Extractos vegetales de tres especies del género Baccharis inducen la proliferación de células mononucleares humanas / Plant extracts of three species of the genus Baccharis induce human mononuclear cells proliferation

Las plantas de uso en medicina tradicional constituyen una fuente importante de compuestos con actividad inmunomoduladora; entre ellas las especies del género Baccharis, conocidas popularmente como "Jaguareteka´a" en nuestro país, son ampliamente empleadas. En este estudio se evaluó la actividad inmunomoduladora de extractos metanólicos de tres especies del género Baccharis (B. trimera, B. notosergilay B. punctulata) sobre la proliferación de células mononucleares humanas de sangre periférica. Los extractos de las tres especies estudiadas estimularon la proliferación de las células mononucleares. Específicamente, el extracto de B. notosergila estimuló la proliferación celular a todas las concentraciones probadas (5, 10, 25 y 50 µg/mL), mientras que los extractos de B. trimera y B. punctulata mostraron este efecto a 5 y 10 µg/mL. Además, por presentar mayor inducción de la proliferación, se realizó un fraccionamiento con diferentes solventes del extracto metanólico de B. notosergila y B. punctulata. La fracción de acetato de etilo de ambos extractos vegetales aumentó la proliferación celular, sugiriendo que compuestos de polaridad media son los responsables de esta actividad. Estos resultados demuestran que los extractos de B. trimera, B. notosergila y B. punctulata poseen actividad inmunomoduladora sobre células mononucleares humanas y servirán de base a otros estudios para determinar el o los componentes activos de los extractos sobre el sistema inmune(AU)

Plants used in traditional medicine are an important source of compounds with immunomodulatory activity. Species of the genus Baccharis, popularly known as "Jaguareteka'a" in our country, are used in folk medicine for the treatment of liver, gastrointestinal, inflammatory and infectious diseases. In this study, we evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of methanolic extracts of three species of the genus Baccharis (B. trimera, B. notosergila and B. punctulata) on the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Extracts of the three species studied stimulated the proliferation of mononuclear cells. The extract of B. notosergila stimulated cell proliferation at all concentrations tested, while extracts of B. trimera and B. punctulata stimulated at 5 and 10 µg/mL. In addition, we carried out a separation with different solvents of the methanolic extract of B. notosergila and B. punctulata. The ethyl acetate fraction of both plant extracts induced the proliferation of immune cells. These results show that the extracts of B. trimera, B. notosergila and B. punctulata had immunomodulatory activity on human mononuclear cells. Future work will be required to identify the components responsible for the activity on the immune system(AU)

Antiarthritic activity of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.

Cynodon dactylon (L.) (Poaceae) is traditionally used herb to treat fevers, skin diseases and rheumatic affections. The ethanolic extract of C. dactylon was found to be safe at all the dose levels (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, orally) and there was no mortality up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg of extract when administered orally. C. dactylon showed significant antiarthritic activity against Freund’s complete adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. Treatment with C. dactylon significantly reduced the mean percentage change in injected and non injected paw, ankle diameter, clinical severity and significantly increased body weight. Results were confirmed using biochemical parameters; there was a significant improvement in the levels of Hb and RBC in C. dactylon treated rats. The increased levels of WBC, ESR, C- reactive protein (CRP) and TNFα were significantly suppressed in C. dactylon treated rats. C. dactylon showed protective effect in arthritic joints but it has been supported by an improvement in bone lesions rather than in cartilage lesions. It can be concluded that ethanolic extract of C. dactylon at a dose of 400 mg/kg is effective in improving haematological level, CRP and reducing TNFα level. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides in ethanolic extract. All the above results support the traditional uses of the plant in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Effects of propolis on blood biochemical and hematological parameters in nitric oxide synthase inhibited rats by N omega -Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester

This study showed the effects of propolis on biochemical and hematological parameters in chronic nitric oxide synthase inhibited rats by N [omega] -Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME]. Rats are given L-NAME for 15 days and the propolis for the last 5 days with L-NAME together. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyltransferase in the L-NAME group compared to control group have increased [P<0.05]. The levels of these parameters in L-NAME+propolis group compared to the L-NAME group have decreased [P<0.05]. L-NAME caused increase [P<0.05] in levels of glucose, albumin, globulin, creatinine, urea, triglyceride and cholesterol. Erythrocyte number, total leukocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophil and monocyte decreased [P<0.05], platelets and lymphocyte increased [P<0.05] in L-NAME+propolis group compared to the L-NAME group. The study concluded that homeostasis is modulated in L-NAME administrated rats by adding propolis which causes increasing generation of vascular nitric oxide

An experimental model to study the effects of a senna extract on the blood constituent labeling and biodistribution of a radiopharmaceutical in rats

Cassia angustifolia Vahl (senna) is a natural product that contains sennosides, which are active components that affect the intestinal tract and induce diarrhea. Authors have shown that senna produces DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) lesions in Escherichia coli cultures and can act as an antifungal agent. Natural drugs can alter the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m (99mTc) and can affect the biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals. In this work, we have evaluated the influence of a senna extract on the radiolabeling of blood constituents and on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4)in Wistar rats. Twelve animals were treated with senna extract for 7 days. Blood samples were withdrawn from the animals and the radiolabeling procedure was carried out. The senna extract did not modify the radiolabeling of the blood constituents. A biodistributional assay was performed by administering Na99mTcO4 and determining its activity in different organs and in blood. The senna extract altered the biodistribution of Na99mTcO4 in the thyroid, liver, pancreas, lungs and blood. These results are associated with properties of the chemical substances present in the aqueous senna extract. Although these assays were performed in animals, our findings suggest that caution should be exercised when nuclear medicine examinations using Na99mTcO4 are conducted in patients who are using senna extract.

Acute Effects of Intravenous Administration of Pamidronate in Patients with Osteoporosis

We investigated acute effects of intermittent large dose bisphophonate therapy in osteoporotic patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with alendronate (100 micrometer) for 18 hr, in vitro and cytokine expressions were measured by real-time RT-PCR. Pamidronate 30 mg was administered on 26 osteoporotic patients; and acute phase reactants, inflammatory cytokines and bone biomarkers were measured. The in vitro study showed significant increase in mRNA expression of IL-6, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. A notable rise in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was observed over 3 days after pamidronate infusion (P=0.026). Serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IFN-gamma were also significantly increased (P=0.009, 0.014, 0.035, respectively) and the increase in IL-6 levels were strongly correlated with CRP levels (P=0.04). Serum calcium and c-telopeptide levels rapidly decreased after the treatment (P=0.02, <0.001, respectively). This study showed that mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines at peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) level were observed within 18 hr and marked elevation of inflammatory cytokines and acute phase reactants were demonstrated after pamidronate infusion at the dose for osteoporosis. Our studies confirmed that intermittent large dose aminobisphosphonate causes acute inflammation.

effects of all-trans retinoic acid on blood cells in rat's embryo

All-trans retinoic acid [ATRA] has beneficial and teratogenicity effects when used in a variety conditions. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of ATRA on the Progenitors of red blood cell and platelets in rat's embryo. Single oral dose [100 mg/kg] of ATRA was administered to rat on gestation day [GD] 10 and fetuses were observed on GD 18 and compared with untreated group. In the experimental embryos of GD 18, the mean number of red blood cells [RBC, 10.5%] and platelets number [15%] were decreased. There was a significant relationship in RBC and platelets count. The mean diameter of RBC and nucleated red blood [NRBC] were compared in two groups. There was no significant relationship between experimental and control groups, except in NRBC diameter. Thus, the present data shows that ATRA may have negative effects on proliferation, differentiation and maturation of erythroid cells and platelets, without having any deleterious effects on the dimenation of RBC

Evaluation of the effectiveness of peracetic acid in the sterilization of dental equipment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of peracetic acid in the microbiological sterilisation of dental materials. METHODS: Peracetic acid solution was evaluated at concentrations of 800, 1500 and 2500 ppm. At these concentrations, it was determined whether peracetic acid caused corrosion to dental instruments and induced cellular mutagenicity and cytotoxicity. In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), agar diffusion and diffusion by well method, were also verified. RESULTS: The corrosion rate, calculated from potentiodynamic assays was 10(-6) cm/year, indicating that the product does not damage equipment. The sterilisation capacity of peracetic acid at 2500 ppm was the best. The comet assay indicated genotoxic activity at 2500 ppm. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of peracetic acid for sterilizing dental equipment, providing another alternative for the prevention of infections in clinics.

