Organic osmolyte betaine mitigates the deleterious effects of Diclofenac in vivo in wistar albino rats

Abstract Diclofenac sodium (DF) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that possesses antipyretic, analgesic, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Like other NSAIDs, DF is known to be associated with renal, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal complications. The present study was carried out to evaluate the adverse effects of DF in vivo in wistar albino rats and to assess if oral administration of the organic osmolyte betaine mitigates the adverse effect of DF. Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups, one group of animals was fed orally with 20 mg/kg of DF once/day, and the other group received a combination of 20 mg/kg of DF and 30 mg/kg of betaine, once/day. Apart from the hematological and biochemical parameters, histopathological changes in the liver, lungs, brain, heart and kidney were also investigated. Histopathological alterations that were found in the liver, kidney, and lungs of DF-treated animals were found to be minimal or absent in DF + betaine-treated animals, as compared to untreated control. The results showed that betaine mitigates the adverse effects associated with DF treatment.

Betaine supplementation improved L-threonine fermentation of Escherichia coli THRD by upregulating zwf (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) expression

BACKGROUND: The supplementation of betaine, an osmoprotective compatible solute, in the cultivation media has been widely used to protect bacterial cells. To explore the effects of betaine addition on industrial fermentation, Escherichia coli THRD, an L-threonine producer, was used to examine the production of L-threonine with betaine supplementation and the underlying mechanism through which betaine functions was investigated. RESULTS: Betaine supplementation in the medium of E. coli THRD significantly improved L-threonine fermentation parameters. The transcription of zwf and corresponding enzyme activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly promoted by betaine addition, which contributed to an enhanced expression of zwf that provided more nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) for L-threonine synthesis. In addition, as a result of the betaine addition, the betaine-stimulated expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the zwf promoter within a plasmid-based cassette proved to be a transcription-level response of zwf. Finally, the promoter of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene ppc in THRD was replaced with that of zwf, while L-threonine fermentation of the new strain was promoted by betaine addition. Conclusions: We reveal a novel mode of betaine that facilitates the microbial production of useful compounds. Betaine supplementation upregulates the expression of zwf and increases the NADPH synthesis, which may be beneficial for the cell growth and thereby promote the production of L-threonine. This finding might be useful for the production of NADPH-dependent amino acids and derivatives in E. coli THRD or other E. coli strains.

Caries lesion remineralization with fluoride toothpastes and chlorhexidine - effects of application timing and toothpaste surfactant

Abstract Habitual toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste followed by rinsing with antibacterial mouthwashes is a method to maintain good oral hygiene and to diminish the occurrence and severity of dental caries and periodontal disease. However, our understanding of how antimicrobial agents in mouthwashes affect fluoride-mediated caries lesion remineralization is still poor. Objective: The objectives of this in vitro study were a) to determine the effects of the waiting period of chlorhexidine (CHX) rinsing after fluoride toothpaste use and b) to further determine the effect of the type of toothpaste surfactant [sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB)] on caries lesion remineralization associated with CHX rinsing. Material and Methods: Caries lesions were formed in bovine enamel specimens and assigned to 10 treatment groups (n=18) based on Vickers surface microhardness (VHN). Lesions were then pH-cycled for 10 days with daily regimen comprised of twice daily toothpaste slurry treatments (1150 ppm fluoride, with SDS or CAPB), followed by CHX solution treatments [0, 15, 30 or 60 minutes following slurry treatment or no CHX treatment (negative control)]. VHN was measured again and the extent of lesion remineralization calculated (∆VHN). Results: ∆VHN with SDS-toothpaste was significantly lower than with CAPB-toothpaste, indicating more remineralization for the CAPB-toothpaste. ∆VHN with 0-minute waiting time was significantly lower than with 30-minute waiting time and with negative control. Conclusions: The absence of CHX as an adjunct to fluoride toothpastes led to greater remineralization of enamel lesions compared with the immediate use of CHX treatment for both SDS- and CAPB-toothpastes. CAPB-toothpastes indicated significantly greater remineralization than SDS-toothpastes, and can be suggested for patients at high risk of caries. A 30-minute waiting time for CHX treatment is recommended after brushing.

