Evaluation of sensitization to the crude extract of Dermatophagoides farinae and its derived allergens, Der f 2 and Zen 1, in dogs with atopic dermatitis in Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is associated with the production of IgE antibodies against environmental allergens and allergens of the house dust miteDermatophagoides farinae are frequently implicated in the disease. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to observe the allergen-specific IgE against crudeD. farinae, Der f 2 and Zen 1 in dogs with atopic dermatitis and report if these dogs are in contact with material that could shelter mite allergens. METHODS: 100 dogs with clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis were included after exclusion of other forms of pruritic skin disease and dogs that already received specific or non-specific immunotherapy. These dogs were of different breeds and ages and they were presented at a veterinary teaching hospital and a private service of veterinary dermatology, both located in Curitiba, Southern Brazil. At the time of anamnesis, some questions were applied to know the possibility of these dogs having had contact with furniture and textile material which could shelter house dust mites. Sera samples were obtained and further analyzed by ELISA assay to measure serum IgE levels against these allergens with an established cut-off of 0.200 IgE optical density. RESULTS: The allergen-specific IgE positivity against crudeD. farinae (92 %) and Zen 1 (77 %) was higher than Der f 2 (56 %). There was a correlation in sensitization to crude D. farinae and Zen 1 that was not observed between crude D. farinae and Der f 2 and Der f 2 and Zen 1. The sensitization to D. farinae and its allergens was associated with an unrestricted exposition to furniture and textile material. CONCLUSION & CLINICAL RELEVANCE: dogs with atopic dermatitis are frequently sensitized to D. farinae and its allergens, Der f 2 and Zen 1, may be considered major allergens in these dogs. Zen 1 may be the main allergen responsible for the sensitization to crude D. farinae.

Use of the imazapic herbicide applied alone or tank mix with imazapyr as growth regulator of lawns

Successive mowing are the major maintenance costs of lawns. Thus, both the expenditure with mowing and the visual and physiological aspect of the lawn have led to the search for alternatives to mechanical management. Thus, this work aimed to study the effects of different rates of imazapic herbicide applied alone or combined with imazapyr as a growth regulator of Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) and St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum). The experimental design was a randomized block with four replicates, and the treatments consisted of six rates of imazapic herbicide (35; 70; 105; 140; 175 and 210 g a.i. ha-1) for both species, three rates of imazapic + imazapyr in tank mix (15.57 + 5.25; 23.625 + 7.875; 32.5 + 10.5 g a.i. ha-1) for Bahiagrass and four rates of imazapic + imazapyr mixture (7.875 + 2.625; 15.57 + 5.25; 23.625 + 7.875; 32.5 + 10.5 g a.i. ha-1) for St. Augustine grass. The effect of the treatments was evaluated by observing visible injury symptoms, canopy height, height and number of inflorescences and total dry matter of clippings. Applications of imazapic alone or combined with imazapyr were effective in reducing plant height, number and height of inflorescences and total amount of dry matter of clippings produced by Bahiagrass plants. Imazapic provided satisfactory control of St. Augustine growth, but its utilization caused an increase in the number of inflorescences present in the lawns.

Ethanolic extract of the fungus Trichoderma stromaticum decreases inflammation and ameliorates experimental cerebral malaria in C57BL/6 mice.

Increased resistance to the first-line treatment against P. falciparum malaria, artemisinin-based combination therapies, has been reported. Here, we tested the effect of crude ethanolic extract of the fungus Trichoderma stromaticum (Ext-Ts) on the growth of P. falciparum NF54 in infected human red blood cells (ihRBCs) and its anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory properties in a mouse model of experimental cerebral malaria. For this purpose, ihRBCs were treated with Ext-Ts and analysed for parasitaemia; C57BL/6 mice were infected with P. berghei ANKA (PbA), treated daily with Ext-Ts, and clinical, biochemical, histological and immunological features of the disease were monitored. It was observed that Ext-Ts presented a dose-dependent ability to control P. falciparum in ihRBCs. In addition, it was demonstrated that Ext-Ts treatment of PbA-infected mice was able to increase survival, prevent neurological signs and decrease parasitaemia at the beginning of infection. These effects were associated with systemically decreased levels of lipids and IFN-γ, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CCR5 cerebral expression, preserving blood brain barrier integrity and attenuating the inflammatory lesions in the brain, liver and lungs. These results suggest that Ext-Ts could be a source of immunomodulatory and antimalarial compounds that could improve the treatment of cerebral malaria.

