Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Pequi Oil (Caryocar brasiliense): A Systematic Review.

Disorders in the inflammatory process underlie the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. The utilization of natural products as anti-inflammatory agents is a well-established approach in both traditional medicine and scientific research, with studies consistently demonstrating their efficacy in managing inflammatory conditions. Pequi oil, derived from Caryocar brasiliense, is a rich source of bioactive compounds including fatty acids and carotenoids, which exhibit immunomodulatory potential. This systematic review aims to comprehensively summarize the scientific evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of pequi oil. Extensive literature searches were conducted across prominent databases (Scopus, BVS, CINAHL, Cochrane, LILACS, Embase, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, FSTA, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science). Studies evaluating the immunomodulatory activity of crude pequi oil using in vitro, in vivo models, or clinical trials were included. Out of the 438 articles identified, 10 met the stringent inclusion criteria. These studies collectively elucidate the potential of pequi oil to modulate gene expression, regulate circulating levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, and mitigate oxidative stress, immune cell migration, and cardinal signs of inflammation. Moreover, negligible to no toxicity of pequi oil was observed across the diverse evaluated models. Notably, variations in the chemical profile of the oil were noted, depending on the extraction methodology and geographical origin. This systematic review strongly supports the utility of pequi oil in controlling the inflammatory process. However, further comparative studies involving oils obtained via different methods and sourced from various regions are warranted to reinforce our understanding of its effectiveness and safety.

Evaluation of Biocompatibility, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antinociceptive Activities of Pequi Oil-Based Nanoemulsions in In Vitro and In Vivo Models.

Pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense) contains bioactive compounds capable of modulating the inflammatory process; however, its hydrophobic characteristic limits its therapeutic use. The encapsulation of pequi oil in nanoemulsions can improve its biodistribution and promote its immunomodulatory effects. Thus, the objective of the present study was to formulate pequi oil-based nanoemulsions (PeNE) to evaluate their biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive effects in in vitro (macrophages­J774.16) and in vivo (Rattus novergicus) models. PeNE were biocompatible, showed no cytotoxic and genotoxic effects and no changes in body weight, biochemistry, or histology of treated animals at all concentrations tested (90−360 µg/mL for 24 h, in vitro; 100−400 mg/kg p.o. 15 days, in vivo). It was possible to observe antinociceptive effects in a dose-dependent manner in the animals treated with PeNE, with a reduction of 27 and 40% in the doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg of PeNE, respectively (p < 0.05); however, the treatment with PeNE did not induce edema reduction in animals with carrageenan-induced edema. Thus, the promising results of this study point to the use of free and nanostructured pequi oil as a possible future approach to a preventive/therapeutic complementary treatment alongside existing conventional therapies for analgesia.

Myocardial function reclassification: Echocardiographic strain patterns in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy and intraventricular dyssynchrony.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify, among Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC) patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) and non-left bundle branch block (non-LBBB), subgroups with different functional and mechanical patterns of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and intraventricular dyssynchrony (IVD) at rest and after exercise stress test, and reclassify them using a new echocardiographic approach. METHODOLOGY: In this single-center cross-sectional study, 40 patients with CCC, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% and non-LBBB underwent rest echocardiography and then treadmill exercise stress echocardiography with GLS and IVD analysis. The sample was divided into four groups, based on GLS and IVD significant variation between rest and exercise: GLS + IVD+ (9 patients); GLS + IVD- (9 patients); GLS-IVD+ (10 patients); GLS-IVD- (10 patients). RESULTS: At rest, median LVEF was 28% (21.3%-33%) and GLS (-7% (-5%/-9.3%), were not different among groups. The average response of GLS was an increase of 0.74% over rest values, and the average response of IVD was a decrease of 6.9 ms. Group GLS-IVD+ presented more dyssynchrony at rest (p = 0.01). Left atrial (LA) volume (higher in GLS-IVD-) (p = 0.022) and TAPSE (higher in GLS + IVD+) (p = 0.015) were also different among groups at baseline. Of the 40 patients evaluated, 27 (67.5%) had very severe LVD (GLS < -8%). In addition, among these patients, 11 patients had contractile reserve after undergoing stress echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CCC, severe LVD and non-LBBB, the evaluation of GLS and IVD between rest and exercise was able to reclassify myocardial function and to identify subgroups with contractile reserve and significant dyssynchronopathy.

