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Dietary supplementation with pterostilbene (PS) and/or a probiotic (PRO) may ameliorate the intestinal microbiota in disease conditions. This study aims to evaluate PS and PRO for the chemoprevention of putative precursor lesions for colorectal cancer (CRC) in an experimental model of intestinal carcinogenesis with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (1,2-DMH). Sixty male Wistar rats were equally divided into five groups: Sham, 1,2-DMH, 1,2-DMH + PS, 1,2-DMH + PRO, and 1,2-DMH + PS + PRO. PRO (5 × 107/mL) was offered in water, and PS (300 ppm) was provided in the diet ad libitum. 1,2-DMH (20 mg/kg/week) was administered for 15 consecutive weeks. In the 25th week, proctocolectomy was conducted. PRO alone and PRO combined with PS were the best intervention strategies to improve experimental 1,2-DMH-induced CRC regarding several parameters of carcinogenesis. Our findings may contribute to the development of novel preventive strategies for CRC and may help to identify novel modulators of colon carcinogenesis.

Empresa júnior (EJ) é uma associação civil, sem fins lucrativos, inserida no ambiente universitário, constituída e gerida por estudantes da graduação; atuam em atividades de consultoria, que se caracterizam como uma oportunidade de desenvolver uma visão global do funcionamento empresarial, fomentando o empreendedorismo, permitindo o aprendizado dentro de cenários práticos. É fundamental que esse desenvolvimento ocorra no cerne das universidades, conferindo um teor científico e culminando na criação de parques tecnológicos e incubadoras de empresas. A temática do empreendedorismo torna relevante a implantação de EJ em cursos da saúde, destacando o Curso de Farmácia, uma vez que o profissional farmacêutico atua na gestão em seu campo profissional, traçando planos estratégicos, frente às infinitas necessidades e aos recursos limitados. O Curso de Farmácia da UFC dispõe de uma EJ, a IPHARMA JR – Consultoria Farmacêutica, a qual tem como missão ser o impacto no mercado farmacêutico e na vida das pessoas, formando profissionais diferenciados por meio da vivência empresarial. No funcionamento da EJ, prioriza-se a estruturação de processos em detrimento do qualitativo de contratos ou faturamento, o que permite um amadurecimento pessoal e coletivo, deixando claro que o planejamento estratégico faz parte do processo de crescimento. Tudo isso propicia um posicionamento privilegiado no mercado, conferindo uma melhor condição de empregabilidade. Na IPHARMA, o planejamento estratégico como ferramenta de educação para o empreendedorismo tem posicionado muito bem os egressos do projeto, visto que os profissionais egressos da EJ se colocaram rapidamente no mercado de trabalho e muitos abriram suas próprias empresas.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to verify the effect of brushing on the mass, color and roughness of the acrylic resin artificial teeth of the RDP, using a dentifrice incorporated with 1% Brazilian Red Propolis (BRP) after 5 years of brushing. Methods: The specimens were distributed in 3 groups / 10 each: Distilled Water (DW), 1% BRP-based dentifrice (PD) and Positive Control dentifrice (CD), analyzed before and after 24, 36 and 60 months of brushing. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation, submitted to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test and compared by Friedman or Kruskal-Wallis tests followed by the Dunn post test (p Key words: Dental Prosthesis, Propolis, Toothbrushing, Natural Products, Dentistry.

Background. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological efficacies of (C. langsdorffii) dental varnish in children at high risk of dental caries.. Methods. This is a longitudinal, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Ninety high-risk caries-free children (ICDAS II = 0) were recruited and randomly divided into three groups: C. langsdorffii, chlorhexidine, or fluoride. The varnishes were applied on the second deciduous molars for three times: baseline (D0), after 90 days (D90), and after 180 days (D180). Saliva was collected on D0, D90, D180, and D360 to evaluate S. mutans reduction. Statistics were carried out by ANOVA, Tukey’s test, and the paired t-test. Results. Copaiba varnish demonstrated significant S. mutans reduction: D360 versus D0 p < 0.0001 , D180 versus D0 p < 0.001 , D360 versus D90 p < 0.001 , D180 versus D90 p < 0.001 , and D360 versus D180 p < 0.05 . Chlorhexidine varnish significantly reduced S. mutans at D180 versus D0 p < 0.05 . Fluoride reduced at D180 versus D0 p < 0.001 . Conclusions. Three annual applications of this varnish showed substantial antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and caries prevention for up to 12 months.

The antimicrobial activity of an experimental solution containing essential oil of Lippia sidoides for denture cleaning was evaluated by (1) minimum inhibitory (MIC) and fungicidal/bactericidal con...

Background: Early childhood caries is a sugar-dependent disease with multifactorial modulating factors affecting deciduous dentition. It is defined as the presence of at least one decayed tooth, absence of a tooth due to caries or the existence of a temporary restoration in a tooth in a child between zero and 71 months of age. No BRP varnish was found in intellectual property banks, therefore it was registered and deposited with patent number BR1020160190142. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the dose-response concentration of alcoholic extract of Brazilian red propolis (BRP), in the form of dental varnish, against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in children. Methods: Twenty-four children, aged between 36 and 71 months, of both genders and without caries, were selected to participate in this pilot study and grouped randomly into four groups to receive different concentrations of BRP varnish (1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10%). The varnish was applied to the surface of all second deciduous molars. The antimicrobial activity was observed in saliva, which was collected in two phases: before applying the BRP varnish and after use. Results: There was microbiological reduction of S. mutans in the oral cavity of the children in all the tested concentrations. The highest percentage reduction of S. mutans was observed at the concentration of 2.5% (P = 0.0443). Conclusion: The BRP extract in the form of dental varnish has antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and constitutes a possible alternative in the prevention of dental caries.

Introduction. Fluoride plays an important role in the control of dental caries, and currently new dentifrices are being associated with natural products. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the availability of fluoride in saliva samples after using a dentifrice incorporated with Brazilian red propolis (BRP, INPI Patent no. BR1020170110974) and to compare it to a conventional fluoridated dentifrice in healthy participants. Methods. This study was conducted implementing a double-blind, randomized, controlled, and crossover design. Saliva samples of participants were collected at the following time points: 0 at baseline and 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after brushing with each dentifrice. Salivary fluoride concentrations showed no statistically significant difference when comparing the two treatments ( p > 0.05 ). All available fluoride concentrations in saliva decreased after one hour, with no significant difference between BRP and conventional fluoridated dentifrice treatment samples ( p > 0.05 ). Results. The results showed that there was no difference between the analyzed fluoride concentrations 1 hour after brushing with the different dentifrices. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that the propolis incorporated in the dentifrice did not interfere with the kinetics and bioavailability of the fluoride ion in saliva samples, enabling its integration with the pharmaceutical formula and thereby promoting its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits without compromising the anticaries activity of the formulation.

