Immunostimulating activity of Uncaria tomentosa in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Uncaria tomentosa is a plant native to the Amazon that has immunomodulatory and antitumor properties due to the alkaloids found in the plant, being able to modify the immune response by potentiating or suspending the action of cytokines secreted by macrophages that induce the immune response, either by the classical route (M1) or through the alternative route (M2). Macrophages activated by M1 convert L-arginine into L-citrulline and nitric oxide (NO), whereas macrophages activated by the M2 pathway use the enzymatic activity of arginase to convert the same substrate into L-ornithine and urea. The aim of this work was to evaluate the immunostimulating activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract from the bark of the U. tomentosa stem in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Concentrations of 0.2, 0.1 and 0.05 mg/mL of U. tomentosa extract associated with LPS, INF-γ and IL-4 inducers were tested by determining NO production and arginase enzyme activity. Nitric oxide production was enhanced by the extract when associated with LPS and LPS + INF-γ inducers. In the activity of the arginase enzyme, the extract decreased the stimulation of IL-4 on the enzyme, mainly at 0.2 mg/mL concentration. Therefore, it is concluded that the crude hydroalcoholic extract of the stem bark of U. tomentosa in RAW 264.7 cells, at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL, showed considerable pro-inflammatory activity.

A heparin mimetic isolated from a marine shrimp suppresses neovascularization.

BACKGROUND: Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the main cause of severe visual loss in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Heparin/heparan sulfate are known to play important roles in neovascularization due to their abilities to bind and modulate angiogenic growth factors and cytokines. Previously, we have isolated from marine shrimp a heparin-like compound with striking anti-inflammatory action and negligible anticoagulant and hemorrhagic activities. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of this novel heparin-like compound in angiogenic processes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The anti-angiogenic effect of this heparinoid in laser-induced CNV and in vitro models is reported. The compound binds to growth factors (FGF-2, EGF and VEGF), blocks endothelial cell proliferation and shows no cytotoxic effect. The decrease in proliferation is not related to cell death either by apoptosis or secondary necrosis. The results also showed that the heparinoid modified the 2-D network organization in capillary-like structures of endothelial cells in Matrigel and reduced the CNV area. The effect on CNV area correlates with decreases in the levels of VEGF and TGF-ß1 in the choroidal tissue. The low content of 2-O-sulfate groups in this heparinoid may explain its potent anti-angiogenic effect. CONCLUSIONS: The properties of the shrimp heparinoid, such as potent anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory activities but insignificant anticoagulant or hemorrhagic actions, point to this compound as a compelling drug candidate for treating neovascular AMD and other angioproliferative diseases. A mechanism for the anti-angiogenic effect of the heparinoid is proposed.

Avaliacao de um programa de estimulo ao aleitamento materno. / Evaluation of 2 breast feeding stimulating program

Os autores apresentam um programa de estimulo ao aleitamento materno instituto no Hospital Universitario Regional do Norte do Parana, em Londrina desde 1977. O programa inclui alojamento conjunto, orientacao no bercario, retorno precoce em ambulatorio e enfase nas orientacoes sobre aleitamento materno no programa de puericultura. Avaliam os resultados obtidos com 257 maes de criancas de dois a 12 meses, submetidas as orientacoes deste programa.Concluem que houve um aumento do indice de aleitamento materno das criancas atendidas no Hospital Universitario de Londrina comparado com dados anteriores. Comentam, no entanto, que esse aumento nao deve ser atribuido unicamente a acao do programa de estimulo ao aleitamento materno, mas tambem a outras fatores

Open multicentre clinical trial of diftalone in osteoarthrosis.

An open, multicentre trial was carried out in 140 patients with coxarthroxis and/or gonarthrosis to assess the effectiveness of treatment with diftalone. The trial lasted 4 weeks with a drug dosage decreasing from 1000 mg (Week 1) to 750 mg (Week 2), and to 500 mg (Weeks 3 and 4). In almost all of the objective and subjective assessments used for the measurement of effectiveness there was a statistically significant improvement with treatment, which was dose related, the greatest improvement being seen during the first week. Tolerance of treatment was assessed as good in the majority of patients and again, side-effects appeared to be dose related.

Clinical evaluation of d-2-(6'-methoxy-2'-naphthyl)propionic acid (naproxen) in rheumatic conditions.

A double-blind, crossover trial with 40 patients suffering from classic or definite rheumatoid arthritis was undertaken to obtain a clinical evaluation of naproxen in the disease. Each patient received either naproxen (500 mg/day) or placebo for 20 days and was then switched to the other compound for 20 days. For final evaluation, 22 cases were eliminated for various reasons, leaving 18 patients: seven cases of classical rheumatoid arthritis and 11 cases of definite rheumatoid arthritis. Optimum or very good efficacy of the active compound was present in 66.6 per cent of the cases versus 11.1 per cent of the placebo group. Doubtful or nil activity was observed in 66.6 per cent of the cases receiving placebo versus 16.6 per cent for naproxen. In addition, of the 22 cases that were eliminated from the final evaluation, but which were seen for the first ten-day follow-up visit while taking the active drug, optimum or very good efficacy was seen in 13. Therefore, this trial showed that naproxen achieved antiinflammatory and analgesic activity far superior to that observed with placebo.