Chemical Characterization and Leishmanicidal Activity In Vitro and In Silico of Natural Products Obtained from Leaves of Vernonanthura brasiliana (L.) H. Rob (Asteraceae).

Vernonanthura brasiliana (L.) H. Rob is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of several infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of V. brasiliana leaves using in vitro and in silico approaches. The chemical composition of V. brasiliana leaf extract was determined through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The inhibitory activity against Leishmania amazonensis promastigote was evaluated by the MTT method. In silico analysis was performed using Lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase (CYP51) as the target. The toxicity analysis was performed in RAW 264.7 cells and Tenebrio molitor larvae. LC-MS revealed the presence of 14 compounds in V. brasiliana crude extract, including flavonoids, flavones, sesquiterpene lactones, and quinic acids. Eriodictol (ΔGbind = -9.0), luteolin (ΔGbind = -8.7), and apigenin (ΔGbind = -8.6) obtained greater strength of molecular interaction with lanosterol demethylase in the molecular docking study. The hexane fraction of V. brasiliana showed the best leishmanicidal activity against L. amazonensis in vitro (IC50 12.44 ± 0.875 µg·mL-1) and low cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells (CC50 314.89 µg·mL-1, SI = 25.30) and T. molitor larvae. However, the hexane fraction and Amphotericin-B had antagonistic interaction (FICI index ≥ 4.0). This study revealed that V. brasiliana and its metabolites are potential sources of lead compounds for drugs for leishmaniasis treatment.

Parasitological and histological aspects of Holochilus sciureus naturally infected by Schistosoma mansoni / Aspectos parasitológicos e histológicos de Holochilus sciureus naturalmente infectados por Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people around the world, being common in the state of Maranhão. A total of 225 rodents of the Holochilus sciureus species from the Western Lowland Maranhão were studied, of which 144 animals (64%) exhibited Schistosoma eggs in their feces samples. Macroscopic lesions characterized as well-defined whitish areas on the liver and spleen surfaces were observed. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal granulomas in the esophagus, liver, spleen, pancreas and duodenum, with structures compatible with Schistosoma mansoni eggs, as well as severe hepatic micro-vacuolar degeneration, multifocal and coalescent, with proliferation of random bile ducts and associated epithelial hyperplasia to areas of fibrosis. Adult forms of the parasite were observed in the blood vessels of the portal space. The lungs exhibited moderate and diffuse interstitial pneumonia with intralesional S. mansoni eggs. In the kidneys, hyaline cylinders were observed in the pelvis and diffuse hemorrhage. In conclusion, H. sciureus displays a pathological picture similar to human being. This rodent plays a role as sentinel in Baixada Maranhense.

Resumo A esquistossomose é uma doença negligenciada que afeta milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo, sendo comum no estado do Maranhão. Um total de 225 roedores da espécie Holochilus sciureus da Planície Ocidental do Maranhão foram estudados, dos quais 144 animais (64%) apresentaram ovos de Schistosoma em suas fezes. Lesões macroscópicas caracterizadas como áreas esbranquiçadas bem definidas nas superfícies do fígado e baço foram observadas. O exame histopatológico revelou granulomas multifocais no esôfago, fígado, baço, pâncreas e duodeno, com estruturas compatíveis com ovos de Schistosoma mansoni, degeneração micro-vacuolar hepática grave, multifocal e coalescente, com proliferação de ductos biliares aleatórios e hiperplasia epitelial associada a áreas de fibrose. Formas adultas do parasito foram observadas nos vasos sanguíneos do espaço portal. Os pulmões exibiram pneumonia intersticial moderada e difusa com ovos de S. mansoni intralesionais. Nos rins, foram observados cilindros hialinos na pelve e hemorragia difusa. Em conclusão, H. sciureus apresenta um quadro patológico semelhante ao ser humano. Este roedor desempenha um papel de sentinela na Baixada Maranhense.

Parasitological and histological aspects of Holochilus sciureus naturally infected by Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people around the world, being common in the state of Maranhão. A total of 225 rodents of the Holochilus sciureus species from the Western Lowland Maranhão were studied, of which 144 animals (64%) exhibited Schistosoma eggs in their feces samples. Macroscopic lesions characterized as well-defined whitish areas on the liver and spleen surfaces were observed. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal granulomas in the esophagus, liver, spleen, pancreas and duodenum, with structures compatible with Schistosoma mansoni eggs, as well as severe hepatic micro-vacuolar degeneration, multifocal and coalescent, with proliferation of random bile ducts and associated epithelial hyperplasia to areas of fibrosis. Adult forms of the parasite were observed in the blood vessels of the portal space. The lungs exhibited moderate and diffuse interstitial pneumonia with intralesional S. mansoni eggs. In the kidneys, hyaline cylinders were observed in the pelvis and diffuse hemorrhage. In conclusion, H. sciureus displays a pathological picture similar to human being. This rodent plays a role as sentinel in Baixada Maranhense.

