Ateroprotective effects of Plinia cauliflora in. New Zealand rabbits: beyond the lipid-lowering effect.

Introduction: Plinia cauliflora [Mart.] Kausel (Myrtaceae), popularly known as "jabuticaba," is a fruit species native to Brazil. Despite extensive widespread usage, its antiatherosclerotic properties' impact remains unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of a preparation obtained from the fruit peels of P. cauliflora (EEPC). Methods: Male New Zealand rabbits received a 1% cholesterol-supplemented diet for 60 days. On the thirtieth day, the animals were divided into five experimental groups and received, once a day, by the oral route, the EEPC (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), simvastatin (2.5 mg/kg), or vehicle for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, peripheral blood and arterial branch samples were collected. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrotyrosine (NT), nitrite, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b), interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) levels were measured. Moreover, the catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were measured on the arterial samples. Histopathological analysis and arterial morphometry were also performed. Results and discussion: The oral administration of ESEG significantly lowered the levels of lipids in rabbits that were fed a CRD diet. This treatment also adjusted the protective system against oxidation in the arteries by decreasing the oxidation of lipids and proteins. Additionally, the levels of IL-1b, IL-6, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 in the bloodstream decreased significantly, and this was accompanied by a reduction of atherosclerotic lesions in all branches of the arteries. The findings suggest that EEPC may be a possible option for additional management of atherosclerosis.

Self-Curing Glass Ionomer Cement Covered by Photopolymerizable Adhesive for Protection of Mucoperiosteal or Gingival Flap Sutures in Canine Oral Surgery.

Periodontal disease is one of the main affections of the oral cavity of dogs. Its main complication is the formation of periapical abscess, which, when affecting the maxillary canine teeth, can lead to the formation of oronasal fistulae. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of self-curing glass ionomer cement, covered by photopolymerizable adhesive, as a protective element for mucoperiosteal or gingival flap sutures in oral surgery of dogs. We studied 15 dogs from the clinical routine of the dental service of a teaching veterinary hospital, which needed oral surgeries to correct oronasal fistulae, defects or oral cavity communications, regardless of the causal agent. Group one (G1) was composed of seven animals that presented oronasal fistulae after the extraction of maxillary canine teeth compromised by severe periodontal disease. These fistulae were reduced by the double-mucoperiosteal-flap technique, 15 days after the dental extraction. Group two (G2) was composed of five other dogs that presented oronasal fistulae after the extraction of maxillary canine teeth compromised by severe periodontal disease. In this group, the fistulae were reduced by the single-flap technique, immediately after the dental extraction. Group three (G3) was composed of three animals, two of which presented oronasal fistulae due to maxillary fracture and the third one after excision of oral neoplasia. In all groups, simple interrupted sutures were used with 3.0 nylon, and a thin layer of self-curing glass ionomer cement was applied immediately over the operated area. After cement's settling time, a thin layer of photopolymerizable adhesive was applied to the already polymerized cement. In G1, the protective cement was removed on average at 15 (±2) postoperative days, in G2 at 6 (±1) days and in G3 at 11 (±9) days. In the postoperative period, the animals received antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and they received their usual dry dog food diet. No Elizabethan collar or any other protective measure was used for suturing or the surgical wound. The result was healing of 100% of the oronasal fistulae, without suture dehiscence or the need for new surgical interventions. Thus, it was concluded that the use of self-curing glass ionomer cement covered by photopolymerizable adhesive was fully satisfactory, providing protection of sutures and surgical wounds and showing the potential for routine use in oral surgery in dogs.

Bioprospecting a Film-Forming System Loaded with Eugenia uniflora L. and Tropaeolum majus L. Leaf Extracts for Topical Application in Treating Skin Lesions.

Natural products can be used as complements or as alternatives to synthetic drugs. Eugenia uniflora and Tropaeolum majus are natives of Brazil and have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to develop a film-forming system (FFS) loaded with plant extracts with the potential for treating microbial infections. E. uniflora and T. majus leaf extracts were prepared and characterized, and the individual and combined antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. The FFS was developed with different concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. The combination of extracts showed a superior antioxidant effect compared to the individual extracts, justifying the use of the blend. FFS prepared with 4.5% PVA, 4.5% PVP, 7.81% E. uniflora extract, and 3.90% T. majus extract was adhesive, lacked scale formation, presented good malleability, and had a suitable pH for topical application. In addition, the viscosity at rest was satisfactory for maintaining stability; water solubility was adequate; skin permeation was low; and the antimicrobial effect was superior to that of the individual extracts. Therefore, the developed FFS is promising for the differentiated treatment of skin lesions through topical application.

Extraction Methods, Chemical Characterization, and In Vitro Biological Activities of Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel Peels.

Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, popularly known as jabuticaba, possesses bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, known for their antioxidant, antibacterial, wound healing, and cardioprotective effects. Therefore, this study aimed to standardize the P. cauliflora fruit peel extraction method, maximize phenolic constituents, and evaluate their antioxidative and antimicrobial effects. Various extraction methods, including vortex extraction with and without precipitation at 25, 40, and 80 °C, and infusion extraction with and without precipitation, were performed using a completely randomized design. Extraction without precipitation (E - P) showed the highest yield (57.9%). However, the precipitated extraction (E + P) method displayed a yield of 45.9%, higher levels of phenolic derivatives, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Major compounds, such as D-psicose, D-glucose, and citric acid, were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis identified citric acid, hexose, flavonoids, tannins, and quercetin as the major compounds in the extracts. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited inhibitory effects against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli bacteria. In conclusion, the E + P method efficiently obtained extracts with high content of bioactive compounds showing antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities with potential application as a dietary supplement.

