more prevalent at age 61.46 ± 14.18 years for men, and 61.09 ± 10.64 for women (p<0.005). Dry eye was more common in women (75.9%) (p=0.456). Of the 58 patients, 15 (25.9%) had at least one ocular disease.The most common was diabetic retinopathy (13 of 15 patients, 86.7%, 95% CI 69.46-103.87). A total of 19 patients used eye drops (32.8%); and most (14 of the 19 individuals, 73.7%) used lubricants (95%CI 53.88-93.48). Hypertension was the most prevalent associated comorbidity (56.9%) and the most commonly used medications were hypoglycemic agents (98 %, 95%CI 94.00 - 101.92) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (53.1%, 95%CI 53.06 39.09 - 67.04). Conclusion: Further epidemiologic studies need to be done to establish a real etiologic relationship between diabetes and dry eye, and its correlation to other risk factors. In spite of these limitations, we have strong evidence of this relationship, and in clinical practice, examination for dry eye should be part of the assessment of diabetic disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: O estudo foi realizado para descrever o perfil epidemiológico de pacientes diabéticos com olho seco sintomático. Métodos: Duzentos e vinte e um pacientes diabéticos foram avaliados por meio de questionário específico sobre outras doenças e medicamentos. Destes, 58 foram diagnosticados com olho seco moderado a severo e foram incluídos no estudo. Resultados: Neste estudo, 58 dos 221 pacientes diabéticos tinham olho seco moderado a severo (26,2%). Dos 58 pacientes, o olho seco, foi mais prevalente na faixa etária de 61,46 ± 14,18 anos para os homens e 61,09 ± 10,64 para as mulheres (p <0,005). O olho seco foi mais comum em mulheres (75,86%) (p = 0,456). Dos 58 pacientes, 15 (25,9%) tinham pelo menos uma doença ocular. A mais comum foi a retinopatia diabética (13 de 15 pacientes, 86,7%, IC de 95% 69,46-103,87). Um total de 19 pacientes utilizavam colírios (3,8%); lubrificantes foram os mais usados (14 dos 19 indivíduos, 73, 7%, (IC de 95%, 53,88-93,48). A hipertensão foi a doença mais prevalente associada (56.9%) e os medicamentos mais utilizados foram hipoglicemiantes orais (98%, IC 95% 94,00 - 10,92) e inibidores da enzima conversoras da angiotensina (53,1%, IC 95%, 53,06 39,09 - 67,04). Conclusão: Novos estudos epidemiológicos devem ser feitos para avaliar a real relação etiológica entre olho seco e diabetes e sua correlação com outros fatores de risco. Apesar das limitações, temos fortes evidências da relação entre olho seco e diabetes. Na prática clínica, o exame de olho seco deve ser parte da avaliação dos diabéticos.

Association between visual impairment and depression in the elderly: a systematic review.

A systematic review was conducted to investigate the relationship between visual impairment and depression in the elderly. We searched electronic databases (LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception to August 2014 and researched the described references. The search strategy used the following terms: (visual impairment or blindness) and (elderly) and (depression). Of the 641 electronics, 42 works were selected in full and another 20 were identified as being possibly relevant. Ten studies were included. The studies ranged in sample size from 31 to 21,995 participants. Depression was associated with visual impairment in all studies; however, without standardization of diagnostic tests, we could not conduct a meta-analysis or establish a relationship between visual impairment and depression in the elderly.

Association between visual impairment and depression in the elderly: a systematic review / Associação entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT A systematic review was conducted to investigate the relationship between visual impairment and depression in the elderly. We searched electronic databases (LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception to August 2014 and researched the described references. The search strategy used the following terms: (visual impairment or blindness) and (elderly) and (depression). Of the 641 electronics, 42 works were selected in full and another 20 were identified as being possibly relevant. Ten studies were included. The studies ranged in sample size from 31 to 21,995 participants. Depression was associated with visual impairment in all studies; however, without standardization of diagnostic tests, we could not conduct a meta-analysis or establish a relationship between visual impairment and depression in the elderly.

