In-vitro Chemopreventive Potential of a Chromone from Bomarea setacea (ALSTROEMERIACEAE) against Colorectal Cancer.

Chemoprevention with natural products may provide important alternatives in the search for new drugs to treat cancer. Thus, the ethanol extract of Bomarea setacea and its secondary metabolite (chromone) were evaluated in-vitro in SW480 and SW620 human adenocarcinoma colon cells to identify a possible effect on cell growth, antiproliferative and/or proapoptotic activity. The ethanol extract did not show growth inhibition of these cell lines 48 h after treatment; besides, it required higher concentration and time to have an antiproliferative effect. On the other hand, although the chromone was not as active as the reference drug (5-FU), it displayed a greater selectivity, being 156-fold more selective against SW480 cells (SI => 100) and 255-fold against SW620 cells (SI => 86,9). Additionally, the chromone caused an important arrest in G2/M (44.18%) with an important accumulation in subG0/G1 phase in SW620 cells, inducing loss in mitochondrial membrane potential and damage in the cell membrane of both cell lines, with activation of caspase 3, suggesting an apoptotic process independent of ROS production and p53 activation.

Antileishmanial and cytotoxic activities of four Andean plant extracts from Colombia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Licania salicifolia (L.S) Cuatrec., Persea ferruginea (P.F) Kunth, Oreopanax floribundus (O.F), and Psychotria buchtienii (P.B) belong to the families Chrysobalanaceae, Lauraceae, Araliaceae, and Rubiaceae, respectively, which have been used as medicines by communities in the Andes. This study evaluated the leishmanicidal and cytotoxic activities of alcohol and non-alcohol extracts from four Andean plant extracts (L.S, O.F, P.F, and P.B). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracts were obtained by percolation with solvents of different polarities - hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. Phytochemical screening was conducted based on reported methods. All products were evaluated in vitro to determine the leishmanicidal activity against amastigotes of Leishmania panamensis and cytotoxicity against U937 cells. RESULTS: Flavonoids, triterpenes, and tannins were the main secondary metabolites found. From the results, dichloromethane extracts from O.F and P.B, ethanol extract from P.B, and ethyl acetate extracts of all plants were active, with EC50 <30 µg/mL. Ethyl acetate was the most active extract, which showed EC50 values of 9.8, 14.1, 23.7, and 25.5 µg/mL, for L.S, P.B, O.F, and P.F, respectively. Hexane extracts from P.B and O.F exhibited moderate activity with EC50 values of 84.8 and 87.4 µg/mL, respectively. Hexane and ethanol extracts from O.F, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts from L.S, and all extracts from P.F were not toxic. Alternatively, hexane and dichloromethane extracts from L.S and P.B as well as dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts from O.F displayed high toxicity. CONCLUSION: Based on the activity we observed, ethyl acetate extract can continue in its usage in the search for new antileishmanial drugs, mainly ethyl acetate extract from L.S showed activity comparable to meglumine antimoniate and was not cytotoxic.

Aplicación de índices filogenéticos para la definición de prioridades de conservación en los páramos del noroeste de los Andes / Application of phylogenetic indices in the definition of conservation priorities in the northwest Andes paramos

Resumen Los páramos son ecosistemas andinos de alta montaña, que albergan una biota diversa y de alta endemicidad, producto de las condiciones ambientales extremas. Se utilizaron diferentes índices para definir prioridades de conservación en las áreas de páramo del departamento de Antioquia, Colombia; con base en medidas de la individualidad evolutiva y complementariedad de biotas. Para realizar los análisis se generó una base de datos que incluyó 416 táxones de angiospermas y 1 951 localidades, para un total de 12 897 registros de distribución, compilados a partir de los muestreos y revisiones realizados en este proyecto; adicionalmente se incluyó la información disponible en Global Biodiversity Information Facility y en el Sistema de Información sobre Biodiversidad de Colombia. A partir de estos datos se identificaron áreas de prioridad para la conservación de los páramos de Antioquia, de acuerdo con medidas de la individualidad evolutiva basadas en nodos y complementariedad de biotas. Teniendo en cuenta solamente los índices de individualidad evolutiva, el páramo prioritario para la conservación fue Frontino-Urrao, seguido de Farallones de Citará; pero si se considera la complementariedad de biotas, la segunda área prioritaria para la conservación es Sonsón. Las clasificaciones de prioridad de áreas basadas en individualidad son congruentes con las áreas de mayor riqueza de especies. Es necesario y urgente preservar el ecosistema páramo dado su vulnerabilidad y la subsecuente perdida de los servicios ecosistémicos que brindan, si se ven expuestos a la degradación o desaparición.(AU)