l-Amino acid oxidase isolated from calloselasma rhodostoma snake venom induces cytotoxicity and apoptosis in JAK2V617F-positive cell lines

BACKGROUND: Myeloproliferative neoplasms are Philadelphia chromosome-negative diseases characterized by hyperproliferation of mature myeloid cells, associated or not with the Janus kinase 2 tyrosine kinase mutation, JAK2V617F. As there is no curative therapy, researchers have been investigating new drugs to treat myeloproliferative neoplasms, including l-amino acid oxidase from Calloselasma rhodostoma snake venom (CR-LAAO), which is a toxin capable of eliciting apoptosis in several tumor cell lines. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of l-amino acid oxidase from C. rhodostoma snake venom in the apoptotic machinery of JAK2-mutated cell lines. METHODS: The HEL 92.1.7 and SET-2 cell lines were cultured with l-amino acid oxidase and catalase for 12 h at 37 °C in 5% carbon dioxide. The cell viability was assessed by the multi-table tournament method, the level of apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, and the expression of cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific proteases and cleaved Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: l-Amino acid oxidase from C. rhodostoma snake venom was cytotoxic to HEL 92.1.7 and SET-2 cells (50% inhibitory concentration = 0.15 µg/mL and 1.5 µg/mL, respectively) and induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell treatment with catalase mitigated the l-amino acid oxidase toxicity, indicating that hydrogen peroxide is a key component of its cytotoxic effect.The activated caspases 3 and 8 expression and cleaved PARP in HEL 92.1.7 and SET-2 cells confirmed the apoptosis activation by CR-LAAO. CONCLUSIONS: l-Amino acid oxidase from C. rhodostoma snake venom is a potential antineoplastic agent against HEL 92.1.7 and SET-2 JAK2V617F-positive cells as it activates the extrinsic apoptosis pathway.

Giant condyloma acuminatum: report of surgical treatment and evolution of healing / Condiloma acuminado gigante: relato de tratamento cirúrgico e evolução da cicatrização

O condiloma acuminado gigante, variante rara do condiloma acuminado anogenital, apresenta crescimento rápido associado a estados de imunodeficiência.Relatamos os resultados com os cuidados com a ferida operatória. Trata-se de homem de etnia negra, 55 anos, portador do vírus da imunodeficiência humana com condiloma acuminado acometendo desde as regiões inguinais até o sulco interglúteo, que foi ressecado permanecendo a ferida aberta para posterior enxertia. Os cuidados com essa ferida incluíram solução de polihexametileno biguanida/betaína, solução de ácidos graxos essenciais, hidrofibra/prata e película. Evoluiu com infecção secundária sendo a hidrofibra substituída por espuma de poliuretano/prata/ibuprofeno. Houve melhora da infecção e da dor, contração das bordas e presença de tecido de granulação em toda a lesão. Naquelas condições, o enxerto de pele foi realizado no 41º dia. A despeito dos possíveis vieses de confusão, pode-se inferir que esses cuidados prepararam o leito da ferida para receber o enxerto de pele.

Giant condyloma acuminatum, a rare variant of anogenital condyloma, shows rapid growth associated with immunodeficiency. Wound care after resection andoutcomes were reported. NGS, black, 55 years, HIV positive, with giant condyloma acuminatum affecting from the groin to the intergluteal groove, which wasresected, remaining the wound opened for later skin graft. Topical care included polihexametilene biguanide/betaine solution, essencial fatty acids solution,hydrofiber/silver, and poliuretane film. The wound developed secondary infection, so hidrofiber was replaced by polyurethane foam/silver/ibuprofen. Therewas improvement in infection and pain, contraction of the edges and the presence of granulation tissue across the lesion. In those conditions the skin graft was performed after 41 days. Despite possible confusion bias, it can be inferred that the care adopted prepared the wound bed to receive the skin graft.

