Melatonin and Cytokines Modulate Daily Instrumental Activities of Elderly People with SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment analyzes the health and quality of life of the elderly. Basic and instrumental daily activities may be compromised due to neuroimmunoendocrine changes, and studies suggest that possible immunological changes occur during infections in the elderly. Thus, this study aimed to analyze cytokine and melatonin levels in serum and correlate the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in elderly patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The sample consisted of 73 elderly individuals, 43 of whom were without infection and 30 of whom had positive diagnoses of COVID-19. Blood samples were collected to quantify cytokines by flow cytometry and melatonin by ELISA. In addition, structured and validated questionnaires were applied to assess basic (Katz) and instrumental (Lawton and Brody) activities. There was an increase in IL-6, IL-17, and melatonin in the group of elderly individuals with infection. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between melatonin and IL-6 and IL-17 in elderly patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, there was a reduction in the score of the Lawton and Brody Scale in the infected elderly. These data suggest that the melatonin hormone and inflammatory cytokines are altered in the serum of the elderly with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, there is a degree of dependence, mainly regarding the performance of daily instrumental activities, in the elderly. The considerable impact on the elderly person's ability to perform everyday tasks necessary for independent living is an extremely important result, and changes in cytokines and melatonin probably are associated with alterations in these daily activities of the elderly.

Use of bacaba peel for the development of hydroelectrolytic beverages and their consumer acceptance

Abstract The hydroelectrolytic beverages segment has been expading its market and introducing new flavors in order to meet the demand for new products. However, experimental studies find concerns about the chemical compositions of these drinks. The aim of this study was to develop a drink without synthetic coloring or flavoring, with functional attributes based on the bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba Mart.) peel extract. Two hydroelectrolytic drinks were developed, one hypotonic and the other isotonic, containing 0.5 and 1.0% of bacaba peel extract. Physicochemical characterization, determination of total phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity were perfomed, in addition to color evaluation, as well as sensory analysis by means of preference tests. The developed formulations showed potential antioxidant activity and natural red coloring due to the phenolic compounds and anthocyanins present in the beverages. The sensory evaluation indicated positive acceptance by the tasters regarding the addition of the bacaba peel extract to the beverage formulations. The developed formulations demonstrated that the use of the bacaba peel is a viable option for the production of sports drinks, acting as a natural dye and offering health benefits due to its bioactive compounds.

Characterization of munguba oil obtained by ultrasound / Caracterização do óleo de munguba obtido por ultrassom

ABSTRACT: This study analyzed the use of the ultrasound-assisted method as an alternative to obtain munguba oil. The extraction provided a 47.70 % yield of an oil with appropriate quality, evaluated by assessing the %FFA as oleic acid, iodine, peroxide, and saponification values, in addition to the refractive index and density. The oil presented thermal stability up to 300 °C, was constituted mainly by palmitic acid (C16:0), and presented a total phenolic content of 55.02 ± 1.872 µgEAG g-1. Results suggest that the ultrasound-assisted method has the potential to obtain vegetable oils without compromising their characteristics and quality, as well as optimize extraction time, solvent volume, and operational costs. Moreover, munguba oil presents itself as a suitable and sustainable alternative as an adjuvant in food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofuels.

RESUMO: O estudo analisou a aplicação do método de extração assistida por ultrassom como método alternativo para a obtenção do óleo de munguba. A extração do óleo resultou num rendimento de 47.70 % com qualidade adequada avaliada pela %AGL como índices de ácido oleico, iodo, refração, peróxido, saponificação e densidade. O óleo apresentou estabilidade térmica até 300 °C sendo constituído majoritariamente do ácido palmítico (C16:0) e expressou um teor de fenóis totais de 55.02 ± 1.872 µg/EAGg-1. Os resultados sugerem que o método de extração assistida por ultrassom apresenta potencial para obtenção de óleos vegetais sem alterar suas características e qualidade, além de possibilitar a otimização do tempo, volume de solvente e custo operacional. Ainda, o óleo de munguba mostra-se como alternativa sustentável na aplicação como adjuvante em alimentos, medicamentos, cosméticos e biocombustíveis.

