Foliar supplementation of ascorbic acid modulates biochemical performance of silkworm, Bombyx mori under thermal stress.

Dietary supplementation of ascorbic acid was found to be effective in modifying the composition of essential biomolecules. A relative investigation on effects of exogenous dietary supplementation of 0.2% ascorbic acid on the fifth instar larvae of silkworm, Bombyx mori exposed to a high thermal stress of range 40 ± 2 °C was carried out in the lab-set conditions. The observed elevation in various biomolecules, viz., DNA, RNA, protein, lipids, and carbohydrates were quantified in both the thermal stress-induced test groups and in the control, set aside. The test results so obtained were proven to be statistically significant. The present study reveals that foliar supplementation of ascorbic acid has been effective in positively-modulating the biochemical performance in larvae exposed to thermal stress. Moreover, the study also uncovers the possibilities of ascorbic acid as a potential candidate, capable of facilitating the production of good quality cocoons, from larvae exposed to thermal stress.

Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Phosphorus Substituted 4-Cyanooxazolines, 2-Aminocyanooxazolines, 2-Iminocyanooxazolidines and 2-Aminocyanothiazolines by Rearrangement of Cyanoaziridines.

Several phosphorus-substituted N-acylated cyanoaziridines 2 and N-carbamoylated cyanoziridines 5 were prepared in good to high yields. N-Acylated cyanoaziridines 2 were used, after ring expansion, in an efficient synthesis of oxazoline derivative 3a and in a completely regio-controlled reaction in the presence of NaI. Conversely, N-carbamoyl cyanoaziridines 5 reacted with NaI to obtain a regioisomeric mixture of 2-aminocyanooxazolines 7. Mild acidic conditions can be used for the isomerization of N-thiocarbamoyl cyanoaziridine 6a into a 2-aminocyanothiazoline derivative 8a by using BF3·OEt2 as a Lewis acid. Likewise, a one pot reaction of NH-cyanoaziridines 1 with isocyanates obtained 2-iminocyanooxazolidines 9 regioselectively. This synthetic methodology involves the addition of isocyanates to starting cyanoaziridines to obtain N-carbamoyl cyanoaziridines 5, which after the ring opening, reacts with a second equivalent of isocyanate to give the final 2-imino cyanooxazolidines 9. In addition, the cytotoxic effect on the cell lines derived from human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) was also screened. 2-Iminooxazolidines 9 exhibited moderate activity against the A549 cell line in vitro. Furthermore, a selectivity towards cancer cells (A549) over non-malignant cells (MCR-5) was detected.

The effect of EDTA and citric acid on biochemical processes and changes in phenolic compounds profile of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) under mercury stress.

The present study aimed to explore the effect of synthetic and naturally occurring chelators, EDTA and citric acid (CA), respectively, on changes in physiological and biochemical factors including cell death, level of mercury ions accumulation, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total phenol and total flavonoids, anthocyanins and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, in the leaves of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) plants exposed to mercury stress. In addition, polyphenolic compounds profile was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The okras were planted in completely controlled hydroponic conditions (Hoagland solution). After they reached the four-leaf stage, they were treated simultaneously with different concentrations of HgCl2, EDTA and CA chelators, and their combination for one month. At the stage of maturity, the physiological and biochemical factors of the plant leaves were measured. The results showed that with the application of higher concentration of HgCl2, cell death, level of shoot and root Hg2+ content and root MDA, total phenols and total flavonoids, anthocyanin content, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity were increased. Also, the results indicated that okra plants have high biomass and a high rate of Hg mobilization and accumulation in the shoot versus the roots (TF=2.152 for the plants treated with 60 mg L-1 Hg2+), hence, can be considered as Hg hyperaccumulator plant for the phytoremediation of Hg-polluted soils and waters. In the Hg-treated plants changes in their phenolic profile were induced, and the increase of chlorogenic acid, rosmaric acid, apigenin, quercetin and rutin content was observed. The application of EDTA and CA improved the toxic effects of Hg2+, by modifying phenolic compounds, chelating Hg2+, and its proper compartmentation, while EDTA outperformed CA in this respect. Based on the results, it could be concluded that due to the high biomass and growth of okra in the presence of Hg2+, this plant is suitable for phytoremediation of soil and water contaminated with mercury. In addition, EDTA and CA can play a significant role in removing this toxic metal through transferring it from the culture medium to the plant.

