Simone A Teixeira - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Simone A Teixeira

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of effect of low-level laser therapy on adolescents with temporomandibular disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials, 2013

BackgroundA number of problems involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structu... more BackgroundA number of problems involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The aim of the proposed study is to assess the effect of low-level laser therapy on occlusal contacts, mandibular movements, electromyography activity in the muscles of mastication and pain in adolescents with TMD.Methods/DesignA randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial will be carried out involving 85 male and female adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age. The research diagnostic criteria for TMD will be used to assess all individuals who agree to participate. All participants will be submitted to a clinical examination and electromyographic analysis of the masseter muscles and anterior bundle of the temporal muscles bilaterally, to determine TMD. Based on the clinical findings, the participants will be classified as having or not having TMD. Those with TMD will be divided into four groups, three of which will receive low...

Research paper thumbnail of Metformin disrupts insulin secretion, causes proapoptotic and oxidative effects in rat pancreatic beta‐cells in vitro

Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology, Feb 24, 2022

Metformin is the first‐line drug to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its mechanism of action is st... more Metformin is the first‐line drug to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its mechanism of action is still debatable, and recent studies report that metformin attenuates oxidative stress. This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant effects of a broad range of metformin concentrations on insulin‐producing cells. The cell cycle, metabolism, glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion, and cell death were evaluated to determine the biguanide effects on beta‐cell function and survival. Antioxidant potential was based on reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidative stress biomarker levels, and antioxidant enzyme and transcriptional factor Nrf2 activities. The results demonstrate that metformin disrupted GSIS in a concentration‐dependent manner, lowered insulin content, and attenuated beta‐cell metabolism. At high concentrations, metformin induced cell death and cell cycle arrest as well as increased ROS generation, consequently reducing GSH content. Although carbonylated protein content was elevated, indicating oxidative stress, the antioxidant enzyme and Nrf2 activities were not altered. In conclusion, our results show that metformin disrupts pancreatic beta‐cell functionality but does not exert a putative antioxidant effect. It is important to note that the drug could potentially affect beta‐cells, especially at high circulating levels.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of inhaled nitric oxide on the carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema

Research paper thumbnail of Análise farmacológica do efeito cicatrizante e antiinflamatório do extrato da planta Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Quixabeira) em ratos

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of inhaled nitric-oxide on the carrageenan-induced mice pleurisy

Inhaled nitric oxide therapy reaches not only pulmonary vessels, but also other vasculatures, pre... more Inhaled nitric oxide therapy reaches not only pulmonary vessels, but also other vasculatures, presenting anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of inhaled nitric oxide on a mice model of carrageenan-induced paw edema. Paw edema was induced in male Swiss mice (20-30 g) by subplantar injection of carrageenan (0.05 ml of a 1% suspension in 0.9% saline). The evaluation of timecourse edema (mililiter) was measured by plethysmometry until 12 h following carrageenan administration. Thirty minutes after carrageenan injection, some groups received inhaled nitric oxide (300 ppm at variable doses and times) or Indometacin (INDO 5 mg/Kg, v.o), while others received sildenafil (1 mg/Kg, i.p) or rolipram (3 mg/Kg, i.p.) with or without inhaled nitric oxide. Paws were assessed for edema levels by plethysmometry, mieloperoxidase activity and histological analysis. Inhaled nitric oxide significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema, mieloperoxidase activity and inflammatory infiltrate, although similar results were also observed in sildenafil and rolipram treated groups. In addition, significant effects between inhaled nitric oxide with pharmacological therapy was observed. Inhaled nitric oxide presents anti-inflammatory effects on carrageenaninduce paw edema, as observed through reduced edema, mieloperoxidase activity and neutrophil infiltration, indicating that inhaled nitric oxide therapy goes beyond lung vascular effects.

