Assessment of antioxidant and antiparkinsonian potential of a new diterpene isolated from Croton argyrophylloides.

Oxidative stress is related to health problems including neurological and neurodegenerativedisturbs, such as Parkinson's disease. Natural compounds are reported as source of antioxidant molecules. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the antioxidant and neuroprotective potential of a new diterpene isolated from C. argyrophylloides (MP-1). Male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were used to evaluate MP-1 antiparkinsonian potential through neurodegenerative model induced by the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (21 µg). On the 14th day, animals were submitted to behavioral tests and on the 15th day, brain areas were dissected to neurochemical analyzes. MP-1 demonstrated a high antioxidant capacity in vitro and decreased the parkinsonian effects, such as behavioral changes, motor alterations, and body weight loss. MP-1 was also able to control the upregulated levels of nitrosative stress and lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest MP-1 as a diterpene with high antioxidant capacity which might be used to development of new approach against Parkinson's disease.

Impact of eugenol on in vivo model of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is involved in many pathological disturbs, such as neurodegenerative disorders. Eugenol (Eug) is a phenolic compound with antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. Then, this study was conducted to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of Eug on oxidative stress model induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in rats. First, the in vivo oxidative stress model was performed by intrastriatal injection (int.) of 6-OHDA (21 µg), followed by the treatment of Eug (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg/7 d) per os (p.o.). On the 7 d, behavioral tests were performed. On the 8 d, all the animals were euthanasied and their cerebral areas were excised for neurochemical and transcriptional analyses. The results showed that the treatment with Eug promoted neuroprotective effects on in vivo through reducing of oxidative stress and modulation of genes related to antioxidant activity. Furthermore, animals treated with Eug demonstrated returning of behavioral performance and body weight gain to normal conditions. Thus, this study reports the neuroprotective effects of Eug against oxidative stress induced by 6-OHDA in rats.

In vitro activities of kappa-carrageenan isolated from red marine alga Hypnea musciformis: Antimicrobial, anticancer and neuroprotective potential.

This study assessed the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and neuroprotective activities of the kappa(k)-carrageenan isolated from the red alga Hypnea musciformis (Hm-SP). The chemical spectrum of the k-carrageenan from Hm-SP was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Hm-SP revealed an antibacterial and antifungal action against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, respectively. Hm-SP did not promoted cytotoxic effects against Human breast cancer (MCF-7) and Human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell-lines. However, it was observed a significant reduction of the cellular proliferation capacity in these cancer cells in presence of the Hm-SP. Furthermore, Hm-SP showed neuroprotective activity in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity on SH-SY5Y cells by modulation of the mitochondria transmembrane potential and reducing Caspase 3 activity. In addition, Hm-SP demonstrates low antioxidant potential and did not induce significant cytotoxic effects or changes in the cell proliferation on Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell-line. In summary, our data suggest that Hm-SP shows antimicrobial, anticancer and neuprotective activities.

Heme oxygenase-1/biliverdin/carbon monoxide pathway downregulates hypernociception in rats by a mechanism dependent on cGMP/ATP-sensitive K+ channels.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To investigate the role of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), carbon monoxide (CO), and biliverdin (BVD) in the zymosan-induced TMJ arthritis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mechanical threshold was assessed before and 4 h after TMJ arthritis induction in rats. Cell influx, myeloperoxidase activity, and histological changes were measured in the TMJ lavages and tissues. Trigeminal ganglion and periarticular tissues were used for HO-1, TNF-α, and IL-1ß mRNA time course expression and immunohistochemical analyses. Hemin (0.1, 0.3, or 1 mg kg-1), DMDC (0.025, 0.25, or 2.5 µmol kg-1), biliverdin (1, 3, or 10 mg kg-1), or ZnPP-IX (1, 3 or 9 mg kg-1) were injected (s.c.) 60 min before zymosan. ODQ (12.5 µmol kg-1; s.c.) or glibenclamide (10 mg kg-1; i.p.) was administered 1 h and 30 min prior to DMDC (2.5 µmol kg-1; s.c), respectively. RESULTS: Hemin (1 mg kg-1), DMDC (2.5 µmol kg-1), and BVD (10 mg kg-1) reduced hypernociception and leukocyte migration, which ZnPP (3 mg kg-1) enhanced. The effects of DMDC were counteracted by ODQ and glibenclamide. The HO-1, TNF-α, and IL-1ß mRNA expression and immunolabelling increased. CONCLUSIONS: HO-1/BVD/CO pathway activation provides anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects on the zymosan-induced TMJ hypernociception in rats.

Strontium Ranelate Elevates Expression of Heme Oxygenase-1 and Decreases Alveolar Bone Loss in Rats.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of strontium ranelate on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats and assess the putative involvement of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway in these effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats underwent nylon ligature placement around maxillary molars and were treated (v.o.) with strontium ranelate (20 or 100 mg/kg) for 7 days. After that, rats were euthanized and histomorphometric/histopathological analyses and RT-PCR for HO-1 expression were performed. RESULTS: Strontium ranelate (20 or 100 mg/kg) prevented bone resorption by 28% and 38%, respectively. Strontium ranelate treatment (100 mg/kg) up-regulated (P < 0.05) heme oxygenase-1 mRNA levels in the gingival tissues in comparison to control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Strontium ranelate prevented periodontal bone loss in experimental periodontitis in rats while heme oxygenase-1 mRNA levels increased after treatment.

