ABSTRACT
Phenolic compounds (PC) have been proposed as natural antioxidant agents that protect cells against oxidative stress-related diseases. Nonetheless, their low bioavailability forecasts controversy about mechanisms on their in vivo scavenging activity against reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been proposed that PC reduce directly ROS concentration. An alternative or complementary action of PC could be the activation of the cell's antioxidant pathway, involving the regulation of gene expression, like that initiated by the Nrf2 transcription factor. To date there is not enough experimental data to support or discard this possibility. In the present study, we evaluated the use of several PC to prevent peroxidation of macromolecules and to elicit the activation of the Nrf2 transcription factor in H2O2-stresed IEC-6 enterocytic cell line. Synchrotron microspectroscopy demonstrated that PC compounds protected proteins, lipids and nucleic acids against oxidation induced by H2O2. Immunofluorescence results showed that treatment with quercetin (Qc), catechin (Cat) and capsaicin (Cap) induced the translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus, at the same level as did H2O2 treatment, thus mimicking the action of the endogenous cell response to peroxidation. Even though the detailed mechanism still needs to be elucidated, we demonstrated the activation of Nrf2 by PCs in response to oxidative stress.
Subject(s)
Antioxidants/pharmacology , Capsaicin/pharmacology , Catechin/pharmacology , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Quercetin/pharmacology , Animals , Cell Line , Hydrogen Peroxide/metabolism , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism , Rats , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform InfraredABSTRACT
Flavonoids are recognized to regulate animals' food digestion processes trough interaction with digestive enzymes. The binding capacity of hesperetin (HES), luteolin (LUT), quercetin (QUE), catechin (CAT) and rutin (RUT) with pancreatic α-amylase were evaluated, using UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence and molecular docking. Using p-nitrophenyl-α-d-maltopentoside (pNPG5) as substrate analog, LUT showed the best inhibitory capacity, even better than that of the positive control, acarbose (ACA). A mixed-type inhibition was observed for HES, LUT and QUE, a competitive-type for ACA, while no inhibition was observed with CAT and RUT. In agreement with kinetic results, α-amylase presented a higher affinity for LUT, when analyzed by fluorescence quenching. The binding of flavonoids to amylase followed a static mechanism, where the binding of one flavonoid per enzyme molecule was observed. Docking analysis showed that flavonoids bound near to enzyme active site, while ACA bound in another site behind the catalytic triad. Extrinsic fluorescence analysis, together with docking analysis pointed out that hydrophobic interactions regulated the flavonoid-α-amylase interactions. The present study provides evidence to understand the relationship of flavonoids structure with their inhibition mechanism.
Subject(s)
Flavonoids/chemistry , Flavonoids/pharmacology , alpha-Amylases/antagonists & inhibitors , alpha-Amylases/chemistry , Binding Sites , Flavonoids/metabolism , Humans , Molecular Docking Simulation , Protein Binding , Structure-Activity Relationship , alpha-Amylases/metabolismABSTRACT
Dietary fiber and phenolic compounds are two recognized dietary factors responsible for potential effects on human health; therefore, they have been widely used to increase functionality of some foods. This paper focuses on showing the use of both substances as functional ingredients for enriching foods, and at the same time, describes the use of a single material that combines the properties of the two types of substances. The last part of the work describes some facts related to the interaction between dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, which could affect the bioaccessibility and absorption of phenolics in the gut. In this sense, the purpose of the present review is to compile and analyze evidence relating to the use of dietary fiber and phenolic compounds to enhance technological and nutritional properties of foods and hypothesize some of the possible effects in the gut after their ingestion.
Subject(s)
Dietary Fiber/administration & dosage , Phenols/administration & dosage , Dietary Fiber/analysis , Eating/physiology , Fruit/chemistry , Gastrointestinal Tract/physiology , Humans , Phenols/analysisABSTRACT
Carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) modified with a biosolid, two types of soils with different amounts of organic matter (OM), and two biocomposites (soils mixed with a biosolid) were used to assess and compare the Cu(II) ion retention properties of the organic matter contained in the samples. The accumulation of Cu(II) on the surface of the modified carbon paste electrodes (MCPEs) was performed under open-circuit conditions. When comparing the response of the MCPEs while assessing parameters such as pH, preconcentration time, and adsorption/desorption capacity, it was found that the reaction mechanism of the two soils is different between the soils and dissimilar from the biosolid; while the biocomposites show reaction mechanisms that are intermediate between those of the soils and the biosolid. This was proven with the use of infrared spectroscopy, since the FTIR spectra show similarities between the two soils and significant differences between the soils and the biosolid.