Abstract Páramos are High Andean ecosystems that harbor a diverse biota and have high endemicity, because of their extreme environmental conditions. We used different phylogenetic indices to define conservation priorities in the paramos of the department of Antioquia, Colombia, based on measures of their evolutionary individuality and richness complimentary. To perform the analyses, we generated a database including 416 angiosperm taxa and 1 951 localities for a total of 12 897 distributional records compiled from surveys and reviews. Additionally, the available information in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and the Colombian Biodiversity Information System were included. From these data, priority areas for the conservation of the paramos located in the state of Antioquia were identified, using measures of evolutionary individuality based on nodes and biotic complementarity. Taking into account only the individual phylogenetic indices, the most important paramo for conservation was Frontino-Urrao, followed by Farallones de Citará. If biotic complementarity is considered, the second most important paramo is Sonsón. Priority classifications of areas based on individuality are congruent with areas of greatest species richness. We conclude that it is necessary and urgent to preserve the paramos given their vulnerability and the subsequent loss of the ecosystem services that they provide, if they are exposed to degradation or disappearance.(AU)

Effects of hypertonic saline vs normal saline on lactate clearance after cardiovascular surgery / Efectos del salino hipertónico versus el salino normal en la depuración de lactato después de cirugía cardiovascular

Abstract Background: The postoperative care of patients subjected to cardiac surgery frequently require a complete recovery with intravenous fluids, but crystalloid solutions like normal saline may increase the interstitial oedema, and it is also well known that fluid overload increases mortality. Objective: To compare the effect of 7.5% hypertonic saline (HS) with 0.9% normal saline (NS) on lactate clearance, as well as the haemodynamic response of patients during the first day after cardiovascular bypass surgery. Methods: The study included patients 18 years of age and older with coronary artery disease and/or heart valve disease, and who underwent bypass surgery and/or cardiac valve replacement and were randomly assigned to receive 4 mL/kg of HS or NS intravenously for 30 min once they were admitted to the ICU. Lactate, arterial blood gases, heart rate, central venous pressure, and pulmonary wedge pressure were measured at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h after being admitted to the ICU. The analyses were carried out with an intention-to-treat principle. Results: Out of a total of 494 patients evaluated, 102 were included and assigned to the HS groups (51 patients) or NS (51 patients). The mean age of the participants was 59 ± 14 years, and 59.8% were male. No statistically significant differences were observed between two groups in the lactate clearance, or in any of the secondary outcomes. Conclusions: Our study failed to show a better lactate clearance in the group on hypertonic saline, and with no evidence of a higher incidence of adverse effects in that group. © 2017 Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Resumen Introducción: El cuidado postoperatorio de pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardíaca requiere frecuentemente una reanimación completa con líquidos intravenosos, pero las soluciones cristaloides pueden incrementar el edema intersticial y la sobrecarga de líquidos incrementa la mortalidad. Objetivo: Comparar el efecto del salino hipertónico (SH) al 7.5% con respecto al salino normal (SN) del 0.9% en la depuración de lactato y la respuesta hemodinámica durante el primer día postoperatorio de pacientes con cirugía cardiovascular con circulación extracorpórea. Métodos: Pacientes mayores de 18 años con cirugía de arterias coronarias o de enfermedad valvular cardíaca fueron aleatorizados a recibir 4 ml/kg de SH o SN intravenosos en los primeros 30min de admisión a UCI. Se midieron los valores de lactato, estado ácido-base, frecuencia cardíaca, presión venosa central y presión en cuña pulmonar a las horas 0, 6, 12 y 24 después del ingreso a UCI. Se hizo un análisis con el principio de intención de tratar para un modelo de datos longitudinales. Resultados: Se evaluaron 494 pacientes y se aleatorizaron 102 a los grupos de SH (n = 51) o SN (n = 51). El promedio de edad fue 59 ± 14 años y el 59.8% fueron hombres. No se observó ninguna diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los 2 grupos en la depuración de lactato o en cualquiera de los desenlaces secundarios. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio no mostró mejor depuración de lactato con el uso de una dosis de SH ni mayor frecuencia de efectos adversos en ese grupo. © 2017 Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. Este es un artículo Open Access bajo la licencia CC BY-NC-ND (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Effects of hypertonic saline vs normal saline on lactate clearance after cardiovascular surgery.