Natural Products as Modulators of Mitochondrial Dysfunctions Associated with Cardiovascular Diseases: Advances and Opportunities.

The mitochondria have an important role in modulating cell cycle progression, cell survival, and apoptosis. In the adult heart, the cardiac mitochondria have a unique spatial arrangement and occupy nearly one-third the volume of a cardiomyocyte, being highly efficient for converting the products of glucose or fatty acid metabolism into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In cardiomyocytes, the decline of mitochondrial function reduces ATP generation and increases the production of reactive oxygen species, which generates impaired heart function. This is because mitochondria play a key role in maintaining cytosolic calcium concentration and modulation of muscle contraction, as ATP is required to dissociate actin from myosin. Beyond that, mitochondria have a significant role in cardiomyocyte apoptosis because it is evident that patients who have cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have increased mitochondrial DNA damage to the heart and aorta. Many studies have shown that natural products have mitochondria-modulating effects in cardiac diseases, determining them as potential candidates for new medicines. This review outlines the leading plant secondary metabolites and natural compounds derived from microorganisms as modulators of mitochondrial dysfunctions associated with CVDs.

Bacopa monnieri in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study.

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. could be of interest in the control of symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but clinical evidence of its efficacy is lacking. This clinical trial assessed the effects of an extract of B. monnieri on parameters that are related to Parkinson's diseases. Twenty volunteers with Parkinson's disease were recruited for a primary, interventional, controlled, parallel, double-blind clinical study. The volunteers were assigned to treatment with either a commercial B. monnieri extract (225 or 450 mg/day) or placebo. The Parkinson's Disease Quality-of-Life (PDQL) questionnaire was applied, and motor activity was assessed before treatment and 30, 60, and 90 days after treatment with the B. monnieri extract or placebo. Characteristics such as age, body weight, and height were also collected. No differences in parkinsonian and systemic symptoms, emotional function, or social function were observed between. The delta percent (Δ%) showed time-dependent improvements in emotional function with B. monnieri treatment at the daily dose of 450 mg. A strong correlation was found between quality of life and motor outcomes at baseline and 30 days of treatment with B. monnieri, and a moderate correlation for 60 and 90 days of treatment with B. monnieri when compared with baseline time. A moderate correlation was found between motor outcomes and Hoehn and Yahr stages at baseline. Our results suggest that B. monnieri extract can improve emotional function in Parkinson's disease patients, but further clinical trials are needed to confirm this possibility.

Evidence of the Cardioprotective Effects of Aloysia polystachya in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats.

Aloysia polystachya is a plant species that is widely used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of different disorders that affect the cardiovascular system. The aim of the study was to investigate the cardioprotective effects of an ethanol-soluble fraction of A. polystachya (ESAP) on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Different groups of rats (n = 8) were orally treated with ESAP (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), carvedilol (10 mg/kg), or vehicle (filtered water; 1 mL/100 g) for 7 days. Naive rats received no treatment. On the morning of day 6, acute myocardial infarction was induced by the acute oral administration of isoproterenol (100 mg/kg). On the morning of day 8, all rats underwent electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography. Blood samples were then collected, and serum levels of creatine kinase-MB fraction (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin T (cTNT) were quantified. ESAP significantly reduced electrocardiographic changes, improved the ventricular ejection fraction, and reduced serum levels of CK-MB and cTNT in infarcted rats. The cardioprotective effects of ESAP could be exploited as an effective tool against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Procedimentos estéticos com ênfase na queda capilar / Aesthetic procedures with emphasis on hair loss / Procedimientos estéticos con énfasis en la caída del cabello

A beleza está diretamente ligada ao aspecto dos cabelos, em todos os tempos e todas as culturas. O cabelo ao longo da vida é sujeito a vários tipos de mudanças, sejam elas naturais ou artificiais, conduzidas por uma vontade de mudar, muitas vezes, seja por representar uma nova fase, como também é símbolo de autocuidado, vaidade, sucesso, possuem significativa importância na aparência e autoestima das pessoas e, por isso, a queda capilar pode atingir a qualidade de vida do indivíduo. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar procedimentos estéticos minimamente invasivos e não cirúrgicos com ênfase na queda capilar. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica integrativa, de caráter descritivo nas principais bases de dados em saúde: SciELO, Google Acadêmico, PubMed e livros de medicina, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol, considerando o período de 2007 a 2022. De acordo com o último censo da Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia, a queixa de alopecia está entre as dez mais frequentes nos consultórios dermatológicos. As doenças capilares mais importantes estão divididas em dois grupos, as cicatriciais quando a perda de cabelo é acompanhada por cicatrizes resultando em calvície permanente, e as não cicatriciais onde a calvície não é permanente levando a diminuição e o afinamento gradual do cabelo. A alopecia não cicatricial é a mais frequente e as mais comuns entre elas são a alopecia androgenética e o eflúvio telógeno. Muitos pacientes procuram tratamento para melhorar a aparência e a autoestima, que podem estar relacionados a quadros de ansiedade e depressão. Esses tratamentos devem ser individualizados, onde se deve avaliar as características individuais de cada paciente. Os tratamentos capilares estéticos podem contribuir de forma significativa para a redução da baixa autoestima, contribuindo para recuperação da autoconfiança através do crescimento capilar proporcionado pela estética. Sendo assim, conclui-se que os resultados coletados na revisão de literatura foram satisfatórios, de forma onde mostra que os medicamentos, suplementos e tratamentos estéticos na queda capilar vem evoluindo cada vez mais. Contudo, mais estudos acerca do assunto são necessários.