Development, characterization and stability of microemulsionated formulations of bacaba, Oenocarpus bacaba oil

Advances in nanotechnology, combined with the use of natural products, represent a promissing research field. Brazil is a country of a rich biodiversity, especially in the Amazon forest. Fruits commonly used by local communities, such as bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba), are potentially important for prospection of industrial applications of natural products. In nanotechnology, microemulsions stand out for providing a modified release to conveyed substances. This work aimed to develop microemulsionated formulations of bacaba oil, characterize them and evaluate their stability. We determined the HLB (hydrophile-lipophilic balance) of bacaba oil for formulation development. Six formulations were selected from pseudoternary diagrams, which indicated the proportions of surfactants, aqueous phase and bacaba oil. The viability of these formulations was evaluated through stability tests. We provided the rheological characterization of the formulations, evaluated their potential antioxidant activity through the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging method, and determined the hydrodynamic diameter of the droplets. The microemulsions were stable throughout the test period. Droplet diameter was below 200 nm, and the microemulsions were characterized as newtonian fluids, presenting an increase in antioxidant activity when compared with the diluted oil. Our results confirm the potential of bacaba oil in microemulsionated formulation as a suitable carrier for active compounds. (AU)

Centesimal and mineral composition and antioxidant activity of the bacaba fruit peel / Composição centesimal, mineral e potencial antioxidante da casca do fruto de bacaba

Oenocarpus bacaba Mart. is a palm tree native from Amazon with highlighted antioxidant activities. Its fruit (bacaba) processing dismisses the peel, which has nutrients that can collaborate for its antioxidant activity and preventing diseases. Thus, this study assessed the centesimal and mineral composition, physicochemical characterization (acidity, total soluble solids, pH, and color), total phenolics (Folin-Ciocalteu method), anthocyanins and antioxidant activity by DPPH (2,2 difenil-1-picril hidrazil) method in bacaba peels. For the centesimal composition, it was found 4.87, 1.42, 29.13, 1.08 and 63.32 g 100 g-1 for water content, ashes, lipids, proteins, and total carbohydrates, respectively. For the mineral composition, it was found 582.97, 79.00, 51.79, 0.625, 37.02, 2.37 and 77.12 mg 100g-1 contents for potassium, sodium, magnesium, copper, calcium, manganese, and phosphorus, respectively. The physicochemical characterization showed pH 5.66, titratable acidity 0.306% of citric acid, total soluble solids 9,75, and coordinates L* a* e b* of 19.03, 8.07 and 9.25, respectively. Phenolic contents were 42.07 mg EAG g-1. The antioxidant potential IC50 was 1.07 mg mL-1 and anthocyanins 37.31 mg 100 g-1. Results show that bacaba peels are an alternate source of nutrients suggesting their use in food as well cosmetic industries, especially for their antioxidant activity and mineral composition

Oenocarpus bacaba MART. (bacaba) é uma palmeira nativa da Amazônia que se destaca por suas propriedades antioxidantes. O processamento de seu fruto gera a casca como produto de descarte, que possui nutrientes que podem colaborar na ação antioxidante e na prevenção de doenças. Assim, o presente trabalho avaliou a composição centesimal e mineral, caracterização físico-química (acidez, sólidos solúveis totais, pH e cor), fenóis totais (método de Folin-Ciocalteu), antocianinas e potencial antioxidante pelo método do DPPH (2,2 difenil-1-picril hidrazil) em cascas de bacaba. Para a composição centesimal verificou-se teores (%) de 4.87, 1.42, 29.13, 1.08 e 63.32 para o teor de água, cinzas, lipídeos, proteínas e carboidratos totais, respectivamente. Para a composição mineral foi encontrado teores (mg100g-1) de 582.97, 79.00, 51.79, 0.625, 37.02, 2.37 e 77.12 para potássio, sódio, magnésio, cobre, cálcio, manganês e fósforo, respectivamente. A caracterização físico-química apresentou valores de pH de 5.66, acidez titulável de 0.306% de ácido cítrico, sólido solúveis totais de 9.75 e cor nas coordenadas L* a* e b* com valores de 19.03, 8.07 e 9.25 . Para o teor de fenóis foi encontrado 42.07 mg EAG.g-1. O EC50 para a potencial antioxidante foi de 1.07 mg.mL-1 e o teor de antocianinas foi de 37.31 mg.100g-1. Os resultados mostram que as cascas de bacaba são uma fonte alternativa de nutrientes sugerindo seu aproveitamento na indústria alimentícia e cosmética, principalmente pela sua potencial atividade antioxidante e composição em minerais.

Determination and validation of secnidazole in tablets by UV spectrophotometric / Determinação e validação do secnidazol em comprimidos por espectrofotometria na região do ultravioleta

Secnidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole, is a drug used in the treatment against protozoa, and several bacterial infections. This study purpose was to develop and validate a UV spectrophotometric method to determine secnidazole in pharmaceutical tablet dosage forms once there is no method reported in the pharmacopoeia yet. The quantification was performed using methanol as solvent at 325 nm (maximum wavelength) and three kinds of products marketed in Brazil (reference, generic and similar tablets) containing 1g of secnidazole. The method obeyed Beer's law in the concentration range of 4 - 20 µgmL-1 respectively. The method was validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and Brazil National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) guidelines, showing accuracy, precision, selectivity, robustness and linearity. Tests such as weight range, friability, disintegration, hardness and dissolution were carried out to check tablets' quality and all the trials showed to be in accordance with the general test guidelines of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The dissolution test was carried out and the developed method was applied. The method developed is suitable for the estimation of secnidazole in tablets without any interference from the excipients and can be used for routine in quality control. Still, it's a simple, fast and low cost method.

