Increased Vascular Permeability, Angiogenesis and Wound Healing Induced by the Serum of Natural Latex of the Rubber Tree Hevea brasiliensis

Increases in vascular permeability and angiogenesis are crucial events to wound repair, tumoral growth and revascularization of tissues submitted to ischemia. An increased vascular permeability allows a variety of cytokines and growth factors to reach the damaged tissue. Nevertheless, the angiogenesis supply tissues with a wide variety of nutrients and is also important to metabolites clearance. It has been suggested that the natural latex from Hevea brasiliensis showed wound healing properties and angiogenic activity. Thus, the purpose of this work was to characterize its angiogenic activity and its effects on vascular permeability and wound healing. The serum fraction of the latex was separated from the rubber with reduction of the pH. The activity of the dialyzed serum fraction on the vascular permeability injected in subcutaneous tissue was assayed according Mile`s method. The angiogenic activity was determined using a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay and its effects on the wound-healing process was determined by the rabbit ear dermal ulcer model. The serum fraction showed evident angiogenic effect and it was effective in enhancing vascular permeability. In dermal ulcers, this material significantly accelerated wound healing. Moreover, the serum fraction boiled and treated with proteases lost these activities. These results are in accordance with the enhancement of wound healing observed in clinical trials carried out with a biomembrane prepared with the same natural latex. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.CAPE

Artepillin C and phenolic compounds responsible for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of green propolis and Baccharis dracunculifolia DC

AimsThis study investigates the antimicrobial activity in Staphylococcus aureus isolates (methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)) and antioxidant activity of green propolis, Baccharis dracunculifolia DC extracts and Artepillin C. Methods and ResultsThe amount of Artepillin C in different extracts was determined by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. Minimum inhibitory concentration 90 (MIC90) was determined using 40 isolates of S. aureus inoculated in Mueller-Hinton agar culture medium containing the green propolis and B. dracunculifolia DC extracts. PVEE (green propolis ethanolic extract) and BDEH (B. dracunculifolia hexanic extract) showed the greatest antimicrobial activity with MIC90 values of 2463 and 2955gml(-1) respectively. Green propolis ethanolic and hexanic extracts (PVEE and PVEH respectively) showed the greatest antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical) with IC50 values of 1309 and 9586gml(-1) respectively. ConclusionsGreen propolis ethanolic displays better antimicrobial and antioxidant activities compared to other extracts. These activities may be related to the presence of Artepillin C in synergism with the other constituents of the extracts. Significance and Impact of the StudyIn this study, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts of green propolis and B. dracunculifolia DC demonstrated in MRSA and MSSA clinical isolates indicated that they can be important tools to treat infections caused by these bacteria1224911920sem informaçã

Implant Osseointegration in Circumferential Bone Defects Treated with Latex-Derived Proteins or Autogenous Bone in Dog's Mandible

Background: In sites with diminished bone volume, the osseointegration of dental implants can be compromised. Innovative biomaterials have been developed to aid successful osseointegration outcomes. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic potential of angiogenic latex proteins for improved bone formation and osseointegration of dental implants. Materials and Methods: Ten dogs were submitted to bilateral circumferential defects (5.0 x 6.3 mm) in the mandible. Dental implant (3.3 x 10.0 mm, TiUnite MK3 (TM), Nobel Biocare AB, Goteborg, Sweden) was installed in the center of the defects. The gap was filled either with coagulum (Cg), autogenous bone graft (BG), or latex angiogenic proteins pool (LPP). Five animals were sacrificed after 4 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively. Implant stability was evaluated using resonance frequency analysis (Osstell Mentor T, Osstell AB, Goteborg, Sweden), and bone formation was analyzed by histological and histometric analysis. Results: LPP showed bone regeneration similar to BG and Cg at 4 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively (p >= 3.05). Bone formation, osseointegration, and implant stability improved significantly from 4 to 12 weeks (p <= 2.05). Conclusion: Based on methodological limitations of this study, Cg alone delivers higher bone formation in the defect as compared with BG at 12 weeks; compared with Cg and BG, the treatment with LPP exhibits no advantage in terms of osteogenic potential in this experimental model, although overall osseointegration was not affected by the treatments employed in this study.State of Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, Brazil) [2006/04359-0]State of Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), BrazilFAPESPFAPESP [2006/58059-7]Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, Brazil) [2007.1.381.58.4]Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, Brazil

