Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is an amphipathic molecule composed of a polar domain characterized by the sulfinyl and two nonpolar methyl groups, for this reason it is able to solubilize polar and nonpolar substances and transpose hydrophobic barriers. DMSO is widely used to solubilize drugs of therapeutic applications and studies indicated that 10% v/v concentration did not modify culture viability when used to treat human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). However, some DMSO concentrations could influence lymphocyte activation and present anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of DMSO on lymphocyte activation parameters. Cell viability analysis, proliferation, and cytokine production were performed on PBMC from six healthy subjects by flow cytometry. The results indicated that 2.5% v/v DMSO concentrations did not modify lymphocytes viability. DMSO at 1% and 2% v/v concentrations reduced the relative proliferation index of lymphocytes and at 5% and 10% v/v concentrations reduced the percentage of total lymphocytes, cluster of differentiation 4⁺ (CD4⁺) T lymphocytes and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) producers. Thus, it was concluded that DMSO has an in vitro anti-inflammatory effect by reducing lymphocyte activation demonstrated with proliferation reduction and the decrease of cytokine production.

Agareratum fastigiatum is a Brazilian medicinal plant used as anti-inflammaroty and for wound healing by the folk medicine. In vitro and in vivo studies involving A. fastigiatum essential oil (EOAF) showed indications of anti-inflammatory activity, however, its effect on membrane integrins involved on cell migration is still unclear. Hence, it was evaluated in the present study the effect of EOAF on CD18 frequency on human lymphocytes. By using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry it was identified 9 compounds on EOAF: α-pinene; β-pinene; β-myrcene; d-limonene; β-ocimene; sesquiterpenes; α-copaene; 4,8-β-epóxi-caryophyllene; germacrene and bicyclogermacrene. On in vitro tests, 6.25 × 10⁻³ and 12.5 × 10⁻³ µL/mL EOAF reduced CD18 frequency on phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated lymphocytes. Such cells were obtained from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers, and were treated or not with EOAF. They were stained with fluorescent anti-CD18 monoclonal antibodies, after 24 hours incubation. Our data corroborates previous findings, indicating a possible anti-inflammatory activity of EOAF.

Solid tumors represent the most common type of cancer in humans and are classified into sarcomas, lymphomas, and carcinomas based on the originating cells. Among these, carcinomas, which arise from epithelial and glandular cells lining the body's tissues, are the most prevalent. Around the world, a significant increase in the incidence of solid tumors is observed during recent years. In this context, efforts to discover more effective cancer treatments have led to a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment and its components. Currently, the interactions between cancer cells and elements of the tumor microenvironment are being intensely investigated. Remarkable progress in research is noted, largely due to the development of advanced in vitro models, such as Tumor-on-a-Chip models that assist in understanding and ultimately discovering new effective treatments for a specific type of cancer. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the tumor microenvironment and cancer cell components, along with the advances on tumor-on-a-chip models designed to mimic tumors, offering a perspective on the current state-of-the-art. Recent studies using this kind of microdevices that reproduce the tumor microenvironment have allowed a better understanding of the cancer and its treatments. Nevertheless, current applications of this technology present some limitations that must be overcome in order to achieve a broad application by researchers looking for a deeper knowledge of cancer and new strategies to improve current therapies.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with limited therapeutic options, underscoring the need for novel antitumor agents and more physiologically relevant in vitro models. Although species of the Ageratum genus exhibit biological activity, the antitumor potential of Ageratum fastigiatum and its evaluation in three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment have not been previously investigated. This study evaluated the cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and antimigratory effects of the ethanolic extract of Ageratum. fastigiatum on TNBC cells MDA-MB-231 using conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures and a 3D tumor-on-a-chip model. In 2D cultures, cell viability assessed by the MTT assay revealed an IC ₅₀ of 308 µg/mL, and approximately 80% reduction in viability at a concentration of 500 µg/mL. The extract significantly inhibited cell migration in scratch assays and reduced colony formation in clonogenic assays. Cell cycle analysis showed an increased sub-G0/G1 population at the IC ₅₀ concentration, indicating apoptosis-associated cell cycle disruption. In the 3D microfluidic model, tumor cells embedded in a collagen hydrogel exhibited reduced sensitivity to the extract compared to 2D cultures, with viable cell areas of approximately 15%, compared to 20% under control group , highlighting the influence of the extracellular matrix on treatment response. Additionally, the extract inhibited cell migration by approximately 59% in the 3D model at the IC ₂₅ concentration (289 µg/mL). In conclusion, the ethanolic extract of A. fastigiatum demonstrated antitumor activity against TNBC cells, and the incorporation of 3D microfluidic models highlights the importance of tumor microenvironment based platforms for a more physiologically relevant evaluation of therapeutic candidates.

A obesidade na infância e adolescência pode contribuir para atrasos no desenvolvimento cognitivo. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar preditores que influenciam as funções executivas e a memória em crianças e adolescentes obesos. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com crianças e adolescentes obesos (7-18 anos) (n=32). Foram avaliadas funções executivas; memória episódica; memória semântica; composição corporal; biomarcadores de inflamação; aptidão cardiorrespiratória; estresse; nível socioeconômico; e prática regular de exercícios físicos. Para análise dos dados, foi realizada regressão linear (modo Stepwise), com as variáveis com correlação significativa. Adiposidade (% gordura) e escore z do Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) foram associados à pior memória episódica. Fluência verbal foi associada à gordura visceral. No teste da Torre de Hanói, as funções de planejamento e flexibilidade cognitiva foram associadas à gordura visceral, enquanto o número de movimentos foi associado à prática de esportes e exercícios físicos. A prática regular de exercícios físicos favoreceu o planejamento cognitivo de crianças e adolescentes obesos. O número de erros foi diretamente associado à pontuação da children stress scale. Concluindo, houve associação entre composição corporal, memória e funções executivas de flexibilidade cognitiva e controle inibitório. Funções executivas e memória em crianças e adolescentes podem estar associadas ao estresse e ao hábito de exercícios físicos regulares, independentemente da intensidade.

The e-SUS is a software used to computerize the health work process in Brazil. Among the population registration data is the record about the use of medicinal plants in Primary Health Care (AB). Thus, our objective was to analyze the records of the e-SUS in a Basic Health Unit (UBS) in the Jequitinhonha Valley and conduct a survey with individuals from the same UBS, where they were asked about the use of medicinal plants. The hypothesis of the study is that although the registration is relevant, the software data underestimate the reality about medicinal plants use. In a survey with 77 users of an UBS randomly selected, 93.5% reported using medicinal plants, while in e-SUS reports only 0.8% of the individuals from the same UBS use medicinal plants. Therefore, the recorded data cannot yet be used to develop medicinal plant policies in the AB. Reliable record of medicinal plant use in e-SUS is still a challenge. It is important to make professionals aware of the benefits of correctly completing the forms for the development of public policies that include what is recommended by the National Medicinal Plants Policy in order to recognize, guide and value the use of medicinal plants.