Protective effect of Bougainvillea glabra Choisy bract in toxicity induced by Paraquat in Drosophila melanogaster.

Paraquat (PQ) is a herbicide widely used in agriculture to control weeds. The damage caused to health through intoxication requires studies to combating its damage to health. Bougainvillea glabra Choisy is a plant native to South America and its bracts contain a variety of compounds, including betalains and phenolic compounds, which have been underexplored about their potential applications and benefits for biological studies to neutralize toxicity. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and protective potential of the B. glabra bracts (BBGCE) hydroalcoholic extract against Paraquat-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. BBGCE demonstrated high antioxidant capacity in vitro through the assays of ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), free radical ABTS and quantification of phenolic compounds, confirmed through identifying the main compounds. Wild males of D. melanogaster were exposed to Paraquat (1.75 mM) and B. glabra Choisy (1, 10, 50 and 100 µg/mL) in agar medium for 4 days. Flies exposed to Paraquat showed a reduction in survival rate and a significant decrease in climbing capacity and balance test when compared to the control group. Exposure of the flies to Paraquat caused a reduction in acetylcholinesterase activity, an increase in lipid peroxidation and production of reactive species, and a change in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes. Co-exposure with BBGCE was able to block toxicity induced by PQ exposure. Our results demonstrate that bract extract has a protective effect against PQ on the head and body of flies, attenuating behavioral deficit, exerting antioxidant effects and blocking oxidative damage in D. melanogaster.

Acute physical exercise enhances memory persistence in female rats.

Memory is a complex cognitive process with distinct stages, such as acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and retrieval. Physical exercise (PE) has been shown to enhance memory and cognitive functions, but the available research is mainly developed with males. So, there is limited knowledge about acute PE's effects on females' memory. This study aimed to investigate the impact of acute PE on memory in female rats and explore potential sex differences in PE memory modulation. Forty-two female Wistar rats were subjected to a novel object recognition (NOR) task, with half of them undergoing a single session of 30 min of PE after the learning session (memory acquisition). Behavioral assessments showed that acute PE improved memory persistence in female rats, with increased discrimination of novel objects. Biochemical analysis revealed elevated noradrenaline levels in the hippocampus following acute PE and NOR training. Notably, the positive effects of acute PE on female rats' memory were similar to those previously observed in male rats. These findings suggest that acute PE can enhance memory in female rats and underscore the importance of considering sex differences in cognitive research. PE may offer a non-invasive strategy to promote cognitive health in both males and females.

Acute physical exercise improves recognition memory via locus coeruleus activation but not via ventral tegmental area activation.

Both animals and humans have been studied to explore the impact of acute physical exercise (PE) on memory. In rats, a single session of PE enhances the persistence of novel object recognition (NOR) memory, which depends on dopamine and noradrenaline activity in the hippocampus. However, limited research has examined the involvement of other brain regions in this phenomenon. In this study, we investigated the role of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and locus coeruleus (LC) in modulating the persistence of NOR memory induced by acute PE. After NOR training, some animals underwent a 30 min treadmill PE session, followed by infusion of either vehicle (VEH) or muscimol (MUS) in either the VTA or LC. Other animals did not undergo PE and only received VEH, MUS, or NMDA within the same time window. We evaluated memory recall 1, 7, and 14 days later. Acute PE promoted memory persistence for up to 14 days afterward, similar to NMDA glutamatergic stimulation of the VTA or LC. Moreover, only the LC region was required for the memory improvement induced by acute PE since blocking this region with MUS impaired NOR encoding. Our findings suggest that acute PE can improve learning within a closed time window, and this effect depends on LC, but not VTA, activity.

Novelty facilitates the persistence of aversive memory extinction by dopamine regulation in the hippocampus and ventral tegmental area.