Parasitological and histological aspects of Holochilus sciureus naturally infected by Schistosoma mansoni / Aspectos parasitológicos e histológicos de Holochilus sciureus naturalmente infectados por Schistosoma mansoni

Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people around the world, being common in the state of Maranhão. A total of 225 rodents of the Holochilus sciureus species from the Western Lowland Maranhão were studied, of which 144 animals (64%) exhibited Schistosoma eggs in their feces samples. Macroscopic lesions characterized as well-defined whitish areas on the liver and spleen surfaces were observed. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal granulomas in the esophagus, liver, spleen, pancreas and duodenum, with structures compatible with Schistosoma mansoni eggs, as well as severe hepatic micro-vacuolar degeneration, multifocal and coalescent, with proliferation of random bile ducts and associated epithelial hyperplasia to areas of fibrosis. Adult forms of the parasite were observed in the blood vessels of the portal space. The lungs exhibited moderate and diffuse interstitial pneumonia with intralesional S. mansoni eggs. In the kidneys, hyaline cylinders were observed in the pelvis and diffuse hemorrhage. In conclusion, H. sciureus displays a pathological picture similar to human being. This rodent plays a role as sentinel in Baixada Maranhense.(AU)

A esquistossomose é uma doença negligenciada que afeta milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo, sendo comum no estado do Maranhão. Um total de 225 roedores da espécie Holochilus sciureus da Planície Ocidental do Maranhão foram estudados, dos quais 144 animais (64%) apresentaram ovos de Schistosoma em suas fezes. Lesões macroscópicas caracterizadas como áreas esbranquiçadas bem definidas nas superfícies do fígado e baço foram observadas. O exame histopatológico revelou granulomas multifocais no esôfago, fígado, baço, pâncreas e duodeno, com estruturas compatíveis com ovos de Schistosoma mansoni, degeneração micro-vacuolar hepática grave, multifocal e coalescente, com proliferação de ductos biliares aleatórios e hiperplasia epitelial associada a áreas de fibrose. Formas adultas do parasito foram observadas nos vasos sanguíneos do espaço portal. Os pulmões exibiram pneumonia intersticial moderada e difusa com ovos de S. mansoni intralesionais. Nos rins, foram observados cilindros hialinos na pelve e hemorragia difusa. Em conclusão, H. sciureus apresenta um quadro patológico semelhante ao ser humano. Este roedor desempenha um papel de sentinela na Baixada Maranhense.(AU)

Histopathological findings and immunohistochemical staining of Neospora caninum infection in placentas of animals for slaughter / Achados histopatológicos e marcação imuno-histoquímica da infecção por Neospora caninum em placentas de animais destinados ao abate

Bovine neosporosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum, which is one of the main pathogens that cause abortions in cattle worldwide. It is responsible for large losses in dairy and beef cattle, especially with regard to the expenses associated with decreased productivity and increased discard. In the State of Maranhão, the occurrence of this parasite has already been confirmed in the dairy cattle of three microregions that make up the state's dairy industry and in small ruminants of the municipalities of Amarante do Maranhão and Buritirana. This fact justifies the importance of determining the presence of N. caninum in cattle slaughtered in the slaughterhouses of the Island of São Luís, to help control the parasitic cycle in the cattle production system of the region under study, and the importance of its diagnosis. The objective of the research was to conduct a histopathological and immunohistochemical characterization of bovine placentas infected with N. caninum collected in slaughterhouses. Sixteen placenta samples from cows were randomly selected at the slaughterhouses of the city of São Luís for histological analysis and immunohistochemistry. Results showed that 31% of the placentas presented histopathological changes such as: inflammatory process, edema, hemorrhage and presence of hemosiderin. All slides with histopathological changes showed immunolabeling for N. caninum.(AU)

A neosporose bovina é uma doença parasitária causada pelo protozoário Neospora caninum, que é um dos principais patógenos causadores de aborto em bovinos no mundo. É responsável por grandes prejuízos nos rebanhos de leite e de corte, principalmente no que se refere aos gastos associados à diminuição da produtividade e aumento do descarte. No estado do Maranhão, a ocorrência deste parasito já foi confirmada em rebanhos de bovinos de leite de três microrregiões que compõem a bacia leiteira do estado e em pequenos ruminantes dos municípios de Amarante do Maranhão e Buritirana. Justificando desta forma a importância de determinar a presença de N. caninum nos bovinos abatidos nos matadouros da Ilha de São Luís, para auxiliar no controle do ciclo parasitário no sistema de produção de bovinos na região em estudo e a importância do seu diagnóstico. O objetivo da pesquisa foi realizar a caracterização histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica de placentas bovinas infectadas por N. caninum coletadas em matadouro. Foram selecionadas ao acaso 16 amostras de placenta de vacas, provenientes de abatedouros do município de São Luís para análise histológica e imuno-histoquímica. Os resultados evidenciaram que 31% das placentas apresentaram alterações histopatológicas, tais como: processo inflamatório, edema, hemorragia e presença de hemossiderina. Todas as lâminas com alterações histopatológicas apresentaram imunomarcação para N. caninum.(AU)

