Bem-estar animal em laboratório: enriquecimento ambiental apresenta efeito positivo na experimentação animal

Reproductive and developmental toxicology has focused on the need to approach the effects of organism exposure to various drugs during pregnancy after the mid-50’s, when the thalidomide tragedy stroke humanity. In recent decades, this area of study has developed a lot due to animal testing, raising awareness on the need to improve the quality of life of such animals. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate how the science of animal welfare can improve scientific research as a whole, including the reproductive and developmental toxicology fields, by emphasizing environmental enrichment in animal facilities. To do so, we conducted an integrative literature review on several quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches that are applicable to toxicology studies. Here, we present evidence that environmental enrichment improves animal welfare and prevents or reduces the negative effects of captive housing, which must be a principle of toxicological research for ethical, legal and scientific reasons.Na toxicologia da reprodução e do desenvolvimento, a atenção necessária foi dada aos efeitos da exposição do organismo às inúmeras drogas durante o período gestacional somente após a metade dos anos 50, quando a tragédia da talidomida atingiu a humanidade. Assim, esta área alcançou desenvolvimento científico com a contribuição da experimentação animal nas últimas décadas. O uso de animais de laboratórios para a pesquisa científica expôs a necessidade de melhorar a qualidade de vida destas espécies. Portanto, este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar como a ciência do bem-estar animal pode melhorar a pesquisa científica como um todo, incluindo na área de toxicologia da reprodução e de desenvolvimento, enfatizando o enriquecimento ambiental em biotérios. Uma revisão integrativa de literatura foi realizada, incluindo abordagens quantitativas e qualitativas, quais podem ser aplicadas para estudos de toxicologia. Aqui, são mostradas evidências de que o enriquecimento ambiental melhora o bem-estar animal e previne ou reduz os efeitos negativos do cativeiro, qual deve um princípio da pesquisa toxicológica por razões éticas, argumentos legais e garantias científicas

Production of bacterial cellulose nanocrystals via enzymatic hydrolysis and evaluation of their coating on alginate particles formed by ionotropic gelation

This study aimed to obtain the bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) by enzymatic hydrolysis and verify the CNC application as coating material in alginate particles. Therefore, the production of CNC was carried out through two enzymatic hydrolysis methods involving a time period of 48 and 72 h. 0.35 mg of dry mass of cellulose was produced approximately 1.6 × 1011 CNC/mL. The CNC obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis at 72 h (Method II) was applied to cover the alginate particles, obtained by ionotropic gelation. The CNC Zeta potential value was about +15 mV and for alginate particles -26.46 ± 1.48 mV. These results confirmed the application of CNC as coating material for alginate particles. It brings an incremental contribution to the knowledge advancement in the pharmaceutical and food area, allowing the engineering of systems to use a mixed composition of nanobiomaterials to modify the release pattern of drugs, macromolecule, nutrients, stabilizers and target specific drug release.The authors acknowledge financial support from Coordination for Higher Level Graduate Improvements (CAPES/Brazil, Grant Numbers 001), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/Brazil), and the State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP/Brazil, grant numbers 2019/22,626–5 and 2018/10,508–5).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Protective Effects of the Flavonoid Chrysin against Methylmercury-Induced Genotoxicity and Alterations of Antioxidant Status, In Vivo

The use of phytochemicals has been widely used as inexpensive approach for prevention of diseases related to oxidative damage due to its antioxidant properties. One of dietary flavonoids is chrysin (CR), found mainly in passion fruit, honey, and propolis. Methylmercury (MeHg) is a toxic metal whose main toxic mechanism is oxidative damage. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of CR against oxidative damage induced by MeHg in Wistar rats. Animals were treated with MeHg (30 µg/kg/bw) in presence and absence of CR (0.10, 1.0, and 10 mg/kg/bw) by gavage for 45 days. Glutathione (GSH) in blood was quantified spectrophotometrically and for monitoring of DNA damage, comet assay was used in leukocytes and hepatocytes. MeHg led to a significant increase in the formation of comets; when the animals were exposed to the metal in the presence of CR, higher concentrations of CR showed protective effects. Moreover, exposure to MeHg decreased the levels of GSH and GSH levels were restored in the animals that received CR plus MeHg. Taken together the findings of the present work indicate that consumption of flavonoids such as CR may protect humans against the adverse health effects caused by MeHg

