Venicio Veiga - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Venicio Veiga

Bioelectromagnetics, 2000

Treatment with direct electric current (DC) can inhibit tumor growth in several systems. To evalu... more Treatment with direct electric current (DC) can inhibit tumor growth in several systems. To evaluate the cellular reactions generated by this treatment, we stimulated mouse mastocytoma P815 cells with DC and examined their viability and ultrastructural characteristics, as well as the effect of DC on surface carbohydrate expression. DC treatment affected cell viability and caused marked alterations in vital structures of P815 cells. Alterations varied depending on the duration of stimulation and polarity of electrode. Anodic and cathodic treatments caused decrease in cell viability, although the latter was more effective in generating cell lysis. DC stimulation also induced changes such as membrane damage, alterations in cell shape and chromatin organization, mitochondrial swelling and condensation, cytoplasmic swelling, and matrix rarefaction. Stimulation of P815 cells without contact with electrodes produced no alterations, suggesting that this contact might be essential for the occurrence of the cellular modi®cations. DC treatment also altered the membrane distribution of anionic sites of P815 cells, as well as the surface carbohydrate exposition, involving a diminished binding of Concanavalin A to the cell surface after cathodic stimulation, and an increased binding of sialic acid-and fucose-speci®c lectins after anodic treatment. In this work we describe important cellular targets for the action of DC, which may contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms by which DC supresses several kinds of tumors. Bioelectromagnetics 21:597±607, 2000.

Nutrition Journal, 2012

Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of the relative composition of trace ... more Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of the relative composition of trace elements and vitamins in physicochemical stability of neonatal parenteral nutrition. Material and methods Three formulations for neonatal administration were selected; the main variable was the presence of trace elements and vitamins. The analyses where carried out immediately after preparation and at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 7 days after preparation. Three methods were selected to determine globule size: light obscuration, dynamic light scattering and optical microscopy. Complementary evaluation including visual inspection, determination of pH and osmolarity, peroxide levels and measurements of zeta potential were also performed. Results There was an observable alteration in color and phase separation in the PN stored at 25°C and 40°C. Neither globule size pattern, nor any other physicochemical characteristic evaluated appeared to be considerably altered in any of the analyzed formulations ...

Homeopathy, 2016

Background: Influenza and its complications are common at all ages, especially in children. Vacci... more Background: Influenza and its complications are common at all ages, especially in children. Vaccines and anti-influenza drugs aim to prevent it. Preventative approaches with favorable risk profiles should be considered for flu, particularly since the evidence of the efficacy of anti-viral drugs is debated. Methods: This pragmatic clinical trial was conducted in the Brazilian Public Health System in Petr opolis (BPHSP) with children aged from 1 to 5 years old. The medications used were mainly selected based on in vitro experiments (InfluBio), and in successful qualitative clinical experiences (Homeopathic Complex). Following informed parental consent, subjects were randomly distributed, in a blind manner, to three experimental groups: Homeopathic Complex, Placebo, and InfluBio. BPHSP health agents collected flu and acute respiratory infection symptomatic episodes monthly following the established protocol. The number of these episodes was registered in one year (2009e2010). Results: Out of the 600 children recruited, 445 (74.17%) completed the study (149: Homeopathic complex; 151: Placebo; 145: InfluBio). The number of flu and acute respiratory infection symptomatic episodes detected in this clinical trial was low; however, it was different between homeopathic groups and placebo (p < 0.001). In the first year postintervention, 46/151 (30.5%) of children in the placebo group developed 3 or more flu and acute respiratory infection episodes, while there was no episode in the group of 149 children who used Homeopathic Complex, and only 1 episode in the group of 145 (1%) children who received InfluBio. Conclusion: These results suggested that the use of homeopathic medicines minimized the number of flu and acute respiratory infection symptomatic episodes in children, signalizing that the homeopathic prophylactic potential should be investigated in further studies. Homeopathy (2015)-, 1e7.