In Vivo Efficacy and Toxicity of Curcumin Nanoparticles in Breast Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent types of malignant tumors in the world, resulting in a high incidence of death. The development of new molecules and technologies aiming to apply more effective and safer therapy strategies has been intensively explored to overcome this situation. The association of nanoparticles with known antitumor compounds (including plant-derived molecules such as curcumin) has been considered an effective approach to enhance tumor growth suppression and reduce adverse effects. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to summarize published data regarding evaluations about efficacy and toxicity of curcumin nanoparticles (Cur-NPs) in in vivo models of breast cancer. The search was carried out in the databases: CINAHL, Cochrane, LILACS, Embase, FSTA, MEDLINE, ProQuest, BSV regional portal, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies that evaluated tumor growth in in vivo models of breast cancer and showed outcomes related to Cur-NP treatment (without association with other antitumor molecules) were included. Of the 528 initially gathered studies, 26 met the inclusion criteria. These studies showed that a wide variety of NP platforms have been used to deliver curcumin (e.g., micelles, polymeric, lipid-based, metallic). Attachment of poly(ethylene glycol) chains (PEG) and active targeting moieties were also evaluated. Cur-NPs significantly reduced tumor volume/weight, inhibited cancer cell proliferation, and increased tumor apoptosis and necrosis. Decreases in cancer stem cell population and angiogenesis were also reported. All the studies that evaluated toxicity considered Cur-NP treatment to be safe regarding hematological/biochemical markers, damage to major organs, and/or weight loss. These effects were observed in different in vivo models of breast cancer (e.g., estrogen receptor-positive, triple-negative, chemically induced) showing better outcomes when compared to treatments with free curcumin or negative controls. This systematic review supports the proposal that Cur-NP is an effective and safe therapeutic approach in in vivo models of breast cancer, reinforcing the currently available evidence that it should be further analyzed in clinical trials for breast cancer treatments.

Obesity and metabolic syndrome in children in Brazil: The challenge of lifestyle change.

The purpose of this observational study was to examine the prevalence of obesity in children of 6 to 8 years of age from primary public schools over a period of 6 years and the associated environmental and metabolic health risk factors.This was a cohort observational study to investigate the prevalence of obesity in children from 14 state primary schools in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo state. Environmental and metabolic health risk factors for obesity were investigated in a cross-sectional survey.This present study revealed 74.0% of children with obesity consumed fried foods and sweets at school, and 84.0% consumed snacks and soft drinks at home. This cohort reported to have engaged in physical activity for less than 3 hours per week at school (93.0%) and at home (85.0%). There was a high prevalence of increased waist circumference and insulin resistance among children with obesity (84.9% and 84.5%, respectively). The body mass index had a significant Spearman correlation with waist circumference, insulin resistance, and triglycerides.Childhood obesity was associated with a high prevalence of both environmental and metabolic risk factors. Also, the authors conclude that the lack of parents' awareness of childhood obesity and its risk factors represents a substantial barrier to lifestyle counseling.

Marine Depsipeptides as Promising Pharmacotherapeutic Agents.

Depsipeptides are a group of biologically active peptides that have at least one of the amide bonds replaced by an ester bond. These peptides sometimes present additional chemical modifications, including unusual amino acid residues in their structures. Depsipeptides are known to exhibit a large array of bioactivities, such as anticancer, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antiviral and antiplasmodial properties. They are commonly found in marine organisms: bacteria, tunicates, mollusks, sponges, and others. Herein, we summarize the latest insights about marine depsipeptides, their mechanisms of action and potential as therapeutic agents.

Marine depsipeptides as promising pharmacotherapeutic agents

Depsipeptides are a group of biologically active peptides that have at least one of the amide bonds replaced by an ester bond. These peptides sometimes present additional chemical modifications, including unusual amino acid residues in their structures. Depsipeptides are known to exhibit a large array of bioactivities, such as anticancer, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antiviral and antiplasmodial properties. They are commonly found in marine organisms: bacteria, tunicates, mollusks, sponges, and others. Herein, we summarize the latest insights about marine depsipeptides, their mechanisms of action and potential as therapeutic agents

Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in elderly women with myocardial infarction.

AIMS: Elderly women with myocardial infarction (MI) show poorer outcomes than men. In patients with MI, reduced heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Thus, we aimed to investigate HRV in elderly women with MI. METHODS: HRV indexes in women 50 years of age or older were compared to those in age-adjusted men with MI: geometric (triangular index), linear (low frequency [LF, ms(2)], high frequency [HF, ms(2)], standard deviation (SD) of normal R-R wave intervals [SDNN], square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent normal R wave intervals [RMSSD]) and nonlinear Poincaré analysis [SD1 and SD2, ms]. RESULTS: Women had higher MI recurrence than men (11% vs. 5% with two MIs; 6% vs. 1% with three MIs). Overall HRV, the triangular index and SDNN were considerably lower in women than men (3.1 [2.5-4.4] vs. 4.5 [3.2-5.9] and 9.3 [6.9-15.8] vs. 19.2 [11.4-26.4] respectively; p < 0.001). Moreover, HRV indexes (HF, LF/HF, RMSSD, and SD1) were significantly lower in women (62.2%, 55.6%, 37.1%, and 37.2% respectively; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that elderly women with MI may have a worse prognosis than men, indicated by cardiac autonomic dysfunction. Since our study is cross-sectional and cannot infer causality, causation should be confirmed in further longitudinal studies.

