Izabella Thaís Silva

Piper mollicomum Kunth., a plant traditionally used in rural Brazilian communities since the colonial period, shows promising potential for cancer treatment. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and cytotoxic activity of ethanolic, dichloromethane extracts, and essential oil from the plant's leaves. Chemical analyses, including phytochemical screening, UPLC, and GC–MS, were performed. Cytotoxicity was then assessed using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay on MDA‐MB‐231 (breast) and A549 (lung) cancer cell lines. The dichloromethane extract showed the strongest cytotoxicity, with IC ₅₀ values of 24.95 and 28.57 µg/mL, respectively. The essential oil exhibited even greater activity (IC ₅₀ = 3.57 µg/mL), with ( E )‐nerolidol identified as its major component (up to 78.04% in dried leaves). ( E )‐nerolidol also showed cytotoxicity (IC ₅₀ = 9.04 µM). These findings highlight the potential of P. mollicomum , particularly its essential oil, as a natural source of cytotoxic compounds for breast and lung cancer treatment, reinforcing its ethnopharmacological relevance.

Cancer remains a leading cause of premature mortality worldwide. Targeted drug delivery therapies that selectively attack malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue are essential to minimize side effects and reduce drug dosages. The sodium‐potassium ATPase (Na ⁺ /K ⁺ ‐ATPase), particularly its catalytic α‐subunit, is overexpressed in A549 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and has thus emerged as a potential therapeutic target. Cardiac glycosides (CGs), plant‐derived secondary metabolites, specifically bind and inhibit this enzyme providing target engagement. Coupling CGs to a biocompatible carrier provides a promising new approach for a targeted‐orientated drug carrier. Among these nanocarrier systems, cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) gained attention due to their biocompatibility, tumor‐targeting capability, and ability to encapsulate compounds. Here, we developed a target‐oriented nanocarrier system by linking 3β‐azido‐3‐deoxydigitoxigenin (CA), a semi‐synthetic cardenolide derivative, to the surface of A549 cell‐derived EVs. The EVs were characterized for particle concentration, size and protein markers. Surface modification was achieved via alkyne modification and click chemistry. Successful conjugation was confirmed by inhibition of the Na ⁺ /K ⁺ ‐ATPase activity. Co‐localization of CA‐modified EVs with the Na ⁺ /K ⁺ ‐ATPase was verified by confocal microscopy. Doxorubicin‐loaded, CA‐modified EVs reduced A549 cell viability to 45% after 48 h, demonstrating its potential use as new drug nanocarrier system.

BACKGROUND Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection represents a global health concern with a significant impact on affected individuals’ quality of life. Conventional treatment relies on nucleoside analogues such as acyclovir, which, although effective, have limitations including viral resistance and low bioavailability. In this context, natural products such as resveratrol (RSV) and β-caryophyllene (BCP) emerge as promising alternatives due to their antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. However, these compounds present challenges related to stability and solubility, necessitating the use of controlled drug delivery systems such as nanoemulsions. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to develop and characterise nanoemulsions containing RSV and BCP, either individually or in combination, for the treatment of HSV type 1 (HSV-1) infections. METHODS The nanoemulsions were prepared using a low-energy spontaneous emulsification technique and characterised for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. The antiviral activity, cytotoxicity, and wound-healing potential of the nanoemulsions were evaluated in vitro using VERO and human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells. FINDINGS Results showed that RSV exhibited significant antiviral activity against HSV-1, while BCP demonstrated moderate activity. Nanoencapsulation improved the biocompatibility of RSV but increased the cytotoxicity of BCP. The combination of RSV and BCP in nanoemulsions showed enhanced antiviral activity, with inhibition percentages above 70%. However, the nanoemulsions did not significantly promote wound healing in HGF cells. Additionally, the nanoemulsions did not protect against Ultraviolet Crosslinker (UVC)-induced cell damage. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Nanoemulsions containing RSV and BCP demonstrated enhanced antiviral activity against HSV-1, particularly when combined, suggesting a synergistic effect between both compounds. Nanoencapsulation improved the biocompatibility of RSV but increased the cytotoxicity of BCP. Although no significant effects were observed in wound healing or UV protection assays, the results support nanoemulsions as a promising platform for improving the antiviral performance of these compounds for topical HSV-1 treatment.

