Evaluation of the antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae) bark extract in experimental models of inflammation

Edema is one of the obvious indicators of inflammation and a crucial factor to take into account when assessing a substance's capacity to reduce inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory profile of the hydroethanolic barks extract of Ximenia americana (HEXA). The possible antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effect of EHXA (50, 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg v.o) was evaluated using the paw edema induced by carrageenan, zymosan, dextran, CFA and by different agents inflammatory (serotonin, histamine, arachidonic acid and PGE2), and pleurisy model induced by carrageenan and its action on IL-1β and TNF-α levels was also evaluated. HEXA demonstrated a significant antiedematogenic effect at concentrations of 50, 100 and 250 mg/kg on paw edema induced by carrageenan, zymosan and dextran. However, the concentration of 50 mg/kg as standard, demonstrating the effect in the subchronic model, induced CFA with inhibition of 59.06 %. In models of histamine-induced paw edema, HEXA showed inhibition of - 30 min: 40.49 %, 60 min: 44.70 % and 90 min: 48.98 %; serotonin inhibition - 30 min: 57.09 %, 60 min: 66.04 % and 90 min: 61.79 %; arachidonic acid inhibition - 15 min: 36.54 %, 30 min: 51.10 %, 45 min: 50.32 % and 60 min: 76.17 %; and PGE2 inhibition - 15 min: 67.78 %, 30 min: 62.30 %, 45 min: 54.25 % and 60 min: 47.92 %. HEXA significantly reduced (p < 0.01) leukocyte migration in the pleurisy model and reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels in pleural lavage (p < 0.0001). The results showed that HEXA has the potential to have an antiedematogenic impact in both acute and chronic inflammation processes, with a putative mode of action including the suppression or regulation of inflammatory mediators.

Photobiological effect of eugenol-derived 3-benzoylcoumarin associated with led lights against MDR microorganisms

The problem of antibiotic resistance by bacteria threatens human health. Therefore, studies in this area seek alternatives to circumvent it. The study with coumarins and eugenol has already proven that these classes of compounds act against bacteria. In this same aspect, exposure to LED also shows a bactericidal effect. Seeking a possible enhancement of this effect, the present work studied coumarins derived from eugenol in association with LED to investigate the bactericidal effect. Four compounds were tested. For this, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and modulation with three antibiotics against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were determined. To test the behavior of the activity against exposure to LED, the plates were exposed for 20 min to blue light, 415 nm and then incubated at 37°C for 24 h. For control, duplicates were made, and one of them did not undergo this exposure. C1 exhibited better activity against S. aureus, as synergism prevailed under the conditions tested. C3 and C4 were promising against E. coli as they showed synergism in association with the three antibiotics both with and without LED exposure. Thus, the compounds showed bactericidal activity, and LED was shown to enhance synergism.

Pharmacological effects of a complex α-bisabolol/β-cyclodextrin in a mice arthritis model with involvement of IL-1β, IL-6 and MAPK

Inflammatory arthritis is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease worldwide. The pathology of the disease is characterized by increased inflammation and oxidative stress, which leads to chronic pain and functional loss in the joints. Conventional anti-arthritic drugs used to relieve pain and other arthritic symptoms often cause severe side effects. α-bisabolol (BIS) is a sesquiterpene that exhibits high anti-inflammatory potential and a significant antinociceptive effect. This study evaluates the anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic effects of BIS alone and in a β-cyclodextrin (βCD/BIS) inclusion complex in a CFA-induced arthritis model. Following the intra-articular administration of CFA, male mice were treated with vehicle, BIS and βCD/BIS (50 mg/kg, p.o.) or a positive control and pain-related behaviors, knee edema and inflammatory and oxidative parameters were evaluated on days 4, 11, 18 and/or 25. Ours findings shows that the oral administration of BIS and βCD/BIS significantly attenuated spontaneous pain-like behaviors, mechanical hyperalgesia, grip strength deficit and knee edema induced by repeated injections of CFA, reducing the joint pain and functional disability associated with arthritis. BIS and βCD/BIS also inhibited the generation of inflammatory and oxidative markers in the knee and blocked MAPK in the spinal cord. In addition, ours results also showed that the incorporation of BIS in cyclodextrin as a drug delivery system improved the pharmacological profile of this substance. Therefore, these results contribute to the pharmacological knowledge of BIS and demonstrated that this terpene appears to be able to mitigate deleterious symptoms of arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory and modulatory effects of steroidal saponins and sapogenins on cytokines: A review of pre-clinical research

