SUMMARY: Mesenchymal cells (MCs) exhibit great regenerative potential due to their intrinsic properties and ability to restore tissue function, either directly through transdifferentiation or indirectly through paracrine effects. This study aimed to evaluate morphometric and phenotypic changes in MCs grown with facial nerve-conditioned medium in the presence or absence of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2). For quantitative phenotypic analysis, the expression of GFAP, OX-42, MAP-2, β-tubulin III, NeuN, and NF-200 was analyzed by immunocytochemistry. Cells cultured with facial nerve-conditioned medium in the presence of FGF-2 expressed GFAP, OX-42, MAP-2, β-tubulin III, NeuN, and NF-200. On average, the area and perimeter of GFAP-positive cells were higher in the group cultured with facial nerve-conditioned medium compared to the group cultured with conditioned medium and FGF-2 (p=0.0001). This study demonstrated the plasticity of MCs for neuronal and glial lineages and opens up new research perspectives in cell therapy and trans.differentiation.

RESUMEN: Las células mesenquimales (CM) exhiben un gran potencial regenerativo debido a sus propiedades intrínsecas y la capacidad de restaurar la función del tejido, ya sea directamente, a través de la transdiferenciación, o indirectamente, a través de efectos parácrinos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar los cambios morfométricos y fenotípicos en CM cultivadas con medio condicionado por nervio facial en presencia o ausencia de factor de crecimiento de fibroblastos 2 (FGF-2). Para el análisis fenotípico cuantitativo, se analizó la expresión de GFAP, OX-42, MAP-2, β-tubulina III, NeuN y NF-200 mediante inmunocitoquímica. Las células cultivadas con medio condicionado por el nervio facial en presencia de FGF-2 expresaban GFAP, OX-42, MAP-2, β-tubulina III, NeuN y NF-200. En promedio, el área y el perímetro de las células positivas para GFAP fueron mayores en el grupo cultivado con medio condicionado por el nervio facial en comparación con el grupo cultivado con medio acondicionado y FGF-2 (p = 0,0001). Este estudio demostró la plasticidad de CM para linajes neuronales y gliales y abre nuevas perspectivas de investigación en terapia celular y transdiferenciación.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a eficácia de uma nanoemulsão transdérmica de testosterona associada à terapia com estrogênio transdérmico como tratamento para a perda emergente da libido. MÉTODOS: Vinte e quatro mulheres, com idade entre 31-75 anos (idade média de 51,7), com perda emergente de libido foram incluídas num protocolo para tratamento de libido reduzida com uma formulação transdérmica de 500 µg/dia de testosterona (biolípido/B2®-testosterona) com 12 semanas de duração, como parte de um estudo prospectivo aberto em mulheres peri- e pós-menopausa. As participantes aplicaram a formulação no antebraço direito. Os parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais, incluindo as queixas sexuais foram comparados entre os valores iniciais e 12 semanas após o tratamento. Mediram-se as concentrações séricas de testosterona, insulina, proteína C-reactiva, o peso, a pressão arterial; o índice de massa corporal e a circunferência da cintura. RESULTADOS: A média de testosterona total no soro aumentou significativamente (p = 0,009) após 12 semanas de tratamento. Não foram observados efeitos adversos ou androgênicos. Registraram-se reduções significativas (p < 0,05) sobre as queixas sexuais, da pressão arterial, do índice de massa corporal e da circunferência da cintura após o tratamento transdérmico com nanoemulsão de testosterona. CONCLUSÃO: O protocolo mostrou eficacia em aumentar os níveis de testosterona em e melhorar a libido em mulheres peri e pós-menopausa com baixa libido.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of a transdermal nanoemulsion testosterone associated with transdermal estrogen therapy as a novel protocol treatment for emergent loss of libido. METHODS: Twenty-four women, aged 31-75 years (mean age, 51.7), with emergent loss of libido were allocated to treatment with a novel transdermal formulation of 500 µg/day of testosterone (Biolipid/B2®-testosterone) for 12 weeks, as part of an open label prospective study on peri- and post-menopausal women. Subjects applied the formulation on the right forearm. Clinical and laboratorial parameters including the sexual complaints; serum concentrations of testosterone, insulin, C-reactive protein, weight, blood pressure; body mass index and waist circumference were compared between baseline and 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: The mean total serum testosterone increased significantly (p = 0.009) after 12 weeks of treatment. No adverse or androgenic events were observed. There were positive and significant differences (p < 0.05) on sexual complaints, blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference after transdermal nanoemulsion testosterone treatment. CONCLUSION: This protocol is effective in increasing testosterone levels in peri- and postmenopausal women with low libido.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar in-vivo a profundidade e a porcentagem de testosterona na pele humana. MÉTODO: Dois jovens voluntários brasileiros saudáveis foram avaliadas através de uma sonda confocal de Espectroscopia Raman na face volar do antebraço direito. A espectroscopia de testosterona foi realizada no estrato córneo, na epiderme viável e na derme; a concentração percentual de testosterona foi comparada entre a linha de base e uma hora após a aplicação transdérmica de uma formulação de testosterona nanoestruturada (5%). RESULTADOS: Tanto quanto sabemos, esta é a primeira vez que a profundidade e a porcentagem de testosterona foi avaliada de forma não invasiva in-vivo. Nenhum evento adverso foi associado a esse protocolo. O método é eficaz na medição diferencial da testosterona nas camadas da pele. CONCLUSÃO: Este protocolo pode servir como uma boa alternativa para a rápida quantificação hormonal com finalidade forense ou médica.