Silvana Amado Libério

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.

Antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and immunomodulatory effects and toxicity of geopropolis produced by the stingless bee Melipona fasciculata Smith

BackgroundNative bees of the tribe Meliponini produce a distinct kind of propolis called geopropolis. Although many pharmacological activities of propolis have already been demonstrated, little is known about geopropolis, particularly regarding its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. The present study aimed at investigating the antimicrobial activity of M. fasciculata geopropolis against oral pathogens, its effects on S. mutans biofilms, and the chemical contents of the extracts. A gel prepared with a geopropolis extract was also analyzed for its activity on S. mutans and its immunotoxicological potential.MethodsAntimicrobial activities of three hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) of geopropolis, and hexane and chloroform fractions of one extract, were evaluated using the agar diffusion method and the broth dilution technique. Ethanol (70%, v/v) and chlorhexidine (0.12%, w/w) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were assayed by spectrophotometry. Immunotoxicity was evaluated in mice by topical application in the oral cavity followed by quantification of biochemical and immunological parameters, and macro-microscopic analysis of animal organs.ResultsTwo extracts, HAE-2 and HAE-3, showed inhibition zones ranging from 9 to 13 mm in diameter for S. mutans and C. albicans, but presented no activity against L. acidophilus. The MBCs for HAE-2 and HAE-3 against S. mutans were 6.25 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. HAE-2 was fractionated, and its chloroform fraction had an MBC of 14.57 mg/mL. HAE-2 also exhibited bactericidal effects on S. mutans biofilms after 3 h of treatment. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were observed among the samples. Signs toxic effects were not observed after application of the geopropolis-based gel, but an increase in the production of IL-4 and IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokines, was detected.ConclusionsIn summary, geopropolis produced by M. fasciculata can exert antimicrobial action against S. mutans and C. albicans, with significant inhibitory activity against S. mutans biofilms. The extract with the highest flavonoid concentration, HAE-2, presented the highest antimicrobial activity. In addition, a geopropolis-based gel is not toxic in an animal model and displays anti-inflammatory effect.

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.

Plant species used in dental diseases: Ethnopharmacology aspects and antimicrobial activity evaluation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ethnopharmacological surveys show that several plant species are used empirically by the population, in oral diseases. However, it is necessary to check the properties of these plant species. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate in vitro antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans from plant species selected in a previous ethnopharmacology study. MATERIALS AND METHODS An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted with users of a dental clinic school services, located in Sao Luis, Maranhão, Brazil, aiming to identify plant species used in oral diseases treatment. From the ethnopharmacological survey, species were selected for in vitro antimicrobial activity evaluation against Streptococcus mutans, by agar diffusion method and determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). RESULTS Two hundred and seventy one people participated in the research: 55.7% reported the use of plants for medicinal purposes, 29.5% of which have knowledge and/or use plants for some type of oral disease. Thirty four species belonging to 24 (twenty four) botanical families were reported, being Aloe vera L., Anacardium occidentale L., Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Chenopodium ambrosioides L. and Punica granatum L. the most cited. The most commonly reported indications were healing after tooth extraction, followed by toothache, inflammation and bleeding gums., The determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) demonstrated that Punica granatum L., Psidium guajava L. and Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi showed similar activity to 0.12% chlorhexidine, used as positive control. CONCLUSION That result is important to follow up the study of these species in the search for new anticariogenic agents originated by plants.

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.

Oral manifestations as important symptoms for juvenile dermatomyositis early diagnosis: a case report

BACKGROUND Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy of childhood and adolescence, characterized by symmetrical weakness of proximal muscles and classical cutaneous features. Literature reports rarely describe or focus on oral lesions that are associated with this disease. CASE REPORT This case describes a 4-year-old girl in whom the oral lesions were the initial manifestations of JDM. Physical examination revealed characteristic skin manifestations, proximal muscle weakness, extensive calcinosis, necrotic ulceration, complicated erysipelas, and diffuse alopecia. The diagnosis was established based on the clinical, histological, electroneuromyography, and biochemical findings. CONCLUSION Recognition of gingival telangiectases as an important diagnostic marker of JDM leads us to suggest that identifying oral manifestations, which may be carried out by a paediatric dentist, contributes in establishing an early diagnosis and an immediate treatment of this condition.