BACKGROUND

Saponins are glycosides which, after acid hydrolysis, liberate sugar(s) and an aglycone (sapogenin) which can be triterpenoid or steroidal in nature. Steroidal saponins and sapogenins have attracted significant attention as important natural anti-inflammatory compounds capable of acting on the activity of several inflammatory cytokines in various inflammatory models.

PURPOSE

The aim of this review is to collect preclinical in vivo studies on the anti-inflammatory activity of steroidal saponins through the modulation of inflammatory cytokines.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This review was carried out through a specialized search in three databases, that were accessed between September and October, 2021, and the publication period of the articles was not limited. Information about the name of the steroidal saponins, the animals used, the dose and route of administration, the model of pain or inflammation used, the tissue and experimental method used in the measurement of the cytokines, and the results observed on the levels of cytokines was retrieved.

RESULTS

Forty-five (45) articles met the inclusion criteria, involving the saponins cantalasaponin-1, α-chaconine, dioscin, DT-13, lycoperoside H, protodioscin, α-solanine, timosaponin AIII and BII, trillin, and the sapogenins diosgenin, hecogenin, and ruscogenin. The surveys were carried out in seven different countries and only articles between 2007 and 2021 were found. The studies included in the review showed that the saponins and sapogenins were anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant and they modulate inflammatory cytokines mainly through the Nf-κB, TLR4 and MAPKs pathways.

CONCLUSION

Steroidal saponins and sapogenins are promising compounds in handling of pain and inflammation for the development of natural product-derived drugs. However, it is necessary to increase the methodological quality of preclinical studies, mainly blinding and sample size calculation.

Rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 in the first year of the pandemic: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global health threat and remains a challenge for modern medicine. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 is vital for proper disease and outbreak management. Our review aimed to analyze scientific articles published in the literature addressing the rapid tests available for COVID-19 diagnosis at the first year of the pandemic.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed from October 22 to 27, 2020, searching data published in PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using subject headings or keywords related to point of care and rapid test diagnostic for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.

RESULTS

The first survey identified 403 articles, but only 23 met the defined criteria for the systematic analysis. The sensitivity and specificity parameters were assessed in 19 studies, and the data suggested that there was lower sensitivity in the period 1 to 7 days after the emergence of symptoms (∼38%) higher sensitivity at 8 to 14 days (∼90%), and the highest at 15 to 39 days (∼98%). Accuracy was reported in six studies, reporting values above 50%. Only three studies reported a possible cross-reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the rapid tests used in the first year of the pandemic were tested with a small number of samples and not adequately validated. And the studies that described them were conducted with little scientific rigor.

The Therapeutic Value of Hydralazine in Reducing Inflammatory Response, Oxidative Stress, and Mortality in Animal Sepsis: Involvement of the PI3K/AKT Pathway

ABSTRACT

Sepsis is an amplified systemic immune-inflammatory response produced by a microorganism, which involves activation of inflammatory cytokine signaling pathways and oxidative stress. A variety of studies have shown that hydralazine (HDZ) has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory proprieties. Therefore, we hypothesize that HDZ can improve the clinical outcome of sepsis. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate therapeutic value of HDZ in reducing inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and mortality in animal sepsis, and to investigate its possible mechanism of action. Sepsis was induced by the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method in Wistar rats. After surgery, the animals were randomly divided into three groups: sham, sepsis, and sepsis + HDZ (1 mg/kg, s.c.). All groups were monitored for 48 h to assess survival rate, and clinical, hemodynamic, biochemical, and cellular parameters. After euthanasia, blood, spleen, liver, and kidneys were collected for analysis. Blood serum cytokines, tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and oxidative stress parameters were assessed. Involvement of the PI3K/Akt pathway was also investigated. Sepsis was successfully induced by the CLP technique. HDZ treatment increased the survival rate (from 50% to 90%), improved glycemia control, reduced the clinical severity sepsis and mean arterial pressure; and prevented increased MPO activity, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10 levels, and oxidative damage markers. Additionally, HDZ significantly prevented the increase of Akt activation in the liver and kidney. HDZ largely mitigated the effects of sepsis by suppressing inflammatory and antioxidant responses via the PI3K/Akt pathway. These findings provide evidence that HDZ can be a new therapeutic alternative for treating sepsis.

