Search

In Brazil, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been expanding and urbanizing, mainly in non-endemic areas such as the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Considering that infected dogs are the main reservoirs of VL in urban areas, the present study aimed to evaluate the propagation of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) infection from an unaffected region in transition to a VL transmission area. For this, 1159 and 1087 samples of canine serum from 2015 and 2021, respectively, were analyzed, using the indirect immunofluorescence test. In addition, necropsy reports between 2007 and 2021 were evaluated. The results showed a prevalence of anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies of 7.5% in the samples from 2015, while in 2021 samples, it was 23.5%, with an incidence of 0.4 cases per 100 dogs. It is noteworthy that in 2007, there was no record of CVL as the cause of death in the pathological reports, and in 2021, 41 diagnoses were made with the protozoan being a determinant of the death of the animal. These values indicate an increasing trend in the prevalence and incidence coefficients of CVL. The results of this study allowed us to verify the spread of the disease from an unaffected region to a transmission area of the agent, as well as provide subsidies for health authorities to implement improvements in the CVL control program in the municipality, to mitigate the emergence of human cases of the disease.

Astrocytes play multiple important roles in brain physiology. However, depending on the stimuli, astrocytes may exacerbate inflammatory reactions, contributing to the development and progression of neurological diseases. Therefore, therapies targeting astrocytes represent a promising area for the development of new brain drugs. Thiazolidinones are heterocyclic compounds that have a sulfur and nitrogen atom and a carbonyl group in the ring and represent a class of compounds of great scientific interest due to their pharmacological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 3-(3-(diethylamino)propyl)-2-(4-(methylthio)phenyl)thiazolidin-4-one (DS27) on cell proliferation and morphology, oxidative stress parameters, activity of the enzymes ectonucleotidases and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in primary astrocyte cultures treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to model neuroinflammation. The astrocyte culture was exposed to LPS (10 μg/ml) for 3 h and subsequently treated with compound DS27 for 24 and 48 h (concentrations ranging to 10-100 μM). LPS induced an increase in astrocyte proliferation, AChE activity, IL-6 levels, oxidative damage, ATP and ADP and a reduction in AMP hydrolysis in rat primary astrocyte cultures. DS27 treatment was effective in reversing these alterations induced by LPS. Our findings demonstrated that DS27 is able to modulate cholinergic and purinergic signaling, redox status, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced astrocyte damage. These glioprotective effects of DS27 may be very important for improving neuroinflammation, which is associated with many brain diseases.

Estudos mostram maior exposição ao risco de acidentes dentro do ambiente veterinário. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar e comparar a ocorrência de acidentes ocupacionais para servidores técnicos administrativos em educação, professores e trabalhadores terceirizados de um hospital veterinário universitário no sul do Brasil. Para isto utilizamos um questionário formulado pelos autores com 31 questões, encaminhado por endereço eletrônico para 55 técnicos administrativos em educação, 12 trabalhadores terceirizados e 25 professores lotados no local de estudo. Nossos resultados demonstram que o conhecimento de normativa específica para ambiente de saúde foi maior no grupo de trabalhadores que receberam treinamento. A conduta de descarte de agulhas tem relação com afirmações de acidente envolvendo material perfurocortante para técnicos administrativos. Acidentes que envolveram diretamente os pacientes, acidentes envolvendo secreções biológicas e risco de exposição à radiação ionizante foram os de maior percentual para afirmações entre os colaboradores, embora não tenham apresentado afirmações entre os trabalhadores terceirizados. Agressões físicas ou verbais foram afirmadas em todos os grupos, bem como a busca por atendimentos especializados para tratar desconfortos ou lesões relacionadas ao trabalho no hospital veterinário. A falta de conhecimento sobre a conduta na realização de registros de acidentes, foi o motivo mais citado para falta desta. Studies report greater exposure to the risk of accidents within the veterinary environment. In this sense, the objective of this study was to investigate and compare the occurrence of occupational accidents for administrative technicians in education, teachers and outsourced workers at a university veterinary hospital in southern Brazil. For this, we used a questionnaire formulated by the authors with 31 questions, sent by electronic address to 55 administrative technicians in education, 12 outsourced workers and 25 teachers assigned to the study site. Our results demonstrate that knowledge of specific regulations for the health environment was greater in the group of workers who received training. The needle disposal behavior is related to accident claims involving sharps for administrative technicians. Accidents that directly involved patients, accidents involving biological secretions and risk of exposure to ionizing radiation were the ones with the highest percentage for statements among employees, although there were no statements among outsourced workers. Physical or verbal aggression was reported in all groups, as well as the search for specialized care to treat discomforts or injuries related to work at the veterinary hospital. The lack of knowledge about the conduct in carrying out accident records was the most cited reason for the lack of it. Los estudios muestran una mayor exposición al riesgo de accidentes en el entorno veterinario. En este sentido, el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar y comparar la ocurrencia de accidentes de trabajo de técnicos administrativos en educación, profesores y trabajadores subcontratados de un hospital veterinario universitario del sur de Brasil. Para ello, se utilizó un cuestionario formulado por los autores con 31 preguntas, que se envió por correo electrónico a 55 técnicos administrativos en educación, 12 trabajadores subcontratados y 25 profesores que trabajaban en el centro de estudio. Nuestros resultados muestran que el conocimiento de la normativa específica para entornos sanitarios era mayor en el grupo de trabajadores que recibió formación. La conducta de eliminación de agujas está relacionada con las declaraciones de accidentes con materiales punzantes para los técnicos administrativos. Los accidentes que involucran directamente a los pacientes, los accidentes con secreciones biológicas y el riesgo de exposición a radiaciones ionizantes fueron los que presentaron el mayor porcentaje de declaraciones entre los empleados, aunque no presentaron declaraciones entre los trabajadores subcontratados. En todos los grupos se declararon agresiones físicas o verbales, así como la búsqueda de atención especializada para tratar molestias o lesiones relacionadas con el trabajo en el hospital veterinario. La falta de conocimiento sobre la conducción en la realización de registros de accidentes, fue el motivo más citado para la falta de la misma.