Betaína e Colina dietéticas relacionadas à homocisteína plasmática: estudo de base populacional, São Paulo, Brasil / Betaine and Choline Intakes are related to total plasma homocysteine: health survey of São Paulo, Brazil

Fundamentos: Elevadas concentrações de homocisteína plasmática (Hcyp) têm sido associadas ao risco aumentado de doenças cardiovasculares. A Hcyp pode ser diminuída por meio da remetilação à metionina, que usa folato ou betaína como doador do grupo metil.Objetivos: Avaliar a ingestão de betaína e colina e sua relação com a homocisteína em residentes do município de São Paulo. Métodos: Obtidos dados de 584 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, a partir do estudo de base populacional ISA-SP 2008. Médias geométricas de Hcyp foram analisadas de acordo com tercis de ingestão de colina e betaína e foi aplicado teste de tendência.Resultados: Foram analisados 584 indivíduos: 222 (38,0%) homens e 362 (62,0%) mulheres, com média de idade 55,0±19,0 anos. A prevalência de hiper-homocisteinemia foi maior entre os homens (28,0%), idosos (21,0%) e indivíduos com menor renda familiar (21,0%). Cerca de 31,0% dos indivíduos com hiper-homocisteinemia apresentou deficiência de folato (<7,5 nmol/L) e 26,0%, deficiência de vitamina B12 (<200 pmol/L). Observou-se diminuição nas médias geométricas de homocisteína conforme aumento nos tercis de betaína em ambos os sexos,adultos, eutróficos e em todas as categorias de escolaridade. A colina esteve relacionada à Hcyp em ambos os sexos, indivíduos de maior renda familiar, não fumantes e consumidores de bebidas alcoólicas. Conclusões: Este estudo sugere a importância da ingestão de betaína por sua associação inversa com a concentração de Hcyp em adultos e idosos do município de São Paulo. A colina desempenhou papel protetor em subgrupos específicos da população.

Background: High concentrations of plasma homocysteine (Hcyp) have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Hcyp can be decreased by remethylation to methionine, which uses folate or betaine as a donor of the methyl group. Objectives: To evaluate the intake of betaine and choline and its relation to homocysteine in residents of the city of São Paulo. Methods: Data from 584 individual, of both sexes, from the population-based study ISA-SP 2008. Geometric averages of Hcyp were analyzed according to choline and betaine intake tertiles and trend test was applied. Results: The study analyzed 584 individuals: 222 (38.0%) men and 362 (62.0%) women, mean age 55.0 ± 19.0 years. The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was higher among men (28.0%), the elderly (21.0%) and those with lower household income (21.0%). Approximately 31.0% of individual with hyperhomocysteinemia presented folate deficiency (<7.5 nmol/L) and 26.0% presented vitamin B12 deficiency (<200 pmol/L). There was a decrease in the geometric means of homocysteine according to an increase in betaine tertiles in both sexes, adults, normal and in all categories of education. Choline was related to Hcyp in both sexes, higherhousehold income individuals, non-smokers and alcohol consumers. Conclusions: This study suggests the importance of betaine intake due to its inverse relationship with the concentration of Hcyp in adults and elderly in the city of São Paulo. Choline played a protective role in specific subgroups of the population.

