Abstract. Clusia minor L. is traditionally used to treat many disorders that including pain and inflammation such as sores and warts. Four extracts from the leaves of the plant were prepared: hexane (A), ethyl acetate (B), methanol (C) and ethanol (E). GC/MS analysis of extracts B and C led to the identification of thirty-three and twenty-seven compounds, respectively. The presence of vitamin E and lupeol was relevant in both extracts. All extracts showed effective radical scavenger properties in the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, being extract E the most promissory (IC50 = 10.25 µg/mL). Extracts A, C and E, administered topically (0.5-4 mg per ear), significantly reduced ear edema induced by croton oil at 4 mg per ear, meanwhile, extract B was able to significantly reduce the inflammation at the dose of 2 mg per ear. The cytotoxic activity of the extracts was evaluated against four cell lines. Extract B showed the most cytotoxicity effect, with IC50 values in the range of 32.01-203.5 µg/mL. In addition, no acute oral toxicity after mice exposure to the four extracts was observed. The results suggest Clusia minor L. may be an excellent potential source of new bioactive agents for the development of new medicinal agents.

Resumen. La especie Clusia minor L. se usa tradicionalmente para tratar algunos trastornos que incluyen dolor e inflamación, como son las llagas y verrugas. Se prepararon cuatro extractos a partir de las hojas de la planta: hexano (A), acetato de etilo (B), metanol (C) y etanol (E). El análisis por CG/EM de los extractos B y C permitieron la identificación de 33 y 27 compuestos, respectivamente. La presencia de vitamina E y lupeol fue relevante en ambos extractos. Todos los extractos mostraron capacidad secuestradora del radical 2,2-difenil-2-picril-hidrazilo (DPPH), siendo el extracto E el más prometedor (IC50 = 10,25 μg/ml). Los extractos A, C y E, administrados tópicamente (0,5-4 mg por oreja), redujeron significativamente el edema de oreja inducido por aceite de crotón a 4 mg por oreja; mientras que el extracto B lo logró a la dosis de 2 mg por oreja. También fue evaluada la actividad citotóxica de los extractos contra cuatro líneas celulares. El extracto B mostró el mayor efecto de citotoxicidad, con valores de IC50 en el rango de 32,01-203,5 μg/mL. Además, no se observó toxicidad aguda por vía oral después de la exposición de los ratones a los extractos. Los resultados sugieren que esta especie puede ser una fuente potencial de nuevos agentes bioactivos para desarrollar agentes medicinales.

ABSTRACT The phytochemical study of hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts from leaves of Psychotria viridis resulted in the identification of: the pentacyclic triterpenes, ursolic and oleanolic acid; the steroids, 24-methylene-cycloartanol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol; the glycosylated steroids 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-β-sitosterol and 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-stigmasterol; a polyunsaturated triterpene, squalene; the esters of glycerol, 1-palmitoylglycerol and triacylglycerol; a mixture of long chain hydrocarbons; the aldehyde nonacosanal; the long chain fat acids hentriacontanoic, hexadecanoic and heptadenoic acid; the ester methyl heptadecanoate; the 4-methyl-epi-quinate and two indole alkaloids, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and N-methyltryptamine. The chemical structures were determined by means of spectroscopic (IR, 1H and 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) and spectrometric (CG-MS and LCMS-ESI-ITTOF) methods. The study of biologic properties of P. viridis consisted in the evaluation of the acetylcholinesterase inhibition and cytotoxic activities. The hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts, the substances 24-methylene-cycloartanol, DMT and a mixture of 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-β-sitosterol and 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-stigmasterol showed cholinesterase inhibiting activity. This activity induced by chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts was higher than 90%. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts inhibit the growth and/or induce the death of the tumor cells strains B16F10 and 4T1, without damaging the integrity of the normal cells BHK and CHO. DMT also demonstrated a marked activity against tumor cell strains B16F10 and 4T1.

ABSTRACT In spite of advances in colorectal cancer treatments, approximately 1.4 million new global cases are estimated for 2015. In this sense, Brazilian plant diversity offers a multiplicity of essential oils as prospective novel anticancer compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of the essential oils from four Lippia species in CT26.WT colon tumor cells, as a measurement of cell cycle phase distribution and microRNA expression. CT26.WT showed cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase after treatment with 100 µg/ml of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson, Lippia sidoides Cham., and Lippia lacunosa Mart. & Schauer, Verbenaceae, essential oils and, at the same concentration, Lippia rotundifolia Cham. essential oil caused an augment of G0/G1 phase. The miRNA expression profiling shows change of expression in key oncogenic miRNAs genes after treatment. Our findings suggest growth inhibition mechanisms for all four essential oils on CT26.WT cells involving direct or indirect interference on cell cycle arrest and/or oncogenic miRNAs expression.

