RESUMO
The spread of fungi resistant to conventional drugs has become a threatening problem. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been considered as one of the main alternatives for controlling fungal infections. Here, we report the antifungal and antibiofilm activity and some clues about peptide RQ18's mechanism of action against Candida and Cryptococcus. This peptide inhibited yeast growth from 2.5 µM and killed all Candida tropicalis cells within 2 h incubation. Moreover, it showed a synergistic effect with antifungal agent the amphotericin b. RQ18 reduced biofilm formation and promoted C. tropicalis mature biofilms eradication. RQ18's mechanism of action involves fungal cell membrane damage, which was confirmed by the results of RQ18 in the presence of free ergosterol in the medium and fluorescence microscopy by Sytox green. No toxic effects were observed in murine macrophage cell lines and Galleria mellonella larvae, suggesting fungal target selectivity. Therefore, peptide RQ18 represents a promising strategy as a dual antifungal and antibiofilm agent that contributes to infection control without damaging mammalian cells.
Assuntos
Anfotericina B , Antifúngicos , Animais , Camundongos , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Anfotericina B/farmacologia , Peptídeos/farmacologia , Candida tropicalis , Biofilmes , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , MamíferosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Metastatic melanoma stands out as the most lethal form of skin cancer because of its high propensity to spread and its remarkable resistance to treatment methods. METHODS: In this review article, we address the incidence of melanoma worldwide and its staging phases. We thoroughly investigate the different melanomas and their associated risk factors. In addition, we underscore the principal therapeutic goals and pharmacological methods that are currently used in the treatment of melanoma. RESULTS: The implementation of targeted therapies has contributed to improving the approach to patients. However, because of the emergence of resistance early in treatment, overall survival and progression-free periods continue to be limited. CONCLUSIONS: We provide new insights into plant serine protease inhibitor therapeutics, supporting high-throughput drug screening soon, and seeking a complementary approach to explain crucial mechanisms associated with melanoma.
Assuntos
Melanoma Maligno Cutâneo , Melanoma , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase , Neoplasias Cutâneas , Melanoma/tratamento farmacológico , Melanoma/patologia , Melanoma/metabolismo , Humanos , Neoplasias Cutâneas/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/uso terapêutico , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/farmacologia , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/química , Biotecnologia/métodosRESUMO
Brazil has several important biomes holding impressive fauna and flora biodiversity. Cerrado being one of the richest ones and a significant area in the search for new plant-based products, such as foods, cosmetics, and medicines. The therapeutic potential of Cerrado plants has been described by several studies associating ethnopharmacological knowledge with phytochemical compounds and therapeutic effects. Based on this wide range of options, the Brazilian population has been using these medicinal plants (MP) for centuries for the treatment of various health conditions. Among these, we highlight metabolic diseases, namely obesity and its metabolic alterations from metabolic syndrome to later stages such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Several studies have shown that adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction leads to proinflammatory cytokine secretion and impaired free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation and oxidative status, creating the basis for insulin resistance and glucose dysmetabolism. In this scenario, the great Brazilian biodiversity and a wide variety of phytochemical compounds make it an important candidate for the identification of pharmacological strategies for the treatment of these conditions. This review aimed to analyze and summarize the current literature on plants from the Brazilian Cerrado that have therapeutic activity against obesity and its metabolic conditions, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Doenças Metabólicas , Plantas Medicinais , Brasil , Ecossistema , Obesidade/tratamento farmacológico , Compostos Fitoquímicos/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines (IPs) have been studied regarding drug development. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antileukemic capacity of IP derivatives by screening their ability as a pro-oxidant. IP derivatives were synthesized and oral bioavailability and toxicity were analyzed in silico. Redox screening was performed on human Kasumi, KG-1, K562, and Jurkat leukemia cells. The IP derivative and the most responsive leukemic cell were selected for cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, cell senescence, and oxidative stress assays. The predictive toxicity analysis showed a possible effect on the reproductive system, but without mutagenic, carcinogenic, or irritability effects. MRK-107 against K562 cells was the compound that showed the best redox profile. MRK-107 did not induce cell death in K562 and monocyte cells. However, this compound was able to decrease cell proliferation and increase cell senescence after 48 and 72 h. Furthermore, MRK-107 induced oxidative stress in K562 cells after 72 h, increasing lipid peroxidation and decreasing reduced glutathione (GSH) contents. This study demonstrated that MRK-107-induced senescence with the involvement of oxidative stress is a possible mechanism of action, addressing this compound as a potential antitumor drug against chronic myeloid leukemia.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos , Leucemia Mielogênica Crônica BCR-ABL Positiva , Leucemia Mieloide , Humanos , Apoptose , Estresse Oxidativo , Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Leucemia Mielogênica Crônica BCR-ABL Positiva/tratamento farmacológico , Proliferação de Células , Senescência Celular , Piridinas/farmacologia , Células K562RESUMO