PERFIL LEUCOCITÁRIO DOS INDIVÍDUOS POSITIVOS NA SOROLOGIA PARA O SARS-COV-2

Objetivos

A COVID-19, oriunda do novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2) se espalhou como uma pandemia, causando mais de 4 milhão de mortes globalmente, tornando-se uma emergência de saúde pública. O número de casos de pacientes recuperados é crescente, o que pode ser crucial sobre o curso da doença. Na forma grave da doença é possível observar linfopenia e leucopenia. Estes achados podem ser auxiliares como indicadores clínicos para avaliação e progressão da doença. Desta forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever o perfil leucocitário dos indivíduos positivos na sorologia para o SARS-CoV-2.

Material e métodos

Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo em que indivíduos adultos de ambos os sexos, participantes do projeto EpiSergipe e que apresentaram resultado positivo ao teste rápido para IgG/IgM confirmado por sorologia. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue periférico para realização do hemograma e análise sorológica utilizando o kit comercial de imunoensaio fluorescente (IchromaTM COVID-19 Ab) em que os procedimentos foram realizados de acordo com as recomendações do fabricante.

Resultados

Foram analisadas amostras de 847 pacientes com sorologia positiva para o SARS-CoV-2, assintomáticos ou com sintomas leves, sendo 275 do sexo masculino (32,47%) e 572 do sexo feminino (67,53%). Do total de hemogramas analisados, 9,33% apresentaram leucocitose e 2,01% leucopenia (média leucócitos totais = 7.370/mm³ /±2,10). A linfocitose foi observada em 23,61% dos indivíduos e a linfopenia foi observada em apenas 1,18% (média linfócitos = 2.550/mm³/±772). A neutrofilia foi observada em 5,90% dos participantes e a neutropenia em 5,31% (média neutrófilos = 4.280/mm³/±1,67). A maioria dos hemogramas analisados (67,41%) apresentaram todos os parâmetros normais.

Discussão

A linfocitose, de acordo com estudos, pode auxiliar na previsão e acompanhamento da progressão da COVID-19, neste estudo foi observada em 23,61% dos hemogramas analisados, enfatizando que os participantes do presente estudo eram assintomáticos e sintomáticos leves, o que pode justificar o porquê grande parte dos pacientes apresentaram parâmetros dentro da normalidade. Além disso um estudo publicado em 2021, comparou os achados hematológicos de óbitos por COVID-19 com os de sobreviventes, nos indivíduos que morreram havia maior contagem de neutrófilos e leucócitos, e uma diminuição nos linfócitos, quando comparados aos sobreviventes. Neste estudo, não houveram óbitos, as taxas encontradas de leucocitose e neutrofilia foram de 9,33% e 5,90% respectivamente, e a linfopenia 1,18%.

Conclusão

A partir dos resultados prévios encontrados, observa-se alterações no perfil leucocitário em indivíduos com COVID-19, condizentes com os descritos recentemente na literatura.

Use of monitoring indicators in hospital management of antimicrobials

Background

According to the literature, 25% to 50% of antimicrobials prescribed in hospitals are unnecessary or inappropriate, directly impacting antimicrobial resistance. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the use of antimicrobials in a university hospital in Northeast Brazil, using days of therapy (DOT) and length of therapy (LOT) indicators in accordance with the latest national and international recommendations for monitoring the use of antimicrobials.

