Estudio comparativo de la actividad anti-fúngica de extractos secuenciales de Fuchsia lycioides contra Candida sp / comparative study of the antifungal activity of sequencial extracts of Fuchsia lycioides against Candida sp

The genus Fuchsia is generally used in herbal preparations to treat conditions caused by microorganisms. Based on the popular use of this type of plants, the objective of this study was to obtain sequential extracts of increasing polarity from the branches of Fuchsia lycioides by maceration at room temperature and by the Soxhlet method at 60ºC, to later evaluate the antifungal capacity of the extracts against different clinical isolates of the Candida genus. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited strong anti-fungal activity, selectively inhibiting C. albicans strains with MIC and CMF values of 10 and 15 µg/mL, respectively; comparable with the drug itraconazole®. The analysis of the extract by GC-MS showed a high concentration of terpenoids (mainly phytol) and phenylpropanoids (mainly cinnamic acid), possibly responsible for the antifungal activity of the ethyl acetate extract of F. lycioides.

El género Fuchsia se usa generalmente en preparaciones de hierbas para tratar afecciones provocadas por microorganismos. En base al uso popular de este tipo de plantas, el objetivo de este estudio fue obtener los extractos secuenciales de polaridad creciente de las ramas de Fuchsia lycioides por maceración a temperatura ambiente y por el método Soxhlet a 60ºC, para luego evaluar la capacidad antifúngica de los extractos frente a diferentes aislados clínicos del genero Candida. El extracto de acetato de etilo exhibió una fuerte actividad antifúngica inhibiendo en forma selectiva las cepas de C. albicans con valores de CMI y de CMF de 10 y 15 µg/mL, respectivamente; comparables con el fármaco itraconazol®. El análisis del extracto por CG-EM mostró una alta concentración de terpenoides (principalmente fitol) y fenilpropanoides (principalmente ácido cinámico), posibles responsables de la actividad antifúngica del extracto de acetato de etilo de F. lycioides.

Gamma-oryzanol reduces renal inflammation and oxidative stress by modulating AGEs/RAGE axis in animals submitted to high sugar-fat diet / Gama-orizanol reduz a inflamação e o estresse oxidativo nos rins pela modulação do eixo RAGE/AGEs em animais submetidos a uma dieta rica em gordura e açúcar

Abstract Introduction: The receptor for AGEs (RAGE) is a multiligand member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface receptors expressed in many organs, among them, the kidneys. When activated, RAGE leads to a sequence of signaling that results in inflammation and oxidative stress, both involved in kidney disease pathogenesis. Gamma-oryzanol (γOz) comprises a mixture of ferulic acid (FA) esters and phytosterols (sterols and triterpene alcohols) mainly found in rice, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Aim: To evaluate the effect of γOz to reduce renal inflammation and oxidative stress by modulating AGEs/RAGE axis in animals submitted to a high sugar-fat diet. Methods: Male Wistar rats (±187g) were randomly divided into two experimental groups: control (n = 7 animals) and high sugar-fat diet (HSF, n = 14 animals) for 20 weeks. After this period, when the presence of renal disease risk factors was detected in the HSF group (insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, increased systolic blood pressure and obesity), the HSF animals were divided to begin the treatment with γOz or continue receiving only HSF for 10 more weeks. Results: No effect of γOz on obesity and metabolic parameters was observed. However, kidney inflammation and oxidative stress decreased as soon as RAGE levels were reduced in HSF + γOz. Conclusion: It is possible to conclude that the gamma- oryzanol was effective in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidney by modulating the AGEs/RAGE axis.

Resumo Introdução: O receptor para AGEs (RAGE) é um membro multiligante da superfamília das imunoglobulinas dos receptores de superfície celular expresso em muitos órgãos, entre eles, os rins. Quando ativado, o RAGE leva a uma sequência de sinalização que resulta em inflamação e estresse oxidativo, ambos envolvidos na patogênese de doenças renais. O gama-orizanol (γOz) compreende uma mistura de ésteres de ácido ferúlico (AF) e fitoesteróis (esteróis e álcoois triterpenos) encontrados principalmente no arroz, com atividades antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórias. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do γOz para reduzir a inflamação renal e o estresse oxidativo pela modulação do eixo RAGE/AGEs em animais submetidos a uma dieta rica em gordura e açúcar. Métodos: Ratos Wistar machos (±187g) foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos experimentais: controle (n = 7 animais) e dieta rica em gordura e açúcar (HSF, do inglês high sugar-fat diet, n = 14 animais) por 20 semanas. Após este período, quando foi detectada a presença de fatores de risco de doença renal no grupo HSF (resistência à insulina, dislipidemia, aumento da pressão arterial sistólica e obesidade), os animais HSF foram divididos para iniciar o tratamento com γOz ou continuar recebendo apenas HSF por mais 10 semanas. Resultados: Não foi observado nenhum efeito do γOz na obesidade e nos parâmetros metabólicos. No entanto, a inflamação e o estresse oxidativo renais diminuíram assim que os níveis de RAGE foram reduzidos em HSF + γOz. Conclusão: É possível concluir que o gama- orizanol foi eficaz em reduzir a inflamação e o estresse oxidativo no rim pela modulação do eixo RAGE/AGEs.

