Formulation, stability study and preclinical evaluation of a vaginal cream containing curcumin in a rat model of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Owing to the growing resistance among isolates of Candida species to usual antifungal agents and the well-known therapeutic potential of curcumin, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a vaginal formulation containing this substance and to evaluating its effectiveness in the treatment of experimental vulvovaginal candidiasis. Curcumin was incorporated in a vaginal cream in three concentrations (0.01%, 0.1% and 1.0%). The different concentrations of the cream and its controls were intravaginally administered in an immunosuppressed rat model to evaluate the efficacy in the treatment of experimental vulvovaginal candidiasis. Samples of the cream were also subjected to centrifugation and physical stability tests and an analytical method for quantification of curcumin was validated based on HPLC. The formulation was stable and the HPLC method could be considered suitable for the quantitative determination of curcumin in the cream. After 6 days of preclinical study, the number of infected animals was 1/6 in all groups treated with curcumin vaginal cream and the fungal burden showed a progressive reduction. Reduction in the inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the group treated with 1.0% cream. Vaginal cream containing curcumin could be considered a promising effective antifungal medicine in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Análise dos parâmetros da marcha e do equilíbrio dos idosos após exercícios aeróbicos e terapêuticos / Analysis of gait and balance parameters in the elderly after aerobic and therapeutic exercises

O processo de envelhecimento promove alterações no organismo do idoso, que levam a comprometimentos significativos no equilíbrio corporal, reflexo e capacidade de deambulação. Nesse contexto, a atividade física é uma intervenção que vem demonstrando benefícios significativos na saúde da pessoa idosa. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar os parâmetros da marcha e o equilíbrio corporal dos idosos após um programa de exercícios aeróbicos e terapêuticos. Foi utilizada uma amostra de 24 idosos, distribuídos em dois grupos experimentais: Grupos 1 - programa de exercícios terapêuticos (coordenação motora e equilíbrio; n=12); Grupos 2 - programa de exercícios físicos aeróbicos (n=12). Para avaliação dos idosos foi realizada a análise dos parâmetros da marcha (velocidade e cadência; Protocolo de Cerny) e do equilíbrio corporal (Escala de Berg). As avaliações foram realizadas antes e após os programas de exercícios aeróbicos e terapêuticos. Os exercícios foram realizados 3 vezes na semana (40 minutos/dia), durante 16 semanas. Ao final do experimento a análise dos dados demonstrou benefícios de ambos os programas de exercícios, mas o programa que priorizou a coordenação motora e o equilíbrio corporal demonstrou maiores benefícios em relação a velocidade da marcha e o equilíbrio corporal dos idosos.

The aging process causes changes in the body of the elderly, leading to significant impairments in body balance, reflexes and ability to walk. In this context, physical activity is an intervention that has brought significant health benefits. The aim of this study was to analyze gait parameters and body balance in the elderly after an aerobic and therapeutic exercise program. Twenty-four elderly people took part in the experiment and were divided into two groups: Group 1 ­ therapeutic exercise program (motor coordination and balance, n=12); Group 2 - aerobic exercise program (n=12). For evaluation purposes, the elderly were subjected to parameter analysis of gait (speed and cadence; Cerny Protocol) and body balance (Berg Scale). The evaluations were carried out before and after the aerobic and therapeutic exercise programs. The exercises were performed 3 times a week (40 minutes a day) for a period of 16 weeks. At the end of the experiment, data analysis indicated benefits from both exercise programs. However, the program that prioritized motor coordination and body balance provided greater benefits when comparing gait speed and body balance in the elderly.