Crab shell extract improves serum biochemical markers and histological changes of pancreas in diabetic rats / El extracto de cáscara de cangrejo mejora los marcadores bioquímicos del suero y los cambios histológicos del páncreas en ratas diabética

SUMMARY: Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease. There are many natural agents available to control and treat diabetes. Crab shell extract has antioxidant properties. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of crab shell hydroalcoholic extract on blood glucose, liver enzymes, nitric oxide and antioxidant capacity of serum and histological structure of pancreas in diabetic rats. In this experimental study, thirty five male Wistar rats (180-220 g) were divided into control, diabetic and experimental groups (n=7). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Rats were treated for 14 days by crab shell extract with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. Fasting blood glucose, serum levels of liver enzymes, nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Changes of pancreatic tissue were determined using a modified aldehyde fuchsin staining method. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Differences were considered statistically significant at P<0.05. Crab shell extract induced a significant reduction in blood glucose, serum levels of nitric oxide and ALT (P=0.033). Also, there were a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) (P=0.007), and insignificant decrease in serum levels of AST. The extract improved pancreatic tissue changes caused by diabetes. In conclusion, antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects of crab shell increase total antioxidant capacity of serum and decreased blood glucose, serum nitric oxide and ALT levels.

RESUMEN: La diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad metabólica común. Hay muchos agentes naturales disponibles para controlar y tratar la diabetes. El extracto de cáscara de cangrejo tiene propiedades antioxidantes. El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar el efecto del extracto hidroalcohólico de la cáscara de cangrejo sobre la glucosa sérica, las enzimas hepáticas, el óxido nítrico y la capacidad antioxidante del suero y la estructura histológica del páncreas en ratas diabéticas. En este estudio experimental, treinta y cinco ratas Wistar machos (180220 g) se dividieron en cinco grupos: control, diabéticos y experimentales (n = 7). La diabetes se indujo por inyección intraperitoneal de estreptozotocina (60 mg / kg). Las ratas se trataron durante 14 días con extracto de cáscara de cangrejo con dosis de 100, 200 y 400 mg / kg. Se evaluaron la glucosa en sangre en ayunas, las enzimas hepáticas, el óxido nítrico sérico y la capacidad antioxidante total. Los cambios en el tejido pancreático se determinaron usando un método de tinción de aldehído fucsina modificado. Los datos se analizaron utilizando ANOVA unidireccional. Las diferencias se consideraron estadísticamente significativas a P <0,05. El extracto de cáscara de cangrejo indujo una reducción significativa en la glucosa en sangre, en los niveles séricos de óxido nítrico y ALT (P = 0,033). Además se observó un aumento significativo en la capacidad antioxidante total (FRAP) (P = 0.007), y una disminución insignificante en los niveles séricos de AST. El extracto mejoró los cambios en el tejido pancreático causados por la diabetes. En conclusión, los efectos antioxidantes y antidiabéticos de la cáscara de cangrejo aumentan la capacidad antioxidante total de suero y la disminución de la glucosa en la sangre, el óxido nítrico sérico y los niveles de ALT.

Transferon™, a peptide mixture with immunomodulatory properties is not immunogenic when administered with various adjuvants.

Transferon, a human dialyzable leukocyte extract (hDLE), is a biotherapeutic that comprises a complex mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides (< 10 kDa) and is used to treat diseases with an inflammatory component. Some biotherapeutics, including those composed of peptides, can induce anti-drug antibodies (ADA) that block or diminish their therapeutic effect. Nevertheless, few studies have evaluated peptide-derived drug immunogenicity. In this study, the immunogenicity of Transferon was examined in a murine model during an immunization scheme using the following adjuvants: Al(OH)3, incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA), or Titermax Gold. The inoculation scheme entailed three routes of administration (intraperitoneal, Day 1; subcutaneous, Day 7; and intramuscular, Day 14) using 200 µg Transferon/inoculation. Serum samples were collected on Day 21. Total IgG levels were quantitated by affinity chromatography, and specific antibodies against components of Transferon were analyzed by dot-blot and ELISA. Ovalbumin (OVA, 44 kDa) and peptides from hydrolyzed collagen (PFHC, < 17 kDa) were used as positive and negative controls, respectively, in the same inoculation scheme and analyses for Transferon. OVA, PFHC, and Transferon increased total IgG concentrations in mice. However, only IgG antibodies against OVA were detected. Based on the results, it is concluded that Transferon does not induce generation of specific antibodies against its components in this model, regardless of adjuvant and route of administration. These results support the safety of Transferon by confirming its inability to induce ADA in this animal model.

