Identification of Trichosporon yeast isolates from superficial infections in male patients from Central Brazil: an approach to the diversity of infections caused by this basidiomycete fungus.

The genus Trichosporon are currently recognized as opportunistic pathogens capable of causing superficial "white piedra" infections and potentially fatal invasive diseases (Trichosporonosis). In this work, determine the agent Trichosporon spp. isolated from the skin and appendages of a male population group in the Central-West region of Brazil. The isolates were analyzed by phenotypic, biochemical and molecular methods. Twenty-five strains of Trichosporon were isolated: T. asahii (18; 72%), followed by T. inkin (4; 16%) and T. faecale (3; 12%). Skin infections were the most affected (16; 64%) and the genitocrural region (13; 52%) was the most affected. The highest rate of isolation occurred between the ages of 21 and 30 years (9; 36%), with black men (African descent) (13; 52%) being the most affected by this type of superficial infection. After the advent of molecular techniques, more than 50 subspecies and about 16 different strains have been reported to cause human disease. In this series, three species of the genus Trichosporon of medical importance were highlighted, colonizing the genital and perigenital region of the studied population. For the identifications, classical phenotypic methods associated with genotypic identification were carried out, using molecular techniques based on the study of DNA; using sequence analysis of the DNA intergenic spacer region 1 (IGS1).

Synthesis of a new allelopathic agent from the biotransformation of ent-15α-hydroxy-16-kauren-19-oic acid with Fusarium proliferatum.

The use of kaurane diterpenes as substrates in fungal biotransformation to achieve bioactive compounds has been widely reported. In this work, the natural product kaurenoic acid, a diterpene widely distributed in the plant Kingdom, was chemically converted into ent-15α-hydroxy-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (1). Substrate 1 was subjected to biotransformation by the fungus Fusarium proliferatum, furnishing a new derivative, ent-2α,15α-dihydroxy-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (2). The structure of metabolite 2 was deduced on the basis of spectroscopy and MS data. Derivative 2 showed allelopathic activity on germination and growth of root and stem of lettuce (Lactuca sativa), inhibiting 100% of germination and growth of roots and stem, at higher concentration assayed (10-4 mol/L).

Constituents from stem barks of Luehea ochrophylla Mart and evaluation of their antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities.

Luehea species are found in almost all Central and South American countries. The present work describes the phytochemical study, isolation, and structural characterisation of friedelin, ß-friedelinol, lupeol, pseudotaraxasterol, ß-sitosterol, betulinic acid, taraxasterol, (-)-epicatechin, ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside, and (+)-epicatechin-(4ß→8)-epicatechin from stem barks of Luehea ochrophylla Mart. The structural identification of the isolated compounds was mainly performed by NMR analyses and comparison with the data from literature. These compounds were isolated for the first time in the genus Luehea, except ß-sitosterol glucopyranoside, (-)-epicatechin, and lupeol. Hexane extract (HE) and dichloromethane (DF) and ethyl acetate (AF) fractions exhibited antiparasitic activity against amastigote (intracellular) and trypomastigote culture forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. The ethanol extract (EE), DF, and ethanol fraction (EF) exhibited considerable antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Moreover, extracts and fractions exhibited significant percentage of capture free radicals of 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) when compared to the standard of ascorbic acid.

New jacaranone glucoside from Jacaranda oxyphylla leaves.

Jacaranda oxyphylla Cham. is popularly known as 'caroba-de-São-Paulo' and it is used in traditional medicine for microbial infections. A new phytoquinoid (α/ß-glucoside-4-phenylacetate-6-(1-hydroxy-4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-acetate) (1) was isolated from J. oxyphylla leaves, together with three known compounds: quercetin-3-O-ß-d-galactoside (2), verbascoside (3) and polystyrene (4). Their chemical structures were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques and by comparison with the related known compounds. In addition, it was found a pronounced acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity for the quinoid 1 (100.0 ± 0.8%) and phenolic compounds 2 and 3 (99.9 ± 0.7 and 99.3 ± 0.5%, respectively), if compared to the standard eserine (92.7 ± 0.4%), that was analysed by a microplate spectrophotometer.

