Pedro Everson Alexandre de Aquino

Antibacterial activity and antibiotic modulating potential of the essential oil obtained from Eugenia jambolana in association with led lights

Bacterial resistance has risen as an important health problem with impact on the pharmaceutical industry because many antibiotics have become ineffective, which has affected their commercialization. The Brazilian biodiversity is marked by a vast variety of natural products with significant therapeutic potential, which could bring new perspectives in the treatment of infections caused by resistant microorganisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of the essential oil obtained from Eugenia jambolana (EjEO) using the method of microdilution method to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The modulatory effect of this oil on antibiotic activity was determined using both the broth microdilution and gaseous contact methods. The antibacterial effect of the association of the gaseous contact and the use of a LED unit with red and blue lights was also determined. The chemical components of the EjEO were characterized by HPLC, which revealed the presence of α-pinene as a major constituent. The EjEO presented a MIC≥128μg/mL against S. aureus and ≥1024μg/mL against E. coli. The combination of the EjEO with antibiotics presented synergism against E. coli and antagonism against S. aureus. An antagonistic effect was obtained from the association of EjEO with amikacin and erythromycin by the method of gaseous contact. On the other hand, the association of EjEO with ciprofloxacin presented a synergistic effect against S. aureus and E. coli exposed to LED lights. A similar effect was observed in the association of the EjEO with norfloxacin presented synergism against S. aureus in the same conditions. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that the essential oil obtained from Eugenia jambolana interfere with the action of antibiotics against bacteria exposed to LED lights. Thus, further researches are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects, which could open new perspectives in the development of new antibacterial therapies.

Lycopene rich extract from red guava (Psidium guajava L.) displays anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profile by reducing suggestive hallmarks of acute inflammatory response in mice

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract (LEG) and purified (LPG) lycopene from guava (Psidium guajava L.), as well as some mechanisms possibly involved in this effect. The anti-inflammatory activity was initially assessed using paw edema induced by Carrageenan, Dextran, Compound 48/80, Histamine and Prostaglandin E2 in Swiss mice. A peritonitis model was used to evaluate neutrophil migration, the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration; while the effect on the expression of iNOS, COX-2 and NF-κB, was assessed by immunohistochemistry analysis. Results showed that oral and intraperitoneal administration of LEG and LPG inhibited inflammation caused by carrageenan. LPG (12.5mg/kg p.o.) significantly inhibited the edema formation induced by different phlogistic agents and immunostaining for iNOS, COX-2 and NF-κB. Leukocytes migration in paw tissue and peritoneal cavity was reduced, as well as MPO concentration, whereas GSH levels increased. Thus, lycopene-rich extract from red guava has beneficial effect on acute inflammation, offering protection against the consequences of oxidative stress by downregulating inflammatory mediators and inhibiting gene expression involved in inflammation.

Antinociceptive and Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Ketamine and the Relationship to Its Antidepressant Action and GSK3 Inhibition

Ketamine (KET), a NMDA antagonist, exerts an antidepressant effect at subanaesthetic doses and possesses analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities. We evaluated the involvement of KET antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory effects with its antidepressant action. Male Swiss mice were subjected to formalin, carrageenan‐induced paw oedema and forced swimming tests, for assessing antinociceptive, anti‐inflammatory and antidepressant effects. The treatment groups were as follows: control, KET (2, 5 and 10 mg/kg), lithium (LI: 5 mg/kg) and KET2 + LI5 combination. Immunohistochemistry analyses (TNF‐α, iNOS, COX‐2 and GSK3) in oedematous paws were performed. KET5 and KET10 reduced licking times in neurogenic (22 and 38%) and inflammatory (67 and 78%) phases of the formalin test, respectively, as related to controls. While LI5 inhibited the second phase by 24%, the licking time was inhibited by 26 and 59% in the KET2 + LI5 group (first and second phases). Furthermore, oedema volumes were reduced by 37 and 45% in the KET5 and KET10 groups, respectively. Oedema reductions were 29% in the LI5 group and 48% in the KET2 + LI5 group. In the forced swimming test, there were 23, 38 and 53% decreases in the immobility time in KET2, KET5 and KET10 groups, respectively. While LI5 caused no significant effect, decreases of 52% were observed with KET2 + LI5. KET also decreased TNF‐α, iNOS, COX‐2 and GSK3 immunostainings in oedematous paws, effects intensified with KET2 + LI5. We showed that KET presents antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory effects associated with its antidepressant response. Furthermore, our results indicate the close involvement of GSK3 inhibition and blockade of inflammatory responses, in the antidepressant drug effect.

