Latex, a milky fluid found in several plants, is widely used for many purposes, and its proteins have been investigated by researchers. Many studies have shown that latex produced by some plant species is a natural source of biologically active compounds, and many of the hydrolytic enzymes are related to health benefits. Research on the characterization and industrial and pharmaceutical utility of latex has progressed in recent years. Latex proteins are associated with plants’ defense mechanisms, against attacks by fungi. In this respect, there are several biotechnological applications of antifungal proteins. Some findings reveal that antifungal proteins inhibit fungi by interrupting the synthesis of fungal cell walls or rupturing the membrane. Moreover, both phytopathogenic and clinical fungal strains are susceptible to latex proteins. The present review describes some important features of proteins isolated from plant latex which presented in vitro antifungal activities: protein classification, function, molecular weight, isoelectric point, as well as the fungal species that are inhibited by them. We also discuss their mechanisms of action.

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Background: Previous studies have shown that latex proteins from Plumeria pudica (LPPp) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects in rats of LPPp on ligature-induced periodontitis, an inflammatory disease. Methods:The animals were divided into groups: saline (animals without induction of periodontitis), periodontitis (induced periodontitis and untreated) and LPPp (induced periodontitis and treated with 40 mg/kg). The following parameters were evaluated after 20 consecutive days of treatment: gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), alveolar bone height (ABH) and gingival myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In the hepatic tissue, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and histopathological alterations were evaluated. Blood levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured.Results: Significant reduction in GBI, PPD and gingival MPO activity and ABH was seen in animals treated with LPPp compared with periodontitis. Values of GSH, MDA, ALT and histopathological evaluation were preserved in animals treated with LPPp. Conclusions:Treatment with LPPp improved clinical aspects of periodontitis, reduced the blood and hepatic alterations and prevented alveolar bone loss. Data suggest that LPPp have potential for treatment of periodontitis.

available in the literature on the main histopathological alterations in the liver after infection by DENV and YFV. For so, a literature search was conducted in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for the selection of articles published between 2005 and 2018 with relevance on the subject under study. The search resulted in the selection of 20 articles, of which 15 assessed the histopathological alterations in the liver after infection by DENV and 5 evaluated liver tissue damage after YFV infection. All studies demonstrated the presence of the main tissue abnormalities typical of dengue and yellow fever infection, showing a greater severity of hepatic damage related to YF infection. The main histopathological alterations in the liver after infection by these arboviruses have been demonstrated, however, the knowledge regarding some tissue damage in the liver is limited. There is, therefore, the need for further studies to clarify the pathogenesis of the arboviruses under study and the role in the progression and severity of the lesions, especially related to liver damage.

A hanseníase e uma doença crônica, granulomatosa, de evolução lenta causada pelo Mycobacterium leprae, que afeta pele e sistema nervoso periférico gerando incapacidades físicas. Apesar do uso da multidroga terapia, o número de novos casos ainda se mantém constante em muitos países. A possibilidade da eliminação global da hanseníase tem sido discutida pela OMS e por vários autores, desta forma, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar os desafios a ainda serem superados em relação ao seu diagnóstico e ao tratamento para que essa meta seja alcançada. Para isto, foram realizadas buscas de arquivos nas bases de dados SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, Google Acadêmico. Uma vez que o diagnóstico da hanseníase é baseado em alguns sinais clínicos, muitos profissionais têm dificuldade em reconhecer os achados sugestivos da doença. Um dos problemas serem contornados é a ausência de um exame que apresente especificidade e sensibilidade elevada para todas as formas clínicas. O desenvolvimento de um método rápido, sensível e não invasivo mostra-se de grande importância para o diagnóstico definitivo. O diagnóstico precoce é um fator crucial para o controle da doença e que pode prevenir o aparecimento de incapacidades. O tratamento da hanseníase, sua adesão e sua conclusão são essenciais, no entanto, a quantidade de pessoas que aderem a medicação tem sido inconstante. Além disso, a resistência do M. leprae aos fármacos atualmente existentes também se mostra como um obstáculo a ser superado. Dessa forma, muitos são os entraves que permanecem a serem superados para que hanseníase possa ser erradicada no mundo.