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Biomedical subjects

E A Carlini

Publications and source records attributed to E A Carlini.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Decrease in tobacco use among Brazilian students: a possible consequence of the ban on cigarette advertising?

In 2000, cigarette advertising was banned from the Brazilian media [LEI N degrees 10.167, de 27 de dezembro de dezembro. (2000). http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/Leis/L10167.htm]. Nevertheless, not enough surveys have been carried out to measure the impact of the prohibition. The objective of the present survey was to compare the use of tobacco by primary and secondary school students in 1997 and 2004, that is, before and after the ban on tobacco advertising in Brazil. Two surveys were conducted (in 1997 and 2004) using the same methodology, with a target population of primary (from the fifth grade on) and secondary public schools in ten different Brazilian capitals. The sampling was done by conglomerates, stratified, and obtained in two stages. In total, 15,501 students were surveyed in 1997, and 21,712 in 2004. The questionnaire was adapted from an instrument developed by WHO, anonymous, self-administered, and applied collectively in the classroom. In a comparison of the two surveys (1997 and 2004) tobacco lifetime use (used any psychotropic drug at least once in their life) decreased significantly in seven out of ten capitals surveyed. The 11-12 year old age group experienced the largest decrease in tobacco lifetime use. There was a decrease in lifetime use for males in nine capitals, and in eight capitals for females. A decrease was also observed in heavy tobacco use also in eight capitals. In conclusion there was a significant decrease in tobacco consumption among the surveyed students, suggesting that the decrease is related to changes in public policy in Brazil over the surveyed period.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Use of psychotropic drugs in Brazil: household survey in the 107 biggest Brazilian cities--2001].

The objective was to estimate the prevalence of the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and the use of non-medical psychotropics. This study enclosed the 107 biggest cities in Brazil; sample: ages between 12 and 65 years. Sampling in three periods: tax sectors; household and the respondent. Were interviewed 8,589 people. The lifetime use of the alcohol was 68.7%, closer to 70.8% in Chile. The lifetime use of the tobacco was of 41.1%, lower than USA (70.5%). The lifetime use of the marijuana was of 6.9% closer to Colombia (5.4%) and lower than USA (34.2%). The lifetime use of the cocaine was 2.3%, lower than USA (11.2%). The lifetime use of solvent was of 5.8%, much lower than the United Kingdom (20.0%). The stimulants have had 1.5% of lifetime use and the anxiolytics with 3.3%. These findings will allow the implantation of adjusted public politics to our reality in the field of the psychotropics drugs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

A comparison of plants utilized in ritual healing by two Brazilian cultures: Quilombolas and Kraho Indians.

The present study deals with two ethnobotanical surveys carried out in two different segments of the Brazilian population: the first among the Krahô Indians living in Tocantins State, a Cerrado region, and the second one among the descendants of former black slaves, the Quilombolas, living in Mato Grosso State. Both populations use plants which may have effects on the central nervous system (CNS) in their ritual healing ceremonies. Field work was performed during two years by one of the authors (E. Rodrigues) utilizing methods from botany and anthropology. Information was obtained on a total of 169 plants which were utilized in the preparation of 345 prescriptions for 68 ailments seemingly of the CNS, classified as tonics, analgesics, anorectics, hallucinogens, and anxiolytics. The taxonomic families of plants used, the more common therapeutic indications and types of healing rituals are discussed.

Brazil↗
PubMed2005

Ritual use of plants with possible action on the central nervous system by the Kraho Indians, Brazil.

The aim of the present study was to document the use of plants, probably acting on the central nervous system (CNS), in rituals carried out by the Kraho Indians, who occupy the cerrado biome in the central region of Brazil. The 2 years of fieldwork were guided by methods of anthropology and botany. The local shamans have indicated 286 formulas, consisting of 138 plant species in 50 uses that could be associated with some type of action on the CNS; of which 98 formulas, 87 plants and 25 uses, appear to involve psychoactive properties, such as: 'to get slow', 'stimulant effect', 'to calm down', 'to enhance memory', 'to reduce anxiety' and 'to induce sleep'. Phytochemical and pharmacological literature data were queried to establish any correlation between indigenous knowledge and scientific indications, for each one of the 138 plant species. Studies were available for 11 of these plants; and for two of them, scientific data coincided with indigenous information.

Brazil↗
PubMed2005

Household survey on drug abuse in Brazil: study involving the 107 major cities of the country--2001.

