RESUMEN
Statement of the Problem: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that causes bone loss. Some patients do not respond well to the classic treatment and need therapies that minimize bone loss, the main sequel of the disease. Chenopodium ambrosioides L. has stood out due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. However, no study has yet investigated its effect on periodontitis. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the bone protective effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (CAL) extract on ligature-induced periodontitis model in rats. Materials and Method: For this, a pre-clinical assay was performed, using male Wistar rats divided into 3 groups: Naive (N) (n=6), not submitted to any procedure; Saline (SAL) (n=6), submitted to ligature-induced periodontitis and receiving 2 ml/kg of 0.9% saline solution; and CAL extract, which was subdivided into 3 subgroups (n=6/subgroup) receiving the CAL at 3 (CAL3), 10 (CAL10) or 30 mg/kg (CAL30). All agents were given, by oral gavage, 30 min before periodontitis induction and daily until euthanasia (11th day). By then, maxillae were removed for macroscopic, histological, and histometric analyses. Kidneys, liver, and stomach were collected to evaluate the safety of CAL extract. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay was used to investigate the flavonoid content in the extract. Results: Chenopodium ambrosioides L. extract at 30mg/kg showed a reduction by 58% in bone loss marked by an increase (+35%) in the number of osteoblasts and a reduction (-51%) on the number of osteoclasts (p< 0.05). No significant alteration in the liver, kidney, or stomach was seen. Rutin was the main flavonoid found. Conclusion: In summary, it was observed that Chenopodium ambrosioides L. extract has shown important anti-inflammatory and bone anabolic and anti-resorptive properties without causing toxicity in the main organs. Rutin, as the main flavonoid of the extract, seems to be responsible for the beneficial effect of this agent.
RESUMEN
Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug that works as a positive modulator of Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid-A (GABA-A) receptors, with high selectivity for α1 subunits. Given this selective binding, the drug has a strong hypnotic activity. Social isolation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has contributed to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. As a result, studies have pointed to a possible increase in the indiscriminate use of drugs with sedative effects, such as Zolpidem, during the pandemic. The aim of this work was to present prospective evidence that warns of the possibility of the abusive use of Zolpidem even after the pandemic. High rates of addiction to this drug have been reported around the world after the emergence of the coronavirus. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and from Medicaid support the continuing growth in prescription and indiscriminate use of Zolpidem during the pandemic and afterward. Therefore, there is enough evidence to support the indiscriminate use of this drug since the beginning of the pandemic. Rates of indiscriminate use of sedatives may continue to increase in the post-pandemic period, especially if strict control measures are not taken by health authorities.
