Salivary gland extract from Aedes aegypti improves survival in murine polymicrobial sepsis through oxidative mechanisms

Sepsis is a systemic disease with life-threatening potential and is characterized by a dysregulated immune response from the host to an infection. The organic dysfunction in sepsis is associated with the production of inflammatory cascades and oxidative stress. Previous studies showed that Aedes aegypti saliva has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. Considering inflammation and the role of oxidative stress in sepsis, we investigated the effect of pretreatment with salivary gland extract (SGE) from Ae. aegypti in the induction of inflammatory and oxidative processes in a murine cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) model. Here, we evaluated animal survival for 16 days, as well as bacterial load, leukocyte migration, and oxidative parameters. We found that the SGE pretreatment improved the survival of septic mice, reduced bacterial load and neutrophil influx, and increased nitric oxide (NO) production in the peritoneal cavity. With regard to oxidative status, SGE increased antioxidant defenses as measured by Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and glutathione (GSH), while reducing levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA). Altogether, these data suggest that SGE plays a protective role in septic animals, contributing to oxidative and inflammatory balance during sepsis. Therefore, Ae. aegypti SGE is a potential source for new therapeutic molecule(s) in polymicrobial sepsis, and this effect seems to be mediated by the control of inflammation and oxidative damage

Neurobehavioral and Antioxidant Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Yellow Propolis

Propolis is a resin produced by bees from raw material collected from plants, salivary secretions, and beeswax. New therapeutic properties for the Central Nervous System have emerged. We explored the neurobehavioral and antioxidant effects of an ethanolic extract of yellow propolis (EEYP) rich in triterpenoids, primarily lupeol and β-amyrin. Male Wistar rats, 3 months old, were intraperitoneally treated with Tween 5% (control), EEYP (1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg), or diazepam, fluoxetine, and caffeine (positive controls) 30 min before the assays. Animals were submitted to open field, elevated plus maze, forced swimming, and inhibitory avoidance tests. After behavioral tasks, blood samples were collected through intracardiac pathway, to evaluate the oxidative balance. The results obtained in the open field and in the elevated plus maze assay showed spontaneous locomotion preserved and anxiolytic-like activity. In the forced swimming test, EEYP demonstrated antidepressant-like activity. In the inhibitory avoidance test, EEYP showed mnemonic activity at 30 mg/kg. In the evaluation of oxidative biochemistry, the extract reduced the production of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde without changing level of total antioxidant, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, induced by behavioral stress. Our results highlight that EEYP emerges as a promising anxiolytic, antidepressant, mnemonic, and antioxidant natural product

Efeito protetor de antioxidantes na metemoglobina e no dano em dna induzidos pela dapsona-hidroxilamina in vitro

