Integrating DIA Single-Cell Proteomics Data with the DiagnoMass Proteomic Hub for Biological Insights.

Single-cell proteomics has emerged as a powerful technology for unraveling the complexities of cellular heterogeneity, enabling insights into individual cell functions and pathologies. One of the primary challenges in single-cell proteomics is data generation, where low mass spectral signals often preclude the triggering of MS2 events. This challenge is addressed by Data Independent Acquisition (DIA), a data acquisition strategy that does not depend on peptide ion isotopic signatures to generate an MS2 event. In this study, we present data generated from the integration of DIA single-cell proteomics with a version of the DiagnoMass Proteomic Hub that was adapted to handle DIA data. DiagnoMass employs a hierarchical clustering methodology that enables the identification of tandem mass spectral clusters that are discriminative of biological conditions, thereby reducing the reliance on search engine biases for identifications. Nevertheless, a search engine (in this work, DIA-NN) can be integrated with DiagnoMass for spectral annotation. We used single-cell proteomic data from iPSC-derived neuroprogenitor cell cultures as a test study of this integrated approach. We were able to differentiate between control and Rett Syndrome patient cells to discern the proteomic variances potentially contributing to the disease's pathology. Our research confirms that the DiagnoMass-DIA synergy significantly enhances the identification of discriminative proteomic signatures, highlighting critical biological variations such as the presence of unique spectra that could be related to Rett Syndrome pathology.

A prospective study of the proteome of equine pre-implantation embryo.

The present study was conducted to investigate the global proteome of 8-day-old equine blastocysts. Follicular dynamics of eight adult mares were monitored by ultrasonography and inseminated 24 h after the detection of a preovulatory follicle. Four expanded blastocysts were recovered, pooled, and subjected to protein extraction and mass spectrometry. Protein identification was conducted based on four database searches (PEAKS, Proteome Discoverer software, SearchGUI software, and PepExplorer). Enrichment analysis was performed using g:Profiler, Panther, and String platforms. After the elimination of identification redundancies among search tools (at three levels, based on identifiers, peptides, and cross-database mapping), 1977 proteins were reliably identified in the samples of equine embryos. Proteomic analysis unveiled robust metabolic activity in the 8-day equine embryo, highlighted by an abundance of proteins engaged in key metabolic pathways like the TCA cycle, ATP biosynthesis, and glycolysis. The prevalence of chaperones among highly abundant proteins suggests that regulation of protein folding, and degradation is a key process during embryo development. These findings pave the way for developing new strategies to improve equine embryo media and optimize in vitro fertilization techniques.

Metabolomic insights in advanced cardiomyopathy of chronic chagasic and idiopathic patients that underwent heart transplant.

Heart failure (HF) studies typically focus on ischemic and idiopathic heart diseases. Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) is a progressive degenerative inflammatory condition highly prevalent in Latin America that leads to a disturbance of cardiac conduction system. Despite its clinical and epidemiological importance, CCC molecular pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here we characterize and discriminate the plasma metabolomic profile of 15 patients with advanced HF referred for heart transplantation - 8 patients with CCC and 7 with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) - using gas chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Compared to the 12 heart donor individuals, also included to represent the control (CTRL) scenario, patients with advanced HF exhibited a metabolic imbalance with 21 discriminating metabolites, mostly indicative of accumulation of fatty acids, amino acids and important components of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. CCC vs. IDC analyses revealed a metabolic disparity between conditions, with 12 CCC distinctive metabolites vs. 11 IDC representative metabolites. Disturbances were mainly related to amino acid metabolism profile. Although mitochondrial dysfunction and loss of metabolic flexibility may be a central mechanistic event in advanced HF, metabolic imbalance differs between CCC and IDC populations, possibly explaining the dissimilar clinical course of Chagas' patients.

A red wine intervention does not modify plasma trimethylamine N-oxide but is associated with broad shifts in the plasma metabolome and gut microbiota composition.