Assessment of the biochemical pathways for acetaminophen toxicity: Implications for its carcinogenic hazard potential.

In 2019 California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) initiated a review of the carcinogenic hazard potential of acetaminophen. In parallel with this review, herein we evaluated the mechanistic data related to the steps and timing of cellular events following therapeutic recommended (≤4 g/day) and higher doses of acetaminophen that may cause hepatotoxicity to evaluate whether these changes indicate that acetaminophen is a carcinogenic hazard. At therapeutic recommended doses, acetaminophen forms limited amounts of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone-imine (NAPQI) without adverse cellular effects. Following overdoses of acetaminophen, there is potential for more extensive formation of NAPQI and depletion of glutathione, which may result in mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage, but only at doses that result in cell death - thus making it implausible for acetaminophen to induce the kind of stable, genetic damage in the nucleus indicative of a genotoxic or carcinogenic hazard in humans. The collective data demonstrate a lack of a plausible mechanism related to carcinogenicity and are consistent with rodent cancer bioassays, epidemiological results reviewed in companion manuscripts in this issue, as well as conclusions of multiple international health authorities.

Investigating antimicrobial compounds in South African Combretaceae species using a biochemometric approach.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Many species within the family Combretaceae are popular medicinal plants that are used traditionally to treat various conditions, of which many are related to bacterial infections. Global concerns regarding the increasing resistance of pathogens towards currently available antibiotics have encouraged researchers to find new drugs with antibacterial activity, particularly from plant sources. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was aimed at exploring the broad-spectrum antibacterial potential of methanol extracts of species representing four genera of Combretaceae (Combretum, Pteleopsis, Quisqualis, Terminalia), indigenous to South Africa, using a biochemometric approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The microdilution assay was used to determine the antibacterial activities, measured as minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), of the 51 methanol extracts representing 35 Combretaceae species, against nine species of pathogenic bacteria. Integrative biochemometric analysis was performed, thereby correlating the MIC values with the metabolomic data obtained from ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) analysis. Orthogonal projections to latent structures-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models were constructed for six pathogens displaying variation in their susceptibility towards the extracts. RESULTS: Evaluation of the overall MIC values obtained indicated that extracts of species from the four genera displayed the highest activity towards Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 (average MIC 0.52 mg/mL) and Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 (average MIC 0.63 mg/mL). These bacteria were the most sensitive Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Extracts from Combretum acutifolium, Combretum imberbe and Combretum elaeagnoides were the most active, with average MIC values of 0.70 mg/mL, 0.52 mg/mL and 0.45 mg/mL, respectively. Five triterpenoid compounds were tentatively identified as biomarkers from the biochemometric analysis. CONCLUSION: Correlation of the phytochemistry of species from four genera in the Combretaceae family with antibacterial activity revealed that triterpenoids are responsible for the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity observed.

Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles using Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extracts and their Bio-Physical and Biochemical Characterization for Cosmetic and Dermatologic Applications.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Nanoparticles are used in cosmetic and dermatologic products, due to better skin penetration properties. Incorporation of natural products exhibiting medicinal properties in nano-preparations could significantly improve the efficacy of these products and improve the quality of life without the side effects of synthetic formulations. METHODS: We here report the green synthesis of Copper Oxide nanoparticles, using Cucumber extract, and their detailed bio-physical and bio-chemical characterization. RESULTS: These Copper Oxide-Cucumber nanoparticles exhibit significant anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, Ultra Violet-radiation protection ability and reactive-oxygen species inhibition properties. Importantly, these nanoparticles do not exhibit significant cellular toxicity and, when incorporated in skin cream, exhibit skin rejuvenating properties. CONCLUSION: Our findings have implications for nanoparticle-based cosmetics and dermatologic applications.

