In vitro comparison of enzymatic effects among Brazilian Bothrops spp. venoms.

In various types of snake venom, the major toxic components are proteinases and members of the phospholipase A2 family, although other enzymes also contribute to the toxicity. In this study, we evaluated the proteolytic, phospholipase, and L-Amino acid oxidase activities in the venom of five Bothrops species-Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacussu, Bothrops moojeni, Bothrops neuwiedi, and Bothrops alternatus-all of which are used in the production of commercial antivenom, prepared in horses. The enzymatic activities of each species' venom were classified as high, moderate, or low.

Analysis of phospholipase A2, L-amino acid oxidase, and proteinase enzymatic activities of the Lachesis muta rhombeata venom.

The study of venom components is an important step toward understanding the mechanism of action of such venoms and is indispensable for the development of new therapies. This work aimed to investigate the venom of Lachesis muta rhombeata and evaluate enzymes related to its toxicity. Phospholipase A2 (PLA(2)), L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO), and proteinase activities were measured, and the molecular weights were estimated.

Bone repair investigation using rhBMP-2 and angiogenic protein extracted from latex.

Background: The aim of this work was to study the new bone tissue formation after bone morphogenetic protein type 2 (rhBMP-2) and P-1 application, using 5 and 10 μg of each, combined to a material carrier, in critical bone defects.

Methods: It was used 70 Wistar rats (male, ∼250 g) that were divided in 10 groups with seven animals on each. Groups are the following: critical bone defect only, pure monoolein gel, 5 μg of pure P-1, 5 μg of pure rhBMP-2, 5 μg of P-1/monoolein gel, 5 μg of rhBMP-2/monoolein gel, 10 μg of pure P-1, 10 μg of pure rhBMP-2, 10 μg of P-1/monoolein gel, 10 μg of rhBMP-2/monoolein gel.

Evaluation of rhBMP-2 and natural latex as potential osteogenic proteins in critical size defects by histomorphometric methods.

This in vivo study evaluated the osteogenic potential of two proteins, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and a protein extracted from natural latex (Hevea brasiliensis, P-1), and compared their effects on bone defects when combined with a carrier or a collagen gelatin. Eighty-four (84) Wistar rats were divided into two groups, with and without the use of collagen gelatin, and each of these were divided into six treatment groups of seven animals each. The treatment groups were: (1) 5 microg of pure rhBMP-2; (2) 5 microg of rhBMP-2/monoolein gel; (3) pure monoolein gel; (4) 5 microg of pure P-1; (5) 5 microg of P-1/monoolein gel; (6) critical bone defect control.

The role of polar phytocomplexes on anticonvulsant effects of leaf extracts of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown chemotypes.

Objectives: The purpose of the present work was to characterize the pharmacological profile of different L. alba chemotypes and to correlate the obtained data to the presence of chemical constituents detected by phytochemical analysis.

Methods: Essential oils from each L.

Intoxication by star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) in 32 uraemic patients: treatment and outcome.

Background: Clinical symptoms and outcomes of uraemic patients ingesting star fruit are quite variable and may progress to death. The purpose of the present report was to discuss the neurotoxic effects of star fruit intoxication in uraemic patients and to present the efficacy of different therapeutic approaches.

Methods: We studied a total of 32 uraemic patients who had ingested star fruit.