Chinese journal of cancer research = Chung-kuo yen cheng yen chiu, 2013

Electrochemical treatment is an alternative modality for tumor treatment based on the application... more Electrochemical treatment is an alternative modality for tumor treatment based on the application of a low intensity direct electric current to the tumor tissue through two or more platinum electrodes placed within the tumor zone or in the surrounding areas. This treatment is noted for its great effectiveness, minimal invasiveness and local effect. Several studies have been conducted worldwide to evaluate the antitumoral effect of this therapy. In all these studies a variety of biochemical and physiological responses of tumors to the applied treatment have been obtained. By this reason, researchers have suggested various mechanisms to explain how direct electric current destroys tumor cells. Although, it is generally accepted this treatment induces electrolysis, electroosmosis and electroporation in tumoral tissues. However, action mechanism of this alternative modality on the tumor tissue is not well understood. Although the principle of Electrochemical treatment is simple, a stand...

l-Tyrosine-loaded nanoparticles increase the antitumoral activity of direct electric current in a... more l-Tyrosine-loaded nanoparticles increase the antitumoral activity of direct electric current in a metastatic melanoma cell model

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

The latex of Euphorbia tirucalli L. (Aveloz) is popularly used to treat cancers from diverse sour... more The latex of Euphorbia tirucalli L. (Aveloz) is popularly used to treat cancers from diverse sources such as: breast, prostate, lung and kidney. Furthermore, high dilutions of this latex (latex-HDs) have been successfully used in the treatment of tumors, although the mechanisms involved in this antitumoral activity are not yet known. The present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of latex-HDs in 2 human cell lines, including non-tumoral melanocytes (MelanA line) and human breast cancer cells (MCF7 line). Latex-HDs were obtained through the interaction of two procedures: 1:100 dilution in mass and agitation, using 2 solvents, water and 70% ethanol in homeopathic preparations 5, 15 and 30cH, following the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia. Cell lines were incubated with 1 % and 10 % of latex-HDs for 24 hours. Controls treated with similar preparations without latex were incubated under the same conditions. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay and morphological featu...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

Background: Oral candidiasis is an opportunist fungal infection in humans, mainly caused by Candi... more Background: Oral candidiasis is an opportunist fungal infection in humans, mainly caused by Candida albicans. It occurs when the host presents an imbalance in the immune system and Candida spp., normally found in human flora, become able to develop the infection [1]. This disease is very common in HIV patients, and in all individuals that present immunossupression, such as patients treated with chemotherapy. Considering this scenario, the development of new medicines to treat oral candidiasis is mandatory. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate citotoxicity, morphology and quantify the adhesion rates of C. albicans to biotherapic-treated Ma104 cells. Methodology: The biotherapic was prepared following the Roberto Costa technique and Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia protocol [2]. Briefly, biotherapic 1X was prepared with 1 mL of aqueous solution containing 108 yeasts of living Candida albicans plus 9 ml of sterile distilled water. This solution was submmited to 100 mechanical ...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

Introduction: Influenza viruses have been responsible for highly contagious acute respiratory ill... more Introduction: Influenza viruses have been responsible for highly contagious acute respiratory illnesses with high mortality, mainly in the elderly, which encourages the development of new drugs for the treatment of human flu. The biotherapics are medicines prepared from biological products, which are not chemically defined. They are compounded following the homeopathic procedures indicated for infectious diseases with known etiology [1]. Aim: The purpose of the present study is to verify cellular alterations induced by a biotherapic prepared from the infectious influenza A virus. Methodology: This biotherapic was prepared for this study in the homeopathic potency of 30X according to the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia [2]. The concentration of 10% was not cytotoxic to cells, as verified by neutral red assay. The cellular alterations observed in MDCK cells were analyzed by optical microscopy for the quantification of mitosis, nucleoli and lipid bodies. The mitochondrial activity w...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

The most common way to perform succussions is to place a liquid preparation inside a glass vessel... more The most common way to perform succussions is to place a liquid preparation inside a glass vessel and beat it vigorously against a hard elastic surface, either manually or using a mechanical apparatus. This procedure has been assumed able to transfer mechanical energy to the molecular level, where it becomes available to perform chemical work. Such interpretation has been enforced by observed changes in the electrical conductivity (EC) of High Dilutions (HD) due to succussion. In order to address this question, we compared the electrical conductivity changes of HD prepared from Vincristine sulfate (VCR) samples with those of an inert solvent. Samples were produced through manual and mechanical succusions in order to observe the influence of bubbles production. The results confirmed the timing of EC changes but these were equivalent for VCR and solvent, except for VCR 1cH samples. Also, the production of bubbles does not affect the EC in an extent able to distinguish succussion proce...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

In Brazil, homeopathy was implemented in the Public Health Service through the National Policy on... more In Brazil, homeopathy was implemented in the Public Health Service through the National Policy on Complementary and Integrative Practices of the Health Ministry, published in 2006. Homeopathy appears as a very interesting therapy to be used in the Public Health Services since its medicines are compounded at a very low cost. Considering this interesting scenario to develop research in the Public Health, the Family Health Program (FHP) in Petropolis and the Faculty of Pharmacy at UFRJ started a partnership with the Roberto Costa Institute. A homeopathy clinical trial, employing a control protocol (double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled), was developed as a result of this partnership starting in April 2009 and ending in April 2010. This clinical trial, approved by the Ethics Committee at UFRJ, number 194/08, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two types of biotherapics to prevent symptoms of both flu and acute respiratory infections, compared to placebo (ethanol 30%). The biotherap...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