Parasites of the genus Sarcocystis can infect several species of animals and cause multiple diseases such as equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Felines are considered hosts of this protozoa; therefore, the present study aimed to detect anti-Sarcocystis spp.-specific antibodies in domestic cats that were under clinical evaluation, using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. Anti-Sarcocystis-specific immunoglobulin Gs were detected in 24 out of 497 (4.82%) cat serum samples. These findings support the fact that natural Sarcocystis infections do occur in cats. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of domestic cats as both intermediate and definitive hosts in the Sarcocystis life cycle, maintaining the parasite and serving as a source of infection for various other animals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify antibodies against the genus Sarcocystis in cats from a region in southern Brazil.

Este estudo teve como objetivo classificar o perfil clínico dos cães acometidos por leishmaniose no Hospital Veterinário Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (HVU-UFSM). Para isso, foram revisados históricos clínicos dos animais atendidos no HVU-UFSM no período de janeiro de 2017 a julho de 2019, por meio dos prontuários dos pacientes. Neste período, 250 animais foram suspeitos para a doença, com resultado positivo para 61 (24,4%) animais. O perfil clínico foi classificado conforme raça, gênero, idade, estado de vacinação e, então, separados de acordo com os sistemas envolvidos: digestório, neuromuscular, multissistêmico, cardiovascular, respiratório, linfático, oftálmico, urinário e tegumentar; sinais clínicos e a presença de doenças concomitantes. Este estudo revelou que a leishmaniose acomete mais animais sem raça definida (SRD), machos com dois a cinco anos de idade e acomete principalmente o sistema tegumentar, seguido do multissistêmico.

Cancer is the leading cause of death. Melanoma skin cancer originates in melanocytes and represents 80% of the deaths associated with skin cancer. Vinblastine (VIN) is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of cancer through disrupting mitotic spindle and tumor development. Curcumin (CUR), a compound extracted from the rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant, has beneficial effects in preventing the development and progression of cancer while modulating the immune response and oxidative stress. The expression of purinergic receptors, ecto-enzymes, and adenosine can modulate the inflammatory responses in cancer. The activity of enzymes, the markers of cell damage in oxidative stress, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the activities of ecto-enzymes in the melanoma cell line were investigated. The human melanoma cell line was treated with curcumin (40 µM), vinblastine (VIN) (20 nM), or a combination of both for 24h. Oxidative stress enzymes and byproducts were measured and compared against the activity of ecto-enzymes. There was a marked increase in ROS production in all groups, but an increase in protein carbonylation was only detected in the VIN group. CUR had an inhibitory effect on extracellular ADP hydrolysis, as evidenced by a significant decrease in ADP substrate removal. VIN possibly increased adenosine formation, as demonstrated by an increase in ADP substrate removal. VIN (alone or in combination with CUR) reduced the activity of ADA, thus increasing the concentration of adenosine in the tumor microenvironment. CUR increased ROS generation in melanoma cells and disrupted the purinergic signaling cascade. Therefore, it may be a promising adjuvant therapy for melanoma, a cancer with a high incidence and lethality.

Malignant primary bone neoplasms are characterized by high malignancy and metastatic capacity, commonly affecting dogs of large or giant breeds. The prognosis is reserved to unfavorable for the patients. This paper describes a case of osteosarcoma in the left pelvic limb of a Dachshund, diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytology and confirmed by histopathological evaluation. The patient underwent limb amputation and doxorubicin chemotherapy; however, the dog died. This report alerts clinicians to the occurrence of osteosarcoma in small animals and demonstrates the importance of fine-needle aspiration cytology as a tool in the diagnosis of bone neoplasms.