Aversive memory extinction comprises a novel learning that blocks retrieving a previously formed traumatic memory. In this sense, aversive memory extinction is an excellent tool for decreasing fear responses. However, this tool it's not effective in the long term because of original memory spontaneous recovery. Thus, searching for alternative strategies that strengthen extinction learning is essential. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of a novel context (i.e., novelty) exposure on aversive memory extinction enhancement over days and the dopaminergic system requirement. Given the purpose, experiments were conducted using 3-month-old male Wistar rats. Animals were trained in inhibitory avoidance (IA). Twenty-four hours later, rats were submitted to a weak extinction protocol. Still, 30 min before the first extinction session, animals were submitted to an exploration of a novel context for 5 min. After, memory retention and persistence were evaluated 24 h, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days later. The exposition of a novel context caused a decrease in aversive responses in all days analyzed and an increase in dopamine levels in the hippocampus. The intrahippocampal infusion of dopamine in the CA1 area or the stimulation of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) by a glutamatergic agonist (NMDA) showed similar effects of novelty. In contrast, VTA inhibition by a gabaergic agonist (muscimol) impaired the persistence of extinction learning induced by novelty exposition and caused a decrease in hippocampal dopamine levels. In summary, we show that novel context exposure promotes persistent aversive memory extinction, revealing the significant role of the dopaminergic system.

Exposure to Trans Fat During the Developmental Period of Drosophila melanogaster Alters the Composition of Fatty Acids in the Head and Induces Depression-like Behavior.

Given the importance of understanding the disorders caused by trans fatty acids (TFAs), this study sought to add different concentrations hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF) to the diet of Drosophila melanogaster during the developmental period and evaluate the effects on neurobehavioral parameters. Longevity, hatching rate, and behavioral functions were assessed, such as negative geotaxis, forced swimming, light/dark, mating, and aggressiveness. The fatty acids (FAs) present in the heads of the flies were quantified as well as serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA) levels. Our findings showed that flies that received HVF at all concentrations during development showed reduced longevity and hatching rates, in addition to increased depression-like, anxious-like, anhedonia-like, and aggressive behaviors. As for the biochemical parameters, there was a more significant presence of TFA in flies exposed to HVF at all concentrations evaluated and lower 5HT and DA levels. This study shows that HVF during the developmental phase can cause neurological changes and consequently induce behavioral disorders, thereby highlighting the importance of the type of FA offered in the early stages of life.

ß-carotene-loaded nanoparticles protect against neuromotor damage, oxidative stress, and dopamine deficits in a model of Parkinson's disease in Drosophila melanogaster.

ß-carotene-loaded nanoparticles improves absorption by increasing bioavailability. The Drosophila melanogaster model of Parkinson's disease must be helpful in investigating potential neuroprotective effects. Four groups of four-day-old flies were exposed to: (1) control; (2) diet containing rotenone (500 µM); (3) ß-carotene-loaded nanoparticles (20 µM); (4) ß-carotene-loaded nanoparticles and rotenone for 7 days. Then, the percentage of survival, geotaxis tests, open field, aversive phototaxis and food consumption were evaluated. At the end of the behaviors, the analyses of the levels of reactive species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was carried out, as well as an evaluation of the levels of dopamine and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, in the head of flies. Nanoparticles loaded with ß-carotene were able to improve motor function, memory, survival and also restored the oxidative stress indicators (CAT, SOD, ROS and TBARS), dopamine levels, AChE activity after exposure to rotenone. Overall, nanoparticles loaded with ß-carotene showed significant neuroprotective effect against damage induced by the Parkinson-like disease model, emerging as a possible treatment. Overall, ß-carotene-loaded nanoparticles presented significant neuroprotective effect against damage induced by model of Parkinson-like disease, emerging as a possible treatment.

Green synthesis silver nanoparticles Bougainvillea glabra Choisy/LED light with high catalytic activity in the removal of methylene blue aqueous solution.

