Diet of Broilers with Essential Oil from Citrus sinensis and Xylopia aromatica Fruits.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of essential oils from the fruits of Citrus sinensis and Xylopia aromatica, included in broiler feed, on blood parameters, the biometrics of digestive organs, bone analyses, and the biochemical profiles of the viscera, as well as the histomorphometry of the small intestine. In this study, 180 one-day-old male chicks of the Cobb 500 strain were fed a corn and soybean meal over three treatments and six replications, and the experimental design was completely randomized. The data were subjected to an analysis of variance and a Tukey test at a 5% significance level. The effect of the experimental diets on performance, blood parameters, biometrics of the digestive organs, bone analysis, and biochemical profiles of the viscera, as well as the histomorphometry of the small intestine, were evaluated. The compounds identified in the essential oil of X. aromatica were sylvestrene, α-pinene, and ß-pinene, while in C. sinensis they were limonene and myrcene. The essential oils of C. sinensis and X. aromatica had no significant effect on performance at 14 days. The effects of the presence of the essential oils of C. sinensis and X. aromatica on the response were beneficial: there were reductions in liver lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides, and in the depths of the crypts in the jejunum of chickens. So, the essential oils from the fruits of C. sinensis and X. aromatica can be used in broiler chickens to improve the lipid profiles of birds without affecting their performance.

The impact of carbon source on cell growth and the production of bioactive compounds in cell suspensions of Hancornia speciosa Gomes.

Belonging to the Brazilian flora, the species Hancornia speciosa (Gomes), known as mangabeira, has bioactive compounds of interest, such as flavonoids, xanthones, and proanthocyanidins. The objective of this study was to determine how the supplementation of sugars in culture medium affects the osmotic potential of the medium, as well as its influence on cell growth and on the concentration of phenolic compounds. For this purpose, after 90 days of subculture, 20 mL aliquots of the cultures were added to flasks containing 20 mL of medium with different sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, mannitol, and sorbitol) under a 16-h photoperiod with a spectral range between 400 and 700 nm of photosynthetically active radiation (45-55 µmol m-2 s-1) in a shaker at 110 rpm. After 30 days, the pH, electrical conductivity, osmotic potential, biomass accumulation, and concentrations of phenolic compounds were evaluated. Regardless of their concentration in the medium, the sugars sorbitol and mannitol provided more unfavorable conditions for water absorption at the cellular level, reducing the water potential of the medium. Sucrose favored greater water absorption and biomass accumulation. Among the various sugar concentrations, 3% (30 g/L) sucrose or glucose improved the accumulation of fresh and dry cell weight and the production of polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, rosmarinic acid, hesperidin, rutin, and quercetin. In addition, they resulted in a higher osmotic potential of the medium and larger cells than other carbon sources. Despite the differences in cell size, no culture conditions compromised cell survival.

Toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and zinc oxide to mice.

The toxicity of zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) and polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NaPs) has been tested in different animal models; however, knowledge about their impact on mice remains incipient. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effects of these nanomaterials on Swiss mice after their individual exposure to a binary combination of them. The goal was to investigate whether short exposure (three days) to an environmentally relevant dose (14.6 ng/kg, i.p.) of these pollutants would have neurotoxic, biochemical and genotoxic effects on the modelss. Data in the current study have shown that the individual exposure of these animals has led to cognitive impairment based on the object recognition test, although the exposure experiment did not cause locomotor and anxiogenic or anxiolitic-like behavioral changes in them. This outcome was associated with increased nitric oxide levels, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, reduction in acetylcholinesterase activity and with the accumulation of nanomaterials in their brains. Results recorded for the assessed parameters did not differ between the control group and the groups exposed to the binary combination of pollutants. However, both the individual and the combined exposures caused erythrocyte DNA damages associated with hypercholesterolemic and hypertriglyceridemic conditions due to the presence of nanomaterials. Based on the results, the toxicological potential of ZnO NPs and PS NaPs in the models was confirmed and it encouraged further in-depth investigations about factors explaining the lack of additive or synergistic effect caused by the combined exposure to the assessed pollutants.

Toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics in dragonfly larvae: An insight on how these pollutants can affect bentonic macroinvertebrates.

