Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the New Cardiotonic Steroid γ-Benzylidene Digoxin 8 (BD-8) in Mice.

Cardiotonic steroids are known to bind to Na+/K+-ATPase and regulate several biological processes, including the immune response. The synthetic cardiotonic steroid γ-Benzylidene Digoxin 8 (BD-8) is emerging as a promising immunomodulatory molecule, although it has remained largely unexplored. Therefore, we tested the immunomodulatory potential of BD-8 both in vitro and in vivo. Hence, primary mouse macrophages were incubated with combinations of BD-8 and the pro-inflammatory fungal protein zymosan (ZYM). Nitric oxide (NO) production was determined by Griess reagent and cytokines production was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), reactive oxygen species (ROS), p-nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), and p-p38 were evaluated by flow cytometry. Macrophages exposed to BD-8 displayed reduced phagocytic activity, NO levels, and production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1ß induced by ZYM. Furthermore, BD-8 diminished the expression of iNOS and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, ERK, and p38. Additionally, BD-8 exhibited anti-inflammatory capacity in vivo in a carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the anti-inflammatory activity of BD-8 and further reinforce the potential of cardiotonic steroids and their derivatives as immunomodulatory molecules.

Biochemical Evaluation of the Effects of Hydroxyurea in Vitro on Red Blood Cells.

Hydroxyurea (HU) is a low-cost, low-toxicity drug that is often used in diseases, such as sickle cell anemia and different types of cancer. Its effects on the red blood cells (RBC) are still not fully understood. The in vitro effects of HU were evaluated on the biochemical parameters of the RBC from healthy individuals that were treated with 0.6 mM or 0.8 mM HU for 30 min and 1 h. After 30 min, there was a significant increase in almost all of the parameters analyzed in the two concentrations of HU, except for the pyruvate kinase (PK) activity. A treatment with 0.8 mM HU for 1 h resulted in a reduction of the levels of lipid peroxidation, Fe3+, and in the activities of some of the enzymes, such as glutathione reductase (GR), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and PK. After the incubation for 1 h, the levels of H2O2, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), enzymatic activity (hexokinase, G6PD, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were reduced with the treatment of 0.8 mM HU when compared with 0.6 mM. The results have suggested that a treatment with HU at a concentration of 0.8 mM seemed to be more efficient in protecting against the free radicals, as well as in treating diseases, such as sickle cell anemia. HU appears to preferentially stimulate the pentose pathway over the glycolytic pathway. Although this study was carried out with the RBC from healthy individuals, the changes described in this study may help to elucidate the mechanisms of action of HU when administered for therapeutic purposes.

Cytotoxic effect of carbohydrate derivatives of digitoxigenin involves modulation of plasma membrane Ca2+ -ATPase.

Cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin and digitoxin, are compounds that interact with Na+ /K+ -ATPase to induce anti-neoplastic effects; however, these cardiac glycosides have narrow therapeutic index. Thus, semi-synthetic analogs of digitoxin with modifications in the sugar moiety has been shown to be an interesting approach to obtain more selective and more effective analogs than the parent natural product. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxic potential of novel digitoxigenin derivatives, digitoxigenin-α-L-rhamno-pyranoside (1) and digitoxigenin-α-L-amiceto-pyranoside (2), in cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa) and human diploid lung fibroblasts (Wi-26-VA4). In addition, we studied the anticancer mechanisms of action of these compounds by comparing its cytotoxic effects with the potential to modulate the activity of three P-type ATPases; Na+ /K+ -ATPase, sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase (SERCA), and plasma membrane Ca2+ -ATPase (PMCA). Briefly, the results showed that compounds 1 and 2 were more cytotoxic and selectivity for HeLa tumor cells than the nontumor cells Wi-26-VA4. While the anticancer cytotoxicity in HeLa cells involves the modulation of Na+ /K+ -ATPase, PMCA and SERCA, the modulation of these P-type ATPases was completely absent in Wi-26-VA4 cells, which suggest the importance of their role in the cytotoxic effect of compounds 1 and 2 in HeLa cells. Furthermore, the compound 2 inhibited directly erythrocyte ghosts PMCA and both compounds were more cytotoxic than digitoxin in HeLa cells. These results provide a better understanding of the mode of action of the synthetic cardiac glycosides and highlights 1 and 2 as potential anticancer agents.