The prevalence of the use in Brazil of illicit drugs, as well as of alcohol and tobacco, was determined. Further, illicit use of psychotropic medicines, and anabolic steroids were also surveyed. This study was carried out in 107 Brazilian cities with more than 200,000 inhabitants aged 12-65 years. The sampling design adopted was that of sampling per aggregates in three stages: first, the census sectors were selected; second, homes were selected among the sectors; finally, in each home, a respondent was selected in a manner independent of the interviewer. There were 8589 persons interviewed. The questionnaire utilized was that of the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) which was translated and adapted for Brazilian conditions. The lifetime use of alcohol in the 107 major cities of the country was 68.7%, which was close to numbers observed for Chile at 70.8% and the USA at 81.0%. Yet, tobacco lifetime use was 41.1% of the total, which is lower than the prevalence observed in the USA (70.5%). The data on the lifetime use of marijuana in Brazil (6.9%) approximated the findings for Colombia (5.4%), however, being much lower than that observed in the USA (34.2%) and the United Kingdom (25.0%). The prevalence of lifetime use of cocaine was 2.3%, well below the levels for the USA with 11.2% of the total population. The abuse of inhalants was 5.8% of the total, greater than that found in Colombia (1.4%) and about four times less than that in the United Kingdom with 20.0%. Among the medicaments, stimulants had a 1.5% prevalence of lifetime use, and that of benzodiazepines had similar percentages in Brazil (3.3%) and in the USA (5.8%). In this survey, only four individuals reported lifetime use of heroin, which was equivalent to about 0.04% of the sample and much lower than that in the USA with 1.2% and in Colombia reaching 1.5%. These findings will allow the implementation of public policies fitted to the situation with psychotropic drugs in Brazil.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

The good and the bad effects of (-) trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9-THC) on humans.

This review analyses the therapeutic usefulness of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and its potential to induce adverse reactions on humans. During the last 30 years an enormous amount of research was carried out resulting in the disclosure of the cannabinoid system in Central Nervous System, with its CB(1) and CB(2) receptors, and the agonist anandamide. Under the clinical point of view, Delta(9)-THC produces some therapeutic benefits which are beyond reasonable doubt. Thus, the effects on nausea/emesis due to cancer chemotherapy, as appetite promoter, on some painful conditions and on symptoms of multiple sclerosis are clearly demonstrated. Delta(9)-THC is not devoid of ill effects. On the cognitive domain it impairs the human capacity to discriminate time intervals and space distances, vigilance, memory and the performance for mental work. On the psychic area Delta(9)-THC may induce unpleasant reactions such as disconnected thoughts, panic reactions, disturbing changes in perception, delusions and hallucinatory experiences. However, the long term effects on the psyche and cognition are not known as there are no reports of prolonged use of Delta(9)-THC. Actually, it has been proposed by WHO that Delta(9)-THC should be rescheduled to schedule IV of the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Drugs, as it does not constitute a substantial risk to public health and its abuse is rare if at all.

Affect↗
PubMed2004

Trends in drug use among students in Brazil: analysis of four surveys in 1987, 1989, 1993 and 1997.

The consumption of psychotropic drugs among Brazilian secondary school students was examined by comparing data from four surveys using a questionnaire adapted from the WHO's Program on Research and Reporting on the Epidemiology of Drug Dependence. Students filled out the form in their classrooms without the presence of teachers. The target population consisted of 10-18-year-old students (on average, 15,000 students responded to each survey) in Brazil's ten largest state capitals: Belém, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo. Among the legal drugs, lifetime use (use at least once during life) of tobacco was increased in seven cities (the exceptions were Brasília, Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro). There was also a significant increase in frequent use of alcohol (six times or more per month) in 6 of the cities, from an average of 9.2% in 1987 to 15.0% in 1997. With respect to illegal drugs, there was a significant increase in lifetime use of marijuana (a 3-fold increase from 2.8% in 1987 to 7.6% in 1997). Cocaine use increased 4-fold over the survey period (0.5% in 1987 to 2.0% in 1997). Lifetime use of cocaine significantly increased in eight capitals (except Recife and Rio de Janeiro). However, frequent cocaine use increased in only three capitals (Belém, Fortaleza and Porto Alegre), from an average of 1.0% in 1987 to 3.6% in 1997. Lifetime use of medications such as anxiolytics and amphetamines increased 2-fold on average over the survey period. Comparing the four studies, the main conclusion is that there were significant increases in the frequencies for lifetime use, frequent use and heavy use of many drugs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Plants used by a Quilombola group in Brazil with potential central nervous system effects.