Introduction: Dental caries is the most prevalent disease in humans and its incidence is particularly high during childhood. The use of medicinal plants is a common practice in Brazil. Objective: To evaluate the optimal antimicrobial concentration of Copaifera langsdorffii (copaiba) oil-resin, in the form of dental varnish, against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in children. Methods: Twenty-four children, caries-free, aged until 6 years old, were selected to participate in this study. The varnish was applied to the occlusal surfaces of all deciduous molars. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed in saliva, whose collection was conducted in two phases: before applying the copaiba varnish and after use to verify the instantaneous effectiveness of Copaifera langsdorffii dental varnish in the reduction of S. mutans. The microbiological analysis was repeated twice, establishing dilutions of 1:10 mL and 1:100 mL. Results: Comparisons between different times within the same dilution were carried out by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) associated with Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. Comparisons of conditions prior to and after treatment were performed using the t test for paired samples and it indicated that the 1% formulation promoted a more significant decrease in the number of S. mutans colonies (p = 0,0026). Conclusion: Copaiba oil-resin, in the form of dental varnish, has antimicrobial activity against S. mutans in all the concentrations studied. Further studies to identify the long-term activity and anticaries effect of this varnish are required to establish its use in caries prevention. Keywords: Dental caries, Saliva, Streptococcus mutans

Dietary fiber intake plays an important role in the prevention of obesity. This study aimed at investigating the effect of cashew fiber without low molecular weight compounds (CABwc) on obesity prevention and metabolomics in a murine model of diet-induced obesity. Mice were fed a chow diet (CD), a high-fat diet (HFD) or a high-fat diet supplemented with CABwc (10%) (HFD-CABwc) for 15 weeks. The body weight, abdominal fat, serum glucose levels, insulin and lipid profiles, satiety hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, digestive enzymes such as amylase and lipase, and inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, and adiponectin were measured, in addition to performing serum and hepatic tissue analyses. The metabolomic analysis was based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of serum and feces. The effects observed with ingestion of CABwc were appetite control and prevention of hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia, as well as the prevention of the inflammatory process and reduction of liver injury caused by the HFD. In addition, NMR evidenced the presence of SCFAs in serum and feces of mice fed with HFD-CABwc. These findings suggest that CABwc promoted satiety in mice, improving the metabolism of glucose and lipids. Positive effects of obesity prevention may be associated with SCFA production.

The antimicrobial activity of an experimental solution containing essential oil of

Dental caries is a sugar-dependent condition common in childhood, which causes microbiological imbalance in dental biofilm. The present study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of a 2.5% Brazilian Red Propolis (BRP) dental varnish to prevent caries in children. Seventy-five children with high caries risk, aged between 36 and 71 months and with no caries, were assigned to three groups to receive varnish treatment containing 2.5% BRP, 1% chlorhexidine, or 5% fluoride. The varnish was applied to the occlusal surfaces of the deciduous second molars on the first day of treatment (D1), after 90 days (D90), and 180 days of the start of treatment (D180). Saliva was collected to assess S. mutans before each varnish application and 180 days at the end of treatment (D360). Values were expressed in log10 (CFU/mL). Statistics were performed by applying repeated measures of variance analysis, Tukey's multiple comparisons test, and paired t-test. In the first dilution (1 : 10), there was microbial load reduction at the following periods: BRP in D0-D90 (p<0.05) and D0-D180 (p<0.01); fluoride in D0-D90 (p<0.001); and chlorhexidine in D0-D180 (p<0.05). In the second dilution (1 : 100), there was microbial load reduction in the groups at the following periods: BRP in D0-D90 (p<0.05) and D0-D180 (p<0.01); fluoride in D0-D180 (p<0.05), and chlorhexidine in D0-180 (p<0.01) and D0-360 (p<0.05). The 2.5% BRP dental varnish was effective in decreasing S. mutans colonies in saliva when used within 90 days.

Summary Background Fruit by-products contain phytochemicals, fibers and other components that can improve the redox imbalance of obesity. Objective The objective was to evaluate the effects of consumption of by-products of acerola, cashew and guava on the adiposity and redox homeostasis of adipose tissue in obese rats. Methods The animals were separated into 5 groups, control (CTL), high fat (HF), HF supplemented with acerola (HFA), cashew (HFC) and guava (HFG). Results Thiol quantification, lipid profile, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) test were performed. TGL and VLDL levels were increased in HF group, and the treated groups did not change the lipid profile. CAT activity was increased in HFA and HFG groups. HFA was able to reduce the weight of the subcutaneous cushion. Conclusion Treatment with fruit by-products did not alter weight gain, energy efficiency and body weight. Thus, the by-products of acerola and guava can be used as a sustainable alternative in the treatment of obesity.

espanolObjetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los efectos del extracto acuoso de Chrysobalanus icaco (AECI) en la adiposidad y su mecanismo de accion en la expresion genica y proteica de la acetil-CoA-carboxilasa (ACC), una enzima clave para la lipogenesis. Metodos: se usaron ratones macho Wistar que se asignaron a una dieta estandar de control (CG) o a una rica en grasa (HFD). La HFD se trato con solucion salina o con extracto acuoso de Chrysobalanus icaco (AECI) durante cuatro semanas. Se evaluaron el peso corporal y el consumo alimentario. Se aislaron y analizaron muestras de tejido adiposo subcutaneo, retroperitoneal y periepididimico. Se determino la expresion genica y proteica de ACC en el tejido subcutaneo. Resultados: el AECI no mostro ningun efecto sobre la ingesta de alimento y tampoco sobre el peso corporal. Sin embargo, el tratamiento con AECI redujo el peso de los tejidos adiposos y la expresion genica y proteica de ACC, y mejoro tambien la tolerancia a la glucosa. Conclusion: Chrysobalanus icaco (AECI) resulto ser beneficioso para el tratamiento de la obesidad, previniendo el almacenamiento de grasa y mejorando la homeostasis glucemica. EnglishObjective: the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Chrysobalanus icaco on adiposity and its mechanism of action in the gene and protein expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), a key enzyme in lipogenesis. Method: Wistar rats were divided into a regular or control group (CG) and a high-fat diet (HFD) group. HFD was treated with saline or aqueous extract of Chrysobalanus icaco (AECI) for four weeks. Body weight and food intake were assessed. Subcutaneous, retroperitoneal and periepididymal adipose tissue samples were collected and weighed. Adipocytes from periepididymal tissue were isolated and analyzed. The gene and protein expression of ACC in subcutaneous tissue was determined. Results: AECI showed no effect on intake or body weight. However, the weight of the fat pads and the gene and protein expression of ACC were lower, and glucose tolerance was improved. Conclusion: the aqueous extract of Chrysobalanus icaco proved beneficial for the treatment of obesity, preventing fat storage and improving glycemic homeostasis.

