Rubiadin exerts an acute and chronic anti-inflammatory effect in rodents / A Rubiadina exerce um efeito anti-inflamatório agudo e crônico em roedores

Rubiadin is identified as a bioactive anthraquinone that exists in some quinone rich plants. The current research was carried out to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory impact of Rubiadin in acute and chronic inflammation test models in rodents. The anti-inflammatory activity of Rubiadin was examined in cotton pellet-induced granuloma and carrageenan-induced edema as chronic and acute inflammation models in rats. TNF-α level and histopathological changes were assessed using sampled foot tissue of rat in the acute model. Also, the IL-1β level was assessed in the chronic model. One-way ANOVA (post hoc Tukey’s) analysis was used for comparing the groups. Rubiadin (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) induced a significant reduction in TNF α level and the paw edema compared to the control group in carrageenan test. Also, it was observed that the anti-inflammatory activity of Rubiadin (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) is comparable to mefenamic acid (30 mg/kg, i.p.) as the standard drug. Rubiadin was effective in granuloma induced by cotton pellet concerning the granuloma and transudate formation amount. Rubiadin's anti-inflammatory effects were associated with a significant IL-1β decrease in this model. The results suggest that Rubiadin as a natural compound can possess significant peripheral anti-inflammatory impacts.

A rubiadina é identificada como uma antraquinona bioativa que existe em algumas plantas ricas em quinonas. A presente pesquisa foi realizada para avaliar o potencial impacto anti-inflamatório da rubiadina em modelos de teste de inflamação aguda e crônica em roedores. A atividade anti-inflamatória da rubiadina foi examinada em granuloma induzido por pellet de algodão e edema induzido por carragenina como modelos de inflamação crônica e aguda em ratos. O nível de TNF-α e as alterações histopatológicas foram avaliados usando amostra de tecido do pé de rato no modelo agudo. Além disso, o nível de IL-1β foi avaliado no modelo crônico. A análise ANOVA de uma via (post hoc de Tukey) foi usada para comparar os grupos. A rubiadina (0,5 mg / kg, i.p.) induziu uma redução significativa no nível de TNF α e no edema da pata em comparação com o grupo de controle no teste de carragenina. Além disso, foi observado que a atividade anti-inflamatória da rubiadina (0,5 mg / kg, i.p.) é comparável ao ácido mefenâmico (30 mg/kg, i.p.) como o fármaco padrão. A rubiadina foi eficaz no granuloma induzido por pellet de algodão no que diz respeito à quantidade de granuloma e formação de transudato. Os efeitos anti-inflamatórios da rubiadina foram associados a uma redução significativa de IL-1β nesse modelo. Os resultados sugerem que a rubiadina como um composto natural pode ter impactos anti-inflamatórios periféricos significativos.

Biocompatible polymer microneedle for topical/dermal delivery of tranexamic acid.

Recently-introduced biocompatible polymeric microneedles offer an efficient method for drug delivery. Tranexamic acid is a novel drug for treating melasma that is administered both locally and orally and inhibits excessive melanin via melanocyte. The tranexamic acid biocompatible polymer microneedle used in this study was fabricated from PVP and methacrylic acid, using the lithography method. The required mechanical strength to pierce skin was attained by optimizing the ratio of PVP to methacrylic acid. Acute dermal toxicity was done, and drug diffusion in skin layers was simulated by calculating the diffusion coefficient of tranexamic acid in interstitial fluid (plasma). The biocompatible polymer microneedle was fabricated at 60°C. Needles could sustain 0.6N that is enough to pierce stratum corneum. 34% of the released drug was locally effective and the rest permeated through the skin. The pyramidal polymer microneedle in this study was fully released in skin in approx. 7h. This polymer microneedle has no dermal toxicity.

The impact of topical Saint John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) treatment on tissue tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in plaque-type psoriasis: A pilot study.

CONTEXT: Psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder, formed by inappropriate interaction of T lymphocytes with keratinocytes, and consequent eruption of immune responses. High concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) are found in the skin lesions and plasma of patients with psoriasis. Hypericum perforatum, a phytomedicine that has both anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties, has been recently reported to be clinically helpful for improvement of psoriatic lesions. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of topical H. perforatum on TNFα levels in psoriatic lesions for possible identification of the mechanism by which Hypericum reduces inflammation and modulates the disease in patients with plaque-type psoriasis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study with intraindividual comparison was conducted on twenty patients with mild to moderate plaque-type psoriasis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: TNFα levels in tissue samples were measured with immunohistochemistry method. Moreover, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores and histological and clinical changes were investigated after topical application of Hypericum extract. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate the possible differences between the drug and placebo group. RESULTS: TNFα concentrations in dermis (p= 0.025), endothelial cells (p=0.033), and dendrite cells (p=0.014) were significantly reduced in lesions treated with drug and the reduction observed in epidermis was superior to placebo (p=0.046). Results of PASI scores showed that erythema, scaling, and thickness were significantly lower where the ointment had been applied compared to application of placebo (p=0.014, p=0.004, p=0.003, respectively). Moreover, significant improvement in clinical and histological features of treated lesions in comparison with untreated lesions was observed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: H. perforatum ointment can help decrease PASI scores and TNFα levels in psoriatic tissue. Its efficacy is probably related to its effect on lowering cytokines including TNFα.