Gastroprotective activity of Pradosia huberi on experimentally induced gastric lesions in rodents: Role of endogenous sulphydryls and nitric oxide

Pradosia huberi is a medicinal plant very common in the Amazonian forest population. The research interest in this plant is justifiable because of its potential medicinal value in gastritis and gastric ulcer mentioned in local folk medicine. In this paper, we evaluated the acute toxicity and antiulcerogenic effect of a hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) obtained from Pradosia huberi barks in rodents. No acute toxicological sign or symptom was observed in animals treated with the highest dose (5000 mg/kg, p.o.) of Pradosia huberi. In the HCl/EtOH-induced gastric ulcer model, HAE demonstrated significant inhibition of the ulcerative lesion index by 73% (500 mg/kg) and 88% (1000 mg/kg), respectively, in relation to the control value (p < 0.05). The gastric damage induced by absolute ethanol in rats was effectively reduced by 84, 88 and 81% (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) when compared with the control group (p < 0.01). In the NSAID-induced lesion model, HAE also showed antiulcerogenic effect with decrease in gastric lesions of 56% (250 mg/kg), 57% (500 mg/kg) and 67% (1000 mg/kg) when compared with animals treated with vehicle (p < 0.05). In the gastric ulcer induced by pylorus ligature model, the administration of HAE by oral and intraduodenal routes inhibited the gastric lesion index by 79 and 52% (500 mg/kg), respectively. HAE administered orally or intraduodenally was able to change gastric juice parameters (pH, volume and acid output) as well as those treated with cimetidine. The treatment with HAE (p.o.) significantly increased gastric volume, the pH values and promoted reduced acid output (1) < 0.01). By comparative effect (intraduodenal and oral route), we observed that HAE was better for local activity in gastric mucosa than in systemic action. HAE also has a non-specific activity when found to be the inhibitor of intestinal motility (p > 0.01). The mechanism of action of HAE did not seem to be related to the NO-inhibitor but showed the participation of endogenous sulphydryl group in the gastroprotective action. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.

POLYSEROSITIS IN A PATIENT WITH ACUTE PARACOCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS AND HEPATOSPLENIC SCHISTOSOMIASIS

A severe case of juvenile paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), manifested as cholestatic jaundice, lymphnode enlargement and an unusual form of polyserositis, associated with portal hypertension secondary to schistosomiasis, as well as bacteremias caused by E. coli and S. aureus and post-transfusional hepatitis C is reported. Temporary unresponsiveness of in vivo and in vitro cellular immune responses to P. brasiliensis were registered. The authors discuss the possible interference of either agent in the host immune response, thus explaining the severity of PCM in the present case.

The effects of acute hypoxia and hypercapnia on oxygen consumption of the freshwater European eel

When exposed to hypoxia, eels Anguilla anguilla were able to regulate and maintain VO2 down to a water oxygen tension (PWO2) of about 25 mmHg, a value far below those reported in other studies. When exposed to hypercapnia, eels showed a depression in VO2 as water carbon dioxide tension (PWCO2) increased. Faced with combined hypoxia-hypercapnia, eels showed an increase in their sensitivity to hypoxia, and the critical oxygen tension increased to 40-45 mmHg. The possible mechanisms underlying these responses were discussed, and the implications of such findings for extensive culture of eels were highlighted.

In situ expression of mononuclear cell markers and interleukin-2 receptor in renal allograft biopsies of acute rejection and borderline cases

The correct diagnosis of renal allograft rejection may be difficult using only clinical and/or histopathological criteria. Immunological assays should be considered in order to evaluate the phenotype of inflammatory infiltrate in renal allograft biopsies. Immunohistochemical studies were performed to detect mononuclear cells, CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, macrophages, null cells, and positive cells for interleukin-2 receptors. A total of 41 allograft biopsies classified into three groups were studied: acute cellular rejection (28 biopsies/22 patients), borderline (7 biopsies/5 patients) and control (6 biopsies/6 patients). In the rejection group (RG), increased cellularity was found mainly at the tubulo-interstitial level. Expression of CD8 positive cells was higher in RG when compared to borderline (BG) and control (CG) groups, respectively (0.9 vs. 0.0 vs. 0.35 cells/mm2; p < 0.001). Expression of macrophages was not statistically significant among the three groups (RG = 0.6 vs. BG = 0.2 vs. CG = 0.0 cells/mm2; p < 0.02). In the BG, CD4 + cells predominated (BG = 0.2 vs. RG = 0.05 vs. CG = 0.0 cells/mm2; p < 0.05). Clinically these patients were treated as cases of acute rejection. The numbers and different types of infiltrating cells did not correlate with patient's clinical outcome. Copyright © Informa Healthcare.

