Ana Claudia Muniz Renno

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM). Searches were conducted in Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and PEDro for studies published up to November 2025. Randomized controlled trials comparing RMT to control conditions in individuals with FM were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool, and the quality of evidence was analyzed using the GRADE. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Four studies were included; with meta-analyses conducted on two of them. RMT was superior to the control group at improving pain (MD: -2.98; 95% CI: -3.17 to -1.60), quality of life (MD: -1.09; 95% CI: -1.61 to -0.56), fatigue (MD: -1.16; 95% CI: -1.69 to -0.63), anxiety (MD: -0.60; 95% CI: -1.10 to -0.03), and sleep quality (MD: -3.93; 95% CI: -7.06 to -0.80), and maximal occlusion pressure (MD: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.58 to 2.58). However, the certainty of evidence for these findings was very low according to the GRADE approach. In conclusion, RMT may lead to improvements in several FM-related symptoms, but the current evidence is insufficient for clinical recommendations, and high-quality trials are urgently needed.Protocol registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero identifier is CRD42023445488.

This systematic review investigates the cytogenotoxicity of various food preservatives in mammalian cells, including sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, through a comprehensive analysis of studies retrieved from PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. An orderly search conducted in March 2025 identified 19 relevant studies (from an initial 594), which employed assays, such as the micronucleus test and the comet assay to assess DNA damage, and MTT assay and polychromatic/normochromatic erythrocytes (PCE/NCE) ratio for evaluating cytotoxicity. Among these, 13 studies (68 %) reported genotoxic effects, with sodium benzoate being the most frequently associated with micronucleus formation and chromosomal abnormalities. Additionally, 12 studies (63 %) described cytotoxic effects, evidenced by decreased cell viability, altered proliferation indices, or nuclear alterations. As for the quality assessment, 18 studies (out of 19) were categorized as strong (n = 15) or moderate (n = 3) and, therefore, we consider our findings to be trustworthy. In summary, the consistent association between exposure to food preservatives and cytogenotoxic outcomes highlights the importance of monitoring such compounds and establishing clearer safety thresholds to protect human health. Certainly, these findings are important for clarifying the role of biomarkers related to cytogenotoxicity due to food preservative consumption in humans.

RBR-3pxmycv. This study protocol was registered in ensaiosclinicos.gov.br (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials), published on 19 December 2023, https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3pxmycv.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by damage in the spinal cord, which can result in a permanent or temporary disability and different degrees of paralysis, sensory loss, and bladder/bowel dysfunction. It represents an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the affected individuals. Based on the need to develop more effective treatments for SCI, authors have been investigating the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on this injury. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the long-term effect (follow-up) of PBM using a model of SCI in rats. For this, 33 rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups: the control group and the laser group, and sub-divided into two sub-groups (with two different periods of euthanasia post-injury, 4 and 8 weeks). PBM treatment was performed for 14 days (daily, 808 nm, continuous output, 30 mW, 0.028 cm², 1.07 W/cm², 1000 J/cm², 4 min and 42 secs). Animals were euthanized 4 and 8 weeks after the surgical procedure. For analysis, motor function and tactile sensitivity analysis were performed on days 1 and 7 post-surgery. Moreover, after euthanasia, samples were retrieved for histological and immunohistochemistry analysis. The results of the present study demonstrated that PBM improved function and motor behavior. Furthermore, irradiated animals demonstrated a decreased injury volume and decreased GFAP immunolabelling. These results suggest that PBM presented a long-term positive effect on the morphological aspects at the site of the injury and in the modulation of GFAP immunoexpression, which culminates in the improvement of the function behavior. It may be suggested that PBM therapy in the parameters used, was able to modulate the inflammatory process, regulate the secondary lesion, decreasing cell apoptosis and edema in the earlier phases of recovery, which resulted in long-term positive effects (4 and 8 weeks). Further investigations are necessary to investigate the possible mechanisms that may explain the positive effects of PBM irradiation in SCI, which may contribute to a better understanding of the efficacy of PBM therapy and the development of more effective and safer treatments.

