Oncoplastic Augmentation Mastopexy in Breast Conservation Therapy: Retrospective Study and Postoperative Complications.

BACKGROUND: Oncoplastic techniques, in conjunction with lumpectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy, have been demonstrated to achieve good aesthetic results and cancer outcomes in the treatment of patients with macromastia or significant ptosis. This study evaluated a series of patients undergoing breast conservation with concomitant oncoplastic-augmentation-mastopexy and a contralateral augmentation-mastopexy. METHODS: Patients undergoing lumpectomy for breast conservation were identified via a retrospective chart review. Inclusion criteria included patients with ptosis and preexisting breast implants or insufficient breast volume undergoing oncoplastic implant placement/exchange and mastopexy. Demographic characteristics, operative details, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-four consecutive patients (64 breasts, 4 unilateral procedures) were included in the study. Average age was 51.4 years, average body mass index was 27, and 38.2% were smokers/former smokers. The average operative time was 2.5 hours. Furthermore, 38.2% of patients received chemotherapy, and 82.4% of patients received breast adjuvant radiotherapy. The average length of follow-up was 11.7 months. In the sample that received radiation, the capsular contracture rate was 25%, with a 7.1% contracture revision rate. For the entire group, a total of 8 patients (23.5%) underwent revisions for either positive margins (8.8%), capsular contracture (8.8%), implant loss (2.9%), or cosmetic concerns (2.9%). One patient developed a pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS: Oncoplastic-augmentation-mastopexy is a safe technique with acceptable complication rates. This technique is best used for breast cancer patients with breast ptosis and a paucity of breast volume or preexisting implants who wish to pursue breast-conserving therapy. The revision rates are acceptable compared with single-stage cosmetic augmentation procedures as well as other oncoplastic techniques described in the literature, but patients must be clearly counseled on contracture risk.

Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of octyltrimethylammonium tetrathiotungstate.

Octyltrimethylammonium tetrathiotungstate salt (ATT-C8) was synthesized and its ability to chelate copper was evaluated. The biological and toxic aspects were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays, using bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAEC) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. The obtained results suggest that ATT-C8 has better biocompatibility, showing a significantly lower lethal concentration 50 (LC50) value in comparison to ammonium tetrathiotungstate (ATT). Zebrafish embryos assay results indicate that both tetrathiotungstate salts at the studied concentrations increase the hatching time. Even more, an in vivo assay showed that synthesized materials behave as copper antagonists and have the ability to inhibit its toxicological effects. Also, both materials were found to be active for the in vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The characterization of the materials was carried out using the following spectroscopic techniques: Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NRM).

A New Technique Based on Voronoi Tessellation to Assess the Space-Dependence of Categorical Variables.

Based on a sample of geolocated elements, each of them labeled with a (not necessarily ordered) categorical feature, several indexes for assessing the relationship between the geolocation variables (latitude and longitude) and the categorical variable are evaluated. Among these indexes, a new one based on a Voronoi tessellation presents several advantages since it does not require a variable transformation or a previous discretization; in addition, simulations show that this index is considerably robust when compared with the previously known ones. Finally, the use of the presented indexes is also illustrated by analyzing the geolocation of communities in some communication networks derived from Call Detail Records.

Exploring the Ring-Closing Metathesis for the Construction of the Solomonamide Macrocyclic Core: Identification of Bioactive Precursors.

New synthetic strategies directed toward the novel cyclopeptides solomonamides have been explored utilizing an olefin metathesis as the key reaction. In the various strategies investigated, we worked on minimally oxidized systems, and the olefin metathesis reaction demonstrated efficiency and validity for the construction of the macrocyclic core. The described synthetic strategies toward the solomonamides are well suited for the subsequent access to the natural products and represent flexible and diversity-oriented routes that allow for the generation of a variety of analogues via oxidative transformations. In addition, preliminary biological evaluations of the generated solomonamide precursors revealed antitumor activity against various tumor cell lines.

Virtual Surgical Planning for Correction of Delayed Presentation Scaphocephaly Using a Modified Melbourne Technique.

