Differential regulation of oxidative stress and cytokine production by endothelin ET and ET receptors in superoxide anion-induced inflammation and pain in mice.

The present study investigated whether endothelin-1 acts via ET or ET receptors to mediate superoxide anion-induced pain and inflammation. Mice were treated with clazosentan (ET receptor antagonist) or BQ-788 (ET receptor antagonist) prior to stimulation with the superoxide anion donor, KO. Intraplantar treatment with 30 nmol of clazosentan or BQ-788 reduced mechanical hyperalgesia (47% and 42%), thermal hyperalgesia (68% and 76%), oedema (50% and 30%); myeloperoxidase activity (64% and 32%), and overt-pain like behaviours, such as paw flinching (42% and 42%) and paw licking (38% and 62%), respectively.

Bosentan, a mixed endothelin receptor antagonist, inhibits superoxide anion-induced pain and inflammation in mice.

Bosentan is a mixed endothelin receptor antagonist widely used to treat patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, and the emerging literature suggests bosentan as a potent anti-inflammatory drug. Superoxide anion is produced in large amounts during inflammation, stimulates cytokine production, and thus contributes to inflammation and pain. However, it remains to be determined whether endothelin contributes to the inflammatory response triggered by the superoxide anion.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) microRNAs: involvement in cancer pathogenesis and immunopathology.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which infects over 90% of adults, appears to have evolved to exploit the normal biology of B-cell development in order to persist as a life-long asymptomatic infection. However, EBV can contribute to oncogenesis. It has become evident that alterations in the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) from the host cell and EBV can also contribute to cancer pathogenesis.

Analgesic activity of piracetam: effect on cytokine production and oxidative stress.

Piracetam is a prototype of nootropic drugs used to improve cognitive impairment. However, recent studies suggest that piracetam can have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammatory pain is the result of a process that depends on neutrophil migration, cytokines and prostanoids release and oxidative stress.

Effects of 940 nm light-emitting diode (led) on sciatic nerve regeneration in rats.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 940 nm wavelength light emitting diode (LED) phototherapy on nerve regeneration in rats. Forty male Wistar rats weighing approximately 300 g each were divided into four groups: control (C); control submitted to LED phototherapy (CLed); Sciatic Nerve Lesion without LED phototherapy (L); Sciatic Nerve Lesion with LED phototherapy (LLed). The lesion was caused by crushing the right sciatic nerve.