Thaís Rodrigues de Albuquerque

Gastroprotective effect and mechanism of action of Croton rhamnifolioides essential oil in mice

BACKGROUND Croton rhamnifolioides Pax is a plant species that have been used in the folk medicine to treat ulcers, inflammations and hypertension. However, despite the relevant data obtained from ethnopharmacological studies, the pharmacological properties endorsing the efficacy of this plant to treat ulcer remain to be elucidated. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE The present study aimed to characterize the chemical profile and evaluate the gastroprotective activity of the essential oil obtained from C. rhamnifolioides Pax (OECC) in mice. METHODS The essential oil of Croton rhamnifolioides was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas-phase chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The median lethal dose was determined employing an acute toxicity test. The gastroprotective activity of the OECC was investigated using animal models of gastric ulcer induced by the administration of absolute ethanol, acidified ethanol or indomethacin. Mechanisms of action were investigated using the physical barrier test and by in vivo evaluation of the involvement of the following molecular pathways: nitric oxide, ATP - dependent potassium channels, α2 - noradrenergic receptors, capsaicin - sensitive afferent neurons and opioid receptor. RESULTS We identified the presence of 21 compounds in OECC, including spathulenol and 1,8 - cineole as major constituents. In orally administered mice, OECC caused no significant toxicity. OECC significantly prevented gastric lesions in all mice models. The barrier test demonstrated that the gastroprotective activity of OECC occurs in a systemic dimension. Our results demonstrated that the gastroprotective effect of OECC involves mechanisms that are related to modulation of opioid receptors and nitric oxide. CONCLUSION In conclusion, OECC demonstrated significant gastroprotective activity associated with low toxicity, providing scientific evidences that C. rhamnifolioides have the potential for the development of new antiulcer drugs.

D-limonene exhibits superior antihyperalgesic effects in a β-cyclodextrin-complexed form in chronic musculoskeletal pain reducing Fos protein expression on spinal cord in mice

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is one of the main symptoms found in Fibromyalgia with unclear etiology and limited pharmacological treatment. The aim of this study was to complex LIM in β-cyclodextrin (LIM-βCD) and then evaluate its antihyperalgesic effect in an animal model of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy was used for the characterization of the inclusion complex. Male Swiss mice were used for experimental procedures where mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal hyperalgesia, muscular strength, Fos immunofluorescence was studied after induction of hyperalgesia. Mechanism of action was also investigated through tail flick test and capsaicin-induced nociception. Endothermic events and morphological changes showed that the slurry complex method was the best method for the complexation. After induction of hyperalgesia, the oral administration of LIM-βCD (50mg/kg) significantly increased the paw withdrawal threshold compared to uncomplexed limonene. Fos immunofluorescence showed that both compounds significantly decreased the number of Fos-positive cells in the dorsal horn. In nociceptive tests, FLU was able to reverse the antinociceptive effect of LIM-βCD. After intraplantar administration of capsaicin, LIM was able to significantly decrease time to lick. LIM-βCD has antihyperalgesic action superior to its uncomplexed form, with possible action in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. These results suggest the possible applicability of LIM, uncomplexed or complexed with βCD, in conditions such as FM and neuropathic pain, for which there are currently only limited pharmacological options.

Evaluation of the antioxidant and gastroprotective activity and HPLC analysis of the hydroalcoholic extract of Tocoyena formosa leaves (Cham. & Schlecht) K. Schum

The peptic ulcer is a gastric disorder that affects millions of people and yet they cause many side effects. In this sense, natural products represent an important alternative to the discovery of compounds with gastroprotective activity. The present work has as its objective to evaluate the antioxidant and gastroprotective activity of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves from Tocoyena formosa (Cham. & Schlecht.) K. Schum (HELTF), this being much emphasized in traditional medicine for inflammatory morbidities and gastric symptoms. For the evaluation of the antioxidant activity, FRAP and DPPH tests were carried out, and for the evaluation of the gastroprotective activity, gastric lesion induction by ethanol, acidified ethanol, indomethacin and physical barrier tests were used. Antioxidant assay of HELTF revealed an EC50 of 558.66 μM FeSO4/g and IC50 of 189.78 μg/ml for FRAP and DPPH respectively. In gastroprotective, in ethanol model, all the doses presented significant activity in comparison to controls, however, in the gastric lesion induction test by acidified ethanol and indomethacin, only the dose of 200 mg/kg presented with significance. In the physical barrier test presented evidence that protection by the formation of a protective layer associated with mucus. Concluded, therefore, that HELTF possesses antioxidant and significate gastroprotective activity.

Chemical fingerprint, acute oral toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves from Tocoyena formosa (Cham. & Schlecht.) K. Schum

Inflammation is a protective response of the organism against damaging agents, this process is considered beneficial, however in some situations, this response can be damage when exacerbated effect are present. This claim objective to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative chemical profile, acute toxic and anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves from Tocoyena formosa (Cham. & Schlecht.) K. Schum. (HELTF). Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed by HPLC-DAD and colorimetric assay. The topical anti-inflammatory activity was determined in Croton oil-induced ear edema assay and systemic activity was performed in vascular permeability, paw edema induced by carrageenan and dextran. Phytochemical analysis of leaves from HELTF showed presence of tannin, flavonoid, saponins an other that confirmed by HPLC analysis. The extract did not cause significant with LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg and did not promote significate reduction in topical inflammatory process. However, HELTF demonstrate significant reduction of paw edema induced by carrageenan and dextran. The HELTF (200 mg/kg) reduced the protein/cell migration in the intradermal carrageenan-induced inflammation. Our results demonstrated that the first time the chemical profile and describe the effective action in systemic anti-inflammatory, antiedematogenic activity and low acute toxicity. This activity presents, supporting its traditional use. However, new studies are necessary for the detection and clarification of the possible mechanism of action.