Biotherapics are homeopathic remedies prepared from organic products that are chemically undefine... more Biotherapics are homeopathic remedies prepared from organic products that are chemically undefined and can be used for treatment of diseases like influenza. There are several classes of biotherapics and, among these, there are some called "living biotherapics" or "Roberto Costa’s Biotherapics". This study aimed to compare the cellular and biochemical effects of biotherapics prepared from intact influenza virus diluted in water and the one obtained from the same viral sample inactivated by ethanol 70% (v / v), both in the potencies of 12x and 30x. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses were performed on both preparations to assess the integrity of viral particles, which showed that ethanol 70% (v/v) induced a complete denaturation of viral particles. In contrast, the integrity of virus particles was preserved when water was used as the biotherapic solvent. Cellular and biochemical alterations induced by the preparations on MDCK cells were...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

Previous papers have indicated that homeopathic solutions modify the cellular and biochemical asp... more Previous papers have indicated that homeopathic solutions modify the cellular and biochemical aspects of cells maintained in culture. In this study, the effects of Natrum muriaticum, a medicine used in the homeopathic clinic for the treatment of hypertension, were evaluated in kidney MDCK and LLC-PK1 cell lines. The following cellular parameters were analyzed: viability, morphology and expression of the (Na+-K+)-ATPase and the angiotensin II receptors AT1 and AT2. The cell lines were plated (5.0 x 104 cells/mL) in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). After 24 hours at 37°C, DMEM was re-fed with the addition of 10% (V/V) and 1% (V/V) of the following samples: Natrum muriaticum 30CH, water 30CH and non-dynamized sterile distilled water to do the MTT assay. The results obtained from these groups were compared to those obtained by incubation of the cells in culture medium free of these solutions (Control). Cell viability was assessed by a colorimetric MTT ELISA ass...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

Background: The use of sensitive techniques can be useful to increase the understanding of homeop... more Background: The use of sensitive techniques can be useful to increase the understanding of homeopathic systems behavior. Aim: To analyze physicochemical properties of Zincum metallicum and lactose mixtures prepared according to Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia. Methodology: Zincum metallicum was prepared using lactose as vehicle, from 1 to 3 cH, and from 1 to 6dH. All samples including respective controls (dynamized lactose) were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) with X-Ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Results: AAS analysis showed the dynamization process decreases zinc concentration in a proportional manner to the increase of homeopathic potencies. Quantities of 4ppm and 132 ppm of zinc were detected in 6dH and 3cH, respectively. XRD analysis showed crystalline form of lactose was not modified by dynamization. Am...

Background: Influenza viruses have been responsible for highly contagious acute respiratory illne... more Background: Influenza viruses have been responsible for highly contagious acute respiratory illnesses with high mortality, mainly in the elderly and immune compromised patients, which encourages the development of new drugs for treatment of human flu. The biotherapics are medicines prepared from biological products, which are compounded according to homeopathic procedures1 indicated for infectious diseases with known etiology.

International Journal of High Dilution Research, 2012

Background: "Roberto CostaA¢â‚¬â„¢s Biotherapics" are homeopathic remedies prepared fro... more Background: "Roberto CostaA¢â‚¬â„¢s Biotherapics" are homeopathic remedies prepared from intact microorganisms which have been proposed for treatment of diseases like influenza. Aim: This study aimed to compare the biochemical effects, in MDCK cells and RAW-264-7 macrophages, of biotherapics prepared from intact influenza virus diluted in water as well as from a sample of the same virus inactivated by ethanol 70% (v / v), both in the homeopathic potencies of 12x and 30x. Water 30x, non-dynamized water and cells without treatment (control cells) were used as control. Methodology: Treatments were performed by incubating MDCK cells with DMEM medium added in a 1:10 ratio for 6 times (3 different aliquots per day) or 18 times (up to 4 aliquots per day) in each experimental situation. Each aliquot was added with an interval of at least 2 hours. After that, the mitochondrial activity of MDCK cells was analyzed by MTT assay. The effects of treatments with intact biotherapics on MD...