Beauty is directly linked to the appearance of hair, in all times and all cultures. Hair throughout life is subject to various types of changes, whether natural or artificial, driven by a desire to change, often because it represents a new phase, as it is also a symbol of self-care, vanity, success, they have significant importance in people's appearance and self-esteem and, therefore, hair loss can affect the individual's quality of life. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate minimally invasive and non- surgical aesthetic procedures with an emphasis on hair loss. To this end, an integrative bibliographic review was carried out, of a descriptive nature, in the main health databases: SciELO, Google Scholar, PubMed and medical books, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, considering the period from 2007 to 2022. According to the latest census by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, the complaint of alopecia is among the ten most frequent complaints in dermatological offices. The most important hair diseases are divided into two groups, scarring when hair loss is accompanied by scars resulting in permanent baldness, and non-scarring where baldness is not permanent leading to gradual thinning and thinning of the hair. Non-scarring alopecia is the most frequent and the most common among them are androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium. Many patients seek treatment to improve their appearance and self-esteem, which may be related to anxiety and depression. These treatments must be individualized, where the individual characteristics of each patient must be evaluated. Aesthetic hair treatments can contribute significantly to reducing low self-esteem, contributing to the recovery of self-confidence through hair growth provided by aesthetics. Therefore, it is concluded that the results collected in the literature review were satisfactory, in a way that shows that medicines, supplements and aesthetic treatments in hair loss have been evolving more and more. However, more studies on the subject are needed.

La belleza está directamente ligada al aspecto del cabello, en todos los tiempos y en todas las culturas. El cabello a lo largo de la vida está sujeto a diversos tipos de cambios, ya sean naturales o artificiales, impulsados por un deseo de cambio, a menudo, ya sea para representar una nueva etapa, como también es un símbolo de auto- cuidado, la vanidad, el éxito, tienen una importancia significativa en la apariencia y la autoestima de las personas y, por lo tanto, la pérdida del cabello puede afectar la calidad de vida del individuo. En este sentido, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los procedimientos estéticos mínimamente invasivos y no quirúrgicos con énfasis en la pérdida de cabello. Para ello, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica descriptiva integradora en las principales bases de datos de salud: SciELO, Google Scholar, PubMed y libros de medicina, en portugués, inglés y español, considerando el período de 2007 a 2022. Según el último censo de la Sociedad Brasileña de Dermatología, la queja de alopecia está entre las diez más frecuentes en las consultas de dermatología. Las enfermedades capilares más importantes se dividen en dos grupos, las cicatriciales, cuando la caída del cabello va acompañada de cicatrices que dan lugar a una calvicie permanente, y las no cicatriciales, cuando la calvicie no es permanente, dando lugar a un adelgazamiento y reducción gradual del cabello. Las alopecias no cicatriciales son las más frecuentes y entre ellas destacan la alopecia androgenética y el efluvio telógeno. Muchos pacientes buscan tratamiento para mejorar su aspecto y autoestima, que pueden estar relacionados con la ansiedad y la depresión. Estos tratamientos deben ser individualizados, donde se deben evaluar las características individuales de cada paciente. Los tratamientos capilares estéticos pueden contribuir significativamente a la reducción de la baja autoestima, contribuyendo a la recuperación de la confianza en uno mismo gracias al crecimiento del cabello que proporciona la estética. Por lo tanto, se concluye que los resultados recogidos en la revisión bibliográfica fueron satisfactorios, mostrando que los medicamentos, suplementos y tratamientos estéticos para la caída del cabello están evolucionando cada vez más. Sin embargo, son necesarios más estudios sobre el tema.

Políticas públicas de medicamentos e a relação de medicamentos essenciais / Public policies on medicines and the list of essential medicines / Las políticas públicas sobre medicamentos y la lista de medicamentos esenciales

Através da edição da Norma Operacional de Assistência à Saúde realizada em 2001 e da publicação do Pacto pela Saúde realizado em 2006 o processo de acesso à saúde, ganhou maior ênfase no quesito de inovações e melhorias do sistema de saúde. A assistência farmacêutica sobreveio como parte fundamental nos serviços e programas de saúde. Neste sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo foi de expor as principais políticas públicas acerca da temática de medicamentos essenciais. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão integrativa de literatura, tendo como base de dados o Ministério da Saúde, as Resoluções da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, artigos científicos e as publicações da Relação Nacional de Medicamentos (RENAME). No ano de 1998 através da portaria nº 3.916, de 30 de outubro 1998, apresenta-se a população a terminologia de Políticas públicas e, como resposta às diretrizes resultantes desta política, no presente artigo teremos ênfase na RENAME, criada através da portaria nº 3.047, de 28 de novembro de 2019, a qual atende aos princípios básicos e fundamentais do Sistema Único de Saúde: universalidade, equidade e a integralidade, para atender aos tratamentos das diversas doenças e agravos que acometem a população brasileira. Sendo assim, conclui- se que não se trata apenas de políticas públicas, e sim de manter o direito do cidadão estabelecidos pela Constituição da República Federativa do Brasil, para que o paciente consiga adquirir a medicação adequada e na quantidade necessária, permitindo aos profissionais alcançar mais aproveitamento no gerenciamento do ciclo da assistência farmacêutica.