Implications of Synthetic Modifications of the Cardiotonic Steroid Lactone Ring on Cytotoxicity.

Na,K-ATPase (NKA) and cardiotonic steroids (CTS) have shown potent cytotoxic and anticancer effects. Here, we have synthesized a series of CTS digoxin derivatives (γ-benzylidene) with substitutions in the lactone ring and evaluated the cytotoxicity caused by digoxin derivatives in tumor and non-tumor cells lines, as well as their effects on NKA. The cytotoxicity assay was determined in HeLa, A549, and WI-26 VA4 after they were treated for 48 h with increased concentrations of CTS. The effects of CTS on NKA activity and immunoblotting of α1 and ß1 isoforms were evaluated at IC50 concentrations in A549 cell membrane. NKA activity from mouse brain cortex was also measured. The majority of CTS exhibited low cytotoxicity in tumor and non-tumor cells, presenting IC50 values at micromolar concentrations, while digoxin showed cytotoxicity at nanomolar concentrations. BD-15 presented the lowest IC50 value (8 µM) in A549 and reduced its NKA activity in 28%. In contrast, BD-7 was the compound that most inhibited NKA (56% inhibition) and presented high IC50 value for A549. In mouse cortex, only BD-15 modulated the enzyme activity in a concentration-dependent inhibition curve. These results demonstrate that the cytotoxicity of these compounds is not related to NKA inhibition. The substitutions in the lactone ring of digoxin led to an increase in the cytotoxic concentration in tumor cells, which may not be interesting for cancer, but it has the advantage of increasing the therapeutic margin of these molecules when compared to classic CTS, and can be used safely in research for other diseases.

The γ-Benzylidene Digoxin Derivative BD-15 Increases the α3-Na, K-ATPase Activity in Rat Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex and no Change on Heart.

Our study aimed to investigate the effects of the new cardiotonic steroid BD-15 (γ-benzylidene derivatives) in the behavioral parameters, oxidative stress and the Na, K-ATPase activity in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and heart from rats to verify the safety and possible utilization in brain disorders. For this study, groups of male Wistar rats were used after intraperitoneal injection of 20, 100 and 200 µg/Kg with BD-15. The groups were treated for three consecutive days and the control group received 0.9% saline. BD-15 did not alter behavior of rats treated with different doses. An increase in the specific α2,3-Na, K-ATPase activity was observed for all doses of BD-15 tested in the hippocampus. However, in the prefrontal cortex, only the dose of 100 µg/Kg increased the activity of all Na, K-ATPase isoforms. BD-15 did not cause alteration in the lipid peroxidation levels in the hippocampus, but in the prefrontal cortex, a decrease of lipid peroxidation (~ 25%) was observed. In the hippocampus, GSH levels increased with all doses tested, while in the prefrontal cortex no changes were found. Subsequently, when the effect of BD-15 on cardiac tissue was analyzed, no changes were observed in the tested parameters. BD-15 at a dosage of 100 µg/Kg proved to be promising because it is considered therapeutic for brain disorders, since it increases the activity of the α3-Na, K-ATPase in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, as well as decreasing the oxidative stress in these brain regions. In addition, this drug did not cause changes in the tissues of the heart and kidneys, preferentially demonstrating specificity for the brain.

New bufadienolides extracted from Rhinella marina inhibit Na,K-ATPase and induce apoptosis by activating caspases 3 and 9 in human breast and ovarian cancer cells.

Bufadienolide compounds have been used for growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in tumor cells. Those families of cardiotonic steroids can bind the Na,K-ATPase, causing its inhibition. The use of bufadienolides is widely described in the literature as an anticancer function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bufadienolides and alkaloid isolated from venom samples from R. marina on tumor cells. We performed cytotoxicity assay in MDA-MB-231 and TOV-21G cells and evaluated the activity of Caspases (3 and 9), Na, K-ATPase, PMCA and SERCA. Four compounds were extrated from the venom of R. marina. The compound 1 showed higher cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231cells. Compound 1 also showed activation of Caspase 3 and 9. This compound caused an inhibition of the activity and expression of Na, K-ATPase, and also showed activation of both caspase-9 and caspase-3 in MDA-MB-231 cells. We also observed that Compound 1 had a direct effect on some ATPases, such as Na, K-ATPase, PMCA and SERCA. Compound 1 was able to inhibit the activity of the purified Na, K-ATPase enzyme from the concentration of 5 µM. It also caused inhibition of PMCA at all concentrations tested (1 nM-30 µM). However, the compound 1 led to an increase of the activity of purified SERCA between the concentrations of 7.5-30 µM. Thus, we present a Na, K-ATPase and PMCA inhibitor, which may lead to the activation of caspases 3 and 9, causing the cells to enter into apoptosis. Our study suggests that compound 1 may be an interesting molecule as an anticancer agent.