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy of dentifrice containing brazilian red propolis (BRP) in adolescents under orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods. This is a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. A total of 92 participants free from caries were randomized into 2 groups; the first received fluoride dentifrice, and the second received fluoride dentifrice incorporated with BRP. The gingival bleeding index (GBI) was recorded, and saliva was collected on the baseline (D0) and after 28 days (D28) for microbiological analysis. Data from GBI and Colony Forming Units (CFU) (log10) were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Results. The two groups reduced GBI significantly, with no difference in the intergroup analysis. In the intragroup analysis, it was observed that G2 (p<0.001) had a significant reduction for Gram-negative bacteria, while there was significance (p<0.001) in the intergroup analysis when compared with G1. For S. mutans bacteria, it was observed that only G2 had a statistically significant reduction (p<0.001), and there was significant reduction (p=0.006) in the intergroup analysis of the G2 group when compared with G1. Conclusions. Dentifrice containing BRP demonstrated better clinical and microbiological activity. Future studies are needed to better identify effects to establish the use of dentifrice containing propolis in biofilm control.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of creatine supplementation (CS) on renal function in young, healthy, and active subjects. We used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial as the study design. Thirty-six healthy male university students were recruited and divided into three groups: group placebo, group G3 (3 g/day of CS), and group G5 (5 g/day of CS). To assess renal function, new kidney biomarkers, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), were quantified. Serum albumin, serum creatinine, serum urea, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria, and albuminuria were also measured. All groups were evaluated at two times: prior CS or placebo (pre) and after 35 days on CS or placebo (post). After 35 days of intervention, all characteristics were maintained without significant difference (P > 0.05) between the groups, including serum creatinine, eGFR, and more sensitive kidney biomarker concentrations (KIM-1 and MCP-1). The paired analysis showed that the supplemented groups (G3 and 5G) had increased serum creatinine and decreased eGFR levels (P

Inflammation is a physiological process triggered in response to tissue damage, and involves events related to cell recruitment, cytokines release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Failing to control the process duration lead to chronification and may be associated with the development of various pathologies, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. Considering the pharmacological potential of metal-based compounds, two new ruthenium complexes were synthesized: cis-[Ru(NO2)(bpy)2(5NIM)]PF6 (1) and cis-[RuCl(bpy)2(MTZ)]PF6 (2), where bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 5NIM = 5-nitroimidazole and MTZ = metronidazole. Both products were characterized by spectroscopic techniques, followed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations in order to support experimental findings. Afterwards, their in vitro cytotoxic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were investigated. Compounds 1 and 2 presented expressive in vitro antioxidant activity, reducing lipid peroxidation and decreasing intracellular ROS levels with comparable effectiveness to the standard steroidal drug dexamethasone or α-tocopherol. These complexes showed no noticeable cytotoxicity on the tested cancer cell lines. Bactericidal assay against metronidazole-resistant Helicobacter pylori, a microorganism able to disrupt oxidative balance, unraveled compound 1 moderate activity over that strain. Besides this, it was able to inhibit interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) production as well as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. This latter activity is remarkable, which has not been reported for other ruthenium-based complexes. Altogether, these results suggest cis-[Ru(NO2)(bpy)2(5NIM)]PF6 complex has potential pharmacological application as an anti-inflammatory agent that deserve further biological investigation.

A cidreira (Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown), quimiotipo II, é referidapopularmente como cidreira carmelitana, rica em óleo essencial(limoneno e citral) e foi selecionada pelo Comitê Estadual de Fitoterapiapara integrar o elenco de plantas medicinais de uso nas Farmácias Vivasdo Estado do Ceará, fazendo parte da Relação de Plantas Medicinais-REPLAME/CE (Portaria 275/2012), como terapia complementar àscrises de ansiedade e insônia de leves a moderadas. Vários estudostêm relatado ações farmacológicas do citral - uma mistura de doisisômeros: trans-geranial e cis-neral – especialmente atividade sedativa.O presente trabalho tem como objetivo realizar a caracterização destesmarcadores químicos ativos para avaliação da qualidade da matériaprima,intermediário e fitoterápico à base de cidreira (Lippia alba),Quimiotipo II. A metodologia utilizada consistiu em: 1) Caracterizaçãomacro e micro morfológica das folhas de L. alba;2) Extração do óleoessencial 3) Preparação do Elixir de L. alba a 8%; 4) Análises porCromatografia Gasosa acoplada a Espectrômetro de Massas (CG-EM)e Cromatografia em Camada Delgada. Observou-se que a metodologiautilizada pode ser aplicada nos trabalhos de rotina de controle dequalidade de L. alba, quimiotipo II, tanto para caracterização macro emicromorfológica da espécie, como para caracterização do marcadoresquímicos ativos do óleo essencial (citral/neral e geranial). Observouse,ainda, que as técnicas utilizadas para obtenção do extrato fluido edo elixir extraíram estes constituintes ativos do óleo essencial, os quaisinfluenciam na qualidade e atividade destas preparações. O elixir decidreira pode representar uma alternativa terapêutica simples, segura ede baixo custo para o SUS, em consonância com a Política Nacional dePlantas Medicinais e Fitoterápicos.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cashew fiber wheter or not associated with low molecular weight compounds on lipid profile, abdominal adiposity, glycemia and insulinemia and serum concentration of ghrelin and leptin hormones from normal mice. We evaluated the cashew fiber in its integral form (IcF) and the cashew fiber after being submitted to the process of extraction of low molecular weight metabolites (cFSM). The two fibers were incorporated into the feed of male Swiss mice for 15 weeks. At the end of the treatment, blood glucose, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, urea, AST, ALT, hormone levels of insulin, leptin and ghrelin were analyzed, as well as GSH and hepatic MDA. The consumption of cFSM diet promoted reduction of glycemia, insulin and ghrelin. Animals fed the IcF diet showed hyperlipidemia, hyperleptinemia and increased abdominal fat. In addition, no changes were observed in the lipid profile of the animals, in the abdominal adiposity and in the leptin hormone in the group that received cFSM diet. We conclude that the removal of small molecules is fundamental to use cashew fiber as a functional food with possible health benefits.

Nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as a promising antibacterial agent, where NO donor compounds have been explored. Here, we investigated the role of a silica nanoparticle containing nitroprusside (MPSi-NP) as a NO donor agent against methicillin-sensitive (ATCC 25,923 and ATCC 12228) and methicillin-resistant (ATCC 700,698 and ATCC 35984) Staphylococcus strains. Biofilm inhibition was studied along with antibiotic activity in combination with standard antibiotics (ampicillin and tetracycline). MPSi-NP exhibited thermal release of 63% of NO within 24 h, while free nitroprusside released only 18% during a dialysis assay, indicating an assisted release of NO mediated by the nanoparticles. This nanomaterial showed only a moderate activity in blocking biofilm production, but exhibited a significant decrease in the number of viable bacterial cells (over 600-fold for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 700,698 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984). Remarkably, even using MPSi-NP at concentrations below any antibacterial action, its combination with ampicillin promoted a significant decrease in MIC for resistant strains of S. aureus ATCC 700,698 (2-fold) and S. epidermidis ATCC 35,984 (4-fold). A carbopol-based gel formulation with MPSi-NP (0.5% w/w) was prepared and showed a zone of inhibition of 7.7 ± 0.6 mm for S. epidermidis ATCC 35984. Topical use of MPSi-NP in combination with antibiotics might be a manageable strategy to prevent and eventually treat complicated resistant bacterial infections.