Previous papers have indicated that homeopathic solutions modify the cellular and biochemical asp... more Previous papers have indicated that homeopathic solutions modify the cellular and biochemical aspects of cells maintained in culture. In this study, the effects of Natrum muriaticum, a medicine used in the homeopathic clinic for the treatment of hypertension, were evaluated in kidney MDCK and LLC-PK1 cell lines. The following cellular parameters were analyzed: viability, morphology and expression of the (Na +-K +)-ATPase and the angiotensin II receptors AT1 and AT2. The cell lines were plated (5.0 x 10 4 cells/mL) in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). After 24 hours at 37°C, DMEM was re-fed with the addition of 10% (V/V) and 1% (V/V) of the following samples: Natrum muriaticum 30CH, water 30CH and non-dynamized sterile distilled water to do the MTT assay. The results obtained from these groups were compared to those obtained by incubation of the cells in culture medium free of these solutions (Control). Cell viability was assessed by a colorimetric MTT ELISA assay (490nm). The values from four independent experiments performed in quintuplicate were plotted and statistically analyzed by Sigma Plot v.11 (Jandel Scientific). The morphology of MDCK cells was evaluated by optical microscope after Giemsa's staining. The expression of the (Na + +K +)-ATPase and AT1/AT2 of LLC-PK1 cells was evaluated by Western Blot (WB) analysis. For this experimental set, 5.0x10 4 cells/mL were incubated in DMEM supplemented with 10% FCS and daily culture medium was replaced by a new one, containing: Natrum muriaticum 30CH and water 30CH. Additionally, cells were treated for 5, 10 and 15 days with 1% of specific solutions and the total protein was measured by the Lowry method, after cell lysis. The samples were analyzed by electrophoresis in SDS-PAGE (12% gel) and transferred to nitrocellulose membrane. This membrane was incubated with specific primary antibodies (anti-(Na + +K +)-ATPase, anti-AT1 and AT2 or anti-anti-beta-actin). The detection was performed using ECL system and Hyperfilm. MTT assays showed a statistically significant reduction in cellular mitochondrial activity (p<0.001) probably attributed to an osmotic effect due to the use of 10% (V/V) concentration rather than 1% (V/V). The optical microscopy analysis revealed no significant morphological changes in MDCK and LLC-PK1 cells submitted to the different treatments when compared to controls groups. The WB analysis indicated a proportional increase in (Na + +K +)-ATPase content according to an increase in the homeopathic stimuli. Although preliminary, these results show for the first time, that the homeopathic medicine is able to modify the expression of important physiological markers for LLC-PK1 cells, which are directly involved in the genesis of hypertension.

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

Background: Fungal and viral infections constitute a serious public health problem, because morbi... more Background: Fungal and viral infections constitute a serious public health problem, because morbidity and mortality rates of these diseases have been increasing in the last decades [1,2]. The resistance to antifungal and antiviral agents [3,4] currently available in the pharmaceutical market motivates the development of new therapies, including complementary and alternative health practices [5,6]. In this context, our research group has deepened the knowledge about the therapeutic potential of homeopathy using different models [7-9]. Homeopathic medicines undergo a process of serial dilution whereby the final remedy contains extremely low amounts of the active substance, with pharmacological action, and, consequently, cannot be considered merely placebos [10]. Aims: In the present study, we evaluated the potential of two different homeopathic medicines, named Influenzinum RC (compounded with influenza A virus) and Candida albicans RC (compounded with Candida albicans yeasts), which ...

Bioelectromagnetics, Jan 26, 2016

Available treatments against human fungal pathogens present high levels of resistance, motivating... more Available treatments against human fungal pathogens present high levels of resistance, motivating the development of new antifungal therapies. In this context, the present work aimed to analyze direct electric current (DC) antifungal action, using an in vitro apparatus equipped with platinum electrodes. Candida albicans yeast cells were submitted to three distinct conditions of DC treatment (anodic flow-AF; electroionic flow-EIF; and cathodic flow-CF), as well as different charges, ranging from 0.03 to 2.40 C. Our results indicated C. albicans presented distinct sensibility depending on the DC intensity and polarity applied. Both the colony-forming unit assay and the cytometry flow with propidium iodide indicated a drastic reduction on cellular viability after AF treatment with 0.15 C, while CF- and EIF-treated cells stayed alive when DC doses were increased up to 2.40 C. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy revealed important ultrastructural alterations in AF-treated yeas...