BACKGROUND: The postoperative care of patients subjected to cardiac surgery frequently require a complete recovery with intravenous fluids, but crystalloid solutions like normal saline may increase the interstitial oedema, and it is also well known that fluid overload increases mortality. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of 7.5% hypertonic saline (HS) with 0.9% normal saline (NS) on lactate clearance, as well as the haemodynamic response of patients during the first day after cardiovascular bypass surgery. METHODS: The study included patients 18 years of age and older with coronary artery disease and/or heart valve disease, and who underwent bypass surgery and/or cardiac valve replacement and were randomly assigned to receive 4mL/kg of HS or NS intravenously for 30min once they were admitted to the ICU. Lactate, arterial blood gases, heart rate, central venous pressure, and pulmonary wedge pressure were measured at 0, 6, 12, and 24h after being admitted to the ICU. The analyses were carried out with an intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: Out of a total of 494 patients evaluated, 102 were included and assigned to the HS groups (51 patients) or NS (51 patients). The mean age of the participants was 59±14 years, and 59.8% were male. No statistically significant differences were observed between two groups in the lactate clearance, or in any of the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study failed to show a better lactate clearance in the group on hypertonic saline, and with no evidence of a higher incidence of adverse effects in that group.

Alkaloids of Amaryllidaceae as Inhibitors of Cholinesterases (AChEs and BChEs): An Integrated Bioguided Study.

INTRODUCTION: Enzymatic inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an essential therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AChE inhibitors are the first-line drugs for it treatment. However, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), contributes critically to cholinergic dysfunction associated with AD. Thus, the development of novel therapeutics may involve the inhibition of both cholinesterase enzymes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, in an integrated bioguided study, cholinesterases alkaloidal inhibitors of Amaryllidaceae species. METHODOLOGY: The proposed method combines high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) with data analysis by densitometry, enzymatic bioautography with different AChEs and BChEs, the detection of bioactive molecules through gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of spots of interest, and theoretical in silico studies. RESULTS: To evaluate the bioguided method, the AChE and BChE inhibitory activities of seven Amaryllidaceae plant extracts were evaluated. The alkaloid extracts of Eucharis bonplandii exhibited a high level of inhibitory activity (IC50  = 0.72 ± 0.05 µg/mL) against human recombinant AChE (hAChE). Regarding human serum BChE (hBChE), the bulb and leaf extracts of Crinum jagus had the highest activity (IC50  = 8.51 ± 0.56 µg/mL and 11.04 ± 1.21 µg/mL, respectively). In the HPTLC spots with high inhibitory activity, several alkaloids were detected using GC-MS, and some of these alkaloids were identified. Galanthamine, galanthamine N-oxide and powelline should be the most prominent inhibitors of substrate accommodation in the active site of the Torpedo californica AChE (TcAChE), hAChE and hBChE enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: These results are evidence of the chemical relevance of the Colombian's Amaryllidaceae species for the inhibition of cholinesterases and as potent sources for the palliative treatment of AD. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Aspectos nutricionales y fisioquímicos de Ilex Laurina Kunth (Aquifoliaceae): un estudio comparativo con Ilex paraguariensis / Nutricional and Physicochemical aspects of Ilex laurina Kunth (Aquifoliaceae): A Comparative Study with Ilex Paraguariensis