BACKGROUND: Gut microbiota profiles are closely related to cardiovascular diseases through mechanisms that include the reported deleterious effects of metabolites, such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which have been studied as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Moderate red wine (RW) consumption is reportedly cardioprotective, possibly by affecting the gut microbiota. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of RW consumption on the gut microbiota, plasma TMAO, and the plasma metabolome in men with documented coronary artery disease (CAD) using a multiomics assessment in a crossover trial. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, crossover, controlled trial involving 42 men (average age, 60 y) with documented CAD comparing 3-wk RW consumption (250 mL/d, 5 d/wk) with an equal period of alcohol abstention, both preceded by a 2-wk washout period. The gut microbiota was analyzed via 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Plasma TMAO was evaluated by LC-MS/MS. The plasma metabolome of 20 randomly selected participants was evaluated by ultra-high-performance LC-MS/MS. The effect of RW consumption was assessed by individual comparisons using paired tests during the abstention and RW periods. RESULTS: Plasma TMAO did not differ between RW intervention and alcohol abstention, and TMAO concentrations showed low intraindividual concordance over time, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.049 during the control period. After RW consumption, there was significant remodeling of the gut microbiota, with a difference in ß diversity and predominance of Parasutterella, Ruminococcaceae, several Bacteroides species, and Prevotella. Plasma metabolomic analysis revealed significant changes in metabolites after RW consumption, consistent with improved redox homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS: Modulation of the gut microbiota may contribute to the putative cardiovascular benefits of moderate RW consumption. The low intraindividual concordance of TMAO presents challenges regarding its role as a cardiovascular risk biomarker at the individual level. This study was registered at clinical trials.gov as NCT03232099.

Global Proteomics Analysis of Bone Marrow: Establishing Talin-1 and Centrosomal Protein of 55 kDa as Potential Molecular Signatures for Myelodysplastic Syndromes.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a hematological disorder characterized by abnormal stem cell differentiation and a high risk of acute myeloid leukemia transformation. Treatment options for MDS are still limited, making the identification of molecular signatures for MDS progression a vital task. Thus, we evaluated the proteome of bone marrow plasma from patients (n = 28) diagnosed with MDS with ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS) and MDS with blasts in the bone marrow (MDS-EB) using label-free mass spectrometry. This strategy allowed the identification of 1,194 proteins in the bone marrow plasma samples. Polyubiquitin-C (UBC), moesin (MSN), and Talin-1 (TLN1) showed the highest abundances in MDS-EB, and centrosomal protein of 55 kDa (CEP55) showed the highest relative abundance in the bone marrow plasma of MDS-RS patients. In a follow-up, in the second phase of the study, expressions of UBC, MSN, TLN1, and CEP55 genes were evaluated in bone marrow mononuclear cells from 45 patients by using qPCR. This second cohort included only seven patients from the first study. CEP55, MSN, and UBC expressions were similar in mononuclear cells from MDS-RS and MDS-EB individuals. However, TLN1 gene expression was greater in mononuclear cells from MDS-RS (p = 0.049) as compared to MDS-EB patients. Irrespective of the MDS subtype, CEP55 expression was higher (p = 0.045) in MDS patients with abnormal karyotypes, while MSN, UBC, and TALIN1 transcripts were similar in MDS with normal vs. abnormal karyotypes. In conclusion, proteomic and gene expression approaches brought evidence of altered TLN1 and CEP55 expressions in cellular and non-cellular bone marrow compartments of patients with low-risk (MDS-RS) and high-risk (MDS-EB) MDSs and with normal vs. abnormal karyotypes. As MDS is characterized by disrupted apoptosis and chromosomal alterations, leading to mitotic slippage, TLN1 and CEP55 represent potential markers for MDS prognosis and/or targeted therapy.

Proteomic profile of pre-implantational ovine embryos produced in vivo.

