Hepatoprotective effects of pecan nut shells on ethanol-induced liver damage

The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the shells of pecan nut was investigated against ethanol-induced liver damage. This by-product of the food industry is popularly used to treat toxicological diseases. We evaluated the phytochemical properties of pecan shell aqueous extract (AE) and its in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant activity. The AE was found to have a high content of total polyphenols (192.4 ± 1.9 mg GAE/g), condensed tannins (58.4 ± 2.2 mg CE/g), and antioxidant capacity, and it inhibited Fe²⁺-induced lipid peroxidation (LP) in vitro. Rats chronically treated with ethanol (Et) had increased plasmatic transaminases (ALT, AST) and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels (96%, 59.13% and 465.9%, respectively), which were effectively prevented (87; 41 and 383%) by the extract (1:40, w/v). In liver, ethanol consumption increased the LP (121%) and decreased such antioxidant defenses as glutathione (GSH) (33%) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (47%) levels, causing genotoxicity in erythrocytes. Treatment with pecan shell AE prevented the development of LP (43%), GSH and SOD depletion (33% and 109%, respectively) and ethanol-induced erythrocyte genotoxicity. Catalase activity in the liver was unchanged by ethanol but was increased by the extract (47% and 73% in AE and AE + Et, respectively). Therefore, pecan shells may be an economic agent to treat liver diseases related to ethanol consumption.     

Fetal Wound Healing Biomarkers

Fetal skin has the intrinsic capacity for wound healing, which is not correlated with the intrauterine environment. This intrinsic ability requires biochemical signals, which start at the cellular level and lead to secretion of transforming factors and expression of receptors, and specific markers that promote wound healing without scar formation. The mechanisms and molecular pathways of wound healing still need to be elucidated to achieve a complete understanding of this remodeling system. The aim of this paper is to discuss the main biomarkers involved in fetal skin wound healing as well as their respective mechanisms of action.     

Ichthyosis associated with widespread tinea corporis: report of three cases

Ichthyoses are a common group of keratinization disorders. A non-inflammatory generalized persistent skin desquamation is observed. It is characterized by increased cell turnover, thickening of the stratum corneum and functional changes of sebaceous and sweat glands. All of these favor fungal proliferation. Dermatophytes may infect skin, hair and nails causing ringworm or tinea. They have the ability to obtain nutrients from keratinized material. One of its most prevalent genera is Trichophyton rubrum. Although tineas and ichthyoses are quite common, the association of the two entities is rarely reported in the literature. Three cases of ichthyosis associated with widespread infection by T. rubrum are presented. Resistance to several antifungal treatments was responsible for worsening of ichthyosis signs and symptoms.     

Cotton cellulose nanofiber/chitosan nanocomposite: characterization and evaluation of cytocompatibility

Abstract

Cellulose is a renewable polymer quite abundant on the Earth and very attractive for applications in the construction of eco-friendly biomedical products. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical-physical characteristics of cotton cellulose nanofiber (CCN)/chitosan nanocomposite and its cytocompatibility with human embryonic kidney cells. First, the chemical composition, swelling ratio and surface topography of the nanocomposite were evaluated. Cytocompatibility was then assessed through spreading, proliferation and viability of cells. The experimental results showed that the CCN was an effective nanomaterial agent for increasing the roughness surface of chitosan film. Cell proliferation and changes in cell morphology indicated that the nanocomposite led to improved cell spreading and growth. Cell viability did not decrease after 24?h. However, the cell survival on the nanocomposite was affected at 72?h. The results indicate that CCN/chitosan nanocomposite could be a promising biocompatible biomaterial for biomedical applications.