Cancer is an important cause of lethality, and melanoma is associated with less than 10% of survival. The traditional treatment includes the use of vinblastine, and it is associated with side effects. Curcumin is extracted from Curcuma longa rhizomes, and studied in many diseases, producing a variety of effects. We investigated the role of various cellular pathways concerning apoptosis, cell cycle enzymes in melanoma cell line SK-MEL-28, after treatment with curcumin, vinblastine, or a combination of both, for 24 hours. After this, we performed cell cycle, apoptosis, wound healing assay, comet assay on cells, and evaluated nitrite accumulation (nitric oxide (NO•) byproduct). Curcumin increased cells in apoptosis and reduced the number of cells in the G1 phase. Vinblastine increased the production of nitrite, and cells in early apoptosis, mainly through the inducement of DNA damage. Cell migration was impaired in all tested groups. In conclusion, curcumin impaired migration, producing NO•, and promoting apoptosis of tumoral cells. Vinblastine also impaired cell migration and increased levels of NO•. Curcumin might be included as an adjuvant in the treatment of melanoma, and help treatment of melanoma, and further studies are needed, especially regarding the synergistic effect of curcumin and vinblastine in the treatment. El cáncer es una causa importante de letalidad y el melanoma se asocia con menos del 10% de supervivencia. El tratamiento tradicional incluye el uso de vinblastina y se asocia con efectos secundarios. La curcumina se extrae de los rizomas de Curcuma longa y se estudia en muchas enfermedades, produciendo una variedad de efectos. Investigamos el papel de varias vías celulares relacionadas con la apoptosis, las enzimas del ciclo celular en la línea celular de melanoma SK-MEL-28, después del tratamiento con curcumina, vinblastina o una combinación de ambos, durante 24 horas. Después de esto, realizamos el ciclo celular, la apoptosis, el ensayo de cicatrización de heridas, el ensayo de cometa en las células y evaluamos la acumulación de nitrito (subproducto de óxido nítrico (NO•)). La curcumina aumentó las células en apoptosis y redujo el número de células en la fase G1. La vinblastina aumentó la producción de nitrito y células en apoptosis temprana, principalmente a través de la inducción de daño en el ADN. La migración celular se vio afectada en todos los grupos analizados. En conclusión, la curcumina perjudicó la migración, produciendo NO• y promoviendo la apoptosis de las células tumorales. La vinblastina también perjudicó la migración celular y aumentó los niveles de NO•. La curcumina podría incluirse como adyuvante en el tratamiento del melanoma y ayudar al tratamiento del melanoma, y se necesitan más estudios, especialmente en relación con el efecto sinérgico de la curcumina y la vinblastina en el tratamiento. O câncer é uma importante causa de letalidade, e o melanoma está associado a menos de 10% de sobrevida. O tratamento tradicional inclui o uso de vimblastina e está associado a diversos efeitos colaterais. A curcumina é uma substância extraída dos rizomas da planta Curcuma longa, e estudada em muitas doenças, produzindo uma ampla variedade de efeitos. Nós investigamos o papel de várias vias celulares relacionadas à apoptose, enzimas do ciclo celular na linhagem celular de melanoma SK-MEL-28, após tratamento com curcumina, vimblastina ou uma combinação de ambos, por 24 horas. Após isso, avaliamos ciclo celular, apoptose, migração celular, ensaio cometa nas e avaliamos o acúmulo de nitrito (subproduto de óxido nítrico (NO•). A curcumina aumentou as células em apoptose e reduziu o número de células na fase G1. A vimblastina, por sua vez, aumentou a produção de nitrito e células em apoptose precoce, principalmente através da indução de danos no DNA. A migração celular foi prejudicada em todos os grupos testados. Em conclusão, a curcumina prejudicou a migração, produzindo NO• e promovendo a apoptose de células tumorais. Assim, A vimblastina também prejudicou a migração celular e aumentou os níveis de NO•. Assim, a curcumina pode ser incluída como adjuvante no tratamento do melanoma e auxiliar no tratamento do melanoma, sendo necessários mais estudos, principalmente quanto ao efeito sinérgico da curcumina e da vimblastina no tratamento.

BACKGROUND Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer, and its incidence has increased considerably in the last decades. Melanoma presents difficult treatment with strong resistance of tumor cells, due to its extremely invasive nature with high capacity to metastases. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, is a molecule found in several medicinal plants, and has been studied in several diseases, demonstrating antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties and anti-tumorigenic effects. METHODS AND RESULTS In SK-MEL-28 cells, 50 μM BBR treatment for 24 h decreased cell viability by 50 percent. This concentration generated cell death both by early apoptosis and necrosis, with an increase in the DNA damage index. BBR increased (*p

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, and its congenital transmission is of paramount concern. During embryonic development, infection with the parasite causes irreversible damage to the still-forming fetus's central nervous system (CNS). In the pathogenesis of neurotoxoplasmosis, purinergic receptors prejudice neuroprotection, neuroinflammation, and activation of microbicide mechanisms against the parasitic vacuole. This study used curcumin as a treatment for neural precursor cells (NPCs) infected with T. gondii. The congenital toxoplasmosis induction consisted of maternal infection with the VEG strain, and NPCs were obtained from the telencephalon of mouse embryos. Curcumin at increasing concentrations was administered in vitro to analyze NPC metabolic activity, cell number, and size, as well as neurogliogenesis, proving to be effective in recovering the size of infected NPCs. Curcumin partially re-established impaired neurogenesis. Purinergic A1, A2A, and P2X7 receptors may be related to neuroprotection, neuroinflammatory control, and activation of mechanisms for inducing the parasite's death. ERK 1/2 was highly expressed in infected cells, while its expression rates decreased after the addition of the treatment, highlighting the possible anti-inflammatory action of curcumin. These findings suggest that curcumin treats neurological perturbations induced by toxoplasmosis.

