Detection of new phytochemical compounds from Vassobia breviflora (Sendtn.) Hunz: antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antibacterial activity of the hexane extract.

Vassobia breviflora (Sendtn.) Hunz is a plant of the Solanaceae family from South America and there are no apparent studies reported on the biological activity of the hexane extract. The aim of this investigation was to conduct phytochemical analyses using ESI-TOF-MS, while antioxidant activities were evaluated by the following methods 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) 2,2"-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical capture (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS). Antimicrobial activities were performed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiofilm formed. Cytotoxicity was measured by MTT and dsDNA PicoGreen tests, beyond the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) determined by Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). The hexane extract showed the presence of 5 (choline, pantothenic acid, calystegine B, lanciphodylactone I, and 15"-cis-zeaxanthin) compounds detected. V. breviflora extract demonstrated reliable results utilizing different antioxidant methods. In antibacterial activity, V. breviflora extract exhibited inhibitory, bactericidal, and antibiofilm action in biofilm-forming bacteria. The hexane extract exhibited cytotoxicity against melanoma, lung cancer, glioblastoma, leukemia, uterine colon, and hepatocarcinoma tumor cells. In addition, all tested strains resulted in increased production of ROS. This plant extract may be considered in future as an alternative for development of new therapeutic options aimed at the treatment of diverse pathologies.

Vaginal delivery is associated with lower levels of thiol groups, vitamin C and ferric reducing ability in colostrum compared with caesarean section.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of delivery type (normal or caesarean) on the antioxidant and oxidative capacity of colostrum collected shortly after delivery. A total of 61 parturients were included in the study and divided into two groups: those who underwent vaginal delivery (n = 36) and those who underwent elective caesarean section (n = 25). Colostrum samples were collected by manual milking up to 48 h post parturition and analysed for thiol groups (-SH), vitamin C, ferric reducing ability (FRAP), nitrate/nitrite oxides (NOx), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). Colostrum levels of -SH (p = 0.0042), vitamin C (p = 0.0455), and FRAP (p = 0.0374) were significantly lower in the vaginal delivery group. The results suggest that vaginal delivery, compared to caesarean section, is associated with lower levels of antioxidants in colostrum and the mode of delivery plays an important role in the composition of antioxidants in maternal colostrum that help protect newborns from oxidative damage.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Colostrum is the first biological fluid produced by the mother after delivery and is responsible for a child's growth, cognitive development and health. It is known that childbirth can cause oxidative imbalance, and its effects have already been evaluated in maternal and foetal blood, however, there are few studies evaluating the effects of childbirth on colostrum composition.What do the results of this study add? Previously, a study showed that caesarean section caused greater oxidation of colostrum compared to vaginal delivery. Thus, we sought to evaluate other markers (thiol groups, vitamin C, ferric reducing ability, nitrate/nitrite oxides, and advanced oxidation protein products), in a short period of time after delivery, in order to elucidate this still little discussed issue. Unlike the previous one, our study suggests that vaginal delivery, compared to caesarean section, is associated with lower levels of antioxidants in colostrum, which may make it difficult to protect newborns from oxidative damage.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study suggests that normal delivery can influence the antioxidant composition of maternal colostrum, and it is debateable for future clinical practice to improve eating habits during pregnancy and lactation, in order to strengthen the antioxidant capacity of colostrum and reduce oxidative damage to newborns.

Insights of ethyl acetate fraction from Vassobia breviflora in multidrug-resistant bacteria and cancer cells: from biological to therapeutic.

Cancer and infectious diseases are among the leading causes of death in the world. Despite the diverse array of treatments available, challenges posed by resistance, side effects, high costs, and inaccessibility persist. In the Solanaceae plant family, few studies with Vassobia breviflora species relating to biological activity are known, but promising results have emerged. The phytochemicals present in the ethyl acetate fraction were obtained using ESI-MS-QTOF, and the antioxidants assays 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical capture (ABTS), plasma ferric reduction capacity (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Cytotoxic activity was evaluated by MTT, Neutral Red, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released. The production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and purinergic enzymes was also investigated. Antibacterial activity was measured through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiofilm activity, in addition to genotoxicity in plasmid DNA. Five major masses were identified D-glucopyranose II, allyl disulfide, γ-lactones, pharbilignoside, and one mass was not identified. V. breviflora exhibited relevant antioxidant and cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line and enhanced expression effect in modulation of purinergic signaling. Antibacterial activities in the assays in 7 ATCC strains and 8 multidrug-resistant clinical isolates were found. V. breviflora blocked biofilm formation in producing bacteria at the highest concentrations tested. However, there was no plasmid DNA cleavage at the concentrations tested. Data demonstrated that V. breviflora exhibited an antioxidant effect through several methods and proved to be a promising therapeutic alternative for use against tumor cells via purinergic signaling and multidrug-resistant microorganisms, presenting an anti-biofilm effect.

