Antiulcerogenic and healing activity of hecogenin acetate in rodents.

Peptic ulcers are lesions in the gastric and duodenal mucosa generated by an imbalance between protective factors (gastroduodenal mucus secretion, bicarbonate production, adequate blood flow) and harmful factors (excess pepsin or hydrochloric acid). Some drugs used in peptic ulcer therapy are associated with adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiulcerogenic and healing activity of hecogenin acetate (HA) in acute and chronic models of gastric lesions in rodents. The antiulcerogenic activity of HA was evaluated in models of gastric lesions induced by absolute ethanol and in acidified ethanol with HA (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg). For the model of gastric lesions induced by ischemia and reperfusion, rats were pre-treated with HA (5, 10, 20 mg/kg). After that, they were submitted to 30 min of ischemia, followed by 1 h of reperfusion. To evaluate the healing activity was induced gastric ulcer using acetic acid (80%) in rats. After 24 h, they were treated for 7 consecutive days with HA (10 and 20 mg/kg). They were evaluated the possible signs of toxicity, measurement of the lesions, collagen deposition, and histological analysis. HA significantly reduced the area of the lesion in models of gastric lesions induced by absolute and acidified ethanol, ischemia-induced gastric lesions and reperfusion, and regarding healing. In the collagen deposition, the presence and increase of collagen demonstrate the healing effect. The AH has antiulcerogenic and healing potential demonstrated by the decrease in gastric injury and presence of collagen fibers, respectively.

Enhancement of the functionality of women with knee osteoarthritis by a gel formulation with Caryocar coriaceum Wittm ("Pequi") nanoencapsulated pulp fixed oil.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when there is a change in the mechanical and biological properties of the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone; The condition is more prevalent in women than in men. Pequi oil (PO), which is extracted from the fruits of the pequi tree (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm), is widely used in traditional medicine in the Brazilian northeast for the management of inflammation and joint pain. The aim of this study was to develop a pharmaceutical formulation containing Carbopol® hydrogel nanoencapsulated with pequi pulp fixed oil (PeONC) and evaluate its therapeutic effect on functionality and pain in women with knee osteoarthritis. The study was divided into two stages: Stage 1 - preparation and physico-chemical characterization of the pharmaceutical formulation containing PeONC, cell viability assays and skin irritability testing. Step 2 - A double-blind randomized clinical trial evaluating knee symptoms, quality of life, pressure pain, function, muscle strength and range of motion. The nanoformulation was in a gel form, with a particle size of 209.5 ± 1.06 nm, a pH of 6.23 ± 0.45, a zeta potential of - 23.1 ± 0.4 mV, a polydispersity index of 0.137 ± 0.52, and containing nanocapsules with a spherical shape a polymeric wall and an oily nucleus. The gel showed no cytotoxicity and was not irritating to human skin. The treatment with PeONC increased the strength of the knee flexor and extensor muscles and the total motion range of the knee. In addition, the treatment reduced knee instability, pain, swelling, and locking; There was also an improvement in some items of the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire such as in respect of functional capacity and social aspects. In conclusion, PeONC was found to be a stable, safe formulation with no toxicity in respect of topical use in humans. Additionally, the treatment produced an increase in muscle strength and functionality that was associated with reduced knee symptoms and improved quality of life. Our findings showed that in a group of women treated with PeONC mitigated the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

Rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 in the first year of the pandemic: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global health threat and remains a challenge for modern medicine. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 is vital for proper disease and outbreak management. Our review aimed to analyze scientific articles published in the literature addressing the rapid tests available for COVID-19 diagnosis at the first year of the pandemic. METHODS: A systematic review was performed from October 22 to 27, 2020, searching data published in PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using subject headings or keywords related to point of care and rapid test diagnostic for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. RESULTS: The first survey identified 403 articles, but only 23 met the defined criteria for the systematic analysis. The sensitivity and specificity parameters were assessed in 19 studies, and the data suggested that there was lower sensitivity in the period 1 to 7 days after the emergence of symptoms (∼38%) higher sensitivity at 8 to 14 days (∼90%), and the highest at 15 to 39 days (∼98%). Accuracy was reported in six studies, reporting values above 50%. Only three studies reported a possible cross-reaction. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the rapid tests used in the first year of the pandemic were tested with a small number of samples and not adequately validated. And the studies that described them were conducted with little scientific rigor.

Monoterpenes as Perspective to Chronic Pain Management: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with chronic diseases have persistent pain as the main symptom, which can often reduce their life quality and functional capacity. The suffering of patients results from the interaction of aversive perception of pain with physical disability, social and family isolation, financial worries and fear of mutilation and death. As an individual and subjective phenomenon that involves many complex aspects, chronic pain should be evaluated and treated in its various components. Several drugs are currently used, but besides the high cost, they have side effects that are harmful to patients. Therefore, there is the need to search for new options for pain relief. Natural products as monoterpenes have been the target of many researchers. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to briefly summarize the knowledge of the analgesic potential of monoterpenes facing chronic pain. RESULTS: After a search in PubMed, Lilacs, Scopus and Cochrane, 27 articles were selected, which described the analgesic potential of 16 monoterpenes for relief of chronic pain. CONCLUSION: After analyzing the data, it can be suggested that these compounds are strong candidates for the treatment of painful states.