Ana Paula Fragoso de Freitas

Effects of hecogenin and its possible mechanism of action on experimental models of gastric ulcer in mice.

This study investigates the gastroprotective effects of hecogenin, a steroid saponin isolated from Agave sisalana, on experimental models of gastric ulcer. Male Swiss mice were used in the models of ethanol- and indometacin-induced gastric ulcer. To clarify the hecogenin mechanism of action, the roles of nitric oxide (NO), sulfhydryls (GSH), K⁺(ATP) channels and prostaglandins were also investigated, and measurements of lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay) and nitrite levels in the stomach of hecogenin-treated and untreated animals were performed. Furthermore, the effects of hecogenin on myeloperoxidase (MPO) release from human neutrophils were assessed in vitro. Our results showed that hecogenin (3.1, 7.5, 15, 30, 60 and 90 mg/kg, p.o.) acutely administered, before ethanol or indomethacin, exhibited a potent gastroprotective effect. Although the pretreatments with L-NAME, an iNOS inhibitor, and capsazepine, a TRPV1 receptor agonist, were not able to reverse the hecogenin effect, this was reversed by glibenclamide, a K⁺(ATP) blocker, and indomethacin in the model of ethanol-induced gastric lesions. The hecogenin pretreatment normalized GSH levels and significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels in the stomach, as evaluated by the ethanol-induced gastric lesion model. The drug alone increased COX-2 expression and this effect was further enhanced in the presence of ethanol. It also decreased MPO release and significantly protected the gastric mucosa. In conclusion, we showed that hecogenin presents a significant gastroprotective effect that seems to be mediated by K⁺(ATP) channels opening and the COX-2/PG pathway. In addition, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in the gastroprotective drug effect.

Side-Effects of Irinotecan (CPT-11), the Clinically Used Drug for Colon Cancer Therapy, Are Eliminated in Experimental Animals Treated with Latex Proteins from Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae).

Intestinal mucositis (IM) is the critical side effect of irinotecan (CPT‐11), which is the front‐line drug used for the treatment of colorectal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of latex proteins (LP) from Calotropis procera to prevent IM and diarrhea in animals. Swiss mice were treated daily with saline or LP (1, 5, or 50 mg/kg, i.v.) 24 h prior to CTP‐11 (75 mg/kg/4 days, i.p) and for additional 6 days. Animal survival, body weight variation, and diarrhea were registered. After animal sacrifice (day 7 post first injection of CPT‐11), intestinal samples were collected to study morphology and inflammatory parameters. Animals given LP exhibited improved parameters (survival, body weight, and absence of diarrhea) as compared with the CPT‐11 control. The severity of IM observed in animals given CPT‐11 was reduced in animals treated with LP. Treatment with LP also prevented the reduction in the villus/crypt ratio promoted by CPT‐11. The rise in MPO activity and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, over‐contractility of the smooth muscle, and diarrhea were all abrogated in LP‐treated mice. Markedly reduced immunostaining intensity for COX‐2, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, iNOS, and NF‐κB was observed in the intestinal tissue of animals treated with LP. The side‐effects of CPT‐11 were eliminated by LP treatment in experimental animals and improved clinical parameters characteristic of IM All known biochemical pathogenesis. Copyright

Investigação do uso de anabolizantes no munciipio de ICÓ, CE: um estudo transversal

The consumption of anabolic steroids among practitioners of physical activity has been growing worldwide, making it a public health problem. The aim of this study was to profile the use of anabolic-athlete in the city of Icó, Ceará, Brazil. We conducted across sectional study with a quantitative approach with 60 practitioners of physical activities in the city of Icó. It was observed that there is no statistically significant difference between anabolic consumption between the sexes. Found that 3.33% of the respondents used the ADE. It was noted that there is a profile of use of anabolic steroids without a prescription, educational campaigns are vitally important to reducethe use of these substances.