Research paper thumbnail of Aumento na geração de ROS em células do sague de pacientes com LMC

Revista Brasileira De Hematologia E Hemoterapia, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Involvement of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in cross-sensitization between chronic unpredictable stress and ethanol in adolescent and adult mice

Alcohol, May 1, 2018

The peculiar neurochemical profile of the adolescent brain renders it differently susceptible to ... more The peculiar neurochemical profile of the adolescent brain renders it differently susceptible to several stimuli, including stress and/or drug exposure. Among several stress mediators, nitric oxide (NO) has a role in stress responses. We have demonstrated that adolescent mice are less sensitive to ethanolinduced sensitization than adult mice. The present study investigated whether chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) induces behavioral sensitization to ethanol in adolescent and adult Swiss mice, and investigated the influence of Ca 2þ-dependent nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in the phenomenon. Adolescent and adult mice were exposed to repeated 1.8 g/kg ethanol or CUS and challenged with saline or ethanol. A neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7NI), was administered along with ethanol and CUS to test its effects on behavioral sensitization. Both adolescent and adult mice displayed cross-sensitization between CUS and ethanol in adult mice, with adolescents showing a lower degree of sensitization than adults. nNOS inhibition by 7NI reduced both ethanol sensitization and crosssensitization. All age differences in the Ca 2þ-dependent NOS activity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were in the direction of greater activity in adults than in adolescents. Adolescents showed lower sensitivity to cross-sensitization between CUS and ethanol, and the nitric oxide (NO) system seems to have a pivotal role in ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization and cross-sensitization in both adolescent and adult mice.

Research paper thumbnail of Inhibitory effects of hydrogen sulfide on lung oxidative stress in allergic mice

WOS, 2012

European Congress of Immunology13745445

Research paper thumbnail of Behavioral and biochemical alterations in zebrafish model suggests AChE as a potential target for cytarabine neurotoxicological effects

Due to their general cytotoxic effects, anticancer drugs pose a great risk to aquatic species, ye... more Due to their general cytotoxic effects, anticancer drugs pose a great risk to aquatic species, yet they have been among the least studied groups of drugs regarding their environmental impact. The present study aimed to identify the effects of the antileukemia drug cytarabine, also known as cytosine arabinoside (ara-C), on the development and neurobehavior of zebrafish larvae. Zebrafish eggs were exposed to cytarabine to assess survival, embryonic malformations, locomotor activity, DNA damage, and biochemical alterations. No mortality, teratogenicity, or genotoxicity was detected in zebrafish larvae up to 100 mg L-1. However, cytarabine decreased the total distance traveled by zebrafish under dark conditions, suggesting depression-like behavior in treated larvae. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that cytarabine exposure increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, while it inhibited catalase (CAT) activity. Multivariate analysis suggested that both ACh...

Research paper thumbnail of Brazilian Açaí influences anxiety related behavior, antioxidative enzymes and BDNF release in rats

Research paper thumbnail of l-Arginine supplementation blunts resistance exercise improvement in rats with chronic kidney disease

Life Sciences, 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients present L-arginine (L-arg) deficiency and L-arg supplementa... more Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients present L-arginine (L-arg) deficiency and L-arg supplementation has been used a treatment. In addition, sarcopenia is another common problem in CKD population, resistance training is one of the conservative strategies developed to prevent CKD progression, and however there are no evidences of a combination of these two strategies to treat CKD outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral L-arg supplementation combined with RT in an experimental model of CKD. Twenty-five Munich-Wistar male rats, 8-week-old were divided in 5 groups: Sham (sedentary control), Nx (CKD sedentary), Nx L-arg (CKD sedentary supplemented with 2% of L-arg), Nx RT (CKD exercised) Nx RT+L-arg (CKD exercised and supplemented with 2% of L-arg). CKD model was obtained by a subtotal 5/6 nephrectomy. RT was performed on a ladder climbing, three weekly sessions on non-consecutive days, with an intensity of 70% maximum carrying capacity. They were submitted to RT and/or L-arg supplementation for 10 weeks. There was a significant improvement in muscle strength, renal function, anti-inflammatory cytokines, arginase metabolism and renal fibrosis after RT. However, the combination of RT and L-arg impaired all the improvements promoted by RT alone. The L-arg supplementation did not impair renal fibrosis and renal function. In conclusion, RT improved inflammatory balance, muscle strength, renal function and consequently decreased renal fibrosis. Nevertheless, the association with Larg supplementation prevented all these effects promoted by RT.

