Effectiveness of resveratrol as a hepatoprotector in a rat model of paracetamol-induced liver injury / Eficácia do resveratrol como hepatoprotetor em modelo de rato com lesão hepática induzida por paracetamol

Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of resveratrol as a hepatoprotector in a rat model of paracetamol-induced liver injury and its biodistribution to understand its pharmacokinetics. Methodology: As an experimental approach, animals were divided into the test group with 4 subgroups and the control group with 4 subgroups. Animals of the "treated" group were subjected to resveratrol pre-treatment for eight days, followed by intoxication with a high dose of paracetamol on the 8th day. Animals were euthanized to collect the blood and liver tissue samples 24 and 72 h after the last administration. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated through serum levels of glycogen and hepatic enzymes, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), histological and morphometric analysis of the liver tissue. For biodistribution analysis, different organs (organs, kidneys, heart and lungs) were collected and macerated, and resveratrol was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analyses of morphometry, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase measurements, and biodistribution results were performed using GraphPad Prism® 3.0. Differences between groups were compared using ANOVA, followed by the Bonferroni test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Resveratrol has a hepatoprotective action against acute intoxication by paracetamol, as evidenced by the histological decrease in necrosis and inflammatory foci, preservation of glycogen and other 1,2-glycols in zone 3, and reduction of serum ALT and AST levels. An increased presence of collagen was observed in acinar zones 1 and 3 with picrosirius red staining; therefore, quantification was performed in these regions showing smaller collagen areas in the R and RP groups than in the PC and NC groups Paracetamol caused a significant reduction in the resveratrol concentration in serum and the organs studied, indicating that the antioxidant activity of resveratrol is related to its hepatoprotective action. Conclusion: Resveratrol has hepatoprotective properties and can mitigate some of the liver damage caused by high doses of paracetamol, as indicated by changes in tissue characteristics and liver enzyme levels.

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do resveratrol como hepatoprotetor em modelo de rato com lesão hepática induzida por paracetamol e sua biodistribuição para compreender sua farmacocinética. Metodologia: Como abordagem experimental, os animais foram divididos em grupo teste com 4 subgrupos e grupo controle com 4 subgrupos. Os animais do grupo "tratado" foram submetidos ao pré-tratamento com resveratrol durante oito dias, seguido de intoxicação com alta dose de paracetamol no oitavo dia. Os animais foram eutanasiados para coleta de amostras de sangue e tecido hepático 24 e 72 horas após a última administração. A atividade hepatoprotetora foi avaliada através dos níveis séricos de glicogênio e de enzimas hepáticas, como aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e fosfatase alcalina (ALP), análise histológica e morfométrica do tecido hepático. Para análise de biodistribuição, diferentes órgãos (órgãos, rins, coração e pulmões) foram coletados e macerados, e o resveratrol foi quantificado por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Análises estatísticas de morfometria, medidas de transaminases e fosfatase alcalina e resultados de biodistribuição foram realizadas utilizando GraphPad Prism® 3.0. As diferenças entre os grupos foram comparadas por meio de ANOVA, seguida do teste de Bonferroni. A significância estatística foi estabelecida em p < 0,05. Resultados: O resveratrol tem ação hepatoprotetora contra a intoxicação aguda por paracetamol, evidenciada pela diminuição histológica da necrose e dos focos inflamatórios, preservação do glicogênio e outros 1,2-glicóis na zona 3 e redução dos níveis séricos de ALT e AST. Foi observada presença aumentada de colágeno nas zonas acinares 1 e 3 com coloração picrosirius red; portanto, foi realizada quantificação nessas regiões mostrando menores áreas de colágeno nos grupos tratados com resveratrol e resveratrol associado com paracetamol do que nos grupos controles positivo e negativo. O paracetamol causou redução significativa na concentração de resveratrol no soro e nos órgãos estudados, indicando que a atividade antioxidante do resveratrol está relacionada à sua ação hepatoprotetora. Conclusão: O resveratrol possui propriedades hepatoprotetoras e pode mitigar alguns dos danos hepáticos causados por altas doses de paracetamol, conforme indicado por alterações nas características dos tecidos e nos níveis de enzimas hepáticas.

Reference evapotranspiration of Brazil modeled with machine learning techniques and remote sensing.

Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is a fundamental parameter for hydrological studies and irrigation management. The Penman-Monteith method is the standard to estimate ETo and requires several meteorological elements. In developing countries, the number of weather stations is insufficient. Thus, free products of remote sensing with evapotranspiration information must be used for this purpose. In this context, the objective of this study was to estimate monthly ETo from potential evapotranspiration (PET) made available by MOD16 product. In this study, the monthly ETo estimated by Penman-Monteith method was considered as the standard. For this, data from 265 weather station of the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), spread all over the Brazilian territory, were acquired for the period from 2000 to 2014 (15 years). For these months, monthly PET values from MOD16 product for all Brazil were also downloaded. By using machine learning algorithms and information from WorldClim as covariates, ETo was estimated through images from the MOD16 product. To perform the modeling of ETo, eight regression algorithms were tested: multiple linear regression; random forest; cubist; partial least squares; principal components regression; adaptive forward-backward greedy; generalized boosted regression and generalized linear model by likelihood-based boosting. Data from 2000 to 2012 (13 years) were used for training and data of 2013 and 2014 (2 years) were used to test the models. The PET made available by the MOD16 product showed higher values than those of ETo for different periods and climatic regions of Brazil. However, the MOD16 product showed good correlation with ETo, indicating that it can be used in ETo estimation. All models of machine learning were effective in improving the performance of the metrics evaluated. Cubist was the model that presented the best metrics for r2 (0.91), NSE (0.90) and nRMSE (8.54%) and should be preferred for ETo prediction. MOD16 product is recommended to be used to predict monthly ETo, which opens possibilities for its use in several other studies.

ORAL RUTIN SUSPENSION INTERVENE IN HEPATIC HYPERPLASIA IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Rutin is a flavonol glycoside that can be found in a wide variety of vegetables and has activity, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of rutin oral administration on Wistar rats submitted to hepatic hyperplasia after partial hepatectomy (PH). METHODS: To achieve this, we considered the analysis of hepatic hyperplastic and plasma biochemical activity of Wistar rats, subjected to treatment with rutin 40 mg/kg/day for 10 days in group 1 (G1) or saline in group 2 (G2), followed by partial hepatectomy. RESULTS: The results indicated an increase in the number of mitoses after 24 hours and 48 hours (P=0.0022 and P=0.0152, respectively) of PH in the group that received rutin, as well as an increase in AST serum levels after 24 hours (P=0.0159) and 48 hours (P=0.0158) and alkaline phosphatase after 24 hours (P=0.015) in the same group, in relation to the respective controls. The group that received rutin showed a more evident variation than the control group when comparing the 24 hour and 48 hour results regarding AST, number of mitoses and number of apoptosis (P<0.005). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that rutin intervened in hepatic hyperplasia after 24 hours and 48 hours of PH, favoring hepatic hyperplasia.

Suspensão oral de rutina interfere na hiperplasia hepática em ratos / Oral rutin suspension intervene in hepatic hyperplasia in rats

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Rutin is a flavonol glycoside that can be found in a wide variety of vegetables and has activity, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of rutin oral administration on Wistar rats submitted to hepatic hyperplasia after partial hepatectomy (PH). METHODS: To achieve this, we considered the analysis of hepatic hyperplastic and plasma biochemical activity of Wistar rats, subjected to treatment with rutin 40 mg/kg/day for 10 days in group 1 (G1) or saline in group 2 (G2), followed by partial hepatectomy. RESULTS: The results indicated an increase in the number of mitoses after 24 hours and 48 hours (P=0.0022 and P=0.0152, respectively) of PH in the group that received rutin, as well as an increase in AST serum levels after 24 hours (P=0.0159) and 48 hours (P=0.0158) and alkaline phosphatase after 24 hours (P=0.015) in the same group, in relation to the respective controls. The group that received rutin showed a more evident variation than the control group when comparing the 24 hour and 48 hour results regarding AST, number of mitoses and number of apoptosis (P<0.005). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that rutin intervened in hepatic hyperplasia after 24 hours and 48 hours of PH, favoring hepatic hyperplasia.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A rutina é um flavonoide que pode ser encontrado em grande variedade de vegetais e apresenta atividades anticâncer, anti-inflamatória e antidiabética. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da administração oral de rutina sobre a hiperplasia hepática em ratos Wistar submetidos à hepatectomia parcial. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada a análise da hiperplasia hepática e da bioquímica plasmática dos ratos Wistar tratados com rutina 40 mg/kg por 10 dias no grupo 1 (G1) ou salina no grupo 2 (G2), seguido da hepatectomia parcial. RESULTADOS: Os resultados indicaram aumento do número de mitoses após 24 e 48 horas (P=0,0022 e P=0,0152, respectivamente) da hepatectomia parcial no grupo que recebeu rutina, além de um aumento nos níveis séricos de AST após 24 horas (P=0,0159) e 48 horas (P=0,0158) e de fosfatase alcalina após 24 horas (P=0,015) no mesmo grupo, em relação aos respectivos controles. O grupo que recebeu rutina mostrou variação mais evidente do que o grupo controle quando se comparou os resultados de 24 horas e 48 horas em relação a AST, número de mitoses e número de apoptoses (P<0,005). CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível concluir que a rutina interferiu na hiperplasia hepática após 24 e 48 horas após a hepatectomia parcial, favorecendo a hiperplasia hepática.