Dapsone (DDS) is one of the drugs used in polychemotherapy of leprosy associated with rifampicin and clofazimine. Of these drugs, DDS is primarily responsible for adverse reactions, such as methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia. These reactions are related to the DDS metabolite, dapsone hydroxylamine (DDS-NOH). In an attempt to promote the reduction of toxic effects are studied alternative therapies with antioxidants. This work aimed to evaluate the protective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), A. brasiliensis and Glutathione ethyl ester (GSH-EE) in methemoglobin (MetHb) and DNA damage induced by DDS-NOH in vitro , correlating to oxidative stress parameters. For this, suspensions of human erythrocytes to 50% were pre- and post-treated with NAC, A. brasiliensis and GSH-EE in different concentrations, being exposed groups DDS-NOH to induce the formation MetHb. It also assessed whether the activity of enzymes-SOD and CAT and GSH levels, TEAC and MDA. In leukocytes evaluated the induction of ROS intracellularly using DCFH-DA and the damage to DNA by comet assay. The results showed that the DDS-NOH metabolite was capable of inducing MetHb in vitro, this dose-dependent effect. Regarding the pre-treatment, all the antioxidants prevented MetHb formation induced by DDS-NOH, as well as post-treatment. For SOD, only the pre-treatment with NAC and A. brasiliensis reduced SOD activity. In the post-treatment, there was increased when treated with antioxidants. Pre-treatment with NAC and GSH-EE increased CAT activity, moreover A. brasiliensis reduced, as after treatment with antioxidants. As for GSH levels, pre-treatment with NAC and GSH increased A. brasiliensis, on the other hand, did not alter after treatment. Regarding TEAC did not change. With respect to oxidative damage in the pre-treatment A. brasiliensis and GSH-EE reduced MDA. In the post-treatment, there was an increase in group A. brasiliensis and reduced GSH-EE group. Only the NAC was shown to be effective in removing the intracellular ROS induced by DDS-NOH in leukocytes. While in erythrocytes, a NAC and A. brasiliensis were able to reduce this effect. In the study of the comet assay, the DDS-NOH was able to induce DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes, however this damage was reduced when treated with NAC and A. brasiliensis. It can be concluded from our data that the evaluated antioxidants have therapeutic potential in the prevention of MetHb and DNA damage induced by DDS-NOH in vitro, more effective NAC against these effects.A dapsona (DDS) é um dos fármacos utilizados na poliquimioterapia da hanseníase, associado com a rifampicina e clofazimina. Destes fármacos, a DDS é a principal responsável por reações adversas, como a metemoglobinemia e anemia hemolítica. Estas reações estão relacionadas ao metabólito da DDS, a dapsona-hidroxilamina (DDS-NOH). Na tentativa de promover a redução de efeitos hematotóxicos, são estudadas alternativas terapêuticas com os antioxidantes. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito protetor da N-acetilcisteína (NAC), A. brasiliensis e Glutationa-etil-éster (GSH-EE) na metemoglobina (MetHb) e no dano em DNA induzidos pela DDS-NOH in vitro, correlacionando aos parâmetros do estresse oxidativo. Para isto, as suspenções de eritrócitos humanos a 50% foram pré e pós-tratadas com NAC, A. brasiliensis e GSH-EE em diferentes concentrações, sendo os grupos expostos a DDS-NOH para induzir a formação de MetHb. Além disso, avaliou-se também a atividade das enzimas SOD e CAT, bem como os níveis de GSH, TEAC e MDA. Em leucócitos avaliou-se a indução de EROs no meio intracelular utilizando o DCFH-DA e o dano em DNA através do ensaio cometa. Os resultados mostraram que o metabólito DDS-NOH foi capaz de induzir MetHb in vitro, sendo este efeito dose-dependente. Em relação ao pré-tratamento, todos os antioxidantes preveniram a formação de MetHb induzida pela DDS-NOH, assim como no pós-tratamento. Em relação a SOD, apenas o pré-tratamento com NAC e A. brasiliensis reduziram a atividade de SOD. Já no pós-tratamento, houve aumento quando tratados com os antioxidantes. O pré-tratamento com NAC e GSH-EE aumentou a atividade de CAT, por outro lado o A. brasiliensis reduziu, assim como no pós-tratamento com os antioxidantes. Quanto aos níveis de GSH, o pré-tratamento com NAC e A. brasiliensis aumentaram GSH, por outro lado, não alteraram no pós-tratamento. Em relação ao TEAC, não houve alteração. Com relação aos danos oxidativos no pré-tratamento, o A. brasiliensis e a GSH-EE reduziram o MDA. Já no pós-tratamento, houve aumento no grupo A. brasiliensis e redução no grupo GSH-EE. Apenas a NAC mostrou ser eficiente na remoção de EROs do meio intracelular induzido por DDS-NOH em leucócitos. Enquanto que em eritrócitos, a NAC e o A. brasiliensis foram capazes de reduzir tal efeito. No estudo do ensaio cometa, a DDS-NOH foi capaz de induzir danos no DNA em leucócitos do sangue periférico, entretanto este danos foram reduzidos quando tratadas com NAC e A. brasiliensis. Pode-se concluir com estes dados que os compostos antioxidantes avaliados apresentam potenciais terapêuticos na prevenção da MetHb e no dano em DNA induzido por DDS-NOH in vitro, sendo a NAC mais eficaz contra estes efeitos