Although nanoplastics (NPs) are known to be toxic to several groups of animals, the effects of such a toxicity on freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate communities remain unknown. Thus, the aim of the current study is to test the hypothesis that polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) (34 µg/L - 48 h of exposure) lead to biochemical damage in Aphylla williamsoni larvae. Data have evidenced high bioaccumulation factor in the analyzed individuals; this finding indicates that, similar to sediments, water is also part of aquatic systems and favors PS NPs retention in dragonfly larvae. Despite the lack of evidence about the interference of these pollutants in the nutritional status of the analyzed animals, their bioaccumulation was associated with REDOX imbalance featured by concomitant increase in the number of evaluated oxidative stress biomarkers (nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation) and antioxidants (antioxidant activity against the DPPH radical and the superoxide dismutase enzyme). On the other hand, the reduced acetylcholinesterase activity observed in larvae exposed to PS NPs has suggested the neurotoxic effect of these pollutants, with potential impact on their nerve and neuromuscular functions. Therefore, the current study is pioneer in showing that PS NPs can affect the health of the investigated larvae, even at small concentrations, for short exposure-time; this outcome reinforces the ecotoxicological risk of these pollutants for freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates.

Toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics in Ctenopharyngodon idella juveniles: A genotoxic, mutagenic and cytotoxic perspective.

The increased contamination of surface water with plastic waste is proportional to the increased consumption of products that use them as raw material. However, the impact of these residues on aquatic biota remains limited, mainly when it comes to nanoplastics (NPs). Thus, the aim of the current study is to test the hypothesis that the exposure of Ctenopharyngodon idella juveniles to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) at low concentrations (0.04 ng/L, 34 ng/L and 34 µg/L), for 20 days, leads to DNA damage and has mutagenic and cytotoxic effects on their erythrocytes. Comet assay enabled observing that DNA damage (inferred from the greater tail length, DNA percentage in the tail and Olive tail moment) induced by PS NPs has increased as the pollutant concentrations have increased, as well as that the formation of micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities was equitable in animals exposed to this pollutant. On the other hand, there were significant changes in erythrocyte shape and size, oxidative stress generation (NO levels, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide), antioxidant system inhibition (mediated by total hepatic glutathione) and PS NPs accumulation in the liver and brain of animals exposed to higher concentrations of it. Therefore, the current study has confirmed the initial hypothesis and enhanced the knowledge about the genotoxic, mutagenic and cytotoxic potential of PS NPs in freshwater fish at early developmental stage, relating these effects to biochemical changes and significant accumulation of these nanomaterials. Besides, it is a warning about the (eco) toxicological risk represented by these nanopollutants in aquatic environments. CAPSULE: Polystyrene nanoplastics are capable of inducing DNA damage, mutagenic and cytotoxicity changes in fish.

Nanopolystyrene particles at environmentally relevant concentrations causes behavioral and biochemical changes in juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).

The biometric, behavioral and biochemical toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) in aquatic freshwater vertebrates and in environmentally relevant concentrations remains poorly known. Thus, using different toxicity biomarkers we tested the hypothesis that the exposure of Ctenopharyngodon idella juveniles to small PS NPs concentrations (0.04 ng/L, 34 ng/L and 34 µg/L), for a short period-of-time, may affect their growth/development, individual and collective behavior, and biochemical parameters. Animals exposed to NPs did not show increased biometric parameters (i.e.: body biomass, total and standard length, peduncle height, head height and visceral somatic and hepatosomatic indices). Despite the lack of damage on the locomotor (open field test) and visual (visual stimulus test) abilities of the evaluated fish, the expected increase in locomotor activity during the vibratory stimulus test was not evident in animals exposed to NPs. Non-exposed animals were the only ones showing increased activity/locomotion time in the presence of the predatory stimulus during the individual anti-predatory response test. The behavior of animals directly confronted with a potential predator has evidenced the influence of NPs on shoals' aggregation and on the distance kept by individuals from the predatory stimulus. These changes were associated with PS NPs accumulation in animals' brains, oxidative stress and increased acetylcholinesterase activity (hepatic and cerebral). Therefore, the current study has confirmed the initial hypothesis and showed that, even at low concentrations, PS NPs can affect the health of C. idella individuals at early life stage.

Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on Ctenopharyngodon idella (grass carp) after individual and combined exposure with zinc oxide nanoparticles.