The present study was conducted to decipher the proteome of in vivo-produced pre-implantation ovine embryos. Ten locally adapted Morana Nova ewes received hormonal treatment and were inseminated 12 hr after ovulation. Six days later, 54 embryos (morula and blastocyst developmental state) were recovered from eight ewes and pooled to obtain sufficient protein for proteomic analysis. Extracted embryo proteins were analysed by LC-MS/MS, followed by identification based on four database searches (PEAKS, Proteome Discoverer software, SearchGUI software, PepExplorer). Identified proteins were analysed for gene ontology terms, protein clusters and interactions. Genes associated with the ovine embryo proteome were screened for miRNA targets using data sets of TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org) and mIRBase (http://www.mirbase.org) servers. There were 667 proteins identified in the ovine embryos. Biological processes of such proteins were mainly related to cellular process and regulation, and molecular functions, to binding and catalytic activity. Analysis of the embryo proteins revealed 49 enriched functional clusters, linked to energy metabolism (TCA cycle, pyruvate and glycolysis metabolism), zona pellucida (ZP), MAPK signalling pathway, tight junction, binding of sperm to ZP, translation, proteasome, cell cycle and calcium/phospholipid binding. Sixteen miRNAs were related to 25 pre-implantation ovine embryo genes, all conserved in human, bovine and ovine species. The interaction network generated by miRNet showed four key miRNAs (hsa-mir-106b-5p; hsa-mir-30-5p; hsa-mir-103a-5p and hsa-mir-106a-5p) with potential interactions with embryo-expressed genes. Functional analysis of the network indicated that miRNAs modulate genes related to cell cycle, regulation of stem cell and embryonic cell differentiation, among others. Retrieved miRNAs also modulate the expression of genes involved in cell signalling pathways, such as MAPK, Wnt, TGF-beta, p53 and Toll-like receptor. The current study describes the first major proteomic profile of 6-day-old ovine embryos produced in vivo, setting a comprehensive foundation for our understanding of embryo physiology in the ovine species.

Innovative Approaches to Assess Intermediate Cardiovascular Risk Subjects: A Review From Clinical to Metabolomics Strategies.

Current risk stratification strategies for coronary artery disease (CAD) have low predictive value in asymptomatic subjects classified as intermediate cardiovascular risk. This is relevant because not all coronary events occur in individuals with traditional multiple risk factors. Most importantly, the first manifestation of the disease may be either sudden cardiac death or acute coronary syndrome, after rupture and thrombosis of an unstable non-obstructive atherosclerotic plaque, which was previously silent. The inaccurate stratification using the current models may ultimately subject the individual to excessive or insufficient preventive therapies. A breakthrough in the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms governing the atherosclerosis pathology has driven many researches toward the necessity for a better risk stratification. In this Review, we discuss how metabolomics screening integrated with traditional risk assessments becomes a powerful approach to improve non-invasive CAD subclinical diagnostics. In addition, this Review highlights the findings of metabolomics studies performed by two relevant analytical platforms in current use-mass spectrometry (MS) hyphenated to separation techniques and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) -and evaluates critically the challenges for further clinical implementation of metabolomics data. We also discuss the modern understanding of the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and the limitations of traditional analytical methods. Our aim is to show how discriminant metabolites originated from metabolomics approaches may become promising candidate molecules to aid intermediate risk patient stratification for cardiovascular events and how these tools could successfully meet the demands to translate cardiovascular metabolic biomarkers into clinical settings.

Mass Spectrometry as a Clinical Integrative Tool to Evaluate Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Moving to the Mainstream.

