Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of the Microalga Pediastrum boryanum in Carrageenan-Induced Rat Paw Edema

Abstract The potential use of microalgae in health has been the aim of different studies in the last years. This study investigated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of three different extracts of green microalga Pediastrum boryanum in an acute inflammation model in rats. Rats were treated intraperitoneally with lyophilized biomass, the phenolic compounds and the extracellular extracts of P. boryanum before the induction of paw edema by the intraplantar injection of carrageenan. The edema and the levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α were determined in the hind paw. Oxidative stress markers were analyzed in the liver and hepatic toxicity and genetic damage was evaluated in the blood. The results demonstrated that the three extracts of P. boryanum exhibited pronounced anti-oedematous property and decreased the levels of cytokines. The best results were provided by the phenolic compounds extract, that contains gallic, chlorogenic, protocathecuic and vanillic acid. A reduction in lipid peroxidation was observed after the treatment with lyophilized biomass and the extracellular extract improved the total antioxidant capacity of the liver. Moreover, no DNA damage and hepatic toxicity were observed after administration of P. boryanum extracts. In conclusion, these results suggest that P. boryanum can be an important source of anti-inflammatory compounds.

Novas formas comerciais de anfotericinina B / New commercial formulations of amphotericin B

A anfotericinina B permanece como o padrão ouro para o tratamento de infecções fúngicas invasivas. Para melhorar a eficácia terapêutica desse fármaco e reduzir sua toxidade aguda e crônica, diversas formulações lipídicas de anfotericinina B foram desenvolvidas, entre elas: anfotericinina B lipossômica (AmBisome), complexo lipídico de anfotericinina B (ABLC, Abelcet) e dispersão coloidal de anfotericinina B (ABCD, Amphocil). Essas novas formulações são efetivas em várias infecções fúngicas sistêmicas, incluindo candidíase, aspergilose invasiva, mucormicose, criptococose, fusariose, sendo também eficientes no tratamento da leishmaniose. As três formulações apresentam baixa toxidade renal, sendo mais seguras que a anfotericina B convencional. Raros são os trabalhos que comparam as formulações lipídicas. Estudos de triagem clínica em ampla escala podem esclarecer a eficácia relativa em várias formas de infecções fúngicas. A presente revisão analisa os dados disponíveis na literatura, faz uma comparação entre as três formulações lipídicas e discute a questão custo e benefício do tratamento para o paciente.