Evaluation of the effect of cafeteria diet on the kidney Na,K-ATPase activity, and oxidative stress.

In this study, renal tissue, subdivided into the cortex and medulla of Wistar rats subjected to a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 24 days or to normal diet, was used to analyze whether the renal enzyme Na,K-ATPase activity was modified by CAF diet, as well as to analyze the α1 subunit of renal Na,K-ATPase expression levels. The lipid profile of the renal plasma membrane and oxidative stress were verified. In the Na,K-ATPase activity evaluation, no alteration was found, but a significant decrease of 30% in the cortex was detected in the α1 subunit expression of the enzyme. There was a 24% decrease in phospholipids in the cortex of rats submitted to CAF, a 17% increase in cholesterol levels in the cortex, and a 23% decrease in the medulla. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in the groups submitted to CAF, both in the cortical region, 29%, and in the medulla, 35%. Also, a reduction of 45% in the glutathione levels was observed in the cortex and medulla with CAF. CAF showed a nearly two-fold increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity in relation to the control group in the cortex and a 59% increase in the GPx activity in the medulla. In conclusion, although the diet was administered for a short period of time, important results were found, especially those related to the lipid profile and oxidative stress, which may directly affect renal function.

Antagonistic anticancer effect of paclitaxel and digoxin combination.

Despite the growing interest in the antitumor effect of cardiotonic steroids, combination treatments with well-established chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel have been rarely investigated. Moreover, paclitaxel has been suggested as a Na+ /K+ -ATPase inhibitor. Here we investigated the effect of paclitaxel and digoxin alone or in combination on the viability of human lung (A549) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines and the inhibitory effect of paclitaxel on several mammalian Na+ /K+ -ATPases. Although the viability of both tumor cell lines was concentration-dependently affected by digoxin treatment after 48 hours (A549 IC50 = 31 nM and HeLa IC50 = 151 nM), a partial effect was observed for paclitaxel, with a maximal inhibitory effect of 45% at 1000 nM with A549 and around 70% with HeLa cells (IC50 = 1 nM). Although the two drugs were cytotoxic, their combined effect in HeLa cells was revealed to be antagonistic, as estimated by the combination index. No direct inhibitory effect of paclitaxel was detected in human, pig, rat, and mouse Na+ /K+ -ATPase enzymes, but high concentrations of paclitaxel decreased the Na+ /K+ -ATPase activity in HeLa cells after 48 hours without affecting protein expression. Our findings demonstrate that, under our conditions, paclitaxel and digoxin cotreatment produce antagonistic cytotoxic effects in HeLa cells, and the mechanism of action of paclitaxel does not involve a direct inhibition of Na+ /K+ -ATPase. More studies shall be designed to evaluate the consequences of the interaction of cardiotonic steroids and chemotherapy drugs.

Ouabain attenuates oxidative stress and modulates lipid composition in hippocampus of rats in lipopolysaccharide-induced hypocampal neuroinflammation in rats.