Introduction: Since the pioneering work of J. J. Thomson on magnetic deflection of charged particles, mass spectrometry (MS) has become the most progressive clinical tool by continuously providing new applications in medical research. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), MS can be used from surveillance in early stages of the disease to constant evaluation of effective treatments. Areas covered: This Special Report highlights the groundbreaking possibilities of mass spectrometry clinical application in the mainstream to evaluate HCC development and progression. Expert opinon: MS has been employed to understand a myriad of liver diseases, such as the identification of early biomarkers in cirrhosis and HVB and HVC, as well as metabolic alterations of lipidic imbalance in HCC due to fatty liver disease. In an integrative point-of-view, researchers worldwide are looking for molecular signatures that may represent more faithfully the complex scenario of the onset and progression of HCC. Following the steps of MELD score (Model of End-stage Liver Disease), which evaluates biochemical dysfunction of end-stage liver diseases, the necessity to use innovative attempts to pursue a molecular-MEaLD (mMEaLD - molecular Model for Early Liver Disease), shifting MS to the upstream and from the lab facilities into the mainstream, inside the surgery room.

Molecular Signatures of High-Grade Cervical Lesions.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common neoplasia in women and the infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is its necessary cause. Screening methods, currently based on cytology and HPV DNA tests, display low specificity/sensitivity, reducing the efficacy of cervical cancer screening programs. Herein, molecular signatures of cervical cytologic specimens revealed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), were tested in their ability to provide a metabolomic screening for cervical cancer. These molecules were tested whether they could clinically differentiate insignificant HPV infections from precancerous lesions. For that, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)-related metabolites were compared to those of no cervical lesions in women with and without HPV infection. Samples were collected from women diagnosed with normal cervix (N = 40) and from those detected with HSIL from cytology and colposcopy (N = 40). Liquid-based cytology diagnosis, DNA HPV-detection test, and LC-MS analysis were carried out for all the samples. The same sample, in a customized collection medium, could be used for all the diagnostic techniques employed here. The metabolomic profile of cervical cancer provided by LC-MS was found to indicate unique molecular signatures for HSIL, being two ceramides and a sphingosine metabolite. These molecules occurred independently of women's HPV status and could be related to the pre-neoplastic phenotype. Statistical models based on such findings could correctly discriminate and classify HSIL and no cervical lesion women. The results showcase the potential of LC-MS as an emerging technology for clinical use in cervical cancer screening, although further validation with a larger sample set is still necessary.

Hepatic steatosis assessment: a comparative study between surgeon evaluation and forward histopathologic findings.

CONTEXT: Liver transplantation is one of the last viable resources for patients with end-stage liver disease. Many strategies are been used to improve the number of available organs and overcome waiting list delay. However, hepatic steatosis is one of the mainly concerns when organs are consider to transplantation due to it is importance as a risk factor for primary dysfunction. Surgeons play an important role to decide each organ will be accept or decline and its righteous allocation. OBJECTIVE: Retrospectively evaluate the surgeon assessment of steatosis degree and its confrontation with further histopathologic findings. METHODS: We analyzed 117 patients underwent deceased liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease in University Hospital Walter Cantideo, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. A matrix table was organized to estimate the categorical data observed. We clustered the subjects into mild (0%-30%) and moderate (30%-60%) steatosis degree under the clinical criteria of organ suitability for transplantation. We categorized the organs as suitable organ for transplant and as non-suitable organ for transplant. Evaluations between the two first assessments, before perfusion (pre-perfusion) vs biopsy findings and after perfusion vs biopsy findings observations were analyzed and also a comparison between pre-perfusion and after perfusion data was performed. RESULTS: On the first assessment, we obtained a 93% of agreement (n = 109) between the two evaluations. On the second assessment, we had an 8% (n = 9) of mistaken allocation. Comparing the observation before (pre-perfusion) and after (after perfusion), we obtained a strong agreement between the surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Although our experienced surgeon team, we have wrongly evaluated feasible organs for transplantation. Nonetheless, our faulty percentage is low comparing to worldwide percentage.