Antioedematogenic activity, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antimicrobial properties of Jacaranda oxyphylla.

Jacaranda oxyphylla Cham. (Bignoniaceae) is a shrub found in the Brazilian cerrado and used in folk medicine to treat microbial infections. The aim of this study was to carry out a phytochemical screening and evaluate antioedematogenic, antimicrobial and antiacetylcholinesterase properties of J. oxyphylla crude extracts. All extracts analysed showed presence of terpenoids, which are potentially active chemical substances. A high AChE inhibitory activity for hexane extract from leaves and for the extracts from twigs was found. Ethanol extract from leaves of J. oxyphylla showed activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. This extract was also effective in inhibiting the stages of inflammation evaluated. Biological investigation and phytochemical screening of J. oxyphylla extracts provided additional evidence of its traditional medicinal value.

MDGC-MS analysis of essential oils from Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl. ) and their antifungal activity against Candida specie / Análise MDGC-MS de óleos essenciais de Protium heptaphyllum (Aubl. ) e sua atividade antifúngica contra espécies de Candida

ABSTRACT Protium heptaphyllum is found in the Amazon region, and in various Brazilian states and South American countries. Also Known as almecega, it produces an oil resin used in traditional medicine as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cicatrizant and expectorant, it is rich in pentacyclic triterpenes and essential oil. The main objective of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of P. heptaphyllumresin (OEPh) over different extraction times and to evaluate their antifungal activity against Candida species, obtained from gardeners with onychomycosis, using the disk diffusion method. The OEPh was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by Multidimensional Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (MDGC / MS). Candida species were obtained from lesions on the nails of horticulturist from a community garden in the city of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. The antifungal activity in concentrations of 1000 µg/L, 500 µg/L and 250 µg/L, PROTOCOL M44-A2 (CLSI 2009) OEPh was tested. The main constituents identified were: l-limonene, α-terpineol, p-cineol, o-cymene and α-phellandrene, however, its composition varies significantly with extraction time. All species, except C. rugosa, were inhibited with halo (≥ 14 mm) at 1000 μg / L. C. krusei is naturally resistant to the drug fluconazole, but when tested with OEPh the clinical species (case 9) demonstrated sensitivity in three dilutions (halo ≤ 10 ≥ 14) and the standard strain was inhibited at concentration of 1000 μg/Lg / L (halo 14mm). A similar situation also occurred with the standard strain of C. parapsilosis (halo ≥ 11mm). OEPh has considerable antifungal activity, which merits further investigation for alternative clinical applications, since this species is widely distributed in our community, and it presents good yields, and also has important therapeutic applications.

RESUMO Protium heptaphyllum é encontrada na região amazônica, em vários estados do Brasil e países da América do Sul. Conhecida como almecega produz uma resina oleosa usada na medicina popular como analgésica, antiinflamatória, cicatrizante e expectorante, é rica em triterpenos pentaciclicos e óleo essencial. O objetivo principal do presente trabalho foi analisar a composição química do óleo essencial da resina P. heptaphyllum (OEPh) em diferentes tempo de extração e avaliarsuaatividade antifúngica contra espécies de Candida, isoladas de horticultores com onicomicoses, por método de disco-difusão. O OEPh foi obtido por hidrodestilação, analisado por Cromatografia Gasosa Multidimensinal Acoplada a Espectrometria de Massas (MDGC/MS). As espécies de Candida foram obtidas de lesões nas unhas de horticultores de uma horta comunitária na cidade de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil. Testou-se a atividade antifúngica do OEPhnas concentrações de 1000 μg/L, 500 μg/L e 250 μg/L, protocolo M44-A2 (CLSI 2009). Os principais constituintes identificados foram l- limoneno, α-terpineol, p-cineol, o-cimeno e α-felandreno, entretanto, sua composição varia significativamente em decorrência do tempo de extração. Todas as espécies, exceto a C. rugosa, foram inibidas com halo ( Χ ≥ 14 mm) na concentração de 1000 μg/L. C. krusei é naturalmente resistente ao fármaco fluconazol, mas quando testado com OEPh,a espécie clínico (caso 9) demonstrou sensibilidade nas três diluições (halo Χ ≤ 10 ≥ 14) e a cepa padrão foi inibida na concentração de 1000 μg/L (halo Χ 14mm). Fato semelhante também ocorreu com a cepa padrão de C. parapsilosis (halo Χ ≥ 11mm). O OEPh possui atividade antifúngica considerável, merecendo uma investigação mais aprofundada para aplicações clínicas alternativas, uma vez que esta espécie é amplamente distribuída em nossa comunidade, apresenta bom rendimento e, ainda, aplicações terapêuticas importantes.