The Ex Vivo Skin Model as an Alternative Tool for the Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Topical Products.

The development of alternative approaches for safety and efficacy testing that avoid the use of animals is a worldwide trend, which relies on the improvement of current models and tools so that they better reproduce human biology. Human skin from elective plastic surgery is a promising experimental model to test the effects of topically applied products. As the structure of native skin is maintained, including cell population (keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells and fibroblasts) and dermal matrix (containing collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, etc.), it most closely matches the effects of substances on in vivo human skin. In this review, we present a collection of results that our group has generated over the last years, involving the use of human skin and scalp explants, demonstrating the feasibility of this model. The development of a test system with ex vivo skin explants, of standard size and thickness, and cultured at the air-liquid interface, can provide an important tool for understanding the mechanisms involved in several cutaneous disorders.

Evapotranspiration and crop coefficients of Italian zucchini cultivated with recycled paper as mulch.

Recycled paper has the potential to be used as a mulch for vegetable production and can be adopted for the cultivation of Italian zucchini. However, there have been no studies about the water savings or crop coefficient values used in irrigation management in this system; therefore, there is a need for more research. In view of the above, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of recycled paper mulch on evaporation and evapotranspiration in Italian zucchini and to determine the crop coefficients in its developmental stages. The study was carried out in two cultivation cycles conducted at the Lysimetric Station in Viçosa, MG, Brazil. The experiments were installed in a randomized block design with four replicates. Four lysimeter cultivation treatments were applied: without mulch (C); with recycled paper as mulch (CP); with only recycled paper (P); and with Bahia grass (G). Irrigation and drainage measurements were performed daily to calculate the crop and reference evapotranspiration, and thus the crop coefficient (Kc) values. The following characteristics were evaluated: fruit yield, NDVI and water productivity. For the cultivation of Italian zucchini using paper as mulch, Kc values of 0.54, 0.77 and 0.44 and Kcb values of 0.15, 0.45 and 0.18 are recommended for the initial, intermediate and final stages, respectively. NDVI can be used to estimate the Kc values for Italian zucchini. The use of recycled paper as mulch reduces the water consumption of Italian zucchini.

Raça, gênero, sexualidade e interseccionalidade: a potência da bixa preta / Race, gender, sexuality and intersectionality: the bixa preta potency

Esta dissertação tomará como temática principal a categoria identitária bixa preta. Partindo dessa temática principal, levando em consideração a recente produção e ampliação da discussão nos campos políticos, acadêmicos e das artes, será realizado o levantamento de materiais bibliográficos levando em consideração os encontrados em torno da temática, bem como será pensada a amplitude dos espaços em que têm se desenvolvido recentemente a discussão desse tema. Na intenção de explicitar através da prática como a categoria identitária bixa preta se articula e se potencializa através da força coletiva na intenção de produzir organizações e rupturas, será apresentado também neste trabalho o coletivo "Bixa preta, e daí?!". Este trabalho principalmente se apresenta como o registro de um coletivo que, ainda que atravessado por diversos marcadores sociais de diferenciação estigmatizantes e discriminados, cria caminhos para continuar produzindo e (re)existindo.

This dissertation will take as its main theme the identity category of the bixa preta. Starting from this main theme, taking into account the recent production and expansion of the discussion in the political, academic and arts fields, a survey of bibliographic materials will be carried out taking into account those found around the theme, as well as the breadth of the spaces in question that the discussion of this topic has been developed recently. With the intention of explaining through practice how the identity category of the black bixa articulates and is strengthened through the collective force in the intention of producing organizations and ruptures, the collective "Bixa preta, e daí?!" will also be presented in this work. This work mainly presents itself as the record of a collective that, although crossed by several stigmatizing and discriminated social markers of differentiation, creates ways to continue producing and (re)existing.