Carnoy's solution has been widely undertaken as adjunctive therapy for benign odontogenic tumors. Although its outcomes were highly investigated, little information is available regarding its mechanism of action and the role of chloroform in composition. The aim of this study was to characterize Carnoy's solution (with and without chloroform) in order to survey its physicochemical and pharmacological properties. UV/Vis spectroscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, viscosity assessment, pH analysis, and ion (Fe3+) concentration were studied. All solutions were prepared by the same operator and assayed at each 7 days within a 4-week period. All solutions depicted acidic pH whereas the viscosity was increased by the addition of chloroform. Starting in the seventh day after preparation, solutions with chloroform showed iron precipitation when nonfiltered. Carnoy's solution without chloroform was stable during the survey period as evidenced by Raman spectroscopy. In conclusion, Carnoy's solution possesses an acidic characteristic, it is stable when stored at room temperature, and precipitates iron salts when in the presence of chloroform in a nonfiltered solution. The chloroform increases the viscosity of the solution and makes its pH slightly more acidic when compared to the Carnoy's solution without chloroform. Raman spectroscopy favored the evaluation of components' stability in solutions by using the spectra analysis and the established correlations between the peaks in different periods.

The present work aimed to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing potential of ethyl acetate fraction from Bauhinia ungulata L. (FABU) on in vitro and in vivo models. Wound healing assay using human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line was employed to evaluate the ability of FABU in modulating cell migration. In addition, a surgical wound model in C57BL/6 mice was used to study the healing potential of FABU incorporated into gel carbomer 940 (Carbopol®). Evaluation of lipid peroxidation, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediator gene expression, rate of wound closure, and histological analysis were done. FABU significantly reduced the gap area in in vitro wound healing assay, 24 h after treatment. In the animal model, FABU at 0.5% topically applied once-daily for 5 days to the surgical wounds significantly reduced the lesion area. Moreover, it significantly decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation in the lesions and decreased the relative gene expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the injured region. In conclusion, our study suggests that Bauhinia ungulata can effectively promote the wound healing, probably by regulating the inflammatory environment during the early stages of the process.

Background There are several lesions of odontogenic and non-odontogenic origin in the oral cavity, such as odontogenic keratocyst, as well as many treatment options for such lesions. In order to reduce recurrence due to conservative treatments and less aesthetic and functional impairment of the patient (radical therapies), Carnoy's solution has been used as an adjuvant to surgery, showing satisfactory results. Its application is not standardized, presenting risks to adjacent tissues. Thus, we characterized the Carnoy's solution with different viscosity agents to enhance its applicability. Material and methods All solutions prepared (Carnoy with and without chloroform) were added with viscosity agent: ethyl cellulose, propylene glycol, and glycerol totaling eight solutions. The pharmacological characterization of the solutions was performed by determining the mass density and relative density (using a clean and dry pycnometer), pH (using pH meter), and concentration of Fe3+ (using ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy). The analyses of the inorganic components were determined by Raman micro spectrometry. Data were analyzed with statistical program BIOESTAT 5.3. Results Solutions with ethyl cellulose were discarded due to precipitate formation and suspension of the viscosity agent. In the other solutions, viscosity increase (propylene glycol solutions) and acidic pH were observed mainly in the glycerol group. The ferric chloride characterized as a hemostatic agent had its concentration increased with the use of thickening agents, theoretically favoring its action. Conclusion The similarity of the propylene glycol and glycerol molecules justifies the Raman spectra of these substances to be similar and the difficulty in obtaining a "fingerprint". .

The isolates of Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans were inhibited by curcumin, with different degrees of inhibition among species, with MICs ranging from 8-64 μg/mL. After exposure of the C. albicans strains to curcumin, it was observed a decrease in the number of viable cells and damage to cell membranes, the mitochondrial function of C. albicans cells appears to be affected after exposure to curcumin. Our data suggest that after exposure to curcumin, C. albicans cells showed total strand breaks in the DNA, where the nuclear DNA fragmentation was evident in the comet assay. Oxidative damage to DNA was verified by the alkaline comet assay in the presence of Fpg, where it was observed an increase in DNA migration of cells that were treated with curcumin. Based on the characteristics of cell death observed, it is raised the hypothesis that curcumin seems to exert its antifungal activity at specific sites near the DNA, resulting in cell death by apoptosis.

To characterize the pro tective effects of the triterpenoid mixture alpha, beta-amyrin (AMY, 20 mg/kg, during 15 days) on the reactivity of isolated aorta of high- fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Male Swiss mice were fed with HFD or normal diet (ND) for 15 weeks. Contractions of thoracic aorta in response to KCl or phen- ylephrine (PHE) and relaxation by acetylcholine (ACh) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were analyzed. HFD-fed mice developed hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and significant body weight gain, parameters prevented by AMY treat- ment. Whereas aortic contractility did not differ in re- sponse to KCl, contractions induced by PHE (1 μ M) as well as relaxation induced by ACh (1 – 30 μ M) or SNP (1 nM – 0.1 mM) on PHE-contracted aorta were decreased ( p < 0.05) in tissues of HFD compared to ND mice, phenomenon significantly ( p < 0.05) diminished in HFD mice treated with AMY. The relaxant actions of ACh and SNP were inhibited ( p < 0.05) by tetraethylammonium (TEA, 5 mM), apamin (0.1 μ M), and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP; 3 mM) in aortae from ND group, but not from HFD. Treatment of HFD mice with AMY rescued the inhibitory effect of TEA ( p < 0.05) on vasorelaxant actions of ACh and SNP. 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3- a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) inhibited similarly the relaxant effects of SNP in all groups. 8-Br-cGMP relaxed with similar profile aortae of all groups. By preventing HFD- induced obesity in mice, AMY rescued the blunted con- tractile response to PHE, and the attenuated vasorelaxation and K + channel activation (opening) induced by ACh and SNP in isolated aorta.