Disease resistance of pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) fed with ß-glucan.

Effects of ß-glucan on innate immune responses and survival were studied in pacu experimentally infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish fed diets containing 0, 0.1% and 1% ß-glucan were injected with A. hydrophila. ß-glucan enhanced fish survival in both treated groups (26.7% and 21.2% of the control, respectively). Leukocyte respiratory burst and alternative complement pathway activities were elevated after bacterial challenge regardless the ß-glucan concentration. Lysozyme activity was higher after infection and showed a gradual increase as ß-glucan concentration increased. A significant elevation in WBC count was observed either after bacterial challenge or by influence of ß-glucan separately. The same response was observed in the number of thrombocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, LG-PAS positive cell and monocytes. It can be concluded that feeding pacu with ß-glucan can increase protection against A. hydrophila, due to changes in non-specific immune responses.

Disease resistance of pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) fed with B-glucan / Resistência à doença em pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887), alimentados com B-glucana

Effects of β-glucan on innate immune responses and survival were studied in pacu experimentally infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish fed diets containing 0, 0.1% and 1% β-glucan were injected with A. hydrophila. β-glucan enhanced fish survival in both treated groups (26.7% and 21.2% of the control, respectively). Leukocyte respiratory burst and alternative complement pathway activities were elevated after bacterial challenge regardless the β-glucan concentration. Lysozyme activity was higher after infection and showed a gradual increase as β-glucan concentration increased. A significant elevation in WBC count was observed either after bacterial challenge or by influence of β-glucan separately. The same response was observed in the number of thrombocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, LG-PAS positive cell and monocytes. It can be concluded that feeding pacu with β-glucan can increase protection against A. hydrophila, due to changes in non-specific immune responses.(AU)

Os efeitos da β-glucana sobre as respostas imunes inatas e a sobrevivência foram estudados em pacu experimentalmente infectado com Aeromonas hydrophila. Peixes alimentados com dietas contendo 0,1% e 1% de β-glucana foram injetados com 1 × 108 CFU de A. hydrophila após 7 dias de alimentação. A sobrevivência de peixes foi maior nos dois grupos tratados em comparação ao grupo controle (26,7% e 21,2%, respectivamente). A atividade respiratória de leucócitos e a atividade hemolítica do complemento via alternativa estavam elevadas após desafio bacteriano independentemente da concentração de β-glucana. A atividade de lisozima foi maior após a infecção e mostrou um aumento gradual de acordo com a concentração do imunoestimulante. Observou-se um aumento significativo na contagem de leucócitos totais após o desafio bacteriano e influência de β-glucana. A mesma resposta foi observada para trombócitos, linfócitos, eosinófilos, leucócito PAS positivo e monócitos. Com exceção de neutrófilos, que diminuíram frente ao mais alto nível do imunoestimulante e não se alteraram após a infecção, as outras células aumentaram após a exposição à A. hydrophila. A β-glucana não afetou os níveis de proteína total do soro, que aumentaram após o desafio bacteriano. Conclui-se que a administração de β-glucana em pacu pode aumentar a proteção contra A. hydrophila, por alterações nas respostas imunes de não-específicas.(AU)

Proposed method for agglutinating antibody titer analysis and its use as indicator of acquired immunity in pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus.