Acute effect of coffee on arterial stiffness and endothelial function in overweight and obese individuals: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Coffee is one of the most consumed foodstuffs worldwide. Studies of coffee intake in healthy subjects have shown controversial effects on vascular function. However, little is known of coffee intake effects on the endothelium of overweight and obese individuals. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee intake on the endothelial function and arterial stiffness in overweight and obese individuals. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial was designed to investigate the effects of regular caffeinated coffee and decaffeinated coffee on the endothelium. Each subject had both caffeinated coffee and decaffeinated coffee, separated by a washout period of seven days. The endothelial function was measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) assessed by ultrasound. Arterial stiffness was measured by an automatic oscillometric device. Blood samples were collected to assess the lipid and nitric oxide profiles. RESULTS: There were 18 subjects included in the study, aged 37.4 ± 10.0 years, with an average BMI of 28.96 ± 2.42, with the majority being female (61.1%). The caffeinated coffee increased central systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), central diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.001) and pulse wave velocity (P < 0.001), but the decaffeinated coffee did not affect these variables. However, there was a better effect on FMD in the caffeinated coffee intake group (P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: In overweight and obese individuals, caffeinated coffee increased central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity but not the decaffeinated coffee. While caffeinated coffee showed an improvement on hyperemia-induced endothelial function. REGISTRATION NUMBER OF CLINICAL TRIAL: Platform of the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials under number RBR-65cxtr.

Photobiomodulation and Sida tuberculata combination declines the inflammation's markers in knee-induced osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study was to assess potential combination effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with Sida tuberculata extracts on the oxidative stress and antioxidant activity, as well as on the inflammatory process. Rats with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were treated with S. tuberculata extracts and PBMT (904 nm, 18 J/cm2). The animals were evaluated for nociception and edema. The blood, knee lavage and structures, spinal cord, and brainstem were collected for biochemical analyses (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content, superoxide dismutase activity, non-protein thiol levels, and measurement of nitrite/nitrate). The knee structures were also used to measure cytokine levels. PBMT lowered the damage due to oxidative stress in the knee and at distant sites from the lesion. PBMT also reduced the levels of nitric oxide and cytokines, which could explain the nociception reduction mechanism. Similarly, S. tuberculata decreased the damage by oxidative stress, levels of nitrite/nitrate, and cytokines. The therapy combination reduced levels of cytokines and nitrite/nitrate. PBMT and S. tuberculata extracts reduced the oxidative stress and inflammation. It is noteworthy that PBMT increased the antioxidant activity in the knee and at sites distant from the lesion, contributing to a more significant decrease in nociception. The combination of therapies did not present significant effects on the analyzed parameters. Therefore, it is suggested that PBM is sufficient to minimize the signs and symptoms of the knee OA in our rat model.

Uric acid and kidney damage in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs; lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most severe complications of SLE. In the kidneys, an intense inflammatory reaction affects the glomeruli and tubular interstitium. Uric acid has been considered a key molecule in the pathogenesis of some conditions such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and kidney disease as it is produced by injured cells and promotes immune-inflammatory responses. In this regard, high serum uric acid concentrations may be involved in the activation of some inflammatory pathways, associated with kidney damage in SLE. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to review the main physiological mechanisms and clinical data on the association between serum uric acid and kidney damage in SLE. Scientific evidence indicates that hyperuricemia has the potential to be an adjuvant in the development and progression of kidney manifestations in SLE. Uric acid may promote the activation of inflammatory pathways and the formation and deposition of autoantibodies in kidneys, leading to a reduction of glomerular filtration rate. Other potential mechanisms of this association include the presence of polymorphisms in the urate transporters, metabolic syndrome, use of some medications, and other situations associated with a reduced renal excretion of uric acid.

