Electrophilic Agonists Modulate the Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin-1 Channels Mediated by Insulin and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Secretion for Glucose Homeostasis.

This pre-clinical study investigated the transient receptor potential ankyrin-1 (TRPA1) channels on modulating targets for glucose homeostasis using agonists: the electrophilic agonists, cinnamaldehyde (CIN) and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), and the non-electrophilic agonist, carvacrol (CRV). A glucose tolerance test was performed on rats. CIN and AITC (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) or CRV (25, 100, 300, and 600 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), and glycemia was measured. In the intestine, Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and disaccharidase activity were evaluated (in vivo and in vitro, respectively). Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro insulin secretion was determined. Islets were used to measure insulin secretion and calcium influx. CIN and AITC improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin secretion in vivo and in vitro. CRV was unable to reduce glycemia. Electrophilic agonists, CIN and AITC, inhibited disaccharidases and acted as secretagogues in the intestine by inducing GLP-1 release in vivo and in vitro and contributed to insulin secretion and glycemia. The effect of CIN on calcium influx in pancreatic islets (insulin secretion) involves voltage-dependent calcium channels and calcium from stores. TRPA1 triggers calcium influx and potentiates intracellular calcium release to induce insulin secretion, suggesting that electrophilic agonists mediate this signaling transduction for the control of glycemia.

Effect of virgin coconut oil on body weight, white fat depots, and biochemical and morphological parameters in mice fed standard or high-fat diets.

This study investigated the effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on body weight, white fat depots, and biochemical and morphological parameters in male Swiss mice fed standard (SD) or high-fat (HFD) diets. Thirty-three adult animals were assigned to one of four groups, as follows: SD, SD plus VCO (SDCO), HFD, and HFD plus VCO (HFDCO). VCO had no effects on the Lee index, subcutaneous fat, periepididymal fat, retroperitoneal fat, area under the curve for glucose, or pancreas weight, all of which were increased by HFD. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in the SDCO group compared with the SD group and decreased in the HFDCO group compared with the HFD group. VCO increased total cholesterol only in the SDCO group compared with the SD group, with no differences between the HFD and HFDCO groups. In conclusion, low-dose VCO supplementation did not improve obesity, had no effects on hepatic or renal function, and had beneficial effects on the lipid profile only in animals fed HFD.

Calotropis procera latex protein reduces inflammation and bone loss in ligature-induced period ontitis in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: Calotropis procera latex protein (CpLP) is a popular anti-inflammatory and therefore we aimed to study its effects on inflammatory bone loss. DESIGN: Male Wistar rats were subjected to a ligature of molars. Groups of rats received intraperitoneally CpLP (0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, or 3 mg/kg) or saline (0.9% NaCl) one hour before ligature and then daily up to 11 days, compared to naïve. Gingiva was evaluated by myeloperoxidase activity and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) expression by ELISA. Bone resorption was evaluated in the region between the cement-enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest. The histology considered alveolar bone resorption and cementum integrity, leukocyte infiltration, and attachment level, followed by immunohistochemistry bone markers between 1st and 2nd molars. Systemically, the weight of the body and organs, and a leukogram were performed. RESULTS: The periodontitis significantly increased myeloperoxidase activity and the IL-1ß level. The increased bone resorption was histologically corroborated by periodontal destruction, leukocyte influx, and attachment loss, as well as the increasing receptor activator of the nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio, and Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)+ cells when compared to naïve. CpLP significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity, level of IL-1ß, alveolar bone resorption, periodontal destruction, leukocyte influx, and attachment loss. The CpLp also reduced the RANKL/OPG ratio and TRAP+ cells, when compared with the saline group, and did not affect the systemic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: CpLP exhibited a periodontal protective effect by reducing inflammation and restricting osteoclastic alveolar bone resorption in this rat model.

Therapeutic effects of a lipid transfer protein isolated from Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) seeds on irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis in mice.