Through the edition of the Operational Norm for Health Care carried out in 2001 and the publication of the Pact for Health carried out in 2006, the process of access to health gained greater emphasis on the issue of innovations and improvements in the health system. Pharmaceutical assistance emerged as a fundamental part of health services and programs. In this sense, the objective of the present study was to expose the main public policies on the subject of essential medicines. Therefore, an integrative literature review was carried out, using the Ministry of Health, the National Health Surveillance Agency's Resolutions, scientific articles and the publications of the National Medicines List (RENAME) as a database. In 1998, through ordinance nº 3.916, of October 30, 1998, the public policy terminology is presented to the population and, in response to the guidelines resulting from this policy, in this article we will emphasize RENAME, created through ordinance nº 3.047 , of November 28, 2019, which meets the basic and fundamental principles of the Unified Health System: universality, equity and integrality, to meet the treatments of the various diseases and conditions that affect the Brazilian population. Therefore, it is concluded that it is not just about public policies, but about maintaining the right of the citizen established by the Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil, so that the patient can acquire the appropriate medication and in the necessary quantity, allowing professionals to achieve more use in the management of the pharmaceutical care cycle.

A través de la edición de la Norma Operativa de Atención a la Salud realizada en 2001 y de la publicación del Pacto por la Salud realizada en 2006, el proceso de acceso a la salud ganó mayor énfasis en el tema de innovaciones y mejoras en el sistema de salud. La asistencia farmacéutica surgió como parte fundamental de los servicios y programas de salud. En este sentido, el objetivo del presente estudio fue exponer las principales políticas públicas sobre el tema de los medicamentos esenciales. Para ello, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica integradora, utilizando como base de datos el Ministerio de Salud, las Resoluciones de la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria, artículos científicos y las publicaciones de la Lista Nacional de Medicamentos (RENAME). En 1998, a través de la ordenanza nº 3.916, de 30 de octubre de 1998, se presenta a la población la política pública de terminología y, en respuesta a las directrices resultantes de esta política, en este artículo haremos hincapié en el RENAME, creado a través de la ordenanza nº 3.047, de 28 de noviembre de 2019, que cumple con los principios básicos y fundamentales del Sistema Único de Salud: universalidad, equidad e integralidad, para atender los tratamientos de las diversas enfermedades y afecciones que afectan a la población brasileña. Por lo tanto, se concluye que no se trata sólo de políticas públicas, sino de mantener el derecho del ciudadano establecido por la Constitución de la República Federativa de Brasil, para que el paciente pueda adquirir el medicamento adecuado y en la cantidad necesaria, permitiendo que los profesionales logren un mayor aprovechamiento en la gestión del ciclo de atención farmacéutica.

Análise da dispensação de pílula do dia seguinte em uma farmácia do município no oeste do estado do Paraná / Analysis of the dispension of the pill of the following day in a pharmacy in the municipality in the west of the state of Paraná / Análisis de la dispensación de la píldora del día siguiente en una farmacia del municipio del oeste del estado de Paraná

pílula contraceptiva de emergência (CE) é chamada pelos médicos de pílula anticoncepcional pós-coito. É um método anticoncepcional de emergência e deve ser tomada até 72 horas após a relação sexual. É adequado para casos de abuso sexual, preservativos rompidos ou falha de outros métodos anticoncepcionais. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o perfil da dispensação do contraceptivo de emergência (CE) em uma farmácia comercial localizada em um distrito do município de Assis Chateaubriand no oeste do estado do Paraná. Para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa, foi avaliado a quantidade do medicamento dispensado com o princípio ativo levonorgestrel no período de três meses em uma farmácia de dispensação de medicamentos no distrito de Bragantina, assim como a faixa etária da paciente que utilizou, o seu estado civil e o motivo da compra da pílula. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de ética sob o número do CAAE: 60509322.3.0000.0109. Os resultados mostraram que no período do desenvolvimento da pesquisa, 10 pacientes fizeram uso da CE, sendo 5 solteiras e 5 casadas, sendo 50%. Quando relatado a idade das pacientes que fazem uso do CE, os resultados foram entre 19 até 41 anos. Quando perguntado para as pacientes se elas faziam uso de outro método contraceptivo e se presente, qual seria este método, os resultados encontrados foram: 40% das mulheres não utilizam outro método contraceptivo e 60% fazem o uso de outro contraceptivo, destes, o percentual foi de 66% que faziam o uso de preservativo e 34% faziam o uso de anticoncepcional. Em relação ao horário pós-coito, isto é, quantas horas após o coito elas procuraram a farmácia para comprar a CE, os resultados encontrados foram de 08 horas até 52 horas. Sendo assim, conclui-se que o estudo possui relevância frente à procura da PDS, no entanto, é de suma importância não esquecer de que a PDS deve ser utilizada somente em casos de emergências e não como uso rotineiro, para isso, existem outros métodos de contraceptivos que podem ser de recurso rotineiro. Neste sentido, mais estudos são necessários para avaliar se a população tem conhecimento sobre o tema, se o farmacêutico está preparado para atendê-los e o porquê da população não se programar melhor para evitar os possíveis "acidentes".

The morning after pill (PDS) is called the post-coital birth control pill by doctors. It is an emergency contraceptive method and must be taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse. It is suitable for cases of sexual abuse, broken condoms or failure of other contraceptive methods. Therefore, the objective of the present study will be to evaluate the profile of the dispensation of emergency contraceptives (EC) in a pharmacy in the western municipality of the state of Paraná. For the development of the research, the amount of medication dispensed in a period of three months in a drug dispensing pharmacy was evaluated, as well as the age group of the patient who will use it, her marital status and the reason for purchasing the pill. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee under CAAE number: 60509322.3.0000.0109. The results showed that during the research development period, 10 patients used PDS, 5 of them single and 5 married, being 50%. When reporting the age of patients using the morning-after pill, the results ranged from 19 to 41 years. When asked to patients if they used another contraceptive method and, if present, which method this would be, the results found were: 40% of women do not use another contraceptive method and 60% use another contraceptive, of these, the percentage 66% used condoms and 34% used contraceptives. Regarding the post-coital time, that is, how many hours after coitus they looked for the pharmacy to buy the PDS, the results found were from 08 hours to 52 hours. Therefore, it is concluded that care with medication intake becomes more important when it comes to EC, due to its potential risks to the female body, which can have consequences, especially when used excessively and without prior knowledge. Thus, more guidance on the use and its adverse effects, as more studies on the subject are necessary, in order to minimize the damage that PDS can cause in the female organism.