Evaluation of potential hepatotoxicity induced by Bortezomib

Bortezomib, an inhibitor of 26S proteasome, is an anti-cancer therapeutic agent used in different cancer types. It leads to the arrest of the cancerous cell cycle by inhibiting angiogenesis and inducing apoptosis. Liver is the vital organ for detoxification and excretion of toxic products. The treatment with chemotherapy is a challenge, drugs are used to destroy cancer cells, but healthy cells can be affected during cancer treatment as well. The main objective of this study was to analyze the histopathological and biochemical effects of bortezomib on liver. Twenty-four female C57BL/6 mice were distributed into 4 groups, bortezomib injected treatment groups (Btz1, Btz2) and saline injected control groups (C1, C2). Bortezomib and saline were treated twice per week for 6 weeks and sacrificed at the end of one day (Btz1, C1) and 4 weeks (Btz2, C2) after the last injection. Liver samples were examined for histopathological analysis and the serum samples processed for biochemical analysis. Tissue samples were fixed, routinely processed, sectioned, and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), Sudan Black staining and Masson's trichrome histochemical staining methods were performed to characterize the lesions. Histopathological analysis of the Btz1 and Btz2 groups revealed acute hepatic morphological changes such as hepatocellular swelling (cloudy swelling), necro-inflammatory reaction, and increased mononuclear polyploidy. Based on the negative staining with PAS and Sudan Black staining, hepatocellular swelling was diagnosed as hydropic degeneration. Necro-inflammatory reaction observed in the form of acute hepatitis was composed of mainly mononuclear cell infiltration accompanied by multifocal necrotic foci. Kupffer cell proliferation was observed in parallel with degenerative and necrotic changes. An Increase in hepatocellular mononuclear polyploidy visualized as hepatocytes with a single enlarged nucleus was detected in all liver sections of Btz1 and Btz2 groups. Individual cases of cholestasis (n = 1) and mild hepatic fibrosis (n = 1) were also reported. Significant elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were detected in bortezomib treated groups. Few clinical cases reported liver injury related to bortezomib used for cancer treatment. However, the liver was not considered as a target for bortezomib treatment. Our data suggesting that bortezomib caused liver damage and induces elevations in serum levels. The reported hepatic lesions including hepatocellular swelling, acute hepatitis and mononuclear polyploidy were mainly mild and moderate in severity. The increase of polyploidy in liver tissue of mice treated with bortezomib in this study was explained as a reaction of the liver facing the drug-induced hepatic damage. The mechanism leading to the hepatotoxicity of bortezomib treatment is not known but the production of a toxic metabolite through its metabolism in the liver can be suggested. Moreover, no recovery was also observed in histopathological and biochemical analyses suggesting that the bortezomib effect is non-reversible four weeks after the drug was withdrawn. Patients should be informed about the possibility of acute drug-induced hepatitis and hepatotoxicity of this chemotherapeutic agent after the treatment.(AU)

Human pharmacokinetics of ginkgo terpene lactones and impact of carboxylation in blood on their platelet-activating factor antagonistic activity.