Antibody can be assessed by agglutinating antibody titer which is a quantitative measure of circulating antibodies in serum from fish previously immunized. The antibody evaluation has been performed with different fish species, and is considered a reliable method that can be applied to confirm several hypothesis regarding acquired immunity, even in conjunction with precise methods to describe immune mechanisms. In order to provide appropriate analytical methods for future studies on the specific immune system of native fish, the present study standardized on assay to measure the serum agglutinating antibody titer produced after immunization with inactivated A. hydrophila and levamisole administration in pacu. It was possible to determine the agglutinating antibodies titer in a satisfactorily way in pacu immunized with inactive A. hydrophila, and the highest titers were observed on fish fed with levamisole.

Yarrowia lipolytica and its multiple applications in the biotechnological industry.

Yarrowia lipolytica is a nonpathogenic dimorphic aerobic yeast that stands out due to its ability to grow in hydrophobic environments. This property allowed this yeast to develop an ability to metabolize triglycerides and fatty acids as carbon sources. This feature enables using this species in the bioremediation of environments contaminated with oil spill. In addition, Y. lipolytica has been calling the interest of researchers due to its huge biotechnological potential, associated with the production of several types of metabolites, such as bio-surfactants, γ-decalactone, citric acid, and intracellular lipids and lipase. The production of a metabolite rather than another is influenced by the growing conditions to which Y. lipolytica is subjected. The choice of carbon and nitrogen sources to be used, as well as their concentrations in the growth medium, and the careful determination of fermentation parameters, pH, temperature, and agitation (oxygenation), are essential for efficient metabolites production. This review discusses the biotechnological potential of Y. lipolytica and the best growing conditions for production of some metabolites of biotechnological interest.

Proposed method for agglutinating antibody titer analysis and its use as indicator of acquired immunity in pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus / Aglutinante de anticorpos como indicador de imunidade adquirida de pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus

Antibody can be assessed by agglutinating antibody titer which is a quantitative measure of circulating antibodies in serum from fish previously immunized. The antibody evaluation has been performed with different fish species, and is considered a reliable method that can be applied to confirm several hypothesis regarding acquired immunity, even in conjunction with precise methods to describe immune mechanisms. In order to provide appropriate analytical methods for future studies on the specific immune system of native fish, the present study standardized on assay to measure the serum agglutinating antibody titer produced after immunization with inactivated A. hydrophila and levamisole administration in pacu. It was possible to determine the agglutinating antibodies titer in a satisfactorily way in pacu immunized with inactive A. hydrophila, and the highest titers were observed on fish fed with levamisole.(AU)

Os anticorpos podem ser avaliados pelo título aglutinante de anticorpos, que é uma medida quantitativa de anticorpos no soro de peixe previamente imunizados. A determinação do título de anticorpos foi realizada com diversas espécies de peixes e é considerado um método confiável que pode ser aplicado para confirmar diversas hipóteses que envolvam o sistema adquirido de defesa, mesmo em conjunto com métodos precisos, para descrever mecanismos imunes. A fim de prover métodos analíticos adequados para futuros estudos sobre o sistema imune específico de peixes nativos, o presente estudo aperfeiçoou o ensaio para avaliar o título aglutinante de anticorpos em soro de pacu imunizados com A. hydrophila e alimentados com levamisol. Foi possível determinar o título aglutinante de anticorpos de forma satisfatória, em pacus imunizados com A. hydrophila inativa, e os maiores títulos foram observados em peixes alimentados com levamisol.(AU)

Serum bactericidal activity as indicator of innate immunity in pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) / Atividade bactericida do soro como indicador de imunidade inata de pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887)

The immune system of teleost fish has mechanisms responsible for the defense against bacteria through protective proteins in several tissues. The protein action can be evaluated by serum bactericidal activity and this is an important tool to analyze the immune system. Pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, is one of the most important fish in national aquaculture. However there is a lack of studies on its immune responses. In order to standardize and assess the accuracy of the serum bactericidal activity assay, fish were briefly challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila and sampled one week after the challenge. The bacterial infection increased the concentration of protective proteins, resulting in a decrease of colony-forming unit values expressed as well as an enhanced serum bactericidal activity. The protocol showed a reliable assay, appropriate to determine the serum bactericidal activity of pacu in the present experimental conditions.