This work aimed to evaluate the activity of a lipid transfer protein isolated from Morinda citrifolia L. seeds, McLTP1, on the development of intestinal mucositis following irinotecan administration. McLTP1 (0.5, 2, and 8 mg/kg, i.v.) was injected into mice 1h before irinotecan administration (75 mg/kg, i.p.; 4 days), and then for additional 6 days. Seven days after the first dose of irinotecan, diarrhea was assessed, and the intestine was removed for histological evaluation, assessment of intestinal over-contractility, measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO), proinflammatory cytokines and chemokine (IL-1, IL-6, and KC levels - a murine homolog of human IL-8 chemokine), analysis of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. At the two highest doses, McLTP1 administration decreased mortality and diarrhea. McLTP1 (8 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly prevented irinotecan-induced intestinal damage and led to a reduction in over-contractility of the intestinal muscle (p < 0.05). Moreover, McLTP1 decreased the MPO, IL-1ß, IL-6, and KC levels by 74.7%, 42%, 92.9%, and 95.9%, respectively. Also, the expression of COX-2, NF-κB, and iNOS was reduced. Our study provides a potential new therapeutic for preventing irinotecan-induced mucositis, improved clinical parameters, and reduced inflammation.

Effect of safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorius L.) supplementation in the abdominal adipose tissues and body weight of male Wistar rats undergoing exercise training.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of safflower oil supplementation on the metabolic parameters, body weight, and abdominal adiposity in male Wistar rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) while undergoing exercise training. The rats were assigned to four groups: standard diet and sedentary (SDS), high-fat diet and sedentary (HFDS), high-fat diet and training (HFDT), and high-fat diet, training, and safflower oil (HFDTSO) groups. HFD significantly increased the abdominal adiposity in male Wistar rats. The safflower oil had no effect on the body weight and levels of blood glucose, TG, and TC, but it significantly reduced abdominal adiposity in male Wistar rats fed with an HFD while undergoing exercise training. Safflower oil supplementation reduced the abdominal fat in rats undergoing swimming training.

In vitro biocompatibility and wound healing properties of latex proteins dressing.

The chronification of ulcers or sores may result in a dramatic outcome such as amputation. Currently, the search for plant based treatments of various diseases/disorders, including complicated ones, is getting the attention of researchers worldwide. The soluble latex protein fraction (CpLP) obtained from Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae) was previously demonstrated to accelerate wound healing by topical application or when incorporated in a polyvinyl alcohol biomembrane (BioMemCpLP). Here, in vitro assays were performed to investigate and characterize the biocompatibility and bioactivity of latex proteins dressing. Macrophages (RAW 264.7), fibroblasts (L929) and keratinocytes (HaCaT) cell lines were used to evaluate the effect of CpLP. These cell lines were exposed to concentrations of CpLP comparable to those found in BioMemCpLP during 24-72 h. The cytotoxicity, proliferation, release of wound healing mediators (TGF-ß, VEGF, IL-10, IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α and NO) and migration of cells (E-cadherin and ß-catenin) incubated with CpLP was assessed and the cell adhesion to BioMemCpLP as well. The results showed that CpLP has no cytotoxic effects. It induced a suitable balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, enhanced proliferation and re-epithelialization in all cell lines, but the intensity of each effect was different at various doses in all cell strains. The BioMemCpLP stimulated cell adhesion to PVA substrate. The CpLP-PVA based biomembrane can be a good option for healing of different wounds.

Latex proteins downregulate inflammation and restores blood-coagulation homeostasis in acute Salmonella infection

BACKGROUND Calotropis procera latex protein fraction (LP) was previously shown to protect animals from septic shock. Further investigations showed that LP modulate nitric oxide and cytokines levels. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether the protective effects of LP, against lethal bacterial infection, is observed in its subfractions (LPPII and LPPIII). METHODS Subfractions (5 and 10 mg/kg) were tested by i.p. administration, 24 h before challenging with lethal injection (i.p.) of Salmonella Typhimurium. LPPIII (5 mg/kg) which showed higher survival rate was assayed to evaluate bacterial clearance, histopathology, leukocyte recruitment, plasma coagulation time, cytokines and NO levels. FINDINGS LPPIII protected 70% of animals of death. The animals given LPPIII exhibited reduced bacterial load in blood and peritoneal fluid after 24 h compared to the control. LPPIII promoted macrophage infiltration in spleen and liver. LPPIII restored the coagulation time of infected animals, increased IL-10 and reduced NO in blood. MAIN CONCLUSIONS LPPIII recruited macrophages to the target organs of bacterial infection. This addressed inflammatory stimulus seems to reduce bacterial colonisation in spleen and liver, down regulate bacterial spread and contribute to avoid septic shock.