Chemical characterization and cytoprotective effect of the hydroethanol extract from Annona coriacea Mart. (Araticum)

Introduction: Annona coriacea Mart. (araticum) is a widely distributed tree in the cerrado. Its value is attributed principally to the consumption of its fruit which possesses a large nutritive potential. The objective was to identify the chemical profile and evaluate the antimicrobial and cytoprotective activity of the hydroethanol extract of A. coriacea Mart. (HEAC) leaves against the toxicity of mercury chloride. Materials and Methods: The characterization of components was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution method in broth with strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For evaluation of the modulatory and cytoprotective activity of aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin and amikacin) and mercury chloride (HgCl2), the substances were associated with the HEAC at subinhibitory concentrations (MIC/8). Results and Discussion: The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids such as Luteolin (1.84%) and Quercetin (1.19%) in elevated concentrations. The HEAC presented an MIC ≥512 μg/mL and significant antagonistic action in aminoglycosides modulation, and it also showed cytoprotective activity to S. aureus (significance P< 0.0001) and E. coli(significance P< 0.05) bacteria against the mercury chloride heavy metal with significance, this action being attributed to the chelating properties of the flavonoids found in the chemical identification. Conclusions: The results acquired in this study show that the HEAC presents cytoprotective activity over the tested strains in vitro and can also present antagonistic effect when associated with aminoglycosides, reinforcing the necessity of taking caution when combining natural and pharmaceutical products.

The anti-inflammatory effects of N-methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline from Syderoxylon obtusifolium are related to its inhibition of TNF-alpha and inflammatory enzymes

BACKGROUND Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Roem. & Schult.) T.D. Penn., Sapotaceae family, is a medicinal species native to the Brazilian Northeastern region. The plant is popularly used as an anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic. PURPOSE To evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of the N-methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline (NMP) from S. obtusifolium leaves in models of inflammation and to clarify its action mechanisms. METHODS Male Swiss mice were distributed intocontrols and groups treated with NMP (25, 50 and 100mg/kg, p.o.), indomethacin or morphine (reference drugs). The animals were subjected to the formalin, carrageenan-induced edema and peritonitis tests. Furthermore, peritoneal lavage and slices from edematous paws were used for histological and immunohistochemical (iNOS, TNF-alpha, COX-2 and NF-kB) assays. RESULTS Decreases in licking time, in the 1st and mainly in the 2nd phases of the formalin test, were shown after NMP treatments. In addition, decreases (around 50%) in paw edema were noticed at the 3rd h. The HE staining of paw slices demonstrated a complete reversion of the increased PMN cell numberafter NMP treatment. Similarly, decreases higher than 70% were also demonstrated in PMN cells, in the peritoneal fluid. Furthermore, NMP significantly decreased iNOS, TNF-alpha, COX-2 and NF-kB immunoreactivities. CONCLUSIONS We showed that S. obtusifolium presents a potent anti-inflammatory activity, due to the presence of the N-methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline(NMP) in the plant extract. This action is related to the inhibition by NMP of TNF-alpha and inflammatory enzymes.

Efeito antibacteriano e anti-inflamatório tópico do extrato metanólico de Chenopodium ambrosioides L.

The use of medicinal plants is a common practice in countries as part of popular culture as a treatment of different pathologies. The Chenopodium ambrosioides L. plant, popularly known as Mastruz, is used in folk medicine to treat chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, bruises, fractures and hernias, and some activities scientifically proven as anthelmintic and antimicrobial action. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the chemical profile and investigate the antibacterial activity, modulator of antibiotics and topical anti-inflammatory of methanol extract obtained from Chenopodium ambrosioides L. leaves. In the phytochemical extract prospecting, they were checked different metabolites that have multiple biological activity, and the dosage of total phenols were checked 21.0 mg / g gallic acid equivalent, and the quantification of flavonoids found a total of 135.4 mg / g quercetin. There was no antibacterial activity, but modulation was detected when the extract was associated with aminoglycosides against strains of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In tests for acute inflammation, the extract showed an antiedematogenic potential at concentrations of 25 and 50 mg. Given the results, we can correlate the empirical knowledge of people; the biological properties observed in this study, this may be important for future validation of these ethnomedicinal properties.

