Effect of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca on Anxiety and Male Exposure of Female Mice with Advanced Age.

BACKGROUND: Effect of Heteropterys aphrodisiaca (dog-node) on anxiety and function of adult female wistar mice. The project is an experiment with the use of H. aphrodisiac root extract, in order to observe the frequency of sexual exposure of females exposed to the extract, quantify the effect of the extract on the concentration of total testosterone and observe the anxiety levels of the animals exposed. Results will be measured with the laboratory testosterone test and LCE and CA tests. METHODS: In preparation of the extract, the root was oven dried at 40°C and diluted in alcohol extract (100g of root for 1 liter of alcohol) and lyophilized. 40 adult female mice were enrolled, separated in control group (placebo) and treatment group (50 mg/kg/day) for 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. At each period, hormonal testosterone and anxiety levels by the Elevated-Cross Labyrinth (ECL) tests and Open Camp (CA) were measured in 10 animals that were later euthanized (SBNeC). RESULTS: The results showed an improvement in the decrease of anxiety, as shown in the variables of number of open arm entries, time on the same side of the field, less avoidance and leakage. However, it appears that the time of exposure to the extract does not result in increased benefit, with possible decline of effect after 45 days of use. CONCLUSION: With this performed experiment with the "no-de-cachorro" extract, it was possible to understand a little more how this root can act in relation to anxiety, as predicted by the pharmacology that validates the animal models; anxiolytic components decrease anxiety-related behaviors, as shown in the variables of entry numbers in the open arm, time on the same side of the field, less avoidance and escape. However, it seems that the time of exposure to the extract does not modify the performance in the tests, observing until an apparent exhaustion of the anxiolytic action, which evidences the need for more specific studies on the possible effects of the extract.

Evaluation of an antimicrobial L-amino acid oxidase and peptide derivatives from Bothropoides mattogrosensis pitviper venom.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The prevalence of bacterial resistance to common antibiotics has increased in recent years, highlighting the need to develop novel alternatives for controlling these pathogens. Pitviper venoms are composed of a multifaceted mixture of peptides, proteins and inorganic components. L-amino oxidase (LAO) is a multifunctional enzyme that is able to develop different activities including antibacterial activity. In this study a novel LAO from Bothrops mattogrosensis (BmLAO) was isolated and biochemically characterized. Partial enzyme sequence showed full identity to Bothrops pauloensis LAO. Moreover, LAO here isolated showed remarkable antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, clearly suggesting a secondary protective function. Otherwise, no cytotoxic activities against macrophages and erythrocytes were observed. Finally, some LAO fragments (BmLAO-f1, BmLAO-f2 and BmLAO-f3) were synthesized and further evaluated, also showing enhanced antimicrobial activity. Peptide fragments, which are the key residues involved in antimicrobial activity, were also structurally studied by using theoretical models. The fragments reported here may be promising candidates in the rational design of new antibiotics that could be used to control resistant microorganisms.