O papel da suplementação de betaína na atividade física: uma revisão sistemática / The role of betaine supplementation in physical activity: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the betaine supplementation and its possible ergogenic potential in physically active adults. Data source: In the present review, articles were searched using indexed databases (SciELO and NCBI) and the following keywords were selected for the search: "supplement", "betaine", "performance" and "adults", including terms of lexical proximity, limited to articles in English, published between 2000 and the present date. Inclusion criteria: adults, physically active individuals or individuals under physical test and betaine supplementation. Data synthesis: According to the applied search criteria, 20,750 articles were found, from which only seven obeyed to inclusion parameters after judicious reading of the texts. In these, betaine supplementation was capable to increase anaerobic potency, muscular and isometric endurance, and stimulate an anabolic environment. In contrast, no increase was observed in the plasmatic levels of nitrate/nitrite and, when compared to creatine, betaine supplementation was not able to raise the levels of phosphorylcreatine or strength in sedentary individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The present work showed that betaine supplementation plays an important role as an ergogenic resource, mainly in biomarkers and muscular strength and power; nevertheless, it is apparently ineffective when given to sedentary individuals

OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a suplementação de betaína e seu possível potencial ergogênico em adultos fisicamente ativos. Fonte de dados: Na presente revisão, artigos foram pesquisados usando bancos de dados indexados (e.g., SciELO e NCBI) e as seguintes palavras-chave foram selecionados para a procura: "suplemento", "betaína", "desempenho" e "adultos", incluindo termos de proximidade léxica, limitado-se a artigos em inglês e português publicados entre 2000 e a presente data. Critérios de inclusão: referirem-se a adultos, indivíduos fisicamente ativos ou sob teste físico e suplementação de betaína. Síntese dos dados: De acordo com os critérios de pesquisa aplicada, 20.750 artigos foram encontrados, dos quais apenas sete obedeceram aos parâmetros de inclusão após leitura criteriosa do texto. Nesses estudos, a suplementação de betaína foi capaz de elevar potência anaeróbica, resistência muscular e isométrica e estimular um ambiente anabólico. Em contraste, não foram encontradas elevações nos níveis plasmáticos de nitrato/nitrito e, quando comparada à suplementação de creatina, não foi capaz de elevar níveis de fosforilcreatina ou força em indivíduos sedentários. CONCLUSÕES: O presente trabalho mostrou que a suplementação de betaína desempenha um papel importante como ergogênico, principalmente em níveis de marcadores biológicos e sobre força e potência muscular, embora aparentemente seja inefetiva quando fornecida a indivíduos sedentários

Novas perspectivas de fármacos com propriedade tripanocida: estudos biológicos de compostos heterocíclicos / Novel perspectives of drugs with tripanocidal properties: biological study of heterocyclic compounds

Os compostos mesoiônicos são moléculas não aromáticas planas, pertencentes à classe das betaínas, os quais apresentam um grande número de atividades biológicas incluindo antibacteriana, anti-inflamatória e anti-protozoária. A despeito do potencial quimoterápico destes compostos, estudos destas moléculas contra o Trypanosoma cruzi, agente etiológico da doença de Chagas, ainda são incipientes. No presente trabalho nós avaliamos as atividades tripanocida e citotóxica dos mesoiônicos MECPYR-04, MEC-02, MC-01 e MC-02. Nossos resultados demonstraram que todos os compostos inibiram o crescimento de formas epimastigotas e causaram decréscimo da viabilidade celular em tripomastigotas. Estes compostos também foram efetivos em inibir a infecção de macrófagos e diminuir a viabilidade das formas amastigotas. MECPYR-04 foi o mais efetivo contra todas as formas evolutivas do parasito, entretanto também apresentou alta toxicidade para células de mamíferos, enquanto MEC02, MC-01 e MC-02 apresentaram baixa toxidade em células de mamíferos e alta seletividade para os parasitas. Apenas MEC-02 e MECPYR-04 aumentaram a produção de NO em macrófagos quando comparados com o controle, sugerindo um potencial imunomodulatório destes compostos. Com objetivo de analisar os efeitos de MEC-02, MC-01 e MC-02 sobre a integridade da membrana plasmática e o potencial de membrana mitocondrial, células tratadas e controles foram submetidas a marcação com iodeto de propidio e rodamina 123 respectivamente, e analisadas por microscopia confocal. Nenhuma diferença significativa na integridade da membrana foi observada em células tratadas. Estes achados foram confirmados pela microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Apenas MC-01 e MC-02 foram capazes de induzir alterações no potencial de membrana mitocondrial como observado por microscopia confocal e citometria de fluxo. Análise ultraestrutural revelou apenas pequenas alterações em formas tripomastigotas tratadas com MEC-02. Por outro lado, células tratadas com MC-01 e MC-02 apresentaram drástico inchaço da mitocôndria com desorganização ou perda do material da matriz mitocondrial, sugerindo que esta estrutura seja o alvo de ação de MC-01 e MC-02. Todos estes resultados apontam MEC-02, MC-01 e MC-02 como candidatos a fármacos contra a doença de Chagas.