Preclinical Assessment of Cardiovascular Alterations Induced by Birch Polypore Mushroom, Piptoporus betulinus (Agaricomycetes).

Piptoporus betulinus has been used in folk medicine for millennia. However, no data currently exist regarding its potential cardiovascular activity. In this work, the crude ethanolic extract and fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate, and water) with increased polarity from the partitioning process, as well as stigmasterol (the major metabolite isolated from P. betulinus), were administered orally at different doses to normotensive male Wistar rats an hour before recording mean arterial pressure, heart rate, renal blood flow, renal vascular conductance, arterial blood flow, and arterial vascular conductance. The acute oral administration of crude ethanolic extract and all fractions did not alter mean arterial pressure when compared with the control group, which received a vehicle. In addition, subchronic (14 days) oral administration of crude ethanolic extract, fractions, and stigmasterol did not alter cardiovascular parameters. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that oral administration of organic extracts of P. betulinus did not induce cardiovascular alterations.

Hydroalcoholic extract of red propolis promotes functional recovery and axon repair after sciatic nerve injury in rats.

CONTEXT: Peripheral axon injury and degeneration are often mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation. The hydroalcoholic extract of the red propolis (HERP) has attracted great attention because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work is to study the effect of HERP on nerve repair and functional recovery after sciatic nerve injury (SNI) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical markers in HERP were identified using high-resolution mass spectroscopy. After axonotmesis of sciatic nerve, ibuprofen (IBP) and HERP treatments were orally administered for 28 d. Behavioural tests were performed weekly after SNI. The myelinated axon number was counted using morphometric analysis. RESULTS: The compounds found in HERP were pinocembrin, formononetin, vestitol, and biochanin A. The animals that underwent SNI showed a significant decrease in motor function based on the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scale and sciatic functional index compared with sham animals until 7 d after the surgery (p < 0.05). After 14 and 21 d, the SNI groups treated with either HERP or IBP showed significant improvement (p < 0.01), and the SNI group treated with HERP 10 mg/kg showed accelerated motor recovery compared with the other groups (p < 0.01). SNI caused also a reduction in the myelinated axon counts, and treatment with HERP 10 mg/kg induced a significant increase in the number of myelinated fibres compared with all other groups. CONCLUSION: HERP promoted regenerative responses and accelerated functional recovery after sciatic nerve crush. Thus, it can be considered to be a new strategy or complementary therapy for treating nerve injuries.

Mast cells respond to urticating extract from lepidoptera larva Morpheis ehrenbergii in the rat.

Mast cells and histamine participate in toxic effects of hairs from some caterpillars. This study reports that a crude extract of Morpheis ehrenbergii caterpillar hairs induces in vitro mast cells activation, triggers the release of histamine and causes a rapid urticarial reaction in the rat skin. Heating of the extract abolishes the inflammatory reaction. These results suggest that the use of antihistamines may improve the adverse skin reactions caused by the Mexican caterpillar M. ehrenbergii.

Beneficial effects of immunotherapy with extracts derived from Actinomycetales on rats with spontaneous obesity and diabetes.

AIMS: To determine whether immunotherapy with heat-killed, selected Actinomycetales species could influence the progression of spontaneous Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity in a rat model. MATERIALS & METHODS: Preparations of either Gordonia bronchialis, Tsukamurella inchonensis or a saline placebo were given by three subcutaneous injections, 30 days apart, starting when rats were aged 120 days, just before development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and at day 440, when the disease was well established. Bodyweight, blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin levels were measured to determine the effects and at the end of the experiments, animals were subjected to necropsy. RESULTS: The development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus was prevented by both reagents, most effectively by T. inchonensis. In the treatment experiment, the effects of the disease were reduced by both treatments, markedly so by T. inchonensis. In both experiments obesity was reduced in treated animals. The possible mechanisms of action are discussed. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the studied rats is associated with obesity, and that both diabetes and obesity can be prevented or improved by treatment with Actinomycetales immune modulators.