The World Health Organization recommends that TB treatment be administered using combination therapy. The methodologies for quantifying simultaneously associated drugs are highly complex, being costly, extremely time consuming and producing chemical residues harmful to the environment. The need to seek alternative techniques that minimize these drawbacks is widely discussed in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop and validate a multivariate calibration model in association with the near infrared spectroscopy technique (NIR) for the simultaneous determination of rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. These models allow the quality control of these medicines to be optimized using simple, fast, low-cost techniques that produce no chemical waste. In the NIR - PLS method, spectra readings were acquired in the 10,000-4000cm-1 range using an infrared spectrophotometer (IRPrestige - 21 - Shimadzu) with a resolution of 4cm-1, 20 sweeps, under controlled temperature and humidity. For construction of the model, the central composite experimental design was employed on the program Statistica 13 (StatSoft Inc.). All spectra were treated by computational tools for multivariate analysis using partial least squares regression (PLS) on the software program Pirouette 3.11 (Infometrix, Inc.). Variable selections were performed by the QSAR modeling program. The models developed by NIR in association with multivariate analysis provided good prediction of the APIs for the external samples and were therefore validated. For the tablets, however, the slightly different quantitative compositions of excipients compared to the mixtures prepared for building the models led to results that were not statistically similar, despite having prediction errors considered acceptable in the literature.

Recent research has shown broad antifungal activity of the classic antidepressants selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This fact, combined with the increased cross-resistance frequency of the genre Candida regarding the main treatment today, fluconazole, requires the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In that context, this study aimed to assess the antifungal potential of fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine against fluconazole-resistant Candida spp. planktonic cells, as well as to assess the mechanism of action and the viability of biofilms treated with fluoxetine. After 24 h, the fluconazole-resistant Candida spp. strains showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the ranges of 20–160 μg/mL for fluoxetine, 10–20 μg/mL for sertraline, and 10–100.8 μg/mL for paroxetine by the broth microdilution method (M27-A3). According to our data by flow cytometry, each of the SSRIs cause fungal death after damaging the plasma and mitochondrial membrane, which activates apoptotic signaling pathways and leads to dose-dependant cell viability loss. Regarding biofilm-forming isolates, the fluoxetine reduce mature biofilm of all the species tested. Therefore, it is concluded that SSRIs are capable of inhibit the growth in vitro of Candida spp., both in planktonic form, as biofilm, inducing cellular death by apoptosis.

Quantifying residual volume contained in vials of antibiotics used in pediatrics.This is an experiment involving samples from vials of antibiotics used in a pediatric hospital. Residual volume was identified by calculating the difference in weight measurement before and after the vials were washed. Evaluation of the residual volume difference in the vials was determined by the Wilcoxon non-parametric test for a sample and established at a significance level of 5%.105 samples of antibiotics were selected. The correct use of the antibiotics oxacillin (88.57%) and ceftriaxone (94.28%) predominated with low residual values. The same did not occur for procaine benzylpenicillin + potassium benzylpenicillin, since a greater residual volume was discarded in 74.28% of the vials.We highlight the need for improvements in managing antibiotics in the institution under study, so that the excess volume of the antibiotics in the vials is used within the acceptable stable time. It is also necessary that the disposal of the residual volume be adequately disposed, since it presents a risk to public health and the environment.Quantificar o volume residual contido em frascos-ampola de antibióticos utilizados na pediatria.Trata-se de um experimento com amostras de frascos-ampola de antibióticos utilizados em hospital pediátrico. O volume residual foi identificado calculando-se a diferença da aferição do peso antes e após a lavagem do frasco-ampola. A avaliação da diferença dos volumes residuais nos frascos-ampola foi determinada pelo teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon para uma amostra e estabelecido o nível de significância de 5%.Foram selecionadas 105 amostras de antibióticos. Predominou o correto aproveitamento dos antibióticos oxacilina (88,57%) e ceftriaxona (94,28%), com baixos valores residuais. O mesmo não ocorreu com a benzilpenicilina procaína + potássica, pois em 74,28% dos frascos houve descarte de volume residual superior.Destaca-se a necessidade de melhorias na gestão dos antibióticos na instituição em estudo, para que o volume excedente do antibiótico em frasco-ampola seja aproveitado até o tempo de estabilidade permitido, assim como é necessário que haja a adequação da forma de descarte do volume residual, que apresenta risco à saúde pública e ao meio ambiente.

Undernutrition represents a major public health challenge for middle- and low-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate whether a multideficient Northeast Brazil regional basic diet (RBD) induces acute morphological and functional changes in the ileum of mice. Swiss mice (∼25 g) were allocated into two groups: i) control mice were fed a standard diet and II) undernourished mice were fed the RBD. After 7 days, mice were killed and the ileum collected for evaluation of electrophysiological parameters (Ussing chambers), transcription (RT-qPCR) and protein expression (western blotting) of intestinal transporters and tight junctions. Body weight gain was significantly decreased in the undernourished group, which also showed decreased crypt depth but no alterations in villus height. Electrophysiology measurements showed a reduced basal short circuit current (I sc) in the undernourished group, with no differences in transepithelial resistance. Specific substrate-evoked I sc related to affinity and efficacy (glutamine and alanyl-glutamine) were not different between groups, except for the maximum I sc (efficacy) induced by glucose. Transcription of Sglt1 and Pept1 was significantly higher in the undernourished group, while SN-2 transcription was decreased. No changes were found in transcription of CAT-1 and CFTR, while claudin-2 and occludin transcriptions were significantly increased in the undernourished group. Despite mRNA changes, SGLT-1, PEPT-1, claudin-2 and occludin protein expression showed no difference between groups. These results demonstrate early effects of the RBD on mice, which include reduced body weight and crypt depth in the absence of significant alterations to villus morphology, intestinal transporters and tight junction expression.

Obesity remains a global problem. In search of phytochemicals that have antiobesity potential, this study evaluated α,β-amyrin, a triterpenoid mixture from Protium heptaphyllum, on high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. Groups of mice (n = 8) were fed a normal diet or a high-fat diet, and were orally treated or not treated with either α,β-amyrin (10 or 20 mg/kg) or sibutramine (10 mg/kg) for 15 weeks. Variables measured at termination were body weight, visceral fat accumulation, adipocyte surface area, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and lipoprotein lipase expressions in adipose tissue, the levels of plasma glucose and insulin, the satiety hormones ghrelin and leptin, the digestive enzymes amylase and lipase, and the inflammatory mediators TNF-α, interleukin-6, and MCP-1. Results showed that α,β-amyrin treatment resulted in lower high-fat diet-induced increases in body weight, visceral fat content, adipocyte surface area, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and lipoprotein lipase expressions, and blood glucose and insulin levels. Additionally, the markedly elevated leptin and decreased ghrelin levels seen in the high-fat diet-fed control mice were significantly modulated by α,β-amyrin treatment. Furthermore, α,β-amyrin decreased serum TNF-α and MCP-1. These results suggest that α,β-amyrin could be beneficial in reducing high-fat diet-induced obesity and associated disorders via modulation of enzymatic, hormonal, and inflammatory responses.

