Evernia prunastri lichen as a source of bioactive glucans with potential for topical applications.

Microwave hydrothermal treatment was selected to extract valuable fractions with bioactive and gelling properties from Evernia prunastri lichen with potential for topical applications. The impact of the extraction processing conditions on the soluble extracts, mucilage fraction and residual solid phase was analyzed within a lichen global valorization approach. A particular stress was made on the thermo-rheological and structural characteristics of the extracted glucan and galactomannan polymers, the corresponding gelled matrices, and their cosmetic feasibility. Results revealed that the proposed microwave-assisted treatment showed a relevant influence on the phytochemical features of the aqueous soluble extracts, accounting the major protein content at 120 °C and the enhanced antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties at 140 °C. Extracts at 200 °C showed the highest anti-inflammatory (COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition) efficacies. The biopolymer analyses indicated that those recovered after lichen hydrothermal treatment at 160 °C featured a good extraction performance, the highest molecular weight, apparent viscosity, and antiproliferative potential. The thermo-rheological properties of the corresponding matrices formulated at 10 % and 60 or 80 °C exhibited the strongest and most thermo-reversible characteristics, as well as antifreezing feasibility. Another advantage of the selected fractions was the absence of skin irritation according to the in vitro skin irritation assay.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation at Threonine 495 and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species formation in response to a high H2O2 concentration.

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is produced in vessels during ischemia/reperfusion and during inflammation, both leading to vascular dysfunction. We investigated cellular pathways involved in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation at Threonine 495 (Thr(495)) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to H2O2. METHODS: HUVECs were exposed to 400 µM H2O2 for 30 min. Phosphorylation at Thr(495) was assessed by Western blotting and reactive oxygen species (ROS) monitored by flow cytometry. Protein kinase C (PKC) pathways were investigated by pretreatment with PKC-ß inhibitor ruboxistaurin or pan-PKC inhibitor GF109203X. In addition, we investigated ROCK and ERK pathways by MEKK1/2 inhibitor U0126 and ROCK inhibitor Y27632. RESULTS: H2O2 increased eNOS phosphorylation at Thr(495) (to 176% vs. control (100%), p < 0.001) along with increased mitochondrial ROS formation (from 19.7 to 45.3%, p < 0.01). This rise in phosphorylation could be prevented by U0126 and Y27632 in a dose-dependent manner, but did not result in lowered mitochondrial ROS formation. Conversely, addition of the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine only prevented mitochondrial ROS formation but did not prevent phosphorylation of eNOS Thr(495). CONCLUSION: H2O2-mediated phosphorylation of eNOS Thr(495) is mediated by ROCK and ERK activity, but not by PKC, and is uncoupled from mitochondrial ROS signaling. Furthermore, ERK inhibition increased mitochondrial ROS formation.

Microwave-assisted extraction of Ulva spp. including a stage of selective coagulation of ulvan stimulated by a bio-ionic liquid.

Microwave-assisted hydrothermal processing was proposed to recover high valuable compounds with antioxidant and gelling features from Ulva spp. green seaweed. The influence of the extraction conditions on the solubles, ulvan fraction and residual solid phase was studied to achieve a global valorization of the seaweed. A particular emphasis was placed on the selective coagulation of ulvan stimulated by a bio-ionic liquid during the extraction process. The achieved outcomes indicated that the selected microwave treatment exhibited a notable impact on the phytochemical properties of the soluble extracts, with the highest values of sulfate and protein content at 160 °C, and the highest antioxidant features at 200 °C. The most prominent molecular weight distributions were also identified for systems hydrothermal treated at 160 °C. The ulvan analyses showed that those extracted after microwave treatment at 160 °C showed the highest yields, molecular weight and the strongest gel features from the rheological point of view. The presence of the chloride chlorine during the extraction process favored the ulvan performance and the enhancement of the corresponding viscoelastic properties.

Parasitological diagnosis in ornamental freshwater fish from different fish farmers of five Brazilian states.