Uso de treprostinil sistémico en una paciente con hipertensión pulmonar grave, sin respuesta a la máxima terapia disponible / Use of treprostinil in a patient with a severe pulmonary arterial hypertension no responding to the maximal therapy available

En los pacientes con Hipertensión Arterial Pulmonar (HAP) de alto riesgo, en clase funcional (CF)IV, la terapia específica debe ser combinada y debe incluir una prostaciclina (PGI2) de uso sistémico en espera de trasplante bipulmonar (TBP). En el sistema público la única PGI2 disponible para asociar a Sildenafil y algún inhibidor de endotelina (Ambrisentan o Bosentan) es Iloprost nebulizado, que si bien es efectiva, no logra estabilizar los casos graves con severa disfunción del ventrículo derecho (VD). Se presenta el primer caso en el Instituto del Tórax, centro de referencia nacional de HAP, del uso de treprostinil en una paciente de 24 años con HAP grave e indicación de TBP. Treprostinil es un análogo sintético de PGI2 de uso subcutáneo en dosis desde 1 a 40 ng/kg/min. La paciente presentaba una situación de extrema gravedad: CF IV, distancia recorrida en el test de caminata de 6 min (DRTC 6 min) < 300 m,derrame pericárdico y severa disfunción del VD con TAPSE (índice de disfunción del VD) de 13 cm/s asociado a ProBNP >2.500 pg/ml. Luego de 6 meses de hospitalización en intermedio, terapia triple (Sildenafil, Ambrisentan e Iloprost nebulizado) asociado a O2,diuréticos y milrinona, logró ser dada de alta a las 3 semanas del inicio de treprostinil, regresando al trabajo a los 2 meses y estabilizando su condición en CF III, con DRTC 6 min > 440 m, mejoría de la función del VD(TAPSE 19). El ProBNP persistió elevado, 1.491 pg/ml, indicando que su enfermedad es grave y progresiva; sin embargo, ha logrado un nivel de estabilidad clínica que le permite una adecuada vida de relación familiar y laboral.

In high risk Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) patients with functional class (FC) IV, specific therapy must be combined and must include systemic prostacyclin (PGI2), meanwhile they are enlisted for double lung transplant (DLT). In Chilean Public Health System, nebulized Iloprost is the only PGI2 available to combine with Sildenafil and either Ambrisentan or Bosentan as endothelin receptor antagonist. This association is not enough for severe cases with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. The first case from the National Institute of Thorax as a referral center is presented now in a 24 years-old lady treated with treprostinil. She has severe PAH with DLT indication. Treprostinil is a PGI2 analog, for subcutaneous use in a dose from 1 to 40 ng/kg/min. She was extremely sick, with FC IV, she walked < 300 m at 6 min walking test (6 MWT), presented pericardial effusion and severe RV dysfunction, with TAPSE (echocardiography index for RV dysfunction)=13 cm/s, ProBNP > 2,500 pg/ml. Six months after being at intensive care unit with triple therapy (Sildenafil, ambrisentan and nebulized Iloprost) plus oxygen, diuretics and milrinone, she was finally discharged after receiving a 3 weeks treprostinil course. She came back to work two months later and her condition was more stable: FC III, she walked > 440 m at 6MWT, with a significant improvement in RV function with TAPSE = 19. Although ProBNP decreased to 1,491pg/ml, it was still high, pointing out the progressive nature of her disease. However, she met a better clinical condition which allows her to reach a much better quality of life from a personal, familial and social point of view.