Methods

This is an observational, prospective analytical study conducted in a teaching hospital, with 94 active beds, distributed between the intensive care unit (ICU), the surgical clinic (SUR), the medical clinic (MED), the pneumology/infectology department (PNE/INF) and pediatrics (PED). The duration of the study was from the beginning of January to the end of December 2018.

Results

During the study period, a total of 11,634 patient-days were followed up and 50.4% of the patients were found to have received some antimicrobial, with a significant reduction in use of 1% per month throughout the year. Patients were receiving antimicrobial therapy for 376 days in every 1000 days of hospitalization (LOT = 376/1000pd). Overall, the 1st-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones were the most used in respect of the number of prescriptions and the duration of therapy. The calculated global DOT/LOT ratio showed that each patient received an average of 1.5 antimicrobials during the hospital stay. The incidence of antimicrobial resistance, globally, for both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin R), Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii (Carbapenem R), was 1 per 1000 patient-days.

Conclusions

The results obtained from the analyses revealed that half of the patients admitted to the hospital who took part in the study were exposed to the use of antimicrobials at some point during their stay. Although moderate, it is noteworthy that there was a decline in the use of antimicrobials throughout the year. The indicators used in this study were found to be very effective for gathering data on the use of antimicrobials, and assessing the results of the initiatives taken as part of the Stewardship program.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06542-5.

Nerolidol-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex enhances anti-inflammatory activity in arthritis model and improves gastric protection

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with progressive degradation of cartilage and joints. Additionally, gastric ulcer affects many patients who make prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs widely used in the symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Nerolidol, a natural sesquiterpene, has several biological activities including anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic action. This study aims to develop and characterize a nerolidol ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and to evaluate its activity in an experimental arthritis model. Inclusion complex was prepared by the lyophilization method and characterized by NMR, term analysis, XRD and SEM. Neutrophil migration assays and histopathological analysis were performed on zymosan-induced arthritis model using Swiss mice. And the gastroprotective effect was evaluated in two models of gastric ulcers: induced by ethanol and indomethacin. Inclusion complex showed no cytotoxicity and free nerolidol at a dose of 100 mg/kg (p.o.) in the arthritis model reduced neutrophil migration in 56% in relation to vehicle, and this inhibition was more expressive in the inclusion complex (67%) at the same dose. Histopathological analysis of the joint tissue confirmed the reduction of inflammatory signs. In the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model, free nerolidol reduced the relative ulcer area more expressively (4.64%) than the inclusion complex (21.3%). However, in the indomethacin induction model, the inclusion complex showed better results in gastric protection compared to free nerolidol. The action of nerolidol complexed in beta-cyclodextrin in reducing arthritis inflammation combined with its gastroprotective action make it a potential new drug.

Essential oils and its bioactive compounds modulating cytokines: A systematic review on anti-asthmatic and immunomodulatory properties

BACKGROUND

Asthma, the main inflammatory chronic condition affecting the respiratory system, is characterized by hyperresponsiveness and reversible airway obstruction, recruitment of inflammatory cells and excessive production of mucus. Cytokines as biochemical messengers of immune cells, play an important role in the regulation of allergic inflammatory and infectious airway processes. Essential oils of plant origin are complex mixtures of volatile and semi volatile organic compounds that determine the specific aroma of plants and are categorized by their biological activities.

PURPOSE

We reviewed whether essential oils and their bioactive compounds of plant origin could modulate cytokines' immune responses and improve asthma therapy in experimental systems in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Electronic and manual search of articles in English available from inception up to November 2018 reporting the immunomodulatory activity of essential oils and their bioactive compounds for the management of asthma. We used PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science. Publications reporting preclinical experiments where cytokines were examined to evaluate the consequence of anti-asthmatic therapy were included.

RESULTS

914 publications were identified and 13 were included in the systematic review. Four articles described the role of essential oils and their bioactive compounds on bronchial asthma using cell lines; nine in vivo studies evaluated the anti-inflammatory efficacy and immunomodulating effects of essential oil and their secondary metabolites on cytokines production and inflammatory responses. The most important immunopharmacological mechanisms reported were the regulation of cytokine production, inhibition of reactive oxygen species accumulation, inactivation of eosinophil migration and remodeling of the airways and lung tissue, modulation of FOXP3 gene expression, regulation of inflammatory cells in the airways and decreasing inflammatory mediator expression levels.