Mechanisms involved in antinociception induced by a polysulfated fraction from seaweed Gracilaria cornea in the temporomandibular joint of rats.

Temporomandibular disorder is a common clinical condition involving pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region. This study assessed the antinociceptive effects of a polysulfated fraction from the red seaweed Gracilaria cornea (Gc-FI) on the formalin-induced TMJ hypernociception in rats and investigated the involvement of different mechanisms. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with injection (sc) of saline or Gc-FI 1h before intra- TMJ injection of formalin to evaluate the nociception. The results showed that pretreatment with Gc-FI significantly reduced formalin-induced nociceptive behavior. Moreover, the antinociceptive effect of the Gc-FI was blocked by naloxone (a non-selective opioid antagonist), suggesting the involvement of opioids selective receptors. Thus, the pretreatment with selective opioids receptors antagonists, reversed the antinociceptive effect of the Gc-FI in the TMJ. The Gc-FI antinociceptive effect depends on the nitric oxide/cyclic GMP/protein kinase G/ATP-sensitive potassium channel (NO/cGMP/PKG/K+ATP) pathway because it was prevented by pretreatment with inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase, guanylate cyclase enzyme, PKG and a K+ATP blocker. In addition, after inhibition with a specific heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitor, the antinociceptive effect of the Gc-FI was not observed. Collectively, these data suggest that the antinociceptive effect induced by Gc-FI is mediated by µ/δ/κ-opioid receptors and by activation NO/cGMP/PKG/K+ATP channel pathway, besides of HO-1.

Impact of the Chronic Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Hemiparkinsonism Model Induced by 6-Hydroxydopamine in Rats.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The neuronal degeneration may result from the convergence of a number of different pathogenic factors, including apoptosis, excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. Many studies emphasize the importance of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) in vital processes such as maintenance of the properties of cell membranes and the participation in signal transduction and biodynamic activity of neuronal membranes. In this study, the protective effect of ω-3 PUFA administration on the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of PD in rats was investigated. ω-3 PUFA (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg) was orally administered by gavage during 28 consecutive days to male Wistar rats. On the 4th day, hemiparkinsonism was induced through intrastriatal injection of 6-OHDA. On the 25th day, the animals were submitted to behavioural analysis. On the 28th day, after euthanasia, the brain areas were collected for neurochemical evaluation. ω-3 PUFAs (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg) restored monoamine and amino acid levels on the striatum from hemiparkinsonian rats, followed by reduction in the number of apomorphine-induced rotations and promotion of a partial locomotor recovery. In addition, ω-3 PUFAs (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg) decreased the lipid peroxidation levels and nitrite levels in the brain areas from hemiparkinsonian rats. Thus, this study suggests that supplementation with ω-3 PUFAs prevents behavioural and neurochemical disturbances induced by 6-OHDA, presenting a potential neuroprotective action.

Neuroprotective Effects of Sulphated Agaran from Marine Alga Gracilaria cornea in Rat 6-Hydroxydopamine Parkinson's Disease Model: Behavioural, Neurochemical and Transcriptional Alterations.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial disease associated with the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and behavioural alterations. Natural bioactive compounds may provide new therapeutic alternatives for neurodegenerative disorders, such as PD. The sulphated polysaccharides isolated from marine algae are heterogenic molecules that show different biological activities. The red marine alga Gracilaria cornea has a sulphated polysaccharide (SA-Gc) with structure and anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities reported in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of SA-Gc in rat model PD induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Firstly, we established the PD model in rats, induced by an intrastriatal injection (int.) of 6-OHDA, followed by a single administration of SA-Gc (15, 30 or 60 µg; int.). On the 14th day, behavioural tests were performed. After killing, brain areas were dissected and used for neurochemical and/or transcriptional analyses. The results showed that SA-Gc (60 µg, int.) promoted neuroprotective effects in vivo through reducing the oxidative/nitroactive stress and through alterations in the monoamine contents induced by 6-OHDA. Furthermore, SA-Gc modulated the transcription of neuroprotective and inflammatory genes, as well as returning behavioural activities and weight gain to normal conditions. Thus, this study reports the neuroprotective effects of SA-Gc against 6-OHDA in rats.

Mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory action of a polysulfated fraction from Gracilaria cornea in rats.