This study aimed to search parasites in 333 ornamental fish from five Brazilian states (Ceará, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná and Santa Catarina). Fish were sent from eight farms located in the municipalities of Fortaleza, Patrocínio do Muriaé, São Francisco do Glória, Cascavel, Timbó, Iguape, Jacareí and Mairinque. All fish received anesthesia earlier to euthanasia procedures. After the search for parasites, it was verified that 70.6% (235/333) of fishes were infected by at least one type of parasite, being 12 types of parasites identified: monogeneans, digenean metacercariae, cestodes, nematodes, Lernaea cyprinacea, trichodinids, Piscinoodinium pillulare, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, diplomonad flagellates, Ichthyobodo sp., Chilodonella sp., and Tetrahymena sp. The proportion of infected fishes among the farms is compared through statistical tests, besides, animal handling adopted in each farm is also discussed. The importance of ensuring fish health in order to make the ornamental freshwater fish industry economically viable and reduce losses in production is highlighted.

[Posttraumatic osteoarthrosis in a patient with chronic anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Case report and review of the literature]. / Osteoartrosis postraumática en paciente con ruptura crónica de ligamento cruzado anterior. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a very important epidemiological pathology in our environment. It has a peak incidence between 16 to 39 years of age. It is estimated that between 70-84% of ACL injuries are non-contact. The "no return" position describes the knee in valgus, femoral external rotation, tibial internal rotation and semiflexion, promoting injury to this ligament. Geometric measurements of the knee have been associated with an increased probability of non-contact ACL injury. The management of ACL tears is divided into two: conservative treatment and surgical management. Early OA (osteoarthritis) is the most common consequence of an ACL tear. We present the case of a 35-year-old patient with an inveterate ACL rupture of 10 years of evolution. With conservative management initially that progresses to knee instability and pain in the medial and lateral joint line as well as increased volume and functional limitation. After diagnostic studies, it was decided to perform diagnostic-therapeutic arthroscopy and continued close follow-up for associated pathology.

La ruptura de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) es una patología epidemiológicamente muy importante en nuestro medio. Tiene un pico de incidencia entre los 16 a 39 años de edad. Se calcula que entre 70-84% de las lesiones de LCA son sin contacto. La posición de "no retorno" describe a la rodilla en valgo, rotación externa femoral, rotación interna tibial y semiflexión, promoviendo la lesión de este ligamento. Las medidas geométricas de la rodilla se han asociado con un aumento en la probabilidad de lesión del LCA sin contacto. La ruptura crónica del LCA conlleva al desarrollo de artrosis en pacientes jóvenes. El manejo de la ruptura del LCA se divide en dos: tratamiento conservador y manejo quirúrgico. La osteoartrosis temprana es la consecuencia más común de la ruptura del LCA. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 35 años con ruptura inveterada del LCA de 10 años de evolución. Con manejo conservador inicialmente que progresa a inestabilidad de rodilla y dolor en línea articular medial y lateral, así como aumento de volumen y limitación funcional. Tras estudios diagnósticos, se decide realizar artroscopía diagnóstica-terapéutica y se continúa con seguimiento estrecho por patología asociada.

Human adjuvant disease induced by foreign substances: a new model of ASIA (Shoenfeld's syndrome).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical, laboratory and histological manifestations of patients who received illegal injections of foreign substances for cosmetic purposes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied patients who met the following inclusion criteria: 1) history of application of foreign substances for cosmetic purposes, 2) clinical data of autoimmune disease or non-specific autoimmune manifestation (i.e. arthralgias, myalgia, malaise, fever, and weight loss), 3) detection of autoantibodies in patients' sera, 4) histological evidence of chronic inflammation and/or granulomatous reaction to foreign body. RESULTS: Fifty female patients aged 44.4 ± 10 years were studied. The mean time between application of foreign substances and onset of symptoms was 4.5 ± 4.3 years. Patients were followed for 12 ± 7.5 years. Forty-one patients were injected with mineral oil, nine patients received other substances: three iodine gadital, one guayacol, one guayacol plus silicone fluid, two collagen, two silicone fluid. The sites of application were: buttocks (36), legs and/or thighs (11), breasts (eight) hands and face (one), face (two) (seven patients received an injection to more than one site). Thirty patients presented with non-specific autoimmune manifestations, whereas 20 patients fulfilled the criteria for a defined autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, overlap syndrome, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune hepatitis, and ulcerative colitis. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of human adjuvant disease following illegal injections of oil substances for cosmetic purposes are reported. Patients presented with defined autoimmune diseases as well as with non-specific autoimmune manifestations. Illegal injection of these substances could lead to serious local and systemic complications, even to death. These cases represent another model of Autoimmune/inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA). The use of these substances should be prohibited.