Revista De Homeopatia, Sep 15, 2011

Efeitos in vitro do medicamento homeopático Natrum muriaticum em células renais (linhagens MDCK e... more Efeitos in vitro do medicamento homeopático Natrum muriaticum em células renais (linhagens MDCK e LLC-PK1) In vitro effects of homeopathic medicine Natrum muriaticum on kidney cell lines MDCK and LLC-PK1

Bioelectromagnetics, 2000

Treatment with direct electric current (DC) can inhibit tumor growth in several systems. To evalu... more Treatment with direct electric current (DC) can inhibit tumor growth in several systems. To evaluate the cellular reactions generated by this treatment, we stimulated mouse mastocytoma P815 cells with DC and examined their viability and ultrastructural characteristics, as well as the effect of DC on surface carbohydrate expression. DC treatment affected cell viability and caused marked alterations in vital structures of P815 cells. Alterations varied depending on the duration of stimulation and polarity of electrode. Anodic and cathodic treatments caused decrease in cell viability, although the latter was more effective in generating cell lysis. DC stimulation also induced changes such as membrane damage, alterations in cell shape and chromatin organization, mitochondrial swelling and condensation, cytoplasmic swelling, and matrix rarefaction. Stimulation of P815 cells without contact with electrodes produced no alterations, suggesting that this contact might be essential for the occurrence of the cellular modi®cations. DC treatment also altered the membrane distribution of anionic sites of P815 cells, as well as the surface carbohydrate exposition, involving a diminished binding of Concanavalin A to the cell surface after cathodic stimulation, and an increased binding of sialic acid-and fucose-speci®c lectins after anodic treatment. In this work we describe important cellular targets for the action of DC, which may contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms by which DC supresses several kinds of tumors. Bioelectromagnetics 21:597±607, 2000.

Nutrition Journal, 2012

Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of the relative composition of trace ... more Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of the relative composition of trace elements and vitamins in physicochemical stability of neonatal parenteral nutrition. Material and methods Three formulations for neonatal administration were selected; the main variable was the presence of trace elements and vitamins. The analyses where carried out immediately after preparation and at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 7 days after preparation. Three methods were selected to determine globule size: light obscuration, dynamic light scattering and optical microscopy. Complementary evaluation including visual inspection, determination of pH and osmolarity, peroxide levels and measurements of zeta potential were also performed. Results There was an observable alteration in color and phase separation in the PN stored at 25°C and 40°C. Neither globule size pattern, nor any other physicochemical characteristic evaluated appeared to be considerably altered in any of the analyzed formulations ...

Homeopathy, 2016

Background: Influenza and its complications are common at all ages, especially in children. Vacci... more Background: Influenza and its complications are common at all ages, especially in children. Vaccines and anti-influenza drugs aim to prevent it. Preventative approaches with favorable risk profiles should be considered for flu, particularly since the evidence of the efficacy of anti-viral drugs is debated. Methods: This pragmatic clinical trial was conducted in the Brazilian Public Health System in Petr opolis (BPHSP) with children aged from 1 to 5 years old. The medications used were mainly selected based on in vitro experiments (InfluBio), and in successful qualitative clinical experiences (Homeopathic Complex). Following informed parental consent, subjects were randomly distributed, in a blind manner, to three experimental groups: Homeopathic Complex, Placebo, and InfluBio. BPHSP health agents collected flu and acute respiratory infection symptomatic episodes monthly following the established protocol. The number of these episodes was registered in one year (2009e2010). Results: Out of the 600 children recruited, 445 (74.17%) completed the study (149: Homeopathic complex; 151: Placebo; 145: InfluBio). The number of flu and acute respiratory infection symptomatic episodes detected in this clinical trial was low; however, it was different between homeopathic groups and placebo (p < 0.001). In the first year postintervention, 46/151 (30.5%) of children in the placebo group developed 3 or more flu and acute respiratory infection episodes, while there was no episode in the group of 149 children who used Homeopathic Complex, and only 1 episode in the group of 145 (1%) children who received InfluBio. Conclusion: These results suggested that the use of homeopathic medicines minimized the number of flu and acute respiratory infection symptomatic episodes in children, signalizing that the homeopathic prophylactic potential should be investigated in further studies. Homeopathy (2015)-, 1e7.

Chinese journal of cancer research = Chung-kuo yen cheng yen chiu, 2013

Electrochemical treatment is an alternative modality for tumor treatment based on the application... more Electrochemical treatment is an alternative modality for tumor treatment based on the application of a low intensity direct electric current to the tumor tissue through two or more platinum electrodes placed within the tumor zone or in the surrounding areas. This treatment is noted for its great effectiveness, minimal invasiveness and local effect. Several studies have been conducted worldwide to evaluate the antitumoral effect of this therapy. In all these studies a variety of biochemical and physiological responses of tumors to the applied treatment have been obtained. By this reason, researchers have suggested various mechanisms to explain how direct electric current destroys tumor cells. Although, it is generally accepted this treatment induces electrolysis, electroosmosis and electroporation in tumoral tissues. However, action mechanism of this alternative modality on the tumor tissue is not well understood. Although the principle of Electrochemical treatment is simple, a stand...