This study focused on an ethnopharmacological survey among a group of Brazilian Quilombolas (descended from runaway slaves living in hideouts up-country) whose therapeutic practices involve a combination of healing ceremonies and prescription of medicinal plants consisting of the use of, at least, 48 plants with possible effect on the central nervous system (CNS), cited in 53 formulas prescribed for 17 therapeutic indications, the main ones being: to fortify the brain, for insomnia, as a sedative, for insanity, weight loss, and rejuvenation. The formulas consist of one to ten plants, and each plant may be recommended for up to seven different therapeutic indications, with evidence of non-specificity in the use of plants in this culture. Of these 48 plants, only 31 could be identified to the species level as belonging to 20 taxonomic families, with the Asteraceae, Malpighiaceae, Cyperaceae, and Myrtaceae as the most important families. Only eleven of these species have been previously studied and appear in scientific literature. Some of these plants are at present under study in the Department of Psychobiology of the Federal University of Sao Paulo.

Brazil↗
PubMed2003

Plants and the central nervous system.

This review article draws the attention to the many species of plants possessing activity on the central nervous system (CNS). In fact, they cover the whole spectrum of central activity such as psychoanaleptic, psycholeptic and psychodysleptic effects, and several of these plants are currently used in therapeutics to treat human ailments. Among the psychoanaleptic (stimulant) plants, those utilized by human beings to reduce body weight [Ephedra spp. (Ma Huang), Paullinia spp. (guaraná), Catha edulis Forssk. (khat)] and plants used to improve general health conditions (plant adaptogens) were scrutinized. Many species of hallucinogenic (psychodysleptic) plants are used by humans throughout the world to achieve states of mind distortions; among those, a few have been used for therapeutic purposes, such as Cannabis sativa L., Tabernanthe iboga Baill. and the mixture of Psychotria viridis Ruiz and Pav. and Banisteriopsis caapi (Spruce ex Griseb.) C.V. Morton. Plants showing central psycholeptic activities, such as analgesic or anxiolytic actions (Passiflora incarnata L., Valeriana spp. and Piper methysticum G. Forst.), were also analysed.Finally, the use of crude or semipurified extracts of such plants instead of the active substances seemingly responsible for their therapeutic effect is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Heteropterys aphrodisiaca (extract BST0298): a Brazilian plant that improves memory in aged rats.

Literature report is lacking on pharmacological studies of the plant Heteropterys aphrodisiaca, endemic to the scrublands of Brazil. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of oral dosing with extract BST0298 from this plant, on learning and on memory, in young (3-6-month-old) and aged (20-28-month-old) rats. The aged animals presented significant memory deficits in both the passive avoidance and T-maze left/right discrimination tests. Treatment for 7 days (50 mg/kg) or 26 days (100 mg/kg) with extract BST0298 restored the memory deficits in the passive avoidance test. However, no improvement in memory was observed after acute administration of extract BST0298 (100 mg/kg) in aged rats. An improvement in learning was also observed in the left/right discrimination test in aged rats treated for 109 days with BST0298 at a dose of 50 mg/kg. These results suggest that treatment for 7 days or more with H. aphrodisiaca improves learning and memory deficits in aged rats.

Aging↗
PubMed2000

Protective effect of oleuropein, an olive oil biophenol, on low density lipoprotein oxidizability in rabbits.

On the basis of the results obtained with pilot studies conducted in vitro on human low density lipoprotein (LDL) and on cell cultures (Caco-2), which had indicated the ability of certain molecules present in olive oil to inhibit prooxidative processes, an in vivo study was made of laboratory rabbits fed special diets. Three different diets were prepared: a standard diet for rabbits (diet A), a standard diet for rabbits modified by the addition of 10% (w/w) extra virgin olive oil (diet B), a modified standard diet for rabbits (diet C) differing from diet B only in the addition of 7 mg kg(-1) of oleuropein. A series of biochemical parameters was therefore identified, both in the rabbit plasma and the related isolated LDL, before and after Cu-induced oxidation. The following, in particular, were selected: (i) biophenols, vitamins E and C, uric acid, and total, free, and ester cholesterol in the plasma; (ii) proteins, triglycerides, phospholipids, and total, free, and ester cholesterol in the native LDL (for the latter, the dimensions were also measured); (iii) lipid hydroperoxides, aldehydes, conjugated dienes, and relative electrophoretic mobility (REM) in the oxidized LDL (ox-LDL). In an attempt to summarize the results obtained, it can be said that this investigation has not only verified the antioxidant efficacy of extra virgin olive oil biophenols and, in particular, of oleuropein, but has also revealed a series of thus far unknown effects of the latter on the plasmatic lipid situation. In fact, the addition of oleuropein in diet C increased the ability of LDL to resist oxidation (less conjugated diene formation) and, at the same time, reduced the plasmatic levels of total, free, and ester cholesterol (-15, -12, and -17%, respectively), giving rise to a redistribution of the lipidic components of LDL (greater phospholipid and cholesterol amounts) with an indirect effect on their dimensions (bigger by about 12%).