Estudo anatômico da raiz do mesentério e sua relação com a aorta

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Estudo anatômico das arcadas arteriais do intestino delgado

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Salivary gland extract from Aedes aegypti improves survival in murine polymicrobial sepsis through oxidative mechanisms

Sepsis is a systemic disease with life-threatening potential and is characterized by a dysregulated immune response from the host to an infection. The organic dysfunction in sepsis is associated with the production of inflammatory cascades and oxidative stress. Previous studies showed that Aedes aegypti saliva has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. Considering inflammation and the role of oxidative stress in sepsis, we investigated the effect of pretreatment with salivary gland extract (SGE) from Ae. aegypti in the induction of inflammatory and oxidative processes in a murine cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) model. Here, we evaluated animal survival for 16 days, as well as bacterial load, leukocyte migration, and oxidative parameters. We found that the SGE pretreatment improved the survival of septic mice, reduced bacterial load and neutrophil influx, and increased nitric oxide (NO) production in the peritoneal cavity. With regard to oxidative status, SGE increased antioxidant defenses as measured by Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and glutathione (GSH), while reducing levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA). Altogether, these data suggest that SGE plays a protective role in septic animals, contributing to oxidative and inflammatory balance during sepsis. Therefore, Ae. aegypti SGE is a potential source for new therapeutic molecule(s) in polymicrobial sepsis, and this effect seems to be mediated by the control of inflammation and oxidative damage

12,500+ and counting: biodiversity of the Brazilian Pampa

Knowledge on biodiversity is fundamental for conservation strategies. The Brazilian Pampa region, located in subtropical southern Brazil, is neglected in terms of conservation, and knowledge of its biodiversity is fragmented. We aim to answer the question: how many, and which, species occur in the Brazilian Pampa? In a collaborative effort, we built species lists for plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi that occur in the Brazilian Pampa. We included information on distribution patterns, main habitat types, and conservation status. Our study resulted in referenced lists totaling 12,503 species (12,854 taxa, when considering infraspecific taxonomic categories [or units]). Vascular plants amount to 3,642 species (including 165 Pteridophytes), while algae have 2,046 species (2,378 taxa) and bryophytes 316 species (318 taxa). Fungi (incl. lichenized fungi) contains 1,141 species (1,144 taxa). Animals total 5,358 species (5,372 taxa). Among the latter, vertebrates comprise 1,136 species, while invertebrates are represented by 4,222 species. Our data indicate that, according to current knowledge, the Pampa holds approximately 9% of the Brazilian biodiversity in an area of little more than 2% of Brazil’s total land. The proportion of species restricted to the Brazilian Pampa is low (with few groups as exceptions), as it is part of a larger grassland ecoregion and in a transitional climatic setting. Our study yielded considerably higher species numbers than previously known for many species groups; for some, it provides the first published compilation. Further efforts are needed to increase knowledge in the Pampa and other regions of Brazil. Considering the strategic importance of biodiversity and its conservation, appropriate government policies are needed to fund studies on biodiversity, create accessible and constantly updated biodiversity databases, and consider biodiversity in school curricula and other outreach activities

Management of coronary disease in patients with advanced kidney disease

BACKGROUND Clinical trials that have assessed the effect of revascularization in patients with stable coronary disease have routinely excluded those with advanced chronic kidney disease. METHODS We randomly assigned 777 patients with advanced kidney disease and moderate or severe ischemia on stress testing to be treated with an initial invasive strategy consisting of coronary angiography and revascularization (if appropriate) added to medical therapy or an initial conservative strategy consisting of medical therapy alone and angiography reserved for those in whom medical therapy had failed. The primary outcome was a composite of death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. A key secondary outcome was a composite of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure, or resuscitated cardiac arrest. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 2.2 years, a primary outcome event had occurred in 123 patients in the invasive-strategy group and in 129 patients in the conservative-strategy group (estimated 3-year event rate, 36.4% vs. 36.7%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79 to 1.29; P=0.95). Results for the key secondary outcome were similar (38.5% vs. 39.7%; hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.29). The invasive strategy was associated with a higher incidence of stroke than the conservative strategy (hazard ratio, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.52 to 9.32; P=0.004) and with a higher incidence of death or initiation of dialysis (hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.11; P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with stable coronary disease, advanced chronic kidney disease, and moderate or severe ischemia, we did not find evidence that an initial invasive strategy, as compared with an initial conservative strategy, reduced the risk of death or nonfatal myocardial infarction