Bixa orellana L., urucum, or urucu, a native tropical tree of Central and South American rain forests is used to treat various diseases in popular medicine. In Ceara, Northeast of Brazil, the seeds of urucum have been used for the treatment of high lipid blood levels. The present study investigated the effects of the aqueous extract from Bixa orellana seeds (AEBO) in mice with hyperlipidemia induced by tyloxapol, fructose and ethanol. In hyperlipidemia induced by Triton WR1339, 400 and 800 mg/kg AEBO reduced triglycerides (TG) serum levels at 24 h and 48 h. In the study of hypertriglyceridemia induced by fructose, AEBO in doses of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg reduced TG levels by 48.2% and 48.7%, respectively. Finally, the ethanol experimental model with 400 mg/kg AEBO promoted a reduction of 33.6% of TG levels, while the 800 mg/kg concentration reduced hypertriglyceridemia in 62.2%. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of the seeds of Bixa orellana was capable of reversing the hypertriglyceridemia induced by Triton, fructose and ethanol, demonstrating a hypolipidemic effect. However, further studies are necessary to discover the precise mechanism of action. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Excess visceral adiposity may predispose to chronic diseases like hypertension and type 2 diabetes with a high risk for coronary artery disease. Adipose tissue secreted cytokines and oxidative stress play an important role in chronic disease progression. To combat adiposity, plant-derived triterpenes are currently receiving much attention as they possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. In the search for potential antiobese compounds from natural sources, this study evaluated the effects of oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpene commonly present in fruits and vegetables, in glucose tolerance test and on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Adult male Swiss mice treated or not with OA (10 mg/kg) were fed a HFD during 15 weeks. Sibutramine (SIB) treated group (10 mg/kg) was included for comparison. Weekly body weights, food and water consumption were measured, and at the end of study period, the levels of blood glucose and lipids, plasma hormone levels of insulin, ghrelin and leptin, and the visceral abdominal fat content were analysed. Mice treated with OA and fed a HFD showed significantly (p < 0.05) improved glucose tolerance, decreased body weights, visceral adiposity, blood glucose, plasma lipids relative to their respective controls fed no OA. Additionally, OA treatment, while significantly elevating the plasma hormone level of leptin, decreased the level of ghrelin. However, it caused a greater decrease in plasma amylase activity than lipase. Sibutramine-treated group also manifested similar effects like OA except for blood glucose level that was not different from HFD control. These findings suggest that OA ameliorates visceral adiposity and improves glucose tolerance in mice and thus has an antiobese potential through modulation of carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

O presente estudo tem como objetivo apresentar os resultados preliminares relacionados a atividade antimicrobiana de uma solução a base de óleos essenciais de Lippia sidoides (OELS) frente à microrganismos envolvidos na formação de biofilme sobre superfícies protéticas. Após obtenção da planta e identificação taxonômica, extração dos OELS e confirmação dos seus constituintes por meio de cromatografia, foram obtidas soluções iniciais em três diferentes solventes - Twin 80, Lauril sulfato de sódio (LSS) e álcool. A atividade antimicrobiana das mesmas foi testada por meio da determinação da concentração inibitória (CIM) e bactericida/fungicida mínimas (CBM/CFM) frente aos microrganismos Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, gram positivo), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa, gram negativo) e Candida albicans (C. albicans, levedura), separadamente. Após realização do teste de microdiluição em caldo, em duplicata, o solvente LSS demonstrou o melhor resultado com MIC de 1,25mg/ml para P. aeruginosa, 0,039mg/ml para S. aureus e 0,078mg/ml para C. albicans. Os resultados para CBM/CFM encontrados foram: 1,25mg/ml para P. aeruginosa, 0,039mg/ ml para S. aureus e 0,156mg/ml para C. albicans. A solução de OELS em LSS mostrou-se atividade antimicrobiana efetiva frente aos microrganismos testados. Sua efetividade será testada em biofilmes mistos, seguido da determinação do tempo regime de utilização mais adequado, toxicidade e efeito sobre os materiais utilizados em próteses dentárias, como resina acrílica.Palavras-chave: Prótese Dentária. Estomatite sob Prótese. Lippia

Objective: We aimed to compare the effect of sodium fluoride and chlorhexidine on salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS), in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Methods: Thirty-five healthy volunteers, aged 4–8 years, with at least one active carious lesion and no previous history of allergies were selected to participate in the study. A gel formulation containing either 1.23% sodium fluoride or 1% chlorhexidine was topically administered to the dentition every 24 h for 6 consecutive days. Salivary MS levels were measured at baseline (D1) and on the 6th (D6), 15th (D15), and 30th (D30) days. For microbiological analysis, Mitis Salivarius-Bacitracin agar medium was used. Results: Difference between treatments was only verified on D6. On the last day of treatment 1% chlorhexidine gel was significantly more effective than fluoride (P = 0.0000). The use of sodium fluoride did not cause a statistically significant variation in salivary MS levels throughout the duration of the study. Following treatment, a subsequent increase in MS counts between D6 and D15 (P = 0.0001) was observed with chlorhexidine. Conclusion: A 6-day treatment with a 1% chlorhexidine gel was effective in reducing salivary MS; there was a significant MS increase once treatment was suspended. The use of 1.23% sodium fluoride under the same regimen was not able to reduce salivary MS levels. Our results suggest repeated treatment with 1% chlorhexidine as a means for maintaining low salivary MS levels in children with dental caries.

Os excipientes farmacêuticos podem ser os responsáveis por inúmeras Reações Adversas a Medicamentos (RAM). O objetivo do trabalho foi identificar a presença de possíveis excipientes indutores de RAM em medicamentos comercializados no Brasil. Foram listados os 12 produtos mais vendidos no mercado brasileiro para análise. A detecção dos excipientes ocorreu a partir da consulta à composição da fórmula farmacêutica dos produtos, realizada de Agosto a Setembro/04, no Dicionário de Especialidades Farmacêuticas, sites SAC do laboratório produtor, e ficha técnica disponível no site da ANVISA. A identificação dos excipientes, possíveis causadores de RAM, foi realizada a partir de consulta à literatura. Foram identificadas 35 apresentações farmacêuticas, 26 classificadas como medicamentos de venda livre (71,4%) e 15 de uso pediátrico (42,8%). Entre os excipientes identificados (n=100), nove eram possíveis causadores de RAM: metilparabeno, propilparabeno, corante amarelo tartrazina, bissulfito de sódio, benzoato de sódio, lactose, cloreto de benzalcônio, sorbitol e álcool benzílico, sendo identificados em sete apresentações de uso pediátrico (18,9%) e doze de venda livre (32,4%). Os resultados demonstram a necessidade de maior atenção por parte dos profissionais de saúde, dos usuários de medicamentos e da avaliação pelos sistemas de farmacovigilância, da presença de excipientes como possíveis indutores de RAM. Pharmaceutical excipients can be responsible for many ADR. The objectives of this study were to identify the presence of possible excipients as cause of ADR in drugs commercialized in Brazil. Twelve medicines with high indices of sales in Brazil, were selected to analysis. The bibliographic research about the Pharmaceutical Preparations (PP) was carried from August to September/04. The sources of information used were Pharmaceutical Specialties Dictionary, web sites and customer services from the manufacturers and technical files of the National Agency of Sanitary Vigilance. The excipients were detected as a whole and also the compounds that may cause adverse reactions and its risks to the health. They were identified 35 PP. Of these, 26 were classified as Over-The-Counter medicines (OTC) (71.4%) and 15 of paediatric use (42.8%). Between the excipients identified (n=100), 9 were possible causes of ADR: metylparaben, propylparaben, yellow dye tartrazine, sodium bissulfit, sodium benzoate, lactose, benzalkonium chloride, sorbitol and benzílic alcohol, being identified in 7 use in paediatric (19.0%) and 12 of OTC (32.4%). The results shows the need of more attention from the health professionals, the patient and the development of evaluation by the pharmacovigilance systems, of the presence of excipients as possible inductors of ADR.

