Toxicological effects of air settled particles from the Vitoria Metropolitan Area mediated by oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory mediators and NFΚB pathway.

Atmospheric pollution is a major environmental and public health risk due to its effect on global air quality and climate. Increase in pollutants concentrations, especially particulate matter (PM), are associated with increased respiratory diseases. The pathophysiology of respiratory diseases involves molecular and cellular mechanisms as inflammatory biomarkers and reactive oxygen species production. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the in vitro cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects of particulate matter (PM) of six monitoring stations (1-6) from the Vitoria Metropolitan Area (VMA), Espirito Santo, Brazil in 2018. The PM was chemically characterized by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In vitro cytotoxic effects of PM (3.12-200.0 µg/mL) were analyzed in human lung epithelial cells (A549) and macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) by MTT assay (3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide). To investigate the pro-inflammatory effects of PM in RAW 264.7 cells, the levels of proinflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anion (O2•-), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF- κB) were measured. The comet assay evaluated genotoxicity. Cell cycle, oxidative stress (DCF and DHE), and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Chemical analysis of PM revealed aluminum (Al) and Iron (Fe) as the major chemical elements in all studied monitoring stations. In addition, worrying concentrations of mercury (Hg) were detected in the PM. The in vitro results showed that PM presents a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect in macrophage and pulmonary epithelial cell lines. The PM increased the production of NO, O2•-, and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. PM also promoted alterations in the cell cycle, increased apoptosis frequency, and DNA damage. Moreover, PM increased the expression NF-κB. In addition, a positive correlation between Al and Fe and ROS production was observed. Based on the results obtained during the study period, it was concluded that the sedimented particles from the VMA might have deleterious effects on human health, which was evidenced by the increase in oxidative stress, an increase in pro-inflammatory mediators, and genotoxic effects partially mediated by the NF-κB pathway. These results add aspects to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of sedimented particles in vivo and in vitro.

In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and chemical composition of Renealmia petasites Gagnep.

The study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and the anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroethanolic rhizomes, stems, and leaf extracts of Renealmia petasites using in vitro and in vivo assays. The chemical composition of the extracts was characterized in a linear iron trap mass spectrometer. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content were determined by spectrophotometry analyses. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages evaluating the influence on the production of superoxide anion (O2-), nitric oxide (NO), and the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In vivo effects were determined using the air pouch model in which were inoculated carrageenan and thereafter treated with 50 mg/kg of the hydroethanolic extracts of R. petasites. After 4 and 24 h, the cellular influx, protein exudation, cytokines, and nitric oxide were evaluated. Eight compounds were tentatively identified in the R. petasites extracts, suggesting five diarylheptanoids, one flavonoid, and two fatty alcohols. The in vitro results showed that the extracts were capable of blocking free radicals and/or inhibiting their intracellular actions by inhibiting the production of important mediators of the inflammatory process, such as NO, O2-, TNF-α, and IL-6. In vivo, R. petasites significantly decrease the influx of leukocytes, mainly neutrophils, protein exudation, NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 concentration in the air pouch model. The results evidenced that R. petasites can be considered a promising alternative therapy for the treatment and management of osteoarthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

EFFECT OF PASTEURIZATION ON THE ANTIOXIDANT AND OXIDANT PROPERTIES OF HUMAN MILK.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of pasteurization on antioxidant and oxidant properties of human milk. METHODS: 42 samples of milk before and after pasteurisation were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity by the ferric reducing capacity and by scavenging the 2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical. Lipid peroxidation was estimated by the concentration of malondialdehyde product using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay and by the evaluation of advanced oxidation protein products. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in fresh human milk and after pasteurization in relation to antioxidant properties determined by the ferric reducing capacity (50.0±3.4% and 48.8±3.0%, respectively) and by scavenging the 2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical (28.9±1.5% and 31.2±1.3%, respectively). The results of malondialdehyde (62.6±4.1 and 64.3±3.6 µM/mg) and protein oxidation products (59.4±3.4 and 54.2±3.8 µM/L) of fresh and pasteurized milk, respectively, did not exhibited any significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: This data showed that human milk has an important antioxidant activity and that the pasteurizing process does not influence the antioxidant capacity, avoiding the peroxidation of breast milk lipids and the formation of advanced protein oxidation products.

Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity of essential oil and ethanolic extract of Campomanesia phaea (O. Berg.) Landrum leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Campomanesia species are used in folk medicine for anti-inflammatory, -ulcerogenic, -diabetic, -obesity, and many other purposes. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile and pharmacotherapeutic potential of the essential oil (EO) and ethanolic extract (EXT) of the leaves of Campomanesia phaea in relation to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects using chemical methods and in vitro bioassays in cell culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gas and liquid chromatography techniques coupled to mass spectrometry were used to identify the main secondary metabolites. The antioxidant activity was determined by the chemical methods of radical sequestration of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP); in addition to the protective effect against cellular oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in macrophage culture. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity was evaluated for the influence on the production of nitric oxide and superoxide anion (O2•-), and by the quantification of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL- 6) through Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) technique and inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) through chemiluminescence. RESULTS: A total of 41 compounds were identified in the essential oil (EO), being (E)-caryophyllene (14%) and caryophyllene oxide (6.9%) the major compounds. In the ethanolic extract (EXT), three flavonoids from the flavanones group were identified: alpinetin O-dideoxy-hexoside, 5,7-dimethoxyflavanone and alpinetin. The EO and EXT inhibited the production of O2•- (99.0% and 52.9%) at a concentration of 100 µg/mL, intracellular NO•- (50.0% and 51.9%) and proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 (41.0% and 82.9%) and TNF-α (74.7% and 87.9%) at a concentration of 50 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (EO 36.2% and EXT 40.9%) was observed at 20 µg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the results indicated that EO and EXT possess potent anti-inflammatory activities and it may hold therapeutic promise in the management of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Effect of pasteurization on the antioxidant and oxidant properties of human milk / Efeito da pasteurização nas propriedades antioxidantes e oxidantes do leite humano

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of pasteurization on antioxidant and oxidant properties of human milk. Methods: 42 samples of milk before and after pasteurisation were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity by the ferric reducing capacity and by scavenging the 2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical. Lipid peroxidation was estimated by the concentration of malondialdehyde product using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay and by the evaluation of advanced oxidation protein products. Results: No significant difference was observed in fresh human milk and after pasteurization in relation to antioxidant properties determined by the ferric reducing capacity (50.0±3.4% and 48.8±3.0%, respectively) and by scavenging the 2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical (28.9±1.5% and 31.2±1.3%, respectively). The results of malondialdehyde (62.6±4.1 and 64.3±3.6 µM/mg) and protein oxidation products (59.4±3.4 and 54.2±3.8 µM/L) of fresh and pasteurized milk, respectively, did not exhibited any significant difference. Conclusions: This data showed that human milk has an important antioxidant activity and that the pasteurizing process does not influence the antioxidant capacity, avoiding the peroxidation of breast milk lipids and the formation of advanced protein oxidation products.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da pasteurização nas propriedades antioxidantes e oxidantes do leite humano. Métodos: Foram utilizadas 42 amostras de leite cru e após a pasteurização, para avaliação da atividade antioxidante pelos métodos da capacidade redutora do ferro e sequestro dos radicais derivados do ácido 2,2'-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-sulfônico). A peroxidação lipídica (PL) foi estimada pela determinação das substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico e pela avaliação dos produtos proteicos de oxidação avançada. Resultados: Não se observou diferença significante no leite humano cru nem após a pasteurização em relação às propriedades antioxidantes determinadas pelo método da redução do ferro (50,0±3,4% e 48,8±3,0%, respectivamente) e pelo sequestro dos radicais derivados do ácido 2,2'-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-sulfônico) (28,9±1,5% e 31,2±1,3%, respectivamente). Os resultados médios de malondialdeído [MDA] (62,6±4,1 e 64,3±3,6 µM/mg) e produtos de oxidação proteica (59,4±3,4 e 54,2±3,8 µM/L) entre os grupos leite fresco e leite pasteurizado, respectivamente, não evidenciaram diferença significante. Conclusões: Os dados demonstraram que o leite humano possui importante atividade antioxidante e que o processo de pasteurização não interfere nessa propriedade, evitando assim a peroxidação dos lipídios e a formação de produtos avançados de oxidação proteica.