Evaluation of Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity of Hydro-Ethanolic Extracts Obtained from Steiractinia aspera Cuatrec.

In this work, the antioxidant activity of the hydro-ethanolic extracts of the leaves, flowers, and aerial parts of Steiractinia aspera Cuatrec, both fresh and post-distillation, was evaluated by ABTS+·, FRAP, H2O2 and DPPH assays. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated in MCF-7, MCF-10A and HT-29 cell lines. The hydro-ethanolic extracts were obtained by matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) and ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction (SE). The fresh-leaf MSPD extract had the highest antioxidant activity, and the post-distillation leaf ultrasound-assisted SE extract had the highest cytotoxicity in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, although not selective, which was evaluated by sulforhodamine B assay. On the other hand, ROS was evaluated by flow cytometry which showed that post-distillation leaf extract is pro-oxidant. Chlorogenic acid, kaempferol-3-glucoside and quercetin were found in the fresh leaves' extracts, according to HPLC-DAD. PLC-DAD permitted the isolation of p-coumaric acid, E-3-(4-(((E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) acryloyl) oxy)-3-hydroxyphenyl) acrylic acid and a diglucosylated derivative of ursolic acid, which were analyzed by 1H and 13C NMR. Our results suggest that the fresh leaf extract of Steiractinia aspera Cuatrec has potential use for antioxidant applications.

Ustekinumab for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a drug evaluation and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriasis (PsO) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by proliferation of keratinocytes, and it may be associated with a systemic inflammatory articular disorder, psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The presentations of PsO and PsA are heterogeneous, and our understanding of pathogenesis has led to a better understanding of the role of the interleukin (IL)-23/T-helper 17 (Th17) axis. Areas covered: Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody against IL-12 and IL-23. The pathogenesis of PsO and PsA is a multifactorial process involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. IL-23 signaling and activation of Th17 cells leads to a self-perpetuating inflammatory loop resulting in continuous keratinocyte proliferation and synovitis. Treatment options are varied, ranging from topical therapy to injection of targeted biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Evidence on the use of ustekinumab in the management of PsO is strong, but it is not as impressive in management of PsA. Expert opinion: IL-12/23 inhibition appears to be a good first-line option for plaque PsO, but efficacy in PsA does not compare favorably to IL-17 inhibition. In general, poorer responses to therapy with any bDMARD in PsA cohorts highlight psoriatic disease heterogeneity. Until new knowledge can remedy the failure of monotherapy, synergistic methods may have to be explored, including combination biologic therapy.

Isolation and Identification of Compounds from Bioactive Extracts of Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F. H. Wigg. (Dandelion) as a Potential Source of Antibacterial Agents.

Currently, the most effective treatment for recurrent urinary tract infections in women is antibiotics. However, the limitation for this treatment is the duration and dosage of antibiotics and the resistance that bacteria develop after a long period of administration. With the aim of identifying mainly novel natural agents with antibacterial activity, the present study was undertaken to investigate the biological and phytochemical properties of extracts from the leaves Taraxacum officinale. The structural identification of compounds present in hexane (Hex) and ethyl acetate (AcOEt) extracts was performed by mass spectrometry (GC-MS) spectroscopic techniques and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) with the major compounds corresponding to different sesquiterpene lactones (α-santonin, glabellin, arborescin, and estafiatin), monoterpene (9,10-dimethyltricycle [4.2.1.1 (2,5)]decane-9,10-diol), phytosterol (Stigmasta-5,22-dien-3ß-ol acetate), terpenes (lupeol acetate, pregn-5-en-20-one-3ß-acetyloxy-17-hydroxy, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde), and coumarin (benzofuranone 5,6,7,7-a-tetraaldehyde-4,4,7a-trimethyl). The results obtained show that the Hex extract was highly active against Staphylococcus aureus showing a MIC of 200 µg/mL and moderately active against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae with MIC values of 400 µg/mL and 800 µg/mL for the other Gram-negative strains tested with Proteus mirabilis as uropathogens in vitro. Therefore, the effective dandelion extracts could be used in the development of future products with industrial application.

