The protective effect of Canova homeopathic medicine in cyclophosphamide-treated non-human primates

Background: Canova activates macrophages and indirectly induces lymphocyte proliferation. Here we evaluated the effects of Canova in cyclophosphamide-treated non-human primates.Methods: Twelve Cebus apella were evaluated. Four animals were treated with Canova only. Eight animals were treated with two doses of cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) and four of these animals received Canova. Body weight, biochemistry and hematologic analyses were performed for 40 days. Micronucleus and comet assays were performed for the evaluation of DNA damage.Results: We observed that cyclophosphamide induced abnormal WBC count in all animals. However, the group treated with cyclophosphamide plus Canova presented a higher leukocyte count than that which received only cyclophosphamide. Cyclophosphamide induced micronucleus and DNA damage in all animals. the frequency of these alterations was significantly lower in the Canova group than in the group without this medicine.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that Canova treatment minimizes cyclophosphamide myelotoxicity in C. apella. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Genet, Dept Morfol & Genet, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Dept Anal Clin Toxicol & Bromatol, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut Ribeirao Preto, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, SP, BrazilFed Univ Para, Lab Citogenet Humana, Inst Ciencias Biol, BR-66059 Belem, Para, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Ginecol, Dept Tocoginecol, BR-04039032 São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ Para, Serv Cirurgia, Hosp Univ Joao de Barros Barreto, BR-66073000 Belem, Para, BrazilMinist Saude, Ctr Nacl Primatas, BR-77030000 Ananindeua, PA, BrazilUniv Fed Piaui, Lab Genet & Biol Mol, BR-64202020 Parnaiba, PI, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Genet, Dept Morfol & Genet, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Ginecol, Dept Tocoginecol, BR-04039032 São Paulo, BrazilCNPq: 550885/2007-2Web of Scienc

Ultrastructural aspects of Callithrix penicillata lingual papillae

Callithrix penicillata belongs to the family Callitrichidae, Callithrix genus. They are basically insectivorous, but they consume fruits. The mucosa of the tongue is composed of some papillary types, revealing different levels of expertise. The present study attempted to describe the morphological and ultrastructural aspects of the dorsal surface of the C. penicillata, describing the characteristics and distribution of papillae found. Five tongues of C. penicillata (two females and three males), obtained from breeding colonies of CENP-Ananindeua-PA, died from natural causes. The material was fixed partly in a buffer solution paraformaldehyde 10% and partly in modified Karnovsky solution, divided into apex, body, and root, and then the fragments were used in light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The average length of the tongue of the females was 22 mm and for males 20.5 mm. Three types of papillae were described: filiform (along all tissue extension with 154 mu m of diameter), fungiform (along all tissue extension with 275 mu m of diameter), and vallate (just three units in caudal (dorsal) portion with 672 mu m of diameter). Data analysis indicates that the distribution and ultrastructural morphology of the C. penicillata lingual papillae are some similar to other primates. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2011. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.CENP-Ananindeu-PACENPAnanindeuP

Tracking the Ovarian Cycle in Black-and-Gold Howlers (Alouatta caraya) by Measuring Fecal Steroids and Observing Vaginal Bleeding

A better understanding of a species` reproductive physiology can help conservation programs to manage primates in the wild and develop assisted reproductive technologies in captivity. We investigated whether measurements of fecal progestin and estrogen metabolites obtained by a radioimmunoassay could be used to monitor the ovarian cycle of Alouatta caraya. We also compared the occurrence of vaginal bleeding with the hormone profiles. We collected fecal samples from 3 adult and 1 subadult captive female over 5 mo and performed vaginal cytology for the adults. The interval between fecal progestin surges in the adult females was 19.11 +/- 2.14 d (n = 18 cycles). Fecal progestin concentrations remained at basal values for 9.83 +/- 2.21 d (n = 18) and rose to elevated values for 9.47 +/- 0.72 d (n = 19). The subadult female showed basal levels of fecal estrogen and progestin concentrations throughout the study, suggesting that our hormone measurements are valid to monitor the ovarian cycle. Bleeding periods coincided with basal levels of fecal estrogens and progestin at intervals of 19.8 +/- 0.9 d and lasted for 4.1 +/- 1.0 d. Although we obtained these data from only 3 individuals, the results indicate that this species likely has a menstrual-type ovarian cycle. These data provide the first endocrine profile for the Alouatta caraya ovarian cycle and are similar to results obtained for other howler species. This similarity is important for comparative studies of howlers, allowing for a better understanding of their reproductive physiology and contributing to a critical information base for managing Alouatta species.Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)[02/10920-5

hTERT and TP53 deregulation in intestinal-type gastric carcinogenesis in non-human primates