BACKGROUND: Late treatment of scaphocephaly presents challenges including need for more complex surgery to achieve desired head shape. Virtual surgical planning for total vault reconstruction may mitigate some of these challenges, but has not been studied in this unique and complex clinical setting. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients with scaphocephaly who presented to our institution between 2000 and 2014. Patients presenting aged 12 months or older who underwent virtual surgical planning-assisted cranial vault reconstruction were included. Patient demographic, intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Pre- and postoperative anthropometric measurements were obtained to document the fronto-occipital (FO) and biparietal (BP) distance and calculate cephalic index (CI). Virtual surgical planning predicted, and actual postoperative anthropometric measurements were compared. RESULTS: Five patients were identified who fulfilled inclusion criteria. The mean age was 50.6 months. One patient demonstrated signs of elevated intracranial pressure preoperatively. Postoperatively, all but one needed no revisional surgery (Whitaker score of 1). No patient demonstrated postoperative evidence of bony defects, bossing, or suture restenosis. The mean preoperative, simulated, and actual postoperative FO length was 190.3, 182, and 184.3 mm, respectively. The mean preoperative, simulated, and actual postoperative BP length was 129, 130.7, and 131 mm, respectively. The mean preoperative, simulated, and actual postoperative CI was 66, 72, and 71.3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our early experience, virtual surgical planning using a modified Melbourne technique for total vault remodeling achieves good results in the management of late presenting scaphocephaly.

Anthelmintic efficacy of hydro-methanolic extracts of Larrea tridentata against larvae of Haemonchus contortus.

An in vitro study was conducted to determine the anthelminthic activity of hydro-methanolic extracts of Larrea tridentata on sheathed and exsheathed larvae of Haemonchus contortus. Larvae of the parasite were incubated at 20-25 °C in hydro-methanolic extracts at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL for 24, 48, or 72 h. Ivermectin and water were the positive and negative controls, respectively. Total phenolic compounds of leaves of L. tridentata were 97.88 ± 10.45 mg/g of dry matter. Other compounds detected in this shrub by HPLC-mass spectrometry were sesamin, galocatechin, peonidin 3-O rutinoside, methyl galangin, epigallocatechin 7-O-glucuronide, and epigalocatechin. Mortality rate of sheathed and exsheathed H. contortus was low (16-34%) with doses ≤ 100 mg/mL of the extracts. At 200 mg/ml, the hydro-methanolic extracts of L. tridentata killed 32.1 and 68.4% of sheathed and exsheathed larvae, respectively, regardless of incubation time. The effective concentration of the L. tridentata extract for 50% larvae mortality (EC50) after 24 h of incubation was 36 mg/mL (CI = 6-94). Microscopic observations revealed damage to the cuticle of this parasite exposed to extracts of L. tridentata. These in vitro results provided evidence that L. tridentata extracts possess anti-Haemonchus contortus properties, particularly during the exsheathed stage of this nematode. It would be necessary to assess the safety of this shrub in vivo and also to carry out in vivo efficacy studies.

Granzyme B secretion by human memory CD4 T cells is less strictly regulated compared to memory CD8 T cells.

