CPW partially attenuates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of the gastrointestinal tract. The etiology is not fully understood, but environmental, microbial, and immunologic factors, as well as a genetic predisposition, play a role. UC is characterized by episodes of abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, weight loss, severe colonic inflammation, and ulceration. Despite the increase in the frequency of UC and the deterioration of the quality of life, there are still patients who do not respond well to available treatment options. Against this background, natural products such as polysaccharides are becoming increasingly important as they protect the intestinal mucosa, promote wound healing, relieve inflammation and pain, and restore intestinal motility. In this study, we investigated the effect of a polysaccharide isolated from the biomass of Campomanesia adamantium and Campomanesia pubescens (here referred to as CPW) in an experimental model of acute and chronic ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). CPW reversed weight loss, increased disease activity index (DAI), bloody diarrhea, and colon shortening. In addition, CPW reduced visceral mechanical hypersensitivity, controlled oxidative stress and inflammation, and protected the mucosal barrier. CPW is not absorbed in the intestine, does not inhibit cytochrome P450 proteins, and does not exhibit AMES toxicity. These results suggest that CPW attenuates DSS-induced acute and chronic colitis in mice and may be a potential alternative treatment for UC.

Inflammatory parameters and color alterations of dental bleaching in patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliance: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Many orthodontic patients request dental bleaching during orthodontic treatment to achieve a faster aesthetic resolution, however, no attention has been paid to the inflammatory processes that can occur when both therapies are indicated together. So, this clinical trial evaluated the inflammatory parameters and color alterations associated with dental bleaching in patients wearing a fixed orthodontic appliance. METHODS: Thirty individuals aged between 18 and 40 years were equally and randomly allocated into three groups: FOA (fixed orthodontic appliance), BLE (dental bleaching), and FOA + BLE (fixed orthodontic appliance + dental bleaching). The orthodontic appliances and the bleaching procedures were performed in the maxillary premolars and molars. For dental bleaching a 35% hydrogen peroxide was used. The gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and nitric oxide (NO-) levels were evaluated at different time-points. Color evaluation was performed using an Easyshade spectrophotometer at baseline (FOA, FOA + BLE, BLE), one month after (FOA + BLE) and 21 days after appliance removing (FOA + BLE and FOA groups), in each tooth bleached. The ANOVA and Tukey's tests, with a significance level of 5%, were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The GCF volume in the FOA + BLE and FOA groups significantly increased at the time points evaluated (p < 0.001); however, this did not occur in the BLE group (p > 0.05). On the other hand, NO- levels significantly decreased during dental bleaching with or without fixed orthodontic appliances (FOA + BLE and BLE groups; p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the FOA group (p > 0.05). Significant changes in color were observed in the FOA + BLE and BLE groups compared to in the FOA group (p < 0.01). However, the presence of fixed orthodontic appliance (FOA + BLE) negatively affected the bleaching efficacy compared to BLE group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Dental bleaching did not increase the inflammatory parameters in patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliance. However, in the presence of orthodontic appliances, the bleaching efficacy was lower than that of bleaching teeth without orthodontic appliances. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-3sqsh8 (first trial registration: 09/07/2018).

Neuroinflammation and hypersensitivity evidenced by the acute and 28-day repeated dose toxicity tests of ostrich oil in mice.

The ostrich oil (OO) has been topically used for decades to treat skin diseases. Its oral use has been encouraged through e-commerce advertising several health benefits to OO without scientific evidence on its safety or effectiveness. This study presents the chromatographic profile of a commercially available OO and its acute and 28-day repeated dose in vivo toxicological profiles. OO anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects were also investigated. Omega-9 (ω-9; oleic acid; 34.6%) and -6 (linoleic acid; 14.9%) were detected as OO main constituents. A high single dose of the OO (2 g/kg of ω-9) demonstrated no or low acute toxicity. However, when orally treated with OO (30-300 mg/kg of ω-9) for 28 consecutive days, mice exhibited altered locomotor and exploratory activities, hepatic damage, and increased hindpaw sensitivity accompanied by increased levels of cytokine and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in their spinal cords and brains. Lack of anti-inflammatory or antinociceptive activities was also evidenced in 15-day-OO treated mice. These results indicate that chronic consumption of OO induces hepatic injury, in addition to neuroinflammation and subsequent hypersensitivity and behavioural changes. Thus, there is no evidence to support OO use to treating illness in humans.

Rodent models for anticancer toxicity studies: Contributions to drug development and future perspectives.