Effects of artepillin C on model membranes displaying liquid immiscibility

It has been hypothesized that the therapeutic effects of artepillin C, a natural compound derived from Brazilian green propolis, are likely related to its partition in the lipid bilayer component of biological membranes. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of the major compound of green propolis, artepillin C, on model membranes (small and giant unilamelar vesicles) composed of ternary lipid mixtures containing cholesterol, which display liquid-ordered (lo) and liquid-disordered (ld) phase coexistence. Specifically, we explored potential changes in relevant membrane parameters upon addition of artepillin C presenting both neutral and deprotonated states by means of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and confocal and multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscopy. Thermotropic analysis obtained from DSC experiments indicated a loss in the lipid cooperativity of lo phase at equilibrium conditions, while at similar conditions spontaneous formation of unilamellar vesicles from SAXS experiments showed that deprotonated artepillin C preferentially located at the surface of the membrane. Time-resolved experiments using fluorescence microscopy showed that at doses above 100 µM, artepillin C in its neutral state interacted with both liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered phases, inducing curvature stress and promoting dehydration at the membrane interface.

Variabilidad de la composición química del aceite esencial de nectandra megapotamica (spreng. ) mez (lauraceae) / Variability of chemical composition of essential oil from nectandra megapotamica (spreng. ) mez (lauraceae)

Este trabajo describe la variabilidad química del aceite esencial (AE) de N. megapotamica, utilizando análisis multivariado. Se colectaron hojas de tres individuos en una población en Santa Maria, Brasil, en cada estación durante un año y se clasificaron en hojas jóvenes y viejas. Los AE se obtuvieron por hidrodestilación y la composición química fue determinada por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. Se realizó un análisis de agrupamiento jerárquico para formación de grupos químicos (GQ) y análisis de componentes principales (ACP) para verificar cuáles constituyentes influenciaron la formación de grupos. Inicialmente se observaron dos agrupamientos en el dendrograma debido a concentraciones de α-pineno y biciclogermacreno, constituyentes mayoritarios. En el segundo corte se discriminaron cinco GQ, siendo este también el número de componentes principales con valores propios superiores a 1. Los isómeros de asarona se observaron solamente en el AE de dos individuos (GQ5), constituyendo los principales elementos de diferenciación.

This work describes the chemical variability of the essential oils (EO) of N. megapotamica using multivariate analysis. Leaves of three individuals of a population in Santa Maria-RS were collected per season for a year, and classified into young and old. The EO were obtained by hydrodistillation and the chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Cluster analysis (HCA) were performed for formation of chemical groups (CG), and principal component analysis was done (PCA) to determine which constituents influenced the formation of groups. Initially, two clusters were observed in the dendrogram, due to the concentration of α-pinene and bicyclogermacrene, major constituents of the EO. The second section showed five different CG, which is also the number of principal components with eigenvalues greater than 1. The occurrence of isomers of asarone was observed only in EO of two individuals (CG5), containing the main elements of differentiation.

Adaptation and validation of the Inventory of Family Protective Factors for the Portuguese culture / Adaptação e Validação do Instrumento Inventory of Family Protective Factors para a cultura portuguesa / Adaptación y Validación del Instrumento Inventory of Family Protective Factors para la cultura portuguesa

OBJECTIVES: to adapt and validate the Inventory of Family Protective Factors (IFPF) for the Portuguese culture. This instrument assesses protective factors that contribute to family resilience. Studies addressing resilience are embedded within the salutogenic paradigm, i.e. it addresses protective factors of individuals or groups without underestimating risk factors or vulnerability. METHOD: in order to assess the IFPF's linguistic and conceptual equivalence, the instrument was translated, retro-translated and the think-aloud protocol was used. We then verified the instrument's sensitiveness, reliability and validity of results to assess its psychometric characteristics. A factor analysis was performed of the principal components with varimax rotation of the scale's items and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated for each dimension. A total of 85 families with disabled children, selected through simple random sampling, self-administered the instrument. RESULTS: the IFPF presents psychometric characteristics that are appropriate for the Portuguese population (Cronbach's alpha = .90). CONCLUSION: the IFPF was adapted and validated for the Portuguese culture and is an instrument to be used in studies intended to assess protective factors of family resilience. .

OBJETIVOS: adaptar e validar o Inventory of Family Protective Factors para a cultura portuguesa. Esse instrumento avalia os fatores protetores que contribuem para a resiliência familiar. Os estudos sobre resiliência inserem-se no paradigma salutogênico, abordando os fatores protetores dos indivíduos, ou grupos, sem subestimar os fatores de risco ou vulnerabilidade. MÉTODO: para avaliar a equivalência linguística e conceitual do Inventory of Family Protective Factors realizou-se a tradução, retroversão e reflexão falada; para aferir as características psicométricas do instrumento, verificou-se a sensibilidade, confiabilidade e a validade dos resultados. Foi realizada uma análise fatorial de componentes principais com rotação Varimax dos itens da escala e calculou-se o coeficiente alfa de Cronbach para cada dimensão. Através de uma amostragem aleatória simples, aplicou-se esse instrumento a 85 famílias de crianças com necessidades especiais que o autopreencheram. RESULTADOS: o Inventory of Family Protective Factors apresenta características psicométricas adequadas para a população portuguesa (alfa de Cronbach de .90). CONCLUSÃO: o Inventory of Family Protective Factors foi adaptado e validado para a cultura portuguesa. Considera-se que se trata de um instrumento útil para estudos nos quais há a proposta de avaliar os fatores protetores da resiliência familiar. .