CONCLUSION

Plant derived essential oils and related active compounds have potential therapeutic activity for the treatment of asthma by modulating the release of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8), Th17 (IL-17), anti-inflammatory (IL-10), Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13) cytokines and the suppression of inflammatory cell accumulation.

Pharmaceutical agents for treatment of leishmaniasis: a patent landscape

INTRODUCTION

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Worldwide, approximately 1.5-2 million new cases of leishmaniasis and 20,000-30,000 deaths occurs each year. Effective treatment for all forms of leishmaniasis have numerous adverse effects contributing to poor adherence and/or treatment interruption by the patient. Development of novel therapies, as multitarget drugs, for example, can contribute to accelerate discover safer, more active, and patient-compliant drugs for leishmaniasis treatment.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, authors summarize pharmaceutical agents for treatment of leishmaniasis developed between 2014 and 2019, which includes synthetic and natural drugs for specific treatments, as well as considering new approaches and strategies using drug delivery system.

EXPERT OPINION

Universities or public research institutes produced most of the patents related to pharmaceutical agents for treatment of leishmaniasis in this review, and the majority of the inventions disclosed did not conduct clinical trials. In other words, there is still a lot of investment to be done for the identification of new drugs.

Alpha-terpineol complexed with beta-cyclodextrin reduces damages caused by periodontitis in rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the treatment with alpha-terpineol (αTPN) complexed with beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) on oral, blood, and hepatic parameters in ligature-induced periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty female rats were distributed among the following groups: control (vehicle solution), periodontitis (ligature + vehicle solution), 5 mg/kg of αTPN-βCD (ligature), and 25 mg/kg of αTPN-βCD (ligature). Compounds were administered daily via intraperitoneal injection over a 20-day period. Periodontitis was induced with the bilateral insertion of ligatures around the first lower molars of each rat. Oral parameters, as well as blood biomarkers, were measured: histopathological assessment of the hepatic tissue was carried out using light and transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The treatment with αTPN-βCD significantly improved several oral parameters and blood biomarkers in comparison with rats with periodontitis. In addition, the treatment with αTPN-βCD significantly ameliorated the steatosis score and reduced the number of lipid droplets and the amount of foamy cytoplasm in the hepatocytes of rats with periodontitis.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained suggest that the treatment with αTPN-βCD improves several oral and blood parameters in rats with experimental periodontitis. In addition, hepatic alterations caused by periodontitis were ameliorated in the rats treated with αTPN-βCD.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) L.P. Queiroz

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Poncianella pyramidalis (Leguminosae) is a Caatinga plant used in folk medicine because of its pharmacological properties, which include anti-inflammatory action. However, chemical compounds responsible for this effect have not yet been identified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the ethyl acetate fraction from the inner bark of P. pyramidalis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Total phenol content (TP) was estimated using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, while in vitro antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Chemical identification was done using LC-PDA/MS and LC-ESI/MS/MS. In vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties were investigated using formalin, mechanical hypernociception and carrageenan-induced pleurisy assays in mice.

RESULTS

TP was 525.08 ± 17.49 μg mg^-1 gallic acid equivalent. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) inhibited 87.76% of the DPPH radical with an EC₅₀ of 22.94 μg mL^-1 and Antioxidant Activity Index of 1.74. LC-PDA/MS and LC-ESI/MS/MS identified 15 compounds that are mostly derived from gallic and ellagic acids. Regarding in vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, EAF (100 mg kg-1) significantly reduced the nociceptive response in the second phase of the formalin assay by 50% (p < 0.01) compared with the control group. In the hypernociception test, a significant (p < 0.001) anti-hyperalgesic effect of EAF (100 mg kg-1) was observed up to the third hour of evaluation (p < 0.001). In the carrageenan assay, EAF (100 mg kg-1) was shown to inhibit protein extravasation, increase total leukocytes and neutrophils, and inhibit mononuclear cells.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate EAF from the inner bark of P. pyramidalis has strong in vitro antioxidant effect as well as in vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, which may be attributed to the bark being rich in phenolic compounds derived from gallic acid.