BACKGROUND: Granzyme B (GrzB) is a serine proteinase expressed by memory T cells and NK cells. Methods to measure GrzB protein usually involve intracellular (flow cytometry) and extracellular (ELISA and ELISpot) assays. CD8 T cells are the main source of GrzB during immunological reactions, but activated CD4 T cells deploy GrzB as well. Because GrzB is an important mediator of cell death, tissue pathology and disease, clarification of differences of GrzB expression and secretion between CD4 and CD8 T cells is important for understanding effector functions of these cells. RESULTS: Memory CD4 and memory CD8 T cells were purified from human peripheral blood of healthy donors, and production of GrzB was directly compared between memory CD4 and memory CD8 T cells from the same donors using parallel measurements of flow cytometry (intracellular GrzB), ELISpot (single cell secretion of GrzB), and ELISA (bulk extracellular GrzB). Memory CD8 T cells constitutively stored significantly more GrzB protein (~25%) compared to memory CD4 T cells as determined by flow cytometry (~3%), and this difference remained stable after 24 hrs of activation. However, measurement of extracellular GrzB by ELISA revealed that activated memory CD4 T cells secrete similar amounts of GrzB (~1,000 pg/ml by 1x10(5) cells/200 µl medium) compared to memory CD8 T cells (~600 pg/ml). Measurement of individual GrzB-secreting cells by ELISpot also indicated that similar numbers of activated memory CD4 (~170/1x10(5)) and memory CD8 (~200/1x10(5)) T cells secreted GrzB. Expression of CD107a further indicated that Grzb is secreted similarly by activated CD4 and CD8 T cells, consistent with the ELISA and ELISpot results. However, memory CD8 T cells expressed and secreted more perforin compared to memory CD4 T cells, suggesting that perforin may be less associated with GrzB function for memory CD4 T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Although measurement of intracellular GrzB by flow cytometry suggests that a larger proportion of CD8 T cells have higher capacity for GrzB production compared to CD4 T cells, ELISpot and ELISA show that similar numbers of activated CD4 and CD8 T cells secrete similar amounts of GrzB. Secretion of GrzB by activated CD8 T cells may be more tightly controlled compared to CD4 T cells.

Modified free radial forearm fascia flap reconstruction of lower extremity and foot wounds: optimal contour and minimal donor-site morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Free tissue transfer is commonly required for reconstruction of distal third lower extremity injuries. Injuries involving the dorsal surface of the foot require thin pliable flaps. Musculocutaneous flaps are often too bulky to accommodate shoewear. Fasciocutaneous flaps, while an improvement, need secondary contouring procedures. The modified radial forearm fascial flap (MRFFF) may offer an alternative. METHODS: Twelve patients with distal third lower extremity wounds were reconstructed with MRFFF + split thickness skin graft. The modification in flap design leaves fascia radial to the pedicle unharvested, preserving sensibility of the dorsoradial aspect of the hand. Flaps were covered with a skin graft after inset. Donor sites were closed primarily. RESULTS: Nine wounds were traumatic-five with exposed hardware, one burn, one diabetic ulcer, and one wound dehiscence following sarcoma resection + radiation. Out of 12, 11 limbs were salvaged at 1 to 2 years follow-up. All patients ambulated on the reconstructed leg and wore a shoe comfortably. Average time to weight bearing was 2 months. The donor site was limited to 25-cm scar on the volar forearm. No persistent motor/sensory deficits occurred in donor arms. CONCLUSION: MRFFF is an excellent flap for reconstruction of the distal lower extremity. Flap contour allows excellent shoe-fitting without secondary revisions. Replacement of the adipocutaneous flap on MRFFF donor site eliminates the need for a conspicuous donor-site skin graft. The ulnar orientation of the harvested fascia prevents sensory loss in the dorsal hand. The MRFFF provides the ideal replacement of "like with like" for selected distal lower extremity wounds.

Structural perspective on the direct inhibition mechanism of EGCG on mammalian histidine decarboxylase and DOPA decarboxylase.

Histidine decarboxylase (HDC) and l-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (DDC) are homologous enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis of important neuroactive amines related to inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and neoplastic diseases. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant catechin in green tea, has been shown to target histamine-producing cells and to promote anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antiangiogenic effects. Previous experimental work has demonstrated that EGCG has a direct inhibitory effect on both HDC and DDC. In this study, we investigated the binding modes of EGCG to HDC and DDC as a first step for designing new polyphenol-based HDC/DDC-specific inhibitors.

The impact of liposuction cannula size on adipocyte viability.

