Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) presents pro-apoptotic activity in an Ehrlich's experimental tumor murine model

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of an ethanol extract of Ocimum basilicum L. (EEOb) aerial parts against Ehrlich's experimental tumor (EET) in mice. Methods: Swiss mice were divided into two groups (control and treated; n = 6). On day 21, all mice were inoculated subcutaneously with 2 × 106 (0.05 mL) EET cells in the left paw for solid tumor development. This study lasted 28 days. Treatment began 24 hours after inoculation with EET. Measurements of dorsoplantar thickness were used to assess tumor growth. The paw pad was collected for histopathological analysis and stained using the argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNOR) technique and immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Bcl-2 and Bax. Results: The treatment of animals with EEOb at 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally was able to reduce the growth (Control = 3.7 ± 0.1 mm vs. EEOb = 5.7 ± 0.2 mm) and the number of AgNORs of solid Ehrlich tumor. The antitumor effect of EEOb was associated with the induction of apoptosis of tumoral cell, as suggested by the reduction of the content of Bcl-2 induced by extract. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that daily administration of EEOb is able to reduce the growth of EET by induce apoptosis of tumoral cells.

Primary culture macrophages from fish as potential experimental model in toxicity studies with multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) has been broadly used in several sectors of society. This material when exposed to the environment might reach the aquatic animals and cause toxic effects. Here, it was evaluated the MWCNTs toxicity in melanomacrophages primary culture that was submitted to 1 µ gm L-1 MWCNTs for 24 hours. After exposition to MWCNT, 48 and 59% liver and spleen melanomacrophages were healthy, respectively. The control group presented 85% viability. Phagocytosis activity of melanomacrophages was observed by presence of black inclusions in cytoplasm. The findings indicate MWCNT was cytotoxic to melanomacrophages, where its release and effect into aquatic environment must be more studied. Finally, the melanomacrophages present large potential as experimental model for evaluation of carbon-based nanomaterial toxicity.

Elaboração de ação educativa sobre câncer de boca para escolares em Divinópolis, Minas Gerais: um relato de experiência / Elaboration of educational action on oral cancer for students in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais: an experience report

A ação educativa é essencial para consolidar a promoção de saúde na Atenção Primária e tem grande potencial para melhorar os índices de saúde da população, desde que planejada, elaborada e executada segundo referencial teórico consistente. Este relato de experiência descreve todo o processo de elaboração de uma ação educativa sobre câncer de boca direcionada a escolares do 7º ao 9º ano do ensino fundamental das escolas municipais de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais. Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que cada fase − planejamento, revisão de literatura, estudo-piloto com realização de pré-teste e pós-teste − foi essencial para garantir a qualidade da fase subsequente e, por conseguinte, da ação como um todo.

The educational action is essential to consolidate the health promotion in the primary care, and has great potential to improve the health indexes of the population, provided that be planned, elaborated and implemented according consistent theoretical approach. The experience report is used to describe the entire process of developing of an oral cancer educational action targeted at students from 7º to 9º year of basic education from Divinópolis, city in the state of Minas Gerais. The results of the study show that each stage ­ planning, literature review, pilot study and pre-test and post-test administered ­ was essential to ensure the quality of the subsequent stage, therefore for the action as a whole.