Rosane Nassar Meireles Guerra

The potential use of propolis as a cariostatic agent and its actions on mutans group streptococci

Propolis is a resinous substance made by bees. It possesses many biological activities, and many studies have reported its potential application in the control of dental caries. However, variability in the chemical composition of propolis is a potential problem in its quality control, especially since propolis has already been incorporated into products for oral use. Therefore, a critical analysis of the available data on propolis is warranted. The present review discusses the in vitro and in vivo studies published in the period between 1978 and 2008 regarding the effects of propolis on Streptococcus mutans growth, bacterial adherence, glucosyltransferase activity, and caries indicators. Several investigations carried out with crude propolis extracts, isolated fractions, and purified compounds showed reductions in Streptococcus mutans counts and interference with their adhesion capacity and glucosyltransferase activity, which are considered major properties in the establishment of the cariogenic process. Data from in vivo studies have demonstrated reductions in Streptococcus mutans counts in saliva, the plaque index, and insoluble polysaccharide formation. These findings indicate that propolis and/or its compounds are promising cariostatic agents. However, the variation in the chemical composition of propolis due to its geographical distribution is a significant drawback to its routine clinical use. Thus, further studies are needed to establish the quality and safety control criteria for propolis in order for it to be used in accordance with its proposed activity.

Brazilian Green Propolis: Anti-Inflammatory Property by an Immunomodulatory Activity

The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of green propolis extracts from Apis mellifera were investigated using acute and chronic inflammation models. Swiss mice were anesthetized and a cotton pellet granuloma was implanted in subcutaneous tissue. Then the mice were divided into six groups and received apyrogenic water or different propolis extracts by oral route (5 mg/kg). According to the treatment the groups were designated as E1A, E1B, E10, E11, and E12. The control group received apyrogenic water. The treatment was performed by six days when the mice were killed. The blood and the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were collected to measure the leukocyte recruitment. In acute pulmonary inflammation, Balb/c mice received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia coli by intranasal route for three days. Concomitantly the mice received by oral route apyrogenic water (control) or E10 and E11 propolis extracts. BAL was performed to assess the inflammatory infiltrate and cytokine quantification. The results showed that the E11 extract has anti-inflammatory property in both models by the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines suggesting an immunomodulatory activity.

Avaliação da atividade leishmanicida in vitro de plantas medicinais

Searching for new leishmanicidal agents, promastigotes forms of L. amazonensis were cultured with the hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from the Tephrosia cinerea (L.) Pers. (Fabaceae), Dichorisandra sp (Commelinaceae), Syzygium jambolanum DC. (Myrtaceae), Julocroton triqueter (Lam.) Didr. var. triqueter (Euphorbiaceae), Passiflora edulis Sims(Passifloraceae), Cecropia sp (Cecropiaceae), Chenopodium ambrosioides L.(Chenopodiaceae), Pedilanhus tithymaloides (L.) Poit (Euphorbiaceae), Peristrophe angustifolia Nees(Acanthaceae) leaves and the aqueous extract obtained from the Orbignya phalerata Mart. (Arecaceae) mesocarp flour. The in vitro assay was performed with promastigotes incubated during 24 hours with 31.3, 62.5, 125.0, 250.0 and 500.0 µg/mL of each extract. Then the inhibitory concentration of the parasite growth (IC50) was determined. The effectiveness of J. triqueter, Dichorisandra sp and T. cinerea hydroalcoholic extracts to induce promastigotes death was intense since the IC50 were 29.5; 32.9 and 43.6 µg/mL, respectively. P. edulis, C. ambrosioides and S. jambolanum extracts had moderated effectiveness since the IC50 were 150.1; 151.9 and 166.6 µg/mL, respectively. P. tithymaloides and O. phalerata extracts showed a low efficacy in comparison with IC50 >500 µg/mL. Peristrophe angustifolia and Cecropia sp extracts had no leishmanicidal effect. Thus, three of the ten extracts that were tested showed a significant in vitro leishmanicidal activity.

