Progress and promise of alternative animal and non-animal methods in biomedical research.

Cell culture and invertebrate animal models reflect a significant evolution in scientific research by providing reliable evidence on the physiopathology of diseases, screening for new drugs, and toxicological tests while reducing the need for mammals. In this review, we discuss the progress and promise of alternative animal and non-animal methods in biomedical research, with a special focus on drug toxicity.

Phytochemistry, antifungal and antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity of byrsonima gardneriana (A. Juss) extract.

Objective: To determine the phytochemical composition of Byrsonima gardneriana (A. Juss) leaf extract (BGE) and its antifungal activity against Candida spp., antioxidant potential and in vitro cytotoxicity.

Fusogenic Liposomes Increase the Antimicrobial Activity of Vancomycin Against Biofilm.

The aim of the present study was to encapsulate vancomycin in different liposomal formulations and compare the antimicrobial activity against biofilms. Large unilamellar vesicles of conventional (LUV VAN), fusogenic (LUV VAN), and cationic (LUV VAN) liposomes encapsulating VAN were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency (%EE) and release kinetics. The formulations were tested for their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and inhibitory activity on biofilm formation and viability, using methicillin-susceptible ATCC 29213 and methicillin-resistant ATCC 43300 strains.

Antimicrobial, anti-adherence and antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus of a 4-phenyl coumarin derivative isolated from Brazilian geopropolis.

The discovery of new drug candidates, especially from natural products, remains a promising approach to overcome the alarmingly high microbial resistance rates. A major 4-phenyl coumarin named cinnamoyloxy-mammeisin (CNM) isolated from stingless bee geopropolis showed interesting biological properties; however, its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus has never been investigated. In order to clarify these properties, CNM isolated from geopropolis was initially tested against methicillin-susceptible and -resistant S.

Bioactive molecule optimized for biofilm reduction related to childhood caries.

To evaluate antimicrobial activity of a new nitrochalcone (NC-E08) against and , and its toxicity. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration/minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined against and , as well as antibiofilm potential and toxicity (human gingival fibroblast and ). Infection and treatment were performed in .

Diacetylcurcumin: a new photosensitizer for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in biofilms.

This study evaluated the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on using diacetylcurcumin (DAC) and verified DAC toxicity. , biofilms were exposed to curcumin (CUR) and DAC and were light-irradiated. Biofilms were collected, plated and incubated for colony counts.

Anadenanthera Colubrina vell Brenan: anti-Candida and antibiofilm activities, toxicity and therapeutical action.

We evaluated the antifungal and antibiofilm potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of bark from Anadenanthera colubrina (vell.) Brenan, known as Angico, against Candida spp. Antifungal activity was evaluated using the microdilution technique through the Minimum Inhibitory and Fungicide Concentrations (MIC and MFC).

Antifungal Activity, Mode of Action, Docking Prediction and Anti-biofilm Effects of (+)-β-pinene Enantiomers against Candida spp.

Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of (+)-β-pinene inhibition on Candida spp. growth, aiming at elucidation of the mechanism of action; to determine fungal cell enzyme binding activity (through molecular docking simulations) and its effects on biofilm reduction.

Methods: Candida strains (n=25) from referenced and clinical origins, either susceptible or resistant to standard clinical antifungals, were tested for determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC); Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC); and microbial death curves upon treatment with (+)-β-pinene; the effects of (+)-β-pinene on the cell wall (sorbitol assay), membrane ergosterol binding, and effects on biofilm were evaluated by microdilution techniques.

In silico approaches for screening molecular targets in Candida albicans: A proteomic insight into drug discovery and development.

Candida species are opportunistic pathogens which can cause conditions ranging from simple mucocutaneous infections to fungemia and death in immunosuppressed and hospitalized patients. Candida albicans is considered to be the species mostly associated with fungal infections in humans and, therefore, the mostly studied yeast. This microorganism has survival and virulence factors which, allied to a decreased host immunity response, make infection more difficult to control.

Antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy using erythrosine/methylene blue combination on Streptococcus mutans biofilm.

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has demonstrated promising results in the treatment of several clinical pathologies through the photochemical reaction caused by the combination of a photosensitizer and a light source. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the combination of the photosensitizers (PSs) erythrosine/methylene blue activated by a white halogen light device on Streptococcus mutans biofilm.

Methods: Two separate experiments were conducted, the first using the PSs at the concentration of 100 μM, and the second 250 μM.

Bioprospection of Eugenia brasiliensis, a Brazilian native fruit, as a source of anti-inflammatory and antibiofilm compounds.

The anti-inflammatory and antibiofilm activities as well as toxicity and chemical profile of Eugenia brasiliensis pulp extract (EBE), were evaluated. EBE chemical profile and phenolic content were determined by LC-MS/MS. EBE was tested for its in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, including TNF-α release, NF-кB activation, neutrophil migration and paw edema.

Characterization of the pgf operon involved in the posttranslational modification of Streptococcus mutans surface proteins.

Protein glycosylation has been described as the most abundant and complex post-translational modification occurring in nature. Recent studies have enhanced our view of how this modification occurs in bacteria highlighting the role of protein glycosylation in various processes such as biofilm formation, virulence and host-microbe interactions. We recently showed that the collagen- and laminin-binding adhesin Cnm of the dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans is post-translationally modified by the PgfS glycosyltransferase.

