Exposure to the herbicide atrazine induces oxidative imbalance, morphological damage and decreased survival in juvenile fish

Synthetic herbicides have been intensively used in weed control, although often involved in environmental contamination, critically affecting non-target species. However, never was investigated the effect of commercial formulation using atrazine on developing juvenile fish exposed for 35 days. Juveniles (Astyanax altiparanae) (n = 600) were assigned to the following ATZ-exposed groups: 0 (CTR-control), 0.56 (ATZ0.56), 1.00 (ATZ1.00), 1.66 (ATZ1.66) and 11.66 (ATZ11.66) µg/L. We found a 36.6% decrease in juvenile survival rate in the ATZ11.66 group compared to control and other groups. Juveniles from ATZ11.66 also showed hyperglycemia and increased cortisol levels. Increased the imbalance oxidative with an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and Carbonylated proteins levels markers in muscle, gills, and liver. We also found increased activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) in gills and SOD and catalase (CAT) in muscles from ATZ11.66 fish, and increased glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities in the liver from all exposed groups compared to control. The morphological consequences of this were loss of secondary lamella integrity, increased mucus-secreting cells, hyperplasia, and lamellar fusion, as well as increased aneurysms percentage. The liver showed vascular congestion associated with endothelial hyperplasia, steatosis, and a decrease in the nuclei percentage. Our results showed that exposure to a commercial formulation of ATZ at 11.66 µg/L can be causing an imbalance in the oxidative markers and morphological damages and decreased survival in a juvenile Neotropical species of great ecological relevance and commercial interest.

Dysregulation in erythrocyte dynamics caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection: possible role in shuffling the homeostatic puzzle during COVID-19

Abstract Introduction The evolving COVID-19 pandemic became a hallmark in human history, not only by changing lifestyles, but also by enriching scientific knowledge on viral infection and its consequences. Objective Although the management of cardiorespiratory changes is pivotal to a favorable prognosis during severe clinical findings, dysregulation of other systems caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection may imbalance erythrocyte dynamics, such as a bidirectional positive feedback loop pathophysiology. Method and Results Recent evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 is capable of affecting the genetics and dynamics of erythrocytes and this coexists with a non-homeostatic function of cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems during COVID-19. In hypothesis, SARS-CoV-2-induced systematical alterations of erythrocytes dynamics would constitute a setpoint for COVID-19-related multiple organ failure syndrome and death. Conclusion The present review covers the most frequent erythrocyte-related non-homeostatic findings during COVID-19 capable of providing mechanistic clues of SARS-CoV-2-induced infection and inspiring therapeutic-oriented scientific evidence.

In vitro and in silico evaluation of the schistosomicidal activity of eugenol derivatives using biochemical, molecular, and morphological tools

Background Eugenol shows both antibacterial and antiparasitic activities, suggesting that it might be evaluated as an option for the treatment of praziquantel-resistant schistosome. Methods The in vitro activities of three eugenol derivatives (FB1, FB4 and FB9) on adult worms from Schistosoma mansoni were examined by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy to analyze effects on the excretory system and integument damage, respectively. Biochemical tests with verapamil (a calcium channel antagonist) and ouabain (a Na+/K+-ATPase pump inhibitor) were used to characterize eugenol derivative interactions with calcium channels and the Na+/K+-ATPase, while in silico analysis identified potential Na+/K+-ATPase binding sites. Results The compounds showed effective doses (ED50) of 0.324 mM (FB1), 0.167 mM (FB4), and 0.340 mM (FB9). In addition, FB4 (0.322 mM), which showed the lowest ED50, ED90 and ED100 (p < 0.05), caused the most damage to the excretory system and integument, according to both fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The death of adult worms was delayed by ouabain treatment plus FB1 (192 versus 72 hours) and FB9 (192 versus 168 hours), but the response to FB4 was the same in the presence or absence of ouabain. Besides, no changes were noted when all of the eugenol derivatives were combined with verapamil. Moreover, FB1 and FB9 inhibited Na+/K+-ATPase activity according to in silico analysis but FB4 did not show a time-dependent relationship and may act on targets other than the parasite Na+/K+-ATPase. Conclusion Eugenol derivatives, mainly FB4 when compared to FB1 and FB9, seem to act more effectively on the integument of adult S. mansoni worms.(AU)

Extract of the Bark of Bathysa cuspidataAttenuates the Development of Chemically-Induced Preneoplastic Colorectal Lesions in Rats