Moderate-to-high intensity inspiratory muscle training improves the effects of combined training on exercise capacity in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The effects of adding moderate-to-high intensity inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to short-term aerobic and resistance exercise (combined training [CT]), after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are not established. This study aimed to determine the effects of moderate-to-high intensity IMT + CT on exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, inspiratory muscle endurance, quality of life (QoL), and laboratory biomarkers in patients after CABG who were participants of a phase II cardiac rehabilitation program. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned to either the IMT + CT group (n = 12), who performed moderate-to-high intensity IMT with CT or the sham-IMT + CT group (n = 12). Patients completed two sessions per week for 12 weeks. Each patient underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test, six-minute walk test (6MWT), respiratory muscle strength and endurance evaluation, QoL questionnaire, and serum advanced oxidation protein products, ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP], nitrate/nitrate, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, before and after the 12-week intervention. RESULTS: The IMT + CT group showed significantly greater improvements in peak oxygen uptake (1.3 mL∙kg-1∙min-1; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.5 to 2.2), distance covered during the 6MWT (78.8 m; 95% CI, 28.1 to 129.5), maximal inspiratory pressure (23.0 cmH2O; 95% CI, 9.3 to 36.7), QoL (-15.1 points; 95% CI, -26.9 to -3.3), and FRAP (83.7 µmol/L; 95% CI, 20.2 to 147.1) compared to the sham-IMT + CT group as a result of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term moderate-to-high intensity IMT with CT provided additional benefits in exercise capacity, inspiratory muscle strength, QoL, and antioxidant profile in patients after CABG. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02885077.

Annatto carotenoids attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory response after high-calorie meal in healthy subjects.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of annatto carotenoids intake associated to a single high-calorie meal (high fat and high carbohydrate) in postprandial biochemical, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Twelve healthy subjects (6 men, 6 women) were included in this randomised, controlled crossover study. Baseline blood samples were collected from fasting subjects that immediately received high-calorie meal without carotenoid (placebo) or containing 1.2mg/kg bixin (BIX) or 0.06mg/kg norbixin (NBIX). Blood samples were taken 60, 120 and 240min after meal intake. NBIX intake did not affect biochemical blood markers but reduced the postprandial levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α) and lipid oxidation 60-120min after meal. BIX only partially prevented postprandial-induced lipid oxidation. Results indicate that the intake of NBIX may be an alternative to reduce the postprandial inflammatory and oxidative stress responses to high-calorie meals.

Inhibitory effect of Campomanesia xanthocarpa in platelet aggregation: Comparison and synergism with acetylsalicylic acid.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiovascular diseases of thrombotic origin are related to high mortality and standard therapeutic agent used in this case is acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), but serious adverse events may occur. However, recent data has suggested the plant Campomanesia xanthocarpa has antiplatelet activity and could be a viable alternative. In this study we investigated the effects of the encapsulated powder of this plant in human platelet aggregation. METHODS: 23 healthy subjects were randomly divided into three groups: (1) ASA (100mg), (2) C. xanthocarpa (1000mg) or (3) synergism (500mg of C. xanthocarpa plush 50mg of ASA); daily for five days. Antiplatelet activity was determined by turbidimetric method using ADP or arachidonic acid (AA) agonists before, 5 and 8days after treatments. RESULTS: Treatment with C. xanthocarpa and synergism caused a reduction of 8±13.5% and 12.5±5% in platelet aggregation induced by ADP after 5days of treatment, respectively, returning to basal levels after 8days. For AA agonist, 5days of treatment with C. xanthocarpa, ASA or synergism caused a reduction of 46±15%, 36±12% and 69.3±6% in platelet aggregation, respectively, and first two groups returned to baseline values 8days after treatment ended. Synergism group prolonged antiplatelet effect maintaining aggregation reduction after 8days the end of treatment. CONCLUSION: C. xanthocarpa showed antiplatelet action when stimulated by agonist AA, and contributed to the antiplatelet effect when associated with ASA for both agonists, allowing dose reduction to 50mg.

Anti-inflammatory effect of geranium nanoemulsion macrophages induced with soluble protein of Candida albicans.

