Hydroalcoholic Extract of Centella asiatica and Madecassic Acid Reverse Depressive-Like Behaviors, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Adult Rats Submitted to Stress in Early Life.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe disorder that causes enormous loss of quality of life, and among the factors underlying MDD is stress in maternal deprivation (MD). In addition, classic pharmacotherapy has presented severe adverse effects. Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) demonstrates a potential neuroprotective effect but has not yet been evaluated in MD models. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of C. asiatica extract and the active compound madecassic acid on possible depressive-like behavior, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the hippocampus and serum of young rats submitted to MD in the first days of life. Rats (after the first day of birth) were separated from the mother for 3 h a day for 10 days. When adults, these animals were divided into groups and submitted to treatment for 14 days. After subjecting the animals to protocols of locomotor activity in the open field and behavioral despair in the forced swimming test, researchers then euthanized the animals. The hippocampus and serum were collected and analyzed for the inflammatory cytokines and oxidative markers. The C. asiatica extract and active compound reversed or reduced depressive-like behaviors, inflammation in the hippocampus, and oxidative stress in serum and hippocampus. These results suggest that C. asiatica and madecassic acid have potential antidepressant action, at least partially, through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profiles.

Aqueous extract of the bark of Uncaria tomentosa, an amazonian medicinal plant, promotes gastroprotection and accelerates gastric healing in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE: Uncaria tomentosa Willd. DC., is used in the Amazonian region of South America, wherein ethnic groups use the plant to treat diseases, including gastric disorders. However, despite its widespread popular use, this species has yet to be assessed for its anti-ulcer effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the in vivo gastroprotective and gastric healing activities of an aqueous extract of the bark of Uncaria tomentosa (AEUt) and sought to gain an understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms underlying these biological effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To verify the gastroprotective properties rats were treated with AEUt (30, 60, or 120 mg/kg) prior to inducing gastric ulceration with ethanol or piroxicam. Additionally, the involvement of nitric oxide, non-protein sulfhydryl compounds (NP-SH), α-2 adrenergic receptors, and prostaglandins was investigated. Furthermore, a pylorus ligature model was employed to investigate the antisecretory activity of AEUt. The gastric healing effects of AEUt (60 mg/kg) were examined in rats in which ulceration had been induced with 80% acetic acid, whereas the quality of healing was evaluated in mice with interleukin-induced recurrent ulcers. We also evaluated the in vivo thickness of the gastric wall using ultrasonography. Moreover, the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated in ulcerated mucosa, and we determined the activities of the enzymes myeloperoxidase (MPO), N-acetyl-ß-D-glycosaminidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase. In addition, we assessed the effects of AEUt on cell viability and subjected the AEUt to phytochemical analyses. RESULTS: Administration of the AEUt (60 or 120 mg/kg) prevented ethanol- and piroxicam-induced ulceration, which was also confirmed histologically. Moreover, we observed that pre-treatment with NEM and indomethacin abolished the gastroprotective effects of AEUt, thereby indicating the involvement of NP-SH and prostaglandins in these protective effects. In addition, we found that the administration of AEUt had no appreciable effects on the volume, acidity, or peptic activity of gastric juice. Furthermore, the AEUt (60 mg/kg) accelerated the gastric healing of acetic acid-induced ulcers by 46.2% and ultrasonographic findings revealed a reduction in the gastric wall thickness in this group. The gastric healing effect of AEUt was also accompanied by a reduction in MPO activity. The AEUt (60 mg/kg) also minimized ulcer recurrence in mice exposed to IL-1ß and was associated with the maintenance of GSH levels and a reduction in MDA contents. We deduce that the biological effects of AEUt could be associated with the activities of polyphenols and the alkaloids isomitraphylline and mitraphylline, identified as predominant constituents of the AEUt. Furthermore, we found no evidence to indicate that AEUt would have any cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our findings provide compelling evidence indicating the therapeutic efficacy of U. tomentosa. Our data indicate that compounds in AEUt confer gastroprotection and that this preventive effect of AEUt was accompanied by gastric healing and a reduction in gastric ulcer recurrence. Moreover, we provide evidence to indicate that the gastroprotective and gastric healing effects involve the antioxidant system and anti-inflammatory responses that contribute to preserving the gastric mucosa.

