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Numerous studies evaluate chemical contaminants released by human activities and their effects on biota and aquatic ecosystems. However, few of these studies address non-toxic agents and their potentially harmful effects, which, in a concealed manner, culminate in an increased ecotoxicological risk for aquatic life and public health. This study investigated the presence of toxic and non-toxic pollutants in one of the main watersheds in Northeast Brazil (Rio São Francisco) and proposed a model of dispersion and transfer of resistance among the analyzed bacteria, also assessing the health risks of individuals and aquatic organisms present there. The results are worrying because although most toxic parameters, including physical-chemical and chromatographic aspects, comply with Brazilian environmental standards, non-toxic (microbiological) parameters do not. This research reveals the circulation of pathogens in several points of this hydrographic basin, highlighting the hidden ecotoxicological potential of an aquatic environment considered unaffected by the usual patterns of toxic parameters.
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Ecotoxicología , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua , Brasil , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/toxicidad , Medición de Riesgo , Bacterias/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Organismos Acuáticos/efectos de los fármacos , Ríos/químicaRESUMEN
Introduction: Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed in the environment, causing damage to biota and human health. Due to their physicochemical characteristics, they become resistant particles to environmental degradation, leading to their accumulation in large quantities in the terrestrial ecosystem. Thus, there is an urgent need for measures to mitigate such pollution, with biological degradation being a viable alternative, where bacteria play a crucial role, demonstrating high efficiency in degrading various types of MPs. Therefore, the study aimed to identify bacteria with the potential for MP biodegradation and the enzymes produced during the process. Methods: The methodology used followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Results and Discussion: The research yielded 68 eligible studies, highlighting bacteria from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Rhodococcus as the main organisms involved in MP biodegradation. Additionally, enzymes such as hydrolases and alkane hydroxylases were emphasized for their involvement in this process. Thus, the potential of bacterial biodegradation is emphasized as a promising pathway to mitigate the environmental impact of MPs, highlighting the relevance of identifying bacteria with biotechnological potential for large-scale applications in reducing MP pollution.
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Geopropolis resins are produced by stingless bees (Meliponinae), developed from the collection of resinous materials, waxes and exudates, from the flora of the region where stingless bees are present, in addition to the addition of clay or earth in its composition. Several biological activities are attributed to Ethanol Extracts of Geopropolis (EEGP). The bioactive properties are associated with the complex chemical composition that the samples have. This work aims to evaluate the biological activities of the EEGP, in order to contribute with a natural therapeutic alternative, to face infections, mainly those caused by resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The EEGP MIC tests showed antibacterial activity against two strains of S. aureus, both at concentrations of 550â µg/mL. The MBC performed with the inhibition values showed that the EEGP has bacteriostatic activity in both strains. Biofilm inhibition rates exhibited an average value greater than 65 % at the highest concentration. The EEGP antioxidant potential test showed good antioxidant activity (IC50) of 11.05±1.55â µg/mL. In the cytotoxicity test against HaCat cells, after 24â hours, EEGP induced cell viability at the three tested concentrations (550â µg/mL: 81.68±3.79 %; 1100â µg/mL: 67.10±3.76 %; 2200â µg/mL: 67.40±1.86 %). In view of the above, the safe use of EEGP from the brazilian northeast could be proven by the cytotoxicity test, and its use as an antioxidant and antibacterial agent has proven to be effective, as an alternative in combating oxidative stress and microorganisms such as S.â aureus, which, through the spread and ongoing evolution of drug resistance, generates an active search for effective solutions.