Subject(s)
Carbon , Copper/chemistry , Electrodes , Soil/chemistry , Indicators and Reagents , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform InfraredABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Anal incontinence is a severe physical and emotional condition that affects quality of life. Its treatment with neuromodulation, that consists in sacral roots electrical stimulation, has became a therapeutic option. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to present the surgical technique and the first prospective experience in neuromodulation for fecal incontinence in Argentina. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four females with severe fecal incontinence (mean score 17/20) were included. Anorectal physiology testing and anal ultrasound were performed before surgery. Due to failed medical treatment and the presence of an intact anal sphincter, sacral neuromodulation was indicated. After temporary sacral nerve evaluation, definitive neuromodulator was implanted. RESULTS: After 13 months the incontinence score and the number of weekly escapes decrese from 17/20 to 1.7/20 (p = 0.059) and from 62 to 0.2 (p = 0.059). Quality of life scores also improves but not statiscally significative. CONCLUSIONS: Sacral neuromodulation in fecal incontinence is useful. It is effective in patients who had failed maximum conservative therapies with the advantage of testing before definitive.(AU)
Introducción: La incontinencia anal constituye un severo trastorno físico y emocional que altera y limita la calidad de vida de quienes la padecen. Su tratamiento mediante neuromodulación, que consiste en la estimulación eléctrica de las raíces sacras, se ha convertido en una opción terapéutica válida. Objetivo: Presentar la técnica y la primera experiencia piloto prospectiva realizada en Argentina con neuromodulación sacra para el tratamiento de la incontinencia anal. Pacientes y métodos: Se trataron 4 pacientes de sexo femenino con incontinencia anal severa (score promedio de 17/20). Fueron estudiadas mediante manometría anorrectal, ecografía esfintérica y evaluación neurofisiológica del piso pelviano. Debido a la refractariedad a los tratamientos convencionales y a la indemnidad anatómica muscular se indicó neuromodulación sacra mediante la colocación de un electrodo estimulador cuatripolar. Se llevó a cabo la prueba de estimulación nerviosa transitoria y habiendo obtenido resultados satisfactorios, se colocó el implante definitivo. Resultados: Luego de 13 meses de seguimiento promedio el score de incontinencia disminuyó de 17/20 a 1.7/20 (p= 0.059) y el número de escapes semanales de 6.2 a 0.2 (p=0.059). También se observó una mejoría en la calidad de vida que no se vio reflejada estadísticamente. Conclusiones: La neuromodulación sacra es un procedimiento útil para el tratamiento de la incontinencia anal. Ha demostrado ser efectiva en aquellos pacientes refractarios a tratamientos convencionales con la ventaja de poder evaluar su respuesta antes del implante definitivo. Presenta baja morbilidad y corta internación.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Electric Stimulation Therapy/methods , Fecal Incontinence/therapy , Lumbosacral Plexus , Follow-Up Studies , Pilot Projects , Prospective Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Anal incontinence is a severe physical and emotional condition that affects quality of life. Its treatment with neuromodulation, that consists in sacral roots electrical stimulation, has became a therapeutic option. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to present the surgical technique and the first prospective experience in neuromodulation for fecal incontinence in Argentina. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four females with severe fecal incontinence (mean score 17/20) were included. Anorectal physiology testing and anal ultrasound were performed before surgery. Due to failed medical treatment and the presence of an intact anal sphincter, sacral neuromodulation was indicated. After temporary sacral nerve evaluation, definitive neuromodulator was implanted. RESULTS: After 13 months the incontinence score and the number of weekly escapes decrese from 17/20 to 1.7/20 (p = 0.059) and from 62 to 0.2 (p = 0.059). Quality of life scores also improves but not statiscally significative. CONCLUSIONS: Sacral neuromodulation in fecal incontinence is useful. It is effective in patients who had failed maximum conservative therapies with the advantage of testing before definitive.