Objectives: Despite the increasing scientific evidence regarding the application of Cranberries in dentistry, a comprehensive understanding of their potential benefits, active constituents, and mechanisms of action remains lacking. Consequently, this narrative review aims to meticulously analyze and consolidate the existing scientific literature on the utilization of Cranberries for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched up to October 2025. This review included in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research studies. A two-phase selection process was carried out. In phase 1, two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts to identify potentially eligible studies. In phase 2, the same reviewers performed the full-text assessments of the eligible articles. Results: Among the 93 eligible articles, most assessed Cranberry use in Cariology (n = 28) and Periodontics (n = 26). Biofilm and microbial virulence factors (n = 46) were the most frequently studied topics. Cranberry extract (n = 32) and high-molecular-weight non-dialyzable material (NDM) (n = 23) were the most evaluated Cranberry fractions. Overall, Cranberry-derived compounds were identified as non-toxic and demonstrated promising antimicrobial activity against dental caries-related microorganisms in preclinical studies (n = 20). Regarding periodontal and peri-implant diseases, Cranberry demonstrated host immune modulator effects, counteracting the inflammatory and destructive mechanisms (n = 8). Additionally, Cranberries presented benefits in reducing the inflammation associated with periodontal disease and temporal mandibular joint lesions (n = 1). Regarding dental erosion, Cranberry inhibited dentin erosion (n = 4); however, no effect was observed on enamel lesions (n = 2). As an antioxidant agent, Cranberry showed effectiveness in preventing dental erosion (n = 18). Beyond that, Cranberry neutralized reactive oxygen species generated immediately after dental bleaching, enhancing bond strength (n = 2) and counteracting the oxygen ions formed on the tooth surface following bleaching procedures (n = 3). In osteoclastogenesis assays, A-type proanthocyanidins inhibited bone resorption (n = 1). In osteogenic analysis, preservation of hydroxycarbonate apatite deposition and an increase in early and late osteogenic markers were observed (n = 2). Conclusions: Cranberry bioactive compounds, both individually and synergistically, exhibit substantial potential for diverse applications within dentistry, particularly in the prevention and management of oral and maxillofacial diseases. This review provides insights into the plausible incorporation of Cranberries in contemporary dentistry, offering readers an informed perspective on their potential role.

In this study, we investigated six yeast strains isolated from different environments. Two strains (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa CHAP-208 and Aureobasidium leucospermi CHAP-221) were isolated from the nectar of Senna macranthera flowers, one strain (Meyerozyma carpophila CHAP-243) from the stingless bee Scaptotrigona postica, two strains (Papiliotrema laurentii CHAP-158 and Meyerozyma caribbica CHAP-204) from the gut of Spodoptera frugiperda larvae, and one strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae PE-2) from Brazilian ethanol production. We produced extracts of these yeasts with different solvents and evaluated their antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial potential. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that aqueous extracts from the strains PE-2 and CHAP-204 were the most effective against tumor cells [with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of 90.42 µg/mL and 107.5 µg/mL, respectively], while exhibiting low or no toxicity to healthy cells at the concentrations tested. Additionally, the butanol extract from CHAP-208 showed the highest antibiofilm activity on titanium (83.99% reduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa viability), while the aqueous extract from CHAP-243 was the most effective on polypropylene (70% of biofilm reduction). Four cell extracts (from strains CHAP-158, CHAP-204, and CHAP-243 in ethyl acetate and strain CHAP-243 in butanol) demonstrated antioxidant activity in immune system cells. Among the phenolic compounds identified in the extracts, p-coumaric acid was the most abundant, followed by epicatechin, caffeic acid, kaempferol, myricetin, and quercetin. The most prevalent compound in the culture supernatants was 2-phenylethanol. These findings highlight the potential of bioactive compounds produced by wild yeasts, emphasizing the value of Brazilian microbial biodiversity.