Efeito do tratamento com própolis de Scaptotrigona aff. postica sobre o desenvolvimento do tumor de Ehrlich em camundongos

Neste trabalho foi investigado o efeito do extrato hidroalcoolico de propolis (EHP) de Scaptotrigona aff. postica sobre o desenvolvimento do tumor de Ehrlich na forma solida, sobre a celularidade dos orgaos linfoides dos animais portadores de tumor, bem como, sobre a producao de oxido nitrico (NO) pelos macrofagos destes animais. Camundongos Swiss foram divididos em quatro grupos: controle, EHP 0,5; EHP 5 e EHP 50, os quais foram tratados por via intraperitoneal com dose unica de solucao salina (NaCl 0,9%); 0,5; 5 ou 50 mg de EHP/kg de animal, respectivamente. Depois de 48 h do tratamento, os animais foram inoculados com 105 celulas do tumor de Ehrlich nas patas. Os resultados mostraram que o tratamento com EHP nas doses de 5 e 50 mg/kg inibiu de forma significativa o desenvolvimento do tumor a partir do 6o dia pos-inoculo quando comparado ao controle e ao EHP 0,5. Alem disso, houve aumento significativo da celularidade do baco e da medula ossea nos grupos EHP 0,5 e EHP 5 em relacao ao controle. A producao de NO estimulada com concanavalina A (ConA) apresentou uma significante diminuicao nos grupos tratados com EHP em relacao ao controle. Pode-se concluir que o tratamento com EHP apresentou efeito antitumoral quando administrado nas doses de 5 e 50 mg/kg, o que pode estar relacionado com a sua composicao quimica e com a inibicao da producao de NO.

Pharmacognostic and acute toxicological evaluation of Scaptotrigona aff. postica propolis extract in pre-clinical assays

The propolis of Scaptotrigona aff. postica is popularly used in Maranhão State, Brazil, for treating wounds and respiratory illnesses. Nevertheless, little is known about the chemical composition of this propolis and the adverse effects of its use. Hence, this study is a pharmacognostic characterisation of the propolis hydroalcoholic extract (PHE) from S. aff. postica. The methodology consisted of an evaluation of the sensory and chemical parameters. Chemical analysis of PHE indicated high concentrations of phenolic and triterpens substances, and the absence of steroids. Additionally, we evaluated the acute toxicity of propolis using 48 Swiss male and female mice. The animals received single doses of PHE (1000, 2000 or 4000 mg kg−1) orally and were observed for 14 days. After this period, the mice were sacrificed and the blood was used for biochemical and haematological evaluation. PHE did not induce any death, and the acute treatment significantly reduced serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. The resultant data indicate that PHE from S. aff. postica has low toxicity when used orally, even in high doses.

Salivary evaluation of pediatric patients with cancer, before and after antineoplasic treatment.

AIMS This study evaluated the salivary biochemical and immunological status of children with cancer undergoing to antineoplasic treatment in an attempt to identify alternatives for a less invasive and less painful monitoring of these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Unstimulated whole saliva samples were obtained from 115 children without cancer (control) and 32 children with cancer (CA). Children with cancer were also evaluated after antineoplasic treatment (CAT, n = 17). The salivary concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), urea, insulin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), levothyroxine (T4), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) were determined. RESULTS Acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and Hodgkins lymphoma were the most frequent cancers, although cases of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, osteosarcoma, nephroblastoma, Ewings sarcoma, and endodermal sinus tumor were also observed. The salivary concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides, or GGT did not differ between groups. Instead, the concentrations of alkaline phosphatase and T4 were higher in patients with cancer, irrespective of treatment. TSH levels were higher in the CA group and urea concentration was lower in the CAT group. T3 was undetectable in all groups. Antineoplasic treatment increased the glucose level and decreased the insulin concentration. Salivary concentration of total IgA was lower in children with cancer, irrespective of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Cancer and antineoplasic treatment affected biochemical and immunological parameters in the saliva of children, shedding new light on the potential usefulness of saliva for monitoring children with cancer, especially to patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

Effect of propolis of Scaptotrigona aff. postica on the development of the tumor of Ehrlich in mice

Neste trabalho foi investigado o efeito do extrato hidroalcoolico de propolis (EHP) de Scaptotrigona aff. postica sobre o desenvolvimento do tumor de Ehrlich na forma solida, sobre a celularidade dos orgaos linfoides dos animais portadores de tumor, bem como, sobre a producao de oxido nitrico (NO) pelos macrofagos destes animais. Camundongos Swiss foram divididos em quatro grupos: controle, EHP 0,5; EHP 5 e EHP 50, os quais foram tratados por via intraperitoneal com dose unica de solucao salina (NaCl 0,9%); 0,5; 5 ou 50 mg de EHP/kg de animal, respectivamente. Depois de 48 h do tratamento, os animais foram inoculados com 105 celulas do tumor de Ehrlich nas patas. Os resultados mostraram que o tratamento com EHP nas doses de 5 e 50 mg/kg inibiu de forma significativa o desenvolvimento do tumor a partir do 6o dia pos-inoculo quando comparado ao controle e ao EHP 0,5. Alem disso, houve aumento significativo da celularidade do baco e da medula ossea nos grupos EHP 0,5 e EHP 5 em relacao ao controle. A producao de NO estimulada com concanavalina A (ConA) apresentou uma significante diminuicao nos grupos tratados com EHP em relacao ao controle. Pode-se concluir que o tratamento com EHP apresentou efeito antitumoral quando administrado nas doses de 5 e 50 mg/kg, o que pode estar relacionado com a sua composicao quimica e com a inibicao da producao de NO.