Isoflavonoids from Brazilian red propolis down-regulate the expression of cancer-related target proteins: A pharmacogenomic analysis.

Vestitol and neovestitol are bioactive isoflavonoids isolated from Brazilian red propolis, a unique Apis melifera type of propolis botanically originated from Dalbergia ecastophyllum. Although these molecules have relevant biological effects, including anticancer and immunomodulatory activities, their mechanism(s) of action and the affected pathways remain largely unknown. Here, we carried out a pharmacogenomic analysis to investigate the effects of vestitol and neovestitol on the whole-genome expression in human tumor cells, particularly cancer-related target proteins.

The alveolar bone protective effects of natural products: A systematic review.

Objectives: This systematic review was carried out to identify which naturally-occurring agents and constituents isolated therefrom have effects in preventing bone loss in a ligature-induced periodontitis model.

Materials And Methods: Eight databases were systematically searched for studies of experimental periodontitis. The data were extracted, analyzed, and the treatment outcomes were given scores based on the level of bone destruction as compared to their untreated induced-periodontitis control.

Self-ligating versus conventional metallic brackets on retention: A systematic review.

Objective: The present study aimed to review the literature systematically and assess comparatively whether self-ligating metallic brackets accumulate less biofilm than conventional metallic brackets.

Material And Methods: The systematic search was performed following PRISMA guidelines and registration in PROSPERO. Seven electronic databases (Google Scholar, LILACS, Open Grey, PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, and Scopus) were consulted until April 2016, with no restriction of language and time of publication.

Antibiofilm Activity and Mechanism of Action of the Disinfectant Chloramine T on Candida spp., and Its Toxicity against Human Cells.

We evaluated the antifungal and anti-biofilm activity, mechanism of action and cytotoxicity of chloramine T trihydrate (CAT) against spp. The Minimum Inhibitory and Fungicidal Concentrations (MIC/MFC) of CAT were determined. Changes in CAT-treated growth kinetics and micromorphology were evaluated, as well as the mechanism of action, and its effects on biofilm.

Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activity of Bauhinia forficata Link and Cnidoscolus quercifolius Extracts commonly Used in Folk Medicine.

Background: Bauhinia forficata and Cnidoscolus quercifolius plants are commonly used in folk medicine. However, few studies have investigated their therapeutic potential.

Aim: Herein, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of B.

The use of Brazilian propolis for discovery and development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs.

Anti-Inflammatory drugs have been routinely used in the management of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Nevertheless, their undesirable side and adverse effects have encouraged the development of more selective, tolerable and efficacious drugs able to modulate the inflammatory process through distinct mechanisms than those of drugs currently available in the market, for instance, inhibition of leukocyte recruitment (chemotaxis, rolling, adhesion and transmigration). Natural products, including Brazilian propolis, have been considered a rich source of anti-inflammatory molecules due to a very complex phytochemical diversity.

Antibacterial activity of diacetylcurcumin against Staphylococcus aureus results in decreased biofilm and cellular adhesion.

Purpose: Staphylococcus aureus infections have contributed to the global healthcare burden, particularly with regard to hospital-acquired meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections.

Methodology: This study describes the antibacterial activity of diacetylcurcumin (DAC) against meticillin-susceptible S.

The anti-caries activity and toxicity of an experimental propolis-containing varnish.

We investigated the anti-caries effects of an experimental propolis varnish in vivo, and further tested its toxicity against fibroblasts. Fifty-six SPF female Wistar rats were infected with Streptococcus mutans UA159 (SM) and allocated into four groups (n = 14/group): G1, propolis varnish (15%/PV); G2, chitosan varnish (CV/vehicle); G3, gold standard (GS/Duraphat®); and G4, untreated. The animals received a single varnish application on their molars and were submitted to a high cariogenic challenge (Diet-2000, 56% sucrose, and 5% sucrose-added water, ad libitum) for 4 weeks.

Model of Human Aortic Valve Bacterial Colonization.

The interaction of pathogens with host tissues is a key step towards successful colonization and establishment of an infection. During bacteremia, pathogens can virtually reach all organs in the human body (, heart, kidney, spleen) but host immunity, blood flow and tissue integrity generally prevents bacterial colonization. Yet, patients with cardiac conditions (, congenital heart disease, atherosclerosis, calcific aortic stenosis, prosthetic valve recipients) are at a higher risk of bacterial infection.

Unexplored endemic fruit species from Brazil: Antibiofilm properties, insights into mode of action, and systemic toxicity of four Eugenia spp.

Brazilian endemic fruit species have aroused attention due to their highly valuable, yet unexplored, agro-industrial, food and therapeutic potential. Herein, we describe the antifungal activity of four Eugenia spp. against Candida albicans biofilms, and further demonstrate insights into their potential mode(s) of action and toxicity in vitro and in vivo.

Alternative Animal and Non-Animal Models for Drug Discovery and Development: Bonus or Burden?

Mammalian models have served as a basis for R&D over the past decades. Nevertheless, these models are expensive, laborious, may yield results that cannot always be translated into the human in vivo situation and, more recently, have reverberated great social and ethical dilemmas. Hence, the prospect of changes in the global scientific scenario and the Three Rs principle (Reduction, Replacement and Refinement) have encouraged the development of alternative methods to the use of mammals.