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ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae), popularly known as pequi, is important source of food and used in the folk medicine as wound healing, anti-inflammatory and for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract, rheumatic and muscular pains and gastric ulcer. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the effects of fixed oil of Caryocar coriaceum (FOCC) on the topical inflammation and cutaneous wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FOCC was purchased commercially and used at 6%, 12%, 25%, 50% and 100% on model of ear edema induced by xylene and ointments formulations at 6% and 12% on wound excision model in mice. Skin lesions were evaluated by planimetry and histological analysis. RESULTS: FOCC was capable of reducing inflammation in a dose-dependent fashion. FOCC in nature (100%) inhibited the ear edema in 38.01% and 39.20% at time 15 min and 1h, respectively, after induction of inflammation, when compared to the positive control. The topical administration of FOCC ointment 12% showed a significantly reduction of unhealed wound area, with increased percentage of wound contraction (96.54%) on day 7 when compared to the other groups. The results of histological evaluation supported the outcome of excision wound model. CONCLUSION: Caryocar coriaceum inhibits the topical inflammation and accelerate cutaneous wound repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Licania rigida Benth., a Brazilian endemic plant, has been traditionally used for treating inflammation and stomach pain. This work investigates the anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities of the ethanolic extract from L. rigida seeds (EELr) by in vitro and in vivo methods. The phytochemical profile was determined and the in vitro antioxidant activity was investigated by radical scavenging and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances methods. The ovalbumin denaturation method was used with sodium diclofenac as standard for the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity assessment. Acetylsalicylic acid was used to induce gastric ulcers in male mice and then to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic gastroprotective effect of EELr, using omeprazole as the reference drug. The extract exhibited relevant amount of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, in particular, demonstrating in vitro antioxidant capacity. EELr was able to inhibit almost 60% of ovalbumin denaturation at a concentration considered low. It also prevented the decrease of biochemical markers for oxidative stress such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the stomach and SOD and catalase (CAT) in the liver. EELr also significantly decreased the number of lesions as well as reduced the ulcerated area when used as therapy. The observed effect may be due to its phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and tannins, as previously reported. EELr is a potential source of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity, protects the liver from oxidative damage and improves healing of aspirin-induced ulcers. This work contributes to the knowledge of L. rigida species., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

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., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The consumption of fruit has increased in the last 20 years, along with the growing recognition of its nutritional and protective values. Many of the benefits of a diet rich in fruit are attributed to the presence of different bioactive substances, such as vitamins, carotenoids and phenolic compounds. Flavanoids, a class of phenolic compounds, present particular antioxidant activity and thus provide protection against cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Research suggests that an increased intake of plant foods is associated with a reduced incidence of chronic disease. There is currently a great deal of interest in the study of antioxidants, in particular due to the discovery of the damaging effects of free radicals to the body. Thus, this review aims to address the beneficial effects of the antioxidants present in fruits, on the neutralization of reactive species and the reduction of any damage they may cause.

Background: Different species of Croton are used in traditional Amazonian medicine. Among the popular uses are treatment of bacterial diseases, poorly healing wounds and fevers., Objective: This study evaluated the antileishmanial, antiplasmodial and antimicrobial activities of the extracts and diterpenes of Croton palanostigma Klotzsch (Euphorbiaceae)., Materials and Methods: Leaves and bark were extracted with dichloromethane and methanol. The bark dichloromethane extract (BDE) was chromatographed on a column, obtaining cordatin and aparisthman. The extracts and diterpenes were assayed thought agar disk diffusion method and their bactericidal or fungicidal effects were evaluated by minimum bactericidal or fungicidal concentration. The antiplasmodial activity was evaluated after 24 and 72 h of exposition. The antileishmanial activity was performed on promastigotes forms of Leishmania amazonensis., Results: The bark methanol extract (BME) and cordatin were not active against any microbial strains tested; BDE and leaves methanol extract (LME) were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and aparisthman was positive for Candida albicans. In the determination of the minimum bactericidal concentration, neither of them were active in the highest concentration tested. The extracts and diterpenes were inactive in Plasmodium falciparum, except the LME in 72 h. Any extract was shown to be active in promastigote forms of L. amazonensis., Conclusion: These results indicate that the BDE and LME did not inhibit the bacterial growth, then they probably had bacteriostatic effect. LME presented activity in P. falciparum.

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., (© 2015 by the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.)

Background: Different species of Croton are used in traditional Amazonian medicine. Among the popular uses are treatment of bacterial diseases, poorly healing wounds and fevers., Objective: This study evaluated the antileishmanial, antiplasmodial and antimicrobial activities of the extracts and diterpenes of Croton palanostigma Klotzsch (Euphorbiaceae)., Materials and Methods: Leaves and bark were extracted with dichloromethane and methanol. The bark dichloromethane extract (BDE) was chromatographed on a column, obtaining cordatin and aparisthman. The extracts and diterpenes were assayed thought agar disk diffusion method and their bactericidal or fungicidal effects were evaluated by minimum bactericidal or fungicidal concentration. The antiplasmodial activity was evaluated after 24 and 72 h of exposition. The antileishmanial activity was performed on promastigotes forms of Leishmania amazonensis., Results: The bark methanol extract (BME) and cordatin were not active against any microbial strains tested; BDE and leaves methanol extract (LME) were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and aparisthman was positive for Candida albicans. In the determination of the minimum bactericidal concentration, neither of them were active in the highest concentration tested. The extracts and diterpenes were inactive in Plasmodium falciparum, except the LME in 72 h. Any extract was shown to be active in promastigote forms of L. amazonensis., Conclusion: These results indicate that the BDE and LME did not inhibit the bacterial growth, then they probably had bacteriostatic effect. LME presented activity in P. falciparum.

Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are the most frequent round cell tumors in dogs and comprise approximately 21% of all canine cutaneous tumors. MCTs are highly invasive and metastatic corresponding to the histological grade. E-cadherin is an adhesion molecule expressed in epithelial cells and although it is an epithelial cellular marker, studies have shown expression of E-cadherin in canine round cell tumors. To better characterize the expression pattern of E-cadherin in several different histological grades of MCTs in dogs, the expression and localization of the adhesion molecule was investigated using immunohistochemistry. For this purpose, 18 cutaneous MCTs were classified into three histological grades, 1, 2 or 3. Clinical history and follow-up data were available for all of the dogs. Cytoplasmic and nuclear expressions of E-cadherin in all three types of tumors were verified by immunostaining using two different antibodies. There was decreased E-cadherin expression in the more aggressive MCTs (Grade 3), suggesting an association between E-cadherin and tumor aggressiveness. Additionally, the loss of E-cadherin expression in either the cytoplasm or nucleus in more aggressive and undifferentiated tumor types confirmed the importance of cellular adhesion in tumor behavior., (Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The initial encounter of Leishmania with its host's immune system is important in the outcome of infection. Previous studies have shown that PBMCs from healthy volunteers (HV) exposed to Leishmania differ in IFN-γ production. We have expanded such observations evaluating the profile and kinetics of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-10, IL-13), chemokines (CCL5, CCL3, CCL4, CXCL10), and chemokine receptors (CCR1,CCR5, CXCR3, CCR4) in vitro L. amazonensis-stimulated of HV's PBMCs. HVs were divided in groups of high (HR) or low (LR) IFN-γ responders. In both groups, HR and LR, after L. amazonensis infection there was a predominance of IL-10 and IL-13 over IFN-γ production, while IL-12 was produced in similar amount. Regarding chemokines, a more striking difference was observed for CCL3 expression that was lower at 12 hours and 48 hours post infection in LR than in HR. Interestingly, a downregulation of CCR5 and a greater expression of CCR4 were found in low IFN-γ responders. These data suggest that early after L. amazonensis infection there is a cytokine milieu dominated by IL-13 and IL-10, and despite of this environment, IFN-γ is produced, supporting the complexity of the response. It is noteworthy that the pattern of immune response is mounted in first hours after Leishmania stimulation, with the definition of the differentiation of Th1 versus Th2 cells. It remains to be determined if such an in vitro difference has an in vivo counterpart in terms of susceptibility to infection.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) alternative oxidase is encoded by a small multigene family (Aox1, 2a and 2b) that is orthologous to the soybean Aox family. Like most of the identified Aox genes in plants, VuAox1 and VuAox2 consist of 4 exons interrupted by 3 introns. Alignment of the orthologous Aox genes revealed high identity of exons and intron variability, which is more prevalent in Aox1. In order to determine Aox gene expression in V. unguiculata, a steady-state analysis of transcripts involved in seed development (flowers, pods and dry seeds) and germination (soaked seeds) was performed and systemic co-expression of VuAox1 and VuAox2b was observed during germination. The analysis of Aox transcripts in leaves from seedlings under different stress conditions (cold, PEG, salicylate and H2O2 revealed stress-induced co-expression of both VuAox genes. Transcripts of VuAox2a and 2b were detected in all control seedlings, which was not the case for VuAox1 mRNA. Estimation of the primary transcript lengths of V. unguiculata and soybean Aox genes showed an intron length reduction for VuAox1 and 2b, suggesting that the two genes have converged in transcribed sequence length. Indeed, a bioinformatics analysis of VuAox1 and 2b promoters revealed a conserved region related to a cis-element that is responsive to oxidative stress. Taken together, the data provide evidence for co-expression of Aox1 and Aox2b in response to stress and also during the early phase of seed germination. The dual nature of VuAox2b expression (constitutive and induced) suggests that the constitutive Aox2b gene of V. unguiculata has acquired inducible regulatory elements., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

The occurrence of human pulmonary dirofilariasis maintains a relation with the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in the canine population. Several mosquito species are vectors of this nematode. Canine blood samples collected in Pingo d'Agua and União villages, Salvaterra municipality (Marajó Island, Pará), in June, 2004 (n = 34) and April, 2005 (N = 90) were analyzed. Parasitological and immunological (ELISA--kit SNAP(R) 3DX Biobrasil) diagnoses were compared following the examination of 34 samples. The prevalence in the population (N = 90) was evaluated by means of ELISA. ELISA revealed more positive samples (25/34; 73.5%) than thick smears (23/34, 67.6%) or Knott (21/34, 61.8%), but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). The frequency of D. immitis infection was 58% in dogs ranging from 0-2 years old, whereas in older dogs it was 100%. The prevalence of canine dirofilariasis was high in Pingo d'Agua and Vila União (53.5%), indicating the risk of parasite transmission to the people in this area.