Spray-drying microencapsulation of tea extracts using green starch, alginate or carrageenan as carrier materials.

Tea industry generates many by-products which could be used to produce and incorporate bioactive tea extracts (TE) into nutraceuticals, cosmetics and/or clinical applications. However, sensibility to external factors is a major disadvantage hindering its utilization. This study deals with the implementation and characterization of suitable biopolymer delivery systems based on starch, carrageenan or alginate, as microencapsulation, to stabilize and protect TE through innovative thin-carbohydrate-coated formulations. TE were spray-dried and microencapsulated in recycled carrier materials (alginate, carrageenan or starch). Product yields varied from 55 to 58%. High microencapsulation and loading efficiencies were achieved (60-93% and 65-84%, respectively). Antioxidant capacity varied from 32 to 46 g Trolox/100 g extract, within different carrier-systems; which also showed promising rheological and UV-protective properties when transformed into gels. Total phenolic content, particle-size distribution, HPSEC-analysis, SEM-analysis and FTIR-analysis were also performed. In sum, this paper characterizes and discusses the high potential of these recycled carbohydrate-coated microparticles for future applications.

Comparative evaluation of physicochemical profile and bioactive properties of red edible seaweed Chondrus crispus subjected to different drying methods.

Dehydration of the edible seaweed Chondrus crispus was performed by freeze-drying, conventional oven-drying and emerging microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG). In this work, the drying kinetics and modelling, estimating specific energy consumption and environmental impact of distinct processes were tested. Color and microstructural features of the dried macroalgae were also evaluated, as well as their nutritive characterization, chemical profile and bioactive potential (antioxidant and antimicrobial activities). Moreover, collected liquid phases from both the defrosted and MHG treated samples were also characterized. All methodologies provided solid phases with an adequate final moisture content. MHG significantly reduced the needed time, specific energy consumption and environmental impact, providing C. crispus with intermediate color and histological structure characteristics. Overall, this trend was also defined to tested chemical parameters and bioactivities. MHG provided aqueous extracts with potential bioactive compounds from this red alga, increasing the efficiency of this drying method.

Chondrus crispus treated with ultrasound as a polysaccharides source with improved antitumoral potential.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction was used to recover gelling biopolymers and antioxidant compounds from Chondrus crispus with improved biological potential. The optimal processing conditions were evaluated using a Box-Behnken design, and the impact on the biological and thermo-rheological properties of the carrageenan fraction and on the bioactive features of the soluble extracts were studied. The optimum extraction parameters were defined by extraction time of ~34.7 min; solid liquid ratio of ~2.1 g/100 g and ultrasound amplitude of ~79.0% with a maximum power of 1130 W. The dependent variables exhibited maximum carrageenan yields (44.3%) and viscoelastic modulus (925.9 Pa) with the lowest gelling temperatures (38.7 °C) as well as maximum content of the extract in protein (22.4 mg/g), gallic acid (13.4 mg/g) and Trolox equivalents antioxidant capacity (182.4 mg TEAC/g). Tested hybrid carrageenans exhibited promising biological activities (% of growth inhibition around 91% for four human cancer cellular lines: A549; A2780; HeLa 229; HT-29).

Microwave hydrothermal processing of Undaria pinnatifida for bioactive peptides.

Microwave hydrothermal processing was employed to obtain valuable gelling or bioactive fractions from U. pinnatifida, assessing the processing conditions following a biorefinery concept. It was identified a relevant impact on the antioxidant properties, sulfate, protein and oligosaccharides content, with the highest values above 200 °C, although the maximum in fucose was obtained at 160 °C. The lowest temperature involved the highest minerals and sulfate content of the solid phases. Rheology indicated that hydrothermal treatment at 160 °C is adequate to extract alginates with structural and viscoelastic properties similar to those commercially available. The incorporation of the hydrothermal residual solids in the proposed alginate matrices favored the development of systems with potential non-food applications applications. Selected extracts, after an intensification stage using ultrasound, featured interesting biological activities for two human cancer cell lines (A2780; HeLa 229) with percentage of cellular inhibition > 83 and 57%, without positive effects on A549 and HCT-116.

Eco-friendly extraction of Mastocarpus stellatus carrageenan for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles with improved biological activity.