Cytokine Production by Whole Blood Cells: Relationship to Interleukin Gene Polymorphism and Bone Mass

The aims of this study were to investigate the relationships between the production of interleukin-1 (IL-1), and IL-6 system by whole blood cells, and bone mineral density (BMD), and polymorphisms in IL-1 system and IL-6 gene in postmenopausal Korean women. The production of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-6, and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6r) by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated whole blood cells was measured by ELISA in 110 subjects. Serum osteocalcin, C-telopeptide of type I collagen, and BMD at lumbar spine and proximal femur were measured. IL-1alphaC(-889)T polymorphism, IL-1beta C(-511)T polymorphism, 86-base pair variable number tandem repeat polymorphism in the IL-1ra gene, and IL-6 C(-634)G polymorphism were analyzed. The production of IL-1beta correlated positively with BMD at femoral neck, whereas the production of other ILs did not correlate with BMD at the skeletal sites examined. No significant differences in the production of ILs were observed among normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic postmenopausal women, and among the different IL system polymorphisms groups studied. No correlation between bone turnover markers and the production of ILs was noted. In conclusion IL-1beta may regulate bone metabolism at femoral neck, and the IL system polymorphism do not affect the production of ILs by whole blood cells.

Early human safety study of turmeric oil (Curcuma longa oil) administered orally in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: Turmeric extract and turmeric oil have shown chemoprotective effect against chemically-induced malignancies in experimental animals. They can reverse precancerous changes in oral submucous fibrosis in humans. The use of turmeric or Curcuma longa Linn as a spice and household remedy has been known to be safe for centuries. In view of the long term administration required for cancer prevention a Phase I clinical trial of turmeric oil (TO) was designed to study the safety and tolerance of TO in volunteers for a period of 3 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine healthy volunteers between 20 and 33 years of age were tested for haemoglobin, blood counts, liver and kidney functions, bleeding and clotting time and serum electrolytes initially and at 1 and 3 months of treatment. They were administered 0.6 ml of TO three times a day for 1 month and 1 ml in 3 divided doses for 2 months. The acute tolerability study on Day 1 was conducted in a Clinical Pharmacology daycare Unit. Blood pressure and pulse were recorded frequently on Day 1 and at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours and fortnightly till 12 weeks. Volunteers were daily supervised for TO intake as well as for any side effects throughout the study period. RESULTS: Nine volunteers were enrolled for the study. One discontinued on 3rd day for allergic skin rashes which, on discontinuation of TO, gradually disappeared by two weeks. Another discontinued on 7th day for intercurrent fever requiring antibiotic treatment. Seven volunteers completed the study. There was no effect of TO, in two doses, on pulse and blood pressure and no side effects in acute tolerability study on Day 1. There was no effect of TO intake on weight, blood pressure, symptoms and signs upto 12 weeks. There was no clinical, haematological, renal or hepatic-toxicity of TO at 1 month and 3 months. Serum lipids did not show significant change except in one volunteer (reversible). CONCLUSIONS: In view of the potential for reversing oral submucous fibrosis, a precancerous condition for oral cancer, TO, can be recommended directly for a Phase II trial in patients.

dependent effects of isosorbide dinitrate on the antioxidant profile in blood cells of IHD patients

The beneficial effects of organic nitrates in ischemic heart diseases have been known since 1867, but it is only recently that it became fully recognized that they act by releasing nitric oxide in the vascular wall, perhaps substituting for a lack in endogenous nitrate. It is possible that nitric oxide radical [NO] in high concentrations can, at least theoretically, have adverse influences on the antioxidant profile of human blood cells [Erythrocytes and Leukocytes]. The effects of various doses of isosorbide dinitrate [ISDN] in inducing a stste of oxidative stress in blood cells which may be reflected in changes in the following parameters: [Cytosolic glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes activities] were examined, and it is found that, a dose dependent increase in lipid peroxidation and a depletion of cytosolic glutathione was occurred, with subsequent alterathions in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes [glutathione-S- transferase [GST], glutathione reductase [GSR], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], Superoxide dismutase [SOD] and Catalase [CAT]]. These results reflect worsening effects of the state of oxidative stress previously induced by ischemic changes in the myocardium.