Resumo OBJETIVO: Interpretar o significado atribuído à experiência do câncer de bexiga entre sobreviventes em seguimento terapêutico. MÉTODO: Empregou-se a abordagem metodológica qualitativa, embasado pela antropologia médica e método narrativo. Após aprovação do Comitê de Ética, os dados foram coletados de janeiro 2014 a fevereiro de 2015, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas gravadas, observação direta e registros no diário de imersão com grupo de seis homens e seis mulheres, entre 57 e 82 anos, em seguimento terapêutico em um hospital público universitário. As narrativas foram analisadas por meio da análise temática indutiva. RESULTADOS: Os sentidos revelam as dificuldades com o processo da doença e do tratamento, como rupturas na vida, futuro incerto pela possibilidade de recidiva da doença, continuidade do tratamento e controle emocional, relacionando-se com as ponderações contraditórias da vida atual. Assim, o significado desta síntese narrativa é de paradoxo. CONCLUSÃO: A interpretação do significado da experiência com câncer de bexiga entre os adoecidos permite ao enfermeiro um olhar integralizado do cuidado que perpasse as dimensões biopsicossociais dos adoecidos e, com isso, sistematize a assistência de maneira humanizada.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To interpret the meanings attributed to the experience of bladder cancer among survivors in therapeutic follow-up. METHOD: Qualitative methodological approach, based on medical anthropology and narrative methodology. After approval by the research ethics committee of a public university hospital, data were collected from January 2014 to February 2015, by means of recorded semi-structured interviews, direct observation and field journal entries on daily immersion with a group of six men and six women, aged between 57 and 82 years, in therapeutic follow-up. Narratives were analyzed by means of inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: The meanings revealed difficulties with the processes of disease and treatment, such as breakdown of normal life, uncertainty about the future due to possible recurrence of the disease, difficulty with continuity of care and emotional control, relating it to conflicting ways of understanding the present life. Thus, the meaning of this narrative synthesis is paradox. CONCLUSION: Interpretation of the meaning of experience with bladder cancer among patients provides nurses with a comprehensive view of care, which encompasses biological, psychological and social dimensions, and thereby systematizes humanized care.

Resumen OBJETIVO: Interpretar el significado atribuido a la experiencia del cáncer de vejiga entre supervivientes en seguimiento terapéutico. MÉTODO: Se empleó el abordaje metodológico cualitativo, fundado en la antropología médica y el método narrativo. Después de la aprobación del Comité de Ética, los datos fueron recogidos de enero de 2014 a febrero de 2015, por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas grabadas, observación directa y registros en el diario de inmersión con grupo de seis hombres y seis mujeres, entre 57 y 82 años, en seguimiento terapéutico en un hospital público universitario. Las narrativas fueron analizadas mediante el análisis temático inductivo. RESULTADOS: Los sentidos desvelan las dificultades con el progreso de la enfermedad y del tratamiento, como rupturas en la vida futura incierta por la posibilidad de recidiva de la enfermedad, continuidad del tratamiento y control emocional, relacionándose con las ponderaciones contradictorias de la vida actual. Así, el significado de esta síntesis narrativa es de paradoja. CONCLUSIÓN: La interpretación del significado de la experiencia con cáncer de vejiga entre los enfermos le permite al enfermero una mirada integrada del cuidado que supere las dimensiones biopsicosociales de los enfermos y, con eso, sistematice la asistencia de manera humanizada.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To interpret the meanings attributed to the experience of bladder cancer among survivors in therapeutic follow-up. METHOD: Qualitative methodological approach, based on medical anthropology and narrative methodology. After approval by the research ethics committee of a public university hospital, data were collected from January 2014 to February 2015, by means of recorded semi-structured interviews, direct observation and field journal entries on daily immersion with a group of six men and six women, aged between 57 and 82 years, in therapeutic follow-up. Narratives were analyzed by means of inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: The meanings revealed difficulties with the processes of disease and treatment, such as breakdown of normal life, uncertainty about the future due to possible recurrence of the disease, difficulty with continuity of care and emotional control, relating it to conflicting ways of understanding the present life. Thus, the meaning of this narrative synthesis is paradox. CONCLUSION: Interpretation of the meaning of experience with bladder cancer among patients provides nurses with a comprehensive view of care, which encompasses biological, psychological and social dimensions, and thereby systematizes humanized care.