Resumen Antecedentes: la Ilex laurina K., planta colombiana cuya infusión presenta actividad antioxidante y antiproliferativa, pertenece al género del té de yerba mate. Objetivo: evaluar las propiedades nutricionales y fisicoquímicas de una infusión de hojas de Ilex laurina K. como potencial materia prima, alimento funcional y sustituyente del convencional té de mate Ilex paraguariensis. Materiales y métodos: análisis por HPLC de fitoquímicos y carbohidratos, solubilidad, medición de minerales por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y análisis sensorial. Resultados: en la infusión de Ilex laurina K. en comparación con la de Ilex paraguariensis se encontraron mayores concentraciones de ácido clorogénico (429,2±20,2 frente a47,4±1,9 mg/kg), de p-cumárico (47,3±2,4 versus 24,4±0,9 mg/kg), de metilxantinas (1,4-1,8 veces), hierro, cobre y zinc, y similares de ácido cafeico (52,6±18,8 versus 47,4±1,9 mg/L) (p>0,05). Se detectaron ácido ferúlico (21,5±1,6 mg/L) y fructosa (0,4±0,003 g/L), mientras en la de Ilex paraguariensis se encontró glucosa (0,8±0,007 g/L) y mayores concentraciones de magnesio y manganeso (p<0,05). La infusión de Ilex laurina K. fue aceptada por el 64 % de los consumidores, independiente del sexo; así como el color (51 %), olor (47 %), sabor (42 %) y dulzor (47 %). Conclusiones: la infusión de Ilex laurina K. además de tener buena aceptación contiene mayor cantidad de compuestos fenólicos, metilxantinas, hierro, cobre, zinc y fructosa que la de Ilex paraguariensis; y menor aporte de glucosa, magnesio y manganeso.

Abstract Background: Ilex laurina K., a Colombian plant whose infusion presents antioxidant and antiproliferative properties, belongs to a species of Yerba Mate tea. Objective: Evaluate the nutritional and physiochemical properties of an infusion using Ilex laurina K. leaves as a potential raw material, functional food and substitute for the conventional Ilex paraguariensis tea. Objective: To evaluate the nutritional and physiochemical properties of an infusion using Ilex laurina K. leaves as a potential raw material, functional food and substitute for the conventional Ilex paraguariensis tea. Materials and Methods: Phytochemicals and carbohydrates by HPLC analysis, solubility, mineral measurement using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and sensorial analysis. Results: The Ilex laurina K. infusión compared with Ilex paraguariensis infusion found higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid (429.2 ± 20.2 versus 47.4 ± 1.9 mg / kg), p-coumaric (47.3 ± 2.4 versus 24.4 ± 0.9 mg / kg), xanthines (1.4-1.8 times), iron, copper, zinc, and the likes of caffeic acid (52.6 ± 18.8 versus 47.4 ± 1.9 mg / L) (p> 0.05). Ferulic acid (21.5 ± 1.6 mg / L) and fructose (0.4 ± 0.003 g / L) were detected, while glucose (0.8 ± 0.007 g / L) and higher concentrations of magnesium and manganese (p<0.05) we found in the Ilex paraguariensis. Ilex laurina K. infusion was accepted by 64% of consumers, regardless of gender; and respective acceptability of the following characteristics: color (51%), smell (47%), flavor (42%) and sweetness (47%). Conclusions: Ilex laurina K. infusion is well accepted by consumers, and contains a higher concentration of phenol compounds, xanthines, iron, copper, zinc and fructose than Ilex paraguariensis infusion, and contributes less glucose, magnesium and manganese.