Platelet-rich plasma and its effect in bone regeneration in mandibular fractures. Controlled clinical trial / Plasma rico en plaquetas y su efecto en la regeneración ósea en fracturas mandibulares. Ensayo clínico controlado

Background: Currently there is great interest in developing clinical applications of platelet-rich plasma to enhance bone repair. Aim: To assess bone regeneration in mandibular fractures, with the application of this adjuvant. Methods: Twenty patients with mandibular fractures were included in a randomized clinical trial. Patients of the experimental group (n = 10) were submitted to internal fracture reduction and administration of platelet-rich plasma, and patients of the control group (n = 10) were submitted to the same surgical procedure without plasma application. Radiologic assessment was made before and at 1 and 3 months after surgery. X-rays were digitalized for analyze intensity and density as reflection of bone regeneration. Results: The average age was 32 ± 11.3 years and 31.2 ± 8.48 years respectively (p = 0.76). The radiographic intensity and density in the experimental group at the 1st and 3rd month were higher in contrast to the control group (p < 0.005). Bone regeneration time was 3.7 ± 0.48 and 4.5 ± 0.52 weeks respectively (p = 0.002). There was no morbidity related to the application of the platelet-rich plasma. Conclusion: The platelet-rich plasma increased the bone intensity and density in the fracture trace allowing bone regeneration and recovery in shorter time than patients in which it was not used.

Antecedentes: Actualmente existe interés en el desarrollo de aplicaciones clínicas del plasma rico en plaquetas (PRP) para mejorar la regeneración ósea (RO). Objetivo: Evaluar la RO en fracturas mandibulares con la aplicación de PRP. Métodos: Ensayo clínico controlado. Se incluyeron 20 pacientes con fractura de ángulo mandibular. El grupo de estudio (n = 10) se sometió a reducción de la fractura, fijación interna y aplicación de PRP, y el grupo control (n = 10) al mismo procedimiento sin administración de plasma. Se evaluaron en el preoperatorio y al primer y tercer mes posterior a la reducción mediante digitalización radiográfica para evaluar la regeneración ósea. Resultados: El promedio de edad fue de 32 ± 11.3 y 31.2 ± 8.48 años, respectivamente (p = 0.76). La intensidad y la densidad radiográfica al mes y a los 3 meses fueron superiores en el grupo de estudio que en el grupo control (p< 0.005). El tiempo de regeneración fue de 3.7 ± 0.48 y 4.5 ± 0.52 semanas, respectivamente (p = 0.002). Conclusiones: El PRP aumentó la intensidad y la densidad ósea en el trazo de las fracturas, sugestivas de RO, y recuperación en menor tiempo, en contraste con el grupo control.

Oral glutamine reduces myocardial damage after coronary revascularization under cardiopulmonary bypass. A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body. It modulates immune cell function and is an important energy substrate for cells in critically ill patients. Reduction of injury cardiac markers had been observed in patients receiving intravenous glutamine and in a pilot study with oral glutamine. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of preoperative oral supplementation of glutamine on postoperative serum levels of cardiac injury markers. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was performed in 28 Mexican patients with ischemic heart disease who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass with extracorporeal circulation. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oral glutamine (0.5 g/kg/day) or maltodextrin 3 days before surgery. Cardiac injury markers as troponin-I, creatine phosphokinase, and creatine phosphokinase-Mb were measured at 1, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: At 12 and 24 hours serum markers levels were significantly lower in the glutamine group compared with controls (p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively) (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). Overall, complications were significantly lower in the glutamine group (p = 0.01, RR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.31-0.93). Mortality was observed with 2 cases of multiple organ failure in control group and 1 case of pulmonary embolism in glutamine group (p = 0.50). CONCLUSION: Preoperative oral glutamine standardized at a dose of 0.5 g/kg/day in our study group showed a significant reduction in postoperative myocardial damage. Lower cardiac injury markers levels, morbidity and mortality were observed in patients receiving glutamine.