The toxicity of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), in combination is poorly known. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of PS NPs (760 µg/L) on Ctenopharyngodon idella exposed to it, both in separate and in combination with ZnO NPs (760 µg/L), based on behavioral, biochemical and genotoxic biomarkers. Current data have indicated that PS NPs, for a short exposure period (3 days), both in separate and in combination with nanoparticles, have affected animals' response to the mirror test. On the other hand, all treatments have equally induced C. idella inactivity towards alarm substances and DNA damage. There was increased oxidative stress, mainly in groups exposed to PS NPs (in combination, or not, with nanoparticles); although increased, the evaluated antioxidant levels did not appear to be enough to inhibit the effects of treatment-induced production of free radicals. Together, these results are likely co-responsible for the observed changes. The current study did not observe antagonistic, synergistic or additive effect on animals exposed to the combination between PS NPs and ZnO NPs; however, this outcome should not discourage the performance of similar studies focused on assessing the (eco)toxicity of pollutant mixtures comprising nanomaterials.

Efeito do extrato das folhas da Passiflora edulis na cicatrização da pele em ratos / Efecto del extracto de hoja de Passiflora edulis en la cicatrización de la piel en ratas / Effect of Passiflora edulis leaf extract on skin healing in rats

Objetivo: avaliar o efeito do extrato das folhas da Passiflora edulis na cicatrização da pele em ratos, especificamente na área da lesão e na proliferação de fibroblastos. Materiais e método: estudo experimental realizado com 54 ratos da linhagem Wistar, machos, adultos, divididos igualmente em três grupos. A indução das lesões em formato circular na região dorso-cervical foi realizada com o auxílio de um punch trepano de 8 mm. As lesões do grupo de controle foram higienizadas diariamente com água filtrada e sabonete vegetal glicerinado de pH neutro. Os outros dois grupos, além da higienização diária, receberam tratamento com creme contendo extrato a 20 % das folhas da Passiflora edulis, e creme base sem extrato a 20 % das folhas da Passiflora edulis, respectivamente. No 1o, 4o, 7o e 14o dia de tratamento foram obtidas imagens para cálculo da área de lesão. No 4o, 7o e 14o dia de tratamento foram coletados espécimes para análises histológicas. Resultados: não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos experimentais com relação à comparação de médias da área de lesão e de proliferação de fibroblastos. Conclusões: o uso tópico do extrato a 20 % das folhas da Passiflora edulis não apresentou efeito na área de lesão e na proliferação de fibroblastos na cicatrização da pele em ratos.

Objetivo: evaluar el efecto del extracto de hoja de Passiflora edulis en la curación de la piel en ratas, específicamente el área de la lesión y de la proliferación de fibroblastos. Materiales y método: estudio experimental con 54 ratas Wistar macho adultas, divididas por igual en tres grupos. La inducción de lesiones de forma circular en la región dorsocervical se realizó con la ayuda de un punzón de 8 mm. Las lesiones del grupo de control se limpiaron diariamente con agua filtrada y jabón vegetal glicerinado con pH neutro. Los otros dos grupos, además de la limpieza diaria, recibieron tratamiento con crema que contenía extracto al 20 % de las hojas de Passiflora edulis, y crema base sin extracto al 20 % de las hojas de Passiflora edulis, respectivamente. Los días 1, 4, 7 y 14 de tratamiento, se obtuvieron imágenes para calcular el área de la lesión. Los días 4, 7 y 14 de tratamiento, se recolectaron muestras para análisis histológicos. Resultados: no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos experimentales con respecto a la comparación de las medias del área de la lesión y la proliferación de fibroblastos. Conclusiones: el uso tópico del extracto al 20 % de las hojas de Passiflora edulis no tuvo efecto en el área de la lesión y de la proliferación de fibroblastos en la curación de la piel en ratas.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Passiflora edulis leaf extract on skin healing in rats, specially the lesion area and on fibroblast proliferation. Materials and method: Experimental study with 54 male adult Wistar rats equally divided into three groups. The induction of circular-shaped lesions in the dorso cervical region was performed with the aid of an 8 mm climbing punch. Control group lesions were daily cleaned with filtered water and neutral pH glycerinated vegetable soap. The other two groups, in addition to daily cleansing, received treatment with cream containing 20 % extract of Passiflora edulis leaves and base cream without this extract, respectively. On day 1, 4, 7 and 14 of treatment, images were obtained to calculate the lesion area. On day 4, 7 and 14 of treatment, specimens were collected for histological analysis. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the experimental groups regarding the comparison of means of lesion area and fibroblast proliferation. Conclusion: Topical use of the 20 % extract of Passiflora edulis leaves had no effect on the affected area and the proliferation of fibroblasts on skin healing in rats.