Despite the high incidence, the molecular events involved in intestinal-type gastric carcinogenesis remains unclear. We previously established an intestinal-type gastric carcinogenesis model in Cebus apella, a New World monkey. in the present study, we evaluated hTERT and TP53 mRNA expression, as well as their protein immunoreactivity, in normal mucosa, non-atrophic gastritis, atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and intestinal-type gastric cancer samples of non-human primates treated with N-methyl-nitrosourea. in addition, we evaluated the number of TP53 copies in these samples. Although hTERT immunoreactivity was only detected in gastric cancer, a continuous increase of hTERT mRNA expression was observed from non-atrophic gastritis to gastric tumors. No sample presented p53 immunoreactivity. However, we also observed a continuous decrease of TP53 mRNA expression during the sequential steps of gastric carcinogenesis. Moreover, loss of TP53 copies was observed in intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer samples. Our study highlights that hTERT and TP53 have a key role in intestinal-type gastric cancer initiation.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Morfol & Genet, Disciplina Genet, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ Para, Inst Ciencias Biol, Lab Citogenet Humana, BR-66059 Belem, Para, BrazilMinist Saude, Ctr Nacl Primatas, Ananindeua, PA, BrazilFed Univ Para, Hosp Univ Joao de Barros Barreto, Unidade Alta Complexidade Oncol, BR-66059 Belem, Para, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Morfol & Genet, Disciplina Genet, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Semen characteristics of captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus): a comparison of a German with a Brazilian colony

Background The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is of interest for reproductive studies because of their high and variable fertility in captivity. However, to understand this variability, much basic information still needs to be gathered. This study is the first to characterize marmoset semen comparing a German and a Brazilian colony.Methods All animals were weighted, and semen samples were collected by penile vibratory stimulation and analyzed according to standard criteria.Results and Conclusions The German animals had a higher mean and maximum weight than the Brazilian. Further, sperm concentration tended to be higher with heavier animals in the German population, but not in the Brazilian. Additionally, major defects tended to be more frequent with higher weight but also only in German sample. In spite of these differences, the total range and variability in sperm concentration were similar in both populations, suggesting that this is characteristic for the species.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

The Use of New World Primates for Biomedical Research: An Overview of the Last Four Decades

Animal experimentation contributes significantly to the progression of science. Nonhuman primates play a particularly important role in biomedical research not only because of their anatomical, physiological, biochemical, and behavioral similarities with humans but also because of their close phylogenetic affinities. in order to investigate the use of New World primates (NWP) in biomedical research over the last four decades (1966-2005), we performed a quantitative study of the literature listed in bibliographic databases from the Health Sciences. the survey was performed for each genus of NWP that has been bred in the National Center of Primates in Brazil. the number of articles published was determined for each genus and sorted according to the country from which the studies originated and the general scientific field. the data obtained suggests that Brazil is a leader in generating knowledge with NWP models for translational medicine. Am. J. Primatol. 72: 1055-1061, 2010. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Ministry of Health through the Department of Health SurveillanceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)IEC-CENPUniversidade Federal de São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Neurol & Neurocirurgia, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilCtr Nacl Primatas CENP, Inst Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua, PA, BrazilHosp Israelita Albert Einstein, Inst Cerebro, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Brasilia UNB, Brasilia, DF, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Neurol & Neurocirurgia, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Ultrastructural aspects of lingual papillae in squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)

Saimiri sciureus is one of the smallest Cebidae native of Amazon region and also found at the biological reserve of northeast Atlantic forest. It is an omnivore animal, with diversified diet that directly influences the lingual mucosa, which includes certain types of papillae with different organization levels. The present study attempted to describe the morphological and ultrastructure aspects of the dorsal surface of the S. sciureus. Five tongues of de S. sciureus were analyzed from three males and two females who died from natural causes and were obtained from breeding colonies of CENP-Ananindeua-PA. Main macroscopic features were a general triangular shape with a craniocaudal elongation pointed apex. Tissue samples-apex, body, and root of tongue-were fixed in modified Karnovsky solution, following standard scanning protocol, mounted in stubs, coated by gold, and analyzed by Scanning Electron Macroscopy (SEM). Four types of papillae were described: filiform (along all tissue extension with 154 mu m of diameter), fungiform (along all tissue extension with 272 mu m of diameter), vallate [just three units in caudal (dorsal) portion with 830 mu m of diameter] and foliate (one pair at caudolateral surface with similar to 13 projections and 3000 mu m in length). Data analysis indicates that the distribution and ultra structural morphology of the S. sciureus lingual papillae are some similar to other primates. Microsc. Res. Tech. 74:484-487, 2011. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.CENP-Ananindeu-P

Lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by activated Cebus apella macrophages treated with a complex homeopathic immune response modifiers

