Flavonoids and fractions from Saccharum officinarum L. juice: antinociceptive agents and molecular docking evaluations with µ-opioid receptor.

Opioid receptors mediate antinociceptive effects. Methanolic fractions from sugarcane varieties (MFSCf) were evaluated in classic nociception models. Interactions between bioactive compounds and the µ-opioid receptor (µOR) through docking analysis were also studied. Five methanolic fractions of sugarcane juice were obtained and analysed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. The fractions and standards of phenolic compounds were evaluated in a nociception model using the formalin test. All MFSCfs exhibited antinociceptive activity in the first phase of the formalin test. Docking analyses corroborates with the in vivo test results, suggesting that the phenolic substances are able to activate µOR. These results, for the first time, implicate phenolic constituents from sugarcane juice and other phenolic compounds in the activation of µOR. The antinociceptive activity of fractions from sugarcane juice suggests the potential pharmacological use of this species, widely cultivated in Brazil.

Alkylamides from Acmella oleracea: antinociceptive effect and molecular docking with cannabinoid and TRPV1 receptors.

Alkylamides are secondary metabolites in Acmella oleracea and display wide applications in treating several diseases. Since alkylamides can inhibit pain, this work aims to evaluate the antinociceptive profile of A. Oleracea methanolic extracts used in vivo and in silico assays. The extracts inhibited the neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin test, ratifying the antinociceptive effect of alkylamides. Furthermore, the results from molecular docking demonstrated the interaction of A. oleracea alkylamides with the CB1/CB2 and TRPV1 receptors. Additionally, the crude methanolic extract of flowers did not induce potential side effects related to the classical cannabinoid tetrad: hypolocomotion and catalepsy. In conclusion, this work confirms the potential of the alkylamides of A. Oleracea as antinociceptive agents and, for the first time, correlates its effects with the endocannabinoid and vanilloid systems through in silico assays.

Periodontopathogens, Candida spp. and immunological aspects in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with chronic periodontitis

This study aimed to evaluate clinical, microbiological and immunological parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in comparison with normoglycemic patients (NDM). Glycemic and lipid profiles and periodontal clinical status were determined for thirty-three patients (17 DM and 16 NDM). The presence of periodontopathogens and species of Candida in subgingival sites were determined by polymerase chain reaction and immunological parameters by ELISA assays. All glycemic and clinical parameters evaluated were higher in the DM group, with statistical difference for fasting glucose, glycated-hemoglobin, and periodontal parameters. Lipid profile (except triglycerides), levels of TNF-α and myeloperoxidase and the prevalence of the tested microorganisms were similar between the groups, except for Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, which was higher in the DM group. In conclusion, although microbiological and immunological parameters were similar in the DM and NDM groups, periodontitis and the levels of some species of Candida were more severe in DM patients. (AU)