RESUMO As principais propriedades encontradas nas plantas com benefícios a saúde são, muitas vezes, resultados dos metabólitos secundários encontrados em seus extratos. A espécie Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus, popularmente conhecida como faveleira ou favela, conta com diversos relatos na medicina popular, tais como: cicatrizante, analgésico, anti-inflamatório, antibiótico e diurético. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar de forma qualitativa e quantitativa os metabólitos secundários presentes nos extratos da espécie C. phyllacanthus oriunda do Nordeste Brasileiro bem como avaliar a atividade antioxidante de seus extratos. Diversos grupos de metabólitos foram determinados em seus galhos, raízes e folhas, tais como: taninos, antocianinas e alcaloides. Em relação à atividade antioxidante, as folhas da faveleira tiveram destaque, apresentado CI50 de 58,3 ppm, semelhante ao da vitamina C (43,0 ppm) utilizado como padrão positivo. O estudo serve como aporte inicial sobre o conhecimento da viabilidade de utilização dessa planta para fins medicinais.

ABSTRACT Main health benefits properties found in plants are results of secondary metabolites found in their extracts. In this sense, there is the Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus species, popularly known as faveleira or favela, with several reports in tradicional medicine, such as healing, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and diuretic. This study aims to evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively the secondary metabolites present in Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus extracts from Brazilian Northeast and their antioxidant activity. Several metabolites were determined from its branches, roots and leaves, such as tannins, alkaloids and anthocyanins. In antioxidant activity, faveleira leaves had highlighted, presenting IC50 of 58.3 ppm, similar to vitamin C (43.0 ppm) used as a positive standard. This study is a contribution for the knowledge about the use of this plant for medicinal purposes.

Apolipoprotein E (APOE=gene, apoE=protein) is a known factor regulating the inflammatory response that may have regenerative effects during tissue recovery from injury. We investigated whether apoE deficiency reduces the healing effect of alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) treatment, a recognized gut-trophic nutrient, during tissue recovery after 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. APOE-knockout (APOE-/-) and wild-type (APOE+/+) C57BL6J male and female mice (N=86) were given either Ala-Gln (100 mM) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) by gavage 3 days before and 5 days after a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) challenge (450 mg/kg, via intraperitoneal injection). Mouse body weight was monitored daily. The 5-FU cytotoxic effect was evaluated by leukometry. Intestinal villus height, villus/crypt ratio, and villin expression were monitored to assess recovery of the intestinal absorptive surface area. Crypt length, mitotic, apoptotic, and necrotic crypt indexes, and quantitative real-time PCR for insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) intestinal mRNA transcripts were used to evaluate intestinal epithelial cell turnover. 5-FU challenge caused significant weight loss and leukopenia (P<0.001) in both mouse strains, which was not improved by Ala-Gln. Villus blunting, crypt hyperplasia, and reduced villus/crypt ratio (P<0.05) were found in all 5-FU-challenged mice but not in PBS controls. Ala-Gln improved villus/crypt ratio, crypt length and mitotic index in all challenged mice, compared with PBS controls. Ala-Gln improved villus height only in APOE-/- mice. Crypt cell apoptosis and necrotic scores were increased in all mice challenged by 5-FU, compared with untreated controls. Those scores were significantly lower in Ala-Gln-treated APOE+/+ mice than in controls. Bcl-2 and IGF-1 mRNA transcripts were reduced only in the APOE-/--challenged mice. Altogether our findings suggest APOE-independent Ala-Gln regenerative effects after 5-FU challenge.

O diflubenzuron (DFB) é um inibidor de desenvolvimento de insetos que inibe a síntese de quitina com atividade ovicida e larvicida e está sendo utilizado na pecuária para o controle do carrapato. Leite e tecidos provenientes de bovinos tratados por um período de 77 a 120 dias com um produto comercial contendo DFB foram analisados quanto à presença de resíduos. Os resíduos de DFB foram determinados utilizando-se extração com acetonitrila, limpeza por SPE C18 e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detecção por UV (254nm). DFB não foi detectado em nenhuma das amostras analisadas (<0.006mg kg-1 para gordura, <0,014mg kg-1 para músculo, <0,015mg kg-1 para rim, <0,016mg kg-1 para fígado e <0.0006mg kg-1 para leite). Dessa forma, a utilização do princípio ativo conforme recomendado pelo fabricante e em níveis suficientes para se obter o efeito larvicida desejado deve resultar em leite, fígado, rins, gordura e músculos que podem ser considerados seguros para o consumo em termos da presença DFB.