Modulation of interleukin expression by medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites: A systematic review on anti-asthmatic and immunopharmacological mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Asthma is one of the most common chronic inflammatory conditions of the lungs in modern society. Asthma is associated with airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling of the airways, with typical symptoms of cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Interleukins (IL) play an integral role in its inflammatory pathogenesis. Medicinal herbs and secondary metabolites are gaining considerable attention due to their potential therapeutic role and pharmacological mechanisms as adjunct tools to synthetic bronchodilator drugs.

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature on the use of single or mixed plants extracts therapy in vivo experimental systems for asthma, emphasizing their regulations on IL production to improve lung.

METHODS

Literature searches were performed on PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science databases. All articles in English were extracted from 1999 up to September 2019, assessed critically for data extraction. Studies investigating the effectiveness and safety of plant extracts administered; inflammatory cell count, immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine and T helper (Th) 1 and Th2-driven cytokine expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung of asthmatic animals were included.

RESULTS

Four hundred and eighteen publications were identified and 51 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six studies described bioactive compounds from plant extracts. The most frequent immunopharmacological mechanisms described included reduction in IgE and eosinophilic recruitment, decreased mucus hypersecretion and airway hyperreactivity, enhancement of the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio, suppression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and reversal of structural alterations.

CONCLUSION

Plant extract therapies have potential control activities on asthma symptoms by modulating the secretion of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-8), Th17 (IL-17), anti-inflammatory (IL-10, IL-23, IL-31, IL-33), Th1 (IL-2, IL-12) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13) cytokines, reducing the level of biomarkers of airway inflammation.

d-Limonene Ameliorates Myocardial Infarction Injury by Reducing Reactive Oxygen Species and Cell Apoptosis in a Murine Model

Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to high mortality, and pharmacological or percutaneous primary interventions do not significantly inhibit ischemia/reperfusion injuries, particularly those caused by oxidative stress. Recently, research groups have evaluated several naturally occurring antioxidant compounds for possible use as therapeutic alternatives to traditional treatments. Studies have demonstrated that d-limonene (DL), a monoterpene of citrus fruits, possesses antioxidant and cardiovascular properties. Thus, this work sought to elucidate the mechanisms of protection of DL in an isoproterenol-induced murine MI model. It was observed that DL (10 μmol) attenuated 40% of the ST elevation, reduced the infarct area, prevented histological alterations, abolished completely oxidative stress damage, restored superoxide dismutase activity, and suppressed pro-apoptotic enzymes. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that DL produces cardioprotective effects from isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in Swiss mice through suppression of apoptosis.

Pharmacological Effects of Carvacrol in In vitro Studies: A Review

Carvacrol has a high therapeutic potential, with in vitro studies showing promising results in different cellular models using a variety of methodological designs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to analyze the pharmacological effects of carvacrol in in vitro studies. A comprehensive search of the literature was made using four databases: Science Direct, Scopus, MEDLINE-PubMed, and Web of Science using different combinations of the following keywords: carvacrol, drug therapy, therapeutic uses, in vitro study. The search of the databases was for studies conducted in the period up to and including September 2016. A total of 3,269 studies were initially identified, with only 31 meeting the inclusion criteria. The included studies contained a variety of in vitro models able to determine the properties of Carvacrol. The following properties of Carvacrol were identified: antimicrobial (7 studies), bactericidal (4), bactericidal and antifungal (1), antiinflammatory (4), anticancer (4), mutagenic (4), antioxidant (3), antifungal (3), antidepressant (1), as a modulator of nerve impulses (1) and an immunological modulator (1). The In vitro studies with Carvacrol included in this review showed a diversity of models and confirmed the therapeutic potential of this product in relation to several diseases.