Fibre intake and evolution of BMI: from pre-pregnancy to postpartum.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of fibre intake on the evolution of maternal BMI from pregnancy to postpartum and to identify dietary patterns associated with fibre intake. DESIGN: Cohort study. Food intake was obtained using an FFQ. Focused principal component analysis was used focusing on the variables: postpartum weight retention and total dietary fibre intake. Poisson regression models with robust variance were built in order to measure the effect of fibre intake during the postpartum period on obesity risk. SETTING: Primary care clinics in southern Brazil. SUBJECTS: Pregnant women (n 370) were followed until the 5th month postpartum. RESULTS: The highest contribution to fibre intake came from the consumption of beans. Consumption of bread and rice indicated a common Brazilian food pattern along with beans. Participants retained a median of 4.4 (interquartile range 0.6, 7.9) kg of weight gained during pregnancy. Obesity risk, defined as an unfavourable evolution of BMI during pregnancy and postpartum, was present in 189 (55.1%) women. Individual food items did not have an important effect on weight retention. In Poisson regression adjusting for maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI and total gestational weight gain, inadequate postpartum fibre intake increased obesity risk by 24% (relative risk 51.24; 95% CI 1.05, 1.47). CONCLUSIONS: Important maternal weight retention occurred in these women. Adequate fibre intake may reduce obesity risk in the period following childbirth.

Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes among different exposure categories in the State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological studies concerning HCV genotypic distribution in the Brazilian Amazon are scarce. Thus, this study determined the patterns of distribution of HCV genotypes among different exposure categories in the State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 312 HCV-infected individuals belonging to different categories of exposure, who were attended at the HEMOPA, CENPREN and a private hemodialysis clinic in Belém. They were tested for HCV antibodies using an immunoenzymatic test, RNA-HCV, using real-time PCR and HCV genotyping through phylogenetic analysis of the 5' UTR. The population groups were epidemiologically characterized according to data collected in a brief interview or medical consultation. RESULTS: Genotype 1 predominated in all the different categories of HCV exposure. HCV genotypic distribution among blood donors comprised genotypes 1 (94%) and 3 (6%). All patients with chronic hematologic diseases had HCV genotype 1. The genotypic distribution in illicit-drug users comprised genotypes 1 (59.6%) and 3 (40.4%). In patients under hemodialysis, genotypes 1 (90.1%), 2 (3.3%), and 3 (6.6%) were detected. Finally, the frequency of genotypes 1 and 3 was significantly different between the groups: BD and DU, PUH and DU, PUH and PCHD and PCHD and DU. CONCLUSIONS: The genotypic frequency and distribution of HCV in different categories of exposure in the State of Pará showed a predominance of genotype 1, regardless of the possible risk of infection.

Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes among different exposure categories in the State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon / Distribuição dos genótipos do vírus da hepatite C em diferentes categorias de exposição no Estado do Pará, Amazônia Brasileira

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological studies concerning HCV genotypic distribution in the Brazilian Amazon are scarce. Thus, this study determined the patterns of distribution of HCV genotypes among different exposure categories in the State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 312 HCV-infected individuals belonging to different categories of exposure, who were attended at the HEMOPA, CENPREN and a private hemodialysis clinic in Belém. They were tested for HCV antibodies using an immunoenzymatic test, RNA-HCV, using real-time PCR and HCV genotyping through phylogenetic analysis of the 5' UTR. The population groups were epidemiologically characterized according to data collected in a brief interview or medical consultation. RESULTS: Genotype 1 predominated in all the different categories of HCV exposure. HCV genotypic distribution among blood donors comprised genotypes 1 (94 percent) and 3 (6 percent). All patients with chronic hematologic diseases had HCV genotype 1. The genotypic distribution in illicit-drug users comprised genotypes 1 (59.6 percent) and 3 (40.4 percent). In patients under hemodialysis, genotypes 1 (90.1 percent), 2 (3.3 percent), and 3 (6.6 percent) were detected. Finally, the frequency of genotypes 1 and 3 was significantly different between the groups: BD and DU, PUH and DU, PUH and PCHD and PCHD and DU. CONCLUSIONS: The genotypic frequency and distribution of HCV in different categories of exposure in the State of Pará showed a predominance of genotype 1, regardless of the possible risk of infection.