Terpene lactones are a class of bioactive constituents of standardized preparations of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, extensively used as add-on therapies in patients with ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This investigation evaluated human pharmacokinetics of ginkgo terpene lactones and impact of their carboxylation in blood. Human subjects received oral YinXing-TongZhi tablet or intravenous ShuXueNing, two standardized ginkgo preparations. Their plasma protein-binding and platelet-activating factor antagonistic activity were assessed in vitro. Their carboxylation was assessed in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) and in human plasma. After dosing YinXing-TongZhi tablet, ginkgolides A and B and bilobalide exhibited significantly higher systemic exposure levels than ginkgolides C and J; after dosing ShuXueNing, ginkgolides A, B, C, and J exhibited high exposure levels. The compounds' unbound fractions in plasma were 45-92%. Apparent oral bioavailability of ginkgolides A and B was mostly >100%, while that of ginkgolides C and J was 6-15%. Bilobalide's bioavailability was probably high but lower than that of ginkgolides A/B. Terminal half-lives of ginkgolides A, B, and C (4-7 h) after dosing ShuXueNing were shorter than their respective values (6-13 h) after dosing YinXing-TongZhi tablet. Half-life of bilobalide after dosing the tablet was around 5 h. Terpene lactones were roughly evenly distributed in various body fluids and tissues; glomerular-filtration-based renal excretion was the predominant elimination route for the ginkgolides and a major route for bilobalide. Terpene lactones circulated as trilactones and monocarboxylates. Carboxylation reduced platelet-activating factor antagonistic activity of ginkgolides A, B, and C. Ginkgolide J, bilobalide, and ginkgo flavonoids exhibited no such bioactivity. Collectively, differences in terpene lactones' exposure between the two preparations and influence of their carboxylation in blood should be considered in investigating the relative contributions of terpene lactones to ginkgo preparations' therapeutic effects. The results here will inform rational clinical use of ginkgo preparations.

Neochamaejasmin A inhibits KV1.4 channel activity via direct binding to the pore.

Stellera chamaejasme L. (Thymelaeaceae) is a toxic perennial herb and widespread in Mongolia and the northern parts of China. Previous studies have revealed that Neochamaejasmin A (NCA), one of the main active ingredients in the plant roots, has many bioactivities such as inhibiting the P-gp-mediated efflux. But whether NCA affects ion channels is unknown. Here the whole cell patch clamp technique was used to investigate whether NCA affects ion channels, especially how it inhibits KV1.4. Mutagenesis and structure-based molecular simulation were used for analysis of inhibition mechanism and identification of binding site. Among all the channels assayed, KV1.4 stood out as the one on which NCA showed strongest inhibition activity with IC50 of 7.55 µM. Compared with NCA's isomerides, neochamaejasmin B (NCB) and chamaechromone (CMC), NCA also exhibited superior inhibition ability on KV1.4. Three mutations, V549A, A553V and V560A, occurred inside the pore, were found to significantly alleviate the NCA blocking effects, suggesting that they are the important binding sites of NCA. Structure-based modelling showed that the phenolic hydroxyl group of NCA can form hydrogen bonds with main chains of Val549 and Ala553 in IS6 and IVS6 segment respectively, which support our in vitro results. In conclusion, data suggest that NCA might inhibit KV1.4 channels via direct binding to the pore domain.

Organ/body-on-a-chip based on microfluidic technology for drug discovery.

Although animal experiments are indispensable for preclinical screening in the drug discovery process, various issues such as ethical considerations and species differences remain. To solve these issues, cell-based assays using human-derived cells have been actively pursued. However, it remains difficult to accurately predict drug efficacy, toxicity, and organs interactions, because cultivated cells often do not retain their original organ functions and morphologies in conventional in vitro cell culture systems. In the µTAS research field, which is a part of biochemical engineering, the technologies of organ-on-a-chip, based on microfluidic devices built using microfabrication, have been widely studied recently as a novel in vitro organ model. Since it is possible to physically and chemically mimic the in vitro environment by using microfluidic device technology, maintenance of cellular function and morphology, and replication of organ interactions can be realized using organ-on-a-chip devices. So far, functions of various organs and tissues, such as the lung, liver, kidney, and gut have been reproduced as in vitro models. Furthermore, a body-on-a-chip, integrating multi organ functions on a microfluidic device, has also been proposed for prediction of organ interactions. We herein provide a background of microfluidic systems, organ-on-a-chip, Body-on-a-chip technologies, and their challenges in the future.

Depletion of adult neurogenesis using the chemotherapy drug temozolomide in mice induces behavioural and biological changes relevant to depression.