Diferentes níveis de betaína sobre incidência de diarreia, desempenho, características de carcaça e parâmetros sanguíneos de suínos / Different levels of betaine on diarrhea incidence, performance, carcass characteristics and blood parameters of pigs

Foram utilizados 36 leitões desmamados aos 19 dias de idade, distribuídos em um delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, aonde foram avaliados os efeitos da adição de níveis crescentes de betaína (0,0%, 0,1%, 0,2% e 0,3%) na dieta sobre o desempenho na fase inicial, crescimento e terminação. Foram monitorados os índices de incidência de diarreia nos primeiros 14 dias da fase inicial e os parâmetros sanguíneos aos 20, 75 e 150 dias de idade, como também características de carcaça ao final do experimento. Não foi observado (P > 0,05) efeito da betaína sobre a incidência de diarreia. Foram verificadas diferenças significativas (P < 0,05) entre os tratamentos na fase de terminação, para ganho diário de peso e conversão alimentar. Foram observadas diferenças (P < 0,0001) entre os dias para os parâmetros sanguíneos analisados. Para espessura de toucinho (ET), foi verificada diferença significativa (P < 0,05) entre os tratamentos

Thirty six piglets weaned at 19 days of age were useddistributed in a randomized block design, were used to evaluate the effects of the addition of crescent levels of betaine (0,0%, 0,1%, 0,2% e 0,3%) in the diets on the performance in initial, growing and finishing phases. The indexes of diarrhea incidence were monitored in the first 14 days post–weaning; and the blood parameters at 20, 75, and 150 days of age, as well as the carcass characteristics at the end of the experiment. It was not observed (P > 0,05) effect of the betaine on the diarrhea incidence. Significative differences (P < 0.05) were verified among treatments in the finishing phase for daily weight gain and feed conversion. Differences (P < 0.0001) among the days to the blood parameters analysed were also observed. In regard to the backfat thickness, it was verified significative difference (P < 0.05) among the treatments.

Solubilization of human erythrocyte membranes by ASB detergents

Understanding the membrane solubilization process and finding effective solubilizing agents are crucial challenges in biochemical research. Here we report results on the interaction of the novel linear alkylamido propyl dimethyl amino propanosulfonate detergents, ASB-14 and ASB-16, with human erythrocyte membranes. An estimation of the critical micelle concentration of these zwitterionic detergents (ASB-14 = 100 µM and ASB-16 = 10 µM) was obtained using electron paramagnetic resonance. The amount of proteins and cholesterol solubilized from erythrocytes by these detergents was then determined. The hemolytic activities of the ASB detergents were assayed and the detergent/lipid molar ratios for the onset of hemolysis (Re sat) and total lysis (Re sol) were calculated, allowing the determination of the membrane binding constants (Kb). ASB-14 presented lower membrane affinity (Kb = 7050 M-1) than ASB-16 (Kb = 15610 M-1). The amount of proteins and cholesterol solubilized by both ASB detergents was higher while Re sat values (0.22 and 0.08 detergent/lipid for ASB-14 and ASB-16, respectively) were smaller than those observed with the classic detergents CHAPS and Triton X-100. These results reveal that, besides their well-known use as membrane protein solubilizers to enhance the resolution of two dimensional electrophoresis/mass spectrometry, ASB-14 and ASB-16 are strong hemolytic agents. We propose that the physicochemical properties of ASB detergents determine their membrane disruption efficiency and can help to explain the improvement in the solubilization of membrane proteins, as reported in the literature.

