Abstract Objective: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease characterized by progressive scarring of the lungs causing their long-term deterioration. Its diagnosis requires the existence of the radiological pattern called usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Its prevalence is higher in men. Among the main symptoms, we find dyspnea and cough. At present, there is no known cure, however, there are various antifibrotic treatments focused on slowing the progression of this pathology and prolonging survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pirfenidone in this disease. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study from January 2016 to December 2019. The study included 40 patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who started treatment with pirfenidone. Results: The pulmonary function parameters showed values that were maintained during the study period. There was an improvement in the cough. The most common adverse reactions were gastrointestinal and skin disorders. Conclusion: Pirfenidone treatment requires rigorous monitoring due to the percentage of patients who abandoned this therapy.

Resumen Objetivo: La fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (FPI) es una enfermedad caracterizada por una cicatrización progresiva de los pulmones provocando su deterioro a largo plazo. Su diagnóstico requiere la existencia del patrón radiológico denominado neumonía intersticial usual (NIU). Su prevalencia es mayor en hombres. Entre los síntomas principales encontramos la disnea y la tos. En la actualidad, no existe una cura conocida, sin embargo, existen diversos tratamientos antifibróticos enfocados a disminuir la progresión de esta patología y prolongar la supervivencia. El objetivo es evaluar la efectividad y seguridad de la pirfenidona en esta enfermedad. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2019. Se incluyeron 40 pacientes diagnosticados de fibrosis pulmonar idiopática que iniciaron tratamiento con pirfenidona. Resultados: Los parámetros de función pulmonar mostraron valores mantenidos durante el periodo de estudio. Hubo mejoría de la tos. Las reacciones adversas más comunes fueron alteraciones gastrointestinales y cutáneas. Conclusión: El tratamiento con pirfenidona requiere de un riguroso seguimiento por el porcentaje de pacientes que abandonó esta terapia.

The prominent myotoxic effects induced by Bothrops jararacussu crude venom are due, in part, to its polycationic myotoxins, BthTX-I and BthTX-II. Both myotoxins have a phospholipase A2 structure: BthTX-II is an active enzyme Asp-49 PLA2, while BthTX-I is a Lys-49 PLA2 devoid of enzymatic activity. In this study, the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), 685 nm laser at a dose of 4.2 J/cm2 on edema formation, leukocyte influx and myonecrosis caused by BthTX-I and BthTX-II, isolated from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom, was analyzed. BthTX-I and BthTX-II caused a significant edema formation, a prominent leukocyte infiltrate composed predominantly by neutrophils and myonecrosis in envenomed gastrocnemius muscle. LLLT significantly reduced the edema formation, neutrophil accumulation and myonecrosis induced by both myotoxins 24 hours after the injection. LLLT reduced the myonecrosis caused by BthTX-I and BthTX-II, respectively, by 60 and 43%; the edema formation, by 41 and 60.7%; and the leukocyte influx, by 57.5 and 51.6%. In conclusion, LLLT significantly reduced the effect of these snake toxins on the inflammatory response and myonecrosis. These results suggest that LLLT should be considered a potential therapeutic approach for treatment of local effects of Bothrops species venom.