O sistema imune de peixes teleósteos tem mecanismos responsáveis pela defesa contra bactérias e atua através de proteínas presentes em diversos tecidos. A ação destas proteínas pode ser avaliada pela atividade bactericida do soro, sendo esta uma importante ferramenta para analisar o sistema imune. O pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, é um peixe nativo muito importante para aquicultura nacional, entretanto há pouco conhecimento sobre o funcionamento de seu sistema imune. Assim foi realizado experimento para padronizar e avaliar a eficiência do ensaio de atividade bactericida. Resumidamente, peixes foram desafiados por Aeromonas hydrophila e amostradas uma semana após o desafio. A infecção bacteriana promoveu um aumento na concentração de proteínas protetoras, resultando em diminuição dos valores de unidades formadoras de colônias ou expressos também como aumento da atividade bactericida do soro. O protocolo se mostrou confiável, sendo apropriado para determinar a atividade bactericida do soro de pacu nas condições experimentais.

Serum bactericidal activity as indicator of innate immunity in pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) / Atividade bactericida do soro como indicador de imunidade inata de pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887)

The immune system of teleost fish has mechanisms responsible for the defense against bacteria through protective proteins in several tissues. The protein action can be evaluated by serum bactericidal activity and this is an important tool to analyze the immune system. Pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, is one of the most important fish in national aquaculture. However there is a lack of studies on its immune responses. In order to standardize and assess the accuracy of the serum bactericidal activity assay, fish were briefly challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila and sampled one week after the challenge. The bacterial infection increased the concentration of protective proteins, resulting in a decrease of colony-forming unit values expressed as well as an enhanced serum bactericidal activity. The protocol showed a reliable assay, appropriate to determine the serum bactericidal activity of pacu in the present experimental conditions.(AU)

O sistema imune de peixes teleósteos tem mecanismos responsáveis pela defesa contra bactérias e atua através de proteínas presentes em diversos tecidos. A ação destas proteínas pode ser avaliada pela atividade bactericida do soro, sendo esta uma importante ferramenta para analisar o sistema imune. O pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, é um peixe nativo muito importante para aquicultura nacional, entretanto há pouco conhecimento sobre o funcionamento de seu sistema imune. Assim foi realizado experimento para padronizar e avaliar a eficiência do ensaio de atividade bactericida. Resumidamente, peixes foram desafiados por Aeromonas hydrophila e amostradas uma semana após o desafio. A infecção bacteriana promoveu um aumento na concentração de proteínas protetoras, resultando em diminuição dos valores de unidades formadoras de colônias ou expressos também como aumento da atividade bactericida do soro. O protocolo se mostrou confiável, sendo apropriado para determinar a atividade bactericida do soro de pacu nas condições experimentais.(AU)

Leukocytes respiratory burst activity as indicator of innate immunity of pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus.

The present study evaluated the assay to quantify the respiratory burst activity of blood leukocytes of pacu as an indicator of the innate immune system, using the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) to formazan as a measure of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In order to assess the accuracy of the assay, fish were challenged by Aeromonas hydrophila and sampled one week after challenge. The A. hydrophila infection increased the leukocyte respiratory burst activity. The protocol showed a reliable and easy assay, appropriate to determine the respiratory burst activity of blood leukocytes of pacu, a neotropical fish, in the present experimental conditions.

Leukocytes respiratory burst activity as indicator of innate immunity of pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus / Atividade respiratória de leucócitos como indicador de imunidade inata de pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus)

The present study evaluated the assay to quantify the respiratory burst activity of blood leukocytes of pacu as an indicator of the innate immune system, using the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) to formazan as a measure of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In order to assess the accuracy of the assay, fish were challenged by Aeromonas hydrophila and sampled one week after challenge. The A. hydrophila infection increased the leukocyte respiratory burst activity. The protocol showed a reliable and easy assay, appropriate to determine the respiratory burst activity of blood leukocytes of pacu, a neotropical fish, in the present experimental conditions.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou o ensaio para quantificar a atividade respiratória dos leucócitos do sangue de pacu como um indicador do sistema imune inato, usando a redução do nitroazul tetrazólio (NBT) a formazan como medida da produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs). Para avaliar a precisão do ensaio, peixes foram desafiados por Aeromonas hydrophila e amostrados uma semana após o desafio. A infecção com A. hydrophila aumentou a atividade respiratória dos leucócitos. O protocolo se mostrou confiável e de fácil aplicação, apropriado para determinar a atividade respiratória de leucócitos do sangue do pacu, peixe neotropical, nas condições experimentais apresentadas.(AU)

Microwave irradiation as an alternative method for disinfection of denture base acrylic resins.

