Teoría de las representaciones sociales: Una revisión de la literatura / Teoria das representações sociais: Uma revisão deliteratura / Theory of social representations: A review of the literature

Las Representaciones Sociales son un conjunto de conocimientos, opiniones e imágenes que nos permiten evocar un evento, persona u objeto en particular. Estas representaciones son el resultado de la interacción social, que son comunes a un determinado grupo de individuos. El representante principal de la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales es Serge Moscovici. Este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir la Representación Social a partir de una revisión de la literatura sobre la a) Historia de la Psicología Social y de las Representaciones Sociales; b) Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales como una forma de conocerse a sí mismo; c) Representación social, historia y memoria colectiva del sujeto; d) Objetivación y anclaje: la dinámica sociocognitiva de las representaciones sociales; e) La Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales como metodología de investigación; y f) Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales y la superación de algunas dicotomías AU

As Representações Sociais são oconjunto de conhecimentos, opiniões e imagens que nos permitem evocar um determinado acontecimento, pessoa ou objeto. Essas representações são o resultado da interação social, que são comuns aum determinado grupo de indivíduos. O principal representante da Teoria das Representações Sociais é Serge Moscovici. Este artigo tem como objetivo discorrer sobre a Representacao Social a partir de uma revisão da literatura sobre a) História da Psicologia Social e Representações Sociais; b) Teoria das Representações Sociais como forma de se conhecer; c) Representação social, história e memória coletiva do sujeito; d) Objetivação e ancoragem: a dinâmica sociocognitiva das representações sociais; e) A Teoria das Representações Sociais como metodologia de pesquisa; e f) Teoria das Representações Sociais e superação de algumas dicotomias AU

Social Representations are the set of knowledge, opinions and images that allow us to evoke a particular event, person or object. These representations are the result of social interaction, which are common to a certain group of individuals. The main representative of the Theory of Social Representations is Serge Moscovici. This article aims to discuss Social Representation from a literature reviewon a) History of Social Psychology and Social Representations; b) Theory of Social Representations as a way of getting to know each other; c) Social representation, history and collective memory of the subject; d) Objectification and anchoring: the socio-cognitive dynamics of social representations; e) The Theory of Social Representations as a research methodology; and f) Theory of Social Representations and overcoming some dichotomies AU

Significados, pensamientos y sentimientos sobre el envejecimiento para productores rurales mayores / Meanings, thoughts and feelings about aging for elderly rural producers / Significados, pensamentos e sentimentos sobre envelhecimento para produtores rurais idosos

El proceso de envejecimiento se percibe de manera diferente en cada cultura y puede estar marcado por aspectos positivos y negativos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar los pensamientos y sentimientos sobre el envejecimiento de pequeños y grandes productores rurales de la ciudad de Diamantino -MT. Para el análisis se utilizó la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales y el método de Análisis de Contenido del Discurso. Los significados sobre el envejecimiento se clasificaron en las siguientes categorías: Posibilidad de envejecer, Afrontar el envejecimiento, Determinismo en la vida, Autorrealización, Negatividad del envejecimiento y habla sin sentido. Los sentimientos y pensamientos sobre el envejecimiento se clasificaron en las siguientes categorías: afrontamiento, desesperación, integridad, sujeción / sumisión, agresión y sin sentido. Las categorías atribuidas al envejecimiento están relacionadas con el bienestar y calidad de vida, capacidad funcional, nivel socioeconómico, estado emocional, interacción social, actividad intelectual, autocuidado, apoyo familiar, estado de salud, religiosidad, entre otrasAU.

The aging process is seen differently in each culture and can be marked by positive and negative aspects. This study aimed to analyze the thoughts and feelings about aging for small and large rural producers in the municipality of Diamantino -MT. For analysis, the Social Representations Theory and the Discourse Content Analysis method were used. The meanings about aging were classified in the following categories: Possibility of aging, Coping with aging, Determinism in life, Self-realization, Negativeness of aging and meaningless speech. The feelings and thoughts about aging were classified into: Confrontation, Despair, Integrity, Subjection / Submission, Aggression and senseless. The categories attributed to aging are related to well-being and quality of life, and functional capacity, socioeconomic status, emotional state, social interaction, intellectual activity, self-care, family support, health status, religiosity, among othersAU.

O processo de envelhecer é visto de forma diferenciada em cada cultura, podendo ser marcado por aspectos positivos e negativos. O presente estudo objetivou analisar os pensamentos e sentimentos sobre envelhecimento para pequenos e grandes produtores rurais do município de Diamantino ­MT. Para a análise, utilizou-se a Teoriadas Representações Sociais e o método de análise de conteúdo dodiscurso. Os significados sobre envelhecimento foram clasificados nas seguintes categorías: Positividad do envejecimiento, Enfrentamiento do envejecimiento, Determinismo na vida, Auto realização, Negatividad del envejecimiento e discurso sem sentido. Os sentimentos e pensamentos sobre envelhecimento foram classificadas nas seguintes categorias: Enfrentamento, Desespero, Integridade, Sujeição/Submissão, Agressãoe sem sentido. As categorías atribuídas ao envelhecimento estão relacionadas ao bem-estar e qualidade de vida, e a capacidade funcional, nível socioeconômico, estadoemocional, interação social, atividade intelectual, autocuidado, suportefamiliar, estado de saúde, religiosidade, entre outrosAU.