Richardia brasiliensis, known as poaia branca, is a medicinal species widely distributed throughout Brazil and used in folk medicine. However, studies on its toxicity are practically non-existent, and little is known about its biological activity. This study aimed to investigate its phytochemical compounds, assess its in vitro and in vivo toxicities, and determine its antiproliferative activity. UHPLC-ESI-HRFTMS performed the phytochemical characterization, and the antiproliferative activity was analyzed in different tumor cell lines. In vitro toxicity was evaluated in PBMC cells, and in vivo acute and repeated dose toxicity was evaluated according to OECD guidelines. It was identified alkaloids and terpenes as significant compounds. Regarding its antiproliferative activity, the human melanoma strain decreased its viability by about 95%. In vitro toxicity showed that the extracts maintained the viability of PBMCs; however, higher concentrations were able to increase the production of dsDNA quantity. In vivo tests showed no mortality nor signs of toxicity; the alterations found in hematological and biochemical parameters are within the standards for the species. The results indicate that R. brasiliensis has a good effect against the tumor cell line; still, more studies on its toxicity at higher concentrations are needed.

Infection is one of the main complications that hinder wound healing. Currently, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are a concern worldwide for both humans and animals. Maggot therapy is re-emerging as an alternative to intractable wounds and may be an option to the traditional antibiotic treatment. Although the species of choice is Lucilia sericata, reports of clinical use have led us to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using Lucilia cuprina larvae on induced infected wounds in Wistar rats. In short, 32 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Group I - saline solution treated; Group II - antibiotic-treated; Group III - treated with larval debridement, and Group IV - without wound and treatment. Skin wounds were induced in groups I, II and III. All treatments were performed once and held for 48 h. Clinical, microbiological, histopathological, hematological, and biochemical analyses were done. Significant wound area contraction was found (95%) in group III on day 9 compared to day 15 in group II. Complete elimination (0.0 ± 0.0 CFU/mL) of bioburden was achieved after the second treatment (day 6) in both the II and III groups, compared to an increase in Group I (6.51 ± 0.37 CFU/mL). A cleaner wound was also observed in the histopathological evaluation of group III, with adequate collagen formation and re-epithelialization on day 15. Furthermore, larvae increased blood platelet levels after the first treatment. L. cuprina larvae have proven safe and effective in accelerating wound treatment and eliminating MRSA.

Aluminum (Al) is a neurotoxin and is associated with the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Al-free ion (Al3+) is the biologically reactive and toxic form. However, the underlying mechanisms of Al toxicity in the brain remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the effects of Al3+ (in the chloride form—AlCl3) at different concentrations (0.1–100 µM) on the morphology, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) isolated from embryonic telencephalons, cultured as neurospheres. Our results reveal that Al3+ at 100 µM reduced the number and diameter of neurospheres. Cell cycle analysis showed that Al3+ had a decisive function in proliferation inhibition of NPCs during neural differentiation and induced apoptosis on neurospheres. In addition, 1 µM Al3+ resulted in deleterious effects on neural phenotype determination. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry analysis showed that Al3+ promoted a decrease in immature neuronal marker β3-tubulin expression and an increase in co-expression of the NPC marker nestin and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Thus, our findings indicate that Al3+ caused cellular damage and reduced proliferation and migration, resulting in global inhibition of NPC differentiation and neurogenesis.

Hyperlipidemia causes lipotoxicity which prompts an inflammatory response linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Natural compounds have been receiving special attention for its poten...

Histoplasmosis is a worldwide distributed opportunistic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. It is reported in cats with non-specific clinical signs. The aim of this case report is to describe the first case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a cat in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In veterinary consultation, it was reported that the animal had a history of vomiting, hematochezia, and weight loss for 3 months. At physical exam, an abdominal lymph adenomegaly, an intestine diffusely enlarged, and a poor body condition were observed. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the caudal mesenteric lymph node was performed. Cytology revealed pyogranulomatous infiltrate with the presence of yeast organisms, cells compatible with H. capsulatum. The treatment prescribed was itraconazole. Culture of the caudal mesenteric lymph node sample confirmed the cytological diagnosis. Physical, hematological, and ultrasonographic exams were undertaken periodically. On day 139 of treatment, the itraconazole dose was increased once the patient had anemia and periodic vomiting; also, the abdominal lymph node size decrease was not remarkable. After that, the cat showed a better clinical response. On day 459 of treatment, the owners had decided to interrupt the treatment but the cat was still referred to the hospital for clinical and ultrasound evaluation. Fifteen months post diagnosis, the patient was alive and healthy. Feline histoplasmosis is an uncommon disease in our region. Therefore, this manuscript alerts veterinarians to the presence of this infection in the region of Santa Maria and emphasizes the importance of FNAC as a diagnostic tool for infectious diseases.