Neuropharmacological effects of the ethanolic extract of Sida acuta

ABSTRACT Sida acuta Burm. f., Malvaceae, is regarded as astringent, tonic and useful in treating urinary diseases and blood disorders, bile, liver and as treatment for nervous diseases. Different methods were developed: sodium pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, anxiolytic activity, test for muscle-effects, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures, effect on normal body temperature. All experiments were performed in an isolated room with 12/12 h light/dark cycles at 22 ± 1 ºC. The effects described in this work for Sida acuta are according to what is known in traditional medicine, where is used as sedative agent. At the higher doses used in this work (500 and 1000 mg/kg), the Sida acuta extract reduced the latency time (T1) and increased the sleeping time (T2) induced by pentobarbital, indicating a sedative and hypnotic effect of the plant's extract. The extract of Sida acuta shows an increase in open arm exploration (anxiolytic activity). Results obtained in the rota-rod test showed that only the elevated dose (750 mg/kg) of Sida acuta extract, acutely administered, promotes significant changes, at 60 and 120 min post-administration, in the time of permanence in the rod. The ethanolic extract from the leaves and stems of Sida acuta, causes effects on the central nervous system in experimental animals.

Antileishmanial Effect of 5,3'-Hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavanone of Picramnia gracilis Tul. (Picramniaceae) Fruit: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Species of Picramnia genus are used in folk medicine to treat or prevent skin disorders, but only few species have been studied for biological activity and chemical composition. P. gracilis Tul. is a native species from Central and South America and although its fruits are edible, phytochemical analysis or medicinal uses of this species are not known. In the search of candidates to antileishmanial drugs, this work aimed to evaluate the antileishmanial activity of P. gracilis Tul. in in vitro and in vivo studies. Only ethanolic extract of fruits showed leishmanicidal activity. The majoritarian metabolite was 5,3'-hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavanone ether that exhibited high activity against L. (V.) panamensis (EC50 17.0 + 2.8 mg/mL, 53.7 µM) and low toxicity on mammalian U-937 cells, with an index of selectivity >11.8. In vivo studies showed that the flavanone administered in solution (2 mg/kg/day) or cream (2%) induces clinical improvement and no toxicity in hamsters with CL. In conclusion, this is the first report about isolation of 5,3'-hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavanone of P. gracilis Tul. The leishmanicidal activity attributed to this flavanone is also reported for the first time. Finally, the in vitro and in vivo leishmanicidal activity reported here for 5,3'-hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavanone offers a greater prospect towards antileishmanial drug discovery and development.

Alkaloid metabolite profiles by GC/MS and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities with binding-mode predictions of five Amaryllidaceae plants.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymatic inhibition is an important target for the management of Alzheimer disease (AD) and AChE inhibitors are the mainstay drugs for its treatment. In order to discover new sources of potent AChE inhibitors, a combined strategy is presented based on AChE-inhibitory activity and chemical profiles by GC/MS, together with in silico studies. The combined strategy was applied on alkaloid extracts of five Amaryllidaceae species that grow in Colombia. Fifty-seven alkaloids were detected using GC/MS, and 21 of them were identified by comparing their mass-spectral fragmentation patterns with standard reference spectra in commercial and private library databases. The alkaloid extracts of Zephyranthes carinata exhibited a high level of inhibitory activity (IC50 = 5.97 ± 0.24 µg/mL). Molecular modeling, which was performed using the structures of some of the alkaloids present in this extract and the three-dimensional crystal structures of AChE derived from Torpedo californica, disclosed their binding configuration in the active site of this AChE. The results suggested that the alkaloids 3-epimacronine and lycoramine might be of interest for AChE inhibition. Although the galanthamine group is known for its potential utility in treating AD, the tazettine-type alkaloids should be evaluated to find more selective compounds of potential benefit for AD.

Neuroprotective activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibition of five Amaryllidaceae species: a comparative study.