Correlación entre actividad física en la vida diaria y biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo y metabólicos en adultos mayores / Correlation between physical activity in daily life and oxidative biomarkers and metabolic biomarkers in older adults

Resumen Introducción: el envejecimiento se caracteriza por cambios fisiológicos, entre ellos un aumento del estrés oxidativo (EO), que es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de múltiples patologías. La actividad física en la vida diaria (AFVD) es un factor protector para la salud y podría estar asociado con una disminución del EO. Objetivo: analizar la correlación entre AFVD y los biomarcadores de EO en adultos mayores. Materiales y Métodos: se incluyeron 35 adultos mayores (edad: 69 ± 7 años, hombres: 57%). La actividad física fue evaluada utilizando el acelerómetro triaxial DynaPort, que midió el tiempo en 6 actividades: Caminata rápida, acostado, sentado, de pie, en movimiento y caminata lenta, respectivamente. Fueron evaluados los siguientes biomarcadores de sangre periférica: Productos avanzados de oxidación de proteínas (AOPP), óxido nítrico (NOx), capacidad antioxidante total (TRAP), grupo de sulfhidrilo (SH) y enzima superóxido dismutasa (SOD). Además, el nivel glicémico, IMC y circunferencia abdominal. Los coeficientes de correlación de Pearson o Spearman fueron utilizados respectivamente, con p < 0.05 e IC: 95%. Resultados: SOD tuvo una correlación con tiempos de caminata rápida (r = 0.6) y de movimiento (r = 0.6). AOPP tuvo una correlación con los tiempos de caminata rápida (r = -0.4), caminata lenta (r = -0.5), de pie (r = -0.4), en movimiento (r = -0.4) y acostado (r = 0.5). El IMC tuvo una correlación con el tiempo en movimiento (r = -0.4). La glucosa fue correlacionada con el tiempo de caminata rápida (-r = 0.63), de pie (r = -0.5), en movimiento (r = -0.6), caminata lenta (r = -0.61) y acostado (r = 0.54). Conclusiones: niveles aumentados de actividad física de la vida diaria están asociados con mayor capacidad antioxidante, menor estrés oxidativo, nivel glicémico e IMC. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1): 13-9.

Abstract Introduction: aging is characterized by physiological changes, including increased oxidative stress (OS), which is a risk factor for the development of multiple pathologies. Physical activity in daily life (PADL) is a protective factor for health and could be associated with a decrease in oxidative stress. Objective: to analyze the correlation of PADL and blood biomarkers of OS in older adults. Materials and Method: 35 older adults were included (age: 69 ± 7 years, men: 57%). PADL was objectively evaluated using the DynaPort triaxial accelerometer, which measured the time in 6 different activities: Fast walking, lying, sitting, standing, moving and slow walking, respectively. The following biomarkers from peripheral blood were measured: advanced protein oxidation products (AOPP), nitric oxide (NOx), total antioxidant potential (TRAP), sulfhydryl group (SH) and superoxide enzyme dismutase (SOD). Blood glucose level, BMI and abdominal girth also were considered. The Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients were used respectively, with p < 0.05 and 95% CI. Results: SOD had a correlation with fast walking (r = 0.6) and moving time (r = 0.6). AOPP had a correlation with fast walking (r = -0.4), slow walking (r = -0.5), standing (r = -0.4), moving (r = -0.4) and the lying time (r = 0.5). BMI had a correlation with moving time (r = -0.4). Glucose had a correlation with fast walking (-r = 0.63), standing (r = -0.5), moving (r = -0.6), slow walking (r = -0.61) and lying time (r = 0.54). Conclusions: increased levels of physical activity in daily life are significantly associated with greater antioxidant capacity, lower oxidative stress, glucose and BMI. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1): 13-9.