OBJETIVOS: adaptar y validar el Inventory of Family Protective Factors (IFPF) para la cultura portuguesa. Este instrumento evalúa los factores protectores que contribuyen para la resiliencia familiar. Los estudios sobre resiliencia se insieren en el paradigma salutogénico, abordando los factores protectores de los individuos o grupos, sin subestimar los factores de riesgo o vulnerabilidad. MÉTODO: para evaluar la equivalencia lingüística y conceptual del IFPF realizamos la traducción, retrotraducción y reflexión hablada; para evaluar las características psicométricas del instrumento verificamos la sensibilidad, confiabilidad y la validez de los resultados. Realizamos un análisis factorial de los componentes principales con rotación varimax de los ítems de la escala y calculamos el coeficiente Alpha de Cronbach para cada dimensión. A través de un muestreo aleatorio simple, aplicamos este instrumento a 85 familias de niños con necesidades especiales que lo autollenaron. RESULTADOS: el IFPF presenta características psicométricas adecuadas para la población portuguesa (alfa de Cronbach de 0,90). CONCLUSIÓN: el IFPF fue adaptado y validado para la cultura portuguesa. Consideramos que se trata de un instrumento útil para estudios que se propongan evaluar los factores protectores de la resiliencia familiar. .

Short-term effect of COX-2 selective inhibitor as an adjunct for the treatment of periodontal disease: a clinical double-blind study in humans

Adjunctive therapeutic strategies that modulate the inflammatory mediators can play a significant role in periodontal therapy. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 subjects diagnosed as periodontitis patients were evaluated for 28 days after periodontal treatment combined with selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. The experimental group received scaling and root planning (SRP) combined with the Loxoprofen antiinflammatory drug (SRP+Loxoprofen). The control group received SRP combined with placebo (SRP+placebo). Plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were monitored with an electronic probe at baseline and after 14 and 28 days. Both groups displayed clinical improvement in PD, PI and BOP. They also showed statistically similar values (p>0.05) of PD reduction on day 14 (0.4 mm) and on day 28 (0.6 mm). At the baseline, few deeper sites (>7 mm) from SRP+Loxoprofen group were responsible and most PD reduction was observed after 14 days (p<0.05). The percentage of remaining deep pockets (>7 mm) after 14 days in the SRP+Loxoprofen group was significantly lower (p<0.05) than in the SRP+placebo group. Loxoprofen presents potential effect as an adjunct of periodontal disease treatment, but long-term clinical trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy.

Estratégias terapêuticas adjuvantes que modulam os mediadores inflamatórios podem ter função significante na terapia periodontal. Neste estudo duplo-cego controlado com placebo, 60 indivíduos diagnosticados com periodontite foram avaliados por 28 dias após tratamento periodontal combinado com inibidor seletivo de COX-2. O grupo experimental foi tratado com raspagem e alisamento radicular combinado com medicação anti-inflamatória Loxoprofeno (RAR+Loxoprofen). O grupo controle foi tratado com raspagem e alisamento radicular combinado com medicação placebo (Raspagem e alisamento radicular - RAR+placebo). Presença de placa (PI), profundidade de sondagem (PS) e sangramento à sondagem (SS) foram monitoradas com auxílio de uma sonda computadorizada no início do estudo e após 14 e 28 dias. Os dois grupos demonstraram melhora clínica em relação a PS, PI e SS. Também foi observado valores semelhantes (p>0,05) de redução da PS nos períodos de 14 dias (0,4 mm) e 28 dias (0,6 mm). No início do estudo, alguns sítios profundos (>7 mm) do grupo RAR+Loxoprofen foram os responsáveis pela maior redução da PS depois de 14 dias (p<0,05). A porcentagem de bolsas periodontais profundas >7 mm após 14 dias no grupo RAR+Loxoprofen foi significativamente inferior do que o grupo RAR+placebo (p<0.05). A medicação Loxoprofen apresenta potencial efeito adjuvante à terapia periodontal, mas estudos de longo prazo são necessários para confirmar sua eficácia.

