RESUMO

Isougenol is a phytoconstituent found in several essential oils. Since many natural products are potent antimicrobials, the synthesis of hybrid molecules-combining the chemical skeleton of the phytochemical with synthetic groups-can generate substances with enhanced biological activity. Based on this, the objective of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of isoeugenol and hybrid acetamides against Candida albicans isolated from the oral cavity. The methodologies used were the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), action on fungal micromorphology, interaction test with nystatin by the checkerboard method and molecular docking study with important enzymes in the maintenance of fungal viability. The synthetic molecules did not demonstrate significant antifungal activity in vitro. The isoeugenol MIC and MFC varied between 128 and 256 µg/mL, being the phytoconstituent able to interfere in the formation of blastoconid and chlamydoconid structures, important in the pathogenic process of the species. The molecular docking study revealed that isoeugenol is a potential inhibitor of the enzymes 14-α-demethylase and delta-14-sterol reductase, interfering in the fungal cell membrane biosynthesis. Thus, this research provides clearer expectations for future pharmacological studies with isoeugenol and derived molecules, aiming at its therapeutic application against infections caused by Candida spp.

RESUMO

TEMA: cirurgia, radioterapia e quimioterapia são as modalidades terapêuticas usadas no tratamento de câncer bucal. Podem ser usadas isoladas ou conjuntamente. Radiação ionizante causa lesões nos tecidos normais localizados no campo de radiação. Isto se torna particularmente evidente nas regiões de cabeça, uma área complexa composta de várias estruturas diferentes que respondem diferentemente à radiação. As seqüelas orais resultantes podem causar problemas substanciais durante e depois da terapia de radiação e são os maiores fatores de determinação na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Dentre as complicações da radioterapia estão a xerostomia, osteorradionecrose, mucosite e candidose. OBJETIVO: apresentar aos profissionais de saúde uma reflexão sobre as questões pertinentes às sequelas bucais da radioterapia de cabeça e pescoço. CONCLUSÃO: o acompanhamento odontológico sistemático pode minimizar os efeitos da radiação sobre os tecidos da cavidade bucal.

BACKGROUND: surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are therapeutic modalities used in the treatment of oral cancer. They can be used separately or in combination. Ionizing irradiation causes damage to normal tissues located at the radiation field. This becomes particularly evident in the head and neck region, a complex area composed of several dissimilar structures that respond differently to radiation. The resulting oral sequelae may cause substantial problems during and after radiation therapy and are major factors in determining the patient's quality of life. Xerostomia, osteoradionecrosis, mucositis and candidosis are some of radiotherapy's complications. PURPOSE: introduce health professionals to reflect on issues relevant to oral sequelae of head and neck radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: regular dental follow-up may reduce the effects of radiation in the tissues of the oral cavity.