Murraya paniculata (L.) (Orange Jasmine): Potential Nutraceuticals with Ameliorative Effect in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata (Rutaceae), is a plant from India widely used in folk medicine as antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant. Although oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin are the mainstays of treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM), there is a significant demand for new natural products to reduce the development of diabetic complications. Alloxan‐induced diabetic rats were treated for 60 days with a hydroalcoholic extract of M. paniculata (MPE), at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. MPE decreased glycemia and also cholesterol and triglyceride levels, starting 1 week after treatments, as compared with the same group before treatments. Glucose values were reduced toward normality after 1 week of treatment. MPE hypoglycemic effects were potentiated by glibenclamide and metformin. MPE also decreased fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin values. MPE reduced diabetes‐induced morphological alterations of the kidney, pancreas, and liver. MPE acts similarly to glibenclamide and metformin, and its glucose‐lowering action is partly a consequence of ATP‐sensitive K+ channel inhibition. MPE may be a potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. Copyright

AS EMOÇÕES E OS SENTIMENTOS NA ASSISTÊNCIA DE ENFERMAGEM À CRIANÇA COM CÂNCER

Esta pesquisa surge da necessidade de aprofundar conhecimentos acerca da assistencia dos profissionais de enfermagem a crianca portadora de câncer. O estudo teve como objetivo conhecer aspectos emocionais relacionados a assistencia a crianca com câncer; atraves da pesquisa qualitativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada mediante entrevistas semi-estruturadas e observacao de campo com 14 profissionais da Equipe de Enfermagem do Hospital Infantil Albert Sabin, Fortaleza-Ceara. Os dados foram submetidos a analise de conteudo, sendo identificadas cinco categorias emergentes dos discursos dos sujeitos. Conclui-se que, apesar da sobrecarga emocional a que estao expostos, os profissionais mantem o compromisso na assistencia as criancas, entretanto evidencia-se a necessidade de suporte emocional para assisti-las, pois existe tendencia para exaustao emocional, desânimo e fracasso. Reforca-se a importância da inclusao da disciplina oncologia e do tema morte nos curriculos dos cursos de formacao e a importância da promocao e prevencao em saude no ambiente de trabalho. Palavras chave: Câncer infantil; Assistencia; Sentimentos.

USO DE FITOTERÁPICOS NOS AMBIENTES DE PROMOÇÃO DA SAÚDE

No presente estudo objetivou-se realizar uma analise da bibliografia atualizada sobre o uso de fitoterapicos nos ambientes de promocao a saude e avaliar a aceitacao da populacao e profissionais da saude em geral a esta terapeutica. A pesquisa foi pautada em uma revisao de literatura, realizada junto as bases de dados online Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciencias da Saude (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) e Scientific Electronic Library Online ( SCIE LO ). Os resultados obtidos, em uma amostra de 24 artigos, apontaram que a fitoterapia, apesar de implantada no Sistema Unico de Saude (SUS) brasileiro desde 2006, pela Politica Nacional de Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterapicos, ainda e pouco conhecida pelos profissionais e usuarios. A aceitacao da fitoterapia na sociedade brasileira e amplamente esperada, o numero de especies de plantas medicinais aceitas pelo SUS tem aumentado e ha crescimento no numero de grupos de pesquisa voltados a prospeccao de novas plantas. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14295/cad.cult.cienc.v14i2.1054

USO DA PÍLULA DE EMERGÊNCIA: DESVENDANDO OS ASPECTOS DERTERMINANTES DESTA PRÁTICA ENTRE AS ADOLESCENTES

RESUMO A iniciacao sexual dos jovens acontece precocemente. Neste sentido se faz necessario o conhecimento sobre os aspectos que permeiam a saude reprodutiva e sexual, uma vez que, o aborto e o desfecho de grande parte das gestacoes indesejadas. Este estudo trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratoria, adotando uma abordagem quantitativa realizada em quatro escolas, duas da rede publica e duas privadas, localizadas no municipio de Juazeiro do Norte – Ceara no periodo de fevereiro a agosto de 2007. Constatou-se que 23% das sujeitas eram sexualmente ativas representando uma idade media de 15,45 anos com notavel conhecimento sobre metodos contraceptivos, contudo, apenas 50% faziam uso regular de algum metodo e 45% ja utilizaram a Anticoncepcao de Emergencia (AE). Ficou evidenciado que ha carencia de conhecimentos sobre os metodos contraceptivos, e em especial sobre a AE, propiciando o uso abusivo e incorreto do metodo, ficando evidente a necessidade de ampliacao da divulgacao de informacoes. Palavras-chave: Sexualidade, adolescencia, anticoncepcao, pilula do dia seguinte.