Introducción: La incontinencia anal constituye un severo trastorno físico y emocional que altera y limita la calidad de vida de quienes la padecen. Su tratamiento mediante neuromodulación, que consiste en la estimulación eléctrica de las raíces sacras, se ha convertido en una opción terapéutica válida. Objetivo: Presentar la técnica y la primera experiencia piloto prospectiva realizada en Argentina con neuromodulación sacra para el tratamiento de la incontinencia anal. Pacientes y métodos: Se trataron 4 pacientes de sexo femenino con incontinencia anal severa (score promedio de 17/20). Fueron estudiadas mediante manometría anorrectal, ecografía esfintérica y evaluación neurofisiológica del piso pelviano. Debido a la refractariedad a los tratamientos convencionales y a la indemnidad anatómica muscular se indicó neuromodulación sacra mediante la colocación de un electrodo estimulador cuatripolar. Se llevó a cabo la prueba de estimulación nerviosa transitoria y habiendo obtenido resultados satisfactorios, se colocó el implante definitivo. Resultados: Luego de 13 meses de seguimiento promedio el score de incontinencia disminuyó de 17/20 a 1.7/20 (p= 0.059) y el número de escapes semanales de 6.2 a 0.2 (p=0.059). También se observó una mejoría en la calidad de vida que no se vio reflejada estadísticamente. Conclusiones: La neuromodulación sacra es un procedimiento útil para el tratamiento de la incontinencia anal. Ha demostrado ser efectiva en aquellos pacientes refractarios a tratamientos convencionales con la ventaja de poder evaluar su respuesta antes del implante definitivo. Presenta baja morbilidad y corta internación.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Fecal Incontinence/therapy , Lumbosacral Plexus , Electric Stimulation Therapy/methods , Prospective Studies , Pilot Projects , Treatment Outcome , Follow-Up Studies , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
The importance of this case report resides in the unusual initiation of an arterial inflammatory disease. The patient presented ischemic symptoms and signs with bilateral upper limb claudication and Raynaud's phenomenon, with ulcerations on her left hand. We describe the patient's clinical history, diagnosis and therapy.
Subject(s)
Giant Cell Arteritis/diagnosis , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Aorta , Axillary Artery , Female , Giant Cell Arteritis/surgery , Humans , Subclavian ArteryABSTRACT
The importance of this case report resides in the unusual initiation of an arterial inflammatory disease. The patient presented ischemic symptoms and signs with bilateral upper limb claudication and Raynauds phenomenon, with ulcerations on her left hand. We describe the patients clinical history, diagnosis and therapy.
ABSTRACT
To determine children's perception of their own psychosocial functioning, to compare it with their parents' perception, and determine the type and rate of their psychopathological syndromes and family functioning, and to investigate correlation among these data. Nineteen children with craniofacial deformities and their parents responded to the Columbia Impairment Scale, the Child Behavior Checklist and the McMaster General Functioning Subscale. Psychosocial impairment is a trend in children with craniofacial deformities. There is a correlation between children's and parents' perception of the patient's psychosocial adaptation, global psychopathology and externalizing and aggressive syndromes. A less strong correlation was found with internalizing, somatization and attention deficit syndromes, and with family functioning. Craniofacial deformities in childhood pose special risks for psychosocial adjustment due to type of illness and environmental and family factors.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Craniofacial Abnormalities/psychology , Adolescent , Child , Family/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Psychology, Social , Psychopathology , Self Concept , SyndromeABSTRACT
With the purpose of knowing to what extent thrombocytopenia that occurs in exchange transfusion (ET) can be secondary to the procedure itself or to a generalized infection, blood counts were made in 42 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia due to maternal fetal isoimmunization of the ABO system. Platelets were quantified halfway and immediately after the exchange transfusion procedure as well as 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72 hours after. It was found that prior to ET platelet levels in donor and patient blood was similar and platelet counts were never under 100,000 mm3 (thrombocytopenia). Halfway and at the conclusion of ET, as well as 8 and 16 hours after, a decrease in platelet levels was observed. After 24 hours an increase was observed that reached basal levels prior to ET after 72 hours. In five children thrombocytopenia was observed; in two, halfway of the ET procedure, in one at the end and two more at 8 and 16 hours after ET. From results obtained we can conclude that thrombocytopenia occurring 24 hours after ET can be due to septicemia.
Subject(s)
Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood/adverse effects , Sepsis/blood , Thrombocytopenia/etiology , ABO Blood-Group System , Blood Group Incompatibility/complications , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Jaundice, Neonatal/etiology , Jaundice, Neonatal/therapy , Platelet Count , Pregnancy , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Lymphoma L5178Y cells were treated with neuraminidase of Vibrio cholerae, potassium iodine, dithiotreitol (DTT), mercaptoethanol, glutaraldehyde, iodoacetamide, merthiolate, sodium periodate, urea, papaine, trypsine and EDTA, to increase immunoreaction in tumor cells. Mice were immunized with modified tumor cells every week for one month. Thereafter non modified tumor cells were transplanted to previously immunized mice. Only the immunization with neuraminidase-treated cells rejected the tumor. Although the immunization with cells treated with potassium iodine, DTT and mercaptoethanol did not reject tumor, prolonged significantly span of life. The other reactives had neither effect on tumor rejection nor on span of life.