RESUMO A revisão sistemática foi realizada para investigar a correlaçõa entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos. Foram pesquisados nas bases eletrônicas (LILACS, SCIELO, MEDLINE e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) do início até agosto de 2014 e pesquisas de referências descritas. A estratégia de busca utilizou os termos: (deficiência visual ou cegueira) e (idosos) e (depressão). Dos 641 eletrônicos, 42 trabalhos na íntegra foram selecionados e mais 20 trabalhos foram identificados como possivelmente relevantes da lista destes. Do total de estudos, 10 foram incluidos. Os estudos variaram entre 31 e 21.995 participantes. A depressão foi relacionada com deficiência visual em todos os estudos, mas sem padronização de testes diagnósticos não foi possível realizar a metanálise, nem estabelecer relação entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos.

The anticonvulsant effect of geraniol and inclusion complex geraniol: beta-cyclodextrin / El efecto anticonvulsivo de geraniol y la inclusión de geraniol complejo: beta-ciclodextrina

Geraniol (GR) is an acyclic monoterpene alcohol present in essential oils of aromatic plant species used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of epilepsy. The present study was designed to evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of GR and of the inclusion complex geraniol:beta-cyclodextrin (GR:beta-CD). Mice were treated with GR or with GR:beta-CD (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) 30 min before pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) or strychnine (STN). GR at 200 mg/kg and GR:beta-CD at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly increased the latency for the first PTZ-induced convulsion and reduced the percentage of animals that convulsed. The pretreatment of flumazenil did not revert the anticonvulsant effect of GR in the PTZ-induced convulsion model. In the STN-induced convulsion model, the effects of GR were investigated and no difference was found against control. The results demonstrated an anticonvulsant activity of GR in the PTZ-model, which was potentialized by the complexation with beta-CD...

Geraniol (GR) es un alcohol monoterpeno acíclico presentes en los aceites esenciales de las especies de plantas aromáticas utilizadas en la medicina popular brasileña para el tratamiento de la epilepsia. El presente estudio fue diseñado para evaluar el efecto anticonvulsivo del GR y de la inclusión de geraniol complejo: beta-ciclodextrina (GR:beta-CD). Los ratones fueron tratados con GR o con GR:beta- CD (50, 100 y 200 mg/kg) 30 minutos antes de pentylenotetrazole (PTZ) o strichinine (STN). GR a 200 mg/kg y GR:beta-CD en las dosis de 100 y 200 mg/kg aumentó significativamente la latencia para la primera convulsión inducida PTZ-y redujo la porcentaje de animales que convulsionó. El tratamiento previo de flumazenil no revirtió el efecto anticonvulsivo de GR en el modelo de convulsión inducida con PTZ. En el modelo de convulsión inducida com STN, los efectos de GR fueron investigados y no se encontró ninguna diferencia contra el control. Los resultados demostraron una actividad anticonvulsiva de geraniol en el modelo de PTZ, que fue potenciada por la formación de complejos con beta-CD...

A systematic review for anti-inflammatory property of clusiaceae family: a preclinical approach.

Background. Clusiaceae family (sensu lato) is extensively used in ethnomedicine for treating a number of disease conditions which include cancer, inflammation, and infection. The aim of this review is to report the pharmacological potential of plants of Clusiaceae family with the anti-inflammatory activity in animal experiments. Methods. A systematic review about experiments investigating anti-inflammatory activity of Clusiaceae family was carried out by searching bibliographic databases such as Medline, Scopus and Embase. In this update, the search terms were "anti-inflammatory agents," "Clusiaceae," and "animals, laboratory." Results. A total of 255 publications with plants this family were identified. From the initial 255 studies, a total of 21 studies were selected for the final analysis. Studies with genera Allanblackia, Clusia, Garcinia or Rheedia, and Hypericum showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. The findings include a decrease of total leukocytes, a number of neutrophils, total protein concentration, granuloma formation, and paw or ear edema formation. Other interesting findings included decreased of the MPO activity, and inflammatory mediators such as NF- κ B and iNOS expression, PGE2 and Il-1 ß levels and a decrease in chronic inflammation. Conclusion. The data reported suggests the anti-inflammatory effect potential of Clusiaceae family in animal experiments.

Antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects of ethanol extract of stem barks from Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. in rats.

Administration of ethanol extract of stem bark from Z. rhoifolium (EEtOH-ZR) induced hypotension associated with a dual effect in heart rate in normotensive rats. This response was highlighted in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In rat superior mesenteric artery rings, the cumulative addition of EEtOH-ZR (0.1-750 microg/mL) on a phenylephrine-induced pre-contraction (10(-5) M) promoted a vasorelaxant effect by a concentration-dependent manner and independent of vascular endothelium. A similar effect was obtained on KCl-induced pre-contractions (80 mM). EEtOH-ZR attenuated contractions induced by cumulative addition of CaCl2 (10(-6)-3 x 10(-2) M) in depolarizing medium without Ca2+ only at 500 or 750 microg/mL. Likewise, on S-(-)-Bay K 8644-induced pre-contractions (10(-7) M), the EEtOH-ZR-induced vasorelaxant effect was attenuated. EEtOH-ZR (27, 81, 243 or 500 microg/mL) inhibited contractions induced by cumulative addition of phenylephrine (10(-9) - 10(-5) M) in endothelium-denuded preparations or by a single concentration (10(-5) M) in a Ca(2+)-free medium. The involvement of K+ channels was evaluated by tetraethylammonium (3 mM); the EEtOH-ZR-induced vasorelaxation was not attenuated. Thus, calcium influx blockade through voltage-operated calcium channels (CavL) and inhibition of calcium release from intracellular stores are probably underlying EEtOH-ZR-induced cardiovascular effects.

Efficacy and safety of medicinal plants or related natural products for fibromyalgia: a systematic review.

To assess the effects of medicinal plants (MPs) or related natural products (RNPs) on fibromyalgia (FM) patients, we evaluate the possible benefits and advantages of MP or RNP for the treatment of FM based on eight randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) involving 475 patients. The methodological quality of all studies included was determined according to JADAD and "Risk of Bias" with the criteria in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 5.1.0. Evidence suggests significant benefits of MP or RNP in sleep disruption, pain, depression, joint stiffness, anxiety, physical function, and quality of life. Our results demonstrated that MP or RNP had significant effects on improving the symptoms of FM compared to conventional drug or placebo; longer tests are required to determine the duration of the treatment and characterize the long-term safety of using MP, thus suggesting effective alternative therapies in the treatment of pain with minimized side effects.

The ent-15α-Acetoxykaur-16-en-19-oic Acid Relaxes Rat Artery Mesenteric Superior via Endothelium-Dependent and Endothelium-Independent Mechanisms.

The objective of the study was to investigate the mechanism of the relaxant activity of the ent-15α-acetoxykaur-16-en-19-oic acid (KA-acetoxy). In rat mesenteric artery rings, KA-acetoxy induced a concentration-dependent relaxation in vessels precontracted with phenylephrine. In the absence of endothelium, the vasorelaxation was significantly shifted to the right without reduction of the maximum effect. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with L-NAME, an inhibitor of the NO-synthase (NOS), indomethacin, an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase, L-NAME + indomethacin, atropine, a nonselective antagonist of the muscarinic receptors, ODQ, selective inhibitor of the guanylyl cyclase enzyme, or hydroxocobalamin, a nitric oxide scavenger. The relaxation was completely reversed in the presence of L-NAME + 1 mM L-arginine or L-arginine, an NO precursor. Diterpene-induced relaxation was not affected by TEA, a nonselective inhibitor of K+ channels. The KA-acetoxy antagonized CaCl(2)-induced contractions in a concentration-dependent manner and also inhibited an 80 mM KCl-induced contraction. The KA-acetoxy did not interfere with Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. The vasorelaxant induced by KA-acetoxy seems to involve the inhibition of the Ca(2+) influx and also, at least in part, by endothelial muscarinic receptors activation, NO and PGI(2) release.