PURPOSE: Autologous fat transfer ("fat grafting") is widely used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, but long-term outcomes remain inconsistent. Each step in the transfer process can cause mechanical damage to the graft tissue. In particular, liposuction breaks aspirated adipose tissue into distinct globules and subjects it to shear forces, both of which can impact subsequent fat graft viability. The optimal size of the liposuction cannula for use in fat grafting is not known. METHODS AND TECHNIQUES: Controlled lipoaspirate samples were collected from adult female patients undergoing elective liposuction of the abdomen and flanks with uniform aspiration pressure (-25 in Hg) and either a 3- or 5-mm standard blunt-tip liposuction cannula. Individual grafts of 1.00±(0.01) gram were prepared and injected into the bilateral flanks of nude mice with a 14-gauge catheter. After six weeks, these grafts were explanted and analyzed by weight and histology. RESULTS: At six weeks, fat lobules in the 5-mm group retained 25% more weight than those in the 3-mm group [mean (SD), 0.70 (0.07) vs 0.56 (0.09) g, n=24/group, P<0.01). Histologic analysis revealed more intact, nucleated adipocytes in the 5-mm group than in the 3-mm group [4.42 (0.92) vs 3.10 (0.56) on a 1-5 rating scale]. The 5-mm group exhibited both less infiltrate [1.58 (0.17) vs 3.13 (0.70)] and less fibrosis [1.67 (0.45) vs 3.13 (0.89)] than the 3-mm group. CONCLUSIONS: In this controlled model of fat grafting with either a 5- or 3-mm aspiration cannula, the use of a larger aspiration cannula led to improved graft retention and quality. This finding has important implications for clinical applications of fat grafting.

The genus Rickettsia in Mexico: Current knowledge and perspectives.

The genus Rickettsia encompasses 35 valid species of intracellular, coccobacilli bacteria that can infect several eukaryotic taxa, causing multiple emerging and re-emerging diseases worldwide. This work aimed to gather and summarise the current knowledge about the genus Rickettsia in Mexico, updating the taxonomy of the bacteria and their hosts by including all the records available until 2020, to elucidate host-parasite relationships and determine the geographical distribution of each Rickettsia species present in the country. Until now, 14 species of Rickettsia belonging to four groups have been recorded in Mexico. These species have been associated with 26 arthropod species (14 hard ticks, three soft ticks, two sucking lice, and seven fleas) and 17 mammal species distributed over 30 states in Mexico. This work highlights the high biological inventory of rickettsias for Mexico and reinforces the need to approach the study of this group from a One Health perspective.

Graphene Oxide and Reduced Derivatives, as Powder or Film Scaffolds, Differentially Promote Dopaminergic Neuron Differentiation and Survival.

Emerging scaffold structures made of carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide (GO) have shown efficient bioconjugation with common biomolecules. Previous studies described that GO promotes the differentiation of neural stem cells and may be useful for neural regeneration. In this study, we examined the capacity of GO, full reduced (FRGO), and partially reduced (PRGO) powder and film to support survival, proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and bioenergetic function of a dopaminergic (DA) cell line derived from the mouse substantia nigra (SN4741). Our results show that the morphology of the film and the species of graphene (GO, PRGO, or FRGO) influences the behavior and function of these neurons. In general, we found better biocompatibility of the film species than that of the powder. Analysis of cell viability and cytotoxicity showed good cell survival, a lack of cell death in all GO forms and its derivatives, a decreased proliferation, and increased differentiation over time. Neuronal maturation of SN4741 in all GO forms, and its derivatives were assessed by increased protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT), the glutamate inward rectifying potassium channel 2 (GIRK2), and of synaptic proteins, such as synaptobrevin and synaptophysin. Notably, PRGO-film increased the levels of Tuj1 and the expression of transcription factors specific for midbrain DA neurons, such as Pitx3, Lmx1a, and Lmx1b. Bioenergetics and mitochondrial dysfunction were evaluated by measuring oxygen consumption modified by distinct GO species and were different between powder and film for the same GO species. Our results indicate that PRGO-film was the best GO species at maintaining mitochondrial function compared to control. Finally, different GO forms, and particularly PRGO-film was also found to prevent the loss of DA cells and the decrease of the α-synuclein (α-syn) in a molecular environment where oxidative stress has been induced to model Parkinson's disease. In conclusion, PRGO-film is the most efficient graphene species at promoting DA differentiation and preventing DA cell loss, thus becoming a suitable scaffold to test new drugs or develop constructs for Parkinson's disease cell replacement therapy.