Libidibia ferrea loaded in bacterial nanocellulose: evaluation of antimicrobial activity and wound care / Libidibia ferrea loaded in bacterial nanocellulose: evaluation of antimicrobial activity and wound care

The effects of Bacterial Nanocellulose (BNC) loaded with Libidibia ferrea (Lf) hydroalcoholic extract were investigated on the healing process of burn in diabetic and non-diabetic animals. In vivo assay was performed with 36 male rats, with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and burns induced by contact. Animals were divided into Nd-BNC (Non-diabetic + Bacterial nanocellulose membranes); Nd-BNC-Lf (Non-diabetic + Bacterial nanocellulose membranes + Libidibia ferrea); D-BNC (Diabetic + Bacterial nanocellulose membranes); D-BNC-Lf (Diabetic + Bacterial nanocellulose membranes + Libidibia ferrea). Wounds were evaluated for 28 days histologically. Lf extract and BNC-Lf extract showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The severe degree of infection, granulation and inflammation observed after 14 days in diabetic rats (exposed or not to Lf extract), disappeared after 21 days. On the 28th day, there was no histological difference among the groups. BNC-Lf extract demonstrated to have antimicrobial activity, however as an wound dressing, both BNC or BNC-Lf extract were effective in the healing of second-degree burn wounds

EVALUATION OF GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE GSTM1 AND GSTT1 POLYMORPHISMS AND METHYLMERCURY METABOLISM IN AN EXPOSED AMAZON POPULATION

Over the last decades, the presence of methylmercury (MeHg) in the Amazon region of Brazil and its adverse human health effects have given rise to much concern. The biotransformation of MeHg occurs mainly through glutathione (GSH) in the bile mediated by conjugation with glutathione S-transferases (GST). Epidemiological evidence has shown that genetic polymorphisms may affect the metabolism of MeHg. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between GST polymorphisms, GSH, and Hg levels in blood (B-Hg) and in hair (H-Hg) of an Amazon population chronically exposed to the metal through fish consumption. Blood and hair samples were collected from 144 volunteers (71 men, 73 women). B-Hg and H-Hg levels were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and GSH levels were evaluated by a spectrophotometric method. GSTM1 and T1 genotyping evaluation were carried out by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mean levels of B-Hg and H-Hg were 37.7 +/- 24.5 mu g/L and 10.4 +/- 7.4 mu g/g, respectively; GSH concentrations ranged from 0.52 to 2.89 mu M/ml of total blood. Distributions for GSTM1/T1, GSTM1/GSTT1*0, GSTM1*0/T1, and GSTM1*0/GSTT1*0 genotypes were 35.4, 22.2, 25.0, and 17.4%, respectively. GSTT1 genotype carriers presented lower levels of B-Hg and H-Hg when compared to other genotypes carriers. In addition, GSTM1*0/GSTT1*0 individuals presented higher Hg levels in blood and hair than subjects presenting any other genotypes. There appeared to be no evidence of an effect of polymorphisms on GSH levels. Therefore, our data suggest that GST polymorphisms may be associated with MeHg detoxification.Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional para o Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Ensino Superior (CAPES/DS

Bacterial nanocellulose and fibroin: natural products to produce a structure membranes

Fibroin (FB) and bacterial nanocellulose (BC) are natural products, being used in biomedicine, electronics, food industries and other areas. Both show biocompatibility, able to be used for many different purposes. The blending of fibroin and bacterial nanocellulose was design to produce a biocompatible material to be applied with a medical device. For this reason, the objective of this work was to evaluate the structure properties of the blending of BC and FB. Thus, FB was extracted from Bombyx mori and BC was produced by fermentation process utilizing Gluconacetobacter xylinus. The membranes composed of BC-FB were produced by immersion contact for 24 hours, at 25°C, in 100rpm; without crosslinking agent. After the production the membrane samples were dried and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR spectroscopy), mechanical proprieties, swelling efficiency, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and computerized microtomography (µCt). Results indicate that the hydrogen-bonded porous membranes obtained displayed anisiotropic, closed and interconnected porous morphology. The morphometric characteristics, which resemble a honeycomb and consist of a long structure with high connectivity and high total porosity, amplify the areas of BC-FB blend applications, with potential utilization with optoelectronic devices, in areas ranging from environmental to tissue engineering. Furthermore, the production by immersion contact will allow the upscale process and the development of green label material.Keywords: Polymers conjugation, Membranes; Fibroin; Bacterial nanocellulose