Introduction: Canova is a complex homeopathic medicine that enhances a specific immunologic responses against several exogenous and endogenous conditions. Canova activates macrophages both in vivo and in vitro.Aim and method: We evaluated the effects of macrophages activated by Canova in vivo and ex vitro in the proliferation of lymphocytes. Canova was used to activate Cebus apella macrophages in vivo or ex vitro with Canova. Lymphocytes were cultured with the macrophage culture medium. the analysis of Canova effects in cultured lymphocytes was performed according to the cell cycle phase using flow cytometry. the Interferon gamma and Interleukin-5 cytokines quantification in these lymphocyte culture media was performed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: We observed that Canova actives macrophages in vivo and ex vitro. the lymphocytes cultured in a supplemented medium with macrophages activated by Canova treatment presented a higher number of proliferation cells than lymphocytes not exposed to macrophages activated by Canova. the Interferon gamma and Interleukin-5 cytokines were only observed in the medium of lymphocytes exposed to macrophages activated by Canova. Thus, Canova has potential as a new adjuvant therapy. Homeopathy (201 2) 101, 74-79.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Discipline Genetica, Dept Morfol & Genetica, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ Para, Lab Citogenetica Humana, Inst Ciencias Biol, BR-66059 Belem, PA, BrazilFed Univ Para, Serv Cirurgia, Hosp Univ Joao de Barros Barreto, BR-66073000 Belem, PA, BrazilMinist Saude, Ctr Nacl Primatas, BR-77030000 Ananindeua, PA, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Discipline Genetica, Dept Morfol & Genetica, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilCNPq: 550885/2007-2CNPq: 302774/2009-2CNPq: 301609/2007-1FAPESP: 2007/02470-3Web of Scienc

The protective effect of Canova homeopathic medicine in cyclophosphamide-treated non-human primates

Background: Canova activates macrophages and indirectly induces lymphocyte proliferation. Here we evaluated the effects of Canova in cyclophosphamide-treated non-human primates. Methods: Twelve Cebus apella were evaluated. Four animals were treated with Canova only. Eight animals were treated with two doses of cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) and four of these animals received Canova. Body weight, biochemistry and hematologic analyses were performed for 40 days. Micronucleus and comet assays were performed for the evaluation of DNA damage. Results: We observed that cyclophosphamide induced abnormal WBC count in all animals. However, the group treated with cyclophosphamide plus Canova presented a higher leukocyte count than that which received only cyclophosphamide. Cyclophosphamide induced micronucleus and DNA damage in all animals. The frequency of these alterations was significantly lower in the Canova group than in the group without this medicine. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that Canova treatment minimizes cyclophosphamide myelotoxicity in C. apella. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico [550885/2007-2]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnologicoFundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao PauloFundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paul

Brazilian Flora 2020: Leveraging the power of a collaborative scientific network

International audienceThe shortage of reliable primary taxonomic data limits the description of biological taxa and the understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes, complicating biogeographical, ecological, and evolutionary studies. This deficit creates a significant taxonomic impediment to biodiversity research and conservation planning. The taxonomic impediment and the biodiversity crisis are widely recognized, highlighting the urgent need for reliable taxonomic data. Over the past decade, numerous countries worldwide have devoted considerable effort to Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which called for the preparation of a working list of all known plant species by 2010 and an online world Flora by 2020. Brazil is a megadiverse country, home to more of the world's known plant species than any other country. Despite that, Flora Brasiliensis, concluded in 1906, was the last comprehensive treatment of the Brazilian flora. The lack of accurate estimates of the number of species of algae, fungi, and plants occurring in Brazil contributes to the prevailing taxonomic impediment and delays progress towards the GSPC targets. Over the past 12 years, a legion of taxonomists motivated to meet Target 1 of the GSPC, worked together to gather and integrate knowledge on the algal, plant, and fungal diversity of Brazil. Overall, a team of about 980 taxonomists joined efforts in a highly collaborative project that used cybertaxonomy to prepare an updated Flora of Brazil, showing the power of scientific collaboration to reach ambitious goals. This paper presents an overview of the Brazilian Flora 2020 and provides taxonomic and spatial updates on the algae, fungi, and plants found in one of the world's most biodiverse countries. We further identify collection gaps and summarize future goals that extend beyond 2020. Our results show that Brazil is home to 46,975 native species of algae, fungi, and plants, of which 19,669 are endemic to the country. The data compiled to date suggests that the Atlantic Rainforest might be the most diverse Brazilian domain for all plant groups except gymnosperms, which are most diverse in the Amazon. However, scientific knowledge of Brazilian diversity is still unequally distributed, with the Atlantic Rainforest and the Cerrado being the most intensively sampled and studied biomes in the country. In times of “scientific reductionism”, with botanical and mycological sciences suffering pervasive depreciation in recent decades, the first online Flora of Brazil 2020 significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of taxonomic data available for algae, fungi, and plants from Brazil. This project also made all the information freely available online, providing a firm foundation for future research and for the management, conservation, and sustainable use of the Brazilian funga and flora