Resumen OBJETIVO: Interpretar el significado atribuido a la experiencia del cáncer de vejiga entre supervivientes en seguimiento terapéutico. MÉTODO: Se empleó el abordaje metodológico cualitativo, fundado en la antropología médica y el método narrativo. Después de la aprobación del Comité de Ética, los datos fueron recogidos de enero de 2014 a febrero de 2015, por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas grabadas, observación directa y registros en el diario de inmersión con grupo de seis hombres y seis mujeres, entre 57 y 82 años, en seguimiento terapéutico en un hospital público universitario. Las narrativas fueron analizadas mediante el análisis temático inductivo. RESULTADOS: Los sentidos desvelan las dificultades con el progreso de la enfermedad y del tratamiento, como rupturas en la vida futura incierta por la posibilidad de recidiva de la enfermedad, continuidad del tratamiento y control emocional, relacionándose con las ponderaciones contradictorias de la vida actual. Así, el significado de esta síntesis narrativa es de paradoja. CONCLUSIÓN: La interpretación del significado de la experiencia con cáncer de vejiga entre los enfermos le permite al enfermero una mirada integrada del cuidado que supere las dimensiones biopsicosociales de los enfermos y, con eso, sistematice la asistencia de manera humanizada.

Resumo OBJETIVO: Interpretar o significado atribuído à experiência do câncer de bexiga entre sobreviventes em seguimento terapêutico. MÉTODO: Empregou-se a abordagem metodológica qualitativa, embasado pela antropologia médica e método narrativo. Após aprovação do Comitê de Ética, os dados foram coletados de janeiro 2014 a fevereiro de 2015, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas gravadas, observação direta e registros no diário de imersão com grupo de seis homens e seis mulheres, entre 57 e 82 anos, em seguimento terapêutico em um hospital público universitário. As narrativas foram analisadas por meio da análise temática indutiva. RESULTADOS: Os sentidos revelam as dificuldades com o processo da doença e do tratamento, como rupturas na vida, futuro incerto pela possibilidade de recidiva da doença, continuidade do tratamento e controle emocional, relacionando-se com as ponderações contraditórias da vida atual. Assim, o significado desta síntese narrativa é de paradoxo. CONCLUSÃO: A interpretação do significado da experiência com câncer de bexiga entre os adoecidos permite ao enfermeiro um olhar integralizado do cuidado que perpasse as dimensões biopsicossociais dos adoecidos e, com isso, sistematize a assistência de maneira humanizada.

Abstract Prior studies demonstrate that a proteinase fraction from Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis V.M. Badillo, Caricaceae, exhibits wound healing activity in gastric and cutaneous models and antitumoral/antimetastatic effects. Here, we present the toxicity, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution data for this proteinase fraction following a single dose into Swiss mice by i.v., s.c. or p.o. routes. The i.v. and s.c. toxicity assays demonstrate that proteinase fraction at ≤20 mg/kg is non-lethal after single injection, while parental administration (p.o.) of ≤300 mg/kg does not cause death. Based on p.o. acute toxicity dose using Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development protocols, proteinase fraction ranks as Class IV “harmful” substance. Proteinase fraction shows high uptake determined as Kp (distribution tissue/blood) in organs linked to metabolism and excretion. Also, high bioavailability (≈100%) was observed by s.c. administration. The blood contents following i.v. dose fits into a pharmacokinetic bi-compartmental model, consisting of high removal constants – kel 0.22 h−1 and kd 2.32 h−1and a half-life – t½ = 3.13 h. The Ames test of proteinase fraction (0.01–1%) demonstrates absence of mutagenic activity. Likewise, genotoxic evaluation of proteinase fraction (5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) shows no influence in micronuclei frequency. In conclusion, the acute doses for proteinase fraction lack mutagenic and genotoxic activity, clearing the way for clinical assays.