Carrageenan was extracted from Mastocarpus stellatus using hot water extraction under atmospheric and pressurized conditions. The influence of heating temperature during a non-isothermal heating profile up to temperatures in the range 70-190 °C was studied to evaluate the extraction yields and properties of the carrageenan fraction. Under the selected conditions (130 °C), extracted carrageenan (CMs) was used for the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). After the optimization of the reaction conditions, the synthesized gold nanoparticles (Au@CMs) were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Z potential measurements, electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis, which confirmed the formation of spherical, polycrystalline, and negatively charged nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 14.3 ± 2.1 nm. The study conducted by scanning transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and mapping confirmed the presence of carrageenan stabilizing AuNPs. Finally, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy was performed to analyze the functional groups of CMs involved in the reduction and stabilization of AuNPs. The selective cytotoxicity and the antioxidant activity of the Au@CMs were evaluated in different cell lines and compared to the CMs. Au@CMs showed an improved antioxidant capacity in cells under oxidative stress and the induction of apoptosis in a monocytic cell line, while no antitumor effect was observed in a lung endothelial cell line.

[Functional evaluation of the management of massive rotator cuff ruptures with the use of the subacromial balloo]. / Evaluación funcional del manejo de rupturas masivas del manguito de los rotadores con el uso del balón subacromial.

INTRODUCTION: Rotator cuff (MR) ruptures occur in more than 50% of patients over the age of 60, and can cause changes in normal shoulder biomechanics that can trigger rotator cuff tear arthropathy. There is currently no consensus on treatment for massive rotator cuff tears. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of subacromial balloon placement in these lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analytical, longitudinal and retrospective study of 10 consecutive patients treated with the use of the subacromial balloon. Constant (CS) and ASES scales were used preoperatively and at 6, 12 months of post-surgical follow-up. Radiographic results were assessed using the Acromio-humeral Interval (AHI) on a true AP shoulder X-ray. RESULTS: The average improvement in CS was 41.7 ± 8.93 at 12 months of follow-up, the ASES scale showed an average improvement of 64.6 ± 4.9 at 12 months of follow-up. The presurgical AHI was 6.1 ± 1.10 and the mean at 12 months of follow-up was 7.1 ± 0.9. Clinical and radiographic improvement was observed at all scales, however no statistically significant results were found. CONCLUSION: The subacromial balloon prevents the ascent of the humeral head in the first 12 months of placement; we assume that it could restore normal glenohumeral kinematics by improving mobility and decreasing pain.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las rupturas del manguito de los rotadores (MR) se presentan en más de 50% de los pacientes mayores de 60 años y pueden causar cambios en la biomecánica normal del hombro que pueden desencadenar una artropatía por desgarro del MR. Actualmente, no existe un consenso sobre el tratamiento para el desgarro masivo del MR. OBJETIVO: Evaluar los resultados clínicos y radiográficos de la colocación del balón subacromial en estas lesiones. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio analítico, longitudinal y retrospectivo de 10 pacientes consecutivos tratados con el uso del balón subacromial. Se utilizaron escalas de Constant (CS) y ASES prequirúrgicas, a los seis y 12 meses de seguimiento postquirúrgico. Los resultados radiográficos fueron valorados por medio del intervalo acromio-humeral (IAH) en una radiografía anteroposterior (AP) verdadera de hombro. RESULTADOS: La mejoría promedio en la CS fue de 41.7 ± 8.93 a los 12 meses de seguimiento, la escala de ASES mostró una mejoría promedio de 64.6 ± 4.9 a los 12 meses de seguimiento. El IAH prequirúrgico fue de 6.1 ± 1.10 y la media a los 12 meses de seguimiento fue de 7.1 ± 0.9. Se observó una mejoría clínica y radiográfica en todas las escalas; sin embargo, no se encontraron resultados estadísticamente significativos. CONCLUSIÓN: El balón subacromial previene el ascenso de la cabeza humeral en los primeros 12 meses de colocado; suponemos que podría restaurar la cinemática glenohumeral normal mejorando movilidad y disminuyendo dolor.

Valorisation of Camellia sinensis branches as a raw product with green technology extraction methods.