Pretreatment of hepatetctomized rats with Coleus forskohlii did not interfere with the course of hepatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: Coleus forskohlii Briq., a medicinal plant originally from India, has been indicated against heart disease, expiratory disorders, convulsions, and hepatic changes, among others. In view of the broad pharmacological potential of the plant and the scarce information about its effects, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of its use for pretreatment of partially hepatectomized rats. METHODS: The animals were divided into two experimental groups: Control (CG) receiving physiological saline for 10 days before partial hepatetctomy, and Treated (TG) receiving 40 mg Coleus forskohlii/kg/day for 10 days before partial hepatectomy. The treatments were performed by gastric gavage. After the surgical procedure, treatment was continued according to the following groups: CG 24 h, CG 48 h, TG 24 h, and TG 48 hs, and liver tissue and intracardiac blood samples were obtained for histological and biochemical analysis, respectively. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in mitotic or apoptotic index or in the concentrations of the enzymes AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase, and no areas of fibrosis were detected. CONCLUSION: Treatment with Coleus forskohlii did not interfere with the course of hepatic hyperplasia.

The essential oil of Curcuma longa rhizomes as an antimicrobial and its composition by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry / Óleo essencial de Curcuma longa L. como um antimicrobiano e composição por Cromatografi a Gasosa/Espectrometria de massas

Objective This study aimed to extract the essential oil of Curcuma longa rhizomes collected in Brazil, determine its composition by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and evaluate its hemolytic action and antimicrobial activity. Methods The oil extraction was performed by hydrodistillation; its composition was determined by GC-MS; the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was evaluated through microdilution, and the hemolytic activity was analyzed in sheep red blood cells. Results The essential oil's major components are zingiberene (11%), sesquiphellandrene (10%), ß-turmerone (10%), and α-curcumene (5%). It proved efficient at inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of 38.8µl/mL, Staphylococcus epidermidis (Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of 50.0µl/mL), Escherichia coli (Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of 44.4µl/mL), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of 27.7µl/mL). Conclusion Despite provoking hemolysis in sheep red blood cells, the essential oil suggests promising results for a variety of purposes due to its antibacterial properties. Supplementary research is necessary to determine in vivo activity and the potential use of the C. longa essential oil as an antimicrobial agent in diverse situations.

Objetivo Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a composição e avaliar as atividades antimicrobiana e hemolítica do óleo essencial de rizomas da Curcuma longa L. Métodos A extração do óleo essencial foi realizada por hidrodestilação e sua composição determinada por cromatografia gasosa com espectrometria de massas. A Concentração Mínima Inibitória foi avaliada por microdiluição e a atividade hemolítica foi analisada em hemácias de carneiro. Resultados Os componentes majoritários encontrados foram zingibereno (11%), sesquipelenadieno (10%), ß-turmerona (10%) e α-curcumeno (5%). O óleo essencial provocou hemólise e inibiu Staphylococcus aureus (Concentração Mínima Inibitória=38,8µl/mL), Staphylococcus epidermidis (Concentração Mínima Inibitória=50,0µl/mL), Escherichia coli (Concentração Mínima Inibitória=44,4µl µl/mL) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Concentração Mínima Inibitória=27,7µl/mL). Conclusão Apesar de provocar hemólise, o óleo essencial analisado tem potencial para diversas finalidades, devido às suas propriedades antibacterianas. Estudos complementares são necessários para determinar a atividade in vivo e o potencial uso de óleo essencial de C. longa como agente antimicrobiano em diversas situações.

Pretreatment of hepatetctomized rats with Coleus forskohlii did not interfere with the course of hepatic hyperplasia

Abstract Purpose Coleus forskohlii Briq., a medicinal plant originally from India, has been indicated against heart disease, expiratory disorders, convulsions, and hepatic changes, among others. In view of the broad pharmacological potential of the plant and the scarce information about its effects, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of its use for pretreatment of partially hepatectomized rats. Methods The animals were divided into two experimental groups: Control (CG) receiving physiological saline for 10 days before partial hepatetctomy, and Treated (TG) receiving 40 mg Coleus forskohlii/kg/day for 10 days before partial hepatectomy. The treatments were performed by gastric gavage. After the surgical procedure, treatment was continued according to the following groups: CG 24 h, CG 48 h, TG 24 h, and TG 48 hs, and liver tissue and intracardiac blood samples were obtained for histological and biochemical analysis, respectively. Results No significant differences were observed in mitotic or apoptotic index or in the concentrations of the enzymes AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase, and no areas of fibrosis were detected. Conclusion Treatment with Coleus forskohlii did not interfere with the course of hepatic hyperplasia.