Comparative study on the effects of a steroidal and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs on blood picture and biochemical factors of sheep

In this study, 10 sheep from Shiraz Veterinary School Animal Husbandary Unit were used. Animal's body weight ranged from 40 to 63 Kgs and their age was from 2-4 years old. Before the start of experiment, three blood samples were taken from the jugular vein. These animals were divided into two groups of 5 animals each. Group I was control and group II as experimental one. In experimental group non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug [phenylbutazone] was injected intramusculary for 5 days [4.4 mg/kg]. Blood samples were collected every day for 12 days and blood parameters were determined. Following 2 months rest, the same experiment was repeated with a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [isoflupredone acetate]. The drug was given [0.1 mg/kg] intramuscularly [IM]. All samples were analysed and the results were compared statistically. In phenylbutazone group WBC increased 12.5%, Hb 1.4%, MCHC 0.4% and cholesterol 10.5%, significantly [p<0.05]. In contrast, BUN decreased 1.3%, calcium 1.6%, inorganic phosphate 7.1%, sodium 2% and potassium 22.7%, significantly [p<0.05]. In isoflupredone acetate group W.B.C. increased 19.6%, neutrophil 17.9%, cholesterol 45.6%, calcium 45.8%, inorganic phosphate 11.9% and sodium 0.6%, significantly [p<0.05]. In contrast, monocytes decreased 34.3%, eosinophils 68.2%, lymphocytes 14.3%, total protein 4%, BUN 22.9% and potassium 6.6%, significantly [p<0.05]

Methotrexate in psoriatic arthritis.

Thirty three patients with psoriatic arthritis were treated with starting dose of 7.5 mg of methotrexate orally, every week for a period of 6 months to 7 years (mean 2.2 years) along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The dose of methotrexate during the course of therapy ranged 5 to 15 mg/week (mean 7.8 mg). There was complete to partial remission in arthritis and psoriatic skin lesions in 94% (31) patients. No response was noticed in 2 patients. Regular monitoring of haematological, renal and liver function tests was done. No significant side effects of the drug, requiring discontinuation of the therapy, were seen during the treatment. Methotrexate can be used early in the course of psoriatic arthritis with good results.

Effects of melatonin on blood cells

Daily subcutaneous injection of melatonin in a dose of 200 ug [0.5 ml] for seven days in one group of rats and for twenty-one days in another group produced an increase in the total number of WBCs, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils. These changes were marked in the twenty-one days treated group of rats. In seven days treated group, melatonin produced an increase in RBCs count and PCV% associated with a decrease in MCH and MCHC. In twenty-one days treated group, melatonin decreased PCV, Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC. These findings suggested an immunostimulatory role for melatonin

Effect of propranolol hydrochloride on blood cell lipids in relation to partition coefficient and biological activity.

Considering the high lipophilicity of propranolol (log P = 3.56), its interactions with the cell membrane lipids of goat blood have been investigated. It is observed that lipid loss after incubation of blood cells with propranolol hydrochloride in salt glucose medium for varying periods of time was accompanied with significant increases in PUFAs. Amongst the PUFAs studied the omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, the two important precursors of eicosenoids, have shown increase in varying amounts. This phenomenon is presumably responsible for the significant cardiovascular activity of this drug.

Effects of norethisterone enanthate on certain body functions.

Effects of Norethisterone Enanthate (an injectable contraceptive) on body weight, blood pressure, blood cell count, level of haemoglobin, fasting blood sugar and serum cholesterol were studied in 31 women. It was observed that in the successful acceptors the pregnancy rate was nil. No appreciable change could be found in the body functions studied.