Hepatic steatosis assessment

ContextLiver transplantation is one of the last viable resources for patients with end-stage liver disease. Many strategies are been used to improve the number of available organs and overcome waiting list delay. However, hepatic steatosis is one of the mainly concerns when organs are consider to transplantation due to it is importance as a risk factor for primary dysfunction. Surgeons play an important role to decide each organ will be accept or decline and its righteous allocation.ObjectiveRetrospectively evaluate the surgeon assessment of steatosis degree and its confrontation with further histopathologic findings.MethodsWe analyzed 117 patients underwent deceased liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease in University Hospital Walter Cantideo, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. A matrix table was organized to estimate the categorical data observed. We clustered the subjects into mild (0%-30%) and moderate (30%-60%) steatosis degree under the clinical criteria of organ suitability for transplantation. We categorized the organs as suitable organ for transplant and as non-suitable organ for transplant. Evaluations between the two first assessments, before perfusion (pre-perfusion) vs biopsy findings and after perfusion vs biopsy findings observations were analyzed and also a comparison between pre-perfusion and after perfusion data was performed.ResultsOn the first assessment, we obtained a 93% of agreement (n = 109) between the two evaluations. On the second assessment, we had an 8% (n = 9) of mistaken allocation. Comparing the observation before (pre-perfusion) and after (after perfusion), we obtained a strong agreement between the surgeons.ConclusionsAlthough our experienced surgeon team, we have wrongly evaluated feasible organs for transplantation. Nonetheless, our faulty percentage is low comparing to worldwide percentage.

ContextoO transplante ortotópico de fígado é considerado um dos últimos recursos terapêuticos viáveis para os pacientes hepatopatas, em estágio terminal da doença. Muitas estratégias têm sido usadas para aumentar o número de órgãos disponíveis e diminuir a demora em lista de espera. No entanto, a presença de esteatose hepática é uma das principais limitações quanto ao uso de órgãos para transplante, devido a sua importância como relevante fator de risco para disfunção primária pós-transplante. Neste cenário, a avaliação do órgão pelo cirurgião, no momento da captação no doador, é de grande importância para a correta alocação do mesmo.ObjetivoAvaliar retrospectivamente o grau de esteatose estabelecido pelo cirurgião e confrontar estes dados com os achados histopatológicos da biopsia.MétodosAnalisaram-se 117 pacientes hepatopatas terminais sub-metidos ao transplante de fígado no Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídeo, Fortaleza, CE. Uma tabela matriz foi organizada para avaliação dos dados categóricos observados. Os indivíduos foram classificados quanto ao grau de esteatose apresentado pelo órgão: leve (0%-30%) e moderada (30%-60%) e agrupados sob os critérios clínicos de adequação de órgãos para transplante. Os órgãos foram descritos como adequado para transplante de órgãos e como não adequado para transplante de órgãos. As avaliações entre as duas primeiras situações, antes da perfusão vs biopsia e após a perfusão vs biopsia foram analisadas; bem como realizada comparação entre as duas situações de perfusão (antes e após).ResultadosNa primeira avaliação, obtiveram-se 93% de concordância (n = 109) entre as duas observações, mostrando grande grau de concordância entre as classificações do órgão antes da perfusão e na biopsia. Na segunda avaliação, obteve-se um grau de discordância de 8%, levando a erros de alocação em nove situações. Na comparação entre as avaliações realizadas entre antes e após a perfusão, obteve-se forte concordância através do índice kappa entre os espectadores.ConclusõesEmbora a equipe deste estudo seja constituída de cirurgiões experientes, em alguns casos os mesmos, foram induzidos a erros de alocação. No entanto o percentual encontra-se bastante abaixo da média mundial.

HEPATIC STEATOSIS ASSESSMENT: a comparative study between surgeon evaluation and forward histopathologic findings

