Effects of the encapsulation of usnic acid into liposomes and interactions with antituberculous agents against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis clinical isolates.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has acquired resistance and consequently the antibiotic therapeutic options available against this microorganism are limited. In this scenario, the use of usnic acid (UA), a natural compound, encapsulated into liposomes is proposed as a new approach in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) therapy. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the encapsulation of UA into liposomes, as well as its combination with antituberculous agents such as rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) against MDR-TB clinical isolates. The in vitro antimycobacterial activity of UA-loaded liposomes (UA-Lipo) against MDR-TB was assessed by the microdilution method. The in vitro interaction of UA with antituberculous agents was carried out using checkerboard method. Minimal inhibitory concentration values were 31.25 and 0.98 µg/mL for UA and UA-Lipo, respectively. The results exhibited a synergistic interaction between RIF and UA [fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) = 0.31] or UA-Lipo (FICI = 0.28). Regarding INH, the combination of UA or UA-Lipo revealed no marked effect (FICI = 1.30-2.50). The UA-Lipo may be used as a dosage form to improve the antimycobacterial activity of RIF, a first-line drug for the treatment of infections caused by Mtb.

Effects of the encapsulation of usnic acid into liposomes and interactions with antituberculous agents against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis clinical isolates

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has acquired resistance and consequently the antibiotic therapeutic options available against this microorganism are limited. In this scenario, the use of usnic acid (UA), a natural compound, encapsulated into liposomes is proposed as a new approach in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) therapy. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the encapsulation of UA into liposomes, as well as its combination with antituberculous agents such as rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) against MDR-TB clinical isolates. The in vitro antimycobacterial activity of UA-loaded liposomes (UA-Lipo) against MDR-TB was assessed by the microdilution method. The in vitro interaction of UA with antituberculous agents was carried out using checkerboard method. Minimal inhibitory concentration values were 31.25 and 0.98 µg/mL for UA and UA-Lipo, respectively. The results exhibited a synergistic interaction between RIF and UA [fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) = 0.31] or UA-Lipo (FICI = 0.28). Regarding INH, the combination of UA or UA-Lipo revealed no marked effect (FICI = 1.30-2.50). The UA-Lipo may be used as a dosage form to improve the antimycobacterial activity of RIF, a first-line drug for the treatment of infections caused by Mtb.

Nanoencapsulation of quercetin and resveratrol into elastic liposomes.

Based on the fact that quercetin (QUE) and resveratrol (RES) induce a synergic inhibition of the adipogenesis and increase apoptosis in adipocytes, and that sodium deoxycholate (SDC) has necrotic effects, the nanoencapsulation of QUE and RES into SDC-elastic liposomes is proposed as a new approach for dissolving the subcutaneous fat. The concentration of constituents and the effect of the drug incorporation into cyclodextrin inclusion complexes on the stability of QUE/RES-loaded liposomes were studied. The best liposomal formulation reduced the use of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol in 17.7% and 68.4%, respectively. Liposomes presented a mean diameter of 149nm with a polydispersion index of 0.3. The zeta potential of liposomes was slightly negative (-13.3mV) due to the presence of SDC in the phospholipid bilayer. Encapsulation efficiency of QUE and RES into liposomes was almost 97%. To summarize, QUE/RES-loaded elastic liposomes are stable and suitable for subcutaneous injection, thereby providing a new strategy for reducing subcutaneous fat.

X-linked incontinentia pigmenti or Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome: a case report.

Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare X-linked genodermatosis that affects mainly female neonates. Skin manifestations are the most common and occur in four quite distinct phases. A female infant presented vesiculobullous lesions on trunk and limbs, and a verrucous lesion on the right palm. Biopsy revealed eosinophil exocytosis and pigment incontinence, confirming the clinical hypothesis. Although uncommon, incontinentia pigmenti should be taken into consideration as a possible differential diagnosis when vesiculobullous and verrucous lesions are present in childhood.