In this study, we evaluated, in a pioneering way, the influence of wavelengths from the decomposition of white light on the production and physicochemical properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Bearing in mind a process of green synthesis, an extract of the bracts of Bougainvillea glabra Choisy (BgC) was used, a species native to tropical and subtropical regions and frequently used in ornamentation, possessing in its photochemical composition, biomolecules capable of acting as reducing agents for convert Ag+ to Ag0. We used light-emitting diodes (LED) to obtain the desired wavelengths (violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red) in the test called rainbow, and we evaluated the obtaining of AgNPs compared to white LED light, nature, and absence of light. In the rainbow assay, we obtained a gradual increase in the intensity of the plasmonic band resonance from the red wavelength (0.124 ± 0.067 a.u.) to violet (0.680 ± 0.199 a.u.), indicating a higher reaction yield in obtaining AgNPs. Smaller hydrodynamic sizes (approximately 150 nm) at more energetic wavelengths (violet, blue, and green) about less energetic wavelengths (yellow, orange, and red) (approximately 400 nm) were obtained. Analysis by SEM microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction indicates the presence of silver nanoparticles in all LED colors used together with white LED light and Laboratory light (natural light). Due to the high environmental demand to remove pollutants from water sources, including textile dyes, we applied AgNPs/BgC to remove methylene blue (MB) dye from an aqueous solution. A minimum removal percentage greater than 65%, with emphasis on formulations synthesized by the colors of violet LED (84.27 ± 2.65%) and orange LED (85.91 ± 1.95%), was obtained.

MeHg exposure impairs both the catecholaminergic and cholinergic systems resulting in motor and non-motor behavioral changes in Drosophila melanogaster.

Human exposure to the natural environmental contaminant methylmercury (MeHg) has been associated to adverse health effects. Importantly, the mechanisms by which this organomercurial exerts its neurotoxicity have yet to be fully clarified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether exposure to MeHg alters dopamine (DA) and octopamine (OA) levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and impacts both motor and non-motor behaviours. We studied the effect of MeHg by feeding 1-2 d old flies (male and females) with 25 and 50 µM MeHg for 4 d and determined effects on survival, motor and non-motor behaviours, oxidative stress, AChE and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activities, as well as DA and OA levels. We found that Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) exposed to MeHg showed a reduction in survival rate, associated with the inhibition of AChE and TH activities in head of flies and decreased DA and OA levels. These changes were accompanied by behavioural alterations, such as locomotor deficit and increased grooming behaviour, in addition to an increase in oxidative stress markers both in head and in body of flies, and an increase in glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in head of flies. Collectively, our data support the hypothesis that MeHg neurotoxicity is associated with altered OA and DA levels, AChE inhibition, which may serve, at least in part, as the underpinnings of both motor and non-motor behavioural changes.

Improvement of non-motor and motor behavioral alterations associated with Parkinson-like disease in Drosophila melanogaster: Comparative effects of treatments with hesperidin and L-dopa.

Non-motor alterations such as anxiety and memory deficit may represent early indications of Parkinson's disease (PD), and therapeutic strategies that reduce non-motor alterations are promising alternatives for the treatment. Therefore, the search for natural compounds that act on motor and non-motor complications is highly relevant. In this sense, we demonstrated the role of hesperidin (Hsd) as a citrus flavonoid and its pharmacological properties as an antioxidant and neuroprotective agent. Our objective was to evaluate Hsd in developing motor and non-motor alterations in a Drosophila melanogaster model of Parkinson-like disease induced by iron (Fe) exposure. The flies were divided into six groups: control, Hsd (10 µM), L-dopa (positive control, 1 mM), Fe (1 mM), Fe + Hsd, and Fe + L-dopa. Motor coordination tests, memory assessment through aversive phototaxy, and anxiety-like behaviors characterized in flies, such as grooming and aggressiveness, were performed. The Hsd attenuated motor and non-motor alterations, such as motor coordination, memory deficits and anxiety-like behaviors, attenuated monoaminergic deficits, and lowered Fe levels in the head of flies. In addition, Hsd prolonged the life of the flies, thereby standing out from the L-dopa-treated group. Thus, Hsd can protect the dopaminergic system from insults caused by Fe, preventing non-motor alterations in PD; Hsd also reduced Fe levels in the flies' heads, suggesting that iron chelation may represent an important mechanism of action, in addition to its antioxidant action.

Oxidative stress and decreased dopamine levels induced by imidacloprid exposure cause behavioral changes in a neurodevelopmental disorder model in Drosophila melanogaster.

Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are responsible for behavioral deficits in children. Imidacloprid is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, capable of causing behavioral changes in Drosophila melanogaster, similar to the ADHD-like phenotypes. We assess whether behavioral damage induced by imidacloprid exposure in Drosophila melanogaster is associated with neurochemical changes and whether these changes are similar to those observed in neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD and ADHD. The fruit flies were divided into four groups, exposed to either a standard diet (control) or a diet containing imidacloprid (200, 400 or 600 ρM) and allowed to mate for 7 days. After hatching, the progeny was subjected to in vivo and ex vivo tests. The ones exposed to imidacloprid showed an increase in hyperactivity, aggressiveness, anxiety and repetitive movements, as well as, a decrease in social interaction. Furthermore, exposure to imidacloprid decreased dopamine levels, cell viability and increased oxidative stress in the flies' progeny. These results demonstrated that the behavioral damage induced by imidacloprid exposure involves a reduction in dopamine levels and oxidative stress and that these neurochemical changes are in line with the events that occur in ASD and ADHD-like phenotypes in other models.

Iron overload during the embryonic period develops hyperactive like behavior and dysregulation of biogenic amines in Drosophila melanogaster.

Iron (Fe) is used in various cellular functions, and a constant balance between its uptake, transport, storage, and use is necessary to maintain its homeostasis in the body. Changes in Fe metabolism with a consequent overload of this metal are related to neurological changes and cover a broad spectrum of diseases, mainly when these changes occur during the embryonic period. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of exposure to Fe overload during the embryonic period of Drosophila melanogaster. Progenitor flies (male and female) were exposed to ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) for ten days in concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 5 â€‹mM. After mating and oviposition, the progenitors were removed and the treatment bottles preserved, and the number of daily hatches and cumulative hatching of the first filial generation (F1) were counted. Subsequently, F1 flies (separated by sex) were subjected to behavioral tests such as negative geotaxis test, open field test, grooming, and aggression test. They have evaluated the levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), octopamine (OA), tryptophan and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), acetylcholinesterase, reactive species, and the levels of Fe in the progenitor flies and F1. The Fe levels of F1 flies are directly proportional to what is incorporated during the period of embryonic development; we also observed a delay in hatching and a reduction in the number of the hatch of F1 flies exposed during the embryonic period to the 5mM Fe diet, a fact that may be related to the reduction of the cell viability of the ovarian tissue of progenitor flies. The flies exposed to Fe (1 and 5 â€‹mM) showed an increase in locomotor activity (hyperactivity) and a significantly higher number of repetitive movements. In addition to a high number of aggressive encounters when compared to control flies. We can also observe an increase in the levels of biogenic amines DA and 5-HT and an increase in TH activity in flies exposed to Fe (1 and 5 â€‹mM) compared to the control group. We conclude that the hyperactive-like behavior demonstrated in both sexes by F1 flies exposed to Fe may be associated with a dysregulation in the levels of DA and 5-HT since Fe is a cofactor of TH, which had its activity increased in this study. Therefore, more attention is needed during the embryonic development period for exposure to Fe overload.

Exposure to lutein-loaded nanoparticles attenuates Parkinson's model-induced damage in Drosophila melanogaster: Restoration of dopaminergic and cholinergic system and oxidative stress indicators.

Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons, cholinergic alterations and oxidative damages. Lutein is widely known by its antioxidants properties. In the present study, we investigated whether lutein-loaded nanoparticles protects against locomotor damage and neurotoxicity induced by Parkinson's disease model in Drosophila melanogaster, as well as possible mechanisms of action. First, the nanoparticles were characterized by physicochemical methods, demonstrating that water affinity was improved by the encapsulation of lutein into the polymeric encapsulant matrix. The fruit flies of 1-4 days old were divided into four groups and exposed to a standard diet (control), a diet containing either rotenone (500 µM), lutein-loaded nanoparticles (6 µM) or rotenone (500 µM) and lutein-loaded nanoparticles (6 µM) for 7 days. The survival percentage was assessed, the flies were submitted to negative geotaxis, open field tasks and the determination of dopamine levels, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and acetylcholinesterase activities and oxidative stress indicators (superoxide dismutase, catalase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and glutathione S-transferase) were carried out. The exposure to lutein-loaded nanoparticles protected against locomotor damage and the decrease survival rate induced by rotenone, besides, it restored the dopamine levels, TH and acetylcholinesterase activities and oxidative stress indicators. These results provide evidence that lutein-loaded nanoparticles are an alternative treatment for rotenone-induced damage, and suggest the involvement of dopaminergic and cholinergic system and oxidative stress.