Rabbit Retinal Neovascularization Induced by Latex Angiogenic-Derived Fraction: An Experimental Model

Purpose: To create a retinal neovascularization experimental model using intravitreal injection of microspheres loaded with latex-derived angiogenic fraction. Methods: Thirty-two albino New Zealand rabbits, divided in 4 groups of 8 animals, were enrolled in this study. Rabbits in groups I, II, and III received one intravitreal injection of PLGA (L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres with 10, 30, and 50 mu g of latex-derived angiogenic fraction into their right eyes, respectively, and group IV received 0.1 ml of microspheres without the angiogenic fraction. Weekly follow-up with ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography was performed; the rabbits were sacrificed in the 4th week and their eyes processed for light microscopy. Results: All eyes from group I demonstrated increased retinal vascular tortuosity, observed from 14 days after injection and maintained for 28 days, otherwise without new vessels detection. All group II eyes showed vascular changes similar to group I. Fifty percent of the eyes from group II rabbits developed retinal neovascularization 21 days after injection. All eyes from group III demonstrated significant vascular tortuosity and retinal new vessels 2 weeks after injection, progressing to fibrovascular proliferation and tractional retinal detachment. No vascular changes or retinal new vessels were observed in group IV eyes. Light microscopy confirmed the existence of new vessels previously seen on fluorescein angiography, in retinal sections adjacent to the optic disc, not observed in sections at the same area in the control group. Conclusion: Thirty- and 50-mu g microspheres containing latex-derived angiogenic fraction injected into the vitreous cavity induced retinal neovascularization in rabbits.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)[302940/2005-7

Hepatitis B Infection Is Associated with Asymptomatic Malaria in the Brazilian Amazon

Background: Areas that are endemic for malaria are also highly endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether HBV infection modifies the clinical presentation of malaria. This study aimed to address this question. Methodology and Findings: An observational study of 636 individuals was performed in Rondonia, western Amazon, Brazil between 2006 and 2007. Active and passive case detections identified Plasmodium infection by field microscopy and nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). HBV infections were identified by serology and confirmed by real-time PCR. Epidemiological information and plasma cytokine profiles were studied. The data were analyzed using adjusted multinomial logistic regression. Plasmodium-infected individuals with active HBV infection were more likely to be asymptomatic (OR: 120.13, P < 0.0001), present with lower levels of parasitemia and demonstrate a decreased inflammatory cytokine profile. Nevertheless, co-infected individuals presented higher HBV viremia. Plasmodium parasitemia inversely correlated with plasma HBV DNA levels (r=-0.6; P=0.0003). Conclusion: HBV infection diminishes the intensity of malaria infection in individuals from this endemic area. This effect seems related to cytokine balance and control of inflammatory responses. These findings add important insights to the understanding of the factors affecting the clinical outcomes of malaria in endemic regions.FINEP[010409605]FNDCT-CT Amazoni

Differences in Gamma Interferon Production In Vitro Predict the Pace of the In Vivo Response to Leishmania amazonensis in Healthy Volunteers

The initial encounter of Leishmania cells and cells from the immune system is fundamentally important in the outcome of infection and determines disease development or resistance. We evaluated the anti-Leishmania amazonensis response of naive volunteers by using an in vitro priming (IVP) system and comparing the responses following in vivo vaccination against the same parasite. In vitro stimulation allowed us to distinguish two groups of individuals, those who produced small amounts of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) (n = 16) (low producers) and those who produced large amounts of this cytokine (n = 16) (high producers). IFN-γ production was proportional to tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels but did not correlate with IL-5 production. Volunteers who produced small amounts of IFN-γ in vitro remained low producers 40 days after vaccination, whereas high producers exhibited increased IFN-γ production. However, 6 months after vaccination, all individuals tested produced similarly high levels of IFN-γ upon stimulation of their peripheral blood mononuclear cells with Leishmania promastigotes, indicating that low in vitro producers respond slowly in vivo to vaccination. In high IFN-γ producers there was an increased frequency of activated CD8(+) T cells both in vitro and in vivo compared to the frequency in low producers, and such cells were positive for IFN-γ as determined by intracellular staining. Such findings suggest that IVP responses can be used to predict the pace of postvaccination responses of test volunteers. Although all vaccinated individuals eventually have a potent anti-Leishmania cell-mediated immunity (CMI) response, a delay in mounting the CMI response may influence resistance against leishmaniasis