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the bark extractBathysa cuspidata on chemically induced preneoplastic colorectal lesions in Wistar rats. Forty male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 each): saline (control group, oral administration of saline solution 0.9%); dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO, vehicle control), B200 (treated with 200 mg/kg bark extract ofB. cuspidata), and B400 (treated with 400 mg/kg bark extract ofB. cuspidata). Administration of treatments was carried out by the gavage. The animals received four subcutaneous injections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, 40 mg/kg) in the initial two weeks of the experiment to induce preneoplastic colorectal lesions. After 15 weeks, the animals were euthanized and the presence of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), body weight, biochemical analyses, and oxidative stress markers were measured. The extract ofB. cuspidata decreased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), but did not influence the levels of catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide or protein carbonyl, compared with the saline group. The animals supplemented with a more concentratedB. cuspidata extract (B400) showed a significant reduction in the number of ACF in all the portions of the intestinal mucosa. The study demonstrated that the bark extract ofB. cuspidata at 400 mg/kg reduced the preneoplastic colorectal lesions in an animal model of colon cancer and that the effect could be dose-dependent.

Uso do extrato de folhas de Mangifera indica L. e da mangiferina na lesão aterosclerótica em camundongos ApoE-/- / Use of Mangifera indica L. leaves extract and mangiferin on the atherosclerotic lesion in ApoE-/- mice

As folhas de Mangifera indica L são importantes como fonte de compostos fenólicos, especialmente mangiferina, que apresentam propriedades antidiabética, hipolipemiante, antioxidante e anti-inflamatória. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do extrato etanólico de folhas de M. indica e da mangiferina isolada sobre a lesão aterosclerótica em camundongos ApoE-/-. Métodos: Camundongos ApoE-/- com 15 semanas de idade foram divididos aleatoriamente em 4 grupos de acordo com o tratamento, por gavagem, durante 56 dias: controle (veículo, dimetil sulfóxido); E200 (200 mg/kg/dia de extrato da folha de M. indica), E400 (400 mg/kg/dia de extrato da folha de M. indica); M40 (40 mg/kg/dia de mangiferina). Parâmetros sanguíneos foram dosados utilizando-se kits enzimáticos e as lesões ateroscleróticas foram avaliadas pelo método en face. Resultados: O extrato seco apresentou 17% de mangiferina. Os níveis sanguíneos de colesterol total, frações HDLc e LDLc e triacilgliceróis, bem como o percentual de deposição lipídica no arco aórtico e aorta torácica não diferiram significativamente entre os grupos (p>0,05). Conclusão: A administração do extrato de folhas de M. indica e da mangiferina em camundongos ApoE-/- não afetou a lipidemia e não diminuiu as lesões ateroscleróticas pré-existentes.

Mangifera indica L leaf are an important source of phenolic compounds, especially mangiferin, that exhibits antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mangiferin and ethanolic extract of M. indica leaf on atherosclerotic lesions in mice ApoE-/-. Methods: Fifteenweek- old ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the treatment giving by gavage during 56 days: control - vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide); E200 - 200 mg/kg/day M. indica leaf extract; E400 - 400 mg/kg/day M. indica leaf extract, M40 - 40 mg/kg/day mangiferin. Administrations of vehicle, extracts and mangiferin were performed every day by gavage during 8 weeks. Blood parameters were measured using enzymatic kits and atherosclerotic lesions were evaluated by en face method. Results: The dired extract showed 17% of mangiferin. Total cholesterol, HDLc, LDLc and triglycerides blood levels, as well as the percentage of lipid deposition in the aortic arch and thoracic aorta were not significantly different between the groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion: The administration of M. indica leaf extract and mangiferin in ApoE-/- mice did not affect serum lipids and did not decreased pre-existing atherosclerotic lesions

Bark Extract of Bathysa cuspidata in the Treatment of Liver Injury Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bark extract Bathysa cuspidata (BCE) in the reconstitution of hepatic parenchyma and stroma after dysfunction induced by the CCl4. Liver lesions were induced by intraperitoneal administration of CCl4 (1 mL/kg) every 48 h for 12 days. The animals were treated with B. cuspidata extract (BCE) administered by gavage for another 12 days. Forty-nine rats were randomized into seven treatment groups with seven animals receiving CCl4, BCE (200, or 400 mg/kg) and the vehicle DMSO alone, or in different combinations. The extract alone showed no evidence of hepatic toxicity. In general, rats acutely exposed to CCl4 without the treatment with BCE presented high ALT and AST serum levels and high tissue content of lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, and lipid droplets. BCE administration, especially at 400 mg/kg attenuated significantly all these parameters. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly increased in the groups receiving this extract. These results showed that the extract of B. cuspidata stem bark stimulated the antioxidant defense system and reduced the morphological and functional liver damage in Wistar rats previously exposed to CCl4.