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to measure in-vivo the depth and the percentage of testosterone in human skin. METHOD: Two healthy young Brazilian volunteers were evaluated through a Confocal Raman Spectroscopy probe on the right volar forearm. Testosterone spectroscopy of was performed on the Stratum Corneum, Viable Epidermis and Dermis; the percentage concentration of testosterone was compared between the baseline and one hour after local application of a transdermal nanostructured testosterone (5%) formulation. RESULTS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the depth and percentage of testosterone has been evaluated non-invasively in-vivo. No adverse events were attributed to this protocol. The method is effective in differentially measuring testosterone in the skin layers. CONCLUSION: This protocol may serve as a good choice for rapid hormone quantification for forensic or medical purposes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of a transdermal nanostructured formulation of progesterone (10%) combined with estriol (0.1%) + estradiol (0.25%) for relieving postmenopausal symptoms. METHODS: A total of 66 postmenopausal Brazilian women with climacteric symptoms of natural menopause received transdermal nanostructured formulations of progesterone and estrogens in the forearm daily for 60 months to mimic the normal ovarian secretory pattern. Confocal Raman spectroscopy of hormones in skin layers was performed. Clinical parameters, serum concentrations of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone, blood pressure, BI-RADS classification from bilateral mammography, and symptomatic relief were compared between baseline and 60 months post-treatment. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02033512. RESULTS: An improvement in climacteric symptoms was reported in 92.5% of women evaluated before and after 60 months of treatment. The serum concentrations of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone changed significantly (p<0.05) after treatment; the values of serum follicle-stimulating hormone decreased after 60 months from 82.04±4.9 to 57.12±4.1 IU/mL. A bilateral mammography assessment of the breasts revealed normal results in all women. No adverse health-related events were attributed to this hormone replacement therapy protocol. CONCLUSION: The nanostructured formulation is safe and effective in re-establishing optimal serum levels of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone and relieving the symptoms of menopause. This transdermal hormone replacement therapy may alleviate climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women.

The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the fresh and dried leaves of Lippia gracillis Schauer, Verbenaceae, was analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC⁄MS). The yield of essential oil extracted from the dried leaves was significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared to the fresh leaves. Seventeen components were identified. The monoterpenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons with 96.26% (w/w) of the total oil obtained of fresh leaves and 86.99% (w/w) of the total oil obtained of dried leaves were the principal compound groups. Thymol was observed dominant (44.42%; 21.3%), followed by carvacrol (22.21%; 21.30%), p-cymene (6.23%; 8.58%), α-pinene (5.65%; 19.42%), β-caryophyllene (5.61%; 3.57%) and other minor constitutes, respectively. Microbiological results obtained by agar diffusion method, micro dilution method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed that the essential oil has a relevant antimicrobial activity against E. coli (ATCC 10536), E. coli (Ec 27), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), S. aureus (ATCC 12692) and S. aureus (Sa 358), with their inhibition zones ranging from 9 to 13 mm and the MIC ranging from 64 to 512 μg/mL.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a locally applied 8.5% nanostructured doxycycline (DOX) gel in preventing alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontal disease (EPD) in rats by using the tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: EPD was induced in 24 Wistar rats. Animals were treated with the doxycycline gel topically, immediately after EPD induction, and 3 times a day during 11 days. Four groups (n=6) were formed as follows: Naïve group (animals not subjected to EPD nor treated); non-treated (NT) group (animals subjected to EPD, but not treated); vehicle gel (VG) group (animals subjected to EPD and treated with topical gel vehicle); and DOX group (test group): animals subjected to EPD and treated with the 8.5% DOX gel. In order to investigate topographical changes in histological sections, a novel simple method was used for sample preparation, by etching sections from paraffin-embedded specimens with xylol. RESULTS: Comparing the AFM images, several grooves were observed on the surface of the alveolar bone and other periodontal structures in the NT and VG groups, with significantly greater depths when compared to the DOX group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal structures were brought into high relief confirming to be a simple and cost-effective method for AFM imaging with ultrastructural resolution. The doxycycline gel was able to afford periodontal surface preservation, with flatter grooves.