Os excipientes farmacêuticos podem ser os responsáveis por inúmeras Reações Adversas a Medicamentos (RAM). O objetivo do trabalho foi identificar a presença de possíveis excipientes indutores de RAM em medicamentos comercializados no Brasil. Foram listados os 12 produtos mais vendidos no mercado brasileiro para análise. A detecção dos excipientes ocorreu a partir da consulta à composição da fórmula farmacêutica dos produtos, realizada de Agosto a Setembro/04, no Dicionário de Especialidades Farmacêuticas, sites SAC do laboratório produtor, e ficha técnica disponível no site da ANVISA. A identificação dos excipientes, possíveis causadores de RAM, foi realizada a partir de consulta à literatura. Foram identificadas 35 apresentações farmacêuticas, 26 classificadas como medicamentos de venda livre (71,4%) e 15 de uso pediátrico (42,8%). Entre os excipientes identificados (n=100), nove eram possíveis causadores de RAM: metilparabeno, propilparabeno, corante amarelo tartrazina, bissulfito de sódio, benzoato de sódio, lactose, cloreto de benzalcônio, sorbitol e álcool benzílico, sendo identificados em sete apresentações de uso pediátrico (18,9%) e doze de venda livre (32,4%). Os resultados demonstram a necessidade de maior atenção por parte dos profissionais de saúde, dos usuários de medicamentos e da avaliação pelos sistemas de farmacovigilância, da presença de excipientes como possíveis indutores de RAM.Pharmaceutical excipients can be responsible for many ADR. The objectives of this study were to identify the presence of possible excipients as cause of ADR in drugs commercialized in Brazil. Twelve medicines with high indices of sales in Brazil, were selected to analysis. The bibliographic research about the Pharmaceutical Preparations (PP) was carried from August to September/04. The sources of information used were Pharmaceutical Specialties Dictionary, web sites and customer services from the manufacturers and technical files of the National Agency of Sanitary Vigilance. The excipients were detected as a whole and also the compounds that may cause adverse reactions and its risks to the health. They were identified 35 PP. Of these, 26 were classified as Over-The-Counter medicines (OTC) (71.4%) and 15 of paediatric use (42.8%). Between the excipients identified (n=100), 9 were possible causes of ADR: metylparaben, propylparaben, yellow dye tartrazine, sodium bissulfit, sodium benzoate, lactose, benzalkonium chloride, sorbitol and benzílic alcohol, being identified in 7 use in paediatric (19.0%) and 12 of OTC (32.4%). The results shows the need of more attention from the health professionals, the patient and the development of evaluation by the pharmacovigilance systems, of the presence of excipients as possible inductors of ADR.

Several different plant extracts have been evaluated with respect to their antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens and for reduction of gingivitis. Given that a large number of these substances have been associated with significant side effects that contraindicate their long-term use, new compounds need to be tested. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term safety and efficacy of a Lippia sidoides ("alecrim pimenta")-based essential oil mouthrinse on gingival inflammation and bacterial plaque. Fifty-five patients were enrolled into a pilot, double-blinded, randomized, parallel-armed study. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo a 7-day treatment regimen with either the L. sidoides-based mouthrinse or 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse. The results demonstrated decreased plaque index, gingival index and gingival bleeding index scores at 7 days, as compared to baseline. There was no statistically significance difference (p>0.05) between test and control groups for any of the clinical parameters assessed throughout the study. Adverse events were mild and transient. The findings of this study demonstrated that the L. sidoides-based mouthrinse was safe and efficacious in reducing bacterial plaque and gingival inflammation.

Herbal compounds rich in triterpenes are well known to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism and to have beneficial effects on metabolic disorders. The present study investigated the antiobesity properties of resin fromProtium heptaphyllum(RPH) and the possible mechanisms in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. Mice treated with RPH showed decreases in body weight, net energy intake, abdominal fat accumulation, plasma glucose, amylase, lipase, triglycerides, and total cholesterol relative to their respective controls, which were RPH unfed. Additionally, RPH treatment, while significantly elevating the plasma level of ghrelin hormone, decreased the levels of insulin, leptin, and resistin. Besides, HFD-induced increases in plasma levels of proinflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 were significantly lowered by RPH. Furthermore,in vitrostudies revealed that RPH could significantly inhibit the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes (measured by Oil-Red O staining) at concentrations up to 50 μg/mL. These findings suggest that the antiobese potential of RPH is largely due to its modulatory effects on various hormonal and enzymatic secretions related to fat and carbohydrate metabolism and to the regulation of obesity-associated inflammation.

Background: WHO guidelines recommend zinc supplementation as a key adjunct therapy for childhood diarrhea in developing countries, however zinc’s anti-diarrheal effects remain only partially understood. Recently, it has been recognized that low-grade inflammation may influence stunting. In this study, we examined whether oral zinc supplementation could improve weight, intestinal inflammation, and diarrhea in undernourished weanling rats. Methods: Rats were undernourished using a northeastern Brazil regional diet (RBD) for two weeks, followed by oral gavage with a saturated lactose solution (30 g/kg) in the last 7 days to induce osmotic diarrhea. Animals were checked for diarrhea daily after lactose intake. Blood was drawn in order to measure serum zinc levels by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Rats were euthanized to harvest jejunal tissue for histology and cytokine profiles by ELISA. In a subset of animals, spleen samples were harvested under aseptic conditions to quantify bacterial translocation. Results: Oral zinc supplementation increased serum zinc levels following lactose-induced osmotic diarrhea. In undernourished rats, zinc improved weight gain following osmotic diarrhea and significantly reduced diarrheal scores by the third day of lactose intake (p < 0.05), with improved jejunum histology (p < 0.0001). Zinc supplementation diminished bacterial translocation only in lactose-challenged undernourished rats (p = 0.03) compared with the untreated challenged controls and reduced intestinal IL-1β and TNF-α cytokines to control levels. Conclusion: Altogether our findings provide novel mechanisms of zinc action in the setting of diarrhea and undernutrition and support the use of zinc to prevent the vicious cycle of malnutrition and diarrhea.