Antineoplastic treatment induces a type of gastrointestinal toxicity known as mucositis. Findings in animal models are usually easily reproducible, and standardized treatment regimens are often used, thus supporting translational science. Essential characteristics of mucositis, including intestinal permeability, inflammation, immune and oxidative responses, and tissue repair mechanisms, can be easily investigated in these models. Given the effects of mucositis on the quality of life of patients with cancer, and the importance of experimental models in the development of more effective new therapeutic alternatives, this review discusses progress and current challenges in using experimental models of mucositis in translational pharmacology research.

The Anti-Virulence Effect of Vismia guianensis against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata.

In folk medicine, Vismia guianensis is used to treat skin diseases and mycoses in the Amazon region. We evaluated the anti-Candida activity of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Vismia guianensis (EHVG). HPLC-PDA and FIA-ESI-IT-MSn were used to chemically characterize EHVG. The anti-Candida activity was determined in vitro by the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against Candida glabrata (ATCC-2001); Candida albicans (ATCC-90028, ATCC-14053, and ATCC-SC5314), and C. albicans clinical isolates. EHVG effects on adhesion, growth, and biofilm formation were also determined. Molecular docking was used to predict targets for EHVG compounds. The main compounds identified included anthraquinone, vismione D, kaempferol, quercetin, and vitexin. EHVG was fungicidal against all tested strains. C. albicans ATCC 14053 and C. glabrata ATCC 2001 were the most sensitive strains, as the extract inhibited their virulence factors. In silico analysis indicated that vismione D presented the best antifungal activity, since it was the most effective in inhibiting CaCYP51, and may act as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, according to the online PASS prediction. Overall, the data demonstrate that EHVG has an anti-Candida effect by inhibiting virulence factors of the fungi. This activity may be related to its vismione D content, indicating this compound may represent a new perspective for treating diseases caused by Candida sp.

Ocular Manifestations of Chikungunya Infection: A Systematic Review.

The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) can cause long lasting symptoms and manifestations. However, there is little information on which ocular ones are most frequent following infection. We performed a systematic review (registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; no CRD42020171928) to establish the most frequent ocular manifestations of CHIKV infection and their associations with gender and age. Articles published until September 2020 were selected from PubMed, Scielo, Cochrane and Scopus databases. Only studies with CHIKV-infected patients and eye alterations were included. Reviews, descriptive studies, or those not investigating the human ocular manifestations of CHIKV, those with patients with other diseases and infections, abstracts and studies without relevant data were excluded. Twenty-five studies were selected for inclusion. Their risk of bias was evaluated by a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The most frequent ocular symptoms of CHIKV infection included ocular pain, inflammation and reduced visual acuity, whilst conjunctivitis and optic neuritis were the most common manifestations of the disease. These occurred mostly in individuals of 42 ± 9.5 years of age and woman. The few available reports on CHIKV-induced eye manifestations highlight the need for further research in the field to gather more substantial evidence linking CHIKV infection, the eye and age/gender. Nonetheless, the data emphasizes that ocular alterations are meaningful occurrences of CHIKV infection which can substantially affect quality of life.

Analysis of salivary parameters of mucopolysaccharidosis individuals.

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a heterogeneous group of rare, chronic, progressive and systemic inherited disorders resulting from deficiency or lack of lysosomal enzymes responsible for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans. Products of nitrosative stress have been previously detected in blood and urine samples of patients with MPS. However, it is unclear whether they are present in the saliva of MPS patients and also if they correlate with salivary parameters such as flow and pH. This study compared the salivary levels of NOX (NO2- + NO3-), nitrite (NO2-), protein (albumin), erythrocyte and leukocyte numbers, as well as the salivary flow rate and pH values of samples obtained from 10 MPS patients and 10 healthy subjects. MPS patients exhibited higher salivary levels of NOX and NO2- when compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Albumin was only detected in six saliva samples of MPS patients and, erythrocytes and leukocytes were detected in 60% and 40% of the MPS patients, respectively. In addition, salivary flow rate and pH averages were statistically lower in this group when compared to healthy samples (p < 0.05). Overall, the data indicates that the salivary levels of NO products can be used in combination with other heath indicators to monitor MPS disorders.

Analysis of salivary parameters of mucopolysaccharidosis individuals

Abstract Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a heterogeneous group of rare, chronic, progressive and systemic inherited disorders resulting from deficiency or lack of lysosomal enzymes responsible for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans. Products of nitrosative stress have been previously detected in blood and urine samples of patients with MPS. However, it is unclear whether they are present in the saliva of MPS patients and also if they correlate with salivary parameters such as flow and pH. This study compared the salivary levels of NOX (NO2- + NO3-), nitrite (NO2-), protein (albumin), erythrocyte and leukocyte numbers, as well as the salivary flow rate and pH values of samples obtained from 10 MPS patients and 10 healthy subjects. MPS patients exhibited higher salivary levels of NOX and NO2- when compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Albumin was only detected in six saliva samples of MPS patients and, erythrocytes and leukocytes were detected in 60% and 40% of the MPS patients, respectively. In addition, salivary flow rate and pH averages were statistically lower in this group when compared to healthy samples (p < 0.05). Overall, the data indicates that the salivary levels of NO products can be used in combination with other heath indicators to monitor MPS disorders.