Polifarmácia e fatores associados em idosos diabéticos / Polypharmacy and associated factors in elderly diabetic / Factores asociados con la polifarmacia en los ancianos diabéticos

RESUMO Objetivos Objetivou-se no presente estudo analisar os fatores associados à polimedicação, bem como, a utilização de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados (MPI) em idosos diabéticos. Metodologia Foram avaliados 127 idosos com diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, sendo 41 do sexo masculino (idade = 69,9 ± 6,9 anos) e 86 do sexo feminino (idade = 71,1 ± 7,7 anos). Para avaliação das condições de saúde, uso de medicamentos, polimedicação e fatores associados, utilizou-se o questionário adaptado de Morais. Os medicamentos foram classificados de acordo com a Anatomical-Therapeutical-Chemical Classification System e para identificação dos MPI, adotou-se os critérios de Beers-Fick e PRISCUS. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se a estatística descritiva e os testes qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher. Resultados Na população estudada constatou-se que 100% utilizava medicamentos. O consumo médio foi de 5,8 fármacos por indivíduo, variando de 2 a 14, com uma prevalência de polifarmácia de 85%. Dentre os fatores estudados, apenas a aposentadoria apresentou uma associação estatisticamente significante (p<0,05) com a polimedicação. As patologias mais prevalentes foram: hipertensão arterial (92,8%), problemas cardíacos (70,8%), circulatórios (40,8%) e problemas osteoarticulares (44,5%). Dos fármacos utilizados pelos idosos, 12 deles foram considerados potencialmente inapropriados e 47,2% dos sujeitos estudados fazem uso destes medicamentos regularmente. Conclusão Desta forma, este estudo instiga novas formas de pensar a Assistência Farmacêutica, como uma prática vista sob a ótica integral e não pensada somente como compra e dispensação de medicamentos.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate factors related to polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) in elderly patients with diabetes. Methods We studied 127 elderly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 41 males (age = 69.9 ± 6.9 years) and 86 women (age = 71.1 ± 7.7 years). For evaluation of health conditions, medication use, polypharmacy and associated factors, we used the questionnaire adapted from Morais. The drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic-Chemical Classification System, and for identification of MPI, we adopted the criteria of Beers-Fick and PRISCUS. For data analysis, we used descriptive statistics and chi-square and Fisher Exact tests. Results In this population, 100% of elderly using drugs. The average consumption was 5.8 per individual drug, varying from two to 14, and the prevalence of polypharmacy was 85%. Among the factors studied, only the retirement showed a statistically significant association (p <0.05) with polypharmacy. The most prevalent diseases were hypertension (92.8%), heart problems (70.8%), circulatory (40.8%) and musculoskeletal problems (44.5%). Of drugs used by the elderly, 12 of them were considered potentially inappropriate and 47.2% of the study subjects make use of these medicines regularly. Conclusions Thus, this study urges new thinking pharmaceutical assistance, as a practical view in full perspective and not meant only as purchasing and dispensing drugs.(AU)

RESUMEN Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los factores asociados a la polifarmacia y el uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados (MPI) en ancianos con diabetes. Métodos Se estudiaron 41 varones (edad = 69,9 ± 6,9 años) y 86 mujeres (edad = 71,1 ± 7,7 años), diagnosticados con diabetes tipo 2. Para la evaluación de las condiciones de salud, uso de medicamentos, polifarmacia y factores asociados, se utilizó el cuestionario adaptado de Morais. Los fármacos se clasificaron de acuerdo con el Sistema de Clasificación Terapéutico-Químico y Anatómico y para identificar el MPI adoptamos los criterios de Beers-Fick y Prisco. Para el análisis de datos utilizamos estadística descriptiva y pruebas de chi-cuadrado de Pearson y Test Exacto de Fisher. Resultados Toda la población estudiada usaban medicación. El consumo promedio fue de 5,8 fármacos por persona, desde 2 a 14, con una prevalencia de polifarmacia de 85%. Entre los factores estudiados, sólo el retiro o jubilación mostró una asociación estadísticamente significativa (p<0,05) con la polifarmacia. Las enfermedades más prevalentes fueron: hipertensión arterial (92,8%), problemas cardíacos (70,8%), circulatorios (40,8%) y problemas osteoarticulares (44,5%). Doce de los medicamentos utilizada por ancianos fueron considerados potencialmente inapropiados y el 47,2% de los sujetos del estudio hicieron uso de estas medicinas con regularidad. Conclusiones Los datos de este estudio sugieren nuevas formas de pensar acerca de la asistencia farmacéutica, desde un punto de vista práctico y sistémico, y no sólo como la compra y distribución de medicamentos.(AU)