Incontinência pigmentar ligada ao X ou síndrome de Bloch-Sulzberger: relato de um caso / X-linked incontinentia pigmenti or Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome: a case report

A incontinência pigmentar é uma genodermatose rara, ligada ao X, que afeta, principalmente, neonatos do sexo feminino. As manifestações cutâneas são as mais prevalentes, e ocorrem em quatro fases bem distintas. Lactente feminina com lesões vesicobolhosas em tronco e membros e lesão verrucosa em palma. À biopsia, observou-se exocitose eosinofílica e derrame pigmentar, compatível com a suspeita clínica. Apesar de incomum, a incontinência pigmentar deve ser lembrada entre os diagnósticos diferenciais, de lesões vesicobolhosas e verrucosas da infância.

Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare X-linked genodermatosis that affects mainly female neonates. Skin manifestations are the most common and occur in four quite distinct phases. A female infant presented vesiculobullous lesions on trunk and limbs, and a verrucous lesion on the right palm. Biopsy revealed eosinophil exocytosis and pigment incontinence, confirming the clinical hypothesis. Although uncommon, incontinentia pigmenti should be taken into consideration as a possible differential diagnosis when vesiculobullous and verrucous lesions are present in childhood.

Benign masseter muscle hypertrophy.

Idiopathic hypertrophy of the masseter muscle is a rare disorder of unknown cause. Some authors associate it with the habit of chewing gum, temporo-mandibular joint disorder, congenital and functional hypertrophies, and emotional disorders (stress and nervousness). Most patients complain of the cosmetic change caused by facial asymmetry, also called square face, however, symptoms such as trismus, protrusion and bruxism may also occur. The goals of the present investigation were: to report a case of idiopathic masseter hypertrophy, describe its symptoms and treatment. The patient reported bilateral bulging in the region of the mandible angle, of slow and progressive evolution. He did not complain of pain or discomfort, however there was bilateral otalgia, nighttime trismus and stress. In his physical exam we noticed bilateral masseter hypertrophy without local inflammatory alterations. We indicated surgical treatment with an extraoral approach. Complementary tests are indicated when there is diagnostic doubts. Treatment varies from conservative to surgical, and the later depends on surgeon skill and experience.

Hipertrofia benigna do músculo masseter / Benign masseter muscle hypertrophy

A hipertrofia idiopática do músculo masseter (HIM) é uma patologia pouco freqüente e de causa desconhecida. Alguns autores correlacionam tal condição com hábitos de mascar gomas, disfunção da articulação temporomandibular (ATM), hipertrofias congênitas e funcionais, e distúrbios emocionais (nervosismo e ansiedade). A maioria dos pacientes queixa-se da alteração estética decorrente da assimetria facial, também chamada "face quadrada", no entanto, sintomas como trismo, protrusão e bruxismo também podem ocorrer. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: relatar um caso de HIM e descrever a sintomatologia e o tratamento realizado. O paciente relatava aumento bilateral na região do ângulo da mandíbula de evolução lenta e progressiva. Negava dor ou desconforto, porém se queixava de otalgia bilateral, trismo noturno e ansiedade. Ao exame físico, observou-se hipertrofia bilateral de masseter sem alterações inflamatórias no local. Foi indicado tratamento cirúrgico com abordagem extra-oral. Exames complementares são indicados na dúvida diagnóstica. A conduta terapêutica varia de conservadora a cirúrgica, sendo que esta depende principalmente da experiência e da habilidade do cirurgião.

Idiopathic hypertrophy of the masseter muscle is a rare disorder of unknown cause. Some authors associate it with the habit of chewing gum, temporo-mandibular joint disorder, congenital and functional hypertrophies, and emotional disorders (stress and nervousness). Most patients complain of the cosmetic change caused by facial asymmetry, also called square face, however, symptoms such as trismus, protrusion and bruxism may also occur. The goals of the present investigation were: to report a case of idiopathic masseter hypertrophy, describe its symptoms and treatment. The patient reported bilateral bulging in the region of the mandible angle, of slow and progressive evolution. He did not complain of pain or discomfort, however there was bilateral otalgia, nighttime trismus and stress. In his physical exam we noticed bilateral masseter hypertrophy without local inflammatory alterations. We indicated surgical treatment with an extraoral approach. Complementary tests are indicated when there is diagnostic doubts. Treatment varies from conservative to surgical, and the later depends on surgeon skill and experience.