Objective Investigate Vitamin D3 (VD3) effect on the Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), oxidative damage and behavioral tests in animals subjected to Intracerebroventicular injection of Streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) simulating a Sporadic Dementia of Alzheimer's Type (SDAT) and treated with VD3 (21 days). Methods Animals were divided into eight groups: Vehicle, VD12.5 μg/kg, VD42 μg/kg, VD125 μg/kg, STZ, STZ+VD12.5 μg/kg, STZ+VD42 μg/kg, STZ+VD125 μg/kg. Results VD3 prevented the increase in AChE in groups of VD42 µg/kg and VD125 µg/kg; in AChE of synaptossomes and TBARS levels prevented the increase in group VD125 µg/kg; in ROS levels there was not a significant difference; for the Carbonyl Content all doses prevented the increase. Total Thiols prevent the decrease in VD42 µg/kg and VD125 µg/kg, and Reduced Glutathione prevented the decrease in VD125 µg/kg, Oxidized Glutathione prevented the increase in VD125 µg/kg. In relation to behavioral tests, the VD3 prevented the increase in time to find (days 2 and 3), in the time to find the platform (day 3) and in time spent in the quadrant (day 2). However, in relation to crossings there was not difference in groups. These results indicated the therapeutic effect of the VD3 in model of STZ in rats.

Aluminum (Al) is ubiquitously present in the environment and known to be a neurotoxin for humans. The trivalent free Al anion (Al3+) can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), accumulate in the brain, and elicit harmful effects to the central nervous system (CNS) cells. Thus, evidence has suggested that Al increases the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Purinergic signaling has been shown to play a role in several neurological conditions as it can modulate the functioning of several cell types, such as microglial cells, the main resident immune cells of the CNS. However, Al effects on microglial cells and the role of the purinergic system remain elusive. Based on this background, this study is aimed at assessing the modulation of Al on purinergic system parameters of microglial cells. An in vitro study was performed using brain microglial cells exposed to Al chloride (AlCl3) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 96 h. The uptake of Al, metabolism of nucleotides (ATP, ADP, and AMP) and nucleoside (adenosine), and the gene expression and protein density of purinoceptors were investigated. The results showed that both Al and LPS increased the breakdown of adenosine, whereas they decreased nucleotide hydrolysis. Furthermore, the findings revealed that both Al and LPS triggered an increase in gene expression and protein density of P2X7R and A2AR receptors, whereas reduced the A1R receptor expression and density. Taken together, the results showed that Al and LPS altered the setup of the purinergic system of microglial cells. Thus, this study provides new insights into the involvement of the purinergic system in the mechanisms underlying Al toxicity in microglial cells.

Laparoscopic procedures require the creation of pneumoperitoneum. CO2, which must be cold and dry, is the standard gas used in such surgeries. The type of gas used, its temperature, and moisture may change the peritoneal surface and cause systemic and local oxidative stress. Our objective is to evaluate the influence of pneumoperitoneum heating on the occurrence of histological lesions in the peritoneum, inflammation, plasma oxidative stress, and on the mesothelial surface in patients undergoing video-assisted ovariohysterectomy. Twenty canine females were included and distributed evenly into two groups: heated CO2 (HG) and unheated CO2 (UHG). The biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated before insufflation (T0), at 30 min (T1), and at 60 min (T2) of exposure to CO2. Biopsies of the peritoneal tissue for histological evaluation were performed at T0 and T2. Regarding plasma parameters, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) showed a greater activity in the HG at T1 ( p = 0.0268 ) and T2 ( p = 0.0423 ); in turn, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) showed a greater activity at T2 in the HG ( p = 0.0175 ) compared with T0. Catalase activity (CAT) was different between HG times; it was higher at T1 ( p = 0.0253 ). There was a decrease in the levels of substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) ( p = 0.0117 ) and in glutathione (GSH) ( p = 0.0114 ) between T0 and T2 in the UHG. Regarding tissue oxidative stress, the CAT in the HG showed a greater activity at T2 than T1 ( p = 0.0150 ). By comparing the groups at each time, there was a difference only at T2 ( p = 0.0288 ), being greater in the HG. Regarding the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the HG, there was a difference between T2 in relation to T0 and T1 ( p = 0.0181 ); finally, there was an increase only at T1 ( p = 0.0287 ) in the UHG when comparing groups at the same time. There were no differences in the histological parameters evaluated. Our study demonstrates that the heating of CO2 generates a greater inflammatory response and forms reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the plasma and peritoneal levels.

This study sought to assess the effect of hesperidin on serum inflammatory cytokines and oxidative damage in liver of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rats.Fifty-six adult female Wistar rats (220-250 g) were acclimatized for two weeks. Intraplantar injection of CFA was done for the induction of arthritis and confirmed on the 14th day prior to oral administration of 40 and 80 mg/kg of hesperidin or dexamethasone for 45 days.The result showed that treatment with both doses of hesperidin and dexamethasone in the joint of arthritic rats significantly (Hence, hesperidin could be a potential immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent.