Diflubenzuron (DFB) is used to control ectoparasitic infestation by inhibiting larvae development in the manure and feces of treated animals. It is also currently been used to control tick infestations. In this study, milk and tissues from cattle treated orally with DFB for a 77-120 day period with a commercial product containing the compound were analyzed for the presence of residues. DFB residues were determined by using extraction with acetonitrile, cleanup with C18 SPE and chromatographic analysis by HPLC with UV detection (254nm). DFB was not detected in any of the analysed samples (<0.006mg kg-1 for fat, <0.014mg kg-1 for muscle, <0.015mg kg-1 for kidney, <0.016mg kg-1 for liver and <0.0006mg kg-1 for milk). In this manner, the use of this compound, according to the manufacturer's suggested doses may result in cattle milk, liver, kidneys, fat and muscles being considered safe regarding the presence of DFB residues.

Os produtos naturais têm surgido como alternativa eficaz e de baixo custo para o tratamento de várias doenças da cavidade oral. Objetivou-se avaliar, a partir de revisão sistemática da literatura, se há evidências científicas garantindo a utilização segura e eficaz de antissépticos bucais contendo produto(s) natural(is) como tratamento adjuvante da gengivite induzida por biofilme. Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados Medline, SciELO, LILACS e Cochrane Library, através de combinações usando as palavras-chave gengivite/produtos naturais/ fitoterápicos/bochechos, em Inglês, Português e Espanhol. Consideraram-se os estudos publicados até setembro de 2010. Quatro examinadores analisaram separadamente: desenho e fase do estudo, qualidade metodológica (escala de Jadad - EJ), produto experimental e a concentração, intervalo de administração e tempo de uso, bem como a análise estatística empregada e os resultados clínicos de interesse. Foram encontrados 503 artigos dos quais 08 foram incluídos na revisão final como sendo ensaios clínicos fase II, controlados, randomizados e cegos, marcando 4 (25%) e 5 (75%) na EJ. Os principais produtos naturais avaliados foram Azadirachta indica, Garcinia mangostana, Lippia sidoides, Salvadora persica e Sesamum indicum, cuja concentração, intervalo de administração, tempo de uso, e efeitos adversos, variaram de acordo com cada estudo. Índice de placa e Índice Gengival foram os mais utilizados, bem como α=5% e testes t-pareado, t-Student, Wilcoxon e Mann-Whitney. 62,5% e 50% dos produtos reduziram significativamente a presença de bioflme supragengival e gengivite, respectivamente. Os colutórios contendo o óleo essencial das folhas de L. sidoides (1%) e o extrato das folhas de A. indica (25%) podem ser indicados como tratamento adjuvante da gengivite induzida por biofilme.