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity are growing in many parts of the world, becoming public health problems. It is proposed that foods with functional properties can assist in the treatment of these diseases. Crude buriti pulp oil (BPO) is a food traditionally consumed by residents in the Pantanal, Cerrado and Brazilian Amazon. It is rich in oleic acid, tocopherols and carotenoids, emerging as a potential functional food. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the supplementation of BPO on metabolic disorders caused by a high-fat diet. Four groups of C57BL6 mice were used, a lean group with AIN-93M diet and control oil supplementation, an obese group with a high-fat diet and control oil supplementation, and two obese groups with a high-fat diet and BPO supplementation in the amounts of 50 and 100 mg/kg. BPO worsened the metabolic state caused by the high-fat diet, worsening risk factors associated with MetS, as the abdominal circumference and retroperitoneal fat, serum levels of total cholesterol, uric acid, alanine transaminase, glucose and triglycerides, and renal fat, in addition to changes in glycaemic control and oxidative stress markers. C57BL/6 mice fed with a high-fat diet and supplemented with BPO presented a worsening in metabolic risk factors associated with MetS.
Assuntos
Doenças Metabólicas , Doenças dos Roedores , Animais , Carotenoides , Dieta Hiperlipídica/efeitos adversos , Fígado , Doenças Metabólicas/veterinária , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BLRESUMO
Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are molecules with a broad spectrum of activities that have been identified in most living organisms. In addition, synthetic AMPs designed from natural polypeptides have been largely investigated. Here, we designed a novel AMP using the amino acid sequence of a plant trypsin inhibitor from Adenanthera pavonina seeds (ApTI) as a template. The 176 amino acid residues ApTI sequence was cleaved in silico using the Collection of Antimicrobial Peptides (CAMPR3), through the sliding-window method. Further improvements in AMP structure were carried out, resulting in adepamycin, an AMP designed from ApTI. Adepamycin showed antimicrobial activity from 0.9 to 3.6 µM against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus strains. Moreover, this peptide also displayed activity against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. No toxic effects were observed on healthy human cells. Studies on the mechanism of action of adepamycin were carried out using an E. coli and C. tropicalis. Adepamycin triggers membrane disturbances, leading to intracellular nucleic acids release in E. coli. For C. tropicalis, an initial interference with the plasma membrane integrity is followed by the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to apoptosis. Structurally, adepamycin was submitted to circular dichroism spectroscopy, molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, revealing an environment-dependent α-helical structure in the presence of 2,2,2- trifluoroethanol (TFE) and in contact with mimetic vesicles/membranes. Therefore, adepamycin represents a novel lytic AMP with dual antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Peptídeos Catiônicos Antimicrobianos/farmacologia , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Antibacterianos/síntese química , Antibacterianos/toxicidade , Antifúngicos/síntese química , Antifúngicos/toxicidade , Peptídeos Catiônicos Antimicrobianos/síntese química , Peptídeos Catiônicos Antimicrobianos/toxicidade , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Candida albicans/efeitos dos fármacos , Candida tropicalis/efeitos dos fármacos , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Permeabilidade da Membrana Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Fabaceae/química , Hemólise/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Bicamadas Lipídicas/química , Bicamadas Lipídicas/metabolismo , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Fosfatidilgliceróis/químicaRESUMO
Candida yeast infections are the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Peptides with antimicrobial activity are a promising alternative treatment for such infections. Here, the antifungal activity of a new antimicrobial peptide-PEP-IA18-was evaluated against Candida species. PEP-IA18 was designed from the primary sequence of profilin, a protein from Spodoptera frugiperda, and displayed potent activity against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, showing a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.5 µM. Furthermore, the mechanism of action of PEP-IA18 involved interaction with the cell membrane (ergosterol complexation). Treatment at MIC and/or 10 × MIC significantly reduced biofilm formation and viability. PEP-IA18 showed low toxicity toward human fibroblasts and only revealed hemolytic activity at high concentrations. Thus, PEP-IA18 exhibited antifungal and anti-biofilm properties with potential applicability in the treatment of infections caused by Candida species.