Research paper thumbnail of Punica granatum Leaf Lipophilic Fraction Favours Mortality by Attenuating Inflammation in Mice with Polymicrobial Sepsis

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2019

Punica granatum L. possesses known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Preparations of d... more Punica granatum L. possesses known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Preparations of different parts of this plant have been commonly used in the folk medicine to prevent and treat infections; and studies have supported the use of P. granatum extracts for this purpose. However, little is known of the effects of P. granatum-derived fractions in severe infectious diseases such as sepsis. Here, we investigated the actions of the hexane fraction (HF), rich in lipophilic compounds, obtained from the leaves of this plant, in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis. Oral pre-treatment with HF increased mortality in septic mice. The same animals presented with lower levels of interleukin-6, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide in their peritoneal lavage samples than vehicle mice. HF also increased polymorphonuclear cell accumulation in to the peritoneum of mice with sepsis. Macrophage-derived nitric oxide upon lipopolysaccharide stimuli was markedly reduced by incubation with HF. Diterpenes, triterpenes, phytosterols, vitamin E and ascorbyl palmitate were detected in the HF. These results indicate that P. granatum leaf lipophilic fractions may worsen sepsis outcome. This effect may be associated with its bioactive compounds which act synergistically or not, increasing sepsis mortality in vivo.

Research paper thumbnail of TRPV1 Contributes to Cerebral Malaria Severity and Mortality by Regulating Brain Inflammation

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2019

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a Ca+2-permeable channel expressed on neurona... more Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a Ca+2-permeable channel expressed on neuronal and nonneuronal cells, known as an oxidative stress sensor. It plays a protective role in bacterial infection, and recent findings indicate that this receptor modulates monocyte populations in mice with malaria; however, its role in cerebral malaria progression and outcome is unclear. By using TRPV1 wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice, the importance of TRPV1 to this cerebral syndrome was investigated. Infection with Plasmodium berghei ANKA decreased TRPV1 expression in the brain. Mice lacking TRPV1 were protected against Plasmodium-induced mortality and morbidity, a response that was associated with less cerebral swelling, modulation of the brain expression of endothelial tight-junction markers (junctional adhesion molecule A and claudin-5), increased oxidative stress (via inhibition of catalase activity and increased levels of H2O2, nitrotyrosine, and carbonyl residues), and dimini...

Research paper thumbnail of O12 Effect of the hexane fraction obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract of Punica granatum leaves on cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis in mice

Biochemical Pharmacology, 2017

ations in mesenteric artery rings. AEPA treatments reduced the level of vascular oxidative stress... more ations in mesenteric artery rings. AEPA treatments reduced the level of vascular oxidative stress and the expression level of target proteins (eNOS, COX-2, p22 phox) in DOCA-salt rats. Conclusion: The Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract induced an antihypertensive effect associated with an improved cardiac structure and endothelial dysfunction in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Such a beneficial effect might involve the normalization of the level of vascular oxidative stress.

Research paper thumbnail of The Hydroalcoholic Extract Obtained fromMentha piperitaL. Leaves Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Improves Survival in Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Macrophages

Journal of Immunology Research, 2017

Mentha piperitaL. (peppermint) possesses antimicrobial properties, but little is known of its abi... more Mentha piperitaL. (peppermint) possesses antimicrobial properties, but little is known of its ability to modulate macrophages. Macrophages are essential in bacterial infection control due to their antimicrobial functions and ability to link the innate and adaptive immune responses. We evaluated the effects of the peppermint leaf hydroalcoholic extract (LHAE) on cultured murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated or not with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)in vitro. Vehicle-treated cells were used as controls. The constituents of the extract were also identified. Epicatechin was the major compound detected in the LHAE. LPS-induced macrophage death was reversed by incubation with LHAE (1–30 μg/ml). Higher concentrations of the extract (≥100 μg/ml) decreased macrophage viability (49–57%) in the absence of LPS. LHAE (1–300 μg/ml) attenuated H2O2(34.6–53.4%) but not nitric oxide production by these cells. At similar concentrations, the extract increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (15.3–6...