Secnidazol, um nitroimidazólico, é um fármaco utilizado no tratamento para protozoários, e várias infecções bacterianas. Este trabalho propôs o desenvolvimento e validação de um método espectrofotométrico na região do ultravioleta para a determinação de Secnidazol na forma farmacêutica de comprimidos, uma vez que não há nenhum método relatado nas farmacopeias. A quantificação foi realizada utilizando metanol como solvente a 325 nm (máximo de comprimento de onda) e usando três tipos de produtos comercializados no Brasil (de referência, genéricos e comprimidos similares) contendo 1g de Secnidazol. O método obedeceu a lei de Beer no intervalo de concentração de 4 - 20 µgmL-1, respectivamente. O método foi validado de acordo com a Conferência Internacional de Harmonização (ICH) e diretrizes da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária do Brasil (ANVISA), apresentando exatidão, precisão, seletividade, robustez e linearidade. Testes como variação de peso, friabilidade, desintegração, dureza e dissolução foram realizados para verificar a qualidade de comprimidos e mostrou-se de acordo com os testes gerais da Farmacopeia Brasileira. O teste de dissolução realizado e o método desenvolvido pode ser aplicado. O método desenvolvido é adequado para a estimativa de secnidazole em comprimidos sem qualquer interferência dos excipientes e pode ser usado para a rotina de controlo de qualidade. Ainda, é um método simples, rápido e de baixo custo.

Avaliação da qualidade de medicamentos contendo clortalidona / Quality Assessment of medication containing chlorthalidone

Os diuréticos são a classe de fármacos mais utilizados no tratamento da hipertensão devido a sua eficácia terapêutica e ao baixo custo. Isto faz com que uma grande variedade de medicamentos esteja disponível no comercio e atrelado a este fator muitas empresas tem seus lotes de medicamentos suspensos devido a desvios de qualidade e das modificações realizadas nas formulações após o seu registro. A clortalidona é um diurético tiazídico indicada para o tratamento de hipertensão arterial leve ou moderada e com normalidade das funções cardíacas e renal. Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a qualidade de comprimidos de clortalidona comercializados no município de Sinop/ MT. O controle de qualidade foi realizado como estabelecido na Farmacopeia Brasileira quinta edição (ensaios de identificação, pureza, doseamento, ensaios referentes a forma farmacêutica de comprimidos e perfil de dissolução), de cinco produtos contendo clortalidona 25 mg sendo um produto de medicamento referência, dois de medicamentos genéricos e dois de medicamentos similares. Verificou-se que todos os produtos foram aprovados, cumprindo com todos os requisitos exigidos nos ensaios de qualidade e que estudos referentes ao perfil de dissolução nos lotes de produção de medicamentos são importantes para prever a absorção adequada do princípio ativo

Diuretics are the most used class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension because of their therapeutic efficiency and low cost. This makes a wide variety of medicines commercially available and, linked to this factor, many companies have their batches of medicines suspended due to deviations of quality and modifications made in the formulas after their registration. Chlorthalidone, is a thiazide diuretic drug indicated for treatment of hypertension of patients with mild or moderate hypertension, and with normal cardiac and renal function. This work aimed to assess and compare the quality of medicines containing chlorthalidone commercialized in Sinop-MT. The quality control was performed as established in the fifth edition of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (identification, purity and dosage assays, tests referring to the pharmaceutical form of the tablets and their dissolution profile). Among five products containing 25 mg of chlortalidone, one was a reference drug product, two were generic and two were similar drugs. It was found that all products were approved, meeting all the requirements required in the quality tests, and that studies concerning the dissolution profile in batches of drug production are important to predict adequate absorption of the active principle

In vitro immunomodulatory effects of microemulsions with levamisole delivery systems on blood phagocytes interacting with Giardia lamblia.