OBJECTIVE: To identify scientific studies and to deepen the knowledge of peripheral neuropathies induced by chemotherapy antineoplastic, seeking evidence for assistance to cancer patients. METHOD: Integrative review of the literature conducted in the databases Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Medical Literature Analysis (PubMed/MEDLINE), the Cochrane Library and the Spanish Bibliographic Index Health Sciences (IBECS). RESULTS: The sample consisted of 15 studies published between 2005-2014 that met the inclusion criteria. Studies showed aspects related to advanced age, main symptoms of neuropathy and chemotherapy agents as important adverse effect of neuropathy. CONCLUSION: We identified a small number of studies that addressed the topic, as well as low production of evidence related to interventions with positive results. It is considered important to develop new studies proposed for the prevention and/or treatment, enabling adjustment of the patient's cancer chemotherapy and consequently better service.

OBJETIVO: Identificar las publicaciones científicas y profundizar el conocimiento acerca de las neuropatías periféricas inducidas por quimioterápicos antineoplásicos, buscando subsidios para la asistencia al paciente oncológico. MÉTODO: Revisión integradora de la literatura realizada en las bases de datos Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Medical Literature Analysis (PubMed/MEDLINE), en la biblioteca COCHRANE y el Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud (IBECS). RESULTADOS: La muestra estuvo constituida de 15 estudios publicados en el período de 2005 a 2014 que atendieron los criterios establecidos. Los estudios evidenciaron aspectos relacionados con la edad avanzada de los pacientes, principales síntomas de la neuropatía y los quimioterápicos que tienen la neuropatía como efecto adverso relevante. CONCLUSIÓN: Identificamos pequeño número de estudios que abordaban la temática, así como poca producción de evidencias relacionadas con las intervenciones con resultados positivos. Se considera importante el desarrollo de nuevos estudios con propuestas de prevención y/o tratamiento, facilitando la adecuación del paciente a la quimioterapia antineoplásica y consecuentemente una mejor asistencia.

OBJETIVO Identificar publicações científicas e aprofundar o conhecimento sobre as neuropatias periféricas induzidas por quimioterápicos antineoplásicos, buscando subsídios para assistência ao paciente oncológico. MÉTODO Revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Medical Literature Analysis (PubMed/MEDLINE), na biblioteca COCHRANE e no Índice Bibliográfico Espanhol de Ciências da Saúde (IBECS). RESULTADOS A amostra foi constituída por 15 estudos publicados no período de 2005 a 2014 que atenderam os critérios estabelecidos. Os estudos evidenciaram aspectos relacionados à idade avançada dos pacientes, principais sintomas da neuropatia e os quimioterápicos que têm a neuropatia como efeito adverso relevante. CONCLUSÃO Identificamos pequeno número de estudos que abordavam a temática, assim como baixa produção de evidências relacionadas a intervenções com resultados positivos. Considera-se importante o desenvolvimento de novos estudos com propostas de prevenção e/ou tratamento, possibilitando ajustamento do paciente à quimioterapia antineoplásica e consequentemente melhor assistência.

OBJETIVO Identificar publicações científicas e aprofundar o conhecimento sobre as neuropatias periféricas induzidas por quimioterápicos antineoplásicos, buscando subsídios para assistência ao paciente oncológico. MÉTODO Revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Medical Literature Analysis (PubMed/MEDLINE), na biblioteca COCHRANE e no Índice Bibliográfico Espanhol de Ciências da Saúde (IBECS). RESULTADOS A amostra foi constituída por 15 estudos publicados no período de 2005 a 2014 que atenderam os critérios estabelecidos. Os estudos evidenciaram aspectos relacionados à idade avançada dos pacientes, principais sintomas da neuropatia e os quimioterápicos que têm a neuropatia como efeito adverso relevante. CONCLUSÃO Identificamos pequeno número de estudos que abordavam a temática, assim como baixa produção de evidências relacionadas a intervenções com resultados positivos. Considera-se importante o desenvolvimento de novos estudos com propostas de prevenção e/ou tratamento, possibilitando ajustamento do paciente à quimioterapia antineoplásica e consequentemente melhor assistência.

OBJECTIVE: To identify scientific studies and to deepen the knowledge of peripheral neuropathies induced by chemotherapy antineoplastic, seeking evidence for assistance to cancer patients. METHOD: Integrative review of the literature conducted in the databases Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Medical Literature Analysis (PubMed/MEDLINE), the Cochrane Library and the Spanish Bibliographic Index Health Sciences (IBECS). RESULTS: The sample consisted of 15 studies published between 2005-2014 that met the inclusion criteria. Studies showed aspects related to advanced age, main symptoms of neuropathy and chemotherapy agents as important adverse effect of neuropathy. CONCLUSION: We identified a small number of studies that addressed the topic, as well as low production of evidence related to interventions with positive results. It is considered important to develop new studies proposed for the prevention and/or treatment, enabling adjustment of the patient's cancer chemotherapy and consequently better service.