Alterações clínicas e patológicas durantea infecção experimental com Eimeria acervulinaem frangos de corte suplementados com betaína / Clinical and pathological changes during the experimental infection with Eimeria acervulina in broiler chickens suplemented with betaine

Com o objetivo de se avaliar o efeito da betaína na patogenicidade de Eimeria acervulina, 420 pintos de corte Cobb foraminoculados experimentalmente com 2 x 105 oocistos esporulados e alocados em baterias num esquema de blocos ao acasocom cinco tratamentos e seis repetições, incluindo-se um controle positivo, um grupo tratado com o anticoccidiano salinomicinae promotor de crescimento, e mais três níveis de betaína como aditivo na ração a 0,05, 0,10 e 0,15 por cento. No 14o dia de vida as avesforam individualmente infectadas com 2 x 105 oocistos esporulados. A betaína não foi capaz de interferir positivamente naresposta clínica e patologia das aves durante a infecção por E. acervulina, no entanto foi capaz de aumentar a produção deoocistos. É provável que a betaína possa ser utilizada como aditivo na ração das aves em substituição aos medicamentosconvencionais salinomicina e penicilina G potássica, cujos efeitos são semelhantes na recuperação do hospedeiro frente àcoccidiose.

Purposing to investigate the betaine effect on biology and morphology of developmental stages of Eimeria acervulina, 420 Cobbbroiler chicks were experimentally inoculated with 2 x 105 sporulated oocysts and housed in battery cages in a block design withfive treatments and six replicates each, including a positive control, a group treated with the anticoccidial salinomycin plusantibiotic growth promoter plus three levels of betaine as additive in the feed 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 percent. Betaine was not able to affectthe clinical response and pathology during the infection, but improved oocyst output, possibly due to the osmotic mechanisms.In fact betaine could replace salinomycin plus growth promoter as additive in the feed which effects is closer in the recovery ofthe host affected by coccidiosis.

Choline: are our university students eating enough? / La Colina: ¿la Ingieren nuestros estudiantes universitarios en cantidades suficientes?

Choline is an essential nutrient; dietary deficiency of choline is associated with impaired liver function, elevated blood concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, creatinine phosphokinase and homocysteine. There is also depletion of acetylcholine concentration in the brain, leading to deficit in memory function. The authors examined the dietary intake of choline in groups of students at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies. Sixty-two medical students (first and second years) and biochemistry students (final year) were recruited They were asked to (including amounts) record all foods and drinks consumed for three days (two weekdays and one weekend day). The sheets were collected and the amount of choline and betaine (a metabolite of choline) consumed were calculated Dietary intake of folate was also evaluated. The analysis revealed that 86.2of the females and 90.9of the males reported diets that delivered less daily choline than the adequate intake quoted by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, USA (425-550 mg/day). The betaine consumption ranged between 25 to 620 mg/day (no adequate intake documented) and the folate consumed was more than the recommended daily allowance of folate (180-200 microg/day). The dietary intake of choline in the majority of students is below adequate intake. Although folate also serves similar functions to choline, it is unlikely that it can substitute for choline in all physiological aspects and therefore the implications of low dietary choline need further investigation.