Multiresidue Analytical Method for Pesticides in Soybean Extract.

Developed and validated a fast, simple and effective method based on the use of DLLME technique and determination by GC-MS of 26 pesticides in SE. To carry out the extraction of the pesticides of the matrix, 70 µL of mix of pesticides (1.5 µg/mL) was added to 5.0 mL of SE, containing 1.0 g of sodium chloride and 3.0 mL of acetonitrile. The results of validation were suitable. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.500-5.0 µg/mL. The method showed a limit of detection and quantification of 0.17 µg/mL and 0.50 µg/mL, respectively. The recovery recovering between 47% and 115%, with relative standard deviation (RSD) of <20% for fortification levels (range of 1.0-3.0 µg/mL). The method validated can be applied for routine analysis in soy-based drinks, considering it is fast, easy to perform and has satisfactory validation results.

Ecotoxicological assessment of Uruguay River and affluents pre- and post-pesticides' application using Caenorhabditis elegans for biomonitoring.

Uruguay River is the most important river in western Rio Grande do Sul, separating Brazil from Argentina and Uruguay. However, its pollution is of great concern due to agricultural activities in the region and the extensive use of pesticides. In a long term, this practice leads to environmental pollution, especially to the aquatic system. The objective of this study was to analyze the physicochemical characteristics, metals and pesticides levels in water samples obtained before and after the planting and pesticides' application season from three sites: Uruguay River and two minor affluents, Mezomo Dam and Salso Stream. For biomonitoring, the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used, which were exposed for 24 h. We did not find any significant alteration in physicochemical parameters. In the pre- and post-pesticides' samples we observed a residual presence of three pesticides (tebuconazole, imazethapyr, and clomazone) and metals which levels were above the recommended (As, Hg, Fe, and Mn). Exposure to both pre- and post-pesticides' samples impaired C. elegans reproduction and post-pesticides samples reduced worms' survival rate and lifespan. PCA analysis indicated that the presence of metals and pesticides are important variables that impacted C. elegans biological endpoints. Our data demonstrates that Uruguay River and two affluents are contaminated independent whether before or after pesticides' application season. In addition, it reinforces the usefulness of biological indicators, since simple physicochemical analyses are not sufficient to attest water quality and ecological safety.

Protective effect of gamma-oryzanol against manganese-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element that, in excess, seems to be involved in the development of different neurodegenerative conditions. Gamma-oryzanol (Ory) was previously reported to possess antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Thus, we conducted this study to test the hypothesis that Ory can also protect flies in an Mn intoxication model. Adult wild-type flies were fed over 10 days with Mn (5 mM) and/or Ory (25 µM). Flies treated with Mn had a decrease in locomotor activity and a higher mortality rate compared to those in controls. Mn-treated flies also had a significant increase in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, in Mn accumulation and in oxidative stress markers. Moreover, flies treated with Mn exhibited a significant decrease in dopamine levels and in tyrosine hydroxylase activity, as well as in mitochondrial and cellular viability. Particularly important, Ory protected against mortality and avoided locomotor and biochemical changes associated with Mn exposure. However, Ory did not prevent the accumulation of Mn. The present results support the notion that Ory effectively attenuates detrimental changes associated with Mn exposure in Drosophila melanogaster, reinforcing its neuroprotective action/potential.

γ-Oryzanol produces an antidepressant-like effect in a chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression in Drosophila melanogaster.

Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) is a valid model for inducing depression-like symptoms in animal models, causing predictive behavioral, neurochemical, and physiological responses to this condition. This work aims to evaluate the possible antidepressant effect of γ-oryzanol (ORY) in the CUMS-induced depressive model in male Drosophila melanogaster. We will use the CUMS protocol to continue the study previously conducted by our research group, mimicking a depressive state in these insects. Male flies were subjected to various stressors according to a 10-day randomized schedule and concomitantly treated with ORY or fluoxetine (FLX). After the experimental period, in vivo behavioral tests were performed (open field, forced swimming, aggressiveness test, mating test, male virility, sucrose preference index and light/dark test) and ex vivo analyses measuring serotonin (5HT), dopamine (DA), octopamine (OCT) levels and body weight. We report here that ORY-treated flies and concomitant exposure to CUMS did not exhibit obvious behaviors such as prolonged immobility or increased aggressive behavior, reduced male mating and virility behavior, and anxiolytic behavior, in contrast to ORY, not altering sucrose preference and body weight flies exposed to CUMS. ORY effectively prevented 5HT and OCT reduction and partially protected against DA reduction. The data presented here are consistent and provide evidence for the use of ORY as a potential antidepressant compound.Lay SummaryFlies treated with ORY and concomitant exposure to CUMS did not exhibit obvious depressive-like behaviors, such as prolonged immobility in the FST or increased aggressive behavior, or reduced mating behavior, male virility, or anxiolytic behavior. ORY did not change the preference for sucrose and body weight of flies, about the levels of monoamines in the heads of flies, ORY was effective in preventing the reduction of 5HT and OCT, and we had partial protection of ORY for reducing the levels of DA.

Chaptalia nutans Polak: Root Extract Has High In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Low Cytotoxicity In Vivo.

The Asteraceae family is widely known for its therapeutic, aromatic, and nutritional properties. Chaptalia nutans (C. nutans), a member of the family, is widely used in folk medicine in southern Brazil. In this study, we aim to assess compounds present in root extracts of C. nutans, and evaluate their antioxidant capacity and toxicity. To determine the chemical composition of the extract, was performed through Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectroscopy. Antioxidant capacity, toxicity (Artemia salina biosassay), cytotoxicity, genotoxicity (Allium cepa test), and neurotoxicity (Drosophila melanogaster model) were evaluated. A large number of bioactive phytoconstituents were determined to be present, such as alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, terpenes, and especially phenolic compounds, which may explain the antioxidant capacity of the extract. Extracts had the capacity to protect cells from protein and lipid damage, and inhibit the formation of oxygen radicals. The A. salina bioassay revealed that extracts were only slightly toxic. In A. cepa, cells exposed to 1.5 mg/mL extract were protected against chromosomal damage caused by glyphosate, and had mitotic index values that were reduced by 49%. A concentration of 10 mg/mL extract did not kill flies, and when coadministered with paraquat (PQ) (52.5%) produced a mortality rate of only 18.75%. These findings indicated that the extract had the potential to protect against PQ-induced neurotoxicity. Taken together, these data reveal for the first time that the root extract of C. nutans is a rich source of natural antioxidants. The extract may be useful in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Toxicological parameters of aqueous residue after using Plectranthus neochilus for 2,4-D phytoremediation.

Phytoremediation is a technique that reduces the impact and environmental toxicity of toxic agents. Plectranthus neochilus, a species of aromatic plant, has already promoted phytoremediation of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). In addition, it was unclear whether the degradation of 2,4-D alone allows for a non-toxic environment (decontamination efficiency). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to verify the changes of the volatile compounds and concentrated essential oil of P. neochilus after phytoremediation of 2,4-D and the subsequent antibacterial activity of this essential oil concentrate. In addition, the toxicity of the plant's tea and the aqueous medium (waste) after the decontamination of 2,4-D was analyzed. The exposure to 2,4-D did not cause many changes in the volatile compounds, nor in the essential oil concentrate from the plant. Therefore, this essential oil concentrate can be used as an antimicrobial after phytoremediation. Regarding the use of this plant in tea form, it was found to be unsafe, even after phytoremediation, as this tea was toxic to the Drosophila melanogaster model (death of up to 100% of flies). The aqueous medium after 2,4-D phytoremediation became less toxic than the initial one (bioassays with Artemia salina and Allium cepa in the waste groups). However, the efficiency of phytoremediation with this plant must be improved. Therefore, we are performing new studies with P. necohilus and 2,4-D in aqueous medium.