l-Tyrosine-loaded nanoparticles increase the antitumoral activity of direct electric current in a... more l-Tyrosine-loaded nanoparticles increase the antitumoral activity of direct electric current in a metastatic melanoma cell model

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

The latex of Euphorbia tirucalli L. (Aveloz) is popularly used to treat cancers from diverse sour... more The latex of Euphorbia tirucalli L. (Aveloz) is popularly used to treat cancers from diverse sources such as: breast, prostate, lung and kidney. Furthermore, high dilutions of this latex (latex-HDs) have been successfully used in the treatment of tumors, although the mechanisms involved in this antitumoral activity are not yet known. The present study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of latex-HDs in 2 human cell lines, including non-tumoral melanocytes (MelanA line) and human breast cancer cells (MCF7 line). Latex-HDs were obtained through the interaction of two procedures: 1:100 dilution in mass and agitation, using 2 solvents, water and 70% ethanol in homeopathic preparations 5, 15 and 30cH, following the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia. Cell lines were incubated with 1 % and 10 % of latex-HDs for 24 hours. Controls treated with similar preparations without latex were incubated under the same conditions. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay and morphological featu...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

Background: Oral candidiasis is an opportunist fungal infection in humans, mainly caused by Candi... more Background: Oral candidiasis is an opportunist fungal infection in humans, mainly caused by Candida albicans. It occurs when the host presents an imbalance in the immune system and Candida spp., normally found in human flora, become able to develop the infection [1]. This disease is very common in HIV patients, and in all individuals that present immunossupression, such as patients treated with chemotherapy. Considering this scenario, the development of new medicines to treat oral candidiasis is mandatory. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate citotoxicity, morphology and quantify the adhesion rates of C. albicans to biotherapic-treated Ma104 cells. Methodology: The biotherapic was prepared following the Roberto Costa technique and Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia protocol [2]. Briefly, biotherapic 1X was prepared with 1 mL of aqueous solution containing 108 yeasts of living Candida albicans plus 9 ml of sterile distilled water. This solution was submmited to 100 mechanical ...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

Introduction: Influenza viruses have been responsible for highly contagious acute respiratory ill... more Introduction: Influenza viruses have been responsible for highly contagious acute respiratory illnesses with high mortality, mainly in the elderly, which encourages the development of new drugs for the treatment of human flu. The biotherapics are medicines prepared from biological products, which are not chemically defined. They are compounded following the homeopathic procedures indicated for infectious diseases with known etiology [1]. Aim: The purpose of the present study is to verify cellular alterations induced by a biotherapic prepared from the infectious influenza A virus. Methodology: This biotherapic was prepared for this study in the homeopathic potency of 30X according to the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia [2]. The concentration of 10% was not cytotoxic to cells, as verified by neutral red assay. The cellular alterations observed in MDCK cells were analyzed by optical microscopy for the quantification of mitosis, nucleoli and lipid bodies. The mitochondrial activity w...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

The most common way to perform succussions is to place a liquid preparation inside a glass vessel... more The most common way to perform succussions is to place a liquid preparation inside a glass vessel and beat it vigorously against a hard elastic surface, either manually or using a mechanical apparatus. This procedure has been assumed able to transfer mechanical energy to the molecular level, where it becomes available to perform chemical work. Such interpretation has been enforced by observed changes in the electrical conductivity (EC) of High Dilutions (HD) due to succussion. In order to address this question, we compared the electrical conductivity changes of HD prepared from Vincristine sulfate (VCR) samples with those of an inert solvent. Samples were produced through manual and mechanical succusions in order to observe the influence of bubbles production. The results confirmed the timing of EC changes but these were equivalent for VCR and solvent, except for VCR 1cH samples. Also, the production of bubbles does not affect the EC in an extent able to distinguish succussion proce...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

In Brazil, homeopathy was implemented in the Public Health Service through the National Policy on... more In Brazil, homeopathy was implemented in the Public Health Service through the National Policy on Complementary and Integrative Practices of the Health Ministry, published in 2006. Homeopathy appears as a very interesting therapy to be used in the Public Health Services since its medicines are compounded at a very low cost. Considering this interesting scenario to develop research in the Public Health, the Family Health Program (FHP) in Petropolis and the Faculty of Pharmacy at UFRJ started a partnership with the Roberto Costa Institute. A homeopathy clinical trial, employing a control protocol (double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled), was developed as a result of this partnership starting in April 2009 and ending in April 2010. This clinical trial, approved by the Ethics Committee at UFRJ, number 194/08, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two types of biotherapics to prevent symptoms of both flu and acute respiratory infections, compared to placebo (ethanol 30%). The biotherap...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