AIM: This study evaluated the effect of microwave irradiation as an alternative method for disinfection of different types of denture base acrylic resins. METHODS: Twenty-four samples for each conventional, microwaved and characterized heat-cured acrylic resin were made and subjected to sterilization with ethylene oxide for the groups: 1) irradiated samples; 2) non-irradiated samples; and 3) samples without yeast. Each group was subdivided according to inoculation with C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis. The samples were inoculated with 100 µL of inoculum of each species of Candida and later placed in an incubator at 37 °C for 1 hr to perform the first adhesion. After this time, each well was supplemented with sterile media and the plate was once again taken to a stove for incubation at 37 °C for 6 hr. The samples were immersed in 100 mL of sterile water and irradiated with microwave at 650 W for 3 min. Control samples were considered as the non-irradiated group. After incubation for 48 hr, irradiated and non-irradiated samples were subjected to a digital colony counter. RESULTS: Control group (non-irradiated) showed microbial growth for resins and the means of ufc/mL were without statistically significant differences. Microwave irradiated samples (experimental group) promoted no viable colonies for all Candida species and types of acrylic resins. The means of ufc/mL were without statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Microwave irradiation was an effective method for disinfection of the acrylic resins inoculated with C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis.

HEMAGGLUTINATION ANTIBODY TITERS IN PACU, Piaractus mesopotamicus, AS AN INDICATOR OF ACQUIRED IMMUNITY/Título de anticorpos hemaglutinantes de Pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, como indicador de imunidade adquirida

A determinação do título de hemaglutinação é uma alternativa para avaliar as respostas do sistema imune adquirido, ou seja, analisar a capacidade de produção de anticorpos circulantes do organismo. O estudo foi realizado a fim de padronizar a titulação de anticorpos produzidos contra hemáceas de coelho em peixes previamente imunizados e submetidos a dietas com diferentes concentrações de levamisol (0, 250 e 500 mg.kg-1 de levamisol). O resultado é um aglomerado celular que pode ser visualizado a olho nu. Peixes do presente estudo alimentados com 250 mg.kg-1 de levamisol apresentaram maiores títulos de anticorpos hemaglutinantes, entretanto os alimentados com 500 mg.kg-1 apresentaram títulos semelhantes ao grupo controle, alimentado com dieta sem levamisol. Este estudo validou a metodologia para determinação do título de hemaglutinação do soro de peixe nativo imunizados, após administração de levamisol e verificou um aumento da concentração de anticorpos hemaglutinantes após administração de 250 mg.kg-1 de levamisol por 10 dias. SUMMARY  T

HEMAGGLUTINATION ANTIBODY TITERS IN PACU, Piaractus mesopotamicus, AS AN INDICATOR OF ACQUIRED IMMUNITY/Título de anticorpos hemaglutinantes de Pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, como indicador de imunidade adquirida

A determinação do título de hemaglutinação é uma alternativa para avaliar as respostas do sistema imune adquirido, ou seja, analisar a capacidade de produção de anticorpos circulantes do organismo. O estudo foi realizado a fim de padronizar a titulação de anticorpos produzidos contra hemáceas de coelho em peixes previamente imunizados e submetidos a dietas com diferentes concentrações de levamisol (0, 250 e 500 mg.kg-1 de levamisol). O resultado é um aglomerado celular que pode ser visualizado a olho nu. Peixes do presente estudo alimentados com 250 mg.kg-1 de levamisol apresentaram maiores títulos de anticorpos hemaglutinantes, entretanto os alimentados com 500 mg.kg-1 apresentaram títulos semelhantes ao grupo controle, alimentado com dieta sem levamisol. Este estudo validou a metodologia para determinação do título de hemaglutinação do soro de peixe nativo imunizados, após administração de levamisol e verificou um aumento da concentração de anticorpos hemaglutinantes após administração de 250 mg.kg-1 de levamisol por 10 dias. SUMMARY  T