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of MK-801 on stress-ethanol cross-sensitization is dissociable from its effects on nNOS activity

Research paper thumbnail of Aedes aegypti salivary gland extract alleviates acute itching by blocking TRPA1 channels

Frontiers in Physiology, Jun 27, 2023

Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) saliva induces a variety of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory ac... more Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) saliva induces a variety of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Interestingly, although it is known that mosquito bites cause allergic reactions in sensitised hosts, the primary exposure of humans to Ae. aegypti does not evoke significant itching. Whether active components in the saliva of Ae. aegypti can counteract the normal itch reaction to injury produced by a histaminergic or non-histaminergic pathway in vertebrate hosts is unknown. This study investigated the effects of Ae. aegypti mosquito salivary gland extract (SGE) on sensitive reactions such as itching and associated skin inflammation. Acute pruritus and plasma extravasation were induced in mice by the intradermal injection of either compound 48/80 (C48/80), the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor (Mrgpr) agonist chloroquine (CQ), or the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) agonist allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). The i.d. co-injection of Ae. aegypti SGE inhibited itching, plasma extravasation, and neutrophil influx evoked by C48/80, but it did not significantly affect mast cell degranulation in situ or in vitro. Additionally, SGE partially reduced CQ-and AITC-induced pruritus in vivo, suggesting that SGE affects pruriceptive nerve firing independently of the histaminergic pathway. Activation of TRPA1 significantly increased intracellular Ca 2+ in TRPA-1-transfected HEK293t lineage, which was attenuated by SGE addition. We showed for the first time that Ae. aegypti SGE exerts anti-pruriceptive effects, which are partially regulated by the histamine-independent itch TRPA1 pathway. Thus, SGE may possess bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential for treating nonhistaminergic itch.

Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to: Involvement of sensory nerves and TRPV1 receptors in the rat airway inflammatory response to two environment pollutants: diesel exhaust particles (DEP) and 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ)

Archives of Toxicology, Dec 29, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro" vascular reactivity of aorta and pulmonary artery from rats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Research paper thumbnail of Neutrophil migration to peripheral organs in rats with periodontal disease - role of nitric oxide (NO)

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of effect of low-level laser therapy on adolescents with temporomandibular disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials, 2013

BackgroundA number of problems involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structu... more BackgroundA number of problems involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The aim of the proposed study is to assess the effect of low-level laser therapy on occlusal contacts, mandibular movements, electromyography activity in the muscles of mastication and pain in adolescents with TMD.Methods/DesignA randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial will be carried out involving 85 male and female adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age. The research diagnostic criteria for TMD will be used to assess all individuals who agree to participate. All participants will be submitted to a clinical examination and electromyographic analysis of the masseter muscles and anterior bundle of the temporal muscles bilaterally, to determine TMD. Based on the clinical findings, the participants will be classified as having or not having TMD. Those with TMD will be divided into four groups, three of which will receive low...

Research paper thumbnail of Metformin disrupts insulin secretion, causes proapoptotic and oxidative effects in rat pancreatic beta‐cells in vitro

Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology, Feb 24, 2022

Metformin is the first‐line drug to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its mechanism of action is st... more Metformin is the first‐line drug to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its mechanism of action is still debatable, and recent studies report that metformin attenuates oxidative stress. This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant effects of a broad range of metformin concentrations on insulin‐producing cells. The cell cycle, metabolism, glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion, and cell death were evaluated to determine the biguanide effects on beta‐cell function and survival. Antioxidant potential was based on reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidative stress biomarker levels, and antioxidant enzyme and transcriptional factor Nrf2 activities. The results demonstrate that metformin disrupted GSIS in a concentration‐dependent manner, lowered insulin content, and attenuated beta‐cell metabolism. At high concentrations, metformin induced cell death and cell cycle arrest as well as increased ROS generation, consequently reducing GSH content. Although carbonylated protein content was elevated, indicating oxidative stress, the antioxidant enzyme and Nrf2 activities were not altered. In conclusion, our results show that metformin disrupts pancreatic beta‐cell functionality but does not exert a putative antioxidant effect. It is important to note that the drug could potentially affect beta‐cells, especially at high circulating levels.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of inhaled nitric oxide on the carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema

Research paper thumbnail of Análise farmacológica do efeito cicatrizante e antiinflamatório do extrato da planta Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Quixabeira) em ratos

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of inhaled nitric-oxide on the carrageenan-induced mice pleurisy

Inhaled nitric oxide therapy reaches not only pulmonary vessels, but also other vasculatures, pre... more Inhaled nitric oxide therapy reaches not only pulmonary vessels, but also other vasculatures, presenting anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of inhaled nitric oxide on a mice model of carrageenan-induced paw edema. Paw edema was induced in male Swiss mice (20-30 g) by subplantar injection of carrageenan (0.05 ml of a 1% suspension in 0.9% saline). The evaluation of timecourse edema (mililiter) was measured by plethysmometry until 12 h following carrageenan administration. Thirty minutes after carrageenan injection, some groups received inhaled nitric oxide (300 ppm at variable doses and times) or Indometacin (INDO 5 mg/Kg, v.o), while others received sildenafil (1 mg/Kg, i.p) or rolipram (3 mg/Kg, i.p.) with or without inhaled nitric oxide. Paws were assessed for edema levels by plethysmometry, mieloperoxidase activity and histological analysis. Inhaled nitric oxide significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema, mieloperoxidase activity and inflammatory infiltrate, although similar results were also observed in sildenafil and rolipram treated groups. In addition, significant effects between inhaled nitric oxide with pharmacological therapy was observed. Inhaled nitric oxide presents anti-inflammatory effects on carrageenaninduce paw edema, as observed through reduced edema, mieloperoxidase activity and neutrophil infiltration, indicating that inhaled nitric oxide therapy goes beyond lung vascular effects.

Research paper thumbnail of Aumento na geração de ROS em células do sague de pacientes com LMC

Revista Brasileira De Hematologia E Hemoterapia, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Involvement of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in cross-sensitization between chronic unpredictable stress and ethanol in adolescent and adult mice

Alcohol, May 1, 2018

The peculiar neurochemical profile of the adolescent brain renders it differently susceptible to ... more The peculiar neurochemical profile of the adolescent brain renders it differently susceptible to several stimuli, including stress and/or drug exposure. Among several stress mediators, nitric oxide (NO) has a role in stress responses. We have demonstrated that adolescent mice are less sensitive to ethanolinduced sensitization than adult mice. The present study investigated whether chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) induces behavioral sensitization to ethanol in adolescent and adult Swiss mice, and investigated the influence of Ca 2þ-dependent nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in the phenomenon. Adolescent and adult mice were exposed to repeated 1.8 g/kg ethanol or CUS and challenged with saline or ethanol. A neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7NI), was administered along with ethanol and CUS to test its effects on behavioral sensitization. Both adolescent and adult mice displayed cross-sensitization between CUS and ethanol in adult mice, with adolescents showing a lower degree of sensitization than adults. nNOS inhibition by 7NI reduced both ethanol sensitization and crosssensitization. All age differences in the Ca 2þ-dependent NOS activity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were in the direction of greater activity in adults than in adolescents. Adolescents showed lower sensitivity to cross-sensitization between CUS and ethanol, and the nitric oxide (NO) system seems to have a pivotal role in ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization and cross-sensitization in both adolescent and adult mice.

Research paper thumbnail of Inhibitory effects of hydrogen sulfide on lung oxidative stress in allergic mice

WOS, 2012

European Congress of Immunology13745445

Research paper thumbnail of Behavioral and biochemical alterations in zebrafish model suggests AChE as a potential target for cytarabine neurotoxicological effects

Due to their general cytotoxic effects, anticancer drugs pose a great risk to aquatic species, ye... more Due to their general cytotoxic effects, anticancer drugs pose a great risk to aquatic species, yet they have been among the least studied groups of drugs regarding their environmental impact. The present study aimed to identify the effects of the antileukemia drug cytarabine, also known as cytosine arabinoside (ara-C), on the development and neurobehavior of zebrafish larvae. Zebrafish eggs were exposed to cytarabine to assess survival, embryonic malformations, locomotor activity, DNA damage, and biochemical alterations. No mortality, teratogenicity, or genotoxicity was detected in zebrafish larvae up to 100 mg L-1. However, cytarabine decreased the total distance traveled by zebrafish under dark conditions, suggesting depression-like behavior in treated larvae. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that cytarabine exposure increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, while it inhibited catalase (CAT) activity. Multivariate analysis suggested that both ACh...

