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Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders show inflammatory components, heavily impacting on quality of life. Abelmoschus esculentus is largely cultivated in Northeastern Brazil for medicinal purposes, having it shown anti-inflammatory activity. We evaluated A. esculentus lectin (AEL) efficacy in reducing zymosan-induced temporomandibular joint inflammatory hypernociception in rats along with the mechanism of action through which it exerts anti-inflammatory activity. Animals were pre-treated with AEL (0.01, 0.1 or 1mg/kg) before zymosan (Zy) injection in the TMJ to determine anti-inflammatory activity. To analyse the possible effect of the hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) and the nitric oxide (NO) pathways on AEL efficacy, animals were pre-treated with ZnPP-IX (3mg/kg), a specific HO-1 inhibitor, or aminoguanidine (30mg/kg), a selective iNOS inhibitor, before AEL administration. Von Frey test evaluated inflammatory hypernociception, synovial fluid collection was performed to determine leukocyte counting and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity 6h after Zy injection, and Evans Blue extravasation determined vascular permeability. TMJ tissue was collected for histopathological analysis (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (TNF-α, IL-1β, HO-1). In addition, TMJ tissue and trigeminal ganglion collection was performed for TNF-α and IL-1β dosage (ELISA). AEL increased inflammatory nociceptive threshold, reduced leukocyte influx along with MPO activity, leukocyte influx into the synovial membrane, and Evans Blue extravasation. It promoted HO-1 overexpression whilst decreased TNF-α and IL-1β expression in the TMJ tissue. AEL reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels in TMJ tissue and trigeminal ganglion. AEL effects, however, were not observed in the presence of ZnPP-IX. These findings suggest that AEL efficacy depends on TNF-α/IL-1β inhibition and HO-1 pathway integrity., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Alcopops are highly-sweetened premixed spirit-based drinks. Ready to drink and sold in small bottles, it contains between 3 and 5 % alcohol by volume, sugars, citric and malic acid with a pH around 3. Their success is attributed to the fact that spirits are more palatable and better tasting with a fruity flavour, similar to non alcoholic beverages. Especially aimed at female teenagers in search for the alcohol effect while disliking its strong taste, it has been sold in Europe for 15 years. So called "designer drinks" are often consumed during the weekend, binge-drinked with some friends. The frequent consumption has severe consequences on general health, which includes body overweight due to the amount of sugar, and alcohol-related consequences of utmost importance considering consumer's young age. Moreover, alcopops may introduce to the consumption of alcohol and induce addiction. Consequences on oral health may include dental erosion. Erosion is a premature loss of mineralized tissues (enamel and dentin), due to the contact with acids. The low pH of these drinks and the increased risk of vomiting because of an excessive alcohol intake could potentially lead to substantial damage to the teeth. The treatment depends on the erosion stage. The medical professionals should be aware of the possible implications relating to alcopops' consumption. Some preventive advices can be given to the teenagers and to their parents: reduce acids consumptions, do not brush the teeth immediately after an acid drink and regularly visit a dentist., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)