Context Liver transplantation is one of the last viable resources for patients with end-stage liver disease. Many strategies are been used to improve the number of available organs and overcome waiting list delay. However, hepatic steatosis is one of the mainly concerns when organs are consider to transplantation due to it is importance as a risk factor for primary dysfunction. Surgeons play an important role to decide each organ will be accept or decline and its righteous allocation. Objective Retrospectively evaluate the surgeon assessment of steatosis degree and its confrontation with further histopathologic findings. Methods We analyzed 117 patients underwent deceased liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease in University Hospital Walter Cantideo, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. A matrix table was organized to estimate the categorical data observed. We clustered the subjects into mild (0%–30%) and moderate (30%-60%) steatosis degree under the clinical criteria of organ suitability for transplantation. We categorized the organs as suitable organ for transplant and as non-suitable organ for transplant. Evaluations between the two first assessments, before perfusion (pre-perfusion) vs biopsy findings and after perfusion vs biopsy findings observations were analyzed and also a comparison between pre-perfusion and after perfusion data was performed. Results On the first assessment, we obtained a 93% of agreement (n = 109) between the two evaluations. On the second assessment, we had an 8% (n = 9) of mistaken allocation. Comparing the observation before (pre-perfusion) and after (after perfusion), we obtained a strong agreement between the surgeons. Conclusions Although our experienced surgeon team, we have wrongly evaluated feasible organs for transplantation. Nonetheless, our faulty percentage is low comparing to worldwide percentage. .

Contexto O transplante ortotópico de fígado é considerado um dos últimos recursos terapêuticos viáveis para os pacientes hepatopatas, em estágio terminal da doença. Muitas estratégias têm sido usadas para aumentar o número de órgãos disponíveis e diminuir a demora em lista de espera. No entanto, a presença de esteatose hepática é uma das principais limitações quanto ao uso de órgãos para transplante, devido a sua importância como relevante fator de risco para disfunção primária pós-transplante. Neste cenário, a avaliação do órgão pelo cirurgião, no momento da captação no doador, é de grande importância para a correta alocação do mesmo. Objetivo Avaliar retrospectivamente o grau de esteatose estabelecido pelo cirurgião e confrontar estes dados com os achados histopatológicos da biopsia. Métodos Analisaram-se 117 pacientes hepatopatas terminais sub-metidos ao transplante de fígado no Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídeo, Fortaleza, CE. Uma tabela matriz foi organizada para avaliação dos dados categóricos observados. Os indivíduos foram classificados quanto ao grau de esteatose apresentado pelo órgão: leve (0%-30%) e moderada (30%-60%) e agrupados sob os critérios clínicos de adequação de órgãos para transplante. Os órgãos foram descritos como adequado para transplante de órgãos e como não adequado para transplante de órgãos. As avaliações entre as duas primeiras situações, antes da perfusão vs biopsia e após a perfusão vs biopsia foram analisadas; bem como realizada comparação entre as duas situações de perfusão (antes ...

Folk uses and pharmacological properties of Casearia sylvestris: a medicinal review.

Folk uses and scientific investigations have highlighted the importance of Casearia sylvestris extracts and their relevant bioactive potential. The aim of this work was to review the pharmacological properties of C. sylvestris, emphasizing its anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-ophidian and antitumor potentialities. Ethanolic extracts and essential oil of their leaves have antiulcerogenic activity and reduce gastric volume without altering the stomach pH, which corroborates their consumption on gastrointestinal disorders. Leaf water extracts show phospholipase A(2) inhibitory activity that prevents damage effects on the muscular tissue after toxin inoculation. This antiphospholipasic action is probably related to the use as an anti-inflammatory, proposing a pharmacological blockage similar to that obtained with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on arachidonic acid and cyclooxygenase pathways. Bioguided-assay fractionations lead to the identification of secondary metabolites, especially the clerodane diterpenes casearins (A-X) and casearvestrins (A-C), compounds with a remarkable cytotoxic and antitumor action. Therefore, the C. sylvestris shrub holds a known worldwide pharmacological arsenal by its extensive folk utilization, exciting searches for new molecules and a better comprehension about biological properties.