Elevated IL-17 levels and echocardiographic signs of preserved myocardial function in benznidazole-treated individuals with chronic Chagas' disease

Submitted by Ana Maria Fiscina Sampaio ([email protected]) on 2019-01-23T17:39:01Z No. of bitstreams: 1 CAMARA, E.J. Elevated IL-17 levels...2018.pdf: 630861 bytes, checksum: 45cf921daca33febb1c6615dbdee607e (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Ana Maria Fiscina Sampaio ([email protected]) on 2019-01-23T17:54:22Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 CAMARA, E.J. Elevated IL-17 levels...2018.pdf: 630861 bytes, checksum: 45cf921daca33febb1c6615dbdee607e (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2019-01-23T17:54:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CAMARA, E.J. Elevated IL-17 levels...2018.pdf: 630861 bytes, checksum: 45cf921daca33febb1c6615dbdee607e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Tecnologia (CNPq), Brazil. VRRM and LCLS were supported by CNPq.Universidade Federal da Bahia. Faculdade de Medicina. Salvador, BA, Brasil / Universidade Federal da Bahia. Complexo Hospitalar Professor Edgard Santos. Unidade Docente Assistencial de Cardiologia. Salvador, BA, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Gonçalo Moniz. Salvador, BA, Brasil / Universidade Federal da Bahia. Faculdade de Medicina. Salvador, BA, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Gonçalo Moniz. Salvador, BA, Brasil / Universidade Federal da Bahia. Faculdade de Medicina. Salvador, BA, Brasil.Faculdade de Tecnologia e Ciências. Salvador, BA, Brasil.Universidade Federal da Bahia. Faculdade de Medicina. Salvador, BA, Brasil.Universidade Federal da Bahia. Faculdade de Medicina. Salvador, BA, Brasil.Universidade Federal da Bahia. Faculdade de Medicina. Salvador, BA, Brasil.Universidade Federal da Bahia. Faculdade de Medicina. Salvador, BA, Brasil.Faculdade de Tecnologia e Ciências. Salvador, BA, Brasil.Universidade Federal da Bahia. Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgard Santos. Unidade Docente Assistencial de Cardiologia. Salvador, BA, Brasil.Universidade Federal da Bahia. Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgard Santos. Unidade Docente Assistencial de Cardiologia. Salvador, BA, Brasil.Climecar. Clinica de Cardiologia. Itaberaba, BA, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Gonçalo Moniz. Salvador, BA, Brasil / Universidade Federal da Bahia. Faculdade de Medicina. Salvador, BA, Brasil / Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Investigação em Imunologia. São Paulo, SP, Brasil.The immunological and clinical impact of trypanocidal treatment in chronic Chagas' disease (CCD) is unclear. Methodology and findings: Several cytokines were measured in plasma of 66 patients with CCD. Thirtythree patients had been previously treated with benznidazole and 33 had never been treated. The treated group exhibited higher levels of IL-17 (median 142.45 1.22 pg/ml, P = 0.025), which was the only one significantly associated with Bz treatment, especially after adjusting for time of disease and NYHA class (P = 0.024; OR 1.006, 95% CI 1.001-1.010). Compared to untreated patients, the treated group exhibited higher median values of mitral annular E’ lateral (13.0 10.0 cm/s, P = 0.038), S’ infero-lateral (8.9 7.6 cm/s, P = 0.013), S’ septal (8.5 7.4 cm/s, P = 0.034), mean S’ (9.0 7.9 cm/s, P = 0.013) and tricuspid annular S’ (13.3 11.1 cm/s, P = 0.001) and lower values of E/E’ septal (7.2 9.5 cm/s, P = 0.049). After adjustment for time of disease and NYHA class, S’ infero-lateral (P = 0.031), mean S’ (P = 0.049) and S’ tricuspid (P = 0.024) persisted as significantly associated with treatment. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that the group of CCD patients treated with Bz displayed increased plasma levels of IL-17 and preserved myocardial function, reinforcing the idea that Bz treatment may be beneficial