Angiogenic activity of Synadenium umbellatum Pax latex

Synadenium umbellatum Pax, popularly known as "cola-nota", is a medicinal plant that grows in tropical regions. Latex of this plant is used to treat various diseases such as diabetes mellitus, Hansen´s disease, tripanosomiases, leukemia and several malignant tumors. In the present study, the angiogenic activity of S. umbellatum latex was evaluated using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Results showed significant increase of the vascular net (p < 0.05) compared to the negative control (H2O). The histological analysis was in accordance with the results obtained. In conclusion, our data indicate that S. umbellatum latex, under the conditions of this research, presented angiogenic effect

Avaliação da atividade angiogênica da solução aquosa do barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens)

RESUMO O Barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens) planta medicinal encontrada no bioma Cerrado apresenta propriedades físico-químicas que lhe garante importantes atividades farmacológicas tais como: anti-inflamatória, analgésica e uma atividade protetora da mucosa gástrica. A casca do tronco é a principal matéria-prima usada para o desenvolvimento de produtos medicinais. Neste estudo, o objetivo foi investigar a influência da solução aquosa da casca do barbatimão no processo de formação de vasos sanguíneos na membrana corioalontoide de ovo embrionado de galinha. Foram utilizadas 30g da casca triturada em um litro de água. Este processo permitiu a obtenção da Solução Aquosa de Barbatimão - SAB em uma concentração de 30mg/mL. A atividade angiogênica da solução aquosa do barbatimão foi avaliada mediante realização de testes laboratoriais “in vivo”, utilizando como modelo experimental a membrana do ovo embrionado de galinha (MCA). Utilizou-se como controle indutor o Regederm®, o qual apresenta atividade angiogênica conhecida. Os resultados demonstraram que a SAB apresentou um percentual de vascularização na MCA de (50.4%) não tendo diferença (p>0,05) aos valores detectados no controle indutor (52,9%). Com os resultados obtidos, percebe-se que o barbatimão apresenta atividade angiogênica no modelo experimental utilizado

Protein from Hevea brasiliensis “Hev b 13” latex attenuates systemic inflammatory response and lung lesions in rats with sepsis

<div><p>Abstract Sepsis induces a severe systemic inflammatory response that may result in multiple organ dysfunction and death. Studies using a protein derived from natural Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) latex, denominated Hev b 13, have demonstrated important anti-inflammatory effects, but no data have been published regarding its effects on sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Hev b 13 on the inflammatory response and lung lesions of septal rats. Male Wistar rats were submitted to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), randomized into groups and treated with subcutaneously administered doses of 0.5/2.0/3.0 mg/Kg of Hev b 13. Next, animals were subdivided into three different points in time (1, 6 and 24 hours after treatments) for collection of blood samples and euthanasia accompanied by organ removal. Total and differential leukocyte counts, cytokine dosage and histological assessment were analyzed. Treatment with Hev b 13 resulted in a significant decline in total and differential leukocytes as well as suppression of TNF-α and IL-6 production, associated with the increase in IL-10 and IL-4 in plasma and lung tissue. Moreover, it reduced morphological and pathological changes found in the lungs, including neutrophil infiltration, edema and alveolar thickening. The present study concluded that Hev b 13 exerts anti-inflammatory effects and attenuates lung lesions in septal rats, showing potential for clinical application.</p></div

Use of a latex biomembrane for bladder augmentation in a rabbit model: biocompatibility, clinical and histological outcomes

PURPOSE: To investigate histological features and biocompatibility of a latex biomembrane for bladder augmentation using a rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After a partial cystectomy, a patch of a non-vulcanized latex biomembrane (2x4 cm) was sewn to the bladder with 5/0 monofilament polydioxanone sulfate in a watertight manner. Groups of 5 animals were sacrificed at 15, 45 and 90 days after surgery and the bladder was removed. The 5-µm preparations obtained from grafted area and normal bladder were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with a primary antibody against alpha-actin to assess muscle regeneration. RESULTS: No death, urinary leakage or graft extrusion occurred in any group. All bladders showed a spherical shape. Macroscopically, after 90 days, the latex biomembrane was not identifiable and the patch was indistinguishable from normal bladder. A bladder stone was found in one animal (6.6%). On the 90th day, histology revealed continuity of transitional epithelium of host bladder tissue on the patch area. At this time, the muscle layers were well organized in a similar fashion to native bladder muscle layers. The inflammatory process was higher on grafted areas when compared to controls: 15 days - p < 0.0001, 45 days - p < 0.001, and 90 days - p < 0.01. The anti alpha-actin immunoexpression peaked at 45 days, when the graft was observed covered by muscle cells. CONCLUSION: The latex biomembrane is biocompatible and can be used in models for bladder augmentation in rabbits. It promotes epithelium and muscle regeneration without urinary leakage