OBJETIVO: Identificar las publicaciones científicas y profundizar el conocimiento acerca de las neuropatías periféricas inducidas por quimioterápicos antineoplásicos, buscando subsidios para la asistencia al paciente oncológico. MÉTODO: Revisión integradora de la literatura realizada en las bases de datos Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Medical Literature Analysis (PubMed/MEDLINE), en la biblioteca COCHRANE y el Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud (IBECS). RESULTADOS: La muestra estuvo constituida de 15 estudios publicados en el período de 2005 a 2014 que atendieron los criterios establecidos. Los estudios evidenciaron aspectos relacionados con la edad avanzada de los pacientes, principales síntomas de la neuropatía y los quimioterápicos que tienen la neuropatía como efecto adverso relevante. CONCLUSIÓN: Identificamos pequeño número de estudios que abordaban la temática, así como poca producción de evidencias relacionadas con las intervenciones con resultados positivos. Se considera importante el desarrollo de nuevos estudios con propuestas de prevención y/o tratamiento, facilitando la adecuación del paciente a la quimioterapia antineoplásica y consecuentemente una mejor asistencia.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento com talidomida no carcinoma mamário murino 4T1. Após a suspensão de células 4T1, estas foram inoculadas no flanco esquerdo para obtenção de tumor sólido. Depois de cinco dias de inoculação, o grupo tratado recebeu, por via oral, 150 mg/kg de talidomida por sete dias. Os tumores foram mensurados a cada 48 horas e ao final do experimento. Sangue total foi coletado para análise hematológica. Os resultados sugerem que a terapêutica com talidomida aumenta o número de leucócitos circulantes no carcinoma mamário murino 4T1. Essa resposta foi acompanhada de uma diminuição do crescimento tumoral.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapy effect of thalidomide in the 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma. 4T1 cell suspension was injected into the posterior left flank of all animals to obtain solid tumors. Five days after inoculation, the treatment group was orally administered 150 mg/kg of thalidomide for seven days. Tumors were measured every 48 hours until the end of treatment. Whole blood was collected for hematology analysis. Our results suggest that thalidomide therapy increase the number of circulating leukocytes in the 4T1 murine mammary carcinoma, and this response is accompanied by a decrease in tumor growth.

Several Lippia species have been used in folk medicine mainly for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. Their biological properties have been partially associated to the terpenoids found in their essential oils. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and is described as a complex group of diseases with several hallmarks. One of its acceptable defining features is the cell proliferation beyond their boundaries forming the tumors. Importantly, some drugs currently available were discovered by the investigation of plant secondary metabolites. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate in vitro cytotoxic effect of the essential oils extracted from five Lippia species against tumor cell lines. The results indicated that mouse colon carcinoma CT26.WT cell line viability was significantly reduced showing an IC50 of 19.05, 30.20 and 36.30 µg/ml when treated with the essential oils of L. sidoides, L. salviifolia and L. rotundifolia, respectively. Human lung carcinoma A549 cell line also had a compromised viability to the action of L. alba carvone chemotype essential oil. The tested essential oils did not compromise viability of the normal cell line CHO. These finds suggest that the studied Lippia essential oils might be good candidates for further in-depth studies.

Pterodon emarginatus Vogel, Fabaceae, is a native aromatic tree distributed by central region of Brazil. Hydroalcoholic infusions of the seeds are used in folk medicine for their anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this work was identified the chemical components and verify the cytotoxic effect of the essential oil (EO) from P. emarginatus seeds. Thus, the EO of P. emarginatus seeds was analyzed by GC/MS analysis followed by brine shrimp lethality test and cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines and human peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC). The cancer cell lines tested were C6 (rat glioma), MeWo (human melanoma), CT26.WT (mouse colon carcinoma), MDA (human breast cancer), A549 (human lung carcinoma), B16-F1 (mouse melanoma), CHO-K1 (hamster ovary cell) and BHK-21 (hamster kidney fibroblast). Eleven compounds were identified by GC and CG/MS analyses. The main compounds with concentrations higher than 5% were β-elemene (15.3%), trans-caryophyllene (35.9%), α-humulene (6.8%), germacrene-D (9.8%), bicyclo germacrene (5.5%) and spathulenol (5.9%). The EO of P. emarginatus seeds showed toxicity to Artemia salina (LC50 1.63 µg/mL) and was active against all the cell lines tested. The potent cytotoxic activity had IC50 values ranging from 24.9 to 47 µg/mL. However, EO (1-100 µg/mL) had less cytotoxicity in PBMCs isolated from a healthy subject. In summary, the present study showed the potential antiproliferative of the EO of P. emarginatus seeds.