Histopathological findings and immunohistochemical staining of Neospora caninum infection in placentas of animals for slaughter / Achados histopatológicos e marcação imuno-histoquímica da infecção por Neospora caninum em placentas de animais destinados ao abate

Bovine neosporosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum, which is one of the main pathogens that cause abortions in cattle worldwide. It is responsible for large losses in dairy and beef cattle, especially with regard to the expenses associated with decreased productivity and increased discard. In the State of Maranhão, the occurrence of this parasite has already been confirmed in the dairy cattle of three microregions that make up the state's dairy industry and in small ruminants of the municipalities of Amarante do Maranhão and Buritirana. This fact justifies the importance of determining the presence of N. caninum in cattle slaughtered in the slaughterhouses of the Island of São Luís, to help control the parasitic cycle in the cattle production system of the region under study, and the importance of its diagnosis. The objective of the research was to conduct a histopathological and immunohistochemical characterization of bovine placentas infected with N. caninum collected in slaughterhouses. Sixteen placenta samples from cows were randomly selected at the slaughterhouses of the city of São Luís for histological analysis and immunohistochemistry. Results showed that 31% of the placentas presented histopathological changes such as: inflammatory process, edema, hemorrhage and presence of hemosiderin. All slides with histopathological changes showed immunolabeling for N. caninum.

A neosporose bovina é uma doença parasitária causada pelo protozoário Neospora caninum, que é um dos principais patógenos causadores de aborto em bovinos no mundo. É responsável por grandes prejuízos nos rebanhos de leite e de corte, principalmente no que se refere aos gastos associados à diminuição da produtividade e aumento do descarte. No estado do Maranhão, a ocorrência deste parasito já foi confirmada em rebanhos de bovinos de leite de três microrregiões que compõem a bacia leiteira do estado e em pequenos ruminantes dos municípios de Amarante do Maranhão e Buritirana. Justificando desta forma a importância de determinar a presença de N. caninum nos bovinos abatidos nos matadouros da Ilha de São Luís, para auxiliar no controle do ciclo parasitário no sistema de produção de bovinos na região em estudo e a importância do seu diagnóstico. O objetivo da pesquisa foi realizar a caracterização histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica de placentas bovinas infectadas por N. caninum coletadas em matadouro. Foram selecionadas ao acaso 16 amostras de placenta de vacas, provenientes de abatedouros do município de São Luís para análise histológica e imuno-histoquímica. Os resultados evidenciaram que 31% das placentas apresentaram alterações histopatológicas, tais como: processo inflamatório, edema, hemorragia e presença de hemossiderina. Todas as lâminas com alterações histopatológicas apresentaram imunomarcação para N. caninum.

Sertolioma associado à seminoma em cão com criptorquidismo bilateral - relato de caso / Sertoli cell tumor to seminoma in dog with unilateral cryptorchidism - case report

This work aims to report the occurrence of a mixed testicular neoplasm, seminoma associated withsertolioma, in the ectopic testis located in the left inguinal canal of a dog. A 9-year-old male poodle dog wastreated at the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Hospital of the State University of Maranhão (HVU-Uema),presenting thrombocytopenic haemorrhagic purpura and swelling of firm contents in the left inguinal region,with pain on palpation of the area. In the cytology analysis it was observed high cellularity composed by twodistinct cell types. Thus, according to the clinical and cytopathological findings, it was diagnosed Semenomaassociated with Sertolioma. It is an important finding, since the method of diagnosis by cytology is not verysensitive in the joint detection of these two neoplasms.

Sertolioma associado à seminoma em cão com criptorquidismo bilateral - relato de caso / Sertoli cell tumor to seminoma in dog with unilateral cryptorchidism - case report

This work aims to report the occurrence of a mixed testicular neoplasm, seminoma associated withsertolioma, in the ectopic testis located in the left inguinal canal of a dog. A 9-year-old male poodle dog wastreated at the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Hospital of the State University of Maranhão (HVU-Uema),presenting thrombocytopenic haemorrhagic purpura and swelling of firm contents in the left inguinal region,with pain on palpation of the area. In the cytology analysis it was observed high cellularity composed by twodistinct cell types. Thus, according to the clinical and cytopathological findings, it was diagnosed Semenomaassociated with Sertolioma. It is an important finding, since the method of diagnosis by cytology is not verysensitive in the joint detection of these two neoplasms.(AU)