Interleukin-6 (IL-6) influences both inflammatory response and anti-inflammatory processes. This cytokine can be released by exercising skeletal muscle, which characterizes it as a myokine. Unlike what is observed in inflammation, IL-6 produced by skeletal muscle is not preceded by the release of other pro-inflammatory cytokines, but it seems to be dependent on the lactate produced during exercise, thus causing different effects from those seen in inflammatory state. After binding to its receptor, myokine IL-6 activates the PI3K-Akt pathway. One consequence of this upregulation is the potentiation of insulin signaling, which enhances insulin sensitivity. IL-6 increases GLUT-4 vesicle mobilization to the muscle cell periphery, increasing the glucose transport into the cell, and also glycogen synthesis. Muscle glycogen provides energy for ATP resynthesis, and regulates Ca2+ release by the sarcoplasmic reticulum, influencing muscle contraction, and, hence, muscle function by multiple pathways. Another implication for the upregulation of the PI3K-Akt pathway is the activation of mTORC1, which regulates mRNA translational efficiency by regulating translation machinery, and translational capacity by inducing ribosomal biogenesis. Thus, IL-6 may contribute to skeletal muscle hypertrophy and function by increasing contractile protein synthesis.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a spice widely used for its medical properties, though the species lacks scientific evidence regarding its toxicity and biologic effects. The aim of this study was the chemical identification by GC-MS analysis and evaluation of the hemolytic, anticoagulant, antidiarrheal and antipyretic activities of the essential oil from S. aromaticum (EOSa) in adult male mice. Essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and provided 9.8% v/w yield. GC-MS analyses allowed the identification of nine constituents, with eugenol (84.63%) as the majority. EOSa was diluted in several concentrations (0.005–2 mg/mL) for hemolytic assays, showing hemolytic activity above 20% in concentrations higher than 0.625 mg/mL. Different concentrations of EOSa induced a coagulation time 100% higher than control blood. 50 and 100 mg/kg of EOSa caused additional intestinal motility induced by castor oil by 90–100%. Fever, induced by Saccharomyces cerevisae 15% (s.c.), was controlled by 50 and 100 mg/kg EOSa (p.o.), effects similar to 100 mg/kg dypirone. Results showed that when used orally, EOSa may have a certain degree of toxicity in high dosages, but with antipyretic and intestinal motility properties.

To obtain usnic acid potassium salt (PS-UA), the usnic acid (UA) was extracted and purified from the lichen Cladonia substellata, and modified to produce PS-UA. The structure was determined by ¹H-NMR, IR and elemental analysis, ratified through computational models, as well as identification the site of K⁺ insertion in the molecule. Antinociceptive activity was detected through contortions in mice induced by acetic acid and formalin (phases I and II) after treatments with 10 and 20 mg/kg of PS-UA, indicating interference in both non-inflammatory and inflammatory pain. After oral administration at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, no deaths of mice with treatments below 2000 mg/kg were observed. Except for body weight gain, food and water consumption decreased with treatments of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, and the number of segmented leukocytes was higher for both treatments. Regarding serum levels, cholesterol and triglycerides decreased, however, there was an increase in hepatic transaminases with both treatments. Liver and kidney histological changes were detected in treatments of 2000 mg/kg, while the spleen was preserved. The PS-UA demonstrated antinociceptive activity while the acute toxicity at the concentration of 2000 mg/kg was the only dose that presented morphological changes in the liver and kidney.

In view of the healing process, factors such as depth, length and microorganisms infection can delay cicatrization, requiring the search for therapeutic alternatives, such as plant-derived metabolites. Tannins are secondary metabolites constituents of plants whose action on wounds is the most reported. The present work aims to do an exploratory descriptive literature review of tannins action as a therapeutic agent in wound healing through different mechanisms. Tannins work by forming a film on the lesion, creating an environment favorable to cell anticipation and extracellular matrix agents such as collagen and elastin, also having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. This polyphenol can adapt to different conditions according to their specificity and degree of aggression, thus proving to be superior to conventional means that have already been eliminated, leading to a brief discussion about these mechanisms that act synergistically during the healing process assisting in the development of new therapies.

A população brasileira de indígenas vem passando por um processo de mudança no perfil de suas doenças mais prevalentes. As doenças infecto-parasitárias têm perdido o pódio para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Dentre elas, as doenças cardiovasculares são as de maior aumento na prevalência, o que aumenta riscos para eventos que possam comprometer a qualidade de vida e saúde destes grupos étnicos. Pouco se sabe sobre os riscos cardiovasculares que a população indígena brasileira apresenta, pois poucos estudos visam estes grupos. Logo, esta revisão objetivou rastrear os principais fatores reportados. De acordo com a literatura, a urbanização foi o fator desencadeador do aparecimento de doenças cardiovasculares, gerando sedentarismo e mudanças nos hábitos alimentares. Estes foram reportados como principais causas no aumento do número de indivíduos com obesidade, hipertensão e dislipidemias. Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 ainda é pouco frequente em indivíduos sem outras comorbidades, porém a prevalência aumenta em cinco vezes quando há alguma doença associada. Portanto, os grupos étnicos brasileiros necessitam de mais suporte educacional e de saúde para prevenir e tratar doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, e é necessária maior preocupação em acompanhar as incidências destas condições dentro de territórios indígenas.

A flora brasileira apresenta uma grande diversidade, e o mercado de frutas representa uma atividade de grande importância econômica para o país. A ingestão de compostos fenólicos, oriundos de frutas, está associada a vários efeitos benéficos e prevenção de condições patológicas. O presente estudo consiste em uma revisão crítica sobre o teor de compostos fenólicos totais e flavonoides em relação ao preço de mercado de seis frutas nativas (caju, seriguela, umbu, juá, cajá e pitomba) e em oito frutas exóticas (acerola, carambola, coco, frutapão, graviola, pinha, sapoti, tamarindo) ao Nordeste brasileiro. O levantamento foi realizado a partir de avaliação dos preços divulgados nas plataformas digitais dos Centros de Abastecimento de Alimentos dos estados nordestinos e as concentrações de fenóis totais e flavonoides foram obtidas através de levantamento bibliográfico em bases de dados. Diferenças significativas não foram observadas entre as concentrações médias de compostos fenólicos em frutas nativas e exóticas. Da mesma forma, o teor de flavonoides não apresentou diferença significativa entre os dois grupos. Contudo, foi observado a diferença de aproximadamente R$2,00 entre o preço médio das frutas nativas e exóticas, sendo atribuído menor preço às frutas nativas. Desse modo, as frutas nativas se mostram como fonte de menor custo e com o mesmo valor nutricional em flavonoides e fenóis totais das frutas exóticas avaliadas. No entanto, embora mais dispendiosas, há uma preferência do mercado pela aquisição de frutas exóticas por questões de produção e sabor.