Immune cells recruitment and activation by Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom

Despite several studies showed that the Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom (Tsv) induces an inflammatory response, just a few have investigated the effect of the venom on the immune response. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate alterations of venom application on lymphoid organs and on the recruitment and activation of cells and also on the cytokine production. Swiss male mice (2-3 months, 20-25 g) received a non-lethal dose of crude Tsv (200 μg/kg), diluted in sterile PBS by subcutaneous route. Control animals received only sterile PBS. The animals were sacrificed after 30, 120 and 360 min. The inflammatory parameters studied were skin histology at the site of venom application, leukocyte count, and blood cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α). Inguinal lymph node, spleen and bone marrow cellularity was determined for evaluation of the Tsv effect on immune system organs. The results showed that Tsv caused no local inflammation, but it induced an increase of blood neutrophils and serum IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10. After 360 min of envenomation there was a reduction in the cells number from peritoneum and spleen, but there was an increase in the cell number from lymph nodes. In conclusion, the Tsv induces systemic alterations characterized by changes in the cell number in lymphoid organs, increase pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Phenolic Acids, Hydrolyzable Tannins, and Antioxidant Activity of Geopropolis from the Stingless Bee Melipona fasciculata Smith

Geopropolis is a mixture of plant resins, waxes, and soil produced by the stingless bee Melipona fasciculata Smith. This paper describes the antioxidant activity and chemical composition of geopropolis produced by M. fasciculata. The total phenolic content determined with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was highest in the ethyl acetate fraction and hydroalcoholic extract. Antioxidant activity was assayed by the in vitro DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The hydroalcoholic extract and fractions of geopropolis, except for the hexane fraction, exhibited antioxidant activity against DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. The phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD-MS on the basis of the evaluation of their UV-vis absorption maxima (λmax) and mass spectral analysis. Eleven compounds belonging to the classes of phenolic acids and hydrolyzable tannins (gallotannins and ellagitannins) were tentatively identified. These compounds are responsible for the antioxidant activity and high phenolic content of geopropolis produced by M. fasciculata.

Mechanisms of action underlying the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of propolis: a brief review

Many biological properties have been attributed to various types of propolis, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, wound healing, and immunomodulatory activities. This article reviewed studies published that investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of propolis of different origins and/or its isolated components, focusing on the mechanisms of action underlying this activity and also addressing some aspects of immunomodulatory effects. The search was performed of the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, HighWire Press, Scielo, Google Academics, Research Gate and ISI Web of Knowledgement. The anti-inflammatory activity was associated with propolis or compounds such as polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids and their esters), terpenoids, steroids and amino acids. CAPE is the most studied compounds. The main mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of propolis included the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and consequent inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis, free radical scavenging, inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis, reduction in the concentration of inflammatory cytokines and immunosuppressive activity. Propolis was found to exert an anti-inflammatory activity in vivo and in vitro models of acute and chronic inflammation and others studies, indicating its promising potential as anti-inflammatory agent of natural origin and as a source of chemical compounds for the development of new drugs.

Efeito leishmanicida in vitro de Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl (Verbenaceae)

Leishmanicidal activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis, species that is usually employed in ulcers caused by Leishmania, was evaluated in vitro using Leishmania braziliensis and L. amazonensis promastigotes forms. The hydroalcoholic extract was prepared from dried leaves and used in L. amazonensis and L. braziliensis promastigotes cultures at concentrations of 500 to 32.5 aeg/mL. After 24 hours the promastigotes forms were quantified and the IC50 was calculated. The cytotoxicity of the extract was evaluated using peritoneal macrophages. The extract presented a dose and specie-dependent leishmanicidal effect to Leishmania promastigotes, mainly to the L. braziliensis ones. The cytotoxic effect was not observed in macrophage cultures. In conclusion, the hydroalcoholic extract of S. cayennensis inhibits the growing of Leishmania promastigotes forms in vitro accounting for the folk use of this vegetal in skin ulcers caused by Leishmania.