Cholinergic system dysfunction, oxidative damage, and alterations in ion pump activity have been associated with memory loss and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease. 1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones have emerged as a class of compounds with potential therapeutic effects due to their potent anticholinesterase activity. Accordingly, this study investigated the effect of the 2-(4-(methylthio)phenyl)-3-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propyl)thiazolidin-4-one (DS12) compound on memory, cholinergic and oxidative stress parameters, ion pump activity, and serum biochemical markers in a scopolamine-induced memory deficit model. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: I-Control; II-Scopolamine; III-DS12 (5 mg/kg) + scopolamine; and IV-DS12 (10 mg/kg) + scopolamine. The animals from groups III and IV received DS12 diluted in canola oil and administered for 7 days by gavage. On the last day of treatment, scopolamine (1 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) 30 min after training in an inhibitory avoidance apparatus. Twenty-four hours after scopolamine administration, the animals were subjected to an inhibitory avoidance test and were thereafter euthanized. Scopolamine induced memory deficits, increased acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative damage, and decreased Na+/K+-ATPase activity in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Pretreatment with DS12 prevented these brain alterations. Scopolamine also induced an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity in lymphocytes and whereas butyrylcholinesterase in serum and treatment with DS12 prevented these changes. In animals treated with DS12, no changes were observed in renal and hepatic parameters when compared to the control group. In conclusion, DS12 emerged as an important multitarget compound capable of preventing neurochemical changes associated with memory deficits.

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a major public health problem and is described as one of the most neglected diseases worldwide. It affects about 6-7 million people. Currently, only two drugs are available for the treatment of this disease: nifurtimox and benznidazole. However, both drugs are highly toxic and have several side effects, which lead many patients to discontinue treatment. Moreover, these compounds show a significant curative efficacy only in the acute phase of the disease. Therefore, searching for new drugs is necessary. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo activity of a benzofuroxan derivative (EA2) against T. cruzi, and to evaluate the hematological and biochemical changes induced by its treatment in animals infected with T. cruzi. The results were then compared with those of healthy controls. In vitro testing was first performed with T. cruzi epimastigote forms. In this experiment, EA2 was diluted at three different concentrations (0.25, 0.50, and 1%). In vitro evaluation of the trypanocidal activity was performed 24, 48, and 72 h after incubation. In vivo assays were performed using three different doses (10, 5, and 2,5 mg/kg). Mice were divided into 10 groups (five animals/group), wherein four groups comprised non-infected animals (A, G, H, I) and six groups comprised infected animals (B, C, D E, F, J). Groups B and J represented the negative and positive controls, respectively. Groups G, H, and I were used to confirm that EA2 was not toxic to non-infected animals. Parasitemia was measured in infected animals and the hematological and biochemical profiles (urea, creatinine, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) were evaluated in all animals. EA2 demonstrated in vitro trypanocidal activity at all concentrations tested. Although it did not demonstrate a curative effect in vivo, EA2 was able to retard the onset of parasitemia, and significantly reduced the parasite count in groups D and E (treated with 5 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively). EA2 did not induce changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in non-infected animals, demonstrating that it is not toxic. However, further assessments should aim to confirm the safety of EA2 since this was the first in vitro and in vivo study conducted with this molecule.

Neuroinflammation is a predisposing factor for the development of cognitive impairment and dementia. Among the new molecules that are currently being studied, ellagic acid (EA) has stood out for its neuroprotective properties. The present study investigated the effects of ellagic acid in the object recognition test, oxidative stress, cholinergic neurotransmission, glial cell expression, and phosphorylated Tau protein expression. For this, 32 male Wistar rats received an intraperitoneal (IP) application of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) at a dose of 250 µg/kg or 0.9% saline solution (SAL) for 8 days. Two hours after the IP injections, the animals received 100 mg/kg of EA or SAL via intragastric gavage. Behavioral parameters (open field test and object recognition) were performed on days 5, 6, and 7 of the experimental periods. The results showed that the treatment with EA in the LPS group was able to inhibit cognitive impairment, modulate the immune system response by significantly reducing glial cell expression, attenuating phosphorylated Tau and oxidative damage with consequent improvement in the antioxidant system, as well as preventing the increase of acetylcholinesterase activity. Thus, the neuroprotective effects of EA and its therapeutic potential in cognitive disorders secondary to neuroinflammation were demonstrated.

Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut) leaf is traditionally used for the treatment of insomnia in Asia. However, studies describing the safety and toxicity profile for this plant preparation are limited. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the toxicity of peanut leaf hydroalcoholic extract (PLHE) repeated treatment. The extract was administered orally (100, 300 or 1000 mg/kg) in male and female Wistar rats for 28 days (OECD guideline 407). PLHE treatment did not cause mortality or weight variation in the animals. Also, there was no alteration on locomotor activity (open field test), motor coordination (rotarod test), or anxiety behaviour (elevated plus-maze test). Male rats had a reduction in relative liver weight (100 mg/kg) and an increase in total kidney weight (1000 mg/kg), but there was no change in biochemical and haematological parameters after PLHE treatment. Free extracellular double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) levels was also evaluated, but PLHE treatment did not increase this parameter in rat organs. Also, the dose of 1000 mg/kg of PLHE significantly increased the total thiols in the liver of females compared with the control animals. Thus, PLHE did not induce toxicity after repeated exposure for 28 days in rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease. The present study investigated the effects of 50 and 100 mg/kg berberine (BRB) on recognition memory, oxidative stress, and purinergic neurotransmission, in a model of sporadic dementia of the Alzheimer's type induced by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. Rats were submitted to ICV-STZ 3 mg/kg or saline, and 3 days later, were started on a treatment of BRB or saline for 21 days. The results demonstrated that BRB was effective in protecting against memory impairment, increased reactive oxygen species, and the subsequent increase in protein and lipid oxidation in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, as well as δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase inhibition in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, the decrease in total thiols, and the reduced glutathione and glutathione S-transferase activity in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of ICV-STZ rats, was prevented by BRB treatment. Besides an antioxidant effect, BRB treatment was capable of preventing decreases in ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase), 5'-nucleotidase (EC-5'-Nt), and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in synaptosomes of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Thus, our data suggest that BRB exerts a neuroprotective effect on recognition memory, as well as on oxidative stress and oxidative stress-related damage, such as dysfunction of the purinergic system. This suggests that BRB may act as a promising multipotent agent for the treatment of AD.