La píldora del día después (PDS) es llamada por los médicos píldora anticonceptiva poscoital. Es un método anticonceptivo de emergencia y debe ser tomada dentro de las 72 horas siguientes a la relación sexual. Está indicada en casos de abuso sexual, rotura del preservativo o fracaso de otros métodos anticonceptivos. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio será evaluar el perfil de la dispensación de anticonceptivos de emergencia (AE) en una farmacia del municipio oeste del estado de Paraná. Para el desarrollo de la investigación, se evaluó la cantidad de medicación dispensada en un período de tres meses en una farmacia dispensadora de medicamentos, así como el grupo etario de la paciente que la utilizará, su estado civil y el motivo de compra de la píldora. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética con el número CAAE: 60509322.3.0000.0109. Los resultados mostraron que durante el período de desarrollo de la investigación, 10 pacientes utilizaron la PDS, 5 de ellas solteras y 5 casadas, siendo el 50%. Al informar sobre la edad de las pacientes que utilizaban la píldora del día después, los resultados oscilaron entre 19 y 41 años. Cuando se preguntó a las pacientes si utilizaban otro método anticonceptivo y, en caso afirmativo, cuál sería, los resultados encontrados fueron: 40% de las mujeres no utilizan otro método anticonceptivo y 60% utilizan otro anticonceptivo, de estas, el porcentaje 66% utilizó preservativo y 34% anticonceptivos. En cuanto al tiempo post-coital, es decir, cuántas horas después del coito buscaron la farmacia para comprar la PDS, los resultados encontrados fueron de 08 horas a 52 horas. Por lo tanto, se concluye que el cuidado con la ingesta de medicamentos se vuelve más importante cuando se trata de la AE, debido a sus riesgos potenciales para el organismo femenino, que pueden tener consecuencias, especialmente cuando se usa en exceso y sin conocimiento previo. Por lo tanto, son necesarias más orientaciones sobre el uso y sus efectos adversos, así como más estudios sobre el tema, con el fin de minimizar los daños que la PDS puede causar en el organismo femenino.

Cardioprotective Effects of Solidago microglossa DC. in Nicotine-Treated Hypertensive Rats.

Solidago microglossa DC. (Asteraceae), "arnica brasileira," is a Brazilian species popularly used to treat hypertension or renal ailments. This study investigated the cardioprotective effects of standardized S. microglossa extract (EESM) in nicotine-treated spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Moreover, the molecular mechanisms involved in the cardiovascular effects were also investigated. The acute toxicity was evaluated in female Wistar rats. Afterwards, six-month-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats received the EESM (14, 28, and 56 mg/kg), hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg/kg), and vehicle (filtered water; 0.1 mL/100 g) once daily for 28 days. All treatments were associated with 1.8 mg/kg of nicotine. At the end of the experimental period, the renal function, electrocardiographic profile, blood pressure, ventricular function, biochemical parameter, and mesenteric vascular bed reactivity were evaluated. Relative organ weights and cardiac morphometry were also investigated. Nicotine treatment in 6-month-old SHRs induced a significant reduction in renal function, with reduced urinary volume and lower renal elimination of sodium and creatinine. In addition, serum markers of the redox state and blood pressure levels remained significantly elevated, contributing to changes in vascular reactivity and left ventricular hypertrophy associated with reduced ventricular function. After 28 days of treatment, we found that the highest dose of EESM could mitigate all renal and cardiovascular changes developed by the nicotine-treated hypertensive rats. This study presented EESM as a possible cardioprotective drug that prevents cardiovascular dysfunctions in nicotine-treated hypertensive rats. Our data suggest EESM as a potential adjuvant therapy when cardioprotective effects are required.

Safety Investigations of Two Formulations for Vaginal Use Obtained from Eugenia uniflora L. Leaves in Female Rats.

Medicinal plants have great prominence in research into the development of new medicines. Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) is an edible and medicinal plant with economic value in the northeast region of Brazil. Several preparations from E. uniflora leaves and its fruits are employed as a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. In this study we evaluated the preclinical toxicology of crude extract and vaginal gel obtained from the leaves of E. uniflora (5%, 10%, and 15%) aiming to provide safety for its use in the treatment of vulvovaginitis. Both formulations were applied to the vaginal cavity for 14 days. Detailed observations of the vaginal region, including pruritus, swelling, irritation, burning, pain, and vaginal secretion, as well as the estrous cycle were evaluated. On the fifth day, blood samples were obtained from the supraorbital plexus for biochemical and hematological analyses. The animals were subsequently euthanized. All animals underwent necropsy and macroscopic examination of the vaginal mucosa and reproductive system. A histological examination was also performed. No clinically significant changes were detected during the entire experimental period. All biochemical, hematological, or histopathological parameters were within the normal range for the species. The data obtained allow us to suggest that the E. uniflora vaginal formulations are safe in this experimental model.