Acetylcholinesterase and α-Amylase inhibitors from Mouriri elliptica Martius leaf extract / Inibidores da acetilcolinesterase e α-amilase do extrato da folha de Mouriri elliptica Martius

Population growth has raised food production, and new sources are needed to increase quantity and quality of agricultural products. Carbamates and organophosphates are insecticide classes used worldwide as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. Plants have a natural resistance to insects, which can be employed in pest control as a new alternative to reduce the use of chemicals. An alternative may be the use of α-amylase inhibitors, which are digestive enzymes that impair pest species growth and development. Another would be acetylcholinesterase inhibitors since they damage the normal functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system, by releasing high concentrations of acetylcholine in cholinergic synapses. This substance accumulation increases stimulations that lead to behavioral changes, asphyxia, hyperactivity, and death. Botanical agrochemicals are believed to have advantages over synthetic ones, as they are rapidly degraded in the environment. In this scenario, plants have played an important role in pest control as sources of interest for the synthesis of new molecules for agricultural use. The present study evaluated acetylcholinesterase and α-amylase inhibition by microplate method, from leaf extracts of Mouriri elliptica Martius with different polarities.

O crescimento populacional tem aumentado a quantidade de produção alimentícia, sendo necessárias novas fontes para o aumento da quantidade e qualidade dos produtos agrícolas. Os carbamatos e organofosforados são classes de inseticidas utilizadas em todo o mundo, são inibidores da acetilcolinesterase (AChE). Os vegetais possuem uma resistência natural aos insetos, e esse método de resistência pode ser utilizado no controle das pragas como uma nova alternativa para redução do uso de inseticidas químicos, tais como os inibidores da α-amilase, enzima digestiva, a qual sua inibição prejudica o crescimento e desenvolvimento de espécies de pragas. E os inibidores da acetilcolinesterase que danificam o funcionamento normal do Sistema Nervoso Central e Periférico, através de elevadas concentrações da acetilcolina que ficam depositadas nas sinapses colinérgicas. Este acúmulo de ACh provoca uma grande estimulação que leva á alterações comportamentais, asfixia, hiperatividade e a morte. Estudos já realizados mostraram que os agrotóxicos botânicos têm vantagens sobre os sintéticos, sendo degradados rapidamente no meio ambiente. Neste cenário os vegetais têm desempenhado um importante papel no controle de pragas, através da síntese de novas moléculas para uso na agricultura. O presente trabalho avaliou a inibição das enzimas acetilcolinesterase e α-amilase através do método da microplaca a partir dos extratos das folhas de Mouriri elliptica Martius em diferentes polaridades.

Spectral quality as an elicitor of bioactive compound production in Solanum aculeatissimum JACQ cell suspension.

Solanum aculeatissimum Jacq. is a common plant in much of Brazil. Despite containing metabolites with a wide range of pharmacological applications, there are few tissue culture reports for this plant. The possibility of large-scale in vitro production of this material has significant biotechnological potential. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of light conditions on the growth of cells in suspension, observing the production and yield of biomass and bioactive compounds and the enzymatic behavior. Calli obtained from leaf segments were cultured in solid medium supplemented with 1 mg L-1 of 2,4-D, 2.5 mg L-1 kinetin, pH 5.7, in the dark. After 110 days of subculture, the calli were transferred to liquid medium. Cells were kept in the dark under agitation at 110 rpm and 25 °C and subcultured every 30 days. After 90 days of culture, 20 mL aliquots of cell suspension were added to flasks containing approximately 20 mL of medium (1:1) and cultured at different wavelengths (white, green, blue, red, and blue/red) under a photoperiod of 16 h with irradiance of 50 µmol m-2 s-1) and in the absence of light. The experiment was performed in a 6 × 6 factorial design (light condition × culture time). The cell cultures showed viability throughout the entire cycle, and chlorogenic and ferulic acids, orientin, quercitrin and, in higher amounts, quercetin, were detected in the first 7 days of culture. There was an increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase and a decrease in ascorbate peroxidase after exposure to different light conditions; for phenylalanine ammonia lyase, no differences were observed. The different light conditions were not sufficient to trigger responses in the concentrations of bioactive compounds, despite the detection of increased levels of the enzymes involved in cellular homeostasis.