The Wound Healing Property of N-Methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-Hydroxy-L-Proline from Sideroxylon obtusifolium is Related to its Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions.

Wound healing involves the interaction of blood cells, proteins, proteases, growth factors, and extracellular matrix components. Inflammation is one of the first events occurring during this process. Previously, we showed that the N-Methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-Hydroxy-L-Proline (NMP) from Sideroxylon obtusifolium leaves (a Brazilian medicinal species) presents an anti-inflammatory action. Considering inflammation as an important event in the wound healing process, the objectives were to investigate the topical effects of the NMP gel on a mice wound-induced model. Male Swiss mice were divided into 4 groups: Sham (surgical procedure only), Control (gel-base treated), and 3% or 10% NMP gel-treated groups. Measurements of wound areas and microscopic analyses (HE [hematoxylin-eosin] and PSR [picrosirius red] stainings) were carried out, at the 7th and 12th, days after the wound induction. Furthermore, immunohistochemical assays for iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and biochemical measurements for TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), GSH (glutathione), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also performed, at the second day after the wound induction. The work showed that NMP decreases the wound areas, after topical application, relatively to the Sham and Control groups. In addition, microscopic alterations were reduced and collagen deposition was increased, at the 7th and 12th days, in the 10% NMP group. While iNOS and COX-2 immunostainings and GSH contents increased, in relation to the Sham and Control groups, TBARS and MPO decreased. Altogether, the results showed NMP to improve the wound healing process, by upregulating iNOS and COX-2 activities, reducing lipid peroxidation and MPO activity, and increasing GSH contents. In addition, NMP certainly contributes to the increased collagen deposition. These data may stimulate translational studies dealing with the possible use of NMP from Sideroxylon obtusifolium or from other sources for the management of wound healing.

Metformin reduces c-Fos and ATF3 expression in the dorsal root ganglia and protects against oxaliplatin-induced peripheral sensory neuropathy in mice.

Oxaliplatin is a third-generation platinum drug commonly used as the first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Oxaliplatin-based anticancer regimens course with dose-limiting neurotoxicity. The pharmacological strategies used to manage such side effect are not totally effective. Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug that is described to negatively modulate painful diabetic neuropathy. Then, this study aimed to assess the effect of metformin in the oxaliplatin-induced peripheral sensory neuropathy in mice. For that purpose, Swiss male mice were injected with oxaliplatin (1, 2 or 4 mg/kg, i.v., twice a week with a total of nine injections) alone or in combination with daily administration of metformin (250 mg/kg, p.o.). Thermal and mechanical nociceptive tests were performed once a week for five weeks. Then, the animals were euthanized on day 35 post-first injection of oxaliplatin and the dorsal root ganglia were harvested for the assessment of c-Fos and ATF3 expressions. Oxaliplatin caused a nociceptive response accompanied by the increased expression of c-Fos and ATF3 in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord. In addition, the oxaliplatin-associated nociception was significantly attenuated by metformin (P < 0.05), which also reduced the expression of c-Fos and ATF3 (P < 0.05). Therefore, metformin protected from the peripheral sensory neuropathy induced by oxaliplatin, which was confirmed by the reduction of c-Fos and ATF3 expression, two known neuronal activation and damage markers, respectively.

SN-38, the active metabolite of irinotecan, inhibits the acute inflammatory response by targeting toll-like receptor 4.