BACKGROUND: Giardiasis is one of the main parasites that infect the gastrointestinal tract of humans, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Antiparasitics administered to treat giardiasis are inefficient in 20% of the cases, usually because of parasite resistance and side effects. In this scenario, microemulsions are a promising pharmaceutical alternative as carriers of molecules with therapeutic action that stimulate the immune system. METHODS: The study evaluated the effects of a microemulsion delivery system with levamisole hydrochloride on the functional activity of MN phagocytes incubated with G. lamblia. RESULTS: The microemulsion formulated was incorporated with levamisole hydrochloride using distilled water, caprylic/capric triglyceride-Polymol 812®, Sorbitan Oleate-Span 80®, Polysorbate 80 - Tween 80® and 1-butanol. The activity of the microemulsion was analyzed by phagocytosis rate, microbicidal activity, apoptosis rate and intracellular calcium concentration. Phagocytosis rate, microbicidal activity and apoptosis index increased in the microemulsion treatment. The results suggest that the microemulsion improves the therapeutic efficacy of levamisole, increasing the functional activity of phagocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The microemulsion with a levamisole delivery system is therefore an efficient alternative for treating giardiasis, acting as an immunomodulator that probably causes fewer side effects than conventional drugs.

Cytokine modulation of human blood viscosity from vivax malaria patients.

Malaria is a major infectious disease in several countries and is caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium. In vivax malaria patients, inflammatory processes occur, as well as changes in cytokines and blood flow. The present study analyzed the cytokine modulation of blood viscosity from patients infected with Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax). Blood samples were collected from 42 non-infected individuals (control group) and 37 individuals infected with P. vivax. The IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNFα, TGF-ß and IL-17 cytokine concentrations in the serum were assessed, and the blood rheological properties were determined. The analysis of blood viscosity for shear rates revealed that the blood viscosity of the infected patients was significantly greater than that of the non-infected individuals. The viscosity of the blood was greater in the infected individuals than in the non-infected subjects. The serum from individuals with P. vivax infections exhibited higher IFN-γ and IL-17 concentrations and lower TGF-ß levels. Incubation of the blood from infected individuals with IL-17 or IL-17 associated with IFN-γ reduced the viscosity to rates equivalent to the blood from non-infected individuals. Independently of cytokine modulation, no correlation was found between the parasitemia and blood viscosity of the infected patients. These data suggest that the alterations of blood viscosity are relevant as an auxiliary tool for the clinical diagnosis of disease. In malaria, erythrocytes are more sensitive to osmotic shock, and the reduction of viscosity by IL-17 may be related to a possible immunomodulator agent during infection.

Microemulsion of babassu oil as a natural product to improve human immune system function.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a babassu oil microemulsion system and determine the effect of this microemulsion on the functional activity of phagocytes. METHODS: The microemulsion was formulated using distilled water, babassu as the oil phase component, Sorbitan monooleate-Span 80(®) (SP), Polysorbate 80-Tween 80(®) (TW), and 1-butanol (BT). Pseudoternary diagrams were prepared, and microemulsion diagram regions were preselected. Rheological characterization and preliminary and accelerated stability tests were performed. The effect of the microemulsion on the interactions between leukocytes and bacteria was determined by superoxide release, phagocytosis, and microbicidal activity. RESULTS: The developed formulation SP/TW/BT (4.2/4.8/1.0) was classified as oil/water, showed a Newtonian profile, and had linear viscosity. When we assessed the interaction of the microemulsion or babassu oil with phagocytes, we observed an increase in superoxide, phagocytosis, and microbicidal activity. CONCLUSION: The babassu oil microemulsion system is an option for future applications, including for vaccine delivery systems. Babassu oil is a natural product, so is an alternative for future immunotherapy strategies, in particular for infectious diseases.

Effects of Momordica charantia L. on the blood rheological properties in diabetic patients.

An evaluation of the rheological properties and the effects of Momordica. charantia L. (M. charantia) nanoparticles and polyethylene glycol (PEG) microspheres adsorbed with M. charantia nanoparticles on the blood of hyperglycemic patients is presented. Blood samples were collected according to glycemic status: normoglycemic (N = 56) and hyperglycemic (N = 26). General and hematological characteristics were determined. Blood rheological parameters were determined at room temperature and under a temperature scan. We determined the effects on whole blood viscosity of treatment with an extract of M. charantia, PEG, or PEG microspheres adsorbed with plant extract. The viscosity of the blood of hyperglycemic patients is greater than that of normoglycemic patients. Nanoparticles of M. charantia extracts lowered blood viscosity at equivalent rates in normo- and hyperglycemic individuals. PEG microspheres did not reduce blood viscosity in hyperglycemic individuals. However, PEG microspheres adsorbed with nanofraction extracts of M. charantia reduced blood viscosity. These data suggest that the effects of diabetes on the viscosity of the blood should be considered. The use of a nanoparticles extract of M. charantia and its adsorption on PEG microspheres may represent an alternative for the control and treatment of blood disorders in diabetic patients.