The use of collagen-based biomaterials in tissue engineering has surged in recent decades due to collagen's advantages, including biocompatibility, controlled biodegradation, and support for cell adhesion and differentiation. Traditional collagen sources, often from bovine or porcine origins, pose challenges such as zoonotic risks, immunogenic reactions, and ethical concerns. To address these limitations, researchers are exploring innovative collagen sources, such as marine sponges. Collagen from marine sponges, known as spongin (SPG) or spongin-like collagen (SC), exhibits biocompatibility and is considered a natural component for tissue regeneration, serving as a cell-matrix adhesion framework. Our group has conducted experiments over several years to extract SPG from sponges, assess its biocompatibility and cytotoxicity, as well as its in vitro and in vivo biological effects. This research aims to review the data obtained from our research on characterization and in vivo biological performance of collagen-like from marine sponges. Furthermore, combining SPG with ceramics like hydroxyapatite and bioactive glasses has demonstrated beneficial biological properties. Despite ethical and regulatory challenges, marine sponge collagen shows promise as a natural biomaterial that could improve patients' quality of life, particularly in bone injury treatments. This review highlights the innovative use of marine sponges and their collagen-based components in tissue engineering, emphasizing their potential as a promising alternative for bone injury treatment. Additionally, it underscores the need for further research to fully harness this natural biotechnological resource.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an aquatic progressive resistance exercise (APRE) and PBM (associated or not) on morphology of skeletal muscle and biochemical markers using an experimental model of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 5 groups: control group (CG); OA control (OAC); OA submitted to APRE (OAE); OA submitted to PBM (OAL); OA submitted to APRE and PBM (OAEL). Trained rats performed a water-jumping program carrying a load equivalent to 50–80% of their body mass strapped to their chest. Laser irradiation (808 nm) was performed on 2 points of the knee joint. Treatments (3 days a week, for 8 weeks) started 4 weeks after the OA induction. The results showed that all OA groups presented a significantly increase in the muscle cross-section area (CSA) and a decrease in muscle fiber density compared to CG. Moreover, both trained groups presented a reduced expression of atrogin and an intense myoD immunoexpression in the laser exercised animals. The results demonstrate that APRE was effective in reducing muscle atrophy markers and its association with PBM could be effective in modulating molecules involved in muscle recovery in knee OA.

The rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has prompted extensive research into antibacterial compounds, as these resistant strains compromise current treatments. This resistance leads to prolonged hospitalization, increased mortality rates, and higher healthcare costs. To address this challenge, the pharmaceutical industry is increasingly exploring natural products, particularly those of marine origin, as promising candidates for antimicrobial drugs. Marine sponges, in particular, are of interest because of their production of secondary metabolites (SM), which serve as chemical defenses against predators and pathogens. These metabolites exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antibacterial activity. This systematic review examines recent advancements in identifying new sponge-derived compounds with antimicrobial activity, specifically targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a prevalent Gram-negative pathogen with the highest incidence rates in clinical settings. The selection criteria focused on antimicrobial compounds with reported Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values. The identified SM include alkaloids, sesterterpenoids, nitrogenous diterpene, and bromotyrosine-derived derivatives. The structural features of the active compounds selected in this review may provide a foundational framework for developing new, highly bioactive antimicrobial agents.

Skin wounds are common injuries, and many treatments have been proposed, especially membranes. Some studies have been exploring the potential of the skin of Amphibians as a source of peptides for wound treatment, which has been an extremely promising source of bioactives to be used, although there is a lack of effects on pre-clinical animal models, which makes it difficult to understand the results and the choice of the best protocol to use. In this context, the purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to examine the effects of membranes manufactured with peptides from frogs on the process of healing skin wounds using in vivo experimental models. This systematic review was carried out based in the orientations of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) utilizing PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. This review confirms the significant benefits of using these peptides for injury repair and regeneration. Moreover, a faster healing and a full wound closure, with well-organized dermal and epidermal layers were found in the wounds treated peptides from frog skin.

To evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) in conjunction with an aerobic exercise program (AEP) on the level of pain and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia (FM). Methods: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial in which 51 participants with FM were allocated into 4 groups: control group (CG) (n = 12); active PBM group (APG) (n = 12); AEP and placebo PBM group (EPPG) (n = 13); AEP and active PBM group (EAPG) (n = 14). AEP was performed on an ergometric bicycle; and a PBM (with an increase dosage regime) [20 J, 32 J and 40 J] was applied using a cluster device. Both interventions were performed twice a week for 12 weeks. A mixed generalized model analysis was performed, evaluating the time (initial and final) and group (EAPG, EPPG, APG and CG) interaction. All analyses were based on intent-to-treat for a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: The intra-group analysis demonstrated that all treated groups presented a significant improvement in the level of pain and quality of life comparing the initial and final evaluation (p < 0.05). Values for SF-36 and 6-minute walk test increased significant in intragroup analysis for EPPG comparing the initial and final evaluation. No intergroup differences were observed. Conclusions: Both exercised and PBM irradiated volunteers present improvements in the variables analyzed. However, further studies should be performed, with other PBM parameters to determine the best regime of irradiation to optimize the positive effects of physical exercises in FM patients.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of a resistive training and Photobiomodulation (PBM) on cartilage tissue in an experimental model of knee Osteoarthritis (OA). Forty male Wistar rats (weigh, ± 150g) were distributed into 4 groups. Treatments were performed for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week). The specimens were evaluated by histology, OARSI, morphometric and immunohistochemistry analysis. The results showed that the interventions were able to modulate the degenerative process reacted to OA. Exercised animals (with or without PBM) demonstrated lower values for OARSI and lower expression of IL-1β, caspase-3, MMP-13. Furthermore, animals treated with the associated treatments presented significantly decrease in the density of chondrocytes. Resistive exercise training modulated the morphological alterations and inflammatory process related to the OA progression. However, PBM isolated have not produced extra effects on the variables evaluated.