Cardiovascular effects induced by N-(4'-dihydro)-piperoylthiomorpholine in normotensive rats.

OBJECTIVES: We have tested the cardiovascular effects of N-(4'-dihydro)-piperoylthiomorpholine (LASSBio 365) on rats using an in-vivo and in-vitro approach. METHODS: LASSBio 365 (0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 or 1 mg/kg, randomly injected) was administered to conscious unrestrained rats and the mean arterial pressure and heart rate were measured. The effects of LASSBio 365 (3 x 10⁻6-3 x 10⁻4 m) on rat isolated aortic rings with and without endothelium were investigated. Key findings LASSBio 365 induced a dose-dependent decrease in mean arterial pressure and heart rate (ED50 = 158 ± 53 µg/kg). The effects evoked by LASSBio 365 (0.5 mg/kg) were inhibited by pretreatment with atropine. In anaesthetized rats, electrocardiogram recordings revealed second/third degree sinoatrial and atrioventricular blockade induced by the compound, which were completely inhibited after cardiac muscarinic blockade or cervical bilateral vagotomy. In rat isolated aortic rings, LASSBio 365 (3 x 10⁻6-3 x 10⁻4 m) was capable of antagonizing the contractile effects induced by phenylephrine (1 µm) or KCl (80 mm) (IC50 = 107 ± 6; 92 ± 6 µm, respectively). This effect was not inhibited after removal of the vascular endothelium (IC50 = 84 ± 4; 92 ± 10 µm, respectively). LASSBio 365 (10⁻6-10⁻4 m) antagonized CaCl2-induced contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, LASSBio 365 (98 µm) inhibited contractions produced by noradrenaline (1 µm), but not those induced by caffeine (20 mm). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that LASSBio 365 produced negative chronotropism and reduced peripheral resistance that were probably due to the stimulation of cardiac muscarinic pathways. Peripheral vasodilation was probably linked to voltage-dependent Ca²+-channel blockade and/or specific inhibition of Ca²+ release from noradrenaline-sensitive intracellular stores.

Cardiovascular effects of a novel synthetic analogue of naturally occurring piperamides.

Cardiovascular responses to intravenous administration of a piperamide analogue, LASSBio 365, were investigated in anesthetized rats. LASSBio 365 [62.5-1000 microg/kg, intravenously (IV)] has potent cardiovascular effects that include hypotension and bradycardia, accompanied by a brief pressor effect and apnea. Bilateral vagotomy or atropine injection (2 mg/kg, IV) completely abolished the bradycardia. A drop in blood pressure was abolished in bivagotomized rats. However, it was only inhibited in atropine-treated rats. The apnea was inhibited by both treatments. The Bezold-Jarisch reflex (ie, hypotension, bradycardia, and apnea) induced by LASSBio 365 is altered neither by 5-HT3 antagonist (tropisetron, 0.1 mg/kg, intraarterially) nor by the P2x antagonist (PPADS, 8.6 mg/kg, IV). The pressor component was affected neither by any of these interventions nor by the 5-HT2 antagonist (ritanserin, 0.5 mg/kg, i.a.). In capsaicin-pretreated rats (50 mg/kg, subcutaneously), all responses evoked by LASSBio 365 were abolished, including the pressor effect, which was inhibited. The data show that LASSBio 365 evokes the Bezold-Jarish reflex, neither via serotonergic receptors nor purinergic receptors but perhaps via the vanilloid pathway.