This work deals with the study of tea stalks from pruning debris using environmental friendly extraction technology to offer new healthy properties. In the manufacturing tea industry, tea trees require to be pruned every year and most of their remains are discarded as a waste with no economic value. Microwave aqueous extraction and pressurized hot water extraction process (autohydrolysis) were used to recover bioactive compounds from the tea branches. Operating at a fixed solid: liquid ratio (1:15), the effect of the maximum heating temperatures from 140 to 220 °C was studied. Liquid extracts were analysed for total phenolic, oligosaccharides, protein, mineral and heavy metals content, as well as for antioxidant capacity. The antitumoral possibilities were also determined for selected samples. The obtained results indicated that both processes could be used as an alternative to recover bioactive compounds from tea wastes, although microwave-assisted extraction allowed saving time when compared with autohydrolysis processing. The temperature exhibited a relevant effect on the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, decreasing with the microwave treatment and increasing with the autohydrolysis temperature. The obtained extracts could be adequate for incorporation in food and non-food fields.

Tailoring hybrid carrageenans from Mastocarpus stellatus red seaweed using microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity.

This work deals with the use of microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) for the recovery of hybrid carrageenans with specific mechanical features together with bioactive compounds. For this purpose, Mastocarpus stellatus red seaweed was used as raw material and the most adequate MHG processing conditions were studied. The physicochemical properties of the algae and the corresponding biopolymers, the fundamental characterisation of the bioactive compounds from the extracts (antioxidant capacity, sulfate content, protein content, among others) and the rheological features of the formulated gels were analysed. Results indicated that MHG is an adequate technique for obtaining functional extracts with potential applications in the food and non-food fields. Hybrid carrageenans with a wide range of viscoelastic features were recovered by MHG, saving time compared to conventional methods. The yields obtained for the recovered hybrid carrageenans and bioactive fractions were comparable to those obtained in red algae with conventional techniques.

A green approach for alginate extraction from Sargassum muticum brown seaweed using ultrasound-assisted technique.

Ultrasound assisted aqueous extraction of alginate from Sargassum muticum was proposed to minimize the use of chemicals, high temperatures and prolonged times, with comparable extraction yields to conventional acid/alkali procedures. The alginate, precipitated from the liquors obtained after ultrasound assisted extraction of fucoidan and phlorotannin fractions, and converted to alginic acid sodium salt by a green treatment was characterized by FTIR-ATR, 1H NMR, HPSEC, MALDI-TOF, rheology and citotoxitity. A clear influence of the sonication time was observed on the alginate molar mass, block structure, thermo-rheological and tumoral cell growth inhibition features. All tested hydrogels featured stable and thermo-reversible characteristics.

Virus-like particles in Urastoma cyprinae, a turbellarian parasite of Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Urastoma cyprinae is a turbellarian parasite infecting the gills of several marine bivalves. We observed the presence of virus-like particles (24 to 30 nm in diameter; icosahedral symmetry) arranged in paracrystalline arrays in the cytoplasm of subepidermal dorsal cells. These particles appear to be RNA viruses, possibly related to the Picornaviridae. This is the first report of viral particles in the parasite U. cyprinae.

Evaluación funcional del manejo de rupturas masivas del manguito de los rotadores con el uso del balón subacromial / Functional evaluation of the management of massive rotator cuff ruptures with the use of the subacromial balloo

Resumen: Introducción: Las rupturas del manguito de los rotadores (MR) se presentan en más de 50% de los pacientes mayores de 60 años y pueden causar cambios en la biomecánica normal del hombro que pueden desencadenar una artropatía por desgarro del MR. Actualmente, no existe un consenso sobre el tratamiento para el desgarro masivo del MR. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados clínicos y radiográficos de la colocación del balón subacromial en estas lesiones. Material y métodos: Estudio analítico, longitudinal y retrospectivo de 10 pacientes consecutivos tratados con el uso del balón subacromial. Se utilizaron escalas de Constant (CS) y ASES prequirúrgicas, a los seis y 12 meses de seguimiento postquirúrgico. Los resultados radiográficos fueron valorados por medio del intervalo acromio-humeral (IAH) en una radiografía anteroposterior (AP) verdadera de hombro. Resultados: La mejoría promedio en la CS fue de 41.7 ± 8.93 a los 12 meses de seguimiento, la escala de ASES mostró una mejoría promedio de 64.6 ± 4.9 a los 12 meses de seguimiento. El IAH prequirúrgico fue de 6.1 ± 1.10 y la media a los 12 meses de seguimiento fue de 7.1 ± 0.9. Se observó una mejoría clínica y radiográfica en todas las escalas; sin embargo, no se encontraron resultados estadísticamente significativos. Conclusión: El balón subacromial previene el ascenso de la cabeza humeral en los primeros 12 meses de colocado; suponemos que podría restaurar la cinemática glenohumeral normal mejorando movilidad y disminuyendo dolor.

Abstract: Introduction: Rotator cuff (MR) ruptures occur in more than 50% of patients over the age of 60, and can cause changes in normal shoulder biomechanics that can trigger rotator cuff tear arthropathy. There is currently no consensus on treatment for massive rotator cuff tears. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of subacromial balloon placement in these lesions. Material and methods: Analytical, longitudinal and retrospective study of 10 consecutive patients treated with the use of the subacromial balloon. Constant (CS) and ASES scales were used preoperatively and at 6, 12 months of post-surgical follow-up. Radiographic results were assessed using the Acromio-humeral Interval (AHI) on a true AP shoulder X-ray. Results: The average improvement in CS was 41.7 ± 8.93 at 12 months of follow-up, the ASES scale showed an average improvement of 64.6 ± 4.9 at 12 months of follow-up. The presurgical AHI was 6.1 ± 1.10 and the mean at 12 months of follow-up was 7.1 ± 0.9. Clinical and radiographic improvement was observed at all scales, however no statistically significant results were found. Conclusion: The subacromial balloon prevents the ascent of the humeral head in the first 12 months of placement; we assume that it could restore normal glenohumeral kinematics by improving mobility and decreasing pain.

Refining of autohydrolysis liquors for manufacturing xylooligosaccharides: evaluation of operational strategies.

When xylan-containing lignocellulosic materials are subjected to the action of heat in an aqueous medium (autohydrolysis reaction) under suitable operational conditions, the heterocyclic ether bonds of the polymeric chain are split to give xylooligosaccharides (XO) and a variety of other products derived from hemicelluloses, lignin and extractives. For product applications requiring high-purity XO, subsequent purification stages have to be implemented. Various strategies have been evaluated for refining Eucalyptus wood autohydrolysis liquors, including the two-stage reaction, precipitation and solvent extraction of freeze-dried, dewaxed liquors. Data on the degree of xylooligosaccharide recovery as well as on the composition of the isolates (measured in terms of hemicellulose-derived products and non-saccharide products) are provided for the various operational procedures assayed.

Photodamage attenuation effect by a tetraprenyltoluquinol chromane meroterpenoid isolated from Sargassum muticum.

A tetraprenyltoluquinol meroterpenoid with a chromane moiety, obtained as an epimeric mixture at C3, was isolated for the first time from the dichloromethane fraction of a methanolic extract from the brown alga Sargassum muticum. The structure has been established by means of spectral methods including NMR spectroscopy and MS and comparison with reported data. The compound showed photodamage attenuation on irradiated cells with UVA light, presented protection against intracellular ROS generation in a degree comparable to retinoic acid (9.1-20.6%) and did not display toxicity against human dermal fibroblast cells.

[Nontraumatic causes of bilateral avascular necrosis of the femoral head: link between hepatitis C and pegylated interferon]. / Causas no traumáticas de necrosis avascular bilateral de la cabeza femoral: relación hepatitis C-interferón pegilado.

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a frequent condition in patients with a history of trauma. The major pathologic causes include vascular diseases, malignancies, hypercoagulability states, long-term steroid treatment, and some patients have a history of hepatitis C infection treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Upon studying the behavior of the hepatitis C virus, Seef, Foster and Poynard found a hypercoagulability state that causes interruption of retinacular blood flow to the femoral head, without an increased incidence of osteonecrosis in this patient group. Lauer states that such viral infections involve an autoimmune process and may result in transient vasculitides. Giampaolo, in 2005, reported the relationship between interferon use for multiple myeloma and other cancers and femoral avascular necrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases with a diagnosis of bilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head were assessed. RESULTS: Five patients were included, 4 females and one male, with a diagnosis of bilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head. All of them had history of hepatitis C infection treated with pegylated interferon. The final diagnosis was proven by pathology after arthroplasty. A literature review was made of articles on the relationship between this condition and interferon use in patients with hepatitis C infection. CONCLUSIONS: Finding out the relationship between viral diseases such as hepatitis B and C infection and hypercoagulability states, autoimmune processes leading to transient vasculitides and the use of pegylated interferon 2B, will help us discover new nontraumatic causes associated with this condition.