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Findings from F.C.M. Lopes and co-researchers advance knowledge in tuberculosis



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2008 JAN 14 -- According to a study from Araraquara, Brazil, "Mycobacterium tuberculosis is responsible for over 8 million cases of tuberculosis (TB) annually. Natural products may play important roles in the chemotherapy of TB."

"The immunological activity of Davilla elliptica chloroform extract (DECE) was evaluated in vitro by the determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide ( NO), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release in peritoneal macrophages cultures. DECE was also tested for its antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis using the microplate alamar blue assay. DECE ( 50, 150, 250 mu g/ml) stimulated the production of H2O2 (from 1,79 +/- 0,23 to 7,27 +/- 2,54; 15,02 +/- 2,86; 20,5 +/- 2,1 nmols) (means +/- SD), NO ( from 2,64 +/- 1,02 to 25,59 +/- 2,29; 26,68 +/- 2,41; 29,45 +/- 5,87 mu mols) ( means +/- SD) and TNF-alpha ( from 2,44 +/- 1,46 to 30,37 +/- 8,13; 38,68 +/- 1,59; 41,6 +/- 0,90 units/ml) (means +/- SD) in a dose-dependent manner and also showed a promising antimycobacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 62,5 mu g/ml," wrote F.C.M. Lopes and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "This plant may have therapeutic potential in the immunological and microbiological control of TB."

Lopes and colleagues published the results of their research in Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Immunological and microbiological activity of Davilla elliptica St. Hill. (Dilleniaceae) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 2007;102(6):769-772).

For additional information, contact I.Z. Carlos, UNESP, Dept. of Anal Clinic, P Expedicionarios Brasil 1601, BR-14801902 Araraquara, SP, Brazil.

The publisher of the journal Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz can be contacted at: Fundaco Oswaldo Cruz, AV Brasil 4365, 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro, Rj, Brazil.

Keywords: Brazil, Araraquara, Chemotherapy, Cutaneous Tuberculosis, Drug Therapy, Drugs, Mycobacteria, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Necrosis, Nitric Oxide, Pharmaceuticals, Treatment.

This article was prepared by Tuberculosis Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Tuberculosis Week via NewsRx.com.