Análise dos deslocamentos do disco articular da articulação temporomandibular: revisão de literatura, critérios e exame / Analysis of articular disk displacement of temporomandibular joint: review, criteria and examination

As desordens funcionais da articulação temporomandibular são provavelmente os achados mais comuns em pacientes com desordem mastigatória. O deslocamento do disco articular é a artropatia da ATM mais comum e é caracterizada por vários estágios de disfunção clínica, que envolvem a relação côndilo-disco. O deslocamento de disco com redução é caracterizado por uma relação anormal oumau alinhamento do disco articular e do côndilo, que vai levar a um travamento da mandíbula. Neste processo pode ocorrer o clickarticular ou estalo, durante a abertura da boca, mostrando que o disco foi reduzido. Esta condição pode vir ou não acompanhada de dor e se evoluir e tornar-se crônica, passa de deslocamento de disco com redução para sem redução, onde o disco fica permanentemente numa posição anteriorizada, impedindo o movimento normal do côndilo. O deslocamento de disco sem redução é acompanhado dehipomobilidade mandibular e dor articular ao realizar os movimentosde abrir e fechar a boca. O tratamento conservador nesses casos tem obtido bons resultados na melhora da função mastigatória e na redução da dor. evitando assim o uso de procedimentos cirúrgicos.

The functional disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are probably the most common findings in patients with difficulties in mastication. The most common arthropathy of TMJis the articular disk displacement of the joint and is characterized by several stages of clinical dysfunction that involve the condyle-disk relationship. The disk displacement with reduction is characterized by abnormal relationship or improper alignment between the joint disk and condyle, which will lead to jaw locking. In this processthe joint click or snap can occur, during the opening of the mouth, showing that the disk was reduced. This condition can or not be followed by pain and, if it evolves and become chronic, it passesfrom disk displacement with reduction to non-reduction, in which the disc is permanently in a back position, hindering the normal movement of the condyle. The non-reduction disc displacement is followed by jaw hipomobility and pain in joint when carrying through the movements to open and to close the mouth. Theconservative treatment in these cases obtained good results in theimprovement of the masticatory function and in the reduction ofpain, thus preventing the use of surgical procedures.

Analysis of masseter muscle tension through electromyography among residents of the city of Buenos Aires - Argentina

This study aimed at collecting data of masseter myofascial tension, related to the joint hyperactivity by electromyography activity of masseter muscle at rest, isotonic and isometric chewing. 08 patients living in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, volunteers, aged between 22 and 62 years, both sexes were evaluated. The electromyography data collection at rest had reported that 50% showed differences in masseter muscle tension increased in the left for the right masseter; in isometric contraction, 50% had a difference in masseter tension right; in isotonic contraction 62.5% there was a difference in increased tension in the left masseter. Anthropometry of the face was suggested, where 25% showed significant variance of 01 cm of discrepancy on the right, in relation to the left. It is possible in the future, an early diagnosis and treatment, thus avoiding a source of pain, speech disorders and problems in the mastication system. For this we need to establish a direct follow-up control of at least one year after the treatment strategy.

Influência do laser arseneto de gálio-alumínio em feridas cutâneas de ratos / Influence of gallium-aluminum arsenide laser in the cutaneous wounds in wistar rats

Objetivo: O presente estudo avaliou o efeito do laser arseneto de gálio-alumínio (GaAsAl) 830nm(30j/cm²) e da pomada Dersani® no processo cicatricial cutâneo de ratos wistar, em relação à proliferação fibroblástica e revascularização. Material e métodos: Foram utilizados 18 ratos wistar adultos jovens, machos, com peso médio de 324 g, provenientes do Biotério do Centro de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Viçosa. Foram feitas cinco feridas de 12 mm no dorso dos animais utilizando bisturi. Os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos, cada grupo com seis animais: Grupo 1: Controle - os animais tiveram a ferida tratada com salina, Grupo 2:Feridas tratados com laser GaAsAl (830nm) 30J/cm² e Grupo 3: Feridas tratadas com Dersani®. As aplicações foram feitas diariamente durante 20 dias de experimento. O material para análise histológica foi corado com hematoxilina-eosina (HE), fotografados e analisados por meio do programa Image Pro-plus®, por contagem de pontos sob células de interesse. Resultados: Foi observado maior número de fibroblastos nos grupos tratados com o laser GaAsAl e com a pomada Dersani®, quando comparados ao controle no quarto dia do experimento. No entanto, no oitavo dia o grupo tratado com laser apresentou um número significativamente menor de fibroblastos, quando comparado ao controle e ao Dersani®. Em relação à revascularização foi observada diferença significativa entre o laser e o Dersani® no oitavo dia de experimento, em que o Dersani® se mostrou mais efetivo na formação de vasos sanguíneos. Conclusão: O grupo tratado com o laser GaAsAl no quarto dia aumentou significativamente a quantidade de fibroblastos quando comparado ao controle.

