Osteogenic activity of cyclodextrin-encapsulated doxycycline in a calcium phosphate PCL and PLGA composite.

Composites of biodegradable polymers and calcium phosphate are bioactive and flexible, and have been proposed for use in tissue engineering and bone regeneration. When associated with the broad-spectrum antibiotic doxycycline (DOX), they could favor antimicrobial action and enhance the action of osteogenic composites. Composites of polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and a bioceramic of biphasic calcium phosphate Osteosynt® (BCP) were loaded with DOX encapsulated in ß-cyclodextrin (ßCD) and were evaluated for effects on osteoblastic cell cultures. The DOX/ßCD composite was prepared with a double mixing method. Osteoblast viability was assessed with methyl tetrazolium (MTT) assays after 1day, 7day, and 14days of composite exposure; alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and collagen production were evaluated after 7days and 14days, and mineral nodule formation after 14days. Composite structures were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Osteoblasts exposed to the composite containing 25µg/mL DOX/ßCD had increased cell proliferation (p<0.05) compared to control osteoblast cultures at all experimental time points, reaching a maximum in the second week. AP activity and collagen secretion levels were also elevated in osteoblasts exposed to the DOX/ßCD composite (p<0.05 vs. controls) and reached a maximum after 14days. These results were corroborated by Von Kossa test results, which showed strong formation of mineralization nodules during the same time period. SEM of the composite material revealed a surface topography with pore sizes suitable for growing osteoblasts. Together, these results suggest that osteoblasts are viable, proliferative, and osteogenic in the presence of a DOX/ßCD-containing BCP ceramic composite.

In vitro antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility of propolis containing nanohydroxyapatite.

The high number of biomaterial associated infections demands new strategies to prevent this problem. In this study the suitability of nanohydroxyapatite (nanoHA)-based surfaces containing two Brazilian extracts of propolis (green and red ones) to prevent bacterial growth and biofilm formation, as well as its non-cytotoxic nature, was investigated. Optical density, colony forming units and MTT reduction assay were used to assess the materials' antibacterial activity against planktonic and sessile growth of Staphylococcus aureus. NanoHA matrix was able to absorb both types of propolis and the obtained results revealed the antibacterial effectiveness of the novel materials expressed as the reduction of bacterial growth and biofilm formation ability. Additionally, cell culture tests showed the growth of fibroblasts with high metabolic activity and without membrane damage. Therefore, these nanoHA-based surfaces containing natural products deriving from bees may be a promising bioactive biomaterial to be further studied with the aim of application to orthopaedic or dental devices.

Cyclodextrin modulates the cytotoxic effects of chlorhexidine on microrganisms and cells in vitro.

Although several studies have shown that chlorhexidine (Cx) has bactericidal activity and exerts toxic effects on periodontal tissues a few studies evaluated mechanisms to reduce its adverse effects maintaining the antimicrobial properties. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activity and cellular cytotoxicity of Cx included on cyclodextrins (Cd), α, ß or Hp-ß-cyclodextrins (Hp-ß-Cd). The influence of Cds was determined by increasing its molar rate 1:1 to 1:4 in relation with free Cx. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for Candida albicans, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans actinomycemcomitans and Streptococcus mutans were determined. An ergosterol solubilization assay was carried out using the C. albicans model and osteoblasts, fibroblasts and tumoral Caco-2 cells for cytotoxicity assay. The antimicrobial activity results in a significant growth inhibition of C. albicans when it was treated with Cx:α-Cd complexes, whereas Cx:ß-Cd was more effective for A. actinomycetemcomitans, and Cx:Hp-ß-Cd complexes was for S. mutans when compared to the other complexes. The cytotoxicity for fibroblasts and osteoblasts decreased in relation with each kind of Cd been ß-Cd ≤ Hp-ß-Cd ≤ α-Cd. Although the Hp-ß-Cd inclusion complexes had more severe effects on Caco-2 cells, all complexes exhibited less cytotoxicity than free Cx. The α-Cd, ß-Cd and Hp-ß-Cd increase the antimicrobial activity of Cx, but decrease its cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells. Taken together these findings suggest that cyclodextrins are a tool for modulation of effects of Cx. It could be useful to design Cx/Cd delivery systems with high efficacy and minimum cytotoxic effects.