Comparative esterification of phenylpropanoids versus hydrophenylpropanoids acids catalyzed by lipase in organic solvent media

The esterification of phenylpropanoid and hydrophenylpropanoid acids, catalyzed by candida antarctica lipase B (CAL-B), with several alcohols has demonstrated that the substitution pattern on the aromatic ring has a very significant influence on the reactivity of the carboxyl group due, mainly, to electronic effects, when compared to the unsaturated acids with the hydrogenated acids. It is also clear that in the saturated acids there still remain some unclear effects related to the aromatic substituents.

Genes encoding enzymes of the lignin biosynthesis pathway in Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus ESTs libraries were screened for genes involved in lignin biosynthesis. This search was performed under the perspective of recent revisions on the monolignols biosynthetic pathway. Eucalyptus orthologues of all genes of the phenylpropanoid pathway leading to lignin biosynthesis reported in other plant species were identified. A library made with mRNAs extracted from wood was enriched for genes involved in lignin biosynthesis and allowed to infer the isoforms of each gene family that play a major role in wood lignin formation. Analysis of the wood library suggests that, besides the enzymes of the phenylpropanoids pathway, chitinases, laccases, and dirigent proteins are also important for lignification. Colocalization of several enzymes on the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, as predicted by amino acid sequence analysis, supports the existence of metabolic channeling in the phenylpropanoid pathway. This study establishes a framework for future investigations on gene expression level, protein expression and enzymatic assays, sequence polymorphisms, and genetic engineering

Gama-oryzanol: un importante componente del aceite de salvado de arroz / Gama-oryzanol: an important component in rice bran oil

El gamma-Oryzanol, una mezcla de ésteres del ácido ferúlico de esterol y alcohol triterpénico, está presente en el aceite de salvado de arroz en niveles que varían entre 1-2 g/100g, donde actúa como antioxidante natural. Recientes investigaciones han demostrado que el gamma-Oryzanol causa una disminución en el nivel de colesterol en las arterias, reduciendo el riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, además, también ha sido usado en Japón como antioxidante natural en alimentos, bebidas y cosméticos. Esta revisión aborda los aspectos referentes al gamma-Oryzanol, como sus propiedades físico-químicas, su presencia en el aceite de salvado de arroz, su actividad antioxidante e hipocolesterolémica, asé como los métodos de extracción, identificación y cuantificación.

Analgesia con pirprofén en el posoperatorio de cirugía general / Postoperative analgesia with pirprofen in the postoperative period of general surgery

Se valoró, por medio de método doble ciego, el efecto analgésico de la administración en dosis única de pirprofén, diflunisal y zomepirac en el posoperatorio de cirugía general de 90 pacientes distribuidos en tres grupos. Las valoraciones se realizaron mediante una escala visual análoga al momento de tomar el medicamento, a los 15 y 30 minutos, y a la una, dos, tres y cuatro horas después. El efecto analgésico inmediato de pirprofén fue satisfactorio y estadísticamente superior a diflunisal y zomepirac (p=<0.01). Al final del estudio los tres medicamentos tuvieron resultados semejantes entre sí. En cuanto a la tolerancia, fue satisfactoria para los tres medicamentos

Pirprofén en cirugía bucal / Pirprofen in oral surgery

Se valoró, mediante estudio doble ciego, el efecto analgésico de pirprofén, diflunisal y zomepirac, comparando los efectos de la administración en dosis única en 60 pacientes adultos sometidos a cirugía bucal. Los resultados demuestran que pirprofén tuvo acción más rápida que diflunisal, con efecto similar casi al final del estudio, y que tanto pirprofén como diflunisal resultaron más eficaces que zomepirac

Pirprofen en la practica diaria. Estudio multicentrico. / Pirprofen in daily practice. A multicenter study

Se realizo un estudio multicentrico con 365 medicos en la Republica Mexicana, que tuvo por objeto valorar la disminucion de la intensidad del dolor despues de la administracion de una sola dosis de pirprofen a 2.758 pacientes. Independientemente del tipo de dolor, el efecto analgesico fue aparente dentro de la primera hora siguiente a su administracion (50% o mas de reduccion en la intensidad del dolor).Tanto los medicos como los enfermos coincidieron en la obtencion de una respuesta excelente o buena en 89.4% y 89.3% respectivamente. La tolerancia del medicamento fue buena; solo registraron efectos secundarios en 7.9% de todos los casos.El 92.9% de los pacientes volveria a tomar pirprofen si llegara a experimentar un dolor similar