Anti-Inflammatory and Healing Activity of the Hydroalcoholic Fruit Extract of Solanum diploconos (Mart.) Bohs.

BACKGROUND: Solanum diploconos (Mart.) Bohs is a native Brazilian plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, popularly known as "tomatinho do mato" and poorly investigated. Herein, we presented for the first time evidence for the anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of S. diploconos fruit hydroalcoholic extract. Material and Methods. In vitro fMLP-induced chemotaxis, LPS-induced inflammatory mediator levels (cytokines by ELISA and NO release by Griess reaction), and adhesion molecule expression (CD62L, CD49d, and CD18, by flow-cytometry) were assessed in neutrophils treated with different concentrations of the extract. Inflammation resolution was measured by the efferocytosis assay and the healing activity by in vivo and in vitro assays. The air pouch model of carrageenan-induced inflammation in Swiss mice was used to investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. Leukocyte influx (by optical microscopy) and cytokine release were quantified in the pouch exudates. Additionally, the acute and subacute toxic and genotoxic effects of the extract were evaluated. RESULTS: In vitro, the extract impaired neutrophil chemotaxis and its ability to produce and/or release cytokines (TNFα, IL-1ß, and IL-6) and NO upon LPS stimuli (p < 0.01). LPS-treated neutrophils incubated with the extract presented increased CD62L expression (p < 0.01), indicating a reduced activation. An enhanced efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages was observed and accompanied by higher IL-10 and decreased TNFα secretion (p < 0.01). In vivo, similar results were noted, including reduction of neutrophil migration, protein exudation, and cytokine release (p < 0.01). Also, the extract increased fibroblast proliferation and promoted skin wound healing (p < 0.01). No signs of toxicity or genotoxicity were observed for the extract. CONCLUSION: S. diploconos fruit extract is anti-inflammatory by modulating neutrophil migration/activation as well macrophage-dependent efferocytosis and inflammatory mediator release. It also indicates its potential use as a healing agent. Finally, the absence of acute toxic and genotoxic effects reinforces its possible use as medicinal product.

Clinical effects of the exposure to red wine during at-home bleaching.

OBJECTIVES: This clinical trial evaluated the effects of red wine exposure on the effectiveness of at-home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide, degree of tooth sensitivity, and levels of periodontal inflammatory markers. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Eighty participants were assigned to two groups, namely, those who drank red wine (experimental group), and those who did not drink red wine (control group). The experimental group participants rinsed their mouths with 25 mL of red wine four times a day during the bleaching period. Shade evaluation was assessed visually by using the Vita Classical and Vita Easyshade techniques. Tooth sensitivity was evaluated by the numeric and visual analog scales, and the salivary and gingival crevicular fluids were collected for assessment of nitric oxide (NO) levels, a marker of inflammation. Differences in color change were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The absolute risks of tooth sensitivity were compared by the Fisher exact test. Tooth sensitivity intensity data sets for both the visual analog scale and the numeric rating scale were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test (α = .05). Repeated measures and two-way ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni test were used to assess time-course and differences between groups in NO production. RESULTS: The bleaching technique was effective regardless of wine consumption (P > .05). Tooth sensitivity was classified as mild, with no differences between groups (P > .05). Red wine reduced both the gingival crevicular fluid and salivary levels of NO (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Red wine does not interfere with the effectiveness and sensitivity of at-home teeth bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide and protects against bleaching-induced inflammation.

Beneficial Effects of Polysaccharides on the Epithelial Barrier Function in Intestinal Mucositis.

Intestinal mucositis is a clinically relevant side effect of anticancer therapies. It is experienced by 60-100% of patients undergoing treatment with high doses of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. Intestinal mucositis can manifest as pain, weight loss, inflammation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and infection; affecting normal nutritional intake and intestinal function. It often impacts adherence to anticancer therapy as it frequently limits patient's ability to tolerate treatment, causing schedule delays, interruptions, or premature discontinuation. In some cases, local and systemic secondary infections are observed, increasing the costs toward medical care and hospitalization. Several strategies for managing mucositis are available which do not always halt this condition. In this context, new therapeutic strategies are under investigation to prevent or treat intestinal mucositis. Polysaccharides from natural resources have recently become promising molecules against intestinal damage due to their ability to promote mucosal healing and their anti-inflammatory actions. These effects are associated with the protection of intestinal mucosa and regulation of microbiota and immune system. This review aims to discuss the recent advances of polysaccharides from natural resources as potential therapies for intestinal mucositis. The source, species, doses, treatment schedules, and mechanisms of action of polysaccharides will be discussed in detail.