A high-throughput model for fat graft assessment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Current fat-graft animal models require weeks, to months, for results. The purpose of this study was to develop a model for the rapid identification of adipocyte protectants, using apoptosis-specific fluorescence. The goal of our model was to predict long-term fat graft survival within a 10-day period. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human fat was obtained from liposuction aspirates, washed with saline, and centrifuged at 200g. The fat was then treated with one of four agents: P188, polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000), lipoic acid (LA), or saline control. Fat lobules were explanted over a 10-day period, and then at six weeks. The explanted fat was measured for apoptosis. Samples were weighed, sent for histology, measured for DNA content, and examined using confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Fat-grafts demonstrated variable apoptosis over the 10-day period. P188 and LA treated samples demonstrated 11-28% less apoptosis during early engraftment than saline treated controls. This early reduction in apoptosis correlated to a approximately 20% reduction in reabsorption by weight six weeks later. P188 and LA samples demonstrated three-times higher DNA content by PICO green analysis when compared to saline controls. PEG 8000 treated samples demonstrated 11% more apoptosis than saline. PEG 8000 treated samples demonstrated an approximately 10% higher level of reabsorption by weight, and two-times higher levels of DNA. Histology of treated samples at six weeks showed architecturally normal fat in P188 and LA treated fat; whereas PEG 8000 had high levels of inflammatory infiltrates, and saline had large amounts of fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: This model of fat-grafting and early apoptosis can be used to screen agents and grafting methods and predict long-term graft survival. We show that levels of apoptosis within ten days correlate with weight, DNA, and histology, at six weeks. Using this model, long-term adipocyte survival and graft take can be predicted during the first 10 days post-implantation.

Fishing anti(lymph)angiogenic drugs with zebrafish.

Zebrafish, an amenable small teleost fish with a complex mammal-like circulatory system, is being increasingly used for drug screening and toxicity studies. It combines the biological complexity of in vivo models with a higher-throughput screening capability compared with other available animal models. Externally growing, transparent embryos, displaying well-defined blood and lymphatic vessels, allow the inexpensive, rapid, and automatable evaluation of drug candidates that are able to inhibit neovascularisation. Here, we briefly review zebrafish as a model for the screening of anti(lymph)angiogenic drugs, with emphasis on the advantages and limitations of the different zebrafish-based in vivo assays.

Identifying seasonal mobility profiles from anonymized and aggregated mobile phone data. Application in food security.

We propose a framework for the systematic analysis of mobile phone data to identify relevant mobility profiles in a population. The proposed framework allows finding distinct human mobility profiles based on the digital trace of mobile phone users characterized by a Matrix of Individual Trajectories (IT-Matrix). This matrix gathers a consistent and regularized description of individual trajectories that enables multi-scale representations along time and space, which can be used to extract aggregated indicators such as a dynamic multi-scale population count. Unsupervised clustering of individual trajectories generates mobility profiles (clusters of similar individual trajectories) which characterize relevant group behaviors preserving optimal aggregation levels for detailed and privacy-secured mobility characterization. The application of the proposed framework is illustrated by analyzing fully anonymized data on human mobility from mobile phones in Senegal at the arrondissement level over a calendar year. The analysis of monthly mobility patterns at the livelihood zone resolution resulted in the discovery and characterization of seasonal mobility profiles related with economic activities, agricultural calendars and rainfalls. The use of these mobility profiles could support the timely identification of mobility changes in vulnerable populations in response to external shocks (such as natural disasters, civil conflicts or sudden increases of food prices) to monitor food security.

The Natural Antiangiogenic Compound AD0157 Induces Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis in Human Myeloid Leukemia Cells.

Evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer especially relevant in the development and the appearance of leukemia drug resistance mechanisms. The development of new drugs that could trigger apoptosis in aggressive hematological malignancies, such as AML and CML, may be considered a promising antileukemic strategy. AD0157, a natural marine pyrrolidinedione, has already been described as a compound that inhibits angiogenesis by induction of apoptosis in endothelial cells. The crucial role played by defects in the apoptosis pathways in the pathogenesis, progression and response to conventional therapies of several forms of leukemia, moved us to analyze the effect of this compound on the growth and death of leukemia cells. In this work, human myeloid leukemia cells (HL60, U937 and KU812F) were treated with AD0157 ranging from 1 to 10 µM and an experimental battery was applied to evaluate its apoptogenic potential. We report here that AD0157 was highly effective to inhibit cell growth by promotion of apoptosis in human myeloid leukemia cells, and provide evidence of its mechanisms of action. The apoptogenic activity of AD0157 on leukemia cells was verified by an increased chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation, and confirmed by an augmentation in the apoptotic subG1 population, translocation of the membrane phosphatidylserine from the inner face of the plasma membrane to the cell surface and by cleavage of the apoptosis substrates PARP and lamin-A. In addition, AD0157 in the low micromolar range significantly enhanced the activities of the initiator caspases-8 and -9, and the effector caspases-3/-7 in a dose-dependent manner. Results presented here throw light on the apoptogenic mechanism of action of AD0157, mediated through caspase-dependent cascades, with an especially relevant role played by mitochondria. Altogether, these results suggest the therapeutic potential of this compound for the treatment of human myeloid leukemia.

[Frequency of metabolic syndrome and risk factors in adults with and without diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension]. / Frecuencia del síndrome metabólico y factores de riesgo en adultos con y sin diabetes mellitus e hipertensión arterial.

OBJECTIVE: Determinate the frequency and the risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome in adults with diabetes mellitus, Hypertension and without Diabetes- Hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We realized a cross-sectional study in patients of both sexes and older than 20 years of the "Hospital General de Zona 1 IMSS" in Colima, Mexico. The variables studied were: age, BMI, waist circumference, cigarette smoking, and family history of diabetes and hypertension, and biochemical parameters, such as glucose, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. RESULTS: A total of 417 persons were enrolled (170 men and 247 women), with an age average of 53.2 ± 13.4 years (age range, 20 to 86 years). The global frequency of the metabolic syndrome was 52.3 % (56 % in women and 46.4 % in men). While the MS frequency was 50 % in DM2, 42 % in hypertension, 80 % in DM2+hypertension and 28.2 % without DM2 and hypertension. The cigarette smoking frequency was 27.8 %, and it was an important risk factor for the totally of patients with MS, in DM2 and in DM2+hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of MS in adults was 52.3 %, women were the most affected, and cigarette smoking was the most important risk factor.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la frecuencia y factores de riesgo para Síndrome Metabólico (SM) en adultos con Diabetes mellitus, hipertensión arterial y sin diabetes-hipertensión. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en derechohabientes de ambos sexos y mayores de 20 años de los servicios de consulta externa del HGZ No. 1 IMSS Colima, México. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, IMC, diámetro de la cintura, grado de escolaridad, estado socioeconómico, grado de actividad física, tabaquismo, antecedentes familiares para diabetes e hipertensión arterial (HTA) y parámetros bioquímicos como glucosa, colesterol HDL, triglicéridos. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 417 pacientes (170 hombres y 247 mujeres), con un promedio de edad 53,2 ± 13,4 años (intervalo 20 a 86 años). La frecuencia global del SM fue del 52,3 % (56 % mujeres y 46,4 % hombres). Mientras que la frecuencia del SM fue de 50 % en DM2, 42% en HTA, 80 % DM2 + HTA y 28,2 % sin DM o HTA. La frecuencia del tabaquismo fue del 27,8 % y fue un factor de riesgo importante para la totalidad de pacientes con SM, en DM2 y en DM2+HAT. CONCLUSIONES: La frecuencia del SM en adultos fue del 52,3 %, las mujeres fueron más afectadas y el tabaquismo fue el factor de riesgo más importante.

Hyperforin: more than an antidepressant bioactive compound?

Hyperforin is a lipophilic compound that is present in great amounts in St. John's wort and that has been described as the main responsible for the antidepressant effects of this medicinal plant. In the last few years, evidence has accumulated pointing to other different effects of hyperforin with potential pharmacological interest. They include other neurological effects, effects on inflammation, as well as antibacterial, antitumoral and antiangiogenic effects.