In vivo analgesic activity, toxicity and phytochemical screening of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Psidium cattleianum Sabine

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Psidium cattleianum Sabine is extensively used in Brazilian traditional medicine to treat several diseases including painful disorders. Aim of the study to investigate the toxicity and the possible analgesic activities of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Psidium cattleianum Sabine (ELPCS), to support its use in folk medicine. To screen the major phytochemical constituents of this extract and evaluate their antioxidant activity. Materials and methods: ELPCS was assessed for its antioxidant activity using the DPPH model. Its analgesic activity was examined using mouse models of acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate paw licking models. The major phytochemical constituents of the extract were screened; their toxicity on LLC-MK2 mammalian cells was evaluated. Results: ELPCS exhibited significant peripheral analgesic activity at doses of 60, 80, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg in mice, but it did not display central analgesic activity and not was toxic to LLC-MK2 cell (LD 50>400 μg/mL). The extract exhibited free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by IC 50 values (15.9 μg/mL) obtained by the DPPH method. Phytochemical screening detected flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, and tannins. Conclusions: The results of the experimental studies proved the analgesic activity of ELPCS and supported the traditional use of this plant. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vitro evaluation of permeation, toxicity and effect of praziquantel-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles against Schistosoma mansoni as a strategy to improve efficacy of the schistosomiasis treatment

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Rainwater toxicity and contamination study from So Paulo Metropolitan Region, Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

ANTIDIARRHEAL MECHANISM AND IONIC PROFILE OF CARPOLOBIA LUTEA ETHANOLIC STEM-BARK EXTRACT IN RATS

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

Hydroxyurea in the sickle cell anemia: toxicity and effectiveness

Objective: to evaluate the use of hydroxyurea with regard to effectiveness and toxicity in people with sickle cell anemia. Method: this is a retrospective descriptive study, developed with 57 medical records of patients with sickle cell anemia, treated at the University Hospital Center of Campo Grande (Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil), from 1993 to 2005. Inclusion criteria: electrophoresis of hemoglobin in medical record; regular use of drugs, for an average of 196 weeks; dosage; and hematological analyses before starting treatment. Exclusion criteria: living with other hemoglobinopathies. The variables evaluated were: neutrophils count; platelets; leukocytes; hemoglobin; time using hydroxyurea; drug response to the optimal dosage; and number and type of episodes of hospitalization. The research protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, under the Protocol 645. Results: of the 57 medical records, 3 cases were evaluated. Comparing the hematological values, according to Portaria 872, enacted on 11/12/2002, it was found that: cases A, B, and C present an use of hydroxyurea (500 mg/day) for four years, with an average of 196 weeks. Case A, female, decreased painful episodes and frequency of hospitalization, keeping hematological values with no toxicity. In Case B, female, there was one hospitalization due to pain crises and important hemolysis. It stood out, in case C, male, neutropenia with hematological values < 2,000/mm3 . Conclusion: in the cases analyzed, we observed a drop in the number of hospitalizations with the decrease in painful crises from three to one a year, and there was no toxicity with regard to the dosage and time using hydroxyurea, in all three cases. For more comprehensive results, one suggests further study on this therapy with significant samples of this clientele.

Toxicity and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by Alkyl Gallates in Trypanosoma cruzi

American trypanosomiasis or Chagas disease is a debilitating disease representing an important social problem that affects, approximately, 10 million people in the world. The main aggravating factor of this situation is the lack of an effective drug to treat the different stages of this disease. In this context, the search for trypanocidal substances isolated from plants, synthetic or semi synthetic molecules, is an important strategy. Here, the trypanocidal potential of gallates was assayed in epimastigotes forms of T. cruzi and also, the interference of these substances on the mitochondrial membrane potential of the parasites was assessed, allowing the study of the mechanism of action of the gallates in the T. cruzi organisms. Regarding the preliminary structure-activity relationships, the side chain length of gallates plays crucial role for activity. Nonyl, decyl, undecyl, and dodecyl gallates showed potent antitrypanosomal effect (IC50 from 1.46 to 2.90 μM) in contrast with benznidazole (IC50 = 34.0 μM). Heptyl gallate showed a strong synergistic activity with benznidazole, reducing by 105-fold the IC50 of benznidazole. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by these esters was revealed. Tetradecyl gallate induced a loss of 53% of the mitochondrial membrane potential, at IC50 value.

Avaliação da qualidade da água dos rios Jaguarí e Atibaia por meio do índice de qualidade da água - IQA e ensaios toxicológicos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Acute Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Responses During Resistance Exercise in the Lactate Threshold Intensity

The aims were both to determine lactate and ventilatory threshold during incremental resistance training and to analyze the acute cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during constant-load resistance exercise at lactate threshold (LT) intensity. Ten healthy men performed 2 protocols on leg press machine. The incremental test was performed to determine the lactate and ventilatory thresholds through an algorithmic adjustment method. After 48 h, a constant-load exercise at LT intensity was executed. The intensity of LT and ventilatory threshold was 27.1 +/- 3.7 and 30.3 +/- 7.9% of 1RM, respectively (P=0.142). During the constant-load resistance exercise, no significant variation was observed between set 9 and set 15 for blood lactate concentration (3.3 +/- 0.9 and 4.1 +/- 1.4 mmol.L-1, respectively. P=0.166) and BORG scale (11.5 +/- 2.9 and 13.0 +/- 3.5, respectively. P=0.783). No significant variation was observed between set 6 and set 15 for minute ventilation (19.4 +/- 4.9 and 22.4 +/- 5.5L. min(-1), respectively. P=0.091) and between S3 and S15 for VO2 (0.77 +/- 0.18 and 0.83 +/- 0.16L. min(-1), respectively. P=1.0). Constant-load resistance exercise at LT intensity corresponds to a steady state of ventilatory, cardio-metabolic parameters and ratings of perceived exertion.

Anti-IL-2 Treatment Impairs the Expansion of T-reg Cell Population during Acute Malaria and Enhances the Th1 Cell Response at the Chronic Disease

Plasmodium chabaudi infection induces a rapid and intense splenic CD4(+) T cell response that contributes to both disease pathogenesis and the control of acute parasitemia. The subsequent development of clinical immunity to disease occurs concomitantly with the persistence of low levels of chronic parasitemia. The suppressive activity of regulatory T (T-reg) cells has been implicated in both development of clinical immunity and parasite persistence. To evaluate whether IL-2 is required to induce and to sustain the suppressive activity of T-reg cells in malaria, we examined in detail the effects of anti-IL-2 treatment with JES6-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) on the splenic CD4(+) T cell response during acute and chronic P. chabaudi AS infection in C57BL/6 mice. JES6-1 treatment on days 0, 2 and 4 of infection partially inhibits the expansion of the CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cell population during acute malaria. Despite the concomitant secretion of IL-2 and expression of high affinity IL-2 receptor by large CD4(+) T cells, JES6-1 treatment does not impair effector CD4+ T cell activation and IFN-gamma production. However, at the chronic phase of the disease, an enhancement of cellular and humoral responses occurs in JES6-1-treated mice, with increased production of TNF-alpha and parasite-specific IgG2a antibodies. Furthermore, JES6-1 mAb completely blocked the in vitro proliferation of CD4(+) T cells from non-treated chronic mice, while it further increased the response of CD4(+) T cells from JES6-1-treated chronic mice. We conclude that JES6-1 treatment impairs the expansion of T-reg cell population during early P. chabaudi malaria and enhances the Th1 cell response in the late phase of the disease.