Highly symmetriaal crystallization in six rectiinear and well-defined axes fouund in bovine cervical mucus obtained at oestrus: a finding / Cristaización alltamene simétrica con seis ejes rectilíneos y bien deefinidos hallada en moco cervical bovino obtenido en estro

Bovine cervical mucus (BCM) is important for selection and transport of spermatozoa. When air-dried, BCM obtained at oestrus exhibits arborescent crystallizations, among other arrangements. Considering the relevant endocrine and reproductive information indirectly obtained from BCM crystallization, a morphological investigation was carried out to study its crystalline patterns. BCM samples were collected from healthy Holstein Friesian heifers at oestrus, their crystalline patterns photographed and its morphology analyzed. The majority of the crystallizations obtained showed the typical tree-like patterns reported for BCM. However, a highly symmetrical arrangement was found, characterized by a star-like morphology with six straight, highly defined axes that protrude from the same central point, forming 60º angles. In terms of current knowledge, this short report is the first to show this crystallization geometry in BCM, which, additionally, is remarkably similar to P6B mucus reported for periovulatory human cervical mucus. Even though the role of mucus presenting this type of crystallization is as yet unknown for bovines, its possible functions are also briefly discussed here.

El moco cervical bovino es importante para la selección y el transporte espermático. El moco, obtenido durante el estro y secado al aire, exhibe cristalizaciones con formas principalmente arborescentes. Considerando la importante información endocrina y reproductiva que es posible obtener a partir de la cristalización del moco cervical, se efectuó una investigación morfológica con el propósito de estudiar sus patrones cristalinos. Las muestras de moco se obtuvieron de novillas Holstein Friesian en estro; posteriormente, los patrones de cristalización del moco fueron fotografiados para finalmente analizar su morfología. Las cristalizaciones obtenidas correspondieron a típicos patrones arboriformes previamente reportados. Sin embargo, lo que llamó la atención fue el hallazgo de un arreglo altamente simétrico en una novilla, caracterizado por una morfología similar a estrella con seis ejes rectos, bien definidos, que surgen desde el mismo punto central y forman ángulos de 60º. Según nuestro conocimiento, esta comunicación breve reporta por primera vez la presencia de dicha geometría de cristalización en vaquillas, la cual es muy semejante al patrón cristalino subtipo P6 reportado para el moco cervical perioBvulatorio humano. Si bien el rol ejercido por este tipo de cristalización de moco aún se desconoce en bovinos, se discuten aquí sus posibles funciones.

Chlorhexidine: beta-cyclodextrin inhibits yeast growth by extraction of ergosterol

Chlorhexidine (Cx) augmented with beta-cyclodextrin (β-cd) inclusion compounds, termed Cx:β-cd complexes, have been developed for use as antiseptic agents. The aim of this study was to examine the interactions of Cx:β-cd complexes, prepared at different molecular ratios, with sterol and yeast membranes. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against the yeast Candida albicans (C.a.) was determined for each complex; the MICs were found to range from 0.5 to 2 µg/mL. To confirm the MIC data, quantitative analysis of viable cells was performed using trypan blue staining. Mechanistic characterization of the interactions that the Cx:β-cd complexes have with the yeast membrane and assessment of membrane morphology following exposure to Cx:β-cd complexes were performed using Sterol Quantification Method analysis (SQM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SQM revealed that sterol extraction increased with increasing β-cd concentrations (1.71 × 10³; 1.4 × 10³; 3.45 × 10³, and 3.74 × 10³ CFU for 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4, respectively), likely as a consequence of membrane ergosterol solubilization. SEM images demonstrated that cell membrane damage is a visible and significant mechanism that contributes to the antimicrobial effects of Cx:β-cd complexes. Cell disorganization increased significantly as the proportion of β-cyclodextrin present in the complex increased. Morphology of cells exposed to complexes with 1:3 and 1:4 molar ratios of Cx:β-cd were observed to have large aggregates mixed with yeast remains, representing more membrane disruption than that observed in cells treated with Cx alone. In conclusion, nanoaggregates of Cx:β-cd complexes block yeast growth via ergosterol extraction, permeabilizing the membrane by creating cluster-like structures within the cell membrane, possibly due to high amounts of hydrogen bonding.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the biocompatibility of a calcium phosphate/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) composite.