Our study aimed to analyze the effect of ouabain (OUA) administration on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced changes in hippocampus of rats. Oxidative parameters were analyzed in Wistar rats after intraperitoneal injection of OUA (1.8 µg/kg), LPS (200 µg/kg), or OUA plus LPS or saline. To reach our goal, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), in addition to levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), protein carbonyl (PCO) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were evaluated. We also analyzed the membrane lipid profile and some important lipids for the nervous system, such as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidic acid and sphingomyelin. The group that received only LPS showed increased oxidative stress, as evidenced by an increase in LPO (about twice), PCO (about three times) levels, and CAT activity (80%). Conversely, administration of LPS decreased GSH levels (55%), and GPx activity (30%), besides a reduction in the amount of PI (60%) and PC (45%). By other side, OUA alone increased the amount of PI (45%), PE (85%), and PC (70%). All harmful effects recorded were attenuated by OUA, suggesting a protective effect against LPS-induced oxidative stress. The relevance of our results extends beyond changes in oxidative parameters induced by LPS, because nanomolar doses of OUA may be useful in neurodegenerative models. Other studies on other cardenolides and substances related issues, as well as the development of new molecules derived from OUA, could also be useful in general oxidative and/or cellular stress, a condition favoring the appearance of neuronal pathologies.

Reduced CD8+ T cells infiltration can be associated to a malignant transformation in potentially malignant oral epithelial lesions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expressions of PD1, CD4+, and CD8+ in premalignant lesions (OPML) that were transformed into oral squamous cell carcinoma OSCC (OPML-OSCC), in OSCC and also in premalignant lesions that were not transformed into OSCC (OPML-NOSSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analyses were performed in order to verify the demographic characteristics of the patients. CD4, CD8, and PD1 IMH studies were carried out on OPML and OSCC samples from 11 patients with OPML-OSCC and OPML, together with samples from 14 patients with OPML-NOSCC. The differences between OPML-OSCC and OPML-NOSCC were analyzed. RESULTS: Non-homogenous leukoplakia, together with the related oral subsite, and the lack of an exposure to tobacco, were all associated with malignant transformations. There were no statistical differences in the PD1 expression and the CD4+ cells in OPML-OSCC and OPML-NOSCC. A significant increment in the CD8+ cells was noted in the OPML that evolved into carcinomas when compared with OPML-NOSCC (p = 0.05), whereas there were higher CD8+ cells levels in the carcinomas when compared with the OPML that evolved into carcinomas (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: CD8+ cells infiltrate more in OPML-NOSCC than in OPML-OSCC. Carcinoma is more infiltrated by CD8+ cells than its associated OPML. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding immunological factors associated with malignant transformation of oral premalignant lesions can open a new way to treat this disease.

Properties of novel surfactin-derived biosurfactants obtained through solid-phase synthesis.

Eight molecules, four peptides (SPs) and four lipopeptides (LPs) derived by rational design from surfactin, a well-known secreted biosurfactant from Bacillus subtilis, were produced employing Fmoc-based solid-phase synthesis. These new peptides were tested to evaluate their potential biosurfactant and biological activities, aiming at possible applications in industrial, biological, pharmaceutical, and medical use. Five molecules (SP1, SP2, SP4, LP5, and LP8) presented potential for medical uses, mainly due to their drug delivery properties as suggested by their synergistic activity with the antibiotic vancomycin against Staphylococcus aureus. All synthetic peptides showed low toxicity against Vero cell cultures, in assays of hemolysis, and in different cytotoxicity assays. In addition, we found that three peptides (SP1, LP6, and LP7) had potential technological and industrial use because of their emulsifying capacity, low toxicity, and ability to physically stabilize solutions. These novel molecules retained some properties of the parental molecule (surfactin, which was originally obtained through nonribosomal synthesis in Bacillus subtilis) but have the advantage of being linear peptides, which can be produced at large scales through the use of conventional heterologous protein expression protocols.

21­Benzylidene digoxin, a novel digoxin hemi-synthetic derivative, presents an anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of edema, tumour necrosis factor alpha production, inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and leucocyte migration.