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Antibacterianos , Biopelículas , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcus aureus/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Abejas , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Antibacterianos/química , Antibacterianos/aislamiento & purificación , Humanos , Biopelículas/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Própolis/química , Própolis/farmacología , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/aislamiento & purificación , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a DrogaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND This study aimed to produce carotenoids of two bacterial strains obtained and isolated from Caatinga soil in Northeastern Brazil and to evaluate their antioxidant and photoprotective activities. The morphological identification of bacteria was performed by Gram staining and molecularly confirmed through the 16S rRNA gene. The production of carotenoids was performed on two 23 factorial designs to analyze the influence of independent variables (temperature range, luminosity, agitation, spiral presence, and bacterial isolate type) for maximum carotenoid yield. The selected condition has been transferred to a bioreactor (10L). The identification of carotenoids was performed by liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Antioxidant activity was determined by inhibiting the bcarotene/linoleic acid system and the effectiveness as sunscreen was measured through its sun protection factor (SPF). RESULTS The results revealed that the isolates FT-7.22 and FT-5.12 were identified as Kocuria palustris; producers of a rare C50 carotenoid sarcinaxanthin. This is the first report on the production of carotenoids by this species from the Caatinga Domain. The pigment that was obtained from the Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) medium in the best conditions of the factorial designs (increased agitation, aeration, and light exposure) exhibited a significant increase in the carotenoid production. The isolated FT-7.22 reached a higher sarcinaxanthin concentration (112,480 lg/L), and it exhibited promising antioxidant (76.53 ± 0.09%) and photoprotective activities (SPF = 9.36 ± 0.52). CONCLUSIUON This study demonstrated the ability of K. palustris to produce carotenoid sarcinaxanthin with antioxidant and photoprotective activities so that it can be applied in cosmetic formulations. How to cite: Mendes-Silva TCD, Vidal EE, de Souza RFR, et al. Production of carotenoid sarcinaxant
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Carotenoides/química , Micrococcaceae/metabolismo , Micrococcaceae/química , Antioxidantes/química , Brasil , Carotenoides/farmacología , Antioxidantes/farmacologíaRESUMEN
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Verbesina macrophylla (Cass.) S.F.Blake is a medicinal plant from South America, popularly known as "asa de peixe", "asa de peixe branco", "cambará branco" or "cambará guaçu", being used by traditional communities for its healing powers in the form of teas, infusions, liqueurs and extracts, for the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections of the urinary and respiratory tracts, such as kidney problems, bronchitis, inflammation and fever. However, none of the ethnopharmacological properties has been scientifically evaluated. AIM OF THE STUDY: Based on the ethnopharmacological use of the species, this study investigated the chemical composition, and for the first time acute toxicity, hemolytic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the essential oil from leaves of V. macrophylla. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The essential oil was obtained from the leaves by hydrodistillation (HD), being characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the broth microdilution technique in bacteria and fungi that cause infections of the respiratory and urinary tract, and toxicological safety regarding hemolytic activity on human red blood cells (hRBCs), and acute toxicity in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the model carrageenan-induced peritonitis with quantification of the levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß in the intraperitoneal fluid, and ear edema induced by croton oil. The antipyretic activity evaluated in mice with pyrexia induced by yeast. RESULTS: The extraction of essential oil by hydrodistillation (HD) showed a yield of 0.33⯱â¯0.04%, with its composition constituted mainly by sesquiterpenes of hydrocarbons (94.00%). The essential oil demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal activity, with a low rate of hemolysis in human red blood cells (hRBCs) and no clinical signs of toxicity were observed in animals after acute treatment, which suggested that the LD50 is greater than 5000â¯mg/kg; p.o. The essential oil demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (38.83%, 72.42% and 73.52%) and IL-1ß (37.70%, 75.92% and 87.71%), and ear edema by 49.53%, 85.04% and 94.39% at concentrations of 4, 40 and 400â¯mg/kg, respectively. The antipyretic activity presented by the essential oil is statistically similar to dipyrone. CONCLUSION: The set of results obtained, validates the main activities attributed to the traditional use of Verbesina macrophylla (Cass.) S.F.Blake. These data add industrial value to the species, considering that the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities present results similar to the drugs already used also presenting safety. The results suggest that essential oil from V. macrophylla may be used by industry for the development of drugs with natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect.