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Differences in central and peripheral responses to oxotremorine in young and aged rats.

Few studies have investigated the pharmacological response of agents that act on the cholinergic system from the point of view of age. The present article investigated central responses (tremor) and peripheral responses (chromodacryorrhea) subsequent to the administration of oxotremorine to young (3-6 months of age) and aged rats (24-30 months of age). The aged rats presented greater duration and intensity of tremor in three doses utilized (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg) compared to young rats. These two groups of animals did differ in latency for the onset of the tremor. The aged rats presented more intense chromodacryorrhea than the young rats in all utilized doses. These data are indicative that both responses--central and peripheral--are affected by aging, possibly as a result of pharmacokinetic alterations and/or alterations in functionality of the cholinergic system in aged rats.

Aging↗
PubMed1998

Guarana (Paullinia cupana): toxic behavioral effects in laboratory animals and antioxidants activity in vitro.

The effects on toxic and behavioral levels of guarana (Paullinia cupana) were assessed in rats and mice subsequent to acute and chronic administrations and were compared to those produced by Ginseng (Panax ginseng). Experimental parameters included tests for antioxidant capacity in vitro and measured in vivo, toxicological screening, progress in weight, motor activity, death rate, and histopathological examination of the viscera. Guarana showed an antioxidant effect because, even at low concentrations (1.2 microg/ml), it inhibited the process of lipid peroxidation. In high doses of 1000-2000 mg/kg (i.p. and p.o.) it did not induce significant alterations in parameters for toxicological screening. No effects on motor activity were observed, neither did guarana alter the hypnotic effect of pentobarbital. Ginseng (250-1000 mg/kg i.p.), however, elicited reductions in motor activity, eyelid ptosis and bristling fur. Consumption of liquids containing guarana or ginseng and progress in weight of the animals remained at levels similar to the controls, even after prolonged administration. The percentage mortality was equivalent in control and in treated groups. The absence of toxicity of guarana was also demonstrated by histopathological examination, with no alteration being detected in heart, lungs, stomach, small and large intestine, liver, pancreas, kidneys, bladder and spleen.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Pharmacological activity of Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart.) in laboratory animals.

Mice that ingested a suspension of guarana (Paullinia cupana, Sapindaceae) in a dose of 0.3 mg/ml showed a significant increase in physical capacity when subjected to a stressful situation such as forced swimming after 100 and 200 days of treatment. Such an effect, however, was not obtained with a concentration of 3.0 mg/ml, nor with the ingestion of a suspension of ginseng 5.0 mg/ml, nor of a solution of caffeine 0.1 mg/ml. Guarana, both after a single (3.0 and 30 mg/kg) or chronic administrations (0.3 mg/ml), was able to partially reverse the amnesic effect of scopolamine as measured through a passive avoidance test in mice and rats, indicating a positive effect on memory acquisition. However, no effect was observed when an active avoidance task was used in rats, even after 20 days of guarana administration. There was also a tendency of rats treated with 0.3 mg/ml of guarana to better maintain the memory of a Lashley III maze path. The animals had the same average lifespan, indicating a low toxicity of guarana, even after 23 months of treatment.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Chronic fenfluramine treatment of rats with different ages: effects on brain oxidative stress-related parameters.

Fenfluramine is an anorectic drug widely used for the regulation of food intake that presents some adverse effects at the central and peripheral levels. d-Fenfluramine, an isomer of dl-fenfluramine, is postulated to be more effective and to induce less side effects than the racemic compound. These drugs act preferentially on the serotonergic system. Some authors have suggested that fenfluramine causes a degeneration of serotonergic neurons. Alterations of the serotonergic system are also observed during the aging process, and in this case, a relationship with reactive oxygen species has been already established. In view of these data, the present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between fenfluramine and brain antioxidant defense system in mature and aged animals. Rats aged 4 and 17 months were chronically treated with dl-fenfluramine, d-fenfluramine, or saline. Brain activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase was significantly affected by aging. Catalase activity was altered by the treatment. Total glutathione content and chemiluminescence in the brains were also altered by aging. Glutathione levels were altered as a function of the interaction between age and treatment. These findings suggest that treatment with d- or dl-fenfluramine results in alteration of the anti-oxidant system that could be exacerbated when associated with the aging process.