Oral glutamine reduces myocardial damage after coronary revascularization under cardiopulmonary bypass. A randomized clinical trial / La glutamina oral reduce el daño miocárdico tras revascularización coronaria bajo derivación cardiopulmonar. Un ensayo clínico aleatorizado

Background: Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body. It modulates immune cell function and is an important energy substrate for cells in critically ill patients. Reduction of injury cardiac markers had been observed in patients receiving intravenous glutamine and in a pilot study with oral glutamine. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of preoperative oral supplementation of glutamine on postoperative serum levels of cardiac injury markers. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed in 28 Mexican patients with ischemic heart disease who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass with extracorporeal circulation. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oral glutamine (0.5 g/kg/day) or maltodextrin 3 days before surgery. Cardiac injury markers as troponin-I, creatine phosphokinase, and creatine phosphokinase-Mb were measured at 1, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. Results: At 12 and 24 hours serum markers levels were significantly lower in the glutamine group compared with controls (p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively) (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). Overall, complications were significantly lower in the glutamine group (p = 0.01, RR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.31-0.93). Mortality was observed with 2 cases of multiple organ failure in control group and 1 case of pulmonary embolism in glutamine group (p = 0.50). Conclusion: Preoperative oral glutamine standardized at a dose of 0.5 g/kg/day in our study group showed a significant reduction in postoperative myocardial damage. Lower cardiac injury markers levels, morbidity and mortality were observed in patients receiving glutamine (AU)

Introducción: la glutamina es el aminoácido libre más abundante en el cuerpo. Modula funciones celulares inmunológicas y es un sustrato importante de energía. Se observó reducción de los marcadores de daño cardiaco en pacientes que recibieron tanto glutamina intravenosa como oral en un estudio piloto. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar el efecto preoperatorio con suplementación de glutamina oral sobre los niveles postoperatorios de los marcadores de lesión cardiaca. Métodos: ensayo clínico aleatorizado con 28 pacientes mexicanos con cardiopatía isquémica y sometidos a bypass cardiopulmonar con circulación extracorpórea. Los pacientes fueron asignados al azar para recibir glutamina oral (0,5 g/kg/día) o maltodextrina 3 días antes de ser operados. La troponina-I, creatinina fosfoquinasa y creatinina fosfoquinasa-Mb fueron medidas a la hora, 12 y 24 horas postoperatorias. Resultados: a las 12 y 24 horas los niveles séricos de marcadores fueron menores en el grupo de glutamina comparado con los controles (p = 0,01 y p = 0,001, respectivamente) (p = 0,004 y p < 0,001, respectivamente). Las complicaciones fueron menores en el grupo de glutamina (p = 0,01, RR = 0,54, 95% IC 0,31-0,93). La mortalidad ocurrió en 2 casos con dos falla orgánica múltiple en el grupo control y 1 caso de tromboembolia pulmonar en el grupo de glutamina (p = 0,50). Conclusión: la administración estandarizada de glutamina oral de manera preoperatoria (0,5 g/kg/día) en nuestro estudio demostró una reducción significativa del daño miocárdico postoperatorio. Los niveles séricos de marcadores cardiacos, la morbilidad y mortalidad fueron menores en los pacientes que recibieron glutamina (AU)

Synthesis of New Hydrated Geranylphenols and in Vitro Antifungal Activity against Botrytis cinerea.

Geranylated hydroquinones and other geranylated compounds isolated from Aplydium species have shown interesting biological activities. This fact has prompted a number of studies where geranylated phenol derivatives have been synthesized in order to assay their bioactivities. In this work, we report the synthesis of a series of new hydrated geranylphenols using two different synthetic approaches and their inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea. Five new hydrated geranylphenols were obtained by direct coupling reaction between geraniol and phenol in dioxane/water and using BF3·Et2O as the catalyst or by the reaction of a geranylated phenol with BF3·Et2O. Two new geranylated quinones were also obtained. The synthesis and structural elucidation of all new compounds is presented. All hydrated geranylphenols efficiently inhibit the mycelial growth of B. cinerea. Their activity is higher than that observed for non-hydrated compounds. These results indicate that structural modification on the geranyl chain brings about an enhancement of the inhibition effect of geranylated phenol derivatives.

The antibacterial and antifungal activity of essential oils extracted from Guatemalan medicinal plants.