Phytochemical screening of extracts from Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil. (Rutaceae) leaves and their in vitroantioxidant and anti-Listeria monocytogenes activities

Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil (Rutaceae), a shrub whose common name is manacá do Cerrado in Brazilian Portuguese, is about 1-m high and has been used by folk medicine to treat stomachache, kidney and liver infections, headache, rheumatism and as a blood purifier. This study aimed at preparing hexane, ethyl acetate, methanolic, hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts from S. odoratissima leaves, at carrying out preliminary phytochemical screening and at evaluating their in vitroantioxidant and anti-Listeria monocytogenesactivities. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis-3-ethybenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) methods. Antibacterial activity was investigated against L. monocytogenesand Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of plant extracts were calculated by the broth microdilution method with the use of 96-well plates. In aqueous, methanolic, hydroethanolic, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts from S. odoratissima leaves, the following classes of compounds were investigated: organic acids, reducing sugars, flavonoids, saponin compounds, coumarin compounds, phenolics, tannins, purine compounds, catechins, flavonol derivatives, sesquiterpene lactonesand anthraquinones. All plant extracts, except the hexane one, exhibited high antioxidant activity. Regarding antibacterial activity, the most polar extracts showed high activity against L. monocytogenes; their MIC values ranged between 12.5 and 62.5 μg mL-1, while the hexane one exhibited low activity (MIC = 1000 μgmL-1). In short, extracts from S. odoratissima leaves may be consideredpromising sources of secondary metabolites with relevant antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Eugenia Klotzschiana O. Berg Fruits as New Sources of Nutrients: Determination of their Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Composition

Abstract: The Cerrado is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and Brazil's second largest biome. Many native species of the Brazilian Cerrado provide fruits that have unique sensory characteristics and high nutritional value. This study aimed at characterizing the pulp of Eugenia klotzschiana O. Berg, concerning its proximal composition, bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity. The pulp under study had high moisture (89.47 g kg-1) and caloric (96.07 kcal kg-1) values whereas its contents of protein (0.59 g kg-1) and lipids (2.35 g kg-1) were low. The cerrado pear pulp also had high iron content (16.5 mg kg -1) and dietary fiber (6.45 g kg-1), besides 0.034-0,055 mg kg-1 carotenoids, 8.66 mg kg-1 ascorbic acid and 0.66 mg kg-1 total chlorophyll. Total phenolic compounds (333.41-566.33 mg EAG kg-1) and flavonoids (225-50 mg EQ kg-1) were found by extraction methods named Method 1 (water) and Method 2 (acetone+methanol), respectively. Thus, the cerrado pear can be an alternative to improving nutrient intake and to providing sustainable use of the native flora in the Cerrado.

Ameloblastoma during pregnancy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastomas are rarely found in pregnant women, with only two cases reported in the scientific literature. We report the first case of ameloblastoma in a pregnant woman in Brazil. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old white woman, 12-weeks pregnant, presented with a large mass in her right posterior mandible. Panoramic radiography revealed a lesion involving her mandibular right first molar with displacement of her mandibular right third molar and impairment of the mandibular bone base. The results of an incisional biopsy led to a diagnosis of acanthomatous ameloblastoma. We fixed Erich arch bars to both dental arches and performed an en-bloc resection surgery under general anesthesia for tumor removal. She was then treated by maxillomandibular rigid fixation with the installation of a 2.7 mm non-locking reconstruction plate. So far, she has presented no motor deficits, chewing difficulties, or relevant asymmetries. The tumor showed no recurrence after the first year (pregnancy period) and post-surgery radiographic follow-up revealed a reduction in the surgical area after osseous growth in the margins of the lesion. Although she displayed no systemic comorbidities that affected pregnancy, the fetus was born with alobar holoprosencephaly. CONCLUSIONS: The possible influence of pregnancy hormones on the growth and development of tumors in general and ameloblastoma in particular, is still not explained in the literature. However, evidence reveals that the issue should be further studied. Although en-bloc resection surgery is considered a radical method of treatment, it is an effective alternative in ameloblastoma removal, presenting low rates of recurrence.

The glycosylated flavonoids vitexin, isovitexin, and quercetrin isolated from Serjania erecta Radlk (Sapindaceae) leaves protect PC12 cells against amyloid-ß25-35 peptide-induced toxicity.