Biotherapics are homeopathic remedies prepared from organic products that are chemically undefine... more Biotherapics are homeopathic remedies prepared from organic products that are chemically undefined and can be used for treatment of diseases like influenza. There are several classes of biotherapics and, among these, there are some called "living biotherapics" or "Roberto Costa’s Biotherapics". This study aimed to compare the cellular and biochemical effects of biotherapics prepared from intact influenza virus diluted in water and the one obtained from the same viral sample inactivated by ethanol 70% (v / v), both in the potencies of 12x and 30x. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses were performed on both preparations to assess the integrity of viral particles, which showed that ethanol 70% (v/v) induced a complete denaturation of viral particles. In contrast, the integrity of virus particles was preserved when water was used as the biotherapic solvent. Cellular and biochemical alterations induced by the preparations on MDCK cells were...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

Previous papers have indicated that homeopathic solutions modify the cellular and biochemical asp... more Previous papers have indicated that homeopathic solutions modify the cellular and biochemical aspects of cells maintained in culture. In this study, the effects of Natrum muriaticum, a medicine used in the homeopathic clinic for the treatment of hypertension, were evaluated in kidney MDCK and LLC-PK1 cell lines. The following cellular parameters were analyzed: viability, morphology and expression of the (Na+-K+)-ATPase and the angiotensin II receptors AT1 and AT2. The cell lines were plated (5.0 x 104 cells/mL) in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). After 24 hours at 37°C, DMEM was re-fed with the addition of 10% (V/V) and 1% (V/V) of the following samples: Natrum muriaticum 30CH, water 30CH and non-dynamized sterile distilled water to do the MTT assay. The results obtained from these groups were compared to those obtained by incubation of the cells in culture medium free of these solutions (Control). Cell viability was assessed by a colorimetric MTT ELISA ass...

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

Background: The use of sensitive techniques can be useful to increase the understanding of homeop... more Background: The use of sensitive techniques can be useful to increase the understanding of homeopathic systems behavior. Aim: To analyze physicochemical properties of Zincum metallicum and lactose mixtures prepared according to Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopeia. Methodology: Zincum metallicum was prepared using lactose as vehicle, from 1 to 3 cH, and from 1 to 6dH. All samples including respective controls (dynamized lactose) were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) with X-Ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Results: AAS analysis showed the dynamization process decreases zinc concentration in a proportional manner to the increase of homeopathic potencies. Quantities of 4ppm and 132 ppm of zinc were detected in 6dH and 3cH, respectively. XRD analysis showed crystalline form of lactose was not modified by dynamization. Am...

Background: Influenza viruses have been responsible for highly contagious acute respiratory illne... more Background: Influenza viruses have been responsible for highly contagious acute respiratory illnesses with high mortality, mainly in the elderly and immune compromised patients, which encourages the development of new drugs for treatment of human flu. The biotherapics are medicines prepared from biological products, which are compounded according to homeopathic procedures1 indicated for infectious diseases with known etiology.

International Journal of High Dilution Research, 2012

Background: "Roberto CostaA¢â‚¬â„¢s Biotherapics" are homeopathic remedies prepared fro... more Background: "Roberto CostaA¢â‚¬â„¢s Biotherapics" are homeopathic remedies prepared from intact microorganisms which have been proposed for treatment of diseases like influenza. Aim: This study aimed to compare the biochemical effects, in MDCK cells and RAW-264-7 macrophages, of biotherapics prepared from intact influenza virus diluted in water as well as from a sample of the same virus inactivated by ethanol 70% (v / v), both in the homeopathic potencies of 12x and 30x. Water 30x, non-dynamized water and cells without treatment (control cells) were used as control. Methodology: Treatments were performed by incubating MDCK cells with DMEM medium added in a 1:10 ratio for 6 times (3 different aliquots per day) or 18 times (up to 4 aliquots per day) in each experimental situation. Each aliquot was added with an interval of at least 2 hours. After that, the mitochondrial activity of MDCK cells was analyzed by MTT assay. The effects of treatments with intact biotherapics on MD...