PURPOSE: Anticancer-drug efficacy seems to involve the direct interaction with host immune cells. Although topoisomerase I (Top I) inhibitors have been suggested to block LPS-evoked inflammation, the interaction between these drugs and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is unaddressed. METHODS: SN-38, the active metabolite of the Top I inhibitor irinotecan, and TLR4 interaction was assessed using the in vitro luciferase nuclear factor-κB reporter assay, neutrophil migration to murine air-pouch, in silico simulation, and the thermal shift assay (TSA). Topotecan was used as a positive anti-inflammatory control. RESULTS: Non-cytotoxic concentrations of SN-38 attenuated LPS (a TLR4 agonist)-driven cell activation without affecting peptidoglycan (a TLR2 agonist)-activating response. Similarly, topotecan also prevented LPS-induced inflammation. Conversely, increasing concentrations of LPS reversed the SN-38 inhibitory effect. In addition, SN-38 abrogated LPS-dependent neutrophil migration and reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and keratinocyte chemoattractant levels in the air-pouch model, but failed to inhibit zymosan (a TLR2 agonist)-induced cell migration. A two-step molecular docking analysis indicated two potential binding sites for the SN-38 in the MD-2/TLR4 complex, the hydrophobic MD-2 pocket (binding energy of - 8.1 kcal/mol) and the rim of the same molecule (- 6.9 kcal/mol). The topotecan also bound to the MD-2 pocket. In addition, not only the lactone forms, but also the carboxylate conformations of both Top I inhibitors interacted with the MD-2 molecule. Furthermore, the TSA suggested the interaction of SN-38 with MD-2. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, SN-38 inhibits acute inflammation by blocking LPS-driven TLR4 signaling. This mechanism seems to be shared by other Top I inhibitors.

Neutrophils contribute to the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic cystitis induced by ifosfamide.

Ifosfamide (IFO) is an antineoplastic drug that is commonly used to treat gynecological and breast cancers. Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a common side effect associated with IFO injection, which courses with neutrophil accumulation and affects 6-50% of patients depending on dose intensity. Here, we investigated the role of neutrophils in this inflammatory process. Female Swiss mice (n = 8/group) were injected with saline, IFO (400 mg/kg, i.p.), fucoidan (a P- and L-selectins inhibitor, 100 mg/kg, i.v.) or IFO + fucoidan (1-100 mg/kg) alone or combined with mesna (80 mg/kg i.p.). Another group of mice received anti-Ly6G antibody (500 µg/mouse, once daily for 2 days) for neutrophil depletion before IFO injection. In another experimental setting, animals received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, 400 µg/kg), IFO (200 mg/kg), G-CSF (25-400 µg/kg, for 5 days) + IFO (200 mg/kg, i.p.) or fucoidan + G-CSF + IFO. Bladder injury was evaluated 12 h after IFO injection. IFO 400 mg/kg significantly increased visceral hyperalgesia, bladder edema, hemorrhage, vascular permeability, MPO, IL-1ß and IL-6 tissue levels, and COX-2 immunostaining and expression versus the saline group (P < 0.05). Conversely, fucoidan (100 mg/kg) significantly attenuated these parameters compared to IFO-injected mice (P < 0.05). Additionally, fucoidan potentiated mesna protective effect when compared with IFO + mesna group (P < 0.05). Accordingly, neutrophil depletion with anti-Ly6G reduced inflammatory parameters and bladder injury compared to IFO (P < 0.05). In contrast, G-CSF enhanced IFO (200 mg/kg)-induced HC, which was significantly attenuated by treatment with fucoidan (P < 0.05). Therefore, neutrophils contribute to the pathogenesis of HC.

Cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines and anti-inflammatory properties of chitinases from Calotropis procera latex.

The role of chitinases from the latex of medicinal shrub Calotropis procera on viability of tumor cell lines and inflammation was investigated. Soluble latex proteins were fractionated in a CM Sepharose Fast-Flow Column and the major peak (LPp1) subjected to ion exchange chromatography using a Mono-Q column coupled to an FPLC system. In a first series of experiments, immortalized macrophages were cultured with LPp1 for 24 h. Then, cytotoxicity of chitinase isoforms (LPp1-P1 to P6) was evaluated against HCT-116 (colon carcinoma), OVCAR-8 (ovarian carcinoma), and SF-295 (glioblastoma) tumor cell lines in 96-well plates. Cytotoxic chitinases had its anti-inflammatory potential assessed through the mouse peritonitis model. We have shown that LPp1 was not toxic to macrophages at dosages lower than 125 µg/mL but induced high messenger RNA expression of IL-6, IL1-ß, TNF-α, and iNOs. On the other hand, chitinase isoform LPp1-P4 retained all LPp1 cytotoxic activities against the tumor cell lines with IC50 ranging from 1.2 to 2.9 µg/mL. The intravenous administration of LPp1-P4 to mouse impaired neutrophil infiltration into the peritoneal cavity induced by carrageenan. Although the contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IL1-ß were high in the bloodstreams, such effect was reverted by administration of iNOs inhibitors NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and aminoguanidine. We conclude that chitinase isoform LPp1-P4 was highly cytotoxic to tumor cell lines and capable to reduce inflammation by an iNOs-derived NO mechanism.