Research paper thumbnail of Brazilian Açaí influences anxiety related behavior, antioxidative enzymes and BDNF release in rats

Research paper thumbnail of l-Arginine supplementation blunts resistance exercise improvement in rats with chronic kidney disease

Life Sciences, 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients present L-arginine (L-arg) deficiency and L-arg supplementa... more Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients present L-arginine (L-arg) deficiency and L-arg supplementation has been used a treatment. In addition, sarcopenia is another common problem in CKD population, resistance training is one of the conservative strategies developed to prevent CKD progression, and however there are no evidences of a combination of these two strategies to treat CKD outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral L-arg supplementation combined with RT in an experimental model of CKD. Twenty-five Munich-Wistar male rats, 8-week-old were divided in 5 groups: Sham (sedentary control), Nx (CKD sedentary), Nx L-arg (CKD sedentary supplemented with 2% of L-arg), Nx RT (CKD exercised) Nx RT+L-arg (CKD exercised and supplemented with 2% of L-arg). CKD model was obtained by a subtotal 5/6 nephrectomy. RT was performed on a ladder climbing, three weekly sessions on non-consecutive days, with an intensity of 70% maximum carrying capacity. They were submitted to RT and/or L-arg supplementation for 10 weeks. There was a significant improvement in muscle strength, renal function, anti-inflammatory cytokines, arginase metabolism and renal fibrosis after RT. However, the combination of RT and L-arg impaired all the improvements promoted by RT alone. The L-arg supplementation did not impair renal fibrosis and renal function. In conclusion, RT improved inflammatory balance, muscle strength, renal function and consequently decreased renal fibrosis. Nevertheless, the association with Larg supplementation prevented all these effects promoted by RT.

Research paper thumbnail of Punica granatum Leaf Lipophilic Fraction Favours Mortality by Attenuating Inflammation in Mice with Polymicrobial Sepsis

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2019

Punica granatum L. possesses known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Preparations of d... more Punica granatum L. possesses known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Preparations of different parts of this plant have been commonly used in the folk medicine to prevent and treat infections; and studies have supported the use of P. granatum extracts for this purpose. However, little is known of the effects of P. granatum-derived fractions in severe infectious diseases such as sepsis. Here, we investigated the actions of the hexane fraction (HF), rich in lipophilic compounds, obtained from the leaves of this plant, in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis. Oral pre-treatment with HF increased mortality in septic mice. The same animals presented with lower levels of interleukin-6, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide in their peritoneal lavage samples than vehicle mice. HF also increased polymorphonuclear cell accumulation in to the peritoneum of mice with sepsis. Macrophage-derived nitric oxide upon lipopolysaccharide stimuli was markedly reduced by incubation with HF. Diterpenes, triterpenes, phytosterols, vitamin E and ascorbyl palmitate were detected in the HF. These results indicate that P. granatum leaf lipophilic fractions may worsen sepsis outcome. This effect may be associated with its bioactive compounds which act synergistically or not, increasing sepsis mortality in vivo.

Research paper thumbnail of TRPV1 Contributes to Cerebral Malaria Severity and Mortality by Regulating Brain Inflammation

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2019

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a Ca+2-permeable channel expressed on neurona... more Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a Ca+2-permeable channel expressed on neuronal and nonneuronal cells, known as an oxidative stress sensor. It plays a protective role in bacterial infection, and recent findings indicate that this receptor modulates monocyte populations in mice with malaria; however, its role in cerebral malaria progression and outcome is unclear. By using TRPV1 wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice, the importance of TRPV1 to this cerebral syndrome was investigated. Infection with Plasmodium berghei ANKA decreased TRPV1 expression in the brain. Mice lacking TRPV1 were protected against Plasmodium-induced mortality and morbidity, a response that was associated with less cerebral swelling, modulation of the brain expression of endothelial tight-junction markers (junctional adhesion molecule A and claudin-5), increased oxidative stress (via inhibition of catalase activity and increased levels of H2O2, nitrotyrosine, and carbonyl residues), and dimini...

