Cecropia hololeuca: A new source of compounds with potential anti-inflammatory action.

Our objective is to investigate the phytochemical components, antioxidant capacity and in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory action from Cecropia hololeuca bark aqueous extract (AECh). The chemical characterization of AECh was performed through CE-UV, FTIR and NMR Spectroscopy. In vitro assays were performed with the AECh on murine macrophages J774A.1 cells in order to analyse cell viability, NO, TNF-α and IL-1ß productions and the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential in acute carrageenan paw oedema in mice. The AECh showed a decrease in the production of NO, TNF-α and IL-1ß, without altering the cell viability and reduction of the paw thickness in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th hour. The extract presented 72% free radical scavenging, 0.60% flavonoid content and showed the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid and catechin as major constituents. The C. hololeuca bark extract showed important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, emphasizing the industrial and pharmacological potential of this plant.

Genistein modulates the expression of Toll-like receptors in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The present work investigates the modulation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) using genistein before the EAE induction. MATERIAL: Female C57BL/6 mice (n = 96 mice/experiment), 4-6 weeks old, were used to induce the EAE. The mice were divided into three experimental groups: non-immunized group, immunized group (EAE), and immunized and treated with genistein group (Genistein). TREATMENT: Genistein was used at a dose of 200 mg/kg s.c. and were initiated 2 days before the immunization and continued daily until day 6 postimmunization. METHODS: Animals were monitored daily for clinical signs of EAE up to day 21. Inflammatory infiltration, demyelination, Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression, cytokines and transcription factors were analyzed in spinal cords. RESULTS: The present study demonstrates, for the first time, the genistein ability to modulate the factors involved in the innate immune response in the early stages of EAE. The genistein therapy delayed the onset of the disease, with reduced inflammatory infiltration and demyelination. In addition, the expression of TLR3, TLR9 and IFN-ß were increased in genistein group, with reduction in the factors of TH1 and Th17 cells. CONCLUSION: These findings shed light on the potential of genistein as a prophylactic strategy for multiple sclerosis (MS) prevention.

Influence of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A level on the pain experienced by orthodontic patients.

BACKGROUND: Pain, a common experience reported by patients under orthodontic treatment, results from force application to the teeth and trauma caused by attrition of brackets and wires against the underlying oral mucosa. The main protection of the mucosa is secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which may play a fundamental role in integrity maintenance and whose production may be reduced as a result of the stress of orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to assess sIgA levels in the saliva and their correlation with oral pain intensity in adults and children after the installation of fixed orthodontic appliances. MATERIAL/METHODS: Twenty patients (10 children, age 11-13 years; 10 adults, age 18-37 years) were assessed before treatment, after bracket bonding, and after initial arch wire insertion. Saliva was sampled for sIgA analysis, and oral pain was assessed through a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Although there was a trend toward reduction of the salivary sIgA levels during the initial arch phase in the children, and during the bonding and initial arch phases in the adults, this finding was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: There was a trend toward a negative correlation of oral pain intensity and salivary sIgA levels in the children, which may indicate the importance of sIgA for oral protection during orthodontic treatment, interfering with the pain experienced by the patients.