The Aß peptide-mediated toxicity participates in the neuronal death that occurs in Alzheimer's disease. The present study aims to isolate the major compounds of Serjania erecta Radlk leaves and assess whether these compounds protect PC12 cells from Aß25-35 peptide-induced toxicity. We isolated three flavonoid glycosides with high purity: quercetrin, vitexin, and isovitexin. The Aß25-35 peptide alone decreased the PC12 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, as evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. We selected the Aß25-35 peptide concentration of 50 µM for the experiments. Treatment of PC12 cells with the flavonoids before exposure to the Aß25-35 peptide increased cell viability, i.e., these compounds protected the cells against Aß25-35 peptide-induced toxicity. Vitexin promoted higher protection levels than quercetrin and isovitexin, and reduced the lactate dehydrogenase release and NO production in Aß25-35 peptide-treated PC12 cells. Therefore, the glycosylated flavonoids that exist in S. erecta leaves, especially vitexin, protect PC12 cells from Aß25-35 peptide-induced toxicity.

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of coronaridine from Tabernaemontana catharinensis A.DC in a human laryngeal epithelial carcinoma cell line (Hep-2).

Cancer has become a major public health problem worldwide and the number of deaths due to this disease is increasing almost exponentially. In the constant search for new treatments, natural products of plant origin have provided a variety of new compounds to be explored as antitumor agents. Tabernaemontana catharinensis is a medicinal plant that produces alkaloids with expressive antitumor activity, such as heyneanine, coronaridine and voacangine. The aim of present study was firstly to screen the cytotoxic activity of the indole alkaloids heyneanine, coronaridine and voacangine against HeLa (human cervix tumor), 3T3 (normal mouse embryo fibroblasts), Hep-2 (human laryngeal epithelial carcinoma) and B-16 (murine skin) cell lines by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide); and secondly to analyze the apoptotic activity, cell membrane damage and genotoxicity of the compound that showed the best cytotoxic activity against the tumor cell lines tested. Coronaridine was the one that exhibited greater cytotoxic activity in the laryngeal carcinoma cell line Hep-2 (IC50 = 54.47 µg/mL) than the other alkaloids tested (voacangine IC50 = 159.33 g/mL, and heyneanine IC50 = 689.45 µg/mL). Coronaridine induced apoptosis in cell lines 3T3 and Hep-2, even at high concentrations. The evaluation of genotoxicity by comet assay showed further that coronaridine caused minimal DNA damage in the Hep-2 tumor cell line, and the LDH test showed that it did not affect the plasma membrane. These results suggest that further investigation of coronaridine as an antitumor agent has merit.

Isolation of flavonoids from Anemopaegma arvense (Vell) Stellf. ex de Souza and their antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum

Anemopaegma arvense (Vell) Stellf. ex de Souza belongs to the family Bignoniaceae, and is popularly known as catuaba. To evaluate the cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of A. arvense, fraction F3 and flavonoids 1 (quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside) (rutin) and flavonoid 2 (quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-galactopyranoside) were isolated from the leaves of this plant. Fraction F3 and flavonoids 1 and 2 exhibited no antibacterial activity. Furthermore, no cytotoxic activity of fraction 3 or flavonoids 1 and 2 was observed against the tumor cells tested. However, analysis of the antifungal activity of flavonoids 1 and 2 revealed minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.5 and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively, against the Trichophyton rubrum strains tested (wild type and mutant). This study demonstrates for the first time the antifungal activity of isolated flavonoids, validating the same activity for A. arvense.

Anemopaegma arvense pertence à família Bignoniaceae, sendo conhecida popularmente como Catuaba. Para avaliação de sua atividade citotóxica e antimicrobiana, a fração cromatográfica F3 e os flavonoides 1 (quercetina 3-O-α-L-ramnopiranosil-(1→6)-β-D-glucopiranosídeo) (rutina) e flavonoide 2 (quercetina 3-O-α-L-ramnopiranosil-(1→6)-β-D-galactopiranosídeo) foram isolados das folhas de A. arvense. A fração 3 e os flavonoides não apresentaram atividade antibacteriana. Nenhuma atividade citotóxica foi observada para a fração F3 e para os flavonoides, quando avaliados contra as células tumorais em teste. Entretanto, e considerando a atividade antifúngica, o flavonóide 1 apresentou valor de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) de 0,5 mg/mL, enquanto o flavonóide 2, CIM de 0,25 mg/mL contra as cepas selvagem e mutante de Trichophyton rubrum, demonstrando, pela primeira vez, que os flavonoides isolados possuem atividade antifúngica, o que valida a mesma atividade para A. arvense.

