The toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) on reproductive parameters are widely described in the literature. Experimental models often make use of the intraperitoneal route (i.p.), although human intoxication occurs preferentially by the oral route and can be continuous. However, little is known about the effect of Cd administration routes on the testicular structure. Thus, this study investigated the testicular impact of Cd exposure comparing both i.p. and oral routes, both single dose (SD), in addition to the oral route in fractional doses (FD). Swiss adult male mice received CdCl2 1.5 mg/kg i.p., 30 mg/kg oral SD, and 4.28 mg/kg oral FD for 7 consecutive days. The Cd bioaccumulation was observed in all routes, mainly in the oral FD route. The concentrations of testicular Ca and Cu decreased in all animals exposed to Cd, while Zn and Mn decreased only in the i.p. route. Testicular SOD activity was reduced in both routes of oral administration, while CAT increased in the i.p. route, and GST increased in all animals exposed to Cd. Changes in the tubular parameters and cell viability were observed in both routes of Cd administration but were more intense in the oral route, mainly in the FD. Serum testosterone concentration was reduced in both routes of oral administration. Tubular damage, such as the vacuolization of the seminiferous epithelium, germ cell detachment, and seminiferous tubule degeneration, occurred in all groups exposed to Cd. Therefore, the oral Cd administration presented greater potential to promote testicular damage, mainly when the metal was given in a fractionated way.

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms have become increasingly common in freshwater ecosystems in recent decades, mainly due to eutrophication and climate change. Water becomes unreliable for human consumption. Here, we report a comprehensive study carried out to investigate the water quality of several Campina Grande reservoirs. Our approach included metagenomics, microbial abundance quantification, ELISA test for three cyanotoxins (microcystin, nodularins, and cylindrospermopsin), and in vivo ecotoxicological tests with zebrafish embryos. Cytometry analysis showed high cyanobacterial abundance, while metagenomics identified an average of 10.6% of cyanobacterial sequences, and demonstrated the presence of Microcystis, Cylindrospermopsis, and toxin coding genes in all ponds. Zebrafish embryos reared with pond water had high mortality and diverse malformations. Among the ponds analyzed, Araçagi showed the highest lethality (an average of 62.9 ± 0.8%), followed by Boqueirão (lethality average of 62.5 ± 0.8%). Here, we demonstrate that water from ponds undergoing extremely drought conditions have an abundance of potentially harmful cyanobacteria and their toxins. Our findings are consistent with a scenario in which polluted drinking water poses a great risk to human health.

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and arises from melanocyte gene mutation. This disease is multifactorial, but its main cause is the excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Currently, available chemotherapy has shown little expressive results, which may justify the high use of natural products to treat this cancer. We performed a systematic review to compile the results of studies carried out in murine models and investigated the effect of plant extracts on melanoma treatment. Papers were selected in MEDLINE/Pubmed and Scopus according to the PRISM statement. Search filters were developed using three parameters: plant extract, melanoma, and animal model. The 35 identified studies were all submitted to the criteria described in the ARRIVE guidelines. The different extracts showed antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, and also proved to be effective in cell cycle modulation and apoptosis evasion. Bias analysis evidenced the absence of standardized experimental designs, as well as failures in statistical tests and in the presentation of results. The analysis of the studies suggests that the use of plant extracts is effective for the treatment of melanoma in murine models.

No abstract

Bone lesions are an important public health problem, with high socioeconomic costs. Bone tissue repair is coordinated by an inflammatory dynamic process mediated by osteoprogenitor cells of the periosteum and endosteum, responsible for the formation of a new bone matrix. Studies using antioxidant products from plants for bone lesion treatment have been growing worldwide. We developed a systematic review to compile the results of works with animal models investigating the anti-inflammatory activity of plant extracts in the treatment of bone lesions and analyze the methodological quality of the studies on this subject. Studies were selected in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases according to the PRISMA statement. The research filters were constructed using three parameters: animal model, bone repair, and plant extracts. 31 full-text articles were recovered from 10 countries. Phytochemical prospecting was reported in 15 studies (48.39%). The most common secondary metabolites were flavonoids, cited in 32.26% studies (n = 10). Essential criteria to in vivo animal studies were frequently underreported, suggesting publication bias. The animals treated with plant extracts presented positive results in the osteoblastic proliferation, and consequently, this treatment accelerated osteogenic differentiation and bone callus formation, as well as bone fracture repair. Possibly, these results are associated with antioxidant, regenerative, and anti-inflammatory power of the extracts. The absence or incomplete characterization of the animal models, treatment protocols, and phytochemical and toxicity analyses impairs the internal validity of the evidence, making it difficult to determine the effectiveness and safety of plant-derived products in bone repair.

This study described and analyzed the roadkill of native vertebrates in the southwest of the Brazilian State of Goiás, evaluating the influence of the seasonal variation in climate and the influence of highway structure (e.g., two lane/one lane routes, road conditions). In this context, we collected samples each month over a one-year period on five of the region's highways, all of which originate in the town of Jataí, linking it to the neighboring towns of Acreúna, Aporé, Itajá, Doverlândia and Portelândia. We recorded 1113 individuals (0.115 individuals/km/year), including nine amphibians, 55 reptiles, 223 birds, and 826 mammals. The two-lane highway had the highest species richness and abundance, and was significantly different from the other roads. We also found significant seasonal differences in overall abundance, and the species richness and abundance of the herpetofauna, with a greater number of collisions occurring during the rainy season. Over the long term, programs of environmental education-especially during the rainy season-may help to raise the awareness of drivers.

Traditional medicine provides strong guidance for scientific experiments involving plant products used by the Brazilian people. The species "cipó-cravo" (Tynnanthus fasciculatus) is a plant commonly used either to combat indigestion and stomachaches, or as a general stimulant and aphrodisiac. In this study, the effects of "cipó-cravo" infusion were investigated within the testicular parenchyma of adult Wistar rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups: a control (distilled water) and two treated groups, which received the plant infusion (100 and 200mg/animal/day). The 200mg dose promoted a significant increase of the testicular parenchyma weight and of the volume and total length of the seminiferous tubules, as well as in total daily sperm production and sperm production per gram of testis.

The effect of topical application of ointment based on Strychnos pseudoquina hydroethanolic extract in the cutaneous wounds healing in diabetic rats was evaluated. Samples of S. pseudoquina were submitted to phytochemical prospection and in vitro antioxidant assay. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: Sal-wounds treated with 0.9% saline solution; VH-wounds treated with 0.6 g of lanolin cream (vehicle); SS-wounds treated with silver sulfadiazine cream (10 mg/g); ES5- and ES10-wounds treated with an ointment of S. pseudoquina extract, 5% and 10%, respectively. Fragments of wounds were removed for histological and biochemical analysis every 7 days during 21 days. ES showed equivalent levels per gram of extract of total phenols and flavonoids equal to 122.04 mg for TAE and 0.60 mg for RE. The chlorogenic acid was one of the major constituents. S. pseudoquina extract presented high antioxidant potential in vitro. ES5 and ES10 showed higher wound healing rate and higher amount of cells, blood vessels, and type III and I collagen. The oxidative stress markers were lower in the ES5 and ES10 groups, while the antioxidants enzymes levels were higher. Ointment based on S. pseudoquina extract promotes a fast and efficient cutaneous repair in diabetic rats.