AIMS: Amaryllidaceae alkaloids exhibit a wide range of physiological effects, of which the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity is the most relevant. However, scientific evidence related to their neuroprotective effectiveness against glutamate-induced toxicity has been lacking. Thus, the purpose of this study was to conduct a comparative study of the neuroprotective activity and the AChE inhibitory activity of species of Amaryllidaceae. MAIN METHODS: The neuroprotective activity against glutamate-induced toxicity was measured in rat cortical neurons and the Ellman method was employed for the quantification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of alkaloidal extracts of five species of Amaryllidaceae (Crinum jagus, Crinum bulbispermum, Hippeastrum barbatum, Hippeastrum puniceum and Zephyranthes carinata). The alkaloid Amaryllidaceae patterns based on GC/MS analyses were also investigated. KEY FINDINGS: The results showed that the alkaloidal extract from C. jagus presented a high neuroprotective activity in both pre- and post-treatments against a glutamate excitotoxic stimulus. Furthermore, the alkaloid extracts from C. jagus and Z. carinata revealed an inhibitory activity of AChE from the electric eel with IC50 values of 18.28±0.29 and 17.96±1.22µg/mL, respectively. In addition, 46 alkaloids were detected by GC/MS, and 20 of them were identified based on their mass spectra and retention index. The results suggest that the neuroprotective effects might be associated with lycorine and crinine-type alkaloids, whereas the acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitory activity could be related to galanthamine and lycorine-type alkaloids, although not based on synergistic processes. SIGNIFICANCE: In summary, Amaryllidaceae species are sources of alkaloids with potential use for Alzheimer's disease.

Canulación alternativa para cirugía mínimamente invasiva de cavidades cardiacas derechas / Alternative cannulation for minimally invasive surgery of right heart chambers

La cirugía mínimamente invasiva pasó de ser una alternativa, a un posible método de primera elección en cirugía valvular debido a sus beneficios en cuanto a infección, sangrado, estancia hospitalaria y funcionalidad. La canulación de ambas venas cavas, sin alterar los parámetros de la mínima invasividad, puede significar una disminución efectiva de los riesgos descritos con otras opciones y permite realizar procedimientos efectivos, tanto en cavidades izquierdas como derechas.

Minimally invasive surgery became more than an alternative, but a possible first election method for valve surgery because of its benefits in terms of infection, bleeding, hospital stay and functionality. The cannulation of both cava veins without altering the parameters of the minimal invasiveness may mean an effective reduction of the risks described in other options and allows us to perform procedures in both left and right cavities effectively.

Resección de fibroelastoma papilar mitral mediante cirugía mínimamente invasiva en paciente con accidente cerebrovascular / Mitral papillary fibroeslastoma resection through minimally invasive surgery in a patient with stroke

Paciente quien consultó con síntomas neurológicos y se realizó diagnóstico de accidente cerebrovascular embólico cuya etiología consistió en un tumor cardíaco de la válvula mitral (fibroelastoma) con confirmación histológica. Fue intervenido quirúrgicamente mediante técnica mínimamente invasiva a través del tórax, con excelente evolución, sin infección ni requerimientos sanguíneos; no presentó secuelas valvulares ni neurológicas. Se reportó reincorporación temprana a la vida laboral.

We report the case of a patient who consulted with neurological symptoms and was diagnosed as embolic stroke, whose etiology was a mitral valve tumor (fibroeslastoma) histologically confirmed. The patient underwent surgery through minimally invasive technique through the chest, with excellent evolution, without infection or blood requirements; there were no valvular or neurological sequelae. An early return to working life was reported.

Pentacyclic triterpenes from Cecropia telenitida with immunomodulatory activity on dendritic cells

Pentacyclic triterpene Natural product Cytokine modulation Anti-inflammatory activity Dendritic cells Pentacyclic triterpenes are a large family of plant metabolites that exhibit a wide array of biological activities. The genus Cecropia, which encompasses many plant species, has been used as traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and is known to produce many active pentacyclic triterpenes. In this study we investigated the chemical composition of a pentacyclic triterpene fraction from the roots of Cecropia telenitida Cuatrec., Urticaceae. A novel compound, which we termed yarumic acid, and four known molecules (serjanic acid, spergulagenic acid A, 20-hydroxy-ursolic acid and goreishic acid I) were isolated and characterised. In a dendritic cell (DC)based assay, we demonstrated that non-toxic doses of these pentacyclic triterpenes inhibited the secretion of at least one of the proinflammatory cytokines tested (IL-1β, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, TNF-α). Spergulagenic acid A also inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated dendritic cell. Serjanic acid and spergulagenic acid A, which were the most potent abundant compounds in the pentacyclic triterpene fraction, showed the most activity in the dendritic cell-based assay. These results show that all pentacyclic triterpenes might contribute to the anti-inflammatory activities of C. telenitida. Moreover, yarumic acid as well as the four known pentacyclic triterpenes, can be exploited as potential immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory agents.