Folk uses and pharmacological properties of Casearia sylvestris: a medicinal review

Folk uses and scientific investigations have highlighted the importance of Casearia sylvestris extracts and their relevant bioactive potential. The aim of this work was to review the pharmacological properties of C. sylvestris, emphasizing its anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-ophidian and antitumor potentialities. Ethanolic extracts and essential oil of their leaves have antiulcerogenic activity and reduce gastric volume without altering the stomach pH, which corroborates their consumption on gastrointestinal disorders. Leaf water extracts show phospholipase A2 inhibitory activity that prevents damage effects on the muscular tissue after toxin inoculation. This antiphospholipasic action is probably related to the use as an anti-inflammatory, proposing a pharmacological blockage similar to that obtained with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on arachidonic acid and cyclooxygenase pathways. Bioguided-assay fractionations lead to the identification of secondary metabolites, especially the clerodane diterpenes casearins (A-X) and casearvestrins (A-C), compounds with a remarkable cytotoxic and antitumor action. Therefore, the C. sylvestris shrub holds a known worldwide pharmacological arsenal by its extensive folk utilization, exciting searches for new molecules and a better comprehension about biological properties.

Usos populares e pesquisas científicas têm destacado a importância dos extratos da planta Casearia sylvestris e seu grande potencial bioativo. Neste trabalho, objetiva-se revisar as propriedades farmacológicas de C. sylvestris, enfatizando sua potencialidade antiulcerogênica, antiinflamatória, antiofídica e antitumoral. O extrato etanólico e o óleo essencial das folhas possuem atividade antiulcerogênica promissora, diminuindo o volume gástrico sem alterar o pH estomacal, corroborando sua aplicação contra dores gastrointestinais. Já os extratos aquosos das folhas têm atividade inibitória contra fosfolipase A2 presente em venenos de cobras, atenuando os efeitos lesivos sobre a musculatura esquelética resultantes da inoculação das toxinas. Essa ação antifosfolipásica provavelmente está relacionada ao seu uso como antiinflamatório, sugerindo um bloqueio análogo ao dos fármacos antiinflamatórios não-esteroidais na formação de mediadores oriundos do ácido araquidônico e na ativação da ciclooxigenase. Ensaios de fracionamento bioguiado dos extratos culminaram no isolamento e identificação de inúmeros metabólitos secundários, especialmente os diterpenos clerodânicos casearinas (A-X) e casearvestrinas (AC), compostos que têm surpreendido por sua ação citotóxica e antitumoral. Assim, a planta C. sylvestris apresenta um enorme arsenal farmacológico já mundialmente comprovado por seu vasto uso popular, estimulando pesquisas por novas moléculas e a busca pela compreensão de suas propriedades biológicas.

In vitro studies on Bothrops venoms cytotoxic effect on tumor cells.

BACKGROUND: Animal venoms are complex mixtures of proteins and non proteins components with several biological activities. Snake venoms represent an essentially unexplored source of bioactive compounds that may cure disease conditions which do not respond to currently available therapies. These venoms possess many pharmacological activities, as cytotoxic and/or lytic effects on tumor cells in vitro. Herein, were investigated the in vitro cytotoxicity of three Bothrops venoms in tumor cell lines. METHODS: Cytotoxic effect was evaluated in HCT-8 (colon - human), SF-295 (nervous system - human), HL-60 (human leukemia) and MDAMB-435 (breast - human). Cell density and membrane integrity were determined by the exclusion of propidium iodide. To determine whether Bothrops venoms treated cells were undergoing an apoptotic and/ or necrosis death, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization was measured after the incubation with the venom. RESULTS: Botrhops venons showed significant cytotoxcity against all cell lines in study. Cell density and membrane integrity were determined by the exclusion of propidium iodide. The Bothrops venoms reduced the cell number and revealed the presence of a necrotic population when the cells was exposed to the B. pauloensis B. diporus and B. pirajai venoms. To determine whether Bothrops venoms treated cells were undergoing an apoptotic and/or necrosis death, PS externalization was measured after the incubation with the venom and it was observed necrotic and apoptotic cells. CONCLUSIONS: All Bothrops venoms tested showed cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines through inducing of necrosis and apoptosis.