The Treadmill Exercise Protects against Dopaminergic Neuron Loss and Brain Oxidative Stress in Parkinsonian Rats

Parkinsons disease (PD), a progressive neurological pathology, presents motor and nonmotor impairments. The objectives were to support data on exercise benefits to PD. Male Wistar rats were distributed into sham-operated (SO) and 6-OHDA-lesioned, both groups without and with exercise. The animals were subjected to treadmill exercises (14 days), 24 h after the stereotaxic surgery and striatal 6-OHDA injection. Those from no-exercise groups stayed on the treadmill for the same period and, afterwards, were subjected to behavioral tests and euthanized for neurochemical and immunohistochemical assays. The data, analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test, were considered significant for p < 0.05. The results showed behavioral change improvements in the 6-OHDA group, after the treadmill exercise, evaluated by apomorphine rotational behavior, open field, and rota rod tests. The exercise reduced striatal dopaminergic neuronal loss and decreased the oxidative stress. In addition, significant increases in BDNF contents and in immunoreactive cells to TH and DAT were also observed, in striata of the 6-OHDA group with exercise, relatively to those with no exercise. We conclude that exercise improves behavior and dopaminergic neurotransmission in 6-OHDA-lesioned animals. The increased oxidative stress and decreased BDNF contents were also reversed, emphasizing the importance of exercise for the PD management.

Evaluación de la actividad antiedematogenic tópica y antibacteriana del extracto metanólico de hojas de Sideroxylon obtusifolium

Sideroxylon obtusifolium, conhecida como quixaba, e utilizada para diversos fins medicinais, dentre eles em casos de inflamacoes e infeccoes bacterianas, com isso, o estudo teve por objetivo investigar a atividade antiedematogenica topica e antibacteriana do extrato metanolico obtido das folhas de S. obtusifolium . Os resultados obtidos atraves dos testes de microdiluicao e modulacao mostraram potencial atividade antibacteriana quando associados a gentamicina e amicacina para cepas multirresistentes de Staphylococcus aureus. Para cepas de Escherichia coli, so houve modulacao da atividade de aminoglicosideos frente ao antibiotico amicacina havendo antagonismo para gentamicina, o mesmo efeito foi observado para Pseudomonas aeruginosas em ambos antibioticos . Nos testes para inflamacao aguda atraves dos modelos de edema de orelha induzido por oleo de croton e fenol, o extrato apresentou um potente efeito antiedematogencio p < 0,05. A prospeccao fitoquimica do extrato foi feita e nela foram verificados diversos metabolitos com inumeras atividades biologicas. Os polifenois e flavonoides presentes neste extrato foram quantificados em 150,3 mg equivalentes de acido galico/ g de extrato e 98,5 mg equivalentes de quercetina/ g de extrato, respectivamente, o que explica o forte poder antioxidante presente nesta parte da planta. Diante dos resultados, podem-se observar atividades biologicas de S. obtusifolium , o que condiz com seu uso na terapia popular, no entanto como se trata de um extrato, substancias devem ser isoladas e testadas. Sendo assim este trabalho podera servir como base para futuras pesquisas relacionadas a essa parte da planta.

Perfil de resistência em bactérias isoladas de superfícies de um hospital público de Juazeiro do Norte-CE.

The present study aimed to evaluate the resistance profile of bacteria isolated on surfaces of a public hospital in the city of Juazeiro do Norte-CE. The samples were collected on different surfaces, and transported in Stuart medium. These were inoculated in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) and later seeded in chromogenic medium, where the bacterial species were identified. To perform the resistance profile the disk diffusion method was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute/ NCCLS standard. The identification of the bacteria was performed in triplicate, where of 18 areas surveyed, totaling 54 surfaces, all showed microbial growth: Bacillus sp. (52%), Staphylococcus coagulase negative (14%), Enterococcus sp. (24%), Streptococcusagalactiae (5%) and Acinetobacter sp. (5%). The adoption of good practices for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces effectively reduces the risk of contamination by such vehicles.

Análise microbiológica da água de coco comercializada na cidade de juazeiro do norte, Ceará

The objective of the study was to perform the research of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. in 30 samples, where 15 were industrialized and 15 were non-industrialized. After collection, these were inactivated in the BHI medium for growth and, later, were seeded in specific media for identification. In these samples, 30% of the non-industrialized ones presented contamination being 10% by Staphylococcus aureus, 20% by Escherichia coli and 0% of Salmonella sp. The antibiogram was performed, where the strains of S. aureus presented resistance to four of the five antibiotics used and E. coli presented resistance to three antibiotics. This may be related to the results obtained in the checklist, since the itinerants did not carry out the storage and the hygiene of the working utensils properly. In view of this, it is necessary to increase the supervision of food production regulators, helping street vendors to minimize risks and ensure the health of consumers.