This study assess the effects of bioceramic and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) composite (BCP/PLGA) on the viability of cultured macrophages and human dental pulp fibroblasts, and we sought to elucidate the temporal profile of the reaction of pulp capping with a composite of bioceramic of calcium phosphate and biodegradable polymer in the progression of delayed dentine bridge after (30 and 60 days) in vivo. Histological evaluation of inflammatory infiltrate and dentin bridge formation were performed after 30 and 60 days. There was similar progressive fibroblast growth in all groups and the macrophages showed viability. The in vivo study showed that of the three experimental groups: BCP/PLGA composite, BCP and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)(2)) dentin bridging was the most prevalent (90 %) in the BCP/PLGA composite after 30 days, mild to moderate inflammatory response was present throughout the pulp after 30 days. After 60 days was observed dentine bridging in 60 % and necrosis in 40 %, in both groups. The results indicate that understanding BCP/PLGA composite is biocompatible and by the best tissue response as compared to calcium hydroxide in direct pulp capping may be important in the mechanism of delayed dentine bridge after 30 and 60 days.

Assessment of the effect of testosterone on the acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa.

In the acrosome reaction, the spermatozoon plasma membrane fuses with the outer acrosomal membrane, resulting in the release of the acrosomal content. Several compounds, such as sex steroids, are known to modulate the acrosomal exocytosis. Testosterone regulates various functions in male reproductive physiology; however, little is known about the relationship between testosterone and the acrosome reaction. Thus, our objective was to study the effect of testosterone on the acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa. To evaluate the acrosomal exocytosis, spermatozoa were incubated with testosterone (0.2, 2.0 and 20 nmol l(-1)), progesterone and control medium for 60, 120, 240 and 1440 min. The acrosome reaction was assessed by staining with Hoechst 33258 and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated P. sativum agglutinin lectin. In general, spermatozoa incubated with progesterone had the highest percentage of acrosomal exocytosis. The percentage of acrosome reaction obtained in the three treatments with testosterone differed from that observed for progesterone at 120, 240 and 1440 min (24 h). Additionally, significant differences were found between testosterone (2.0 and 20 nmol l(-1)) and progesterone after 60 min. Differences between control and the three testosterone treatments studied were obtained only at 1440 min. In general terms, these results show that testosterone exerts no inductor effects on the acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa.

Chlorhexidine: beta-cyclodextrin inhibits yeast growth by extraction of ergosterol.

Chlorhexidine (Cx) augmented with beta-cyclodextrin (ß-cd) inclusion compounds, termed Cx:ß-cd complexes, have been developed for use as antiseptic agents. The aim of this study was to examine the interactions of Cx:ß-cd complexes, prepared at different molecular ratios, with sterol and yeast membranes. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against the yeast Candida albicans (C.a.) was determined for each complex; the MICs were found to range from 0.5 to 2 µg/mL. To confirm the MIC data, quantitative analysis of viable cells was performed using trypan blue staining. Mechanistic characterization of the interactions that the Cx:ß-cd complexes have with the yeast membrane and assessment of membrane morphology following exposure to Cx:ß-cd complexes were performed using Sterol Quantification Method analysis (SQM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SQM revealed that sterol extraction increased with increasing ß-cd concentrations (1.71 ×10(3); 1.4 ×10(3); 3.45 ×10(3), and 3.74 ×10(3) CFU for 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4, respectively), likely as a consequence of membrane ergosterol solubilization. SEM images demonstrated that cell membrane damage is a visible and significant mechanism that contributes to the antimicrobial effects of Cx:ß-cd complexes. Cell disorganization increased significantly as the proportion of ß-cyclodextrin present in the complex increased. Morphology of cells exposed to complexes with 1:3 and 1:4 molar ratios of Cx:ß-cd were observed to have large aggregates mixed with yeast remains, representing more membrane disruption than that observed in cells treated with Cx alone. In conclusion, nanoaggregates of Cx:ß-cd complexes block yeast growth via ergosterol extraction, permeabilizing the membrane by creating cluster-like structures within the cell membrane, possibly due to high amounts of hydrogen bonding.

