Impact of adrenalectomy and dexamethasone treatment on testicular morphology and sperm parameters in rats: insights into the adrenal control of male reproduction

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Age- and gender-related changes in glucose homeostasis in glucocorticoid-treated rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Pharmacology and biochemistry undergraduate students'concern for a healthy diet and nutrition knowledge

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Pharmacology of the glucagon-like peptide-1 analog exenatide extended-release in healthy cats

Exenatide extended-release (ER) is a microencapsulated formulation of the glucagon-like peptide 1-receptor agonist exenatide: It has a protracted pharmacokinetic profile that allows a once-weekly injection with comparable efficacy to insulin with an improved safety profile in type II diabetic people. Here, we studied the pharmacology of exenatide ER in 6 healthy cats. A single subcutaneous injection of exenatide ER (0.13 mg/kg) was administered on day 0. Exenatide concentrations were measured for 12 wk. A hyperglycemic clamp (target = 225 mg/dL) was performed on days 7 (clamp I) and 21 (clamp II) with measurements of insulin and glucagon concentrations. Glucose tolerance was defined as the amount of glucose required to maintain hyperglycemia during the clamp. Continuous glucose monitoring was performed on weeks 0, 2, and 6 after injection. Plasma concentrations of exenatide peaked at 1 h and 4 wk after injection. Comparing clamp I with clamp II, fasting blood glucose decreased (mean standard deviation = 11 8 mg/dL, P = 0.02), glucose tolerance improved (median [range] +33% 14%-138%], P = 0.04), insulin concentrations increased (+36.5% [-9.9% to 274.1%], P = 0.02), and glucagon concentrations decreased (-4.7% [0%-12.1%], P = 0.005). Compared with preinjection values on continuous glucose monitoring, glucose concentrations decreased and the frequency of readings <50 mg/dL increased at 2 and 6 wk after injection of exenatide ER. This did not correspond to clinical hypoglycemia. No other side effects were observed throughout the study. Exenatide ER was safe and effective in improving glucose tolerance 3 wk after a single injection. Further evaluation is needed to determine its safety, efficacy, and duration of action in diabetic cats. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High-intensity resistance training attenuates dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Development and in vitro skin delivery of dexamethasone acetate-loaded surfactant-based systems

Topical corticosteroids, e.g., dexamethasone acetate (DMA), are extensively used to treat cutaneous inflammatory disorders even though their use is correlated with potential local and systemic side effects. The objective of this study was to develop and test the topical delivery of DMA-loaded surfactant based systems in vitro; these studies could guarantee a suitable delivery and therapeutic efficacy, as well as minimize DMA's side effects. A phase diagram was constructed using polyoxypropylene (5) polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl alcohol as the surfactant (S), isopropyl myristate as the oil phase (O) and water (W). The systems were characterized using polarization light microscopy (PLM), as well as rheological and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements. Depending on the concentration of the constituents, it was possible to obtain microemulsions (MEs) and liquid crystalline mesophases (lamellar and hexagonal). These types of arrangement were verified using PLM measurements. The SAXS results revealed that increasing the W/S ratio led to ME, as well as lamellar (LAM) and hexagonal (HEX) arrangements. The MEs displayed typical Newtonian behavior while the LAM and HEX phases exhibited pseudoplasticity and plasticity, respectively. The MEs displayed excellent drug solubilization that was approximately 10-fold higher than was observed with the individual components. The in vitro cutaneous permeation studies using pig ear skin and analysis of the mechanical parameters (hardness, compressibility, cohesiveness and adhesiveness) were carried out with a HEX phase and O/W emulsion. The HEX phase achieved better drug permeation and retention in the skin while its mechanical properties were suitable for skin administration. PPG-5-CETETH-20-based systems may be a promising platform delivering DMA and other topical corticosteroids through the skin.

Chemistry and pharmacology of some plants mentioned in the letter of Pero Vaz de Caminha

Brazil has a long tradition in the study of medicinal plants. When the Portuguese arrived to the new colony, Pero Vaz de Caminha, the scriber of the fleet, left the first impressions of the local and the inhabitants. He clearly mentions how the Indians use natural dye as tincture to paint their bodies. This article reviews the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of these colorants and other medicinal plants recently identified mentioned in this letter.