Pensamentos e sentimentos sobre envelhecimento: um estudo das representações sociais em produtores rurais de Diamantino ­ MT / Thoughts and feelings about aging: a study of social representations in rural producers in Diamantino city, Mato Grosso, Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO: O envelhecimento humano é um fenômeno mundial que pode ser analisado como um processo natural, contínuo, progressivo e irreversível, onde há alterações orgânicas, psicológicas e morfofuncionais. O processo de envelhecer é visto de forma diferenciada em cada cultura, podendo ser marcado por aspectos positivos e negativos. OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo objetivou analisar os pensamentos e sentimentos sobre envelhecimento para pequenos e grandes produtores rurais do município de Diamantino ­ MT. MÉTODOS: Participaram da pesquisa 28 produtores rurais do município de Diamantino ­ MT, do sexo masculino, e idade entre 65 e 87 anos; 64,3% tem Ensino Fundamental Incompleto; 67,9% é casado e moram com suas esposas, e/ou filhos e/ou netos. A respeito do recebimento sócio assistencial, 50% recebem aposentadoria, 17,9% recebem algum Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) e 17,9% não recebe aposentadoria e nem benefício. Os entrevistados foram divididos em dois grupos: o primeiro composto por produtores rurais cuja posse de propriedade(s) não ultrapassa 100 hectares classificado como pequeno produtor, e o segundo por produtores com propriedade(s) que totalizam mais de 100 hectares. Para a análise, utilizou-se a Teoria das Representações Sociais e o método de análise de conteúdo do discurso. RESULTADOS: Os sentimentos e pensamentos sobre envelhecimento foram classificadas nas seguintes categorias emergentes do construto envelhecimento: Enfrentamento (46,42%), Desespero (21,42%), Integridade (14,28%), Sujeição/Submissão (3,57%), Agressão (3,57%) e sem sentido (10,71%), que são apresentadas neste artigo pela amostra geral, contendo as informações dos pequenos e grandes produtores. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Os pensamentos e sentimentos atribuídos ao envelhecimento estão relacionados ao bem-estar e qualidade de vida, e a capacidade funcional, nível socioeconômico, estado emocional, interação social, atividade intelectual, autocuidado, suporte familiar, estado de saúde, religiosidade, entre outros.

INTRODUCTION: Human aging is a worldwide phenomenon that can be analyzed as a natural, continuous, progressive, and irreversible process, where there are organic, psychological, and morphofunctional changes. The aging process is seen differently in each culture and can be marked by positive and negative aspects. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the thoughts and feelings about aging for small and large rural producers in the municipality of Diamantino - MT. METHODS: Participated in the research, 28 rural producers of Diamantino - MT, male and aged between 65 and 87 years old; 64.3% have incomplete Elementary Education; 67.9% are married and live with their wives, and/or children and/or grandchildren. Regarding the social assistance receipt, 50% receive retirement, 17.9% receive some Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) and 17.9% receive none. The interviewees were divided into two groups: the first composed of rural producers whose ownership of property (ies) does not exceed 100 hectares classified as a small producer, and the second by producers with property (ies) that total more than 100 hectares. For analysis, the Social Representations Theory and the Discourse Content Analysis method were used. RESULTS: The feelings and thoughts about aging were classified into the following categories emerging from the aging construct: Confrontation (46.42%), Despair (21.42%), Integrity (14.28%), Subjection / Submission (3.57%), Aggression (3.57%) and senseless (10.71%), presented in this article, show a general sample, containing the information of two small and large producers. CLOSING REMARKS: The thoughts and feelings attributed to aging are related to well-being and quality of life, and functional capacity, socioeconomic status, emotional state, social interaction, intellectual activity, self-care, family support, health status, religiosity, among others.

Hydrogel and membrane scaffold formulations of Frutalin (breadfruit lectin) within a polysaccharide galactomannan matrix have potential for wound healing.

Plant lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins, which can interact with cell surfaces to initiate anti-inflammatory pathways, as well as immunomodulatory functions. Here, we have extracted, purified and part-characterized the bioactivity of Jacalin, Frutalin, DAL and PNA, before evaluating their potential for wound healing in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Only Frutalin stimulated fibroblast migration in vitro, prompting further studies which established its low cytotoxicity and interaction with TLR4 receptors. Frutalin also increased p-ERK expression and stimulated IL-6 secretion. The in vivo potential of Frutalin for wound healing was then assessed in hybrid combination with the polysaccharide galactomannan, purified from Caesalpinia pulcherrima seeds, using both hydrogel and membrane scaffolds formulations. Physical-chemical characterization of the hybrid showed that lectin-galactomannan interactions increased the pseudoplastic behaviour of solutions, reducing viscosity and increasing Frutalin's concentration. Furthermore, infrared spectroscopy revealed -OH band displacement, likely caused by interaction of Frutalin with galactose residues present on galactomannan chains, while average membrane porosity was 100 µm, sufficient to ensure water vapor permeability. Accelerated angiogenesis and increased fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation were observed with the optimal hybrid recovering the lesioned area after 11 days. Our findings indicate Frutalin as a biomolecule with potential for tissue repair, regeneration and chronic wound healing.

