Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Resveratrol in Alzheimer's Disease: Role of SIRT1.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative disorder of the cortex and hippocampus, which eventually leads to cognitive impairment. Although the etiology of AD remains unclear, the presence of ß-amyloid (Aß) peptides in these learning and memory regions is a hallmark of AD. Therefore, the inhibition of Aß peptide aggregation has been considered the primary therapeutic strategy for AD treatment. Many studies have shown that resveratrol has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties and can decrease the toxicity and aggregation of Aß peptides in the hippocampus of AD patients, promote neurogenesis, and prevent hippocampal damage. In addition, the antioxidant activity of resveratrol plays an important role in neuronal differentiation through the activation of silent information regulator-1 (SIRT1). SIRT1 plays a vital role in the growth and differentiation of neurons and prevents the apoptotic death of these neurons by deacetylating and repressing p53 activity; however, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Resveratrol also has anti-inflammatory effects as it suppresses M1 microglia activation, which is involved in the initiation of neurodegeneration, and promotes Th2 responses by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines and SIRT1 expression. This review will focus on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory neuroprotective effects of resveratrol, specifically on its role in SIRT1 and the association with AD pathophysiology.

Antinociceptive, neurobehavioral and antioxidant effects of Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl on rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl belongs to the Asteraceae family, popularly known as Japana. It is a perennial shrub native to Amazon rainforests of South America. Its leaves are used through infusions, decoctions, baths, and tea. It is largely used in Brazilian folk medicine as sedative, febrifuge, stimulant, tonic and anti-inflammatory. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study evaluated the putative effects of Eupatorium triplinerve on the central nervous system (CNS), including locomotor and anxiety activity, depression-like behavior, and antinociception and oxidative stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two-month-old male Wistar rats (n=7-10 rats/group) and Swiss male and female mice of the species Mus musculus (n=7-10 per group) were administered with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extracts of Eupatorium triplinerve (HEET). The behavioral assays included open-field (OF), elevated Plus-maze (EPM), and forced swimming tests (FS). The antinociceptive activity was verified using chemical (acetic acid and formalin) and thermal (hot plate) models of nociception. The oxidative stress levels were measured in rat blood samples after behavioral assays and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), nitric oxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in vivo. RESULTS: Oral pretreatment with HEET reduced the locomotion in OF test (200-800 mg/kg), increased central locomotion and open arms entries in the OF and EPM tests, respectively (600-800 mg/kg), and decreased the immobility time in the FS (200-800 mg/kg). It also reduced the writhing number evoked by acetic acid injection (200-800 mg/kg) and licking time in the first phase of the formalin test (400-800 mg/kg). In the oxidative stress assays, the extract decreased TEAC, Nitric Oxide and MDA levels in response to swimming stress induced in rats. CONCLUSIONS: These results were indicative for the first time that Eupatorium triplinerve exerted mild sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressive effects on the CNS. Antinociceptive effects not related to opioid system and antioxidant activity were also observed. These results support the ethnopharmacological use of Eupatorium triplinerve in popular medicine.

Estudo da comercialização de medicamentos entorpecentes e psicotrópicos / Study of commerce of narcotic and psychotropic medication

Objetivo: analisar a comercialização dos medicamentos entorpecentes e psicotrópicos, constantes naslistas A da Portaria 344/98 SVS/MS e a regularidade das drogarias do município de Belém (Pará) dejaneiro a dezembro de 2009. Método: estudo observacional retrospectivo, com coleta de dadosrealizada através das Relações Mensais de Notificações de Receita A (RMNRA) enviadoscompulsoriamente pelas drogarias ao Departamento de Vigilância Sanitária do Município de Belém.Resultados: os resultados demonstraram que dentre as 50 drogarias que dispensam medicamentos dalista ?A?, apenas 18 drogarias encontravam-se regulares na entrega das RMNRA?s. O medicamentomais vendido está na lista A3, que é o metilfenidato 10mg foi o mais dispensado (81%).Considerações finais: este trabalho demonstrou que há problemas no cumprimento da Portaria 344/98pelas drogarias e que o medicamento mais comercializado é o metilfenidato. Estudos de utilização demedicamentos são relevantes para realização de diagnóstico e tomado de decisão no âmbito da SaúdePública, especificamente em Vigilância Sanitária.

Objective: the main objective of the present study was to analyze the commerce of narcoticmedication and psychotropics belonging to the A list from the decree 344/98 from SVS/MS and thelegal regularity of drugstores in Belém (Pará) from january through december of 2009. Methods: thisis a retrospective observational study, with data taken from the Monthly Notifications of APrescriptions (MNAP) send under obligation by the drugstores to the Department of SanitaryVigilance from the coutny of Belém. Results: the results showed that amongst 50 drugstores thatdispense drugs from the A list, only 18 drugstores were following the rules in the dispensation ofMNAP. The most dispensed drug (81%) belongs to the A3 list, which was the metilfenidato 10mg.Final Considerations: this paper showed that exists some problems in fulfilling the decree 344/98 bythe drugstores and that the most sold drug is the metilfenidato. Some studies on the utilization of drugsare relevant to perform a diagnostic and to take decisions in the Public Health area, specifically in theSanitary Vigilance.