Pelargonium graveolens is a member of the Geraniaceae family and has been used in folk medicine in many countries because of its anti-inflammatory activity. No studies have yet been reported to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of a nanoemulsion containing geranium oil (GO) model in macrophages. In this study the anti-inflammatory effect of Geranium nanoemulsion (NEG) macrophages induced with soluble proteins of Candida albicans was investigated. GO presented citronellol (17.74%) and geraniol (14.43%) as main constituents. The characterization in NEG was demonstrated, showing the particle size of 164 ± 3.5 nm, PDI of 0.12 ± 0.006 and zeta potential -10 mV ± 1.7. The MIC obtained for NEG and GO were 3.64 µg ml-1 and 1.82 µg ml-1, respectively. The viability of the macrophages treated with NEG and GO concentrations (1/2 x, 1x and 2x MIC) was evaluated. There was a significant reduction of viability and the MTT assay was not confirmed after the LDH assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by determining nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (interleukin IL-1, IL-6 and IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) and the expression levels gene of interleukin (IL-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The apoptosis inhibition capacity was assessed by determination of INFγ, caspase 3 and caspase 8. The results indicated that there was a significant increase of NO in the levels after treatment with NEG and significantly reduced levels after treatment with GO. The cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF) were evaluated and NEG (½ x, 1x MIC) decreased IL-1 levels by 1.25-1.37 times, respectively. The NEG did not decrease IL-6 levels and a significant increase was observed for IL-10. GO significantly decreased IL-6 and IL-10 levels. There was a significant decrease in IL-2 and COX-2 levels and increased levels of iNOs. The levels of IFNγ and caspase-3 after treatment with NEG decreased indicating an anti-inflammatory effect and can inhibit apoptosis. Finally, the levels of caspase-8 do not change. Thus, pretreatment with NEG induced an anti-inflammatory effect against soluble proteins of C. albicans model macrophages.

Genoprotective and hepatoprotective effects of Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart. var. sorbilis) on CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.

CONTEXT: Several biological effects of Paullinia cupana (guarana) have been demonstrated, but little information is available on its effects on the liver. OBJECTIVE: The current study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and genoprotective effects of powder seeds from guarana on CCl4-induced liver injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were pretreated with guarana powder (100, 300 and 600 mg/kg) or silymarin 100 mg/kg daily for 14 days before treatment with a single dose of CCl4 (50% CCl4, 1 mL/kg, intraperitoneally). RESULTS: The treatment with CCl4 significantly increased the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In addition, CCl4 increased the DNA damage index in hepatocytes. Guarana in all concentrations was effective in decreasing the ALT and AST activities when compared with the CCl4-treated group. The treatment with guarana decreased DNA damage index when compared with the CCl4-treated group. In addition, the DNA damage index showed a significant positive correlation with AST and ALT. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the guarana has hepatoprotective activity and prevents the DNA strand breakage in the CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.

Oxidative stress by Haemonchus contortus in lambs: Influence of treatment with zinc edetate.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of zinc edetate on the oxidative stress of lambs infected by Haemonchus contortus. Twenty-four lambs were allocated into four groups: Group I--uninfected animals; Group II--uninfected animals treated subcutaneously with zinc edetate; Group III--animals infected by H. contortus and Group IV--animals infected and treated. The oxidative stress index (OSI) and the eggs per gram of feces (EPG) were assessed after 10, 17, 24, 31 and 38 days post-infection. Based on the EPG and the quantity of adult H. contortus, the infection did not differ between groups III and IV. Zinc edetate reduced the OSI in Group IV in relation to Group I after 24 days post-infection, and in relation to group III after 31 days post-infection. Treatment with zinc edetate could help reduce the oxidative stress induced by H. contortus in lambs.

Effects of Campomanesia xanthocarpa on inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and lipid biomarkers in hypercholesterolemic individuals.