Trasplante de células progenitoras derivadas de la médula ósea y factor de crecimiento granulocítico en cardiopatía isquémica aguda y crónica / Transplant of stem cells derived from bone marrow and granulocytic growth factor in acute and chronic ischemic myocardiopathy

Introducción: estudios recientes demuestran la seguridad y eficacia de la implantación de células progenitoras derivadas de la médula ósea y de la administración del factor estimulante de colonias de granulocito en pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio con elevación del segmento ST y en cardiopatía isquémica crónica. Se diseñó un estudio prospectivo, abierto de ®antes y después¼ para evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de la terapia celular asociada a la administración del factor de crecimiento. Se reporta la primera experiencia con este tipo de terapia.Metodología: este es el reporte del seguimiento a seis meses, de los pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica aguda y crónica a quienes se les realizó trasplante de células progenitoras derivadas de la médula ósea, movilizadas con factor de crecimiento estimulante de colonias de granulocitos, por vía intracoronaria o epicárdica. Se incluyeron dos grupos de pacientes: 1. Diez pacientes con infarto de pared anterior y 2. Cinco pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica crónica, todos con necrosis extensa demostrada por ausencia de viabilidad miocárdica por medicina nuclear y fracción de eyección menor del 40 porciento...

Antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activities in vitro of Colombian Annonaceae.

Ethnobotanical and chemotaxonomical studies for antiparasitic activity of Colombian Annonaceae were carried out. In vitro antiprotozoal activity of 36 extracts obtained from six different species was determined against promastigotes of three Leishmania species, epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi and both chloroquine sensitive (F32) and resistant (W2) Plasmodium falciparum. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated in U-937 cells. Active extracts were selected according their selectivity index (SI). Extracts from Annona muricata, Rollinia exsucca, Rollinia pittieri and Xylopia aromatica were active against Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi showing IC50 values lower than 25 microg/ml. Hexane extract from Rollinia pittieri leaves was the most selective against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. (IS=10 and 16, respectively). The extracts from Desmopsis panamensis, Pseudomalmea boyacana, Rollinia exsucca and Rollinia pittieri showed good antiplasmodial activity (IC50 < 10 microg/ml). No correlation between antiplasmodial activity and inhibition of beta-hematin production was found. The present study gives specific and useful information about antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activities of some Annonaceae extracts. Results presented here also demonstrate which plants and/or plant parts could be useful in the treatment of leishmaniasis, Chagas' disease and malaria.

Niveles de anticuerpos para Toxoplasma gondii por inmunofluorescencia indirecta / Toxoplasma gondii antibodies levels using indirect immunofluorescence test

Mediante la tecnica de inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI), se determinaron los niveles de anticuerpos anti-toxoplasma, en los sueros de 169 trabajadores del Matadero Municipal de Medellin. 45 (26,6% dieron resultados positivos, que agrupados de acuerdo a los diferentes oficios desempenados tenemos los siguientes porcentajes de reactividad: cargadores de carne 44%; manipuladores de cerdos 34,8%; manipuladores de bovinos 22,1%; otros oficios 23,3%; trabajadores sin contacto directo con carne 17,4%. La intensidad de la respuesta inmunologica fue baja con titulos, en general, menores o iguales a 1:256. Solamente se encontro un titulo maximo de 1:2.048 Concluimos que indudablemente la manipulacion de carne cruda juega un papel importante en la frecuencia de esta zoonosis y que hay oficios que incrementan el riesgo de infeccion con el parasito. Tambien se determinaron los niveles de anticuerpos anti-toxoplasma en los sueros de 361 bovinos sacrificados en dicho Matadero, con un total de seropositivos de 108, lo que representa un 29.9%. Como en el caso de los humanos, los titulos tambien fueron bajos, exceptuandose un caso con un titulo de 1:1.024. Se demuestra la mayor reactividad serologica en los machos de carne y procedentes de climas calidos