In Vivo Efficacy of Latex from Calotropis procera in Ameliorating Fever-Biochemical Characteristics and Plausible Mechanism.

Calotropis procera latex fractions possessing anti-inflammatory property were characterized for their biochemical properties, compared for their efficacy in ameliorating fever in rats and their mechanism of action was elucidated. Aqueous fraction and methanol extract (AqDL and MeDL) were derived from the dried latex (DL) and proteins were separated from the fresh latex (LP). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis carried out under denaturing conditions showed the presence of proteins with some similarity in LP and AqDL and both of these fractions exhibited proteinase activity by gelatin zymography. A further analysis revealed that only the LP fraction possesses cysteine proteinase activity. Oral administration of both AqDL and MeDL produced a dose-dependent reduction in body temperature in rats where fever was induced by yeast and their effect was comparable to that of standard drug paracetamol while intravenous administration of LP was not so effective. Both AqDL and MeDL produced a significant reduction in the levels of TNF-α, PGE2, and immunoreactivity of COX-2 in the hypothalamus as compared to yeast control group. This study shows that both AqDL and MeDL, the orally effective anti-inflammatory fractions of latex, have therapeutic potential in treating various febrile conditions.

Side-Effects of Irinotecan (CPT-11), the Clinically Used Drug for Colon Cancer Therapy, Are Eliminated in Experimental Animals Treated with Latex Proteins from Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae).

Intestinal mucositis (IM) is the critical side effect of irinotecan (CPT-11), which is the front-line drug used for the treatment of colorectal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of latex proteins (LP) from Calotropis procera to prevent IM and diarrhea in animals. Swiss mice were treated daily with saline or LP (1, 5, or 50 mg/kg, i.v.) 24 h prior to CTP-11 (75 mg/kg/4 days, i.p) and for additional 6 days. Animal survival, body weight variation, and diarrhea were registered. After animal sacrifice (day 7 post first injection of CPT-11), intestinal samples were collected to study morphology and inflammatory parameters. Animals given LP exhibited improved parameters (survival, body weight, and absence of diarrhea) as compared with the CPT-11 control. The severity of IM observed in animals given CPT-11 was reduced in animals treated with LP. Treatment with LP also prevented the reduction in the villus/crypt ratio promoted by CPT-11. The rise in MPO activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines, over-contractility of the smooth muscle, and diarrhea were all abrogated in LP-treated mice. Markedly reduced immunostaining intensity for COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1ß, iNOS, and NF-κB was observed in the intestinal tissue of animals treated with LP. The side-effects of CPT-11 were eliminated by LP treatment in experimental animals and improved clinical parameters characteristic of IM All known biochemical pathogenesis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Preclinical anticancer effectiveness of a fraction from Casearia sylvestris and its component Casearin X: in vivo and ex vivo methods and microscopy examinations.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Casearia sylvestris (Salicaceae) is found in South America and presents antiulcerogenic, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive activities. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the in vivo and ex vivo antitumor action of a fraction with casearins (FC) and its main component - Casearin X-isolated from C. sylvestris leaves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Firstly, Sarcoma 180 bearing Swiss mice were treated with FC and Cas X for 7 days. Secondly, BALB/c nude animals received hollow fibers with colon carcinoma (HCT-116) or glioblastoma (SF-295) cells and were treated with FC for 4 days. On 5th day, proliferation was determined by MTT assay. RESULTS: FC 10 and 25mg/kg/day i.p. and 50mg/kg/day oral and Cas X 25mg/kg/day i.p. and 50mg/kg/day oral revealed tumor growth inhibition rates of 35.8, 86.2, 53.7, 90.0 and 65.5% and such tumors demonstrated rare mitoses and coagulation necrosis areas. Similarly, FC reduced multiplying of HCT-116 and SF-295 cells when evaluated by the Hollow Fiber Assay (2.5 and 5mg/kg/day i.p. and 25 and 50mg/kg/day oral), with cell growth inhibition rates ranging from 33.3 to 67.4% (p<0.05). Flow cytometry experiments revealed that FC reduced membrane integrity and induced DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial depolarization (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FC and Cas X were efficient antitumor substances against murine and human cancer cells and caused reversible morphological changes in liver, kidneys and spleens, emphasizing clerodane diterpenes as an emerging class of anticancer molecules.

