Periodontopathogens, Candida spp. and immunological aspects in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with chronic periodontitis

This study aimed to evaluate clinical, microbiological and immunological parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in comparison with normoglycemic patients (NDM). Glycemic and lipid profiles and periodontal clinical status were determined for thirty-three patients (17 DM and 16 NDM). The presence of periodontopathogens and species of Candida in subgingival sites were determined by polymerase chain reaction and immunological parameters by ELISA assays. All glycemic and clinical parameters evaluated were higher in the DM group, with statistical difference for fasting glucose, glycated-hemoglobin, and periodontal parameters. Lipid profile (except triglycerides), levels of TNF-α and myeloperoxidase and the prevalence of the tested microorganisms were similar between the groups, except for Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, which was higher in the DM group. In conclusion, although microbiological and immunological parameters were similar in the DM and NDM groups, periodontitis and the levels of some species of Candida were more severe in DM patients. (AU)

Therapeutic approaches for tumor necrosis factor inhibition

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) consists of an inflammatory cytokine essential for homeostasis and organism defense. Despite its physiological relevance, both increased biosynthesis and release of TNF lead to the exacerbation of inflammatory and oxidative responses, which are related to the pathogenesis of a host of diseases of an inflammatory, autoimmune and/or infectious nature. In this context, effective therapeutic approaches for the modulation of TNF have been the focus of research efforts. Approximately one million individuals worldwide have been treated with biotechnological inhibitors of this cytokine, the so-called anti-TNF biopharmaceuticals. However, given the high risk of infection and the limitations related to cost and administration routes, new therapeutic approaches aimed at biological targets that directly or indirectly modulate the production and/or activation of TNF appear promising alternatives for the discovery of new anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory orally active drugs and are therefore discussed in this paper.

O fator de necrose tumoral (do inglês, tumor necrosis factor - TNF) consiste em uma citocina inflamatória essencial para a homeostase e defesa do organismo. A despeito de sua relevância fisiológica, o aumento da biossíntese e liberação do TNF conduzem à exacerbação das respostas inflamatória e oxidativa, as quais estão relacionadas à patogênese de várias doenças de natureza inflamatória, auto-imune e/ou infecciosa. A busca por abordagens terapêuticas eficientes na modulação do TNF tem sido alvo de diversos esforços de pesquisa. Aproximadamente um milhão de pessoas ao redor do mundo já foi tratado com inibidores biotecnológicos desta citocina, os chamados biofármacos anti-TNF. Entretanto, em face ao elevado risco de infecções e as limitações relacionadas ao custo e a via de administração, novas abordagens terapêuticas com foco em alvos que modulem, de forma direta ou indireta, a produção e/ou ativação do TNF surgem como alternativas promissoras para a descoberta de novos fármacos antiinflamatórios e imunomoduladores ativos por via oral e serão discutidas neste trabalho.

Estratégias em química medicinal para o planejamento de fármacos / Strategies in medicinal chemistry to the discovery of new lead-compounds

Este artigo ilustra a aplicação das estratégias de hibridação molecular e bioisosterismo no planejamento estrutural de novos candidatos a protótipos de fármacos com propriedades analgésicas, antiiinflamatórias e antitrombóticas, com base no mecanismo de ação pretendido, explorando, inclusive, produto natural brasileiro abundante como padrão molecular básico...