CONTEXT: Essential oils are prevalent in many medicinal plants used for oral hygiene and treatment of diseases. OBJECTIVE: Medicinal plant species were extracted to determine the essential oil content. Those producing sufficient oil were screened for activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plant samples were collected, frozen, and essential oils were extracted by steam distillation. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using a tube dilution assay for those species yielding sufficient oil. RESULTS: Fifty-nine of the 141 plant species produced sufficient oil for collection and 12 species not previously reported to produce essential oils were identified. Essential oil extracts from 32 species exhibited activity against one or more microbes. Oils from eight species were highly inhibitory to S. mutans, four species were highly inhibitory to C. albicans, and 19 species yielded MIC values less than the reference drugs. DISCUSSION: RESULTS suggest that 11 species were highly inhibitory to the microbes tested and merit further investigation. Oils from Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Lauraceae), Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle (Rutaceae), Lippia graveolens Kunth (Verbenaceae), and Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) yielded highly significant or moderate activity against all microbes and have potential as antimicrobial agents. CONCLUSION: Teas prepared by decoction or infusion are known methods for extracting essential oils. Oils from 11 species were highly active against the microbes tested and merit investigation as to their potential for addressing health-related issues and in oral hygiene.

New diterpenes from Azorella spinosa.

Two new diterpenes,2-acetoxy-13-hydroxy-mulin-11-ene and 2-acetoxy-mulin-11, 13-diene,have been isolated from the aerial parts of Azorella spinosa and their structures determined by spectroscopic and conventional chemical methods. Furthermore, 2, 13-dihydroxy-mulin-11-ene was obtained using a basic hydrolysis of the first compound. Two diterpenes reported for other Azorella species have also been found, namely mulinolic acid and 13beta-hydroxyazorellane, as well as the triterpene lactone of ursolic acid,quercetin, and 7-hydroxycoumarin. The compounds were evaluated using antibacterial, antioxidant and enzymatic assays; no significant activity was detected.

Comparative study on the larvicidal activity of drimane sesquiterpenes and nordrimane compounds against Drosophila melanogaster til-til.

Natural compounds from Drimys winteri Forst and derivatives exhibited larvicidal effects against Drosophila melanogaster til-til. The most active compound was isodrimenin (4). The highest lethal concentration to the larvae of D. melanogaster was 4.5 ± 0.8 mg/L. At very low concentrations drimenol (1), confertifolin (3), and drimanol (5) displayed antifeedant and larvae growth regulatory activity. The antifeedant results of nordrimanic and drimanic compounds were better in first instar larvae. The EC50 value of polygodial (2) was 60.0 ± 4.2 mg/L; of diol 15 45.0 ± 2.8 mg/L, and of diol 17 36.9 ± 3.7 mg/L, while the new nordrimane compound 12 presented a value of 83.2 ± 3.5 mg/L.

Antifungal study of the resinous exudate and of meroterpenoids isolated from Psoralea glandulosa (Fabaceae).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Psoralea glandulosa L. (Fabaceae) is a medicinal resinous shrub used in Chilean folk medicine as antiseptic in treatment of infections and skin diseases caused by bacteria and fungus. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of the resin and the active components from P. glandulosa against clinical yeast isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Active compounds were obtained of the resinous exudate from aerial parts of P. glandulosa. Eight species of yeast were exposed to the resin and two major compounds. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC(80)) was determined according to the standard broth microdilution method. RESULTS: Bakuchiol and 3-hydroxy-bakuchiol demonstrated potent activity with the MIC(80) ranging from 4 to >16 and 0.125 to 16 µg/mL, respectively. The resin had some degree of antifungal activity. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results provided important information for the potential application of the 3-hydroxy-bakuchiol from P. glandulosa in the therapy of serious infection and skin diseases caused by clinical yeast.

Lichen depsides and depsidones reduce symptoms of diseases caused by tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in tobacco leaves.