The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the sulfated polysaccharidic fraction obtained from red marine alga Gracilaria cornea (Gc-FI) were investigated using a paw edema model induced in rats by different inflammatory agents (carrageenan, dextran, serotonin, bradykinin, compound 48/80 or L-arginine). Gc-FI at the doses of 3, 9 or 27 mg/kg, subcutaneously--s.c., significantly inhibited rat paw edema induced by carrageenan and dextran, as confirmed by myeloperoxidase and Evans' blue assessments, respectively. Gc-FI (9 mg/kg, s.c.) inhibited rat paw edema induced by histamine, compound 48/80 and L-arginine. Additionally, Gc-FI (9 mg/kg, s.c.) inhibited Cg-induced edema in animals with intact mast cells but did not inhibit that with degranulated mast cells by compound 48/80, revealing a protective role on mast cell membranes. Gc-FI down-regulated the IL-1ß, TNF-α and COX-2 mRNA and protein levels compared with those of the carrageenan group, based on qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analyses. After inhibition with ZnPP IX, a specific heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitor, the anti-inflammatory effect of Gc-FI was not observed in Cg-induced paw edema, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory effect of Gc-FI is, in part, dependent on the integrity of the HO-1 pathway. Gc-FI can target a combination of multiple points involved in inflammatory phenomena.

Analysis of two precipitation methods on the yield, structural features and activity of sulfated polysaccharides from Gracilaria cornea (Rhodophyta) / Análise de duas metodologias de precipitação sobre o rendimento, características estruturais e atividade de polissacarídeos sulfatados de Gracilaria cornea (Rhodophyta)

The global demand for natural products from seaweeds has increased worldwide; however, no description of the use of isoamly alcohol (IAA) for obtaining of sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) has been reported. We investigated the efficiency of two precipitation methods (M) in obtaining SPs from the red seaweed Gracilaria cornea. SPs enzymatically isolated were concentrated with cetylpyridinium chloride (M I) or IAA (M II) and extracts were examined with regard to their yield, structural features and in vitro effects on the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) using normal human plasma and standard heparin (193 IU mg-1). Yield difference reached 12.99%. Quantitative determination of sulfate was similar between the two methods (Ì´26%), but extracts revealed different pattern on charge density by agarose gel electrophoresis. Whereas both extracts revealed as agarocolloids, alternative M II was also efficient for lipids, proteins and nucleic acids according to the infrared analysis. Extracts had virtually no effect on APPT (1.95 and 2 IU mg-1 for M I and M II, respectively). The results revealed IAA as an alternative solvent for obtaining SPs from the red seaweed G. cornea, depending on the industry' usage criterion.

A demanda global de produtos naturais de algas marinhas tem aumentado mundialmente. Entretanto, a obtenção de polissacarídeos sulfatados (PSs) com álcool isoamílico (AIA) não é relatada. Investigou-se a eficiência de dois métodos (M) de precipitação de PSs da alga marinha vermelha Gracilaria cornea. Os PSs isolados enzimaticamente foram concentrados com cloreto cetilpiridimínio (M I) ou AIA (M II). Os extratos foram examinados, segundo seu rendimento, características estruturais e efeitos in vitro sobre o tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPA) usando plasma humano normal e heparina padrão (193 UI mg-1). A diferença nos rendimentos foi 12,99% e semelhante determinação quantitativa de sulfato foi obtida entre os métodos (Ì´26%). A eletroforese em gel de agarose revelou diferenças em termos de densidade de cargas entre os extratos. Enquanto ambos os extratos revelaram agarocoloides, o método M II também se mostrou alternativo para lipídios, proteínas e ácidos nucleicos de acordo com a análise de infravermelho. Os extratos praticamente não modificaram o TTPA (1,95 e 2 UI mg-1 para M I e M II, respectivamente). Os resultados revelaram AIA como um solvente alternativo para obtenção de PSs da alga marinha vermelha G. cornea, dependendo do critério de utilização na indústria.

Peripheral antinociception and anti-inflammatory effects of sulphated polysaccharides from the alga Caulerpa mexicana.

Sulphated polysaccharides from marine algae are widely used in biotechnological and pharmaceutical areas. In this study, we evaluated the effects of sulphated polysaccharides from the green marine alga Caulerpa mexicana (Cm-SPs) in nociceptive and inflammatory models in rodents. Cm-SPs (10 or 20 mg/kg), administered i.v. in Swiss mice, significantly reduced nociceptive responses, as measured by the number of writhes in response to acetic acid. Cm-SPs (10 or 20 mg/kg) also reduced second-phase responses in the formalin test, but did not exhibit a significant antinociceptive effect in the hot plate test, suggesting that its antinociceptive action occurs through a peripheral mechanism. Cm-SPs (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg), administered s.c. in wistar rats 1 hr before carrageenan, dextran, histamine or serotonin, were tested in paw oedema models. Cm-SPs (10 or 20 mg/kg) reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema and myeloperoxidase activity in the paw. In addition, Cm-SPs (20 mg/kg) inhibited dextran- or histamine-induced paw oedema, but not serotonin-induced oedema, suggesting that histamine is the major target of Cm-SPs anti-oedematogenic activity. Finally, Cm-SPs (20 mg/kg) administered in mice did not show significant signs of toxicity. In conclusion, Cm-SPs appear to be promising natural modulatory agents for pain and inflammatory conditions.