Glucans from the Caripia montagnei mushroom present anti-inflammatory activity.

Caripia montagnei is a basidiomycete species which contains polysaccharides with immunomodulatory properties. An extract of this mushroom underwent removal of the fat content by organic solvent and subsequently proteolysis. The aqueous phase obtained after proteolysis was precipitated with methanol yielding a fraction containing carbohydrates (98.7+/-3.3%) and protein (1.3+/-0.25%). Chemical analysis, infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) showed that the carbohydrate fraction contained (63.3+/-4.1) of beta-glucans and proteins (2.2+/-0.3%). These glucans (50mg/kg of body weight) significantly reduced the inflammatory infiltrate produced by thioglycolate-induced peritonitis by 75.5+/-5.2%, when compared to Wy-14643 (60.3+/-6.1%), PFOA (37.8+/-2.8%) and clofibrate (52.2+/-3.2%), p<0.001, which are of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-alpha). L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, reduced the plantar edema in Wistar rats by 91.4+/-1.3% (p<0.001). A significant reduction in nitric oxide (NO) levels was observed in the exudates when the glucans was used in comparison to carrageenan. The C. montagnei glucans did not present signs of inducing cytotoxicity. A decrease in IL-1ra, IL-10 and IFN-gamma in the peritonitis model was observed. Thus, the results suggest that glucans from the C. montagnei mushroom is an effective immunomodulator and may have potential for anti-inflammatory properties.

Effect of APF gel application time on enamel demineralization and fluoride uptake in situ.

This in situ crossover and blind study was conducted to investigate the effect of professional acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel application time on the subsequent inhibition of enamel demineralization. During 3 phases of 28 days each, 15 volunteers wore palatal appliances containing 4 enamel blocks, which were subjected to 3 treatment groups: not treated (control) and pre-treated with APF gel for 1 or 4 min. Dental plaque was allowed to accumulate on the blocks and the appliances were immersed in 10% sucrose solution 3 times a day simulating a cariogenic challenge. After each phase, the blocks were removed to evaluate enamel demineralization and concentration of fluoride (F) remaining after the cariogenic challenge. F formed on enamel was determined in additional enamel blocks subjected only to APF gel application. APF gel was efficient in reducing enamel demineralization (p<0.05), irrespective of the application time (p>0.05). Also, the concentration of the F formed and retained on enamel was significantly higher after APF gel application (p<0.05), but the effect of time of application was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The results suggest that APF application for either 1 or 4 min is equally efficient to increase F concentration in enamel and reduce enamel demineralization.

Effect of APF gel application time on enamel demineralization and fluoride uptake in situ

This in situ crossover and blind study was conducted to investigate the effect of professional acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel application time on the subsequent inhibition of enamel demineralization. During 3 phases of 28 days each, 15 volunteers wore palatal appliances containing 4 enamel blocks, which were subjected to 3 treatment groups: not treated (control) and pre-treated with APF gel for 1 or 4 min. Dental plaque was allowed to accumulate on the blocks and the appliances were immersed in 10 percent sucrose solution 3 times a day simulating a cariogenic challenge. After each phase, the blocks were removed to evaluate enamel demineralization and concentration of fluoride (F) remaining after the cariogenic challenge. F formed on enamel was determined in additional enamel blocks subjected only to APF gel application. APF gel was efficient in reducing enamel demineralization (p<0.05), irrespective of the application time (p>0.05). Also, the concentration of the F formed and retained on enamel was significantly higher after APF gel application (p<0.05), but the effect of time of application was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The results suggest that APF application for either 1 or 4 min is equally efficient to increase F concentration in enamel and reduce enamel demineralization.