Health status after invasive or conservative care in coronary and advanced kidney disease

BACKGROUND In the ISCHEMIA-CKD trial, the primary analysis showed no significant difference in the risk of death or myocardial infarction with initial angiography and revascularization plus guideline-based medical therapy (invasive strategy) as compared with guideline-based medical therapy alone (conservative strategy) in participants with stable ischemic heart disease, moderate or severe ischemia, and advanced chronic kidney disease (an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <30 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 or receipt of dialysis). A secondary objective of the trial was to assess angina-related health status. METHODS We assessed health status with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) before randomization and at 1.5, 3, and 6 months and every 6 months thereafter. The primary outcome of this analysis was the SAQ Summary score (ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating less frequent angina and better function and quality of life). Mixed-effects cumulative probability models within a Bayesian framework were used to estimate the treatment effect with the invasive strategy. RESULTS Health status was assessed in 705 of 777 participants. Nearly half the participants (49%) had had no angina during the month before randomization. At 3 months, the estimated mean difference between the invasive-strategy group and the conservative-strategy group in the SAQ Summary score was 2.1 points (95% credible interval, 120.4 to 4.6), a result that favored the invasive strategy. The mean difference in score at 3 months was largest among participants with daily or weekly angina at baseline (10.1 points; 95% credible interval, 0.0 to 19.9), smaller among those with monthly angina at baseline (2.2 points; 95% credible interval, 122.0 to 6.2), and nearly absent among those without angina at baseline (0.6 points; 95% credible interval, 121.9 to 3.3). By 6 months, the between-group difference in the overall trial population was attenuated (0.5 points; 95% credible interval, 122.2 to 3.4). CONCLUSIONS Participants with stable ischemic heart disease, moderate or severe ischemia, and advanced chronic kidney disease did not have substantial or sustained benefits with regard to angina-related health status with an initially invasive strategy as compared with a conservative strategy

Health-status outcomes with invasive or conservative care in coronary disease

BACKGROUND In the ISCHEMIA trial, an invasive strategy with angiographic assessment and revascularization did not reduce clinical events among patients with stable ischemic heart disease and moderate or severe ischemia. A secondary objective of the trial was to assess angina-related health status among these patients. METHODS We assessed angina-related symptoms, function, and quality of life with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) at randomization, at months 1.5, 3, and 6, and every 6 months thereafter in participants who had been randomly assigned to an invasive treatment strategy (2295 participants) or a conservative strategy (2322). Mixed-effects cumulative probability models within a Bayesian framework were used to estimate differences between the treatment groups. The primary outcome of this health-status analysis was the SAQ summary score (scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health status). All analyses were performed in the overall population and according to baseline angina frequency. RESULTS At baseline, 35% of patients reported having no angina in the previous month. SAQ summary scores increased in both treatment groups, with increases at 3, 12, and 36 months that were 4.1 points (95% credible interval, 3.2 to 5.0), 4.2 points (95% credible interval, 3.3 to 5.1), and 2.9 points (95% credible interval, 2.2 to 3.7) higher with the invasive strategy than with the conservative strategy. Differences were larger among participants who had more frequent angina at baseline (8.5 vs. 0.1 points at 3 months and 5.3 vs. 1.2 points at 36 months among participants with daily or weekly angina as compared with no angina). CONCLUSIONS In the overall trial population with moderate or severe ischemia, which included 35% of participants without angina at baseline, patients randomly assigned to the invasive strategy had greater improvement in angina-related health status than those assigned to the conservative strategy. The modest mean differences favoring the invasive strategy in the overall group reflected minimal differences among asymptomatic patients and larger differences among patients who had had angina at baseline