Numerous studies have examined links between postnatal neurogenesis and depression using a range of experimental methods to deplete neurogenesis. The antimitotic drug temozolomide (TMZ) has previously been used successfully as an experimental tool in animals to deplete adult neurogenesis and is used regularly on human patients as a standard chemotherapy for brain cancer. In this study, we wanted to evaluate whether TMZ as a model for chemotherapy treatment could affect parameters related to depression in an animal model. Prevalence rates of depression in patients is thought to be highly underdiagnosed, with some studies reporting rates as high as 90%. Results from this study in mice, treated with a regimen of TMZ similar to humans, exhibited behavioural and biochemical changes that have relevance to the development of depression. In particular, behavioural results demonstrated robust deficits in processing novelty and a significant increase in the corticosterone response. Quantification of neurogenesis using a novel sectioning method, which clearly evaluates dorsal and ventral neurogenesis separately, showed a significant correlation between the level of ventral neurogenesis and the corticosterone response. Depression is a complex disorder with discoveries regarding its neurobiology and how it relates to behaviour being only in their infancy. The findings presented in this study demonstrate that chemotherapy-induced decreases in neurogenesis results in previously unreported behavioural and biochemical consequences. These results, we argue, are indicative of a biological mechanism, which may contribute to the development of depression in patients being treated with chemotherapy and is separate from the mental distress resulting from a cancer diagnosis.

Biochemical responses induced by co-exposition to arsenic and titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the estuarine polychaete Laeonereis acuta.

The production and use of nanoparticles, as titanium dioxide (nanoTiO2) is growing exponentially in the last years and their release into aquatic environment seem be inevitable. Once into environment, this nanomaterial can interact with other contaminant, as arsenic, and to exert toxic effect in living organisms. So, the objective of present study was to evaluate if the co-exposure to nanoTiO2 (1mg/L) can alter the As effect (nominal concentration of 50µg/L) in the estuarine polychaeta Laeonereis acuta after 48h of exposure. Were performed biochemical analyses such ROS production, enzymatic activities (GST, GR and GSTΩ), total antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals and damage to macromolecules (lipid and DNA), besides also were determined the accumulation of total arsenic and arsenic speciation in the worms. The results showed that co-exposure induced an increase in the ROS levels, decrease in total antioxidant capacity, increase in GR activity, and damage in lipid and DNA. Also, the co-exposure showed to affect the metabolization capacity of arsenic characterized by increase in dimethylated arsenic forms, a compound moderately toxic. So, these results suggest that the co-exposure to both contaminants is harmful to this species and the use of nanoTiO2 to treatment of contaminated water by arsenic should be considered of a toxicological point of view.

Physiological and biochemical variables in captive tigers (Panthera tigris) immobilised with dexmedetomidine and ketamine or dexmedetomidine, midazolam and ketamine.

Physiological and biochemical variables in captive tigers (Panthera tigris) immobilised with dexmedetomidine and ketamine or dexmedetomidine, midazolam and ketamine were evaluated. Thirty tigers received either dexmedetomidine (0.025 mg/kg) and ketamine (3 mg/kg) (group DK) or dexmedetomidine (0.0125 mg/kg), midazolam (0.1 mg/kg) and ketamine (3 mg/kg) (group DMK). Heart rate, SPO2 and blood pressure were measured at five-minute intervals. Arterial pH, PO2, PCO2, glucose, K+ and arterial and venous lactate were measured at 15 and 45 minutes after immobilisation. A generalised linear mixed model was used for statistical comparison. There was no difference within or between groups at any time point for any measured variable. Measured PO2 was 73.2±17.5 mm Hg and SPO2 was 88.9±10.8 per cent. Systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures were 170.5±48.4, 138.9±41.8 and 121.8±37.2 mm Hg, respectively. Venous lactate was higher than arterial lactate within groups at each time point. Seizure-like behaviour was observed in 25 per cent of tigers in group DK but not in group DMK. The addition of midazolam into a protocol for immobilisation of tigers did not result in a difference in any of the measured variables but may have prevented the development of seizure-like behaviour.