Previous papers have indicated that homeopathic solutions modify the cellular and biochemical asp... more Previous papers have indicated that homeopathic solutions modify the cellular and biochemical aspects of cells maintained in culture. In this study, the effects of Natrum muriaticum, a medicine used in the homeopathic clinic for the treatment of hypertension, were evaluated in kidney MDCK and LLC-PK1 cell lines. The following cellular parameters were analyzed: viability, morphology and expression of the (Na +-K +)-ATPase and the angiotensin II receptors AT1 and AT2. The cell lines were plated (5.0 x 10 4 cells/mL) in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). After 24 hours at 37°C, DMEM was re-fed with the addition of 10% (V/V) and 1% (V/V) of the following samples: Natrum muriaticum 30CH, water 30CH and non-dynamized sterile distilled water to do the MTT assay. The results obtained from these groups were compared to those obtained by incubation of the cells in culture medium free of these solutions (Control). Cell viability was assessed by a colorimetric MTT ELISA assay (490nm). The values from four independent experiments performed in quintuplicate were plotted and statistically analyzed by Sigma Plot v.11 (Jandel Scientific). The morphology of MDCK cells was evaluated by optical microscope after Giemsa's staining. The expression of the (Na + +K +)-ATPase and AT1/AT2 of LLC-PK1 cells was evaluated by Western Blot (WB) analysis. For this experimental set, 5.0x10 4 cells/mL were incubated in DMEM supplemented with 10% FCS and daily culture medium was replaced by a new one, containing: Natrum muriaticum 30CH and water 30CH. Additionally, cells were treated for 5, 10 and 15 days with 1% of specific solutions and the total protein was measured by the Lowry method, after cell lysis. The samples were analyzed by electrophoresis in SDS-PAGE (12% gel) and transferred to nitrocellulose membrane. This membrane was incubated with specific primary antibodies (anti-(Na + +K +)-ATPase, anti-AT1 and AT2 or anti-anti-beta-actin). The detection was performed using ECL system and Hyperfilm. MTT assays showed a statistically significant reduction in cellular mitochondrial activity (p<0.001) probably attributed to an osmotic effect due to the use of 10% (V/V) concentration rather than 1% (V/V). The optical microscopy analysis revealed no significant morphological changes in MDCK and LLC-PK1 cells submitted to the different treatments when compared to controls groups. The WB analysis indicated a proportional increase in (Na + +K +)-ATPase content according to an increase in the homeopathic stimuli. Although preliminary, these results show for the first time, that the homeopathic medicine is able to modify the expression of important physiological markers for LLC-PK1 cells, which are directly involved in the genesis of hypertension.

International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206

Background: Fungal and viral infections constitute a serious public health problem, because morbi... more Background: Fungal and viral infections constitute a serious public health problem, because morbidity and mortality rates of these diseases have been increasing in the last decades [1,2]. The resistance to antifungal and antiviral agents [3,4] currently available in the pharmaceutical market motivates the development of new therapies, including complementary and alternative health practices [5,6]. In this context, our research group has deepened the knowledge about the therapeutic potential of homeopathy using different models [7-9]. Homeopathic medicines undergo a process of serial dilution whereby the final remedy contains extremely low amounts of the active substance, with pharmacological action, and, consequently, cannot be considered merely placebos [10]. Aims: In the present study, we evaluated the potential of two different homeopathic medicines, named Influenzinum RC (compounded with influenza A virus) and Candida albicans RC (compounded with Candida albicans yeasts), which ...

Bioelectromagnetics, Jan 26, 2016

Available treatments against human fungal pathogens present high levels of resistance, motivating... more Available treatments against human fungal pathogens present high levels of resistance, motivating the development of new antifungal therapies. In this context, the present work aimed to analyze direct electric current (DC) antifungal action, using an in vitro apparatus equipped with platinum electrodes. Candida albicans yeast cells were submitted to three distinct conditions of DC treatment (anodic flow-AF; electroionic flow-EIF; and cathodic flow-CF), as well as different charges, ranging from 0.03 to 2.40 C. Our results indicated C. albicans presented distinct sensibility depending on the DC intensity and polarity applied. Both the colony-forming unit assay and the cytometry flow with propidium iodide indicated a drastic reduction on cellular viability after AF treatment with 0.15 C, while CF- and EIF-treated cells stayed alive when DC doses were increased up to 2.40 C. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy revealed important ultrastructural alterations in AF-treated yeas...

Revista De Homeopatia, Sep 15, 2011

Efeitos in vitro do medicamento homeopático Natrum muriaticum em células renais (linhagens MDCK e... more Efeitos in vitro do medicamento homeopático Natrum muriaticum em células renais (linhagens MDCK e LLC-PK1) In vitro effects of homeopathic medicine Natrum muriaticum on kidney cell lines MDCK and LLC-PK1