Prenatal-through-postnatal exposure to moderate levels of ethanol leads to damage on the hippocampal CA1 field of juvenile rats: a stereology and Golgi study.

Experimental paradigms conducted to assess the neurotoxic effects of ethanol exposure on hippocampus development have yielded controversial findings. Hippocampal CA1 population and some cytoarchitectural parameters of pyramidal cells were studied after exposure to ethanol during early development, in rats. Examination of 30-day-old offspring of rats exposed to moderate levels of ethanol during gestation through lactation showed an increased volume of the hippocampal CA1 field compared to untreated or pair-fed control pups, as well as a reduced number of pyramidal neurons. In addition, the number of spines from surviving CA1 pyramidal neurons was reduced. Furthermore, stubby and wide spines were proportionally increased, while the proportion of mushroom and ramified spines was reduced; no variation in the proportion of thin spines was observed. Because alcoholic women usually drink alcohol before, during, and after pregnancy, a broad-range experimental model of alcohol exposure was used in this study. The present findings show that experimental exposure to moderate levels of ethanol, resembling the human situation in alcoholic mothers, leads to loss of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, along with several pathological and plastic events in the dendritic arborization of these neurons. Some ethanol-induced excitotoxicity-related mechanisms, which may be underlying these effects, are discussed.

Tin(IV) complexes of pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate: synthesis, characterisation and antifungal activity.

The reaction of ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, [NH4{S2CN(CH2)4}], with SnCl2, [Sn(C6H5)2Cl2], [Sn(C6H5)3Cl], [Sn(C4H9)2Cl2] and [Sn(C6H11)3Cl] produced in good yield the compounds [Sn{S2CN(CH2)4}2Cl2] (1), [Sn{S2CN(CH2)4}2Ph2] (2), [Sn{S2CN(CH2)4}Ph3] (3), [Sn{S2CN(CH2)4}2 n-Bu2] (4) and [Sn{S2CN(CH2)4}Cy3] (5). The complexes were characterised by infrared, multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C{1H} and 119Sn{1H}) and 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopies. In addition, the crystal structure of 4 was determined by X-ray crystallography. The in vitro antifungal activity of the tin(IV) complexes as well of the ligand was performed on human pathogenic fungi, Candida albicans, in concentrations of 0.025; 0.050; 0.100; 0.200; 0.400; 0.800; 1.600 and 3.200 mM. The microorganism presented resistance to the dithiocarbamate ligand and all tin(IV) complexes tested were actives. The highest activity was found for compounds 1 and 4.

Bilateral lesion of the cerebellar-dentate nucleus impairs egocentric sequential learning but not egocentric navigation in the rat.

The involvement of the cerebellum in procedural learning is demonstrated in visuomotor-sequence tasks, as lesion of this area impedes the acquisition of new sequences. Likewise, the lateral cerebellum appears to be involved in the acquisition of new sequences, but not in the execution of learned sequences. In contrast, the dentate nucleus participates only in the execution of learned visuomotor sequences. In previous studies, disruption of the procedural elements of spatial navigation following cerebellar or dentate lesions has been reported. However, as praxic strategies (egocentric learning) are included in the procedural elements of the navigation, the participation of the cerebellar-dentate nucleus in egocentric procedural learning processes has not been evaluated. Therefore, using colchicine, bilateral lesions were made in the cerebellar-dentate nucleus of Sprague-Dawley rats, and these rats were given two tasks: egocentric-based motor sequence learning in the radial maze and egocentric navigation in the Morris water maze. The lesioned rats were unable to use the sequential information in the short term and showed delayed long-term acquisition, which was probably due to the inability to detect the sequence. No effects on the egocentric navigation task were observed. Our results indicate that the cerebellar-dentate nucleus is involved in the detection of egocentric sequential information but not in the use of this information in the navigation process. Further, they show differential involvement of the cerebellar-dentate nucleus in the execution of learned visuomotor sequences, as the dentate lesion disrupted the acquisition of new egocentric-motor-based sequences.