[Effects of dexamethasone and superoxide dismutase instillations on clinical course of uveitis and local biochemical processes (experimental study)].

AIM: to evaluate and compare the effect of topical superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is an antioxidant enzyme, dexamethasone, and a combination of these on the course of experimental uveitis in rabbits as well as biochemical parameters of aqueous and vitreous humor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Acute uveitis was induced in 16 rabbits by a double injection (subcutaneous and intravitreal) of normal horse serum. Of them 12 animals, divided into 3 groups of 4 each, received topical SOD, dexamethasone, or both daily for 7 days. The remaining 4 rabbits (8 eyes) were treated with placebo and, thus, constituted the control group. On day 8 the following parameters were measured in aqueous humor: protein concentration, antioxidant activity, SOD activity, α2-macroglobulin level, and leukocyte number. Total protein and albumin levels in vitreous humor were also determined. RESULTS: The effects of SOD and dexamethasone instillations were considered similar in many parameters. However, SOD was associated with a greater increase in antioxidant activity and a greater decrease in aqueous humor leukocytes, while dexamethasone was more effective in decreasing aqueous humor α2-macroglobulin and vitreous humor protein and albumin. The substances had a synergistic effect on iridal edema as well as aqueous humor leukocyte number and α2-macroglobulin level. CONCLUSION. Adding SOD to the complex therapy of uveitis results in lower inflammation intensity and enhanced dexamethasone effect.

Avaliação dos compostos bioativos presentes na semente de Passiflora spp. e sua influência sobre marcadores bioquímicos, oxidativos e inflamatórios de camundongos submetidos à dieta hiperlipídica / Evaluation of bioactive compounds present in Passiflora spp. seed and its influence on oxidative stress and inflammation in a high fat-fed mice

O consumo de dieta hiperlipídica e consequente acúmulo de lipídios nos adipócitos é uma condição associada ao estresse oxidativo e à perpetuação de um quadro inflamatório de leve intensidade que leva ao desenvolvimento de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. Uma vez que alguns componentes da dieta são reconhecidos como fortalecedores do sistema antioxidante exógeno dos organismos vivos, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o efeito metabólico do extrato de sementes do gênero Passiflora sobre parâmetros bioquímicos, oxidativos e inflamatórios de camundongos submetidos a uma dieta hiperlipídica. Para tanto, inicialmente realizou-se um estudo de composição química (centesimal, teores de minerais e ácidos graxos) e de otimização da extração de sementes de P. edulis Flavicarpa para obtenção de maiores teores de compostos polifenólicos com expressiva capacidade antioxidante in vitro, segundo os parâmetros de processo tempo, temperatura e concentração de etanol. Determinada a condição ideal de extração, esta foi empregada para as demais espécies em estudo P. alata BRS Mel do Cerrado e BRS Doce Mel, P. tenuifila BRS Vita e P. edulis BRS Sol do Cerrado e BRS Gigante Amarelo e P. setacea BRS Pérola do Cerrado e foi realizada o estudo de composição química. Os extratos etanólicos obtidos possuíram interessante atividade antioxidante, com destaque para a espécie P. setacea. O composto piceatanol foi o polifenol majoritário (0,41-10,28 g/ 100 g de semente em base seca) nas sementes de Passifloras analisadas, com exceção para a amostra P. setácea BRS Vita, cujo composto de íon molecular m/z 747,2 não foi identificado. As sementes ainda apresentaram alto teor de óleo, com o ácido linoleico em sua composição, e proteína. Os extratos das sementes de P. setacea BRS Pérola do Cerrado e Passiflora edulis Flavicarpa, nas concentrações de 500 e 1000 mg/Kg de ração foram utilizados para a realização do ensaio biológico. O consumo dos extratos, dependendo da dose, apresentou efeitos biológicos importantes, tais como a diminuição das concentrações séricas de colesterol, glicose, insulina e leptina a níveis aproximados ao determinado para os animais em consumo de dieta normolipídica. Adicionalmente, verificou-se a atenuação do estresse oxidativo hepático, por elevação da atividade enzimática das enzimas catalase e glutationa peroxidase e diminuição da lipoperoxidação, e do processo inflamatório, por redução da concentração tecidual das citocinas IL-6 e MCP-1. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo contribuem para o conhecimento a respeito das passifloras brasileiras e na potencial utilização das sementes, consideradas subprodutos, na contribuição da manutenção da saúde

