Phosphorylated protein concentrate pumpkin seed (Cucurbita moschata): optimization by response surface methodology and nutritional characterization / Concentrado proteico fosforilado de semente de abóbora (Cucurbita moschata): otimização pela metodologia de superfície resposta e caracterização nutricional

ABSTRACT: Response surface methodology was used to determine optimum conditions for extraction of protein from pumpkin seed meal. A central composite rotational design (CCRD) including independent variables such, pH and sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) content was used. Maximum yield was obtained at a central point of CCRD, with STMP content and pH of 4% and 4.5, respectively. These conditions resulted in protein yield of 50.04 g of soluble protein from extract/100 g pumpkin seed. The optimization of pH and STMP content allowed obtaining a product with a high protein concentration (62.56 g 100 g-1), digestibility (62.03 g 100 g-1) and concentration of essential amino acids (27.26 g 100 g-1). Regarding the polyphenols concentration, phosphorylated protein concentrate from pumpkin seed and the pumpkin seed meal presented 13.11 g 100 g-1 and 23.19 g 100 g-1, respectively. The adequacy of the model was confirmed by extracting the protein under optimum values. These results help in designing the process of optimal protein extraction from pumpkin seeds.

RESUMO: A metodologia de superfície resposta foi utilizada para determinar condições ideais para a extração de proteína da farinha de semente de abóbora. Foi utilizado um delineamento composto central rotacional (DCCR), incluindo vários níveis independentes, tais como pH e trimetafosfato de sódio (TMPS). O rendimento máximo foi obtido em um ponto central de DCCR, com conteúdo de TMPS e pH de 4% e 4,5, respectivamente. Essas condições resultaram em rendimento proteico de 50,04 g de proteína solúvel no extrato/100 g de semente de abóbora. A otimização de pH e conteúdo de TMS permitiu a obtenção de um produto com alta concentração de proteína (62,56 g 100 g-1), digestibilidade proteica (62,03 g 100 g-1) e concentração de aminoácidos essenciais (27,26 g 100 g-1). Em relação à concentração de polifenois, o concentrado proteico fosforilado de semente de abóbora e a farinha de semente de abóbora apresentaram 13,11 g 100 g-1 e 23,19 g 100 g-1, respectivamente. A adequação do modelo foi confirmada pela extração da proteína sobvalores ótimos. Estes resultados auxiliam na concepção do processo de extração ótimo da proteína de semente de abóbora.

In vitro antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activity and HPLC-DAD screening of phenolics from Chenopodium ambrosioides L

Abstract The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of the crude extract and fractions of Chenopodium ambrosioides L., popularly known as Santa-Maria herb, against microorganisms of clinical interest by the microdilution technique, and also to show the chromatographic profile of the phenolic compounds in the species. The Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiotonic, anthraquinone, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids. The analysis by HPLC-DAD revealed the presence of rutin in the crude extract (12.5 ± 0.20 mg/g), ethyl acetate (16.5 ± 0.37 mg/g) and n-butanol (8.85 ± 0.11 mg/g), whereas quercetin and chrysin were quantified in chloroform fraction (1.95 ± 0.04 and 1.04 ± 0.01 mg/g), respectively. The most promising results were obtained with the ethyl acetate fraction, which inhibited a greater number of microorganisms and presented the lowest values of MIC against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 0.42 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 34.37 mg/mL), Paenibacillus apiarus (MIC = 4.29 mg/mL) and Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus (MIC = 4.29 mg/mL). Considering mycobacterial inhibition, the best results were obtained by chloroform fraction against M. tuberculosis, M. smegmatis, and M. avium (MIC ranging from 156.25 to 625 µg/mL). This study proves, in part, that the popular use of C. ambrosioides L. can be an effective and sustainable alternative for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by various infectious agents.