Bioactive glass as a drug delivery system of tetracycline and tetracycline associated with beta-cyclodextrin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical-chemical properties, in vivo biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of bioactive glasses (BG) used as a controlled release device for tetracycline hydrochloride and an inclusion complex formed by tetracycline and beta-cyclodextrin at 1:1 molar ratio. The BG as well as their compounds loaded with tetracycline (BT) and tetracycline:beta-cyclodextrin (BTC) were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The in vivo test was carried out with female mice split into three groups treated with bioactive glass either without drugs, or associated with tetracycline, or with tetracycline:beta-cyclodextrin by subcutaneous implantation. The histological examination of tissue at the site of implantation showed moderate inflammatory reactions in all groups after 72 h. The bacterial effect was tested on A. actinomycetemcomitans suspended in BHI broth, with or without bioactive particles. A considerable bacteriostatic activity was found with BT and BTC glasses, as compared to plain glass. The presence of cyclodextrin was important to slow down the release of tetracycline for a long period of time and it was verified that the presence of tetracycline or its inclusion complex, tetracycline:beta-cyclodextrin, did not affect the bioactivity of the glass.

Surface effects and desorption of tetracycline supramolecular complex on bovine dentine.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, the substantivity, and surface effects of the inclusion compound tetracycline: beta-cyclodextrin on bovine roots. The antimicrobial activity was assessed by dentine slabs which had been immersed in the inclusion complex in concentrations 8.0%, 4.0%, 2.0%, 1.0%, 0.5% and 0.25% for 5min compared to a control of tetracycline hydrochloride. Each slab was tested in a broth of overnight culture of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Y4-FDC). The inclusion complex significantly inhibited the A. actinomycetemcomitans (p<0.01) verified at concentrations from 1.0% to 8.0%. The substantivity of tetracycline was evaluated by the measure of desorption from the slabs previously immersed in solution samples and removed at 24h intervals. The tetracycline encapsulated in beta-cyclodextrin showed a flow rate near to zero order in comparison to free tetracycline. The surface morphology determined by SEM showed a more homogeneous and integrated layer with the complex compared to the effect of free tetracycline. We concluded that the root surfaces treated with tetracycline: beta-cyclodextrin release lower concentrations of active drug over 5 days at inhibitory concentrations against A. actinomycetemcomitans with enhanced disponibility in comparison to tetracycline.

Carcinoma espinocelular de la mucosa oral y pancitopenia en paciente con disqueratosis congénita no diagnosticada previamente / Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa and pancytopenia in a patient with previously undiagnosed congenital dyskeratosis

La disqueratosis congénita o síndrome de Zinsser Cole-Engman se caracteriza por la tríada pigmentación cutánea reticular, distrofia ungueal y leucoqueratosis, aunque, con menor frecuencia, se pueden asociar otras alteraciones. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 33 años, pastor de profesión, que fue diagnosticado de disqueratosis congénita a esa edad al consultar por una tumoración oral que resultó ser un carcinoma espinocelular. Además de la tríada citada presentaba talla corta, hipotricosis, canicie precoz, caries dentales, inestabilidad cromosómica e hipoplasia medular. Se comenta la alta frecuencia de la aplasia o hipoplasia medular en la disqueratosis congénita, la cual a veces induce al diagnóstico, por lo que debe considerarse, junto con la tríada clásica, como otra manifestación esencial para el diagnóstico de disqueratosis congénita (AU)