In Brazil, the edible plant Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg. (Myrtaceae), popularly known as "guavirova," has been studied in hypercholesterolemic individuals. The present work investigated the effects of C. xanthocarpa on inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and lipid biomarkers in hypercholesterolemic individuals. A total of 156 individuals were selected in a double-blind fashion and randomly divided into two groups in accordance with the intervals used in the criteria for hypercholesterolemia: individuals with total cholesterol (TC) levels between 200 and 240 mg/dL (undesirable level individuals - UL) and individuals with TC levels >240 mg/dL (hypercholesterolemic individuals - HL). Both groups had a control group (CG), which received placebo treatment, an encapsulated excipient group (lactose) and an experimental group that received 500 mg (EG 500), 750 mg (EG 750) or 1000 mg (EG 1000) of encapsulated C. xanthocarpa. The inflammatory processes (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein - hs-CRP), oxidative stress (advanced oxidation protein products-AOPPs; ischemia-modified albumin-IMA), endothelial dysfunction (nitric oxide - NOx) and biochemical (TC, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein - HDL, low-density lipoproteins - LDL, and very low-density lipoprotein - VLDL) parameters were measured before and 90 days after the initiation of treatment. A significant decrease in TC and LDL levels was observed in HL individuals from the EG 500 group (reduction of 29 ± 3% and 41 ± 5% to levels before treatment) compared to the CG group individuals. A significant reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory process components (reduction of 52 ± 11% in AOPPs, 32 ± 10% in IMA and 57 ± 7% in hs-CRP) and a significant increase in NOx (increase of 84 ± 27%) was observed in HL individuals in the EG 1000 group when compared to the CG group individuals. Treatment with encapsulated C. xanthocarpa reduced blood TC and LDL levels in hypercholesterolemic individuals. In addition to its effect on cholesterol levels, this plant reduced oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic individuals and improved the levels of NOx.

Hepatotoxicity evaluation of aqueous extract from Scutia buxifolia.

Nowadays there is an increase in the number of people taking herbals worldwide. Scutia buxifolia is used for the treatment of hypertension, but little is known about its action on liver. Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control and groups treated during 30 days with 100, 200 and 400 mg of lyophilized aqueous extract of S. buxifolia (SBSB)/kg of body weight. This study was planned to explore hepatotoxic effect of SBSB, which was assessed by serum transaminases (ALT and AST). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were determined in liver, along with thiols content (NPSH), catalase (CAT) activity and, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes. Histopathological studies of liver tissue were performed. Flavonoids and phenolics were quantified in SBSB by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC/DAD). We did not observe alterations on redox status (TBARS, NPSH, CAT and, SOD) in the control and experimental groups. An increase on AST activity was only observed at 200 mg of SBSB, whereas ALT score was not affected by SBSB. Moreover, no morphological alterations were observed on the hepatocytes, matching the analysed biochemical parameters. This way, we conclude that SBSB was not toxic.

Habitual intake of guaraná and metabolic morbidities: an epidemiological study of an elderly Amazonian population.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations of metabolic disorders and anthropometric and biochemical biomarkers of lipid, glucose and oxidative metabolism and the habitual ingestion of guaraná (Paullinia cupana, Mart. Var. sorbilis) by an elderly population residing in the Amazon Riverine region of the Maués municipality (Brazil). A case-controlled study was performed that included 637 elderly (≥60 years of age) patients classified as either those who habitually drank guaraná (GI, n = 421) or those who never drank guaraná (NG, n = 239) based upon their self-reported intake of guaraná. Indeed, the prevalence of various metabolic disorders was associated with guaraná ingestion. The prevalence of hypertension, obesity and metabolic syndrome in the GI group was lower than the prevalence found in the NG group. The NG group exhibited lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. The males in the GI group exhibited a lower waist circumference, on average, than the circumference found in the NG group, whereas the females in the GI group had lower cholesterol (total and LDL-c) levels than the control cohort. Additionally, a significant association was found between lower levels of advanced oxidative protein product (AOPP) and habitual guaraná consumption. The results constitute the first epidemiological study to suggest a potentially protective effect of habitual guaraná ingestion against metabolic disorders in elderly subjects.

Effect of the aqueous extract of Syzygium cumini on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the aqueous Syzygium cumini leaf extract, given either as a single dose or by 7 days of pretreatment, on hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats. Blood samples obtained after treatments were measured for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). A significant increase in the AST and ALT activities occurred after carbon tetrachloride administration alone, which was significantly lowered by preadministration with the aqueous extract of Syzygium cumini, but not by a single dose. This suggests that the extract may be useful for liver protection but needs to be given over a significant period and prior to liver injury.