Salivary IgA and periodontal treatment needs in diabetic patients

Salivary IgA can serve as a first line of defense against pathogens that colonize and invade mucosal surfaces and may be protective against periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to assess salivary immunoglobulin A levels in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with different periodontal treatment needs. The Periodontal Screening & Recording (PSR) system was used to evaluate the periodontal treatment needs of 41 diabetic and 42 non-diabetic patients. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from each patient immediately before clinical examination and stored at -20 °C until analysis. Salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and values were expressed as optical density. Diabetic and non-diabetic patients were compared using clinical and laboratory data. PSR data indicated that periodontal disease was more frequent and more severe in diabetic patients. A higher prevalence of codes 3 and 4 was observed in diabetics as compared with non-diabetics (odds ratio = 2, P < 0.05). Furthermore, non-diabetic patients had more healthy sextants (code 0) than did diabetic patients. Over half of diabetic patients (∼54%) presented with s-IgA levels that were lower than the normal range (optical density from 0.4 nm to 0.6 nm; P < 0.05). In addition, diabetic patients showed a higher variability in s-IgA levels as compared with non-diabetic patients. In conclusion, diabetic individuals had lower s-IgA levels, more-frequent and more-severe periodontal disease, and a greater need for periodontal treatment as compared with non-diabetic patients.

Sunflower Seed Oil-Enriched Product Can Inhibit Ehrlich Solid Tumor Growth in Mice

Background: Sunflower seed oil (SSO) effect on solid and ascitic forms of Ehrlich tumor was evaluated. Methods: Solid or ascitic Ehrlich tumor-bearing Swiss mice were treated daily, by subcutaneous route, with 200 µl of SSO. The solid tumor-bearing footpad was measured every 3 days and ascitic tumor-bearing mice had their ascites collected and quantified. At the end of the SSO treatment, the total cell number in lymphoid organs was quantified. Results: Subcutaneous treatment with SSO inhibits the solid tumor growth and increases lymph node cell number in animals with solid tumor, but has no effect on animals with ascitic tumor. Conclusions: SSO can delay the solid tumor growth, possibly due to better absorption of this treatment by draining lymph nodes.

Longitudinal assessment of immunological and oral clinical conditions in patients undergoing anticancer treatment for leukemia

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of the immunological and oral clinical conditions of children and adolescents undergoing anticancer treatment for leukemia (ATL). METHODS Twenty patients aged 3-15 years undergoing chemotherapy seen at a referral center for cancer treatment in the State of Maranhão, Brazil, from 2008 to 2009, were evaluated at baseline (1st). Twenty-two controls were selected in public schools. Oral lesions, caries experience (deft and DMFT), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and salivary IgA were analyzed. Patients and controls were evaluated after 6 months (2nd). The Shapiro Wilk, Mann-Whitney, Wilkoxon and Spearman correlation tests were carried out (alpha=5%). RESULTS Gingivitis and mucositis were the most frequent manifestations in oral mucosae during the two phases. The mean DMFT index increased from 3.9 ± 4.2 (1st) to 4.4 ± 4.3 (2nd) (p = 0.04). The mean deft index was the same in the 1st (1.9 ± 2.7) and 2nd (1.9 ± 2.7) evaluation (p = 0.86). The GI also did not vary between assessments: 1st (1.3 ± 0.4) and 2nd (1.3 ± 0.3) - (p = 0.12), except on the lingual and distal surfaces, where increased from the 1st to 2nd evaluation (p < 0.01). The PI varied from 0.9 to 1.1, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.48), except for the lingual surface, where increased from 0.6 to 1.0 (p = 0.04). There was a reduction in salivary IgA levels from 2.9 to 1.9 μg/mL (p = 0.04), and mean IgA was significantly higher in the control group (5.4 μg/mL) if compared to cases (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The clinical and immunological oral conditions of children and adolescents undergoing ATL presented an unfavorable evolution. This study highlights the need for monitoring oral conditions during the ATL and draws attention to the additional responsibility of the otolaryngologist in referring ATL patients to the dentist, especially in the presence of clinical evidence of oral problems. We suggest that the planning of ATL take into account the oral health, in a multidisciplinary oncology team.