The consumption of a high fat diet and consequent excessive lipid accumulation in adipocytes is a condition associated with oxidative stress and perpetuation of a mild inflammatory condition that leads to the development of chronic diseases. Since some dietary components are recognized as empowering exogenous antioxidant system defenses of living organisms, the aim of this study is to investigate the metabolic effects of passion fruit seeds that possess a high content of bioactive compounds and high antioxidant capacity in vitro on oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions in mice subjected to a high fat diet. For this purpose, initially were performed a chemical composition study (proximate, minerals and fatty acids content) and extraction optimization of P. edulis Flavicarpa seed for obtaining higher levels of polyphenolic compounds with expressive antioxidant capacity in vitro through process parameters such as time temperature and ethanol concentration. Once the optimum condition of extraction was determined, it was applied to others studied species P. alata BRS Mel do Cerrado e BRS Doce Mel, P. tenuifila BRS Vita e P. edulis BRS Sol do Cerrado e BRS Gigante Amarelo e P. setacea BRS Pérola do Cerrado and the chemical composition study was carried out. The obtained ethanolic extracts had high antioxidant activity, particularly the species P. setacea. The piceatannol compound was the major polyphenol (0.41 to 10.28 g / 100 g seed in dry basis) in the analyzed Passiflora, except for the sample P. setacea BRS Vita, which molecular íon m/z 747.2 was not identified. The seeds also showed high content of oil, with linoleic acid in its composition, and protein. P. setacea BRS Pérola do Cerrado and Passiflora edulis Flavicarpa seed extracts at concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg / kg of feed were used to carry out the biological assay. The consumption of the extracts, depending on the concentration, exhibited significant biological effects, such as the reduction of serum cholesterol, glucose, insulin and leptin levels to those one observed in animals with normolipidic diet consumption. Additionally, hepatic oxidative stress was attenuated by elevating enzymatic activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase and decrease in the lipid peroxidation and inflammation by reducing the tissue concentrations of IL-6 and MCP-1 cytokines. The results obtained in this study contributes to the knowledge of the Brazilian passiflora and potential use of the seeds, considered a by-products, in health maintenance

Effect of Pre-emergence Herbicides on Microbial Biomass and Biochemical Processes in a Typic Fluvaquent Soil Amended with Farm Yard Manure.

Application of thiobencarb, pendimethalin and pretilachlor at rates of 7.5, 10.0 and 2.5 kg a.i. ha(-1), respectively, under laboratory conditions, significantly increased microbial biomass C, N and P, resulting in greater availability of C, N and P in soil amended with farm yard manure. Application of thiobencarb highly induced microbial biomass C (46.3 %) and N (40.6 %), while pretilachlor and thiobencarb augmented microbial biomass P to the extent of 14.9 % and 14.1 %, respectively. Application of pendimethalin retained the highest amount of total N (19.9 %), soluble NO3 (-) (56 %) and available P (69.5 %) in soil. A similar trend was recorded with thiobencarb for oxidizable organic C (18.1 %) and with pretilachlor for exchangeable NH4 (+) (65.8 %). At the end of the experiment, the highest stimulation of bacteria was recorded with thiobencarb (29.6 %), while pretilachlor harboured the maximum number of actinomycetes (37.2 %) and fungi (40 %) in soil compared to the untreated control.

Identification of the biologically active liquid chemistry induced by a nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet.