Antimicrobial activities of indole alkaloids from Tabernaemontana catharinensis.

Tabernaemontana catharinensis root bark ethanol extract, EB2 fraction and the MMV alkaloid (12-methoxy-4-methylvoachalotine) were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities. T. catharinensis ethanol extract was effective against both strains of the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum at concentrations of 2.5 mg/mL (wild strain) and 1.25 mg/mL (mutant strain), while the EB2 fraction and MMV alkaloid showed a strong antifungal activity against wild and mutant strains with MIC values of <0.02 and 0.16 mg/mL, respectively. The EB2 fraction showed a strong antibacterial activity against ATCC strains of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa with MICs from <0.02 to 0.04 mg/mL, as well as against resistant clinical isolates species of Enterococcus sp, Klebsiella oxytoca, Citrobacter, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa with MIC values ranging from 0.04 to 0.08 mg/mL. The MMV alkaloid presented a MIC of 0.16 mg/mL against the strains of S. aureus and E. coli ATCC. For the resistant clinical isolates Enterococcus sp, Citrobacter, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa the MIC of MMV ranged from 0.08 to 0.31 mg/mL. The chromatography analysis of the EB2 fraction revealed the presence of indole alkaloids, including MMV, possibly responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity.

Atividade antioxidante de Jacaranda decurrens Cham., Bignoniaceae / Antioxidant activity of Jacaranda decurrens Cham., Bignoniaceae

Muitas doenças e processos degenerativos estão associados à superprodução de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO) o que tem estimulado vários grupos de pesquisa a investigarem o potencial antioxidante de substâncias produzidas por diversas famílias da flora mundial. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antioxidante de extrato bruto hidroalcoólico de folhas de Jacaranda decurrrens e de frações obtidas a partir desse extrato, pelo método espectrométrico de descoloração do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazila (DPPH). A atividade antioxidante (91 por cento) do extrato bruto e da fração Jd-2 foi semelhante à atividade obtida com o padrão rutina, na concentração de 1 mg/L (92,56 por cento). A fração Jd-3 quando comparada com as outras frações apresentou maior atividade antioxidante em concentrações igual ou abaixo de 2,5 mg/L. A atividade antioxidante das amostras está relacionada à presença dos triterpenos ácidos ursólico e oleanólico presentes no extrato bruto e nas frações Jd-1 e Jd-2 e também a flavonóides glicosilados contidos na fração Jd-3. Este é o primeiro trabalho demonstrando a atividade antioxidante de extrato de folhas de Jacaranda decurrens.

Since many diseases and degenerative processes have been associated to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) many research groups are motivated to investigate the antioxidant potential of substances produced by several families of the world flora. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of crude hydroalcoholic extract of Jacaranda decurrrens leaves and fractions obtained from that extract, using the free radical DPPH (2,2-difenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) through spectrometric discoloration method. Results confirmed that either the crude extract or fractions of the extract presented antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity (91 percent) demonstrated by the crude extract was equivalent to the antioxidant activity determined for fraction Jd-2 in the concentration of 10 mg/L, and similar to the activity showed by the standard rutin, in the concentration of 1 mg/L (92,56 percent). Fraction Jd-1 in the concentration of 10 mg/L and 5 mg showed 84 percent and 86 percent antioxidant activity, respectively. Those values are significantly different and inferior if compared to the standard rutin. Compared to the other fractions the Jd-3 presented higher antioxidant activity. The antioxidant potential of Jacaranda decurrens crude extracts and fractions Jd-1 and Jd-2 is probably related to the production of the triterpenes ursolic and oleanolic acids and also to the glycosylated flavonoids produced in the fraction Jd-3. This is the first report on the antioxidant activity of crude hydroalcoholic extract of J. decurrrens leaves and fractions obtained from that extract.

Antimicrobial screening and quantitative determination of benzoic acid derivative of Gomphrena celosioides by TLC-densitometry.

The antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract and pure compounds of Gomphrena celosioides have been screened by Kirby-Bauer method. Quantitative determination of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzoic acid in stems, leaves, flowers and roots was established by TLC-densitometry. Results showed significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. There were no significant differences in the determined benzoic acid derivative.