Review Covid-19 (sars-cov-2) and medicinal plants ­ literature / Revisão Covid-19 (sars-cov-2) e plantas medicinais - literatura / Revisión Covid-19 (sars-cov-2) y plantas medicinales - bibliografía

In December 2019, a new coronavirus originating from the city of Wuhan in China started an epidemic that brought many countries into chaos and despair. SARS-CoV-2, as identified, gave rise to the severe acute respiratory syndrome called COVID-19. Its transmission happens through droplets of saliva, hand or contaminated surfaces. Since its discovery, COVID-19 has led many to death, therefore, researchers from around the world have joined efforts to develop strategies to contain the virus. In this race, drugs such as Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine have become possible options for showing an antiviral effect, however, studies contest their efficiency, generating uncertainties. Therefore, other alternatives have been investigated in this context, and the study of medicinal plants has been the target of research for the treatment of COVID-19 in search of bioactive natural products that can exert an antiviral action. The study aimed to analyze the published literature on COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and its relationship with medicinal plants. Bibliographical survey. So far, no specific treatment against the disease has been found, only supportive, with drugs that aim to improve the individual's immune system and ensure that the virus does not replicate, for example, there are options such as chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir and convalescent plasma. On the other hand, studies have revealed that medicinal plants such as garlic, among others, showed efficiency in modulating proteins with a view to preventing viral replication and improving immunity against COVID-19. So far, there are no drugs that are completely safe and have been shown to have activity against the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). However, medicinal plants can contribute to the development of specific therapies against SARS-CoV-2 in a safe and effective way.

Em dezembro de 2019, um novo coronavírus originário da cidade de Wuhan, na China, iniciou uma epidemia que levou muitos países ao caos e ao desespero. O SARS-CoV-2, conforme identificado, deu origem à síndrome respiratória aguda grave chamada COVID-19. Sua transmissão acontece através de gotículas de saliva, mãos ou superfícies contaminadas. Desde sua descoberta, o COVID-19 levou muitos à morte, por isso, pesquisadores de todo o mundo uniram esforços para desenvolver estratégias para conter o vírus. Nesta corrida, medicamentos como Cloroquina e Hidroxicloroquina tornaram-se opções possíveis por apresentarem efeito antiviral, porém, estudos contestam sua eficiência, gerando incertezas. Portanto, outras alternativas têm sido investigadas nesse contexto, e o estudo de plantas medicinais tem sido alvo de pesquisas para o tratamento da COVID- 19 em busca de produtos naturais bioativos que possam exercer ação antiviral. O estudo teve como objetivo analisar a literatura publicada sobre COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) e sua relação com plantas medicinais. Levantamento bibliográfico. Até o momento, não foi encontrado nenhum tratamento específico contra a doença, apenas de suporte, com medicamentos que visam melhorar o sistema imunológico do indivíduo e garantir que o vírus não se replique, por exemplo, há opções como cloroquina, hidroxicloroquina, remdesivir e convalescença plasma. Por outro lado, estudos revelaram que plantas medicinais como o alho, entre outras, mostraram eficiência na modulação de proteínas visando prevenir a replicação viral e melhorar a imunidade contra a COVID-19. Até o momento, não existem medicamentos completamente seguros e que tenham demonstrado atividade contra o novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2). No entanto, as plantas medicinais podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de terapias específicas contra o SARS-CoV-2 de forma segura e eficaz.

En diciembre de 2019, un nuevo coronavirus originario de la ciudad de Wuhan, en China, inició una epidemia que sumió a muchos países en el caos y la desesperación. El SARS-CoV- 2, tal y como fue identificado, dio lugar al síndrome respiratorio agudo severo denominado COVID-19. Su transmisión se produce a través de gotitas de saliva, de las manos o de superficies contaminadas. Desde su descubrimiento, el COVID-19 ha llevado a muchos a la muerte, por lo que investigadores de todo el mundo han aunado esfuerzos para desarrollar estrategias de contención del virus. En esta carrera, fármacos como la Cloroquina y la Hidroxicloroquina se han convertido en posibles opciones por mostrar un efecto antiviral, sin embargo, los estudios refutan su eficacia, generando incertidumbres. Por lo tanto, otras alternativas han sido investigadas en este contexto, y el estudio de las plantas medicinales ha sido el objetivo de la investigación para el tratamiento de COVID-19 en busca de productos naturales bioactivos que puedan ejercer una acción antiviral. El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la literatura publicada sobre el COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) y su relación con las plantas medicinales. Estudio bibliográfico. Hasta el momento, no se ha encontrado un tratamiento específico contra la enfermedad, sólo de soporte, con fármacos que buscan mejorar el sistema inmunológico del individuo y asegurar que el virus no se replique, por ejemplo, existen opciones como la cloroquina, hidroxicloroquina, remdesivir y plasma convaleciente. Por otro lado, estudios han revelado que plantas medicinales como el ajo, entre otras, mostraron eficacia en la modulación de proteínas con vistas a impedir la replicación viral y mejorar la inmunidad contra el COVID-19. Hasta el momento, no existen medicamentos que sean completamente seguros y que hayan demostrado tener actividad contra el nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Sin embargo, las plantas medicinales pueden contribuir al desarrollo de terapias específicas contra el SARS-CoV-2 de forma segura y eficaz.

Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels and nitric oxide/cGMP pathway mediate cardioprotective effects of Croton urucurana Baill. In hypertensive rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae), popularly known as 'sangue de dragão' is a Brazilian species widely used in traditional medicine for cardiovascular ailments. AIM: To investigate the cardiovascular effects of the C. urucurana extract in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Leaves from C. urucurana were collected and morphoanatomically characterized. The ethanol-soluble fraction (ESCU) was obtained and analyzed by LC-DAD-MS. Using female Wistar rats we investigated the acute toxicity of ESCU. Then, SHRs (six months old) received vehicle, hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg/kg), or ESCU (30, 100, 300 mg/kg) for 28 days. At the beginning and at the end of treatments, urine samples were obtained to assess renal function. At the end of the trial period, the blood pressure, mesenteric vascular beds (MVBs) reactivity, and electrocardiographic profile were evaluated. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, as well as urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, nitrite, malondialdehyde, nitrotyrosine, and aldosterone levels were determined. Relative organ weights and histopathological analysis were performed. Finally, the cardiac function on a Langendorff system, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in the vasodilator effects of ESCU in MVBs were also investigated. RESULTS: The compounds annotated from ESCU by LC-DAD-MS included mainly phenylpropanoid derivatives, alkaloids, O-glycosylated megastigmanes, glycosylated flavonoids, flavan-3-ols, and others, such as quercetin O-deoxyhexosyl-hexoside, magnoflorine, reticuline, and taspine. None of the animals showed any signs of toxicity. Male SHRs treated only with the vehicle showed important cardiovascular changes, including a reduction in renal function, increase in serum oxidative stress, and hemodynamic, electrocardiographic, and morphological changes typical of hypertensive disease. Moreover, parameters of cardiac function, including left ventricular developed pressure, peak rate of contraction, peak rate of relaxation, and the rate pressure product were significantly altered, showing a significant impairment of ventricular function. All ESCU-doses presented a significant cardioprotective effect in SHRs rats. The 28-day treatment normalized the hemodynamic, electrocardiographic, morphological, and renal impairments, as well as reversed the changes in ventricular function induced by hypertension. In MVBs with an intact endothelium, ESCU (0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg) dose-dependently induced vasodilation. Endothelium removal or the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase prevented the vasodilatory effect of ESCU. Perfusion with a physiological saline solution that contained KCl, tetraethylammonium, or apamin also abolished the vasodilatory effect of ESCU. CONCLUSION: Prolonged ESCU-treatment showed significant cardioprotective effects in SHRs. Moreover, the data showed the role of nitric oxide and calcium-activated small conductance potassium channels in the cardiovascular effects of ESCU.

Thyroid-disrupting effects of chlorpyrifos in female Wistar rats.

Thousands of chemicals are released into the environment daily, arousing great scientific interest because they can influence the overall function of living organisms. The indiscriminate use of pesticides, especially organophosphate, confers important risks to both public and environmental health. Previous studies showed that chlorpyrifos (CPF) acts as an endocrine disruptor. Nevertheless, CPF is still widely used in many countries. Thus, we evaluated the thyroid-disrupting effects of CPF after short-term low-dose oral exposure in female Wistar rats. A total of 48 female Wistar rats were divided into five experimental groups (n = 8/group) that were treated orally by gavage with vehicle (control) and chlorpyrifos (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg) for 5 days. Clinical signs of toxicity were observed throughout treatment. On day 6, the animals were weighed. Serum samples were obtained to measure levels of thyroid hormones, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, glutamyl transpeptidase, and estradiol. The animals were then euthanized by deep anesthesia with isoflurane. The thyroid gland, liver, spleen, and kidneys were collected to determine relative organ weight and perform histopathological analyses. We observed a significant increase in total triiodothyronine (T3) levels in all CPF treatment groups, even at very low doses that corresponded to the Acceptable Daily Intake. Only the highest dose tested significantly increased both total and free T3 levels. In the group that received the highest dose of CPF, thyroid follicles had irregular contours and few or no colloids. The present results indicated that short-term low-dose CPF exposure in female rats induced significant thyroid-disrupting effects.

Therapeutic Feasibility of the Natural Products in the Heart Complaints: An Overview.

Heart pain is the most frequent complaint leading patients to seek medical help. Functional heart symptoms, especially chest pain, are prevalent and, according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), are described as "somatoform autonomous functional disorders of the cardiovascular system." The problem lies in the fact that pain does not always have a somatic background, that is, it may be related to crucial underlying heart disease. The population does not know how to differentiate somatic pain from significant ischemic symptoms, and based on the patient's complaints, traditional medicine ends up treating other underlying cardiac diseases. Many unsuccessful unconventional therapies have been proposed in recent years, including herbal medicines that seek to disrupt the disease's pathogenesis. The present review summarizes research carried out in the last 5 years on natural products' heart complaints, including myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Several herbal medicines may be used as a replacement or complementary treatment strategy. A total of 17 medicinal plants have shown promising results in preclinical studies. However, human clinical trials are scarce; only two have been presented. Generally, the data are bland, and many issues have been raised about herbal therapies' safety, efficacy, and mode of action. Besides, relevant clinical trials, future perspectives, and possible clinical applications are discussed.

Leptospira spp. in Naturally Infected Dairy Cow from a Brazilian Border Region.

Leptospirosis is an important infectious disease, which can generate large economic losses, especially in the dairy herd. The pathogen that causes this disease may have its entry in Brazilian herds facilitated by the existence of a large extension of land borders. Therefore, the objective of this work was to investigate the presence of DNA and antibodies against Leptospira spp. in samples of vaginal mucus and serum from naturally infected bovine females from small rural dairy farms in a border region. Blood and vaginal mucus samples were collected from 70 Holstein cows, from small rural dairy farms between October 2017 and June 2018. The inclusion criteria for dairy cattle of any breed were aged over 2 years, not vaccinated against leptospirosis, and presenting a history of any reproductive problem such as abortion, stillbirth, repetition of heat, absence of heat, and lack of conception. Blood was collected by puncturing the coccygeal vein; for the collection of vaginal mucus, it was necessary to use a tampon with an applicator. For the detection of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies, the sera were submitted to microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and, for DNA detection, the vaginal mucus was submitted to the PCR technique. Among the 70 cows, 42.86% had reagents in MAT and the most likely serovar was Wolffi (43.47%). In 74.28% of the vaginal mucus samples, it was possible to amplify the Leptospira spp. DNA. The results of this work show the presence of Leptospira spp. antibodies and DNA in samples of serum and vaginal mucus from naturally infected bovine females from small rural dairy farms in a border region (Brazil × Paraguay). These results demonstrate the importance of considering bovine females as potential vaginal carriers of Leptospira spp. Thus, it highlights the importance of further studies to better understanding of this issue, in addition to carrying out molecular and serological tests, to monitor the infection and further characterize epidemiological studies of leptospirosis in herds from regions that face this international frontier challenge.

