Search

Objective: To evaluate the effects of magnifying the damage caused by obesity induced by monosodium glutamate, using a model of maternal periodontitis, on the structure of the anterior tibialis muscle of the offspring. Materials and Methods: Twenty‐four female Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: control (n = 6), obese (n = 6), control with periodontitis (n = 6) and obese with periodontitis (n = 6). At 78 days of life, the rats were mated with males without any experimental intervention. The offspring of these rats (n = 1/L), at 120 days of life, were weighed and measured, then euthanized. Plasma was collected for analysis of cytokines IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17 and TNF‐α. Adipose tissues were collected and weighed, and the anterior tibial muscle was designated for histomorphological analyses (n = 6/group). Results: Monosodium glutamate offspring showed significant muscle changes, such as a reduction in the size of fibres and neuromuscular junctions, and an increase in the nucleus and capillaries. However, all these changes were more expressed in monosodium glutamate‐obese with periodontitis offspring. Conclusion: This leads us to suggest a magnifying effect promoted by periodontitis to the damage already well described by monosodium glutamate‐obesity, determined by low‐intensity inflammation, causing greater muscle damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), is susceptible to several entomopathogens, including the fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.‐Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales), which causes white muscardine. Aiming at effective alternatives for disease control, the effect of one pyridinium salt (PS) and seven imidazolium salts (IS) on biological parameters of this fungus – conidia germination, colony‐forming units (CFU), vegetative growth, and conidia production – were evaluated in vitro. Then, the in vivo action of the IS on silkworm larvae and pupae was verified. Preventive and curative actions of selected IS for disease suppression in B. mori caterpillars were evaluated either via oral or integumentary administration. When administered daily via feeding sheets, the IS 1,3‐di‐n‐decyl‐2‐methylimidazolium chloride at 100 μg ml−1 was effective in reducing the mortality of caterpillars by the fungal infection. In addition, it did not show any negative effects on developing B. mori larvae. Therefore, 1,3‐di‐n‐decyl‐2‐methylimidazolium chloride can be an effective tool in the management of white muscardine in silkworm rearing houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk sericin is a natural polymer produced by silkworm, Bombyx mori, which surrounds and keeps together two fibroin filaments in silk thread used in the cocoon. The recovery and reuse of sericin usually discarded by the textile industry not only minimizes environmental issues but also has a high scientific and commercial value. The physicochemical properties of the molecule are responsible for numerous applications in biomedicine and are influenced by the extraction method and silkworm lineage, which can lead to variations in molecular weight and amino acid concentration of sericin. The presence of highly hydrophobic amino acids and its antioxidant potential make it possible for sericin to be applied in the food and cosmetic industry. The moisturizing power allows indications as a therapeutic agent for wound healing, stimulating cell proliferation, protection against ultraviolet radiation, and formulating creams and shampoos. The antioxidant activity associated with low digestibility of sericin that expands the application in the medical field, such as antitumour, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, anticoagulant, acts in colon health, improving constipation and protects the body from obesity through improved plasma lipid profile. In addition, the properties of sericin allow its application as a culture medium and cryopreservation, in tissue engineering and for drug delivery, demonstrating its effective use, as an important biomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the presence of an infectious process has not been well elucidated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of LLLT in an experimental model of septic arthritis. Methods. Twenty-one Wistar rats were divided as follows: control group, no bacteria; placebo group, bacteria were inoculated; Treated group, bacteria were injected and treatment with LLLT was performed. To assess nociception, a von Frey digital analgesimeter was applied. Synovial fluid was streaked to analyze bacterial growth. The standard strain of S. aureus was inoculated in the right knee. LLLT was performed with 660 nm, 2 J/cm2, over 10 days. After treatment, the knees were fixed and processed for morphological analysis by light microscopy. Results. It was found that nociception increases in the right knee. There was a lack of results for the seeding of the synovial fluid. The morphological analysis showed slight recovery areas in the articular cartilage and synovia; however, there was the maintenance of the inflammatory infiltrate. Conclusion. The parameters used were not effective in the nociception reduction, even with the slight tissue recovery due to the maintenance of inflammatory infiltrate, but produced no change in the natural history of resolution of the infectious process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]