[Polypharmacy and associated factors in elderly diabetic]. / Polifarmácia e fatores associados em idosos diabéticos.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate factors related to polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) in elderly patients with diabetes. METHODS: We studied 127 elderly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 41 males (age = 69.9 ± 6.9 years) and 86 women (age = 71.1 ± 7.7 years). For evaluation of health conditions, medication use, polypharmacy and associated factors, we used the questionnaire adapted from Morais. The drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic-Chemical Classification System, and for identification of MPI, we adopted the criteria of Beers-Fick and PRISCUS. For data analysis, we used descriptive statistics and chi-square and Fisher Exact tests. RESULTS: In this population, 100% of elderly using drugs. The average consumption was 5.8 per individual drug, varying from two to 14, and the prevalence of polypharmacy was 85%. Among the factors studied, only the retirement showed a statistically significant association (p <0.05) with polypharmacy. The most prevalent diseases were hypertension (92.8%), heart problems (70.8%), circulatory (40.8%) and musculoskeletal problems (44.5%). Of drugs used by the elderly, 12 of them were considered potentially inappropriate and 47.2% of the study subjects make use of these medicines regularly. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, this study urges new thinking pharmaceutical assistance, as a practical view in full perspective and not meant only as purchasing and dispensing drugs.

Fatores associados à polimedicação em idosos dos meios rural e urbano / Factors associated with polypharmacy in the rural and urban elderly

Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a prática de polimedicação e fatores associados em idosos residentes nos meios rural e urbano de um município do extremo oeste catarinense. Realizou-se um estudo do tipo transversal com 242 idosos (148 do ambiente rural e 94 do ambiente urbano). A amostra foi obtida a partir de um sorteio estratificada por sexo e local de residência. Para todas as análises, utilizou-se o pacote estatístico SPSS®, versão 20.0, e o nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Quanto ao uso de medicamentos, 87,8% dos idosos residentes no meio rural e 86,2% dos idosos urbanos utilizavam algum tipo de medicamento. Dentre os resultados analisados, a média de fármacos utilizada foi de 3,94. A prática de polimedicação esteve presente em 38,84% da população estudada. A prevalência da polimedicação não esteve associada ao local de residência dos idosos (meio urbano ou rural), e sim ao sexo. Além da polimedicação ser mais prevalente entre as mulheres do que entre os homens (48,4 e 29,2%, respectivamente), esta foi associada ao estado civil, ao fato de saber ler e escrever e a autopercepção de saúde, somente para o sexo feminino. Com base nos resultados, evidencia-se que a promoção do uso racional de medicamentos pelos profissionais da saúde deve ser uma constante que proporcione diminuição das complicações relacionadas ao consumo de fármacos. (AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the practice of polypharmacy and associated factors among rural and urban elderly. A cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted with 242 elderly (148 rural and 94 urban environment) in the municipality of Paraíso/SC. The sample was obtained from a draw, stratified by sex and place of residence. For all analyzes, we used the statistical package SPSS, version 20.0 and the significance level was 5%. Regarding the use of drugs, 87.8% of elderly people living in rural areas and 86.2% of urban were using some kind of drug. Among these, the average drug used was 3,94. The polypharmacy was present in 38.84% of the study population. The prevalence of polypharmacy was not associated with place of residence of the elderly (urban or rural) and yes to sex. In addition to the polypharmacy be more prevalent among women than among men (48.4 and 29.2%, respectively), this was associated with marital status, the fact that reading and writing and self-rated health, only for sex female. Based on the results it is evident that the promotion a rational use of medications by health professionals must be a constant, providing a reduction of complications related to their consumption. (AU)