Two depsides and five depsidones, isolated from lichens, were tested to determine their in vivo protective effects on tobacco leaves challenged with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The results indicate that most of these compounds are able to reduce either the number and/or the size of necrotic lesions following virus infection. Pannarin, 1'-chloro-pannarin and stictic acid provided the more effective protective results, reducing by at least 45% the number and size of lesions. Real Time PCR assays were used to explore the target of action against TMV by examining the response behavior of genes involved in the plant defense mechanism. The application of the lichen substances did not lead to changes in the transcriptional levels of pathogen-related (PR1a), allene oxide synthase 2 (AOS2) or oxophytodienoate reductase (OPR3) genes. Thus, the protection observed in the tobacco leaves treated with the lichen compounds may be mediated by a mechanism which does not involved the SA- or JA-mediated defensive plant response. A possible structure-activity relationship is presented.

Cytotoxic thiocarbamate derivatives of boldine.

Two new boldine derivatives: the 3-thiocarbamateboldine (3) and the 2,9-O,O-diacetyl-3-thiocarbamateboldine (4) have been synthesized and their cytotoxicity evaluated.

New diterpenoids from Calceolaria polifolia.

Four new and seven known diterpenes have been isolated from the dichloromethane extract of the aerial parts of Calceolaria polifolia. The structures of the new compounds were established by spectroscopic evidence.

Terapias biológicas en artritis psoriásica: experiencias con agentes anti-TNFa / Biological therapies in psoriatic arthritis: experiences with anti-TNFa agents

La artritis psoriásica (APs) es una artropatía inflamatoria crónica de las entesis, articulaciones periféricas, y articulaciones sacroilíacas y espinales. Se caracteriza por tener un curso clínico variable y presentar varios subtipos clínicos. La artritis psoriásica posee características clínicas y de laboratorio que la distinguen de otras artritis, especialmente artritis reumatoidea (AR). En los últimos años, la presencia o ausencia de anticuerpos contra péptidos cíclicos citrulinados ha facilitado su distinción de la AR. La gran mayoría de pacientes afectados con APs responden al tratamiento tradicional con agentes antiinflamatorios no esteroideos y/o agentes antirreumáticos modificadores de enfermedad o de segunda línea, incluyendo metotrexato. Sin embargo, como también ocurre en la AR y otras espondiloartropatías, existe un subgrupo de pacientes con APs que exhiben una respuesta pobre al tratamiento tradicional yrequieren el uso de los nuevos agentes biológicos, los inhibidores del TNFa. Describiremos la evidencia que apoya el uso de estos agentes en la APs

Bases infecciosas de la artritis reactiva / Infectious basis of reactive artritis

La artritis reactiva es un trastorno clínico en el cual se conoce con bastante certidumbre el o los agentes etiológicos que precipitan el proceso. Este conocimiento básico del inicio de la enfermedad ha permitido grandes avances en nuestro conocimiento de su patogenia. Sin embargo, a pesar de un mejor entendimiento de la patogenia que conduce al cuadro clínico, el tratamiento específico de la enfermedad permanece elusivo. Por otro lado, la introducción de agentes biológicos, especialmente los inhibidores del factor de necrosistumoral-alfa (TNFa), ha facilitado un mejor control tanto de la artritis periférica como axial. Inhibidores del TNFa son de gran utilidad, sobre todo en el control de las manifestaciones clínicas comprometiendo las articulaciones sacroilíacas y espondilíticas. Cierta reservación queda, sin embargo, a las complicaciones potenciales secundaria a la inhibición a largo plazo del TNFa teniendo en cuenta el papel importante que juega esta citoquina en la protección delhuésped contra agentes infecciosos

Impact of biologic agents on infectious diseases.

Until recently, inflammatory diseases, collagen vascular diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and multiple sclerosis were met with a limited offering for treatment. The introduction of biologic agents has revolutionized the approach to these diseases, offering many patients freedom from disease activity staving off resultant destruction to organs and joints with marked improvement in quality of life and disability. This article focuses on the development of serious infections associated with the use of biologic agents. Presented is a synthesis of case series, reports, and systematic reviews to elucidate implicated pathogens and clinical presentations in patients being treated with biologic agents and to form a cursory backbone for prevention and treatment strategies to which clinicians prescribing these agents or encountering patients already on these agents can readily refer. Maintenance of a high index of suspicion is imperative for the prevention and appropriate treatment of serious life-threatening infections in these patients.