Capsiate treatment in liver surgeries may compromise its recovery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of capsiate treatment on hepatic hyperplasia in partially hepatectomized rats. METHODS: The animals were divided into a Capsiate group (CPH), a Capsiate Post-Partial Hepatectomy group (CPPH) and a Partial Hepatectomy Control group (PH). CPH and CPPH animals received 60 mg/kg/day Capsiate for 30 days. Next, the rats underwent partial hepatectomy. CPPH animals continued to receive treatment for 48 h after partial hepatectomy. Liver tissue and intracardiac blood samples were obtained 24 or 48 h after PH. RESULTS: Capsiate treatment interfered with hepatic parameters, reducing the number of mitoses and apoptosis and increasing blood ALT and alkaline phosphatase concentrations. CONCLUSION: Capsiate treatment preceding hepatic surgery may compromise the initial period of postoperative recovery.

Capsiate treatment in liver surgeries may compromise its recovery

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effects of capsiate treatment on hepatic hyperplasia in partially hepatectomized rats. Methods: The animals were divided into a Capsiate group (CPH), a Capsiate Post-Partial Hepatectomy group (CPPH) and a Partial Hepatectomy Control group (PH). CPH and CPPH animals received 60 mg/kg/day Capsiate for 30 days. Next, the rats underwent partial hepatectomy. CPPH animals continued to receive treatment for 48 h after partial hepatectomy. Liver tissue and intracardiac blood samples were obtained 24 or 48 h after PH. Results: Capsiate treatment interfered with hepatic parameters, reducing the number of mitoses and apoptosis and increasing blood ALT and alkaline phosphatase concentrations. Conclusion: Capsiate treatment preceding hepatic surgery may compromise the initial period of postoperative recovery.

Lycopene and resveratrol pretreatment did not interfere with the liver of hepatectomized rats.

PURPOSE:: To investigate the effects of lycopene and resveratrol pretreatment on hepatic hyperplasia in partially hepatectomized rats. METHODS:: The lycopene group and the resveratrol group received 40 mg/kg/day of lycopene or resveratrol, respectively (dissolved in olive oil or in saline solution, respectively) and administered via a gastric tube for 30 days. The partially hepatectomzed (PH) control groups received saline or olive oil via a gastric tube for 30 days, respectively, and the normal control group received no treatment. Liver tissue and intracardiac blood samples were obtained 24, 36 or 48 h after PH. RESULTS:: No areas of fibrosis were detected. No significant changes in mitotic index, in the number of apoptosis events or in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were observed. CONCLUSIONS:: Lycopene and resveratrol pretreatment did not interfere on hepatic hyperplasia in partially hepatectomized rats.

Lycopene and resveratrol pretreatment did not interfere with the liver of hepatectomized rats

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effects of lycopene and resveratrol pretreatment on hepatic hyperplasia in partially hepatectomized rats. Methods: The lycopene group and the resveratrol group received 40 mg/kg/day of lycopene or resveratrol, respectively (dissolved in olive oil or in saline solution, respectively) and administered via a gastric tube for 30 days. The partially hepatectomzed (PH) control groups received saline or olive oil via a gastric tube for 30 days, respectively, and the normal control group received no treatment. Liver tissue and intracardiac blood samples were obtained 24, 36 or 48 h after PH. Results: No areas of fibrosis were detected. No significant changes in mitotic index, in the number of apoptosis events or in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were observed. Conclusions: Lycopene and resveratrol pretreatment did not interfere on hepatic hyperplasia in partially hepatectomized rats.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Quercetin Pretreatment Against Paracetamol-Induced Liver Damage and Partial Hepatectomy in Rats

ABSTRACT Quercetin has potent antioxidant action and a hepatoprotective role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective action of quercetin pretreatment in paracetamol-induced liver damage (PILD) and structural injury resulting from partial hepatectomy (PH). In the first model, Wistar rats received oral quercetin (50mg/kg/day) during 8 days. On the 8th day, 3g/kg paracetamol were added. In the second model, the same quercetin dose was given during 7 days and rats were submitted to PH on the 8th day. Blood samples were obtained for determination of enzyme levels. Liver, heart, kidney and lung tissue were also collected for assessment of quercetin biodistribution and/or histological analyses. The results obtained after PILD were more pronounced at 24 hours, as reflected by the reduction of serum ALT levels and by the lower concentration of quercetin in liver at this time point. Quercetin also had a protective effect in groups submitted to PH, as shown by decreased ALT levels after 18 hours, and of AST levels after 18 and 36h. The reduction in serum AST and ALT levels suggest that treatment with quercetin is useful as a preoperative pharmacologic measure and for prevention of liver damage caused by drugs.

Use of Curcuma longa in cosmetics: extraction of curcuminoid pigments, development of formulations, and in vitro skin permeation studies

Curcuma longa is a ginger family aromatic herb (Zingiberaceae) whose rhizomes contain curcuminoid pigments, including curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to obtain curcuminoid-rich extracts, develop topical formulations thereof, and assess the stability and skin permeation of these formulations. Curcuma longa extracts were obtained and used to develop formulations. Skin permeation studies were conducted in a modified Franz diffusion cell system, and skin retention of curcuminoid pigments was quantified in pig ear membrane. Prepared urea-containing gel-cream formulations were unstable, whereas all others had satisfactory stability and pseudoplastic rheological behavior. The amount of curcuminoid pigments recovered from the receptor solution was negligible. The skin concentration of curcuminoid pigments retained was positive (>20 µg/g of skin, mostly in the stratum corneum), considering the low skin permeability of curcumin. We conclude that development of topical formulations containing curcumin or Curcuma longa extract is feasible, as long as adjuvants are added to improve preservation and durability. The formulations developed in this study enabled penetration of curcumin limited to the superficial layers of the skin and then possibly without a risk of systemic action, thus permitting local use as a topical anti-inflammatory.

Curcuma longa é uma erva aromática, pertencente à família Zingiberaceae e seus rizomas contêm pigmentos curcuminoides, dentre eles a curcumina, conhecida por seu efeito anti-inflamatório. O objetivo deste trabalho foi obter extratos ricos nestes pigmentos, desenvolver e avaliar a estabilidade de formulações tópicas e realizar o estudo da penetração cutânea. Extratos de Curcuma longa foram obtidos e utilizados no desenvolvimento de formulações. A penetração e retenção cutâneas de pigmentos curcuminoides foi avaliada em pele de orelha de porco, utilizando célula de difusão de Franz modificada. As formulações de gel creme preparadas que continham ureia foram instáveis e as demais apresentaram estabilidade satisfatória e comportamento reológico pseudoplástico. A quantidade de pigmentos curcuminoides encontrada na solução receptora foi insignificante, enquanto que a quantidade retida na pele foi superior a 20 µg/g de pele. Concluiu-se como possível o desenvolvimento de formulações tópicas contendo curcumina ou extrato de Curcuma longa, conciliando a adição de adjuvantes para a preservação e maior durabilidade da mesma. As formulações promoveram a penetração da curcumina limitada às camadas superiores da pele, possivelmente sem o risco de ocorrência de ação sistêmica sendo possível a sua utilização para ação local com atividade anti-inflamatória.

Estudo comparativo da patogenesia de quatro medicamentos homeopáticos de origem ofídica: relação da composição das toxinas e espécie de serpente / Comparative study of the pathogenetic symptoms of four homeopathic medicines derived from snakes: relationship between venom composition and snake species

Um dos fundamentos tradicionais da homeopatia é a experimentação no indivíduo sadio. Isto é, antes de ser utilizados na clínica através da lei dos semelhantes, as substâncias ou drogas são testadas em sujeitos sadios a fim de se identificar com precisão os sinais e sintomas que provocam. Os medicamentos homeopáticos produzidos a partir de toxinas ofídicas apresentam relevante utilização terapêutica, sobretudo Lachesis muta. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a sintomatologia de quatro medicamentos homeopáticos de origem ofídica, Elaps corallinus, Bothrops lanceolatus, Crotalus horridus e Lach, obtida através de experimentação patogenética, visando relacionar as ações comuns e discutir as diferenças bioquímicas que justificam as especificidades de cada um. A relação entre as descrições patogenéticas dos medicamentos Lach, Elaps, Crot-h e Both-l apresentam muitas características comuns com os acidentes ofídicos provocados por Lachesis muta, Micrurus corallinus, Crotalus horridus e Bothrops jararaca, respectivamente, fato que justifica a utilização de informações toxicológicas como contribuição para a matéria médica homeopática. Conclui-se que os medicamentos estudados apresentam características patogenéticas comuns com eventos hemorrágicos, inflamatórios e neurotóxicos, porém, separadamente, guardam detalhes individuais e clinicamente específicos, sendo impossível a descrição de uma patogenesia única para os medicamentos elaborados a partir das diferentes espécies de serpentes. A composição de cada toxina justifica a maioria das ações patogenéticas dos respectivos medicamentos, bem como suas semelhanças com os relatos dos acidentes ofídicos.

One of the traditional foundations of homeopathy is the proving of medicines in healthy individuals. This to say, before used in clinical practice by means of the law of similarity, substances or drugs are tested in healthy volunteers to establish the signs and symptoms they cause with full precision. Homeopathic medicines prepared from snake venoms are used quite often in clinical practice, Lachesis muta in particular. The aim of the present study was to compare the set of pathogenetic symptoms of four homeopathic medicines derived from snakes, i.e., Elaps corallinus, Bothrops lanceolatus, Crotalus horridus, and Lach to correlate common actions, and discuss the biochemical differences that account for each one’s specificities. The pathogenetic descriptions of Lach, Elaps, Crot-h and Both-l exhibit many traits in common with the effects of the venoms of Lachesis muta, Micrurus corallinus, Crotalus horridus and Bothrops jararaca, respectively, which justifies the inclusion of toxicological data in the homeopathic materia medica. We conclude that the investigated homeopathic medicines exhibit pathogenetic traits corresponding to hemorrhagic, inflammatory, and neurotoxic events, however, they also exhibit individual and clinically specific actions that hinder the elaboration of a single pathogenetic picture. The composition of each snake venom accounts for the pathogenetic action of the corresponding homeopathic medicines, as well as their similarity with snake bites.

Estudo comparativo da patogenesia de quatro medicamentos homeopáticos de origem ofídica: relação da composição das toxinas e espécie de serpente / Comparative study of the pathogenetic symptoms of four homeopathic medicines derived from snakes: relationship between venom composition and snake species

Um dos fundamentos tradicionais da homeopatia é a experimentação no indivíduo sadio. Isto é, antes de ser utilizados na clínica através da lei dos semelhantes, as substâncias ou drogas são testadas em sujeitos sadios a fim de se identificar com precisão os sinais e sintomas que provocam. Os medicamentos homeopáticos produzidos a partir de toxinas ofídicas apresentam relevante utilização terapêutica, sobretudo Lachesis muta. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a sintomatologia de quatro medicamentos homeopáticos de origem ofídica, Elaps corallinus, Bothrops lanceolatus, Crotalus horridus e Lach, obtida através de experimentação patogenética, visando relacionar as ações comuns e discutir as diferenças bioquímicas que justificam as especificidades de cada um. A relação entre as descrições patogenéticas dos medicamentos Lach, Elaps, Crot-h e Both-l apresentam muitas características comuns com os acidentes ofídicos provocados por Lachesis muta, Micrurus corallinus, Crotalus horridus e Bothrops jararaca, respectivamente, fato que justifica a utilização de informações toxicológicas como contribuição para a matéria médica homeopática. Conclui-se que os medicamentos estudados apresentam características patogenéticas comuns com eventos hemorrágicos, inflamatórios e neurotóxicos, porém, separadamente, guardam detalhes individuais e clinicamente específicos, sendo impossível a descrição de uma patogenesia única para os medicamentos elaborados a partir das diferentes espécies de serpentes. A composição de cada toxina justifica a maioria das ações patogenéticas dos respectivos medicamentos, bem como suas semelhanças com os relatos dos acidentes ofídicos.

One of the traditional foundations of homeopathy is the proving of medicines in healthy individuals. This to say, before used in clinical practice by means of the law of similarity, substances or drugs are tested in healthy volunteers to establish the signs and symptoms they cause with full precision. Homeopathic medicines prepared from snake venoms are used quite often in clinical practice, Lachesis muta in particular. The aim of the present study was to compare the set of pathogenetic symptoms of four homeopathic medicines derived from snakes, i.e., Elaps corallinus, Bothrops lanceolatus, Crotalus horridus, and Lach to correlate common actions, and discuss the biochemical differences that account for each one’s specificities. The pathogenetic descriptions of Lach, Elaps, Crot-h and Both-l exhibit many traits in common with the effects of the venoms of Lachesis muta, Micrurus corallinus, Crotalus horridus and Bothrops jararaca, respectively, which justifies the inclusion of toxicological data in the homeopathic materia medica. We conclude that the investigated homeopathic medicines exhibit pathogenetic traits corresponding to hemorrhagic, inflammatory, and neurotoxic events, however, they also exhibit individual and clinically specific actions that hinder the elaboration of a single pathogenetic picture. The composition of each snake venom accounts for the pathogenetic action of the corresponding homeopathic medicines, as well as their similarity with snake bites.

Doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica: patogênese e achados histológicos com ênfase nas alterações mitocondriais: [revisão] / Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: pathogenesis and histological findings with emphasis on mitochondrial alterations: [review]

A esteatose hepática não relacionada ao alcoolismo pode ocorrer isoladamente ou como parte da doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica, abrangendo amplo espectro de alterações morfológicas e variando de esteatose até estádios mais graves (acompanhados por fibrose), podendo chegar à cirrose. A esteatose hepßtica não relacionada ao alcoolismo tem grande importância clínica na atualidade não só por sua elevada prevalência (15 por cento a 25 por cento na população geral e superior a 80 por cento entre obesos e diabéticos), mas também pela diversidade de condições relacionadas, tais como fatores nutricionais, hepatite pelo virus C, doenças metabólicas, toxicidade por drogas etc...

Comparative study of mineral trioxide aggregate implanted in rat tibial bone defect / Estudo comparativo de agregado de trióxido mineral implantado em falha óssea na tíbia de ratos

Objetivo Avaliar comparativamente, por meio de morfometria, a resposta tecidual óssea em ratos a dois tipos de Agregado de Trióxido Mineral: cinza e branco. Métodos Utilizaram-se 16 ratos, machos, adultos, da variedade Wistar, para implantes de Agregado de Trióxido Mineral em falhas ósseas nas tíbias. Na pata esquerda implantouse o Agregado de Trióxido Mineral cinza e, na direita, o branco; outros 16 animais foram utilizados como controle. Ao final de duas, quatro, oito e 16 semanas pósimplante foram retiradas amostras de tecido para análises morfológica e morfométrica. As lâminas histológicas coradas em Hematoxilina e Eosina foram analisadas histomorfometricamente pelo software TPS Dig 1.38. Os resultados foram tratados estatisticamente por ANOVA seguido do teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Resultados O Agregado de Trióxido Mineral foi evidenciado somente na região do periósteo e tecido conjuntivo frouxo adjacente. Não se observou Agregado de Trióxido Mineral na matriz óssea. Na região da fratura, observou-se proliferação osteoblástica e formação de osso primário nos mesmos padrões e proporções daqueles observados nos animais do grupo controle. Na região do periósteo, não se evidenciou nenhum tipo de infiltrado celular que pudesse indicar o processo inflamatório. Não se observou deposição anormal de fibras colágenas ou vasos neoformados em quantidades significativas. Morfometricamente não houve diferenças significativas entre os dois tipos de Agregado de Trióxido Mineral. Conclusão Os dois tipos de Agregado de Trióxido Mineral não interferiram significativamente no processo de regeneração da falha óssea, mostrando-se, nas condições experimentais utilizadas, compatíveis com os tecidos ósseos

Objective The objective of this study is to use morphometry to compare rat bone tissue response to two types of mineral trioxide aggregate: gray and white. Methods Mineral trioxide aggregate was implanted in tibial bone defects of 16 adult, male Wistar rats. Gray mineral trioxide aggregate was implanted in the left hind leg and white in the right hind leg. Another 16 animals were used as controls. Tissue samples were collected for morphologic and morphometric analyses 2, 4, 6, 8 and 16 weeks after the implant. The histological slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and analyzed with the software TPS Dig 1.38. The results were analyzed statistically using ANOVA followed by the Tukey test (p<0.05). Results The mineral trioxide aggregate was evidenced only in the periosteal region and adjacent soft connective tissue. Mineral trioxide aggregate was not found in the bone matrix. Osteoblast proliferation and formation of primary bone in the fracture region occurred in the same patterns and proportions as those of the control animals. No type of cell infiltrate was observed in the periosteal region that could indicate an inflammatory process. Abnormal deposition of collagen fibers or significant amounts of newly formed vessels was also not observed. Morphometrically, there were no significant ifferences between the two types of mineral trioxide aggregate. Conclusion The two types of mineral trioxide aggregate did not interfere significantly with the bone regeneration process, thus they were compatible with the bone tissues in the experimental conditions used