Josué do Amaral Ramalho

The controvertible role of kava (Piper methysticum G. Foster) an anxiolytic herb, on toxic hepatitis

Kava is an anxiolytic herbal medicine used in the treatment of sleep and anxiety disorders. Some cases of kava-induced hepatotoxicity have been reported in the literature leading to its banishment in most countries worldwide. Clinically, the spectrum ranged from transient elevations of liver enzyme levels to fulminant liver failure and death. Liver transplantation was performed in a few cases. This paper provides a review of the currently available literature on kava-related toxic hepatitis which may result from its use, discusses the possible mechanisms for the potentially severe hepatotoxicity and describes some features which must be considered when adverse liver effects seem to be associated to kava administration. In conclusion, the incidence of kava toxicity on the liver remains to be investigated; however, some concerns before or during kava use are important, due to the possibility of severe liver dysfunction.

PARÂMETROS BIOQUÍMICOS E HEMATOLÓGICOS DE RATOS WISTAR E CAMUNDONGOS SWISS DO BIOTÉRIO PROFESSOR THOMAS GEORGE

Objective: The objective of the present study was to establish reference values for the biochemical and hematological parameters of rodents from the Professor Thomas George animal laboratory of the Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba. Methodology: The parameters evaluated consisted of hematological profile with full blood and platelet counts, as well as serum components including glucose, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, total protein and protein fractions, alkaline phosphatase, transaminases, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Adult albino Wistar rats and Swiss mice (20 males and 20 females of each species), weighing 150-350 grams and 15-35 grams, respectively, were used in the study. Results: Variations were detected between values obtained in the animals and parameters established in the literature. In rats, leukocyte and eosinophile counts were lower, while in mice, platelet counts, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, globulin, calcium and magnesium levels were higher compared to data published in the literature. Conclusion: In conclusion, the physiological parameters of experimental animals should be well established and made available in view of the variations that may exist as a result of various factors such as sex, lineage and genotype of the rodents that must be taken into consideration in experimental studies. DESCRIPTORS Hematology. Biochemistry. Rats. Mice. Animal Technicians.

Chronic toxicologic study of the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Jatropha gossypiifolia in rats

This work presents the observed changes in Wistar rats under long treatment (thirteen weeks) with different oral doses of the ethanolic extract (EE) from Jatropha gossypiifolia L., Euphorbiaceae. The most significant toxic signs indicated a reduction of the activity in the central nervous system and digestive disturbances. The histopathological analysis shows hepatotoxity and pulmonary damages. The lethality was 46.6% among males under the higher experimental dose (405 mg/kg) and 13.3% both in females under the higher dose and among the animals treated with 135 mg/kg of the product. These data show the significant oral chronic toxicity of EE of J. gossypiifolia in rats.

Non-Clinical Acute and Chronic Toxicity Evaluations of Cissus sicyoides L. (Vitaceae) Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract

Graphical abstract

ATUALIZAÇÕES E PERSPECTIVAS NA MIASTENIA GRAVIS

Objective: This study aimed to a search the literature on myasthenia gravis (MG). Methodology: Literature search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo and Bireme, in the last ten years, and other articles that had extreme historical importance were also included. Results: MG is an autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness, whose pathogenesis is related to the destruction of neuromuscular transmission by different mechanisms, such as decreased nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, destruction of proteins involved in the neuromuscular formation or the activity of antibodies on a specific muscle protein kinase (MUSK). The current treatment of MG is based on the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids, thymectomy, immunosuppressants, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. Early identification of MG and its precipitating factors make this disease more accessible to new treatment modalities such as monoclonal antibodies, prolactin, and tacrolimus crotamine. Conclusion: A better knowledge about molecular mechanisms has provided the development of new therapeutic options necessary to alleviate severe crises, leading to a proper prognosis. New findings may contribute to the quality of life of patients, resulting in remission of the disease and not just in relieving its symptoms. DESCRIPTORS: Myasthenia Gravis. Acetylcholine. Combined Modality Therapy. Immune System.