Recent findings have demonstrated new therapeutic functions of cardiotonic steroids, a process that is termed drug repositioning. Despite the confirmed anti-inflammatory effects of cardiotonic steroids, their clinical use has been discouraged due to toxicity related to inhibition of the Na+/K+ ATPase. A novel synthetic compound derived from digoxin, 21­benzylidene digoxin (21­BD), does not inhibit this enzyme. Herein, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects and acute toxicity of 21­BD. Murine (Swiss mice) models of paw oedema induced by carrageenan, acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, and formalin and acute toxicity tests were used. Oral administration of 21­BD (0.3 mg/kg) showed a significant and prolonged inhibition of paw oedema. Histological analysis demonstrated a reduction in inflammatory cells and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in footpads 6 h after administration of carrageenan. 21­BD (0.3 mg/kg) also reduced the levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α 2 and 4 h after carrageenan. 21­BD demonstrated antinociceptive activity, inhibiting abdominal writhes at all tested doses. However, in the formalin test, 21­BD did not present antinociceptive activity. In the acute toxicity test, 21­BD did not cause symptoms of toxicity or mortality. The present study demonstrated, for the first time, that 21­BD is safe and exhibits a marked anti-inflammatory activity in acute local inflammation. This effect might be a consequence of its ability to inhibit the release of the PMN leucocyte-derived mediators, including TNF-α, and iNOS expression as well as its inhibitory effect on oedema and PMN leucocyte infiltration.

Cytotoxicity of AMANTADIG - a semisynthetic digitoxigenin derivative - alone and in combination with docetaxel in human hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells and its effect on Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition.

Cardiac glycosides (CGs) are natural compounds used to treat congestive heart failure. They have garnered attention as a potential cancer treatment option, especially because they bind to Na+/K+-ATPase as a target and activate intracellular signaling pathways leading to a variety of cellular responses. In this study we evaluated AMANTADIG, a semisynthetic cardenolide derivative, for its cytotoxic activity in two human androgen-insensitive prostate carcinoma cell lines, and the potential synergistic effects with docetaxel. AMANTADIG induced cytotoxic effects in both cell lines, and a combination with docetaxel showed a moderate and strong synergism in DU145 and PC-3 cells, respectively, at concentrations considerably lower than their IC50 values. Cell cycle analyses showed that AMANTADIG and its synergistic combination induced G2/M arrest of DU145 and PC-3 cells by modulating Cyclin B1, CDK1, p21 and, mainly, survivin expression, a promising target in cancer therapy. Furthermore, AMANTADIG presented reduced toxicity toward non-cancerous cell type (PBMC), and computational docking studies disclosed high-affinity binding to the Na+/K+-ATPase α subunit, a result that was experimentally confirmed by Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition assays. Hence, AMANTADIG inhibited Na+/K+-ATPase activity in PC-3 cells, as well as in purified pig kidney at nanomolar range. Altogether, these data highlight the potent effects of AMANTADIG in combination with docetaxel and offer important insights for the development of more effective and selective therapies against prostate cancer.

Iron overload impact on P-ATPases.

Iron is a chemical element that is active in the fundamental physiological processes for human life, but its burden can be toxic to the body, mainly because of the stimulation of membrane lipid peroxidation. For this reason, the action of iron on many ATPases has been studied, especially on P-ATPases, such as the Na+,K+-ATPase and the Ca2+-ATPase. On the Fe2+-ATPase activity, the free iron acts as an activator, decreasing the intracellular Fe2+ and playing a protection role for the cell. On the Ca2+-ATPase activity, the iron overload decreases the enzyme activity, raising the cytoplasmic Ca2+ and decreasing the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus Ca2+ concentrations, which could promote an enzyme oxidation, nitration, and fragmentation. However, the iron overload effect on the Na+,K+-ATPase may change according to the tissue expressions. On the renal cells, as well as on the brain and the heart, iron promotes an enzyme inactivation, whereas its effect on the erythrocytes seems to be the opposite, directly stimulating the ATPase activity, or stimulating it by signaling pathways involving ROS and PKC. Modulations in the ATPase activity may impair the ionic transportation, which is essential for cell viability maintenance, inducing irreversible damage to the cell homeostasis. Here, we will discuss about the iron overload effect on the P-ATPases, such as the Na+,K+-ATPase, the Ca2+-ATPase, and the Fe2+-ATPase.

Oxidative stress and Na,K-ATPase activity differential regulation in brainstem and forebrain of Wistar Audiogenic rats may lead to increased seizure susceptibility.

The Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) is a well-characterized seizure-prone, inbred rodent strain that, when acutely stimulated with high-intensity sounds, develops brainstem-dependent tonic-clonic seizures that can evolve to limbic-like, myoclonic (forebrain) seizures when the acoustic stimuli are presented chronically (audiogenic kindling). In order to investigate possible mechanisms underlying WAR susceptibility to seizures, we evaluated Na,K-ATPase activity, Ca-ATPase activity, Mg-ATPase activity, lipid membrane composition and oxidative stress markers in whole forebrain and whole brainstem samples of naïve WAR, as compared to samples from control Wistar rats. We also evaluated the expression levels of α1 and α3 isoforms of Na,K-ATPase in forebrain samples. We observed increased Na,K-ATPase activity in forebrain samples and increased oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in brainstem samples of WAR. The Ca-ATPase activity, Mg-ATPase activity, lipid membrane composition and expression levels of α1 and α3 isoforms of Na,K-ATPase were unaltered. In view of previous data showing that the membrane potentials from naïve WAR's neurons are less negative than that from neurons from Wistar rats, we suggest that Na,K-ATPase increased activity might be involved in a compensatory mechanism necessary to maintain WAR's brains normal activity. Additionally, ongoing oxidative stress in the brainstem could bring Na,K-ATPase activity back to normal levels, which may explain why WAR's present increased susceptibility to seizures triggered by high-intensity sound stimulation.

Ouabain attenuates the oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharides in the cerebellum of rats.

Our study aimed to analyze the effect of ouabain administration on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced changes in oxidative parameters, membrane lipid composition, and the activities of some important enzymes of the nervous system. The content of phospholipids, cholesterol, and gangliosides were analyzed in Wistar rats after intraperitoneal injection of ouabain (1.8 µg/kg), LPS (200 µg/kg), or saline. Oxidative parameters were also evaluated, including the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, the levels of glutathione and lipid peroxidation, as well as Na,K-ATPase activity and the level of glutamate transporter EAAT4. Administration of LPS resulted in increased oxidative stress, as evidenced by an increase in lipid peroxidation levels, glutathione peroxidase activity, decreased catalase activity and reduced glutathione levels. All changes recorded were attenuated by pretreatment with ouabain. Administration of ouabain plus LPS enhanced the total ganglioside content and EAAT4 levels, but failed to alter the Na,K-ATPase activity. Our data suggest a neuroprotective effect of ouabain against LPS-induced oxidative stress by promoting membrane lipid remodeling and increasing the expression of glutamate transporter EAAT4. Our results emphasize that the observed oxidative stress is not correlated with Na,K-ATPase, but with a possible ouabain-mediated effect on cellular signaling. The relevance of our results extends beyond LPS-induced changes in oxidative parameters, as nanomolar doses of ouabain might prove useful in neurodegenerative models. Further study of other cardenolides and related molecules, as well as the development of new molecules derived from ouabain, could also prove useful in the fight against the oxidative and/or general cell stress triggered by neuronal pathologies.

Effects of high fat diet on kidney lipid content and the Na, K-ATPase activity

ABSTRACT It is widely known that high fat diet (HFD) can contribute to the advent of health problems. Recent studies have indicated that obesity imposes a hemodynamic overload to the kidneys. In order to further investigate such injuries, two groups of six Swiss mice each were fed with a controlled AIN93G diet or a high fat (AIN93G modified) diet for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected to determine the hormonal, lipid profile, glucose, urea, and creatinine levels. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis were carried out to analysis the kidney damage. Fractions of renal membranes were prepared to assess the Na,K-ATPase activity, lipid peroxidation, total cholesterol, and phospholipid content. The results indicated that the blood lipid profile, urea and creatinine was not altered by the HFD. On the other hand, it was observed in HFD diet mice elevated glucose blood levels along with an augment on insulin and a decrease on corticosterone release. HFD provoked a reduction in the diameter of the convoluted tubules and cell volume in Bowman's capsule and an increased number of positive cells with Na,K-ATPase, but reduced the Na,K-ATPase activity and the cholesterol content in the kidney cell membrane but favored the lipid peroxidation.

