Effects of eggplant (Solanum melongena) on the atherogenesis and oxidative stress in LDL receptor knock out mice (LDLR(-/-)).

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) has been used as hypocholesterolemic agent in many countries. However, few controlled studies were addressed to this subject and atherogenesis. We have evaluated the effect of eggplant on cholesterol metabolism and atherogenesis in LDLR(-/-) mice. Animals were fed on chow (n=17) or atherogenic (n=21) diet during 12 weeks receiving water (control) or eggplant extract. Liver, serum and fecal lipids, together with serum lipoproteins were measured. Oxidative stress was evaluated through conjugate diene formation and ox-LDL antibodies by enzyme immunoassay. Atherosclerotic lesions were measured in different sites of aorta. Total cholesterol and atherogenic lipoproteins did not decrease after eggplant intake. Animals receiving eggplant and chow diet showed increased anti-ox-LDL antibodies and a decreased lag phase of conjugated diene formation, indicating a higher oxidative stress than controls. No differences were seen in lesion area of aortic valve. Eggplant extract had high histamine and other amine levels that could enhance LDL oxidation and its endocytosis. Eggplant did not decrease plasma cholesterol nor prevent the development of atherosclerosis in LDLR(-/-) mice. Surprisingly, eggplant increased oxidative stress, representing a risk factor for atherosclerosis. These results did not support the use of eggplant extract as hypocholesterolemic agent.     

Determination of the Initial Apical Canal Diameter by the First File to Bind or Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Measurements Using Micro-computed Tomography as the Gold Standard: An Ex Vivo Study in Human Cadavers

Introduction

This study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of the tactile perception of the first apical binding file (FABF) and cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging in estimating the canal diameter at the working length (WL).

Addition of zinc methacrylate in dental polymers: MMP-2 inhibition and ultimate tensile strength evaluation

This study evaluated the effect of zinc methacrylate (ZM) on the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of an experimental polymer. Enzymes secreted from mouse gingival tissues were analyzed by gelatin zymography in buffers containing 5 mM CaCl₂ (Tris–CaCl₂) in 50 mM Tris–HCl buffer with various concentrations of ZM (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mM). The matrix metalloproteinases present in the conditioned media were characterized by immunoprecipitation. The polymer UTS evaluation was performed in eight groups with various concentrations of ZM (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%), in a mechanical testing machine. MMP-2 (62 kDa) was detected in the zymographic assays and inhibited by ZM in all tested concentrations. UTS data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05), and no significant differences were observed among groups, except in the polymer containing 30% ZM, presenting a significantly lower value when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The results suggest that ZM inhibits MMP-2 expression in all concentrations tested, while small concentrations did not affect the ultimate tensile strength of the polymer. Zinc methacrylate is a metalloproteinase inhibitor that can be copolymerized with other methacrylate monomers. Yet, the addition of ZM did not affect the resin bond strength. Thus, in vivo tests should be performed to evaluate the performance of this material.     

EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES OF PLANT EXTRACTS FROM SOUTHERN MINAS GERAIS CERRADO

The antimicrobial activity of plant hidroethanolic extracts on bacteria Gram positive, Gram negative, yeasts, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37 and Mycobacterium bovis was evaluated by using the technique of Agar diffusion and microdilution in broth. Among the extracts evaluated by Agar diffusion, the extract of Bidens pilosa leaf presented the most expressive average of haloes of growth inhibition to the microorganisms, followed by the extract of B. pilosa flower, of Eugenia pyriformis'' leaf and seed, of Plinia cauliflora leaf which statistically presented the same average of haloes inhibitory formation on bacteria Gram positive, Gram negative and yeasts. The extracts of Heliconia rostrata did not present activity. Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37 and Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) appeared resistant to all the extracts. The susceptibility profile of Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungi were compared to one another and to the Gram positive Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis and the Gram negative Salmonella typhimurium bacteria (p > 0.05). The evaluation of cytotoxicity was carried out on C6-36 larvae cells of the Aedes albopictus mosquito. The extracts of stem and flower of Heliconia rostrata, leaf and stem of Plinia cauliflora, seed of Anonna crassiflora and stem, flower and root of B. pilosa did not present toxicity in the analyzed concentrations. The highest rates of selectivity appeared in the extracts of stem of A. crassiflora and flower of B. pilosa to Staphylococcus aureus, presenting potential for future studies about a new drug development.     

Treatment of central giant cell lesions using bisphosphonates with intralesional corticosteroid injections

ABSTRACT: Central giant cell lesions are benign intraosseous proliferative lesions that have considerable local aggressiveness. Nonsurgical treatment methods, such as intralesional corticosteroid injections, systemic calcitonin and interferon have been reported. Recently, bisphosphonates have been used to treat central giant cell lesions. A case of a 36-year-old male with a central giant cell lesion crossing the mandibular midline was treated with intralesional corticosteroids combined with alendronate sodium for the control of systemic bone resorption. The steroid injections and the use of bisphosphonates were stopped after seven months when further needle penetration into the lesion was not possible due to new bone formation. After two years, the bony architecture was near normal, and only minimal radiolucency was present around the root apices of the involved teeth. The patient was followed up for four years, and panoramic radiography showed areas of new bone formation. Thus far, neither recurrence nor side effects of the medication have been detected.