Comparison of oxidative stress parameters between rats exposed to methylmercury in aqueous solution and fish contaminated with the metal

Os efeitos tóxicos decorrente do consumo de peixes contaminados com metilmercúrio (MeHg) tem sido muito discutido no Brasil, especialmente na Região Amazônica, onde estudos a esse respeito têm mostrado resultados conflitantes. Fatores nutricionais associados à exposição ao MeHg ou a forma na qual o MeHg se encontra ligada no peixe poderiam estar alterando sua toxicidade. Diante destas controvérsias, ratos foram subcronicamente expostos à solução de MeHg, selênio (Se) e óleo de peixe, ou foram alimentados com ração contendo peixes contaminados com MeHg. Biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo, presença de processo inflamatório, genotoxicidade, pressão sistólica, concentração de óxido nítrico (NO), de mercúrio (Hg) total e de Se em diferentes tecidos foram avaliados. Ratos expostos à solução de MeHg, mostraram significante diminuição de antioxidantes endógenos, aumento na peroxidação lipídica, hipertensão, inflamação de tecidos, dano ao DNA e diminuição de NO. A associação MeHg+Se mostrou significativa proteção antioxidante e antigenotóxica, porém não foi capaz de proteger a inflamação induzida pelo MeHg e, surpreendentemente, ratos tratados somente com Se apresentaram aumento significativo na pressão sistólica. Na associação MeHg+óleo de peixe observou-se significativa ação anti-inflamatória, antigenotóxica e anti-hipertensiva, porém não se observou ação antioxidante do óleo de peixe. A absorção do Hg nos diferentes tecidos não foi modificada pela presença de Se ou óleo de peixe. Já em ratos que receberam ração contendo peixe contaminado com MeHg, poucas alterações foram observadas. Houve aumento do biomarcador de peroxidação lipídica malondialdeído em ratos que receberam a ração com o peixe contaminado, bem como a indução de dano no DNA. A partir da 11ª semana, hipertensão também foi observada e o NO não se alterou. Assim, observou-se que o MeHg em solução induziu efeitos oxidantes, inflamação, genotoxicidade e hipertensão, e o MeHg presente no peixe induziu efeitos consideráveis, porém menos severos. A forma química com que o MeHg está presente no peixe, combinado com os nutrientes do peixe como o Se e os ácidos graxos poliinsaturados poderiam estar contribuindo para reduzir os efeitos tóxicos desse elemento.The toxic effects due the consumption of fish contaminated with methylmercury (MeHg) have been widely discussed in Brazil, especially in Amazon region, where studies have shown confound results. Nutritional factors associated with MeHg exposure or the form of MeHg in fish could be changing MeHg toxicity. Thus, rats were subchronically exposed to MeHg in solution, selenium (Se) and fish oil, or rats were fed with a diet containing MeHg-contaminated fish. Oxidative stress biomarkers, presence of inflammation, genotoxicity, systolic blood pressure, nitric oxide (NO) levels and total mercury (Hg) and Se in different tissues were determined. Rats exposed to MeHg in solution showed endogenous antioxidants significantly reduced, increase of lipid peroxidation, hypertension, tissue inflammation, DNA damage and decrease of NO levels. MeHg+Se association presented antioxidant protection and antigenotoxic effetc, but it was not able to protect the inflammation induced by MeHg. Surprisingly, rats treated only with Se also showed increase in systolic blood pressure. MeHg+fish oil association presented a significant antiinflammatory and antigenotoxic effects and antihypertensive action; however it was not observed antioxidant capacity of fish oil. Hg absorption in different tissues was not modified by Se or fish oil treatments. On the other hand, rats fed with diet containing MeHg-contaminated fish presented few alterations in biomarkers. A lipid peroxidation biomarker showed significantly increased in rats fed with MeHgcontaminated fish as well as induction of DNA damage. From the 11th week, a hypertension was observed and NO levels did not change. In conclusion, it was observed that MeHg solution was able to induce oxidative effects, inflammation, genotoxicity and hypertension, and MeHg linked in fish induced considerable but mild effects. The chemical form that MeHg is present in fish combined with nutrients from fish, as Se and polyunsaturated fatty acids could contribute to reducing toxic effects of MeHg