Addition of Saturated and Trans-fatty Acids to the Diet Induces Depressive and Anxiety-like Behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the addition of saturated fat and hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF) to the diet on depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were exposed to experimental diets: regular diet (RD), or HVF in the concentrations of the substitute (SHVF), HVF 10% and HVF 20%, or Lard (L) in the concentrations of the substitute (SL), L 10% and L 20%, during seven days. Our results showed that flies fed with the HVF diet presented similar behaviors to depression, anxiety, and a higher number of aggressive events. Flies exposed to L showed only depressive-like behavior. Regarding serotonin levels (5HT), there was a significant reduction in the flies exposed to SHVF, HVF 10%, HVF 20%, and L 20%. Regarding the levels of octopamine (OA), there was a significant reduction in the flies exposed to both HVF and L rich diets when compared with the RD group. Also, there was a significant negative correlation between 5HT or OA levels and behaviors of aggressiveness, negative geotaxis, immobility time, light/dark, and grooming in the flies. This study shows that D. melanogaster can serve as a valuable model for understanding psychiatric disorders and that the type of fatty acid (FA) offered in the diet can influence these disorders. This demonstrates the importance of the composition of the FAs in the neural pathways, being able to influence the signaling of neurotransmitters, such as 5HT and OA, and thus, cause behavioral changes.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity, Antimicrobial Activity, and Cytotoxicity of Chaptalia nutans Leaves.

OBJECTIVE: This work was to evaluate the chemical constitution of the hydromethanolic (30/70 methanol-water) macerating extract obtained from the leaves of C. nutans, as well as to study the antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activity of the species. Materials and methods. Phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity (total phenolic, total flavonoid, condensed tannins content, DPPH radical, and FRAP), antibacterial activity (P. aeruginosa, B. cereus, E. epidermidis, E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis, P. mirabilis, Candida glabrata (clinical isolate), Candida tropicalis (clinical isolate), C. krusei (clinical isolate), and C. albicans (clinical isolate)), and oxidative stress parameters (TBARS, carbonyl protein, and DCFH) were analyzed according to the literature. Toxicity of C. nutans was evaluated using an alternative method, D. melanogaster, as well as a locomotor assay. RESULTS: The phytochemical screening test of methanolic leaves extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, quaternary bases, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and free steroids. A quantitative phytochemical study indicated the total phenol (30.17 ± 1.44 mg/g), flavonoid (21.64 ± 0.66 mg/g), and condensed tannins (9.58 ± 0.99 mg/g). DPPH (345.41 ± 5.35 µg/mL) and FRAP (379.98 ± 39.25 µM FeSO4/mg sample) show to extract of C. nutans leaves an intermediate value, indicating moderate antioxidant activity of the extract. Antibacterial results revealed only a positive result (antimicrobial activity) for the hexane fraction which significantly inhibited the microorganisms E. epidermidis, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and C. krusei at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. TBARS, carbonyl protein, and DCFH demonstrate that the extract has the ability to protect the cell from protein and lipid damage, as well as the inhibition of oxygen-derived radicals at the three concentrations tested: 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL. Regarding the toxicity of C. nutans extract against D. melanogaster, it was found that until the concentration of 15 mg/mL, the extract showed no toxicity and that the LC50 obtained was 24 mg/mL. Results show that the C. nutans extract leaves used to prevent PQ damage were effective in reducing flies' mortality and improving locomotor capacity. CONCLUSION: Our studies demonstrated for the first time that C. nutans crude leaf extract has high antioxidant capacity both in vitro and in vivo through different analysis techniques. These results make it possible to infer future applications in the pharmacological area, evidenced by the low toxicity observed in D. melanogatser, as well as the ability to neutralize different sources of RONS.