The mechanism of interaction of cold nonequilibrium plasma jets with mammalian cells in physiologic liquid is reported. The major biological active species produced by an argon RF plasma jet responsible for cell viability reduction are analyzed by experimental results obtained through physical, biological, and chemical diagnostics. This is complemented with chemical kinetics modeling of the plasma source to assess the dominant reactive gas phase species. Different plasma chemistries are obtained by changing the feed gas composition of the cold argon based RF plasma jet from argon, humidified argon (0.27%), to argon/oxygen (1%) and argon/air (1%) at constant power. A minimal consensus physiologic liquid was used, providing isotonic and isohydric conditions and nutrients but is devoid of scavengers or serum constituents. While argon and humidified argon plasma led to the creation of hydrogen peroxide dominated action on the mammalian cells, argon-oxygen and argon-air plasma created a very different biological action and was characterized by trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide only. In particular, for the argon-oxygen (1%), the authors observed a strong negative effect on mammalian cell proliferation and metabolism. This effect was distance dependent and showed a half life time of 30 min in a scavenger free physiologic buffer. Neither catalase and mannitol nor superoxide dismutase could rescue the cell proliferation rate. The strong distance dependency of the effect as well as the low water solubility rules out a major role for ozone and singlet oxygen but suggests a dominant role of atomic oxygen. Experimental results suggest that O reacts with chloride, yielding Cl2(-) or ClO(-). These chlorine species have a limited lifetime under physiologic conditions and therefore show a strong time dependent biological activity. The outcomes are compared with an argon MHz plasma jet (kinpen) to assess the differences between these (at least seemingly) similar plasma sources.

Modulation of microRNAs by phytochemicals in cancer: underlying mechanisms and translational significance.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous noncoding RNAs that regulate a variety of biological processes such as differentiation, development, and survival. Recent studies suggest that miRNAs are dysregulated in cancer and play critical roles in cancer initiation, progression, and chemoresistance. Therefore, exploitation of miRNAs as targets for cancer prevention and therapy could be a promising approach. Extensive evidence suggests that many naturally occurring phytochemicals regulate the expression of numerous miRNAs involved in the pathobiology of cancer. Therefore, an understanding of the regulation of miRNAs by phytochemicals in cancer, their underlying molecular mechanisms, and functional consequences on tumor pathophysiology may be useful in formulating novel strategies to combat this devastating disease. These aspects are discussed in this review paper with an objective of highlighting the significance of these observations from the translational standpoint.

"On-off" thermoresponsive coating agent containing salicylic acid applied to maize seeds for chilling tolerance.

Chilling stress is an important constraint for maize seed establishment in the field. In this study, a type of "on-off" thermoresponsive coating agent containing poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-butylmethacrylate) (Abbr. P(NIPAm-co-BMA)) hydrogel was developed to improve the chilling tolerance of coated maize seed. The P(NIPAm-co-BMA) hydrogel was synthesized by free-radical polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) and butylmethacrylate (BMA). Salicylic acid (SA) was loaded in the hydrogel as the chilling resistance agent. SA-loaded P(NIPAm-co-BMA) was used for seed film-coating of two maize varieties, Huang C (HC, chilling-tolerant) and Mo17 (chilling-sensitive), to investigate the coated seed germination and seedling growth status under chilling stress. The results showed that the hydrogel obtained a phase transition temperature near 12°C with a NIPAM to MBA weight ratio of 1: 0.1988 (w/w). The temperature of 12°C was considered the "on-off" temperature for chilling-resistant agent release; the SA was released from the hydrogel more rapidly at external temperatures below 12°C than above 12°C. In addition, when seedlings of both maize varieties suffered a short chilling stress (5°C), higher concentrations of SA-loaded hydrogel resulted in increased germination energy, germination percentage, germination index, root length, shoot height, dry weight of roots and shoots and protective enzyme activities and a decreased malondialdehyde content in coated maize seeds compared to single SA treatments. The majority of these physiological and biochemical parameters achieved significant levels compared with the control. Therefore, SA-loaded P(NIPAm-co-BMA), a nontoxic thermoresponsive hydrogel, can be used as an effective material for chilling tolerance in film-coated maize seeds.