The aim of this investigation was to examine whether macrophage and Leishmania major glutathione were involved in either host or parasite protection against NO cytotoxicity. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of γ-glutamyl-cysteine synthase, caused a complete and irreversible depletion of macrophage glutathione, but only a 20% and reversible decrease in L. major glutathione. Glutathione-depleted macrophages, when activated with IFN-γ/LPS, released less than 60% of the NO produced by untreated macrophages, resulting in a corresponding decrease in their leishmanicidal activity. BSO-treated macrophages were more susceptible to the cytotoxic effects of the NO donor SNAP. Treatment of macrophages with 1,3-bis(chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU), an inhibitor of glutathione reductase and trypanothione reductase or with Br-Octane, a glutathione-S-transferase substrate, resulted in a transient decrease in glutathione levels and did not increase the susceptibility of the macrophages to SNAP. Treatment of the promastigote forms of L. major with BCNU resulted in an 80% decrease in total glutathione concentration with no concomitant change in viability. However, this treatment rendered the parasites more susceptible to SNAP. Finally, macrophage glutathione protected the internalized L. major from SNAP. Overall, these results demonstrate that glutathione is an essential protective component against NO cytotoxicity on both macrophages and parasites.

Essential oils of many plants have been previously tested in the treatment of oral diseases and other infections. This study was a randomized, double-blind, in parallel with an active control study, which aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three formulations of the Lippia sidoides Cham. essential oil (LSO) in the reduction of salivary Streptococcus mutans in children with caries. 81 volunteers, aged 6-12 years, both genders, with caries, were recruited to participate in this study, and randomly assigned to either one of five different groups. Each group received topical treatment with either 1.4% LSO toothpaste, 1.4% LSO gel, 0.8% LSO mouthwash, 1% chlorhexidine gel, or 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash. A 5-ml volume of each gel was placed inside disposable trays, and applied for 1 min, every 24h, for 5 consecutive days. The mouthwash groups used 5-ml volume of a mouthwash inside disposable syringes. In the toothpaste group, children brushed their teeth for 1 min, once a day for 5 days. Saliva was collected before and after treatment. MS colonies were counted, isolated and confirmed through biochemical tests. Differences in MS levels measured in different days within the same treatment group was only verified with LSO toothpaste, chlorhexidine gel and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Comparison between groups of LSO mouthwash, toothpaste and gel showed that the toothpaste group expressed significantly lower MS levels than the mouthwash and gel groups at day-30. Chlorhexidine significantly reduced MS levels after 5 days of treatment, but these levels returned to baseline in other periods of the study. LSO toothpaste reduced MS levels after 5 days of treatment, and MS levels remained low and did not return to baseline during subsequent analysis. Hence, LSO toothpaste demonstrated the most long-lasting MS reduction in saliva, whereas other LSO formulations did not effectively reduce MS levels in children with dental caries.

Lapachol is a naphthoquinone found in several species of the Bignoniaceae family possessing mainly anticancer activity. The present work consists of the development and validation of analytical methodology for lapachol and its preparations. The results here obtained show that lapachol has a low quantification limit, that the analytical methodology is accurate, reproducible, robust and linear over the concentration range 0.5-100 µg/mL of lapachol.

Research has demonstrated the need for identifying a novel antimicrobial agent for topical use in the pediatric dental population. The essential oil of Lippia sidoides Cham. (LSO) has been described as having favorable biological properties, and a broad in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial spectrum against bacteria and yeast infections. Our aim was to determine a dose and formulation of LSO, acceptable for clinical testing in a pediatric population with dental caries. Thirty-seven 6–12-year old children were selected to participate in this study, and randomly allocated to receive different concentrations of either a gel (0.8%, 1%, 1.2% and 1.4%) or a mouth rinse (0.6%, 0.8%, 1% and 1.2%) formulation. The highest percentage MS reduction was observed with 0.8% mouth rinse and 1.4% gel. The efficacy of these concentrations was compared with a Thy–Car mixture formulated as a mouth rinse and gel treatments in 11 children. Saliva was collected after a single application of the antimicrobial treatment to establish effectiveness against MS. Both rinse (p

Dental caries and periodontal disease are associated with oral pathogens. Several plant derivatives have been evaluated with respect to their antimicrobial effects against such pathogenic microorganisms. Lippia sidoides Cham (Verbenaceae), popularly known as "Alecrim-pimenta" is a typical shrub commonly found in the Northeast of Brazil. Many plant species belonging to the genus Lippia yield very fragrant essential oils of potential economic value which are used by the industry for the commercial production of perfumes, creams, lotions, and deodorants. Since the leaves of L. sidoides are also extensively used in popular medicine for the treatment of skin wounds and cuts, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the composition and antimicrobial activity of L. sidoides essential oil. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Twelve compounds were characterized, having as major constituents thymol (56.7%) and carvacrol (16.7%). The antimicrobial activity of the oil and the major components was tested against cariogenic bacterial species of the genus Streptococcus as well as Candida albicans using the broth dilution and disk diffusion assays. The essential oil and its major components thymol and carvacrol exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against the organisms tested with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.625 to 10.0 mg/mL. The most sensitive microorganisms were C. albicans and Streptococcus mutans. The essential oil of L. sidoides and its major components exert promising antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens and suggest its likely usefulness to combat oral microbial growth.

In order to investigate the ability of rat peritoneal eosinophils to produce nitric oxide (NO) induced by cytokines in vitro, these cells were activated with several cytokines (IL-5, IL-8, Rantes, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma) in association or not with LPS. Under these conditions, we were able to detect nitrite in the incubation medium when the eosinophils were stimulated with IFN-gamma or IL-8 in the presence of LPS. LPS alone also induced nitrite production. Significant levels of nitrite in the medium were already present after 12 h of stimulation and increased steadily within the next 48 h. Regarding NO synthase, its highest activity was achieved at 12 h after IFN-gamma/LPS stimulation. After this peak, the enzymatic activity reduced gradually to control levels 48 h after the stimulation. The simultaneous addition of the NO synthase inhibitor L-NIO (100 microM) to the eosinophil suspension blocked nitrite production and NO synthase activity. On the other hand, neither IL-5, Rantes nor TNF-alpha were able to induce the release of nitrite in the presence or absence of LPS. To evaluate the microbicidal effect of these cells against the Leishmania parasite, eosinophils were infected with Leishmania major. It was observed that these cells were able to produce nitrite and to kill the parasite after activation with LPS/IFN-gamma. Moreover, L-NIO blocked this leishmanicidal activity and the nitrite production. Our results suggest that activated eosinophils release NO which is involved in their microbicidal activity against Leishmania major.