Neuropharmacological effects of essential oil from the leaves of Croton conduplicatus Kunth and possible mechanisms of action involved

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Croton conduplicatus Kunth (Euphorbiaceae) is a Brazilian aromatic medicinal plant, widely known as "quebra-faca". In folk medicine, its leaves and stem-barks are used as a natural analgesic for the treatment of headaches.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we describe for the first time the neuropharmacological potential of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of Croton conduplicatus (EO) in experimental models of pain, anxiety and insomnia. The mechanisms of action involved in these activities were also investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Different experimental models were used to evaluate the antinociceptive (acetic acid, formalin-induced nociception and hot plate tests), anxiolytic (elevated plus maze and hole board tests) and sedative (thiopental-induced sleeping time) effects of EO in mice. EO was evaluated in three different doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) and compared with positive and negative controls in all experimental protocols. When appropriate, animals were pretreated with pharmacological antagonists (naloxone, atropine and flumazenil) in order to evaluate the mechanisms of action involved. A docking study also was performed to identify possible targets involved.

RESULTS

EO (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) demonstrated a significant antinociceptive activity in all experimental models. Pretreatment with naloxone or atropine reversed the antinociceptive response (p < 0.05), suggesting the involvement of opioid and muscarinic receptors, respectively. A docking study was performed with the major components identified in EO (1,8 cineole - 21.42%, spathulenol - 15.47%, p-cymene - 12.41% and caryophyllene oxide - 12.15%), demonstrating favorable interaction profile with different subtypes of muscarinic (M2, M3 and M4) and opioids (delta and mu) receptors. EO also showed anxiolytic (mainly at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) and sedative (only at the dose of 100 mg/kg, i.p.) effects in mice. These pharmacological responses were reversed by flumazenil (p < 0.05), indicating possible involvement of GABA_A receptors.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the traditional use of this plant as a natural analgesic and suggest that EO is a multi-target natural product, presenting not only antinociceptive effect but also anxiolytic and sedative activities depending on the dose used.

Flavonoids as Th1/Th2 cytokines immunomodulators: A systematic review of studies on animal models

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds, extensively distributed in plants. T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cytokines balance plays an essential role in the reaction of inflammatory, allergic and infectious processes and transplantation rejection.

PURPOSE

This systematic review focuses on various classes of flavonoids with a view to evaluate whether Th1/Th2 cytokine-mediated pathways of immunoenhancement could reduce immune overwhelming reactions.

METHODS

Articles in English published from inception to December 2017 reporting flavonoids with immunomodulatory activity for the management of immune-mediated disorders were acquired from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science and a animal experiments where Th1 and Th2 cytokines were investigated to assess the outcome of immunoregulatory therapy were included.

CHAPTERS

1809 publications were identified and 26 were included in this review. Ten articles described the effect of flavonoids on allergic inflammation in an animal model of asthma; eleven in vivo studies evaluated the immunomodulating and immunosuppressive effects of flavonoids on Th1/Th2 cytokines production and five reports described the regulatory role of flavonoids for Th1/Th2 cytokine responses to experimental arthritis and myocarditis. Modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, inhibition of eosinophil accumulation and remodeling of the airways and lungs, downregulation of Notch and PI3K signaling pathways, regulation of CD4 + /CD8 + lymphocytes ratio and decreasing inflammatory mediator expressions levels are among the most important immunopharmacological mechanisms for the retrieved flavonoids.

CONCLUSION

Naturally occurring flavonoids discussed in the present article have optimal immunomodulation to prevent immune-mediated disorders through management of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.

Phytochemical profile and mechanisms involved in the anti-nociception caused by the hydroethanolic extract obtained from Tocoyena formosa (Cham. & Schltdl.) K. Schum (Jenipapo-bravo) leaves in mice

Tocoyena formosa, a small ornamental tree growing in the dry regions of central Brazil, is commonly known as 'genipapo do bravo'. This is a medicinal plant traditionally used as an analgesic for rheumatic pain, lower back pain and myalgia, however its use is carried out without scientific evidence, which thus justifies the development of studies to investigate and prove its therapeutic potential. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile of Tocoyena formosa (Cham. & Schlecht.) K. Schum (TFLHE) and the mechanisms involved in its anti-nociceptive effect. The TFLHE revealed the presence of gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, rutin, quercetin and luteolin. The TFLHE at doses of 200 and 400mg/kg significantly decreased acetic acid-induced abdominal contortions, the reaction time for the formalin test in both phases and increased the paw withdrawal time in the hot plate thermal stimulus test. The 200mg/kg dose also significantly inhibited the plantar mechanical hyperalgesia intensity induced by formalin within 24h.