Introdução: A asma é uma doença respiratória crónica, cujo agravamento pode estar associado a factores ambientais, entre os quais os relacionados com a qualidade do ar. Objectivo: O presente trabalho pretendeu avaliar o efeito da exposição individual a poluentes atmosféricos em termos de função respiratória, num grupo de crianças com história de sibilância, entrando em consideração com o grau de infestação de ácaros do pó doméstico. Métodos: Um grupo de 51 crianças com história de sibilância, seleccionadas através do questionário do estudo ISAAC, foi acompanhado prospectivamente num estudo com medidas repetidas, que envolveu avaliações médicas padronizadas que incluíram a realização de espirometria, avaliação da exposição aos ácaros do pó e cálculo do valor de exposição individual a uma variedade de poluentes do ar: PM10, O3, NO2, benzeno, tolueno, xileno, etilbenzeno e formaldeído. Resultados: Observou-se uma elevada percentagem de colchões com um grau de infestação de ácaros médio ou elevado. Com excepção dos valores de PM10, os valores de exposição aos poluentes do ar não alcançaram valores elevados. Na análise multivariável, tanto os poluentes (designadamente PM10, NO2, benzeno, tolueno e etilbenzeno) como o grau de infestação de ácaros do pó associaram-se a deterioração da função pulmonar. Conclusão: O presente trabalho vem reforçar o interesse da exposição aos poluentes do ar em crianças com história de sibilância, que à semelhança do que acontece com os ácaros do pó influenciam as vias aéreas.

Introduction: sthma is a chronic respiratory disease which may be associated with environmental factors. In addition to allergens, other factors such as those related to air quality could be associated with worsening of symptoms. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of individual exposure to air pollutants on lung function in a group of children with a previous history of wheezing, also taking house dust mite exposure into account. Methods: A group of 51 children with a prior history of wheezing was selected through the ISAAC questionnaire. They were followed prospectively by means of standardized medical evaluations that included spirometry, dust-mite-exposure assessment and calculation of individual exposure to a wide range of air pollutants: PM10, O3, NO2, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene and formaldehyde. Results: There were a great number of mattresses with a medium or high degree of mite infestation. In general, except for PM10, air pollutant exposure did not reach high levels. In the multivariate analysis, pollutants including PM10, NO2, benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene plus dust mite exposure were associated with lung function deterioration. Conclusion: This study reinforces the importance of air pollution exposure in wheezing children. This exposure, similarly to that to dust mites, seems to impact on the airways.

The plants of the Euphorbiaceae family, especially those of the genus Euphorbia, are frequently used by Brazilian folk communities to treat a wide variety of infectious, tumoral and inflammatory illnesses. Among the species of this genus, Euphorbia tirucalli L. is widely used in some Brazilian regions, such as the Jequitinhonha River Valley. There is evidence that the latex produced by E. tirucalli has antiviral and antitumor activities, but little is known about the mechanisms involved in these effects. It is likely that the mechanism for such activities involves leukocyte activation and cytokine production. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the production of type 1 (TNF-α and IFN-γ) and type 2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines by circulating leukocyte subsets submitted to brief stimulation with the crude latex of E. tirucalli. Peripheral blood leukocytes of twenty healthy subjects were submitted to 4 h incubation with crude E. tirucalli latex diluted in dimethylsulfoxide. After the incubation period, the cells were stained with FITC-conjugated monoclonal antibodies specific to the cell surface receptors CD4, CD8 and CD14, and to PE-conjugated monoclonal antibodies specific to the cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10. The acquisition and analysis of data were performed by flow cytometry. The results showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the percentage of CD4+ T lymphocytes positive for the type 1 cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ. Neutrophils and CD8+ T lymphocytes showed a mixed profile of cytokine production, characterized by an increase in the percentage of cells expressing IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10. The data indicate a predominant type 1 cytokine response. The findings presented suggest that the effect popularly attributed to E. tirucalli usage may be attributed to its effect on the production of TNF-α and IFN-γ. However, the relationship between the in vitro and in vivo effects of E. tirucalli needs to be investigated.