Considerando que o efeito do tempo da aplicação profissional de flúor fosfato acidulado (FFA) na subseqüente inibição da desmineralização do esmalte dental não está claramente estabelecido, este foi avaliado em um estudo in situ, cruzado e cego. Em 3 fases de 28 dias cada uma, 15 voluntários utilizaram um dispositivo palatino contendo 4 blocos de esmalte, que foram submetidos a 3 grupos/tratamentos: não tratado (controle) e pré-tratado com FFA gel por 1 ou 4 min. Placa dental foi acumulada sobre os blocos e 3 vezes ao dia os dispositivos foram imersos em uma solução de sacarose a 10 por cento simulando um desafio cariogênico. Após cada fase, os blocos foram removidos para avaliação da desmineralização do esmalte e concentração de fluoreto (F) remanescente após o desafio cariogênico. O F formado no esmalte foi determinado em blocos adicionais submetidos apenas à aplicação de FFA gel. O tratamento com FFA gel reduziu a desmineralização do esmalte (p<0,05), independentemente do tempo de aplicação (p>0,05). Adicionalmente, a concentração de F formado e retido no esmalte foi significantemente maior após a aplicação do FFA gel (p<0,05), mas o efeito do tempo de aplicação não foi estatisticamente significante (p>0,05). Os resultados sugerem que não há diferença entre os tempos 1 ou 4 min de aplicação de FFA gel em termos de aumento da concentração de F no esmalte e redução de sua desmineralização frente a um desafio cariogênico.

Estudio del efecto de la relacióncarbono: nitrógeno, el tipo de inóculoy la adición de extracto de levaduraen la producción de ácido jasmónicocon Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat: cepa RC1 / Studies on the effects of carbon: nitrogen ratio, inoculum type and yeast extract addition on jasmonic acid production by Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat: strain RC1

El ácido jasmónico es un regulador del crecimiento de las plantas producidopor algas, microorganismos y plantas superiores, que participa en laactivación de mecanismos de defensa contra patógenos y ante la presenciade heridas en las plantas. En este trabajo se estudió la influencia de larelación carbono:nitrógeno (rC/N: 17, 35 y 70), el tipo de inóculo (esporas omicelio) y la adición de extracto de levadura al medio de cultivo en laproducción de ácido jasmónico por Botryodiplodia theobromae. Los estudiosrevelaron que la producción de ácido jasmónico es estimulada a una rC/N 17.La productividad del ácido jasmónico fue mayor para la inoculación conmicelio y la adición de extracto de levadura al medio de cultivo en 1,7 y 1,3veces, respectivamente(AU)

Jasmonic acid is a native plant growth regulator produced by algae,microorganisms and higher plants. This regulator is involved in the activationof defence mechanisms against pathogens and wounding in plants. Studies concerning the effects of carbon: nitrogen ratio (C/Nr: 17, 35 and 70), type of inoculum (spores or mycelium) and the yeast extract addition in the media on jasmonic acid production by Botryodiplodia theobromae were evaluated. Jasmonic acid production was stimulated at the carbon: nitrogen ratio of 17. jasmonic acid productivity was higher in the media inoculated with mycelium and in the media with yeast extract 1,7 and 1,3 times, respectively(AU)

[Studies on the effects of carbon:nitrogen ratio, inoculum type and yeast extract addition on jasmonic acid production by Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat. strain RC1]. / Estudio del efecto de la relación carbono:nitrógeno, el tipo de inóculo y la adición de extracto de levadura en la producción de ácido jasmónico con Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat. cepa RC1.

Jasmonic acid is a native plant growth regulator produced by algae, microorganisms and higher plants. This regulator is involved in the activation of defence mechanisms against pathogens and wounding in plants. Studies concerning the effects of carbon: nitrogen ratio (C/Nr: 17, 35 and 70), type of inoculum (spores or mycelium) and the yeast extract addition in the media on jasmonic acid production by Botryodiplodia theobromae were evaluated. Jasmonic acid production was stimulated at the carbon: nitrogen ratio of 17. Jasmonic acid productivity was higher in the media inoculated with mycelium and in the media with yeast extract 1.7 and 1.3 times, respectively.

Oral subchronic toxicity of aqueous crude extract of Plantago australis leaves.

The toxic effects of chronic oral administration (60 days) of aqueous crude extract (AE) of Plantago australis Lam. (Plantaginaceae) in rats at doses of 850 and 1700 mg/kg on biochemical (ALT, AST, creatinine, urea, glucose, alkaline phosphatase, total proteins and albumin), hematological (complete hemogram), and histopathological (heart, lung, liver, kidney, esophagus, stomach and gut) parameters were studied. All biochemical and hematological parameters were found to be in the normal range, but ALT in animals that received AE of 850 mg/kg was higher. Histopathological analysis of organs, especially the liver did not present alterations.