Background : In swine production, good reproduction rates can be achieved through genetic selection and reproductive biotechnologies. One of these biotechnologies is artificial insemination, which contributes to disseminate genes and optimize breeding boars, thus improving the quality of insemination doses. This study focused on evaluating the intervals between semen collection from boars at the beginning of their reproductive maturity vis-a-vis the viability of insemination doses. Materials, Methods & Results : Twenty 9-month-old boars of the genetic lineage AGPIC 337 (Agroceres PIC) were used in this study. The experimental design used here was completely randomized, and the randomly selected males were divided into four treatment groups, which were named according to the interval between semen sample collections: T1: 2 days; T2: 3 days; T3: 4 days and T4: 7 days. Each treatment comprised 5 animals, and at the end of the 90 days of this study, a total of 150 ejaculates were obtained in T1, 110 in T2, 90 in T3 and 60 in T4. The values of total motility, volume and sperm concentration of the ejaculates were evaluated, as was oxidative stress by means of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), the latter after 0, 72, 120 and 168 h of the study. Membrane integrity was evaluated at 0, 72, 120 and 168 h using the eosin-nigrosin staining procedure. Sperm heat resistance was tested after 120 h, and sperm morphology after 72, 120 and 168 h. Sperm concentrations differed, with T3 showing 27.04% and 29.65% higher concentrations ( P < 0.05) than groups T2 and T1, respectively. Total motility in group T4 was 0.56%, 1.98% and 3.28% higher ( P < 0.05) than in T3, T2 and T1, respectively, indicating that the 7-day interval produced the best result. The heat resistance test showed the expected results, i.e., T2 and T4 did not differ in terms of total motility, but that of T4 was 4.96% higher ( P < 0.05) than T3 and 7.71% higher than T1. As for plasma membrane integrity, T4 had 6.45%, 8.09% and 12.72% more cells with intact membranes ( P < 0.05) than T3, T2 and T1, respectively. With regard to TBARS, group T1 showed higher concentrations ( P < 0.05) than T2 (6.18%), T3 (11.13%) and T4 (9.12%), i.e., the sperm cells in the animals of T1 showed greater changes. As for sperm morphology, the number of intact cells in T4 was 6.08%, 7.53% and 12.44% higher ( P < 0.05) than in T3, T2 and T1, respectively. Discussion : With respect to total motility, other authors have reported similar results, i.e., the motility of sperm was highest when collected at 7-day intervals and lower when collected at shorter intervals. Despite the statistical differences between treatments, these results were found to be similar to those recommended in the literature for use in the preparation of insemination doses. Thus, we suggest that all the intervals between collections can be used in the routine of semen production centers, since the minimum requirement for an ejaculate to be accepted in an artificial insemination program is to have a total motility of no less than 70 percent. At the beginning of their reproductive maturity, boars may be subjected to intervals between collections of at least 2 days, without impairing the total motility of insemination doses. However, the best results are obtained when semen is collected at 7-day intervals, which ensures higher total motility, morphologically healthy cells with intact membranes, and less oxidative damage caused by lipid peroxidation.

Quercetin is reported to exert a plethora of health benefits through many different mechanisms of action. This versatility and presence in the human diet has attracted the attention of the scientific community, resulting in a huge output of in vitro and in vivo (preclinical) studies. Therefore, we hypothesized that quercetin can protect Na+,K+-ATPase activity in the central nervous system, reestablish the peripheral cholinesterases activities, and reduce oxidative stress during demyelination events in rats. In line with this expectation, our study aims to find out how quercetin acts on the Na+,K+-ATPase activity in the central nervous system, peripheral cholinesterases, and stress oxidative markers in an experimental model of demyelinating disease. Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: vehicle, quercetin, ethidium bromide (EB), and EB plus quercetin groups. The animals were treated once a day with vehicle (ethanol 20%) or quercetin 50 mg/kg for 7 (demyelination phase, by gavage) or 21 days (remyelination phase) after EB (0.1%, 10 μL) injection (intrapontine).The encephalon was removed, and the pons, hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum were dissected to verify the Na+,K+-ATPase activity. Our results showed that quercetin protected against reduction in Na+,K+-ATPase in the pons and cerebellum in the demyelination phase, and it increased the activity of this enzyme in the remyelination phase. During the demyelination, quercetin promoted the increase in acetylcholinesterase activity in whole blood and lymphocytes induced by EB, and it reduced the increase in acetylcholinesterase activity in lymphocytes in the remyelination phase. On day 7, EB increased the superoxide dismutase and decreased catalase activities, as well as increased the thiobarbituric acid–reactive substance levels. Taken together, these results indicated that quercetin regulates the Na+,K+-ATPase activity, affects the alterations of redox state, and participates in the reestablishment of peripheral cholinergic activity during demyelinating and remyelination events.

The malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor is an uncommon tumor in cats. Cytological preparations can be used to diagnose such neoplasia, being a useful tool to characterize a spindle cell tumor presenting several criteria of malignancy. Histopathological examination is required for a definitive diagnosis, complemented by immunohistochemical techniques. This paper describes a case of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a cat. The diagnosis of mesenchymal neoplasm with high pleomorphism was suggested by cytology, performed through fine needle aspiration. Thereafter, the nodule underwent surgical excision, histopathological analysis, and immunohistochemistry. For immunohistochemical analysis, the panel included vimentin, S-100 protein, GFAP, von Willebrand factor, and cytokeratin. The markers that showed positive immunolabeling were vimentin and S-100 protein, confirming the mesenchymal origin of the tumor. It is possible to conclude that cytology was useful and reliable to pre-diagnose the neoplasm in this case. Added to the convenience and short time for execution of the technique, the aspiration cytology is recommended to suggest a diagnosis in similar cases and support the clinical management of the patient.

The exposure to environmental stressors, such as organophosphate (OP) pesticides, has been associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is the worldwide most used OP pesticide and one of the most hazardous pesticides as it can cross the blood-brain barrier. Since studies evaluating the effects of CPF on brain immune cells are scarce, this research investigated the oxidative and inflammatory responses of CPF exposure in murine microglial cells. BV-2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of CPF pesticide (0.3–300 μM). CPF induced activation of microglial cells, confirmed by Iba-1 and CD11b marking, and promoted microglial proliferation and cell cycle arrest at S phase. Moreover, CPF exposure increased oxidative stress production (NO, MDA, and O2∙), and upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and NLRP3) genes expression in BV-2 cells. Overall, data showed that CPF exposure, at the lowest concentrations, acted by promoting pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory states in microglial cells. These results provide important information on the potential role of microglial activation in CPF-induced neuroinflammation and add to the expanding knowledge on the neurotoxicity of OP.

Sida rhombifolia (Malvaceae) is popularly used as a treatment for several pathological conditions; however, there is a lack of studies that identify its compounds and that evaluate comprehensively the safety of its consumption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determinate the phytochemical constitution of the crude extract of Sida rhombifolia (CESR), and its safety in models of acute and repeated doses (28 days) toxicity. The tested dose for the model of acute toxicity was 2000 mg/kg doses for the repeated dose model were 150, 300 e 600 mg/kg. Hematological, biochemical, histopathological and oxidative markers were investigated. HPLC-DAD-MS analysis evidenced the presence of caffeic acid, coumarin, and rutin. In the acute toxicity model the only altered parameters were tissue ROS, and AST and BUN in serum. As for the repeated dose experiment both hematological and biochemical markers remained within the values of reference for the species. Obtained results demonstrate that the CESR did not present significant toxic effects when administrated orally to male and female rats in acute and repeated doses.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether oxidative stress occurs in rats experimentally infected by Sporothrix schenckii, and its possible effect on disease pathogenesis. Thirty rats were divided into two groups: the group A (uninfected, n = 18) and the group B (infected by S. schenckii, n=21). Blood samples were collected on days 15, 30 and 40 post-infection (PI). At each sampling time, six rats of the group A, and seven of the group B were bled. TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) levels in serum samples were measured to evaluate lipid peroxidation. In addition, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, known as biomarkers of antioxidants levels, were verified in whole blood. Seric pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6), which showed that these inflammatory mediators were at higher levels in the infected rats (P

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of berberine (BRB) on spatial and learning memory, anxiety, acetylcholinesterase activity and cell death in an experimental model of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) induced sporadic Alzheimer's-like dementia. Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control (CTR), BRB 50mg/kg (BRB 50), BRB 100mg/kg (BRB 100), streptozotocin (STZ), streptozotocin plus BRB 50mg/kg (STZ+BRB 50), and streptozotocin plus BRB 100mg/kg (STZ+BRB 100). Rats were injected with ICV-STZ (3mg/kg) or saline, and daily oral BRB treatment began on day 4 for a period of 21days. Behavioral tests were carried out on day 17, and rats were euthanized on day 24. Cell death analysis and determination of acetylcholinesterase activity was performed on the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the brain. Administration of BRB prevented the memory loss, anxiogenic behavior, increased acetylcholinesterase activity and cell death induced by ICV-STZ. This may be explained, in part, by a protective effect of BRB on ameliorating the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, and the results of this study provide a better understanding of the effect of BRB on the brain. Thus, BRB may act as a potential neuroprotective agent.