In vivo growth-inhibition of Sarcoma 180 by an alpha-(1-->4)-glucan-beta-(1-->6)-glucan-protein complex polysaccharide obtained from Agaricus blazei Murill.

Agaricus blazei Murrill, a native mushroom of Brazil, has been widely consumed in different parts of the world due to its anticancer potential. This effect is generally attributed to its polysaccharides; however, the precise structure of these has not been fully characterized. To better understand the relationship between polysaccharide structures and antitumor activity, we investigated the effect of the intraperitoneally (i.p.) or orally (p.o.) administered alpha-(1-->4)-glucan-beta-(1-->6)-glucan-protein complex polysaccharide from A. blazei alone or in association with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in tumor growth using Sarcoma 180 transplanted mice. Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses were performed in order to evaluate the toxicological aspects of the polysaccharide treatment. The polysaccharide had no direct cytotoxic action on tumor cells in vitro. However, the polysaccharide showed strong in vivo antitumor effect. Thus, the tumor growth-inhibitory effect of the polysaccharide is apparently due to host-mediated mechanisms. The histopathological analysis suggests that the liver and the kidney were not affected by polysaccharide treatment. Neither enzymatic activity of transaminases (AST and ALT) nor urea levels were significantly altered. In hematological analysis, leucopeny was observed after 5-FU treatment, but this effect was prevented when the treatment was associated with the polysaccharide. In conclusion, this polysaccharide probably could explain the ethnopharmacological use of this mushroom in the treatment of cancer.

Antitumor activity of two derivatives from 2-acylamine-1, 4-naphthoquinone in mice bearing S180 tumor.

Drugs containing a quinone moiety, such as anthracyclines, mitoxantrones and lapachol, show excellent anticancer activity. In this study, 2-butanoylamine-1,4-naphthoquinone (1) and 2-propanoylamine-1,4-naphthoquinone (2) derivatives from 2-amine-1 ,4-naphthoquinone were synthesized, and their antitumor activity in mice bearing Sarcoma 180 tumor were examined. In addition, hematology and biochemistry analyses, as well as, histopathological and morphological analyses were performed in order to evaluate the toxicological aspects of the naphthoquinones treatment. Both naphthoquinones showed potente antitumor activity. The inhibition rates were 33.48 and 42.35% for (1) and 37.65 and 55.24% for (2) at the dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively. In the histopathological analysis, the naphthoquinones showed only weak toxicity. Neither enzimatic activity of transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase-AST nor alanine aminotransferase-ALT), urea level nor hematological paramenter were significantly modified after naphthoquinones treatment. These data reinforce the anticancer potential of naphthoquinones derivatives.

Latex constituents from Calotropis procera (R. Br.) display toxicity upon egg hatching and larvae of Aedes aegypti (Linn.)

Calotropis procera R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant with leaves, roots, and bark being exploited by popular medicine to fight many human and animal diseases. This work deals with the fractionation of the crude latex produced by the green parts of the plant and aims to evaluate its toxic effects upon egg hatching and larval development of Aedes aegypti. The whole latex was shown to cause 100 percent mortality of 3rd instars within 5 min. It was fractionated into water-soluble dialyzable (DF) and non-dialyzable (NDF) rubber-free materials. Both fractions were partially effective to prevent egg hatching and most of individuals growing under experimental conditions died before reaching 2nd instars or stayed in 1st instars. Besides, the fractions were very toxic to 3rd instars causing 100 percent mortality within 24 h. When both fractions were submitted to heat-treatment the toxic effects were diminished considerably suggesting low thermostability of the toxic compounds. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of both fractions and their newly fractionated peaks obtained through ion exchange chromatography or desalting attested the presence of proteins in both materials. When submitted to protease digestion prior to larvicidal assays NDF lost most of its toxicity but DF was still strongly active. It may be possible that the highly toxic effects of the whole latex from C. procera upon egg hatching and larvae development should be at least in part due to its protein content found in NDF. However the toxicity seems also to involve non protein molecules present in DF.