Screening of the BRCA1 gene in Brazilian patients with breast and/or ovarian cancer via high-resolution melting reaction analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile of BRCA1 mutations among cancer-affected Brazilian women from the Midwest region of Minas Gerais state with clearly defined risk factors for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome. In this Brazilian region, the first Center for Hereditary Cancer Control began operation in 2011, and 90% of patients receive assistance from the public health service. Eighteen patients at high risk for HBOC were subjected to molecular analysis. Primers were designed for 22 coding exons of the gene; DNA was extracted; and real-time PCR followed by high-resolution melting reaction was performed. The amplicons were sequenced to confirm the identified profiles. Only exon 11 was directly sequenced due its length. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was performed for those patients in whom no pathogenic mutations were found. Among the 14 alterations identified in this study, the c.5263_5264insC pathogenic mutation was present in two patients (11.1%). Four alterations showed no clinical relevance; one exhibited inconclusive clinical relevance according to the examined databases; and eight alterations presented a divergent classification between the databases. No deletions or duplications were found using the MLPA technique. The HRM methodology was highly sensitive in identifying variants in the BRCA1 gene and can dramatically reduce the amount of sequencing required to identify germline mutations in BRCA genes, enabling cheaper tests and increasing their availability to Brazilian women assisted by the public health service.

Adverse reactions to docetaxel: an active survey

The rates of breast cancer mortality remain high in Brazil. Docetaxel is a semi-synthetic taxane used to treat various tumors, particularly tumors of the breast, lung and prostate. In this study ADR that occurred in 45 docetaxel users with breast cancer were surveyed. They were identified by type, causality (Naranjo algorithm and World Health Organization categories) and, if considered probable or defined, rated for severity according to SOBRAFO proposal (2007). A total of 325 ADR were observed: 165 in the first, 137 in the second and 23 in the third cycle. Fifty seven ADR were immediate and the others, late. Fatigue and exhaustion for more than five days, classified as Grade 3 by SOBRAFO (2007), were reported as the primary late RAM. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of immediate and late ADR between cycles (p=1 and p=0.3577, respectively). The presence of a pharmacist gave the patients a better understanding of the occurrence of RAM, especially those that occur outside the hospital, between chemotherapy cycles and are often not reported to the healthcare team, creating institutional demands and reaching the goal to track, observe and correlate the RAM for each user.

As taxas de mortalidade por câncer de mama no Brasil permanecem altas. O docetaxel é um taxano semi-sintético usado para tratar vários tumores, particularmente tumores da mama, pulmão e próstata. Neste estudo, as Reações Adversas (RAM) ocorridas em 45 pacientes com câncer de mama foram monitoradas. Elas foram classificadas pelo tipo e causalidade (Algoritmo de Naranjo e categorias propostas pela Organização Mundial da Saúde) e, se consideradas prováveis ou definidas, foram classificadas também pela severidade, de acordo com a proposta da SOBRAFO (2007). Um total de 325 RAM foram observadas: 165 no primeiro, 137 no segundo e 23 no terceiro ciclo. Cinquenta e sete RAM foram imediatas e as demais tardias. Fadiga e exaustão por mais de 5 dias, classificadas como grau 3 pela SOBRAFO (2007), foram as principais RAM encontradas. Não houve diferença significativa na ocorrência de RAM imediatas ou tardias entre os ciclos (p=1 e p=0,3577, respectivamente). A presença de um farmacêutico proporcionou aos pacientes um melhor entendimento sobre a ocorrência de RAM, especialmente sobre aquelas que ocorrem fora do ambiente hospitalar, entre os ciclos da terapia, não sendo usualmente relatadas aos profissionais de saúde. Isto gerou uma demanda na instituição e permitiu alcançar a meta de acompanhar, observar e correlacionar as RAM de cada paciente.

Effects of digoxin and Na, K-ATPase immunoexpression on human oral squamous carcinomas.

AIM: The present study evaluated the expression of α1 and ß1 Na,K-ATPase, as well as the effects of digoxin (DGX) on oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical expression of α1 and ß1 Na,K-ATPase were evaluated in 60 patients who underwent treatment at the São João de Deus Hospital. SCC-25 viability was assessed by the colorimetric assay. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze the association of α1 and ß1 Na,K-ATPase expression with the variables. RESULTS: Immunoexpression of α1 and ß1 Na,K-ATPase were observed in 28% and 55% of the tumors, however these proteins were not significant prognostic factors. Tobacco was significantly associated with α1 expression. SCC-25 viability decreased significantly after treatment with 1 µM DGX at 24 h. CONCLUSION: The smoking status of OSCC patients was significantly associated with α1 expression and DGX affected the SCC-25 viability in a dose- and duration-dependent manner.