TREATMENT

with the TFLHE did not cause significant changes in motor performance and coordination in the Rota Rod test. The investigation on the possible mechanism of antinociceptive action of TFLHE indicates the involvement of opioid, glutamatergic, nitric oxide/cGMP and vanilloid systems. It is concluded that the TFLHE has an antinociceptive effect promoted by the aforementioned mechanisms.

Cyclodextrins improving the physicochemical and pharmacological properties of antidepressant drugs: a patent review

INTRODUCTION

Depression is a serious mood disorder and is one of the most common mental illnesses. Despite the availability of several classes of antidepressants, a substantial percentage of patients are unresponsive to these drugs, which have a slow onset of action in addition to producing undesirable side effects. Some scientific evidence suggests that cyclodextrins (CDs) can improve the physicochemical and pharmacological profile of antidepressant drugs (ADDs). The purpose of this paper is to disclose current data technology prospects involving antidepressant drugs and cyclodextrins.

AREAS COVERED

We conducted a patent review to evaluate the antidepressive activity of the compounds complexed in CDs, and we analyzed whether these complexes improved their physicochemical properties and pharmacological action. The present review used 8 specialized patent databases for patent research, using the term 'cyclodextrin' combined with 'antidepressive agents' and its related terms. We found 608 patents. In the end, considering the inclusion criteria, 27 patents reporting the benefits of complexation of ADDs with CDs were included.

EXPERT OPINION

The use of CDs can be considered an important tool for the optimization of physicochemical and pharmacological properties of ADDs, such as stability, solubility and bioavailability.

Polyphenols rich Passiflora leschenaultii leaves modulating Farnesoid X Receptor and Pregnane X Receptor against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The hepatoprotective effect of P. leschenaultii. (DC) leaves was investigated in rats under paracetamol induced oxidative stress. Leaf acetone extract (200 and 400mg/kg) were administered daily via gavage for 14days before paracetamol (2000mg/kg, p.o.) treatment. After the experiment, the levels of serum biochemical parameters and enzymatic antioxidant levels were determined. Furthermore, liver tissues were analyzed histopathologically. Additionally, the molecular docking studies of the identified compounds against PXR and FXR proteins were also performed. The assessment revealed that the acetone extract significantly reduced the elevated levels of SGPT, SGOT and ALP in serum. Moreover, the enzymatic antioxidants such as SOD, CAT and LPO were also retained normally by the plant extract. From histopathological analysis, it was clearly evident that the cellular architecture of plant extract treated rat liver tissues were not affected by the paracetamol induction at the higher dose. The results of docking studies also revealed that the identified compounds showed steric interactions (between nonpolar atoms) with amino acid groups. Collectively, the present study suggests that P. leschenaultii leaves extract protects the liver from paracetamol induced hepatic damage.

Side effects of the therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C: a small audit

This study sought to decribe, quantify, and classify any adverse reactions occurring in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon and ribavirin, as well as verify the occurrence of potential medication interactions. The most prevalent reactions were fatigue (84.8%), fever (83%), weight loss (80%), irritability (74%), and body pain (72%). Most of the reactions were classified as mild (95%), whereas 4.5% were classified as moderate and 0.4% as severe. Adverse reactions led to the rearrangement of therapy for 9 patients (20%), where there was a reduction in dose for 7 (15%), temporary interruption of treatment for 5 (11%), and permanent discontinuation for 3 patients (7%). A total of 11 potential medication interactions were identified in 9 patients (20%), with the most frequent between peginterferon-α2a and captopril (45%). Given the above, it is observed that the treatment of chronic hepatitis C is marked by several adverse reactions of varying severity, which can interfere with the patient's quality of life or in treatment compliance, and that can be aggravated by potential drug-drug interactions.