Aging↗
PubMed1996

A comparative study of the anorectic and behavioral effects of fenproporex on male and female rats.

The anorectic and behavioral effects of fenproporex (Fenp, 10 mg/kg, ip) and methamphetamine (Met, 2.5 mg/kg, ip), a prototypical example of an amphetamine-like drug, were studied in male and female Wistar rats (5 and 3 months of age, respectively, at the beginning of the experiments) after acute (immediately after a single dose) or chronic treatment (after 60 days of administration). For the evaluation of the experimental parameters six groups of eight rats each were utilized for food intake and stereotyped behavior and six groups of nine rats each for body weight and motor activity. Similar anorectic effects (decreased food intake in grams: saline (Sal): 12.8 +/- 2.5, Met: 4.7 +/- 4.0, and Fenp: 4.4 +/- 20; decreased weight gain: Sal: 38 +/- 10, Met: 25 +/- 1.0, and Fenp: 27 +/- 3.0) were induced by both drugs in male rats. Female rats, however, required larger doses (20 mg/kg Fenp and 5.0 mg/kg Met) for a complete blockade of food intake. The behavioral tests were carried out 30, 60, 120, 180 and 300 min after drug administration and on day 1 and day 60 immediately after the treatment, for stereotypy and motor activity, respectively (male rats: Met: 3.8 +/- 0.3, Fenp: 6.0 +/- 0.9, and female rats: Met: 15.4 +/- 1.9, Fenp: 9.7 +/- 1.3). Though stereotyped behavior such as sniffing, continuous licking, and false bites was observed in all animals, this was more evident and prolonged in female rats. Both drugs also increased motor activity (male rats, acute treatment: Met: 608 +/- 419, Fenp: 677 +/- 354; chronic treatment: Met: 701 +/- 423, Fenp: 908 +/- 479; female rats, acute treatment: Met: 817 +/- 350, Fenp: 1177 +/- 282; chronic treatment: Met: 623 +/- 274, Fenp: 1511 +/- 573) with female rats once again showing greater sensitivity both after acute and chronic treatment. Our data indicate that fenproporex, like methamphetamine, has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, indicating an action on the dopaminergic systems. These data further suggest that its therapeutic use as an appetite moderator should be prescribed with caution, especially to women, since, at least in the species studied, the female organism seems to show higher susceptibility to the central effects of this substance.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Antioxidant defense in rat brain after chronic treatment with anorectic drugs.

Mazindol (5-hydroxy-5-p-chlorophenyl-2,3-dihydro-5H-imidazo-2,1-a-isoindole) although not chemically related to the phenylethylamine group, shows a pharmacological profile similar to that of amphetamines. In rats these anorectic drugs enhance dopamine (DA) turnover, which is the mechanism that causes anorexia. It has been hypothesized that amphetamine causes a long-lasting depletion of DA, a decrease of dopaminergic transport pumps and nerve terminal degeneration increasing. These actions provide a cellular environment encouraging the autoxidation of DA that may lead to lipid peroxidation and neuronal damage. Considering that both drugs may cause neuronal damage by oxidative mechanisms, this study was conducted to investigate the action of mazindol and methamphetamine on brain cell antioxidant defense system and to investigate whether animal age is important in the antioxidant response to chronic anorectic administration. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as the total glutathione (GSH) content in brains of rats, were measured. The animals (2 groups with 5 and 18 months old) were treated for 5 months (i.p.) with mazindol (10 mg/kg body weight/day), methamphetamine (2.5 mg/kg body weight/day) or saline. The results obtained showed no differences between SOD, CAT, GPx activities and GSH content in the brain of animals treated with saline compared with both drugs, either in 10-month or 23-month groups. On the other hand, brain total GSH content of old animals was found to be lower than that from young ones, independent of the treatment. SOD activity was found to be increased, CAT unchanged and GPx decreased, in the brain of old animals, treated with both drugs or saline. These findings led us to conclude that the chronic administration of mazindol and methamphetamine have no effects on the antioxidant systems studied either in young (10 months) or in old (23 months) rats.

Aging↗