Objective: The present work evaluates the effect of the gallium-aluminum arsenide (GaAsAl) (30j/cm²) laser and ointment DersaniTM, on the cutaneous cicatricial process the wistar rats, in respect of fibroblast proliferation and revascularization. Materials and methods: The study made use of 18 wistar rats, young adults, males, with medium weight of 324 g, from the animal house of Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (Health and Biological Sciences Center) of Universidade Federal de Viçosa, MG, Brazil. Five 12 mm wounds were made in the dorsal region of the rats using scalpel blades. Animals were separated in 3 groups, each one with six animals. Group 1: Control - Animals had the wound treated with saline; Group 2: Wound treated with GaAsAl (30J/cm²) laser; and Group 3: wound treated with DersaniTM. The applications were made daily during 20 days of experiment. The material for histological analyses was stained with hematoxilin-eosin (HE), photographed and analyzed using the program Image Pro-plusTM through enumeration of points under the cells of interest. Results: It was observed an increase in the number of fibroblasts in the groups treated with GaAsAl 30J/cm² and with DersaniTM ointment when compared to controls in the fourth day of experiment. However, in the eighth day the group treated with laser presented a significant reduced number of fibroblasts when compared to control and DersaniTM groups. In relation to revascularization, significant differences between laser and DersaniTM were observed in the eighth day of the experiment, where to DersaniTM showed to be more effective in the formation of blood vessels. Conclusion: The group GaAsAl laser on the fourth day, there was a significantly greater quantity of fibroblasts compared to control group.

Influência do laser arseneto de gálio e arseneto de gálio-alumínio e pomada cicatrizante sobre leucócitos sanguíneos de ratos Wistar após lesão cutânea / Influence of the gallium arsenide laser and gallium aluminum arsenide laser and healing ointment on blood leukocytes in Wistar rats after cutaneous lesion

O presente estudo avaliou os efeitos do laser arseneto de gálio-alumínio (GaAsAl), do laser arseneto de gálio (GaAs) e pomada cicatrizante DersaniÒ sobre leucócitos sanguíneos após realização de feridas cutâneas em ratos Wistar. Os parâmetros analisados foram os valores hematológicos dos animais. Foram utilizados 30 ratos Wistar, adultos jovens, machos, provenientes da Universidade Federal de Viçosa. Cinco feridas de 12 mm foram feitas na região dorsal do ratos. Os animais foram separados em 5 grupos, com 6 animais cada. Grupo 1: animais tratados com o laser GaAs (4J/cm2), grupo 2: laser GaAsAl (30J/cm2), grupo 3: laser GaAsAl (60J/cm2), grupo 4: foi usada pomada DersaniÒ grupo 5: solução salina (controle). As aplicações foram feitas diariamente durante 20 dias. Foi coletado sangue no primeiro e último dia do experimento e foi armazenado com anticoagulante. A contagem global de leucócitos foi feita utilizando câmera de Neubauer. A contagem diferencial foi feita através de esfregaço após coloração com Giemsa. A contagem global de leucócitos nos diferentes tratamentos não apresentou diferença significativa, exceto nos animais tratados com DersaniÒ em que houve aumento significativo no número de monócitos. Os tratamentos com salina e Laser GaAsAl 30J/cm2 também apresentaram aumento no número de neutrófilos.

This study evaluated the effect of the gallium aluminum arsenide laser (GaAsAl), gallium arsenide laser (GaAs) and healing ointment Dersani® on blood leukocytes after performing cutaneous incision in Wistar rats. The analyzed parameters were the hematological values of the animals. 30 Wistar rats, young, adults, males, from Federal University of Viçosa, MG were used. Five incisions (12 mm long) were made in the dorsal region of the rats. The animals were divided into five groups, with six animals each. Group 1: animals treated with the GaAs laser (4J/cm2); Group 2: GaAsAl laser (30 J/cm2); Group 3: GaAsAl laser (60 J/cm2); Group 4: the DersaniÒ ointment was used; Group 5: saline solution (control). Therapy was applied daily for a period of 20 days. Blood samplings were carried out on the first and last day of the experiment and stored with anticoagulant. Total leukocytes count was performed using a Neubauer camera. Differential counts of Giemsa-stained smears were made. Total leukocytes count did not show significant difference in any treatment, except in the animals treated with Dersani® that a significant increase in monocytes number was found. The treatment with saline and the GaAsAl (30 J/cm2) laser showed also an increase in the number of neutrophils.