Os Norovírus representam um dos principais agentes de gastroenterite aguda não bacteriana em humanos. São vírus não-envelopados e com genoma de RNA, resistentes no ambiente e com grande diversidade genética. São classificados em 10 genogrupos, dos quais GI e GII predominam nas infecções humanas, sendo o genótipo GII.4 recorrente em surtos globais devido à capacidade de escape imune. A transmissão ocorre principalmente pela via fecal-oral, envolvendo água, alimentos contaminados e contato interpessoal, sendo ambientes coletivos especialmente vulneráveis. São vírus altamente transmissíveis, e estima-se que sejam responsáveis por 685 milhões de casos anuais e cerca de 250 mil mortes, sobretudo entre crianças, idosos e imunocomprometidos, além de gerarem elevado impacto econômico mundial. Nas Américas e no Brasil, a circulação viral é ampla, mas subnotificada, agravada pela heterogeneidade da vigilância. O diagnóstico viral baseiase principalmente na RT-qPCR, embora novas tecnologias, como sequenciamento e biossensores, estejam em desenvolvimento. A ausência de vacinas e a alta variabilidade viral tornam medidas de higiene, saneamento e monitoramento as principais estratégias de prevenção e controle.

Hepatites virais entéricas causadas pelos vírus da Hepatite A (HAV) e E (HEV) se apresentam como um grande problema para a saúde pública mundial, afetando países subdesenvolvidos, em desenvolvimento e desenvolvidos. Ambas as infecções apresentam sintomatologia diversa, indo desde quadros assintomáticos até falha hepática fulminante; no entanto, seu quadro clínico mais frequente é uma hepatite aguda autolimitante. A Hepatite E pode se tornar crônica, além de apresentar um maior risco em pacientes imunossuprimidos e gestantes. Atualmente, o diagnóstico de ambas as doenças é feito por imunoensaios, mas a ascensão de testes moleculares é promissora visando a melhora na detecção dessas infecções. Enquanto as vacinas para a Hepatite A são eficazes e amplamente utilizadas, a vacina para a Hepatite E está licenciada apenas na China. Para a Hepatite E, não existe um medicamento com uso autorizado para o seu tratamento, o que, casado com a ausência de uma vacina disponível, torna-se uma ameaça alarmante, especialmente para os seus grupos de risco. Dessa maneira, o aprimoramento de testes diagnósticos, o aumento na vigilância de ambas as doenças e o desenvolvimento de tratamentos eficazes demonstram-se como importantes objetivos no enfrentamento de hepatites entéricas.

O Adenovírus humano (HAdV) pertence ao gênero Mastadenovirus, família Adenoviridae, e conta com mais de 100 sorotipos identificados, associados a infecções respiratórias, gastrointestinais e oculares. Entre os sorotipos humanos, os HAdV-F40 e F41 estão mais frequentemente ligados a casos de gastroenterite. A transmissão pode ocorrer por vias respiratórias, fecal-oral, contato direto, fômites e ambientes hospitalares. Além disso, são vírus que resistem por longos períodos fora do hospedeiro, podendo então ser encontrados no ambiente, devido ao tratamento inadequado de esgoto, vindo a contaminar corpos hídricos e até mesmo podem estar presentes em água potável, representando um risco à saúde pública. A epidemiologia varia regionalmente, com maior prevalência em crianças menores de 5 anos. No Brasil (2018–2020), foram responsáveis por 24,5% das gastroenterites infantis, predominando em regiões do Norte e Nordeste. Circulam o ano todo, com picos no inverno e primavera, e são comuns em coinfecções. O diagnóstico exige confirmação laboratorial, com PCR e qPCR como métodos mais sensíveis. O tratamento é de suporte, mas em casos graves podem requerer cidofovir, IVIG ou linfócitos T específicos. Não possuem vacinas disponíveis, e a prevenção para adenoviroses depende de hábitos de higiene e políticas públicas, como por exemplo saneamento básico.

Os Enterovírus afetam predominantemente crianças menores de 10 anos, podendo causar desde infecções assintomáticas até complicações graves no sistema nervoso central, como paralisia flácida aguda, encefalite e meningite asséptica. Entre as doenças associadas a esse gênero destacam-se a poliomielite e a doença mão-pé-boca, sendo o Poliovirus, Echovirus e Coxsackievirus dos grupos A e B as principais espécies de interesse em saúde humana. Apesar da utilização de vacinas, a prevenção das infecções por Enterovirus ainda enfrenta importantes desafios, incluindo a ausência de proteção cruzada entre diferentes sorotipos, que favorece a circulação de determinadas espécies, além do risco de reversão de cepas atenuadas para formas neurovirulentas. Esses aspectos ressaltam a necessidade contínua de desenvolvimento de estratégias terapêuticas e de imunização mais eficazes e seguras para toda a população.