Polysaccharides with Antitumor Effect in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review of Non-Clinical Studies.

Purpose: To review the effects of polysaccharides and their proposed mechanisms of action in breast cancer experimental models. Data sources, selection, and extraction: Articles were selected by using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Medline, assessed from 1 May 2019 to 1 July 2020. The systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Prospero) under the number CRD42020169103. Results: Most of the studies explore algae polysaccharides (43.2%), followed by mushrooms (13.5%), plants (13.5%), fruits (10.8%), fungus (2.7%), bacteria, (2.7%), and sea animals (2.7%). A total of 8.1% investigated only in vitro models, 62.1% evaluated only in vivo models, and 29.7% evaluated in vitro and in vivo models. The mechanism of action involves apoptosis, inhibition of cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and antimetastatic effects through multiple pathways. Conclusions: Findings included here support further investigations on the anti-tumor effect of polysaccharides. Some polysaccharides, such as fucoidan and ß-glucans, deserve detailed and structured studies aiming at translational research on breast tumors, since they are already used in the clinical practice of other proposals of human health.

An overview of the gut side of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

In late 2019, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) initiated in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The major clinical symptoms described for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) include respiratory distress and pneumonia in severe cases, and some patients may experience gastrointestinal impairments. In accordance, viral RNA or live infectious virus have been detected in feces of patients with COVID-19. Binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a vital pathway for the virus entry into human cells, including those of the respiratory mucosa, esophageal epithelium as well as the absorptive enterocytes from ileum and colon. The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor may decrease the receptor expression and disrupt the function of B0AT1 transporter influencing the diarrhea observed in COVID-19 patients. In this context, a fecal-oral transmission route has been considered and points out a role for the digestive tract in disease transmission and severity. Here, in order to further understand the impact of COVID-19 in human physiology, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity are discussed in the context of gastrointestinal disturbances.

Evidence of a Role for the TRPC Subfamily in Mediating Oxidative Stress in Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) represents one of the most common multifactorial neurodegenerative disorders affecting the elderly population. It is associated with the aggregation of α-synuclein protein and the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the brain. The disease is mainly represented by motor symptoms, such as resting tremors, postural instability, rigidity, and bradykinesia, that develop slowly over time. Parkinson's disease can also manifest as disturbances in non-motor functions. Although the pathology of PD has not yet been fully understood, it has been suggested that the disruption of the cellular redox status may contribute to cellular oxidative stress and, thus, to cell death. The generation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen intermediates, as well as the dysfunction of dopamine metabolism, play important roles in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. In this context, the transient receptor potential channel canonical (TRPC) sub-family plays an important role in neuronal degeneration. Additionally, PD gene products, including DJ-1, SNCA, UCH-L1, PINK-1, and Parkin, also interfere with mitochondrial function leading to reactive oxygen species production and dopaminergic neuronal vulnerability to oxidative stress. Herein, we discuss the interplay between these various biochemical and molecular events that ultimately lead to dopaminergic signaling disruption, highlighting the recently identified roles of TRPC in PD.

Oxidative and nitrosative stresses in cerebral malaria: can we target them to avoid a bad prognosis?

There is currently a global effort to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality. However, malaria still results in the deaths of thousands of people every year. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium spp., parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Treatment timing plays a decisive role in reducing mortality and sequelae associated with the severe forms of the disease such as cerebral malaria (CM). The available antimalarial therapy is considered effective but parasite resistance to these drugs has been observed in some countries. Antimalarial drugs act by increasing parasite lysis, especially through targeting oxidative stress pathways. Here we discuss the roles of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen intermediates in CM as a result of host-parasite interactions. We also present evidence of the potential contribution of oxidative and nitrosative stress-based antimalarial drugs to disease treatment and control.

The latex of Euphorbia tirucalli inhibits staphyloxanthin production and protects Tenebrio molitor larvae against Staphylococcus aureus infection.

The latex of Euphorbia tirucalli L. (LET) has great etnopharmacological relevance for several traditional communities. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo (using Tenebrio molitor larvae) antimicrobial effects of LET were evaluated. LET did not inhibit the growth of S. aureus, however, a reduction on staphyloxanthin production (an important virulence factor of S. aureus) was observed. LET (at 10 µL/kg) was also able to enhance the survival of larvae infected with a lethal dose of S. aureus, an effect associated with reduction in the numbers of haemocytes. Furthermore, haemocytes from LET-treated larvae exhibited dysfunctional lysosome activity. These results indicate the effectiveness of LET as an anti-infective agent which could be useful as source of lead molecules for the development of new therapies against S. aureus-induced infections.