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos epidemiológicos sobre a distribuição genotípica do HCV na Amazônia Brasileira são escassos. Baseado nisto, determinamos o padrão de distribuição genotípica do HCV em diferentes categorias de exposição no Estado do Pará, Amazônia Brasileira. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal foi realizado com 312 indivíduos infectados pelo HCV, pertencentes a diferentes categorias de exposição atendidas pelo HEMOPA, CENPREN e uma clínica privada de hemodiálise em Belém. Eles foram testados quanto à presença de anticorpos anti-HCV por teste imunoenzimático, RNA-HCV utilizando PCR em tempo real e genotipados através de análise filogenética da 5' UTR. Os grupos de populações foram caracterizados epidemiologicamente de acordo com dados coletados em breve entrevista ou consulta de prontuários médicos. RESULTADOS: Em todas as diferentes categorias de exposição ao HCV, foram encontrados predomínio do genótipo 1. A distribuição genotípica do HCV em doadores de sangue (BD) foi constituída pelos genótipos 1 (94 por cento) e 3 (6 por cento). Todos os pacientes com doenças hematológicas crônicas (PCHD) possuíam genótipo 1. A distribuição genotípica em usuários de drogas ilícitas (DU) foi constituída pelos genótipos 1 (59,6 por cento) e 3 (40,4 por cento). Em pacientes em hemodiálise (PUH) foram detectados os genótipos 1 (90,1 por cento), 2 (3,3 por cento) e 3 (6,6 por cento). Finalmente, a frequência entre os genótipos 1 e 3 foi significativamente diferente entre os grupos: BD e DU, PUH e DU, PUH e PCHD, e PCHD e DU. CONCLUSÕES: A frequência genotípica e distribuição de HCV em diferentes categorias de exposição no Estado do Pará mostraram predominância do genótipo 1, independentemente do possível risco de infecção.

Metodologia para gerenciar projetos de pesquisa e desenvolvimento com foco em produtos: uma proposta / Management methodology for product-oriented R&D projects: a proposal

As atividades de pesquisa e desenvolvimento (P&D) realizadas nos institutos públicos de pesquisa (IPPs) têm como característica uma gestão arraigada nas premissas acadêmicas, que priorizam a geração e difusão do conhecimento. Em contrapartida, a necessidade de competitividade tecnológica no mercado e a pressão pela participação, como instrumentos da política pública do esforço nacional rumo à inovação, têm pressionado os IPPs para a busca por resultados mais concretos. Esse fato acarreta a geração de grandes lacunas nos processos relacionados à gestão, induzindo a uma constante necessidade de aperfeiçoamento gerencial, no sentido de criar e melhorar ferramentas que contribuam para adequá-la à nova realidade. Este artigo propõe uma metodologia de gestão de projetos de P&D, que se baseia no direcionamento dos projetos de pesquisa para a obtenção de produtos, e considera suas características multidisciplinares e interdisciplinares e a incerteza inerentes a esse processo. Essa metodologia foi desenvolvida no Instituto de Tecnologia de Fármacos da Fiocruz e é proposta como um modelo original para instituições semelhantes.

Antinociceptive properties of chloromaleinimides and their sulphonyl derivatives.

This report describes the synthesis of new cyclic imides obtained from the reaction between aniline and dichloromaleic anhydride with further chlorosulphonation as well as the reaction between different amines and 4-methoxyphenol for the synthesis of imidobenzenesulphonyl derivatives. These compounds were tested as antinociceptive agents using the writhing test on mice. Some compounds, when intraperitoneally injected, proved to be potent and dose-related antinociceptives, being several times more active than many known reference drugs.

Gestão de programas horizontais: o caso do programa de desenvolvimento tecnológico em insumos para a saúde (PDTIS) da Fiocruz / Management of horizontal programs: the case of the program of technological development in input for the health (PDTIS) of the Fiocruz

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo central fornecer subsídios para o aperfeiçoamento do modelo de gestão do Programa de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Insumos para a Saúde (PDTIS) da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz). Evidenciou-se que pelos esforços em direção à mudança cultural e ao trabalho na forma de redes cooperativas, à integração das áreas de pesquisa, desenvolvimento e produção e ao apoio e estímulo à pesquisa aplicada com vistas a geração de produtos e processos com impacto na Saúde Pública, o Programa PDTIS tende a contribuir, na medida da superação dos entraves existentes, na geração de inovações no âmbito da Fiocruz. As discussões realizadas, balizadas pela literatura, entrevistas, estudo do caso do PDTIS e observação da expriência do Núcleo de Planejamento e Gestão de Projetos (NPGP) do Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos (Far-Manguinhos) da Fiocruz, indicaram que a adoção dos conceitos e práticas da gestão estratégica de P&D e da gestão de projetos de pesquisa voltados ao desenvolvimento tecnológico, que envolvem estre outros aspectos o direcionamento de investimentos a partir da definição de prioridades e de estudos de viabilidade dos projetos, tendem a contribuir para o aperfeiçoameto do modelo de gestão do Programa, minorando alguns entraves e potencializando o alcance dos objetivos pretendidos.