Pathophysiological investigations, anxiolytic effects and interaction of a semisynthetic riparin with benzodiazepine receptors.

We have reported Riparin A as a promising antiparasitic molecule ​​against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes. This work evaluated the acute oral toxicity of Riparin A and its anxiolytic effects using in vivo models and computational tools. Mice were submitted to acute oral toxicity tests (Guideline OECD 423). Later, anxiety assays with Riparin A (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg: elevated plus maze, light/dark box and marble burying) were performed. Theoretical calculations analyzed interaction of Riparin A with gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors. Only Riparin A at 2000 mg/kg alter body weight, food and water consumption and urine production after 7 and/or 14 days treatment and increased serum triglycerides. There was increase in the time spent in the open arms (TSOA) and number of transitions between compartments (NTC) and decrease in number of hidden balls (NHB) in Riparin A-treated animals at 200 mg/kg (P < 0.05), whose approximate ED50 was 283.1 (156.5-397.1) mg/kg. The functional amide of Riparin A interacted with the GABAA receptor mainly at subunits α2 and ß1 and presented strong interaction with the Asp68 residue, which is part of the pharmacophore group. Riparin A was toxically safe and pharmacologically active for anxiolytic purposes, revealed NOAEL of 200 mg/kg and probably interacts with Asp68 residues of benzodiazepine receptors by hydrogen bonds.

Latex proteins from Calotropis procera: Toxicity and immunological tolerance revisited.

Many thousands of plants are disseminated worldwide in traditional and folk medicines based on the belief that their leaves, roots, seeds, bark or secretions, when adequately handled, can treat, alleviate or ameliorate numerous disease symptoms. Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae) is a popular medicinal plant and the claims of this shrub's phytomedicinal properties have been scientifically validated. In this study, further prospects towards the in vivo toxicity and oral immunological tolerance of phytomodulatory proteins isolated from the latex of C. procera are reported. Acute toxicity was determined in mice by oral and intraperitoneal administration of latex proteins (LP) and was followed behavioral, hematological and histological analyses. Oral immunological tolerance to LP was assessed by intraperitoneal immunization in mice that had received LP orally before. Animals given 5000 mg/kg orally exhibited only discrete behavioral alterations and augmentation of monocytes. Death was not notified 14 days after exposure. However, all animals receiving LP 150 mg/kg by i.p. died in 1 h. Death (20%) was documented when LP (75 mg/kg) was given in the peritoneum and signs of harmful effects were observed in the survivors (80%). Oral immunological tolerance was observed in animals previously given LP orally, when they were further immunized/challenged with peritoneal exposure to different doses of LP. This was confirmed by the lowering of IgE and IgG in the serum, IL-4 and IFN-γ in spleen homogenates and the absence of anaphylaxis signs. It is therefore concluded that LP exhibited quite discrete adverse effects when orally administrated at higher concentrations and this route of administration did not stimulate adverse immunological reactions. Instead it was observed immunological tolerance. The present study contributes very important information concerning the safe use of C. procera as a phytotherapeutic agent.

Counteracting effects on free radicals and histological alterations induced by a fraction with casearins.

Casearia sylvestris Swartz is a medicinal plant widely distributed in Brazil. It has anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antitumor activities and is popularly used to treat snakebites, wounds, diarrhea, flu and chest colds. Its leaves are rich in oxygenated tricyclic cis-clerodane diterpenes, particulary casearins. Herein, we evaluated the antioxidant activities of a fraction with casearins (FC) isolated from C. sylvestris and histological changes on the central nervous system and livers of Mus musculus mice. Firstly, in vitro studies (0.9, 1.8, 3.6, 5.4 and 7.2 µg/mL) revealed EC50 values of 3.7, 6.4 and 0.16 µg/mL for nitrite, hydroxyl radical and TBARS levels, respectively. Secondly, FC (2.5, 5, 10 and 25 mg/kg/day) was intraperitoneally administered to Swiss mice for 7 consecutive days. Nitrite levels in the hippocampus (26.2, 27.3, 30.2 and 26.6 µM) and striatum (26.3, 25.4, 34.3 and 27.5 µM) increased in all treated animals (P < 0.05). Lower doses dropped reduced glutathione, catalase and TBARS levels in the hippocampus and striatum. With the exception of this reduction in TBARS formation, FC displayed only in vitro antioxidant activity. Animals exhibited histological alterations suggestive of neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, indicating the need for precaution regarding the consumption of medicinal formulations based on Casearia sylvestris.

Anti-inflammatory and wound healing potential of cashew apple juice (Anacardium occidentale L.) in mice.