The phytochemistry and biological aspects of Caryocaraceae family / Aspectos fitoquímicos e biológicos da família Caryocaraceae

The Caryocaraceae family is constituted of 25 species distributed in two genera (Caryocar and Anthodiscus). Plants of this family have been used in several phytochemical studies for isolation and characterization of chemical compounds. Some of these studies evaluated in vitro and in vivo biological activities of extracts and pure substances isolated from plants of this family. Nine species of Anthodiscus genus have been described, while no phytochemical study related to them has been reported. On the other hand, Caryocar genus presents 16 species with several medicinal uses like for the treatment of colds and bronchitis, in the prevention of tumours, as a regulating agent of the menstrual flow, to treat ophthalmological problems and for the cure of hematomas and bruises. Some species of this genus were targeted by phytochemical studies and presented, in their composition, the following classes of secondary metabolites: triterpenes, fatty acids, tannins, carotenoids, triterpenic saponins, phenolic coumarins, phenolic glycosides, and others. The fruits of Caryocar species are very nutritive, containing in their composition fibers, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals. Seeds have been widely used as oil source with nutritional and cosmetic value. The biological evaluation of some species was carried out by using relevant biological assays such as: antioxidant, allelopathic and antifungal activities against Biomphalaria glabrata and toxicity on Artemia salina.

A família Caryocaraceae é constituída por 25 espécies distribuídas em dois gêneros (Caryocar e Anthodiscus). Plantas desta família têm sido utilizadas em diversos estudos fitoquímicos para isolamento e caracterização de constituintes químicos. Alguns destes estudos avaliaram atividades biológicas in vitro e in vivo de extratos e substâncias puras isoladas a partir de plantas desta família. São descritas nove espécies dentro do gênero Anthodiscus e nenhum estudo fitoquímico relacionado a elas foi relatado. Por outro lado, o gênero Caryocar apresenta 16 espécies com diversos usos medicinais, tais como: para o tratamento de resfriados, bronquites, na prevenção de tumores, como reguladores do fluxo menstrual, em problemas oftalmológicos, e na cura de hematomas e contusões. Algumas espécies deste gênero foram submetidas a estudos fitoquímicos e apresentaram, em sua composição, as seguintes classes de metabólitos secundários: triterpenos, ácidos graxos, taninos, carotenoides, saponinas triterpênicas, cumarinas, glicosídeos fenólicos, entre outros. Os frutos de espécies Caryocar são muito nutritivos contendo em sua composição, fibras, proteínas, carboidratos e minerais. As sementes têm sido amplamente usadas como fonte de óleo com valor nutricional e cosmético. A avaliação biológica de algumas espécies foi realizada utilizando-se testes biológicos relevantes, entre eles: a atividade antioxidante, alelopática, antifúngica, contra Biomphalaria glabrata, e toxicidade sobre Artemia salina.

Screening filamentous tropical fungi for their nutritional potential as sources of crude proteins, lipids and minerals.

The use of fungal and yeast biomass in foodstuff, either as supplements or as major ingredients in formulations is an area of growing interest for the modern food industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional potential of biomasses obtained from filamentous fungi Penicillium sclerotiorum, Penicillium janthinellum, Rhizopus stolonifer and Syncephalastrum racemosum. Biomasses presented 26-37% of total proteins, 1.7-3.5% of lipids and 4.6-9.1% of ashes. The humidity level reached 75-83%. Ashes were screened for minerals contents with a special outcome for S. racemosum biomass that presented 3438 mg/100 g (dw) of magnesium. Fatty acids present in the biomasses were screened and the palmitic (C16:0), estearic (C18:0), elaidic (18:1n9-t), oleic (18:1n9-c), linolelaidic (C18:2n6-t), linoleic (C18:2n6-c) and γ-linolenic (C18:3n6) acids were found to be the most abundant, from a total of 88-90% of identified fatty acids. Overall data indicate that the filamentous fungi studied have good nutritional properties, possessing a combination of good level of proteins, low level of fat, and presence of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 derivatives, along with the presence of Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe.