Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) promotes challenging immune and inflammatory phenomena. Though various therapeutic possibilities have been tested against coronavirus ...disease 2019 (COVID-19), the most adequate treatment has not yet been established. Propolis is a natural product with considerable evidence of immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activities, and experimental data point to potential against viral targets. We hypothesized that propolis can reduce the negative effects of COVID-19.
In a randomized, controlled, open-label, single-center trial, hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients were treated with a standardized green propolis extract (EPP-AF®️) as an adjunct therapy. Patients were allocated to receive standard care plus an oral dose of 400 mg or 800 mg/day of green propolis for seven days, or standard care alone. Standard care included all necessary interventions, as determined by the attending physician. The primary end point was the time to clinical improvement, defined as the length of hospital stay or oxygen therapy dependency duration. Secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury and need for intensive care or vasoactive drugs. Patients were followed for 28 days after admission.
We enrolled 124 patients; 40 were assigned to EPP-AF®️ 400 mg/day, 42 to EPP-AF®️ 800 mg/day, and 42 to the control group. The length of hospital stay post-intervention was shorter in both propolis groups than in the control group; lower dose, median 7 days versus 12 days (95% confidence interval CI −6.23 to −0.07; p = 0.049) and higher dose, median 6 days versus 12 days (95% CI −7.00 to −1.09; p = 0.009). Propolis did not significantly affect the need for oxygen supplementation. In the high dose propolis group, there was a lower rate of acute kidney injury than in the controls (4.8 vs 23.8%), (odds ratio OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.03–0.84; p = 0.048). No patient had propolis treatment discontinued due to adverse events.
Addition of propolis to the standard care procedures resulted in clinical benefits for the hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially evidenced by a reduction in the length of hospital stay. Consequently, we conclude that propolis can reduce the impact of COVID-19.
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•124 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were randomized into three groups.•0, 400 or 800 mg/day of a standardized Brazilian green propolis was provided.•Adjunct treatment with propolis anticipated hospital release by five to six days.•The 800 mg propolis dose reduced kidney damage associated with COVID-19.•Propolis was safe and effective as an adjunct treatment.
Peptides are implicated to various physiological responses and exhibit considerable potential for disease treatment, encompassing diverse types of tumors. The significant therapeutic promise of ...peptides is related from their characteristics, including the ability to inhibit angiogenesis, induce tumor apoptosis and block of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) signaling. Their relevance is underscored by overexpression in a range of human cancers, notably glioblastoma, which represents the most prevalent and aggressive form of malignant brain tumors.
This study aims to assess the growth inhibition of rat (C6 cells) and human (U-87 MG cells) glioblastoma tumor cells using peptides that interact with the EGFr.
The anti-EGFr peptides were synthesized through the solid-phase peptide synthesis using the Fmoc/tBut strategy. Peptide cleavage from the resin was performed using a mixture containing a high concentration of trifluoroacetic acid (reagent K). Subsequently, the peptides underwent a characterization and purification process employing high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. C6 and U-87 MG cell lines were cultured in supplemented DMEM F-12 medium at 37°C and 5% CO2 until reaching 90% confluence. To assess the effect of peptides on cell proliferation, cells were seeded at a concentration of 5 × 103 in 6-well plates, with the presence of 80 µM of each proposed peptide. Growth curves were performed in sextuplicate over a 7-day period, with cell counts conducted on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Cell viability in the presence of peptides was determined using the MTT test. For this analysis, cells were plated at a concentration of 5 × 103 in 96-well plates, with peptide concentrations of 80, 120, and 160 µM. Spectrophotometric analyses were performed after 24 h and 7 days of incubation at 595 nm.
Anti-EGFr-LP and anti-EGFr-LG peptides were synthesized efficiently with yields of approximately 45 and 98%, respectively. Chromatographic analyzes obtained by HPLC confirmed that the entire synthesis, cleavage, and characterization process of peptides were performed efficiently, as evidenced by the presence of only a single peak corresponding to the synthesized peptides. Following the determination of growth curve profiles of C6 and U-87 MG cell lines, without the presence of peptides, the interaction of the peptides with both tumor cell types was assessed. The results demonstrated that both anti-EGFr-LP and anti-EGFr-LG peptides significantly interacted with and inhibited the growth of C6 and U-87 MG strains (p < 0.0001). Studies conducted with C6 cells showed inhibition percentages of approximately 55.3% and 99.1% for the Anti-EGFr-LP and anti-EGFr-LG peptides, respectively. On the other hand, an inhibition percentage of growth of U-87 MG cells was 44.4% for the Anti-EGFr-LP and 46.4% for the anti-EGFr-LG. Finally, based on the MTT test, the peptides exhibited no toxicity at any of the three concentrations tested.
The findings indicate that both proposed peptides, at a minimum concentration (80 µM) effectively reduced the proliferation of tumor cells without inducing toxicity. While further experiments are warranted, the peptides have demonstrated the capability to inhibit tumor cell growth associated with glioblastoma, suggesting a potential therapeutic alternative.
Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: tenuipalpidae), commonly known as the red palm mite (RPM), is an invasive polyphagous pest, which has emerged as a threat to agriculture in the Americas. In the ...Americas, the mite has not only spread quickly, but also greatly extended its host range in the new areas where it has been observed. We present here new records of the RPM in Brazilian states, with focus on its arrival into the most threatened area, the Northeast Region. Coconut and banana are important crops in this region of Brazil and represent the main threatened crops by this pest. These new records of RPM reinforce the idea that this species is already widely distributed throughout Brazil eight years after its introduction into the extreme North state of Roraima. Comments on the possible economic, social and environmental impacts are presented.
This study investigated the effect of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) and silymarin (SIL) in the liver of mice exposed to ethanol and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Mice were divided into four groups (n = 6): ...naive, vehicle, NAC (200 mg/kg), and SIL (200 mg/kg). Treatments were given orally (po) once daily for 10 days. Liver injury was induced by administration of ethanol (30%, po) for 10 days, once daily, followed by a single administration of LPS (2 mg/kg, ip) 24 h before euthanasia. After the treatment period, animals were euthanized, and liver and blood samples were collected. NAC, but not SIL, prevented the increase in oxalacetic glutamic transaminase (OGT) and pyruvic glutamic transaminase (PGT) serum levels. NAC and SIL did not restore levels of reduced glutathione or hepatic malonaldehyde. The treatments with NAC or SIL showed no difference in the activity of glutathione S‐transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase compared to vehicle group. Myeloperoxidase and N‐acetylglucosaminidase activities are increased, as well as the IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels in the liver. The treatment with NAC, but not SIL, reduced the N‐acetylglucosamines activity and the IL‐6 and IL‐10 amount in the liver. Histological findings revealed microsteatosis in the vehicle group, which was not prevented by SIL but was partially reduced in animals receiving NAC. Unlike other liver injury models, NAC (200 mg/kg) or SIL (200 mg/kg) did not positively affect antioxidant patterns in liver tissue of animals exposed to ethanol plus LPS, but NAC treatment displays anti‐inflammatory properties in this model.
Megacoelomyces (type species: Megacoelomyces sanchezii), an ascomycete asexual morph infecting Myrcia fenzliana (Myrtaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado, is described as a new genus in the ...Phaeosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota), based on multilocus phylogeny (three nuclear ribosomal DNA and two protein-coding genes) in addition to morphological (light and scanning electron microscopy) and ecological data.
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread and affects large numbers of people with unprecedented impacts. Experimental evidence has already been obtained for use of the ...standardized extract of Brazilian green propolis (EPP-AF) against viral targets, and clinical rationality has been demonstrated for testing this extract as an adjunct to treatment in patients affected by COVID-19. The BeeCovid2 study aims to assess whether EPP-AF has an impact on the improvement of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 by reducing the length of hospital stay.
BeeCovid2 is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study being conducted in Brazil to provide further evidence on the effectiveness of standardized green propolis extract as an adjunctive treatment for adults hospitalized with COVID-19. Hospitalized patients over 18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and up to 14 days of symptoms were included. Patients under mechanical ventilation at randomization, pregnant women, cancer patients, transplanted or using immunosuppression, HIV patients, patients who used propolis in the last 30 days, bacterial or fungal infection at randomization, impossibility of using medication orally or enterally, and advanced chronic diseases (e.g., advanced heart failure, severe liver disease, and end-stage chronic kidney disease). Enrolled patients are randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive placebo or standardized propolis extract (900 mg/day) for 10 days. The study treatments are administered in a double-blinded manner, and patients are followed for 28 days. The primary outcome is the difference in length of hospital stay in days between groups. Secondary outcomes include the need for mechanical ventilation, the rate of secondary infection, rate of acute kidney injury, the need for renal replacement therapy, the requirement for vasoactive drugs, the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
This trial is very useful and will provide more data on the effectiveness of using the standardized Brazilian green propolis extract as an adjunctive treatment in association with standard care in adults hospitalized with moderate to severe acute COVID-19.
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04800224 . Registered on March 16, 2021.
Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease associated with abnormalities of vascular functions. The consumption of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids can be considered a strategy to reduce ...clinical events related to atherosclerosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of supplementation with 310 mg of ω-3 PUFAs (2:1 eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic acids) for 56 days on rats with hypercholesterolemia induced by a diet containing cholesterol (0.1%), cholic acid (0.5%), and egg yolk. Serum biochemical parameters were determined by the enzymatic colorimetric method. Assessment of vascular effects was performed by analysis of histological sections of the heart and aortic arch stained with hematoxylin and eosin and vascular reactivity of the aorta artery. We observed that treatment with ω-3 PUFAs did not promote alterations in lipid profile. On the other hand, we documented a favorable reduction in liver biomarkers, as well as contributions to the preservation of heart and aortic arch morphologies. Interestingly, the vascular reactivity of rat thoracic aortic preparations was improved after treatment with ω-3 PUFAs, with a decrease in hyperreactivity to phenylephrine and increased vasorelaxation promoted by acetylcholine. Our findings suggest that the supplementation of hypercholesterolemic rats with ω-3 PUFAs promoted improvement in liver and vascular endothelial function as well as preserving heart and aortic tissue, reinforcing the early health benefits of ω-3 PUFAs in the development of atherosclerotic plaque and further related events.
Objective: to analyze the needs of family members of patients hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases in an intensive care unit. Methods: a cross-sectional study in which the Inventory of Needs and ...Stressors of Family Members in Intensive Care was applied to 70 family members. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: the needs of family members, according to the importance dimension, presented greater emphasis on the safety domain and lesser on comfort. As for the satisfaction dimension, the overall mean was higher in the safety domain and lower in the proximity domain. Conclusion: family needs presented higher means for satisfaction; safety was the best evaluated domain, and comfort and proximity were the worst.
Objetivo: analisar as necessidades de familiares de pacientes hospitalizados por doença cardiovascular em unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: estudo transversal, em que se aplicou o Inventário das Necessidades e Estressores de Familiares em Terapia Intensiva a 70 familiares. Dados analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: as necessidades dos familiares, segundo a dimensão importância, apresentou maior destaque para o domínio segurança e menor para o conforto. Para dimensão satisfação, a média global foi maior no domínio segurança e menor no domínio proximidade. Conclusão: as necessidades de familiares apresentaram médias maiores para importância em relação à satisfação, segurança foi o domínio melhor avaliado, conforto e proximidade foram os piores.
ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate sociodemographic factors, non-communicable diseases and conditions, and behavioral risk factors associated with negative self-rated health among Brazilian women of ...childbearing age. Method: Cross-sectional study with 26,071 Brazilian women of reproductive age. Estimated prevalence of self-rated health according to sociodemographic characteristics, non-communicable diseases and conditions, and behavioral risk factors. Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted and unadjusted prevalence ratios. Results: Occurrence of two or more of the diseases and conditions presented a prevalence of negative self-rated health almost three times higher than none. There was a positive association between negative self-rated health and older age groups, lower education, black or brown skin color/race, living in the north and northeast regions, physical inactivity, being a smoker, and presence of one or more of the diseases and conditions. Conclusion: There are differences in self-rated health, reflecting social inequalities.
RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar fatores sociodemográficos, doenças e agravos não transmissíveis e fatores de risco comportamentais associados à autoavaliação de saúde negativa das mulheres brasileiras em idade reprodutiva. Método: Estudo transversal com 26.071 mulheres brasileiras em idade reprodutiva. Estimadas prevalências da autoavaliação de saúde segundo características sociodemográficas, doenças e agravos não transmissíveis e fatores de risco comportamentais. Utilizou-se regressão de Poisson para estimar as razões de prevalência ajustadas e não ajustadas. Resultados: Ocorrência de duas ou mais das doenças e agravos apresentou prevalência de autoavaliação de saúde negativa quase três vezes maior do que nenhuma. Houve associação positiva entre autoavaliação de saúde negativa e maiores faixas etárias, menor escolaridade, cor da pele/raça preta ou parda, viver nas regiões norte e nordeste, inatividade física, ser fumante e presença de uma ou mais das doenças e agravos. Conclusão: Existem diferenças na autoavaliação de saúde, refletindo em iniquidades sociais.
RESUMEN Objetivo: Investigar factores sociodemográficos, enfermedades y condiciones no transmisibles y factores de riesgo conductuales asociados con la autoevaluación negativa de la salud entre mujeres brasileñas en edad fértil. Método: Estudio transversal con 26.071 mujeres brasileñas en edad reproductiva. Prevalencia estimada de salud autovalorada según características sociodemográficas, enfermedades y trastornos no transmisibles y factores de riesgo conductuales. Se utilizó la regresión de Poisson para estimar las tasas de prevalencia ajustadas y no ajustadas. Resultados: La aparición de dos o más de las enfermedades y agravios mostró una prevalencia de autoevaluación negativa de la salud casi tres veces mayor que ninguna. Hubo una asociación positiva entre la autoevaluación negativa de la salud y los grupos de mayor edad, menor educación, color de piel/raza negra o morena, vivir en las regiones norte y noreste, inactividad física, ser fumador y la presencia de una o más de las enfermedades y condiciones. Conclusión: Existen diferencias en la autoevaluación de la salud, lo que refleja desigualdades sociales.
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