Complexos de platina(II) derivados de N-alquil-propanodiamina com cadeia carbônica variável (C8, C10, C12 ou C14) foram incorporados em lipossomas e a atividade citotóxica dessas formulações foi avaliada em linhagens tumorais (A549, MDA-MB-231, B16-F1 and B16-F10) e não-tumorais (BHK-21 and CHO). Suspensões de lipossomas estáveis e monodispersas incorporando os complexos de platina foram obtidas com uma composição lipídica de diestearoil-sn-glicero-3-fosfocolina, colesterol, e 1,2-diestearoil-sn-glicero-3-fosfoetanolamina-N-(metoxi(polietilenoglicol)-2000) na razão molar 5:3:0,3. A eficiência da incorporação dos complexos de platina em lipossomas aumentou com o tamanho da cadeia carbônica e foi maior que 80% com os derivados C12 e C14. O efeito da encapsulação em lipossomas na atividade citotóxica dos complexos mostrou-se dependente do tamanho da cadeia carbônica. Os dados indicam que a biodisponibilidade da platina a partir das formulações de lipossomas foi maior para o complexo apresentando uma cadeia carbônica (C12) e uma partição entre a membrana e a fase aquosa intermediárias.

Antitumor platinum(II) complexes derived from N-alkyl-propanediamine differing in the length of their carbon chain (C8, C10, C12 and C14) were incorporated in liposomes and the cytotoxic activity of these formulations was evaluated against tumor (A549, MDA-MB-231, B16-F1 and B16-F10) and non-tumor (BHK-21 and CHO) cell lines. Stable and monodisperse liposome suspensions incorporating the platinum complexes were obtained from the lipid composition consisting of distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, cholesterol and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phophoethanolamine-N-(methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000) at 5:3:0.3 molar ratio. The entrapment efficiency (EE%) of the platinum complexes in liposomes increased with the carbon chain length. EE% was higher than 80% in C12- and C14-derivatives. The effect of liposome encapsulation on the cytotoxic activity of the complexes was found to depend on the carbon chain length. These data indicate that the highest drug bioavailability from liposome formulations was achieved with the complex showing intermediate carbon chain length and partition between the liposome membrane and aqueous phase.

Os complexos de platina são importantes no desenvolvimento de drogas anticancerígenas. Sua citotoxicidade pode ser afetada pelos ligantes abandonadores, devido ao mecanismo da reação de hidrólise que ocorre antes da ligação do complexo ao DNA. Os grupos não-abandonadores, como as diaminas lipofílicas, também podem afetar a velocidade de entrada do composto na célula. Neste trabalho é descrita a síntese de novos complexos de platina(II) contendo ligantes oxalato e derivados de etilenodiamina N-substituída por uma cadeia carbônica longa de tamanho variável. Os produtos foram caracterizados por análise elementar, espectroscopia de absorção na região do infravermelho e ressonância magnética nuclear de ¹H, 13C e 195Pt. A atividade biológica dos complexos foi investigada em linhagens de células tumorais (A549, B16-F1, B16-F10, MDA-MB-231) e não-tumorais (BHK-21 e CHO). O tamanho da cadeia carbônica afetou a citotoxicidade e os complexos com oxalato mostraram-se menos citotóxicos do que os análogos com cloretos.

Platinum complexes play an important role in the development of anticancer drugs. Their cytotoxicity can be influenced by the nature of the leaving ligands, due to the hydrolysis reaction that occurs prior to the binding of the platinum complex to DNA. Also, non-leaving groups such as lipophilic diamines may affect cellular uptake. In this work, we describe the synthesis of platinum(II) complexes having oxalato and long chain aliphatic N-alkyl ethylenediamines as ligands. The products were characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy and ¹H, 13C and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy. Biological activity was assessed against tumor cell lines (A549, B16-F1, B16-F10, MDA-MB-231) and non-tumor cell lines (BHK-21 and CHO). The length of the carbon chain affects the cytotoxicity and the oxalato complexes were less cytotoxic than the respective chloride-containing analogues.