La colina es un nutriente esencial. La deficiencia dietética de colina está asociada con el deterioro de la función hepática, así como con elevadas concentraciones en sangre de alanina-aminotrans-ferasa, creatinina-fosfoquinasa y homocisteína. Asimismo, se produce un agotamiento de la concentración de acetilcolina en el cerebro, lo cual conduce a un déficit en la función de la memoria. Los autores examinaron la ingestión dietética de colina en grupos de estudiantes del campus de Mona de la Universidad de West Indies. Se reclutaron sesenta y dos estudiantes de ciencias médicas (de primer y segundo año) y bioquímica (FAltimo año). Se les pidió que tomaran notas (incluyendo cantidades) de todos los alimentos y bebidas consumidos en tres días (dos días de entre semana y un día de fin de semana). Se recogieron las anotaciones y se calculó el consumo de colina y betaína (un metabolito de la colina). Se evaluó la ingestión de folato. El análisis reveló que el 86.2% de las mujeres y el 90.9% de los hombres, reportaron dietas cuyo suministro de colina por día se hallaba por debajo del consumo adecuado indicado por el Instituto de Medicina de la Academia Nacional de Ciencias de Estados Unidos (425–550 mg/día). El consumo de betaína osciló de 25 a 620 mg/día (no existe documentación sobre el consumo adecuado), en tanto que el folato consumido estuvo por encima de la ingestión diaria de folato recomendada (180 – 200 ug/día). El consumo dietético de colina de la mayoría de los estudiantes está por debajo del consumo adecuado.

Efeitos potencialmente deletérios de aerossóis de neve e serpentina artificiais utilizados durante as festas de carnaval / Potencial harmful effects of artificial snow-and funny string-sprays used during Brazilian carnival festivities

Introdução: No Brasil, crianças e adolescentes frequentemente utilizam latas em aerossol de neve e serpentinas durante as festividades do carnaval. Material e Métodos: Foi realizada uma avaliação detalhada da composição química descrita no rótulo de oito latas em aerossol de neve artificial e duas latas em aerossol de serpentinas, encontradas no comércio da cidade de Campinas - SP - Brasil. Resultados: Os rótulos dos produtos demonstraram diversas substâncias químicas que podem potencilamente irritar ou causar sensibilização à pele ou mucosas, particularmente o surfactante anfotérico derivado do coco - cocobetaína, resinas acrílicas e propelentes de hidrocarbonetos. Conclusão: Recomendamos que esses produtos, quando aplicados sobre a pele, sejam lavados assim que possível para que se evite possível sensibilização.

Lectinas, agentes antihemostáticos y compuestos positivos al reactivo de Dragendorff en algas marinas de Venezuela y Túnez / Lectins, antihaemostatic agents and dragendorff positive compounds in marine algae from Venezuela and Tunibia

Las algas marinas recolectadas en Túnez y Venezuela han sido analizadas buscando la presencia de lectinas, agentes antihemostáticos y compuestos Dragendorff positivo. De 34 especies estudiadas, la actividad de las lectinas fue demostrada en los extractos de 14 de ellas. De éstas, las especies consideradas de más valor para estudios posteriores fueron Halimeda tuna, H.opuntia, Bryotamnion triquetum, B. seaforthii, Codium isthmocladum y Centroceras clavulatum. La actividad anticoagulante fue detectada en extractos de 26 de las especies analizadas. El extracto con más actividad de potencia inhibidora fue el de Centroceras clavulatum, pero el de Codium isthmocladum también se consideró interesante. Once especies fueron estudiadas por su contenido de compuestos Drangendorff positivo. Tanto las betainas como el compuesto de sulfonio terciario del tipo 3-dimetilsulfoniopropinato (DMSP) o una mezcla de DMSP y una betaina fueron aisladas y caracterizadas en todas las especies analizadas

Separação e identificação da betaína e colina em mistura, por cromatografia em papel / Separation and identification of betaine and choline in mixture by paper chromatography

É descrito um método simples para separação e identificação de cloreto de Colina, e de Cloridrato de Betaína, quando em mistura em produtos farmacêuticos, usando a técnica da cromatografia em papel ascendente. Foram estabelecidos os Rf de ambas as substâncias, quer quando mistura em produtos farmacêuticos, quer separadas, em simples solução aquosa. Conseguiram-se resultados satisfatórios na separação e identificação da Betaína e Colina nas condições e descritas (AU).