Research paper thumbnail of O12 Effect of the hexane fraction obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract of Punica granatum leaves on cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis in mice

Biochemical Pharmacology, 2017

ations in mesenteric artery rings. AEPA treatments reduced the level of vascular oxidative stress... more ations in mesenteric artery rings. AEPA treatments reduced the level of vascular oxidative stress and the expression level of target proteins (eNOS, COX-2, p22 phox) in DOCA-salt rats. Conclusion: The Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract induced an antihypertensive effect associated with an improved cardiac structure and endothelial dysfunction in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Such a beneficial effect might involve the normalization of the level of vascular oxidative stress.

Research paper thumbnail of The Hydroalcoholic Extract Obtained fromMentha piperitaL. Leaves Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Improves Survival in Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Macrophages

Journal of Immunology Research, 2017

Mentha piperitaL. (peppermint) possesses antimicrobial properties, but little is known of its abi... more Mentha piperitaL. (peppermint) possesses antimicrobial properties, but little is known of its ability to modulate macrophages. Macrophages are essential in bacterial infection control due to their antimicrobial functions and ability to link the innate and adaptive immune responses. We evaluated the effects of the peppermint leaf hydroalcoholic extract (LHAE) on cultured murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated or not with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)in vitro. Vehicle-treated cells were used as controls. The constituents of the extract were also identified. Epicatechin was the major compound detected in the LHAE. LPS-induced macrophage death was reversed by incubation with LHAE (1–30 μg/ml). Higher concentrations of the extract (≥100 μg/ml) decreased macrophage viability (49–57%) in the absence of LPS. LHAE (1–300 μg/ml) attenuated H2O2(34.6–53.4%) but not nitric oxide production by these cells. At similar concentrations, the extract increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (15.3–6...

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of MK-801 on stress-ethanol cross-sensitization is dissociable from its effects on nNOS activity

Research paper thumbnail of Aedes aegypti salivary gland extract alleviates acute itching by blocking TRPA1 channels

Frontiers in Physiology, Jun 27, 2023

Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) saliva induces a variety of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory ac... more Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) saliva induces a variety of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Interestingly, although it is known that mosquito bites cause allergic reactions in sensitised hosts, the primary exposure of humans to Ae. aegypti does not evoke significant itching. Whether active components in the saliva of Ae. aegypti can counteract the normal itch reaction to injury produced by a histaminergic or non-histaminergic pathway in vertebrate hosts is unknown. This study investigated the effects of Ae. aegypti mosquito salivary gland extract (SGE) on sensitive reactions such as itching and associated skin inflammation. Acute pruritus and plasma extravasation were induced in mice by the intradermal injection of either compound 48/80 (C48/80), the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor (Mrgpr) agonist chloroquine (CQ), or the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) agonist allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). The i.d. co-injection of Ae. aegypti SGE inhibited itching, plasma extravasation, and neutrophil influx evoked by C48/80, but it did not significantly affect mast cell degranulation in situ or in vitro. Additionally, SGE partially reduced CQ-and AITC-induced pruritus in vivo, suggesting that SGE affects pruriceptive nerve firing independently of the histaminergic pathway. Activation of TRPA1 significantly increased intracellular Ca 2+ in TRPA-1-transfected HEK293t lineage, which was attenuated by SGE addition. We showed for the first time that Ae. aegypti SGE exerts anti-pruriceptive effects, which are partially regulated by the histamine-independent itch TRPA1 pathway. Thus, SGE may possess bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential for treating nonhistaminergic itch.

Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to: Involvement of sensory nerves and TRPV1 receptors in the rat airway inflammatory response to two environment pollutants: diesel exhaust particles (DEP) and 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ)

Archives of Toxicology, Dec 29, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro" vascular reactivity of aorta and pulmonary artery from rats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Research paper thumbnail of Neutrophil migration to peripheral organs in rats with periodontal disease - role of nitric oxide (NO)