Comparison of oxidative stress parameters between rats exposed to methylmercury in aqueous solution and fish contaminated with the metal

Os efeitos tóxicos decorrente do consumo de peixes contaminados com metilmercúrio (MeHg) tem sido muito discutido no Brasil, especialmente na Região Amazônica, onde estudos a esse respeito têm mostrado resultados conflitantes. Fatores nutricionais associados à exposição ao MeHg ou a forma na qual o MeHg se encontra ligada no peixe poderiam estar alterando sua toxicidade. Diante destas controvérsias, ratos foram subcronicamente expostos à solução de MeHg, selênio (Se) e óleo de peixe, ou foram alimentados com ração contendo peixes contaminados com MeHg. Biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo, presença de processo inflamatório, genotoxicidade, pressão sistólica, concentração de óxido nítrico (NO), de mercúrio (Hg) total e de Se em diferentes tecidos foram avaliados. Ratos expostos à solução de MeHg, mostraram significante diminuição de antioxidantes endógenos, aumento na peroxidação lipídica, hipertensão, inflamação de tecidos, dano ao DNA e diminuição de NO. A associação MeHg+Se mostrou significativa proteção antioxidante e antigenotóxica, porém não foi capaz de proteger a inflamação induzida pelo MeHg e, surpreendentemente, ratos tratados somente com Se apresentaram aumento significativo na pressão sistólica. Na associação MeHg+óleo de peixe observou-se significativa ação anti-inflamatória, antigenotóxica e anti-hipertensiva, porém não se observou ação antioxidante do óleo de peixe. A absorção do Hg nos diferentes tecidos não foi modificada pela presença de Se ou óleo de peixe. Já em ratos que receberam ração contendo peixe contaminado com MeHg, poucas alterações foram observadas. Houve aumento do biomarcador de peroxidação lipídica malondialdeído em ratos que receberam a ração com o peixe contaminado, bem como a indução de dano no DNA. A partir da 11ª semana, hipertensão também foi observada e o NO não se alterou. Assim, observou-se que o MeHg em solução induziu efeitos oxidantes, inflamação, genotoxicidade e hipertensão, e o MeHg presente no peixe induziu efeitos consideráveis, porém menos severos. A forma química com que o MeHg está presente no peixe, combinado com os nutrientes do peixe como o Se e os ácidos graxos poliinsaturados poderiam estar contribuindo para reduzir os efeitos tóxicos desse elemento.The toxic effects due the consumption of fish contaminated with methylmercury (MeHg) have been widely discussed in Brazil, especially in Amazon region, where studies have shown confound results. Nutritional factors associated with MeHg exposure or the form of MeHg in fish could be changing MeHg toxicity. Thus, rats were subchronically exposed to MeHg in solution, selenium (Se) and fish oil, or rats were fed with a diet containing MeHg-contaminated fish. Oxidative stress biomarkers, presence of inflammation, genotoxicity, systolic blood pressure, nitric oxide (NO) levels and total mercury (Hg) and Se in different tissues were determined. Rats exposed to MeHg in solution showed endogenous antioxidants significantly reduced, increase of lipid peroxidation, hypertension, tissue inflammation, DNA damage and decrease of NO levels. MeHg+Se association presented antioxidant protection and antigenotoxic effetc, but it was not able to protect the inflammation induced by MeHg. Surprisingly, rats treated only with Se also showed increase in systolic blood pressure. MeHg+fish oil association presented a significant antiinflammatory and antigenotoxic effects and antihypertensive action; however it was not observed antioxidant capacity of fish oil. Hg absorption in different tissues was not modified by Se or fish oil treatments. On the other hand, rats fed with diet containing MeHg-contaminated fish presented few alterations in biomarkers. A lipid peroxidation biomarker showed significantly increased in rats fed with MeHgcontaminated fish as well as induction of DNA damage. From the 11th week, a hypertension was observed and NO levels did not change. In conclusion, it was observed that MeHg solution was able to induce oxidative effects, inflammation, genotoxicity and hypertension, and MeHg linked in fish induced considerable but mild effects. The chemical form that MeHg is present in fish combined with nutrients from fish, as Se and polyunsaturated fatty acids could contribute to reducing toxic effects of MeHg