Eficácia da terapia Anti-IgE no controle da asma / Effectiveness of anti-IgE therapy for asthma control

Avaliar parâmetros de resposta à terapia anti-IgE com omalizumabe em pacientes com asma de difícil controle. Métodos: Foram avaliados 24 pacientes com asma de difícil controle, em uso de omalizumabe há pelo menos 32 semanas e considerados como respondedores à terapia. Avaliou-se a pontuação do teste de controle de asma (TCA), a presença de sintomas de asma, a frequência de uso de ß2-agonista de curta ação, as doses de corticoide inalatório e oral e o percentual previsto do volume expiratório forçado no 1° minuto (VEF1), antes e com 16 e 32 semanas de tratamento. Resultados: Na avaliação da pontuação do TCA foram obtidas as médias 12,4 para o momento inicial, 15,7 e 17,9 para a 16ª semana e 32ª semana respectivamente (p < 0,0001). A dose média de corticoide inalatório diminuiu ao longo das 32 semanas, de 1.416 mcg para 1.250 mcg na 32ª semana (p = 0,0797). O número de idas à emergência e de sintomas noturnos também diminuíram. Observou-se redução da dose de corticoide oral, sendo inicialmente a dose média de 17,4 mg e após 16 e 32 semanas 6,7 mg e 4,4 mg, respectivamente(p < 0,0001). Houve aumento na média do VEF1 (% do previsto), de 37,5% no início do tratamentopara 44,0% na 16ª semana (p = 0,007). Conclusões: O omalizumabe como terapia adjuvante no tratamento de pacientes com asma de difícil controle foi eficaz na melhora de parâmetros clínicose funcionais, contribuindo para o controle da asma e diminuição dos riscos futuros...

To assess parameters of response to anti-IgE therapy with omalizumab in patients with difficult-to-control asthma. Methods: Twenty four patients with difficult-to-control asthma using omalizumab for at least 32 weeks and considered as treatment responders were assessed. The Asthma Control Test (ACT) was used to assess the presence of asthma symptoms, frequency of use of short-acting beta2-agonists, inhaled and oral corticosteroid doses, and percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) before treatment and after 16 and 32 weeks of treatment. Results: Mean ACT scores were 12.4 before treatment and 15.7 and 17.9 at 16 and 32 weeks post-treatment, respectively (p < 0.0001). Mean dose of inhaled corticosteroid decreased over the 32 weeks, from 1,416 mcg to 1,250 mcg (p = 0.0797). The number of visits to emergency services and nocturnal symptoms also decreased. There was a reduction in the mean dose of oral corticosteroids, from 17.4 mg at baseline to 6.7 mg and 4.4 mg after 16 and 32 weeks of treatment, respectively (p < 0.0001). Finally, an increase was found in the mean percentage values of predicted FEV1, from 37.5% at baseline to 44.0% at week 16 (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Omalizumab as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with difficult-to-control asthma was effective in improving clinical and functional parameters, contributing to the control of asthma and to the reduction of future risks...

In Vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Antimycobacterial Activities of Solanum guaraniticum A. St.-Hil. Leaves.

With the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, it becomes necessary to search for new alternatives for the treatment of infectious diseases. Solanum guaraniticum is a shrub known as jurubeba or false jurubeba that has hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities, used in popular medicine for the treatment of various diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activities of crude extract, chloroforn, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions from its leaves. Good activities were observed for the ethyl acetate fraction against Staphylococcus intermedius and Listeria monocytogenes (MIC = 64 μg/mL) and for the crude extract against Micrococcus luteus (MIC = 32 μg/mL). In general, the extracts showed moderate activity against Gram-positive bacteria, and were inactive against Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. It was also verified considerable activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis, mainly by chloroform fraction (MIC = 156 μg/mL). These results are probably due to the good antioxidant activity and to the presence of high contents of polyphenols, tannins and alkaloids, metabolites known to possess antimicrobial activity. Studies aiming the isolation of compounds are necessary in order to know the main component involved in these activities, since the plant has an antimicrobial potential.