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Aceites Volátiles/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Verbesina/química , Animales , Antiinfecciosos/aislamiento & purificación , Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/aislamiento & purificación , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antipiréticos/aislamiento & purificación , Antipiréticos/farmacología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Eritrocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Fiebre/tratamiento farmacológico , Hemólisis/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Inflamación/tratamiento farmacológico , Masculino , Ratones , Aceites Volátiles/aislamiento & purificación , Aceites Volátiles/toxicidad , Extractos Vegetales/toxicidad , Hojas de la Planta , Pruebas de Toxicidad AgudaRESUMEN
This work aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, acute toxicity and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Algrizea minor (EOAm). The essential oil presented as the major constituents ß-Pinene (56.99%), α-Pinene (16.57%), Germacrene D (4.67%), Bicyclogermacrene (4.66%), (E)-Caryophyllene (3.76%) and Limonene (1.71%). It was verified that the essential oil did not show acute toxicity in the maximum dose of 5,000 mg/kg. In the evaluation of the antinociceptive activity it was verified that the essential oil reduced in 65.84% the number of writhing in the mice, reducing the pain in 59.17%, and the mechanism of action in pain reduction was opioid, similar to morphine. The essential oil also presented significant antimicrobial against Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi, and the antioxidant activity was relevant. Therefore, these results demonstrate the great potential for the future development of pharmaceutical products with the essential oil of Algrizea minor (EOAm).
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The increase in urbanization and industrialization has contributed to the contamination of different environments by means of xenobiotic compounds, such as heavy metals, causing changes in microbial communities. Among these metals, the Mercury (Hg2+) is one the most prevalent toxic metals for the environment The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of mercury on the formation of biofilm by environmental (collected from urban stream water) and clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, and genetic diversity were investigated. Taxonomic identity of eight isolates (one reference, two clinical, and five environmental isolates) was performed by MALDI-TOF-MS, while the antibiotic susceptibility profile was assessed by the disc diffusion method. The ability to form biofilms was evaluated by culture on Congo red agar and by crystal violet staining. Biofilm structure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The hydrophobicity profile and the presence of the virulence genes cps, fimH, and mrkD was investigated. The presence of merA and its relationship with antimicrobial resistance were also assessed. The identity of all isolates was confirmed by MALDI-TOF-MS, and different profiles of resistance to mercury and antibiotics as well as of biofilm formation were identified for the clinical and environmental isolates. All isolates were hydrophilic and positive for the virulence genes cps, fimH, and mrkD; only the clinical isolate K36-A2 was positive for merA. The diversity of the isolates was confirmed by ERIC-PCR, which revealed high heterogeneity among the isolates. In conclusion, the data demonstrate that the investigated isolates present different responses to exposure to Hg2+ and correspond to distinct populations of K. pneumoniae disseminated in the investigated environment. The data obtained in this work will aid in understanding the mechanisms of survival of this pathogen under adverse conditions.
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Biopelículas/efectos de los fármacos , Contaminantes Ambientales/toxicidad , Klebsiella pneumoniae/efectos de los fármacos , Mercurio/toxicidad , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Biopelículas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana/efectos de los fármacos , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana/genética , Hospitales , Humanos , Klebsiella pneumoniae/genética , Klebsiella pneumoniae/patogenicidad , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Factores de Virulencia/genéticaRESUMEN
Aluminum salts are used as coagulants in water treatment; however, the exposure to residual aluminum has been associated with human brain lesions. The water-soluble Moringa oleifera lectin (WSMoL), which is extracted with distilled water and isolated by chitin chromatography, has coagulant activity and is able to reduce the concentration of metal ions in aqueous solutions. This study evaluated the potential of using aluminum sulfate and WSMoL to reduce the turbidity and toxicity of water from the Cavouco stream located in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The water sample used (called P1) was collected from the stream source, which was found to be strongly polluted based on physicochemical and water quality analyses, as well as ecotoxicity assays with Artemia salina and seeds of Eruca sativa and Lactuca sativa. The assays combining WSMoL and aluminum sulfate were more efficient than those that used these agents separately. Furthermore, the greatest reduction in turbidity (96.8%) was obtained with the treatment using aluminum sulfate followed by WSMoL, compared to when they were applied simultaneously (91.3%). In addition, aluminum sulfate followed by WSMoL treatment resulted in residual aluminum concentration (0.3 mg/L) that was much lower than that recorded after the treatment using only the salt (35.5 mg/L). The ecotoxicity of P1 was also strongly reduced after the treatments. In summary, the combined use of aluminum sulfate and WSMoL was efficient in promoting a strong reduction of turbidity and ecotoxicity of a polluted water sample, without resulting in a high residual aluminum concentration at the conclusion of the treatment.