Cashew apple is a tropical pseudofruit consumed as juice due to its excellent nutritional and sensory properties. In spite of being well known for its important antioxidant properties, the cashew apple has not been thoroughly investigated for its therapeutic potential. Thereby, this study evaluated the antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities of cashew apple juice. Juices from ripe and immature cashew apples were analyzed for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Those were evaluated in murine models of xylene-induced ear edema and wound excision. Swiss mice were treated with cashew juice by gavage. Edema thickness was measured and skin lesions were analyzed by planimetry and histology. Both antioxidant content and total antioxidant activity were higher in ripe cashew apple juice (RCAJ) than in unripe cashew apple juice (UNCAJ). The UNCAJ presented the main anti-inflammatory activity by a significant inhibition of ear edema (66.5%) when compared to RCAJ (10%). Moreover, UNCAJ also showed the best result for wound contraction (86.31%) compared to RCAJ (67.54%). Despite of higher antioxidant capacity, RCAJ did not promote better anti-inflammatory, and healing responses, which may be explained by the fact that treatment increased antioxidants level leading to a redox "imbalance" turning down the inflammatory response modulation exerted by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results suggest that UNCAJ presents a greater therapeutic activity due to a synergistic effect of its phytochemical components, which improve the immunological mechanisms as well as an optimal balance between ROS and antioxidants leading to a better wound healing process.

The Resin from Protium heptaphyllum Prevents High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice: Scientific Evidence and Potential Mechanisms.

Herbal compounds rich in triterpenes are well known to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism and to have beneficial effects on metabolic disorders. The present study investigated the antiobesity properties of resin from Protium heptaphyllum (RPH) and the possible mechanisms in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. Mice treated with RPH showed decreases in body weight, net energy intake, abdominal fat accumulation, plasma glucose, amylase, lipase, triglycerides, and total cholesterol relative to their respective controls, which were RPH unfed. Additionally, RPH treatment, while significantly elevating the plasma level of ghrelin hormone, decreased the levels of insulin, leptin, and resistin. Besides, HFD-induced increases in plasma levels of proinflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 were significantly lowered by RPH. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed that RPH could significantly inhibit the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes (measured by Oil-Red O staining) at concentrations up to 50 µg/mL. These findings suggest that the antiobese potential of RPH is largely due to its modulatory effects on various hormonal and enzymatic secretions related to fat and carbohydrate metabolism and to the regulation of obesity-associated inflammation.

In vivo evaluation of anticonvulsant and antioxidant effects of phenobarbital microemulsion for transdermal administration in pilocarpine seizure rat model.

This study aimed to evaluate a microemulsion system (ME) containing phenobarbital in epilepsy model induced by pilocarpine in rats and to oxidative stress and histologic lesions in hippocampus. The microemulsion was applied to the shaved back of Wistar rats. The animals were divided into the following groups: control group (P400); ME50 40mg/kg, topically-t.p.; ME100, 40mg/kg, t.p.; EM50, 40mg/kg, t.p.; phenobarbital solution 40mg/kg (PS), oral. After 60min, behavioral changes were evaluated for 1h in the model of epileptical crisis induced by pilocarpine. Phenobarbital in microemulsion was able to increase the latency for status epilepticus (SE) (p<0.05), decrease the number of epileptical crisis (ME50: p<0.001; ME100: p<0.01) and decrease mortality rate by 80% compared to P400. In EM50 and PS groups, deaths were decreased by 53.3% and 100% respectively. The ME50 and ME100 groups were able to reduce oxidative stress in experimental animals when compared to the P400. The microemulsion was still capable of reducing neuronal damage in the hippocampal areas. The results of this study come in an innovative way, demonstrating the ability of transdermal ME50 and ME100 to reduce pilocarpine-induced epileptical crisis, oxidative stress, besides neuronal damages.

Farnesol: antinociceptive effect and histopathological analysis of the striatum and hippocampus of mice.

Farnesol, a sesquiterpene alcohol, has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have found that antioxidant compounds may exert a certain protective effect against neurotoxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of farnesol (FAR) and its neurotoxic effects on the brains of adult mice. In this study, two mouse models of analgesia were used to evaluate FAR at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, injected intraperitoneally (i.p.). In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, a significant decrease was found in the number of contortions in the FAR-treated mice at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. FAR was also found to inhibit the licking response in the injected paw at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg (i.p.) in the first (0-5 min) and second phases (15-30 min) of the formalin test. To evaluate neurotoxic effects, Swiss mice were treated with 0.9% saline (i.p., control group), 0.05 Tween 80 dissolved in 0.9% saline (i.p., vehicle group), and FAR 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg, i.p. Following treatment, all groups were observed for 72 h. In the FAR 200-mg group, 16% of the animals suffered brain injury that affected 12% of the area of the hippocampus. No lesions were found in the hippocampal and striatal regions of the brain in any of the animals treated with the 50 and 100 mg/kg doses of FAR. In conclusion, FAR exerts an antinociceptive effect with no significant neurotoxicity in the brains of adult mice.

The effect of natural and organophilic palygorskite on skin wound healing in rats

In view of growing interest in natural treatments, clays would appear to be a good alternative for speeding up the healing process during the treatment of wounds. Of the various clays, palygorskite, a clay from the Brazilian State of Piauí, composed of silicon and aluminum, has shown itself to be pharmaceutically useful as a healing agent. The aim of this article is to evaluate the effect on the healing of wounds of Piauí palygorskite, both in its natural state and when organophilic, by way of comparative analysis of macroscopic and histological tests on skin wounds in adult male and female two-month-old Wistar rats. To this end, a circular trichotomy of the dorsal cornus of the rats was carried out to confirm the effects of treatments involving 0.9% saline solution, collagenase, natural palygorskite, organophilic palygorskite with cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, and organophilic palygorskite with alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride. The testing of all the clays involved microbiological evaluation using the depth of plaque and surface striation methods, along with post-treatment macroscopic analysis of skin wounds by way of organoleptics, pachymetry and histological analysis. Microbiological evaluation revealed the need for sterilization of the clay prior to incorporation in the pharmaceutical form. Macroscopic analysis suggests that healing of the wounded area occurred, and histological analysis showed the beneficial effect of the topical use of clay material. Our data suggest that palygorskite may be more powerful than other healing agents, although, on completing treatment, all the animals studied showed the same degree of tissue repair.

Devido ao crescente interesse da população pelos tratamentos naturais, as argilas representam uma boa alternativa para a aceleração da cicatrização durante o tratamento de feridas. Dentre as argilas, a paligorsquita, uma argila piauiense, devido à sua composição com silício e alumínio, demonstra certa aplicabilidade farmacêutica como agente cicatrizante. O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a ação cicatrizante da paligorsquita piauiense em sua forma natural e organofilizadas por meio da análise comparativa da macroscopia e dos exames histológicos em feridas cutâneas de ratos machos e fêmeas Wistar adultos com 2 meses de idade. Para tanto, foram realizadas tricotomia circular no corno dorsal dos ratos para verificar os efeitos dos tratamentos realizados com solução salina 0,9%, colagenase, paligorsquita natural, paligorsquita organofilizada por cloreto de cetiltrimetilamônio e paligorsquita organofilizada por cloreto de alquildimetilbenzilamônio. Para todas as argilas testadas foi feita a avaliação microbiológica pelo método de plaqueamento em profundidade e do método de estrias em superfície, bem como foi realizada após tratamento, a análise macroscópica das feridas cutâneas por meio organoléptico, medição em paquímetro e análise histológica. Por meio da avaliação microbiológica foi detectada a necessidade de esterilização da argila para posterior incorporação na forma farmacêutica. A análise macroscópica sugere que houve cicatrização da área lesionada, bem como a análise histológica demonstrou efeito benéfico após o uso tópico do material argiloso. Nossos dados sugerem que a paligorsquita pode exercer um maior efeito cicatrizante em relação aos demais tratamentos, embora após o término deste tratamento, todos os animais analisados apresentaram a mesma reparação tecidual.

Avaliação da toxicidade aguda e das alterações histopatológicas em camundongos tratados com fitol / Assessment of acute toxicity and histopathological changes in mice treated with phytol

O fitol, (3,7,11,15-tetrametilhexadec-2-en-1-ol), é um diterpeno pertencente ao grupo dos álcoois acíclicos insaturados de cadeia longa e ramificada. É um componente da molécula da clorofila, presente em folhas verdes de várias plantas medicinais. Entretanto, pouco é descrito na literatura sobre os possíveis efeitos toxicológicos produzidos pelo fitol. O objetivo do nosso estudo foi avaliar a toxicidade aguda do fitol, após administração intraperitoneal para determinação da dose letal 50% (DL50) e os efeitos sobre os parâmetros bioquímicos, hematológicos e histopatológicos no hipocampo e corpo estriado de camundongos adultos tratados com fitol nas doses de 25, 50 e 75 mg/kg. Os testes para determinação do grau de toxicidade aguda, bem como a investigação da DL50, revelou que o valor é aproximadamente 1153.39 mg/kg. Os camundongos tratados com as doses selecionadas do fitol a partir da DL50 apresentaram todos os parâmetros hematológicos dentro da faixa de referência, observando-se alterações nos valores dos linfócitos. Por sua vez, a maioria dos valores dos parâmetros bioquímicos diminuiu em todas as doses testadas (p<0,05). Em nosso estudo, apenas os animais tratados com fitol na dose de 75 mg/kg demonstraram uma discreta vacuolização no corpo estriado e um discreto comprometimento caracterizado por vacuolização no hipocampo em apenas um dos animais. Nossos resultados indicam que o tratamento com fitol não produz alterações hematológicas, bioquímicas e histopatológicas cerebrais em camundongos. O estudo toxicológico pré-clínico com fitol demonstrou que o produto avaliado possui discreta toxicidade aguda por via intraperitoneal, sendo estes dados uma contribuição para pesquisas com compostos obtidos de plantas medicinais com potencial farmacológico. Porém, ressalta-se a necessidade de futuras pesquisas que possibilitem comparar os resultados em outras vias, bem como para realizar análises anatomopatológicas dos animais tratados com fitol, para assegurar o uso seguro deste diterpeno.

Phytol (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-ol) is a diterpene belonging to the group of acyclic unsaturated long-chain branched alcohols. It is a component of the chlorophyll molecule, present in green leaves of various medicinal plants. However, there is little in the literature about the possible toxic effects produced by phytol. The aim of our study was to assess the acute toxicity of phytol after intraperitoneal (ip) administration, by determining its 50% lethal dose (LD50) and effects on biochemical parameters, hematology and the histopathology of the hippocampus and corpus striatum of adult mice treated with doses of 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg phytol. The acute toxicity tests and investigation of the LD50 revealed its value to be approximately 1153.39 mg/kg. Mice treated with sublethal doses of phytol based on the LD50 showed all hematological parameters within their reference ranges, with small changes in the lymphocyte count. In turn, most of the biochemical parameters decreased at all doses tested (p<0.05). In our study, only those animals treated with phytol at a dose of 75 mg/kg showed slight vacuolation in the corpus striatum and a slight impairment characterized by vacuolation in the hippocampus in one animal. Our results indicate that treatment with phytol produces no hematological, biochemical or brain histopathological changes in the mice. The preclinical toxicological study with phytol showed that it has slight acute toxicity when injected ip. These data contribute to research on natural compounds obtained from medicinal plants with pharmacological potential. However, we emphasize the need for future research to enable results obtained by other routes to be compared, as well as to conduct pathological analysis in animals treated with phytol, to ensure the safe use of this diterpene.

Evaluation of possible antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects of the ethyl acetate fraction from Platonia insignis Mart. (Bacuri) on epilepsy models.

The aim of present study was to examine the effects of the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) from Platonia insignis on lipid peroxidation level, nitrite formation, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in rat striatum prior to pilocarpine-induced seizures as well as to explore its anticonvulsant activity in adult rats prior to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)- and picrotoxin (PIC)-induced seizures. Wistar rats were treated with vehicle, atropine (25mg/kg), EAF (0.1, 1, and 10mg/kg), pilocarpine (400mg/kg, P400 group), PTZ (60 mg/kg, PTZ group), PIC (8 mg/kg, PIC group), atropine+P400, EAF+P400, EAF+PTZ, or EAF+PIC. Significant decreases in number of crossings and rearings were observed in the P400 group. The EAF 10+P400 group also had significant increases in these parameters. In addition, in rats treated with P400, there were significant increases in lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels; however, there were no alterations in SOD and catalase activities. In the EAF 10+P400 group, lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels significantly decreased and SOD and catalase activities significantly increased after pilocarpine-induced seizures. Additionally, effects of the EAF were evaluated in PTZ and PIC models. EAF did not increase the latency to development of convulsions induced with PTZ and PIC at the doses tested. Our findings strongly support the hypothesis that EAF does not have anticonvulsant activity in the different models of epilepsy studied. Our results indicate that in the in vivo model of pilocarpine-induced seizures, EAF has antioxidant activity, but not anticonvulsant properties at the doses tested.

Oxidative stress in rat striatum after pilocarpine-induced seizures is diminished by alpha-tocopherol.

Alpha-tocopherol has numerous nonenzymatic actions and is a powerful liposoluble antioxidant. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of alpha-tocopherol in rats against oxidative stress caused by pilocarpine-induced seizures. Wistar rats were intraperitoneally treated with 0.9% saline (control group), alpha-tocopherol (200 mg/kg, alpha-tocopherol group), pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, pilocarpine group), or the combination of alpha-tocopherol (200 mg/kg) and pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, i.p.; alpha-tocopherol plus pilocarpine group). After the treatments, all groups were observed for 24 h. The superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and catalase activities, lipid peroxidation and nitrite concentrations were measured using spectrophotometrically methods. To clarify the mechanism of alpha-tocopherol on oxidative stress in pilocarpine model, Western blot analysis of Mn-SOD and catalase in rat striatum were performed. In the pilocarpine group, rats showed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels. However, there were no alterations on Mn-SOD activity. On the other hand, the catalase activity augmented in pilocarpine group. In the alpha-tocopherol and pilocarpine co-administered rats, antioxidant treatment significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation level and nitrite content and increased the Mn-SOD and catalase activities in rat striatum after seizures. Pilocarpine, alpha-tocopherol plus pilocarpine and alpha-tocopherol groups did not affect of the Mn-SOD and catalase mRNA or protein levels. Our findings strongly support the hypothesis that oxidative stress occurs in striatum during pilocarpine-induced seizures, indicating that brain damage induced by the oxidative process plays a crucial role in seizures pathogenic consequences, which implies that strong protective effect could be achieved using alpha-tocopherol.

Estudos comportamentais e das alterações histopatológicas em camundongos pré-tratados com Bellis perennis no modelo de convulsão induzido por pilocarpina / Behavioral studies and histopathological changes in mice pretreated with Bellis perennis in pilocarpine-induced seizures

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects of ethanolic extract from flowers (EEF) of B. perrenis in adult Swiss mice (2 months old) after seizures induced by pilocarpine. The animals were divided into 8 groups. The first group was treated with vehicle (0.05 percent Tween 80 dissolved in 0.9 percent saline) and the second with pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, P400 group). The third, fourth and fifth group were pretreated with EEF (50, 100 or 150 mg/kg) and 30 min later received P400 (EEF 50, EEF 100 or EEF 150 plus P400 groups), respectively. In turn, the remaining groups were treated with EEF alone (50, 100 or 150 mg/kg EEF 50, EEF 100 or EEF 150 groups), respectively. After treatment, the groups were observed for 24 h and then euthanized and their brains removed for histopathological analysis. All P400 group animals showed seizures that progressed to status epilepticus. Pre-treatment with EEF produced a significant reduction in those indices. P400 and EEF 50 plus P400 groups showed 87.5 percent and 37.5 percent of animals with brain damage in the hippocampus, respectively. In P400 group, the damage rate in striatum was 75 percent. In turn, this region has seen a reduction of 46.99 percent neuronal damage of those of EEF 50 plus P400 group. According to our results we suggest that the EEF may modulate epileptogenesis and promote anticonvulsant and neuroprotective mechanisms in model of seizures induced by pilocarpine.

O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar o potencial efeito neuroprotetor e anticonvulsivante do extrato etanólico das flores de B. perrenis (EEF) em camundongos Swiss adultos (2 meses) após convulsão induzida por pilocarpina. Os animais foram divididos em 8 grupos. O primeiro grupo foi tratado com veículo (Tween 80 0,05 por cento dissolvido em salina 0,9 por cento) e o segundo com pilocarpina (400 mg/kg, grupo P400). Já o terceiro, quarto e quinto grupo foram tratados com EEF (50, 100 ou 150 mg/kg), e 30 min depois receberam P400 (grupos EEF 50, EEF 100 ou EEF 150 plus P400), respectivamente. Por sua vez, os demais grupos foram tratados somente com EEF (50, 100 ou 150 mg/kg; grupos EEF 50, EEF 100 ou EEF 150), respectivamente. Após os tratamentos, os grupos foram observados durante 24 h e em seguida eutanasiados e seus cérebros removidos para as análises histopatológicas. Todos os animais do grupo P400 apresentaram convulsões que progrediram para o estado de mal epiléptico. O pré-tratamento com EEF produziu uma redução significativa nesses índices. Os grupos P400 e EEF 50 plus P400 apresentaram 87,5 por cento e 37,5 por cento de animais com lesão cerebral no hipocampo, respectivamente. No corpo estriado dos animais do grupo P400 houve um comprometimento de 75 por cento. Por sua vez, nessa região foi vista uma redução de 46,99 por cento nesse comprometimento nos animais do grupo EEF 50 plus P400. De acordo com nossos resultados podemos sugerir que o EEF pode modular a epileptogênese e promover ação neuroprotetora e anticonvulsivante no modelo das convulsões induzidas por pilocarpina.

Anti-inflammatory effect of α,ß-amyrin, a triterpene from Protium heptaphyllum, on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of α,ß-amyrin, a pentacyclic triterpenoid from Protium heptaphyllum, on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice. METHODS: Acute pancreatitis was induced in Swiss mice by five intraperitoneal injections of cerulein (50 µg/kg), at 1 h intervals. Mice received α,ß-amyrin (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg), thalidomide (200 mg/kg), or vehicle (3% Tween 80) orally 1 h before and 12 h after the cerulein challenge. The severity of pancreatitis was evaluated 24 h after cerulein by assessing serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and amylase activity, pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), as well as by histology. RESULTS: α,ß-Amyrin and thalidomide significantly attenuated the cerulein-induced increase in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-6, lipase, amylase, MPO, and TBARS. Moreover, α,ß-amyrin greatly suppressed the pancreatic edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, acinar cell necrosis, and expressions of TNFα and inducible nitric oxide synthase. CONCLUSIONS: α,ß-Amyrin ameliorates cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis by acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.

Avaliação do potencial neuroprotetor do óleo essencial de Citrus limon em hipocampo e corpo estriado de camundongos após convulsões induzidas pela pilocarpina / Evaluation of neuroprotective potential of Citrus limon essential oil in hippocampus and striatum of mice after pilocarpine-induced seizures

The seizures can produce neuronal damage in several brain structures. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of essential oil of Citrus limon (EOCL) on the histopathological changes observed in the hippocampus and striatum of mice after seizures induced by pilocarpine. Adult Swiss mice were 2 months old. The animals were divided into four groups. The first group was treated with 0.05 percent Tween 80 (control group) and the second with pilocarpine (400 mg/kg group P400). The third and fourth group were treated with EOCL (150 mg/kg) and 30 min after received P400 (P400 +/- EOCL group) or 0.05 percent Tween 80, respectively. After treatment, all groups were observed for 24 h, then sacrificed and their brains removed for histopathological analysis. The group P400, presented with seizures that progressed to status epilepticus in 75 percent of animals. Pretreatment with OECL produced a 25 percent reduction in this index. Groups P400 and P400 + EOCL showed 83.33 percent and 25 percent of animals with brain damage in the hippocampus, respectively. In the striatum of group P400 was a compromise of 75 percent. In turn, in the striatal region of group EOCL P400 + was seen a decrease of 58.34 percent in this neuronal damage. The seizures induced by pilocarpine are installed by the cholinergic system and produce brain damage. According to our results we suggest that the EOCL may modulate epileptogenesis and promote neuroprotective effects during the seizures in the model investigated.

As convulsões podem produzir danos neuronais em diversas estruturas cerebrais. O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar o potencial efeito neuroprotetor do óleo essencial de Citrus limon (OECL) nas alterações histopatológicas observadas no hipocampo e corpo estriado de camundongos após convulsão induzida por pilocarpina. Foram utilizados camundongos Swiss adultos com 2 meses de idade. Os animais foram divididos em 4 grupos. O primeiro grupo foi tratado com Tween 80 0,05 por cento (grupo controle) e o segundo com pilocarpina (400 mg/kg, grupo P400). Já o terceiro e quarto grupo foram tratados com OECL (150 mg/kg), e 30 min depois receberam P400 (grupo OECL + P400) ou Tween 80 0,05 por cento 0.9 por cento (grupo OECL), respectivamente. Após os tratamentos, todos os grupos foram observados durante 24 h e em seguida sacrificados e seus cérebros removidos para as análises histopatológicas. O grupo P400, apresentou convulsões que progrediram para o estado epiléptico em 75 por cento dos animais. O pré-tratamento com OECL produziu uma redução de 25 por cento nesse índice. Os grupos P400 e OECL + P400 apresentaram 83,33 por cento e 25 por cento de animais com lesão cerebral no hipocampo, respectivamente. No corpo estriado dos animais do grupo P400 houve um comprometimento de 75 por cento. Por sua vez, na região estriatal dos animais do grupo OECL + P400 foi visto uma redução de 58,34 por cento nesse comprometimento. As convulsões induzidas pela pilocarpina são instaladas pelo sistema colinérgico e produzem dano cerebral. De acordo com nossos resultados podemos sugerir que o OECL pode modular a epileptogênese e promover ação neuroprotetora durante as convulsões no modelo investigado.

Lipoic acid inhibits caspase-dependent and -independent cell death pathways and is neuroprotective against hippocampal damage after pilocarpine-induced seizures.

Alpha-lipoic acid has some neuroprotective properties, but this action has not been investigated in models of epilepsy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective efficacy of α-lipoic acid (lipoic acid) against pilocarpine-induced cell death through the caspase-dependent or -independent mitochondrial apoptotic pathways. Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with 0.9% saline (control group), pilocarpine (400 mg/kg, pilocarpine group) alone, or α-lipoic acid (20 mg/kg) in association with pilocarpine (400 mg/kg) 30 min before administration of α-lipoic acid. After the treatments all groups were observed for 24 h. Cell death was reduced in lipoic acid-treated rats. Cytosolic translocation of cytochrome c and subsequent activation of caspase-3 were reduced by lipoic acid treatment. AIF nuclear translocation and subsequent large-scale DNA fragmentation were also decreased in lipoic acid-treated rats. Our study suggests that lipoic acid inhibits both caspase-dependent and -independent apoptotic pathways and may be neuroprotective against hippocampal damage during pilocarpine-induced seizures.

Topical anti-inflammatory effect of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae) fruit pulp fixed oil on mice ear edema induced by different irritant agents.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. fruit pulp fixed oil (CCFO) has been widely employed by communities from Brazil Northeastern in the treatment of skin inflammation, respiratory affections, wound healing and muscle pain. In this study, we evaluated the topical effect of CCFO against different irritant agents in vivo, in order to verify its antiedematous effect as well to unravel its tentative mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CCFO was obtained from Caryocar coriaceum fruits using ethyl acetate as solvent. Ear edema provoked by the application of Croton oil (single and multiple applications), arachidonic acid (AA), capsaicin, phenol and histamine to Swiss mice was used to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory effect of CCFO. Histological analysis from mice ears sensitized with Croton oil and AA single application was also performed. RESULTS: Crude CCFO (20µL/ear) demonstrated significant topical antiedematous effect against Croton oil single (inhibition of 32.0%; P<0.05) and multiple (41.4% after 9 days, P<0.001) applications, AA (inhibition of 49.7%; P<0.01) and phenol (inhibition of 38.8%; P<0.001). In contrast, CCFO did not antagonize the edema caused by topical treatment with capsaicin and histamine when compared to control group (P>0.05). Histological analysis also revealed that CCFO was able to reduce the edema and the influx of inflammatory cells in mice ears sensitized with Croton oil and AA. CONCLUSIONS: CCFO exhibited a similar profile of topical anti-inflammatory activity to that of drugs that classically modulate the production of arachidonic acid metabolites. The study also indicates the potential application of CCFO as an important herbal medicine to be used against skin inflammatory diseases.