Cardioprotective effects of Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in hypertensive rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. (Talinaceae) is a medicinal species that is widely distributed throughout Brazil. Popularly known as "major-gomes," the species is used in folk medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the effect of an ethanolic extract of T. paniculatum (EETP) in rats with renovascular hypertension and heart failure and determine its chemical composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, EETP was obtained, and its chemical profile was analyzed by LC-DAD-MS. The acute toxicity was evaluated in female Wistar rats. The model of renovascular hypertension was established in male Wistar rats by combining the Goldblatt 2K1C method and intraperitoneal doxorubicin administration for 6 weeks. The animals were then treated daily with EETP (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) or metoprolol (25 mg/kg) by gavage for 28 days. The negative control group was treated with vehicle (filtered water). The sham group consisted of animals that were not subjected to 2K1C or cardiotoxicity and were treated with vehicle. Renal function was evaluated on days 1, 14, and 28. At the end of treatment, the electrocardiographic profile, blood pressure, and mesenteric vascular reactivity were investigated. Serum urea, creatinine, angiotensin converting enzyme, nitrotyrosine, malondialdehyde, nitrite, aldosterone, and sodium and potassium levels were measured. The heart, aorta artery, liver, and right kidney were collected, weighed, and processed for histopathological analysis. Cardiac chambers also underwent morphometric analysis. RESULTS: No signs of toxicity were observed in female Wistar rats. Thirty-two compounds were annotated from EETP, including flavonoids, chlorogenic acids, and saponins. EETP treatment resulted in a significant cardiorenal-protective response, normalizing electrocardiographic and hemodynamic alterations, and preventing ventricle remodeling. These effects were associated with serum antioxidant activity and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that EETP may exert cardioprotective effects through serum antioxidant activity and ACE inhibition, preventing alterations of hemodynamic and endothelial function, and reducing damage to cardiac structure. Thus, EETP, especially at the 100 and 300 mg/kg doses, may be useful for preventing doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in hypertensive patients.

Urban Horses As Environmental Bioindicators for Leishmaniasis.

The presence of DNA and anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies in the serum of 112 healthy horses was investigated by evaluating the physical examination, from a rural society located in the north central region of Paraná. The antigens of Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania braziliensis, and Leishmania infantum were used to perform the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, where it was possible to detect the reaction in 27.67% of the samples. These were also subjected to the real-time quantitative PCR, which confirmed the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA in 67.34% of the tested samples. The results show that the tested animals were previously exposed to the protozoan. Thus, these animals can be considered environmental bioindicators of the presence of Leishmania spp. at the study site. The material used in this study (serum), although not ideal, proved to be effective and less invasive. Taking into account the importance of the disease, the absence of more in-depth information on the species, the high zootechnical value of these animals, and their strictly close contact with the urban area and the human species, it is essential that further studies are carried out to elucidate the epidemiological profile of them in the face of the disease, as well as the possibility of them acting not only as hosts but also as reservoirs.

Ethnopharmacological investigation of the cardiovascular effects of the ethanol-soluble fraction of Aloysia polystachya (Griseb.) Moldenke leaves in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aloysia polystachya (Griseb) Moldenke (Verbenaceae), popularly known as "burrito", is a South American species widely prescribed by local Brazilian healers for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, its antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects are still unknown. AIM: To evaluate the role of the ethanol-soluble fraction of A. polystachya leaves (ESAP) against hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), as well as its safety, morphoanatomical and phytochemical aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, the leaves and stems of A. polystachya were analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopy in order to provide anatomical data for quality control. Then, ESAP was obtained and its chemical profile was analyzed by LC-DAD-MS. In addition, the cytotoxic and acute toxicity potential of ESAP were evaluated in six cell lines and in female Wistar rats, respectively. Next, female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) received ESAP (30, 100, 300 mg/kg), hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg/kg), or vehicle once daily for 28 days. Weekly kidney function was monitored by analyzing urinary parameters. At the end of the 28-day treatment, the electrocardiographic profile, blood pressure, and renal and mesenteric vascular reactivity were evaluated. Relative organ (heart, kidney, and liver) weights and biochemical parameters were also evaluated. Finally, the heart, kidneys, and aorta were collected for determination of the tissue redox state, cardiac morphometry, and histopathological analysis. RESULTS: The chemical profile of ESAP was composed by organic acids, a nucleoside, methoxylated flavones and glycosylated compounds including phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids, iridoids and monoterpenes. No signs of toxicity were observed in all cell's lines nor in female Wistar rats submitted to this trial. All SHRs from the negative control group presented a reduction in renal function, alterations in the renal and mesenteric vascular reactivity, and electrocardiographic and morphometric changes typical of ventricular hypertrophy. Oral prolonged ESAP-administration in SHRs was able to reverse renal, electrocardiographic and hemodynamic changes induced by hypertension. Moreover, ESAP-treatment was able to modulate the vascular and renal arterial reactivity and tissue redox state. The aforementioned data were accompanied by reduction of cardiac hypertrophy. CONCLUSION: In this study, we present important anatomical and phytochemical data that contributed to the correct identification and quality control of A. polystachya. In addition, we have shown that ESAP is safe after acute administration and present significant cardioprotective effects (at 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg doses) in SHRs after prolonged treatment.