Natural products have emerged as an effective and low-cost alternative for treating various diseases of the oral cavity. This study aimed to evaluate, through a systematic literature review, if there is scientific evidence ensuring the safe and effective use of natural product(s)-containing mouthwashes as adjunctive treatment of biofilm-induced gingivitis. Searches were conducted in the databases Medline, SciELO, LILACS and Cochrane Library, by using combinations of the key words gingivitis/natural products/phytotherapy/mouthwash, in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Studies published until September 2010 were considered. Four examiners analyzed independently: study design and phase, methodological quality (Jadad scale - JE), experimental product and its concentration, dosing interval and time of usage, as well as employed statistical analysis and clinical outcome of interest. From the 503 articles found, 08 were included in the final review as phase II, controlled, randomized and blind clinical trials, scoring 4 (25%) and 5 (75%) in JE. The main natural products assessed were: Azadirachta indica, Garcinia mangostana, Lippia sidoides, Salvadora persica and Sesamum indicum whose concentration, dosing interval, time of usage and adverse effects varied according to each study. The Plaque and Gingival Index were most employed, as well as α = 5% and paired t, Student's t, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests. A total of 62.5% and 50% of the products significantly reduced supragingival biofilm and gingivitis, respectively. Mouthwashes containing the essential oil from the leaves of L. sidoides (1%) and the extract from the leaves of A. indica (25%) can be indicated as adjunctive treatment of biofilm-induced gingivitis.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de anticorpos contra Leptospira spp. em bovinos, caninos, equinos, ovinos e suínos, oriundos de 40 propriedades localizadas na área rural do Município de Jaguapitã, Estado do Paraná. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 370 bovinos, 161 equinos, 70 ovinos, 230 suínos e 97 caninos. O número de animais testados em cada propriedade, assim como o número de propriedades, foi determinado utilizando-se o programa Epi-info versão 6. As amostras de soros obtidas foram submetidas à prova de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM) com 22 sorovares de Leptospira spp. Das 40 propriedades rurais pesquisadas, 38 (95,00%) tiveram pelo menos um animal sororeagente na SAM e dos 928 animais estudados, 316 (34,08%) apresentaram títulos ? 100. A prevalência observada na espécie bovina foi de 42,43%, com 87,18% das propriedades apresentando pelo menos um animal sororeagente. As prevalências de animais e propriedades reagentes para as demais espécies foram, respectivamente, 48,44% e 87,18% para equinos; 38,57% e 100% para ovinos; 18,70% e 28,00% para suínos; 11,34% e 31,25% para cães. O sorovar mais provável encontrado em bovinos foi Hardjo, em equinos Castellonis e Sentot, em ovinos, suínos e cães Icterohaemorrhagiae. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho demonstram que as cinco espécies animais estudadas na área rural do Município de Jaguapitã tiveram contato com vários sorovares de Leptospira spp. Além disso, os resultados sorológicos sugerem uma possível transmissão do micro-organismo entre espécies animais, provavelmente em decorrência da exposição às mesmas fontes de infecção entre os animais estudados.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in cattle, dogs, horses, sheep and swine from 40 properties located in the rural area of Jaguapitã, state of Paraná, Brazil. Blood samples were taken from 370 cattle, 97 dogs, 161 horses, 70 sheep and 230 swine. The number of animals tested on each property, as well as the number of properties was determined using the program Epi-info version 6. Samples of serum were submitted to microscopic agglutination test (MAT) with 22 Leptospira spp. serovars. From the 40 rural properties investigated, 38 (95.00%) had at least one positive animal according to SAM, and from 928 studied animals, 316 (34.08%) presented titers ? 100. The prevalence observed in the bovine species was 42.43%, with 87.18% of the properties presenting at least one positive animal. The prevalence of animals and properties reactive for the other species were, respectively: 48.44% and 87.18% for horses; 38.57% and 100% for sheep; 18.70% and 28.00% for swine; 11.34% and 31.25% for dogs. The most frequent serovar in bovines was Hardjo, in horses Castellonis and Sentot, in sheep, swine and dogs Icterohaemorrhagiae. The results obtained in this study demonstrated that the 5 studied animal species in the rural area of Jaguapitã had contact with several Leptospira spp. serovars. Moreover, serological results suggest a possible transmission of Leptospira spp. between animal species, probably because of exposure to the same sources of infection among the animals studied.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o quadro clínico de um cão com suspeita de leptospirose e os resultados dos exames específicos e complementares para leptospirose. A anamnese revelou que o animal apresentou episódios de vômito e dificuldade em apreender alimentos sólidos e líquidos. No exame clínico foi constatada desidratação de 5-7%, sensibilidade abdominal, hematoemese, melena, diarréia, necrose na língua, sialorréia e dificuldade de deglutição. Todos os exames considerados específicos, bacteriológico, direto da urina em microscópio de campo escuro, soroaglutinação microscópica e imunoperoxidase indireta do rim apresentaram resultados positivos. A estirpe de Leptospira isolada foi identificada como sorovar Canicola. Os exames complementares revelaram leucocitose com neutrofilia, hipocalcemia, hipoalbuminemia e valores séricos de uréia, creatinina e fosfatos acima dos valores normais enquanto a urinálise revelou proteinúria, leucocitúria e presença de células renais. As alterações renais encontradas no HE foram nefrite intersticial crônica e glomerulite com espessamento da membrana basal. Os sinais clínicos observados e os resultados dos exames laboratoriais indicaram um quadro predominantemente renal, compatível com a infecção pelo sorovar Canicola.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical features of a dog with leptospirosis suspicion, and results of specific and complementary laboratorial tests for leptospirosis. Anamnesis revealed that the animal presented vomiting, difficulty to apprehend both solid and liquid food. In the clinical examination, there was verified dehydration from 5 to 7%, hematoemesis, melena, diarrhea, tong necrosis, sialorrhea and difficulty swallowing. All the specific tests, bacteriologic, direct examination of urine in dark field microscopy, microscopic agglutination test and indirect immunoperoxidase, were positive. The Leptospira strain isolated was identified as serovar Canicola. The complementary tests revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia, hypocalcemia, hypalbuminemia and blood values of urea, creatinine and phosphates over the normal values while urinalysis showed proteinuria, leukocyturia and presence of kidney cells. Kidney lesions found in HE were chronic interstitial nephritis and glomerulitis with thickened basement membrane. The clinical signs and the results of laboratorial tests found in this study indicated to predominantly to renal feature, consistent with an infection by serovar Canicola.

Gap junctions are intercellular channels which connect adjacent cells and allow direct exchange of molecules of low molecular weight between them. Such a communication has been described as fundamental in many systems due to its importance in coordination, proliferation and differentiation. Recently, it has been shown that gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) can be modulated by several extracellular soluble factors such as classical hormones, neurotransmitters, interleukins, growth factors and some paracrine substances. Herein, we discuss some aspects of the general modulation of GJIC by extracellular messenger molecules and more particularly the regulation of such communication in the thymus gland. Additionally, we discuss recent data concerning the study of different neuropeptides and hormones in the modulation of GJIC in thymic epithelial cells. We also suggest that the thymus may be viewed as a model to study the modulation of gap junction communication by different extracellular messengers involved in non-classical circuits, since this organ is under bidirectional neuroimmunoendocrine control.