Assuntos
Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Biofilmes , Candida , Profilinas/farmacologia , Spodoptera/microbiologia , Animais , Candida albicans , Humanos , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , PeptídeosRESUMO
We describe the characterization of IETI, the first trypsin inhibitor purified from Inga edulis, a tree widely distributed in Brazil. Two-step chromatography was used to purify IETI, a protein composed of a single peptide chain of 19,685.10 Da. Amino-terminal sequencing revealed that IETI shows homology with the Kunitz family, as substantiated by its physical-chemical features, such as its thermal (up to 70 °C) and wide-range pH stability (from 2 to 10), and the value of its dissociation constant (6.2 nM). IETI contains a single reactive site for trypsin, maintained by a disulfide bridge; in the presence of DTT, its inhibitory activity was reduced in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. IETI presented activity against Candida ssp., including C. buinensis and C. tropicalis. IETI inhibitory activity triggered yeast membrane permeability, affecting cell viability, thus providing support for the use of IETI in further studies for the control of fungal infections.
Assuntos
Antifúngicos/química , Candida/efeitos dos fármacos , Fabaceae/química , Proteínas de Plantas/química , Inibidores da Tripsina/química , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Antifúngicos/isolamento & purificação , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Brasil , Proteínas de Plantas/isolamento & purificação , Proteínas de Plantas/farmacologia , Sementes/química , Inibidores da Tripsina/isolamento & purificação , Inibidores da Tripsina/farmacologiaRESUMO
Plant protease inhibitors (PIs) are elements of a common plant defense mechanism induced in response to herbivores. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, a highly polyphagous lepidopteran pest, responds to various PIs in its diet by expressing genes encoding trypsins. This raises the question of whether the PI-induced trypsins are also inhibited by other PIs, which we posed as the hypothesis that Inga laurina trypsin inhibitor (ILTI) inhibits PI-induced trypsins in S. frugiperda. In the process of testing our hypothesis, we compared its properties with those of selected PIs, soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (SKTI), Inga vera trypsin inhibitor (IVTI), Adenanthera pavonina trypsin inhibitor (ApTI), and Entada acaciifolia trypsin inhibitor (EATI). We report that ILTI is more effective in inhibiting the induced S. frugiperda trypsins than SKTI and the other PIs, which supports our hypothesis. ILTI may be more appropriate than SKTI for studies regarding adaptive mechanisms to dietary PIs.
Assuntos
Fabaceae/química , Controle de Insetos , Proteínas de Insetos/antagonistas & inibidores , Spodoptera/enzimologia , Inibidores da Tripsina/química , Animais , Proteínas de Insetos/isolamento & purificação , Larva , Inibidor da Tripsina de Soja de Kunitz , Inibidores da Tripsina/isolamento & purificaçãoRESUMO
Biotechnological techniques allow the investigation of alternatives to outdated chemical insecticides for crop protection; some investigations have focused on the identification of molecules tailored from nature for this purpose. We, herein, describe the negative effects of water-soluble lectin from Moringa oleifera seeds (WSMoL) on Anagasta kuehniella development. The chitin-binding lectin, WSMoL, impaired the larval weight gain by 50% and affected the activity of the pest's major digestive enzymes. The commitment of the digestive process became evident after controlled digestion studies, where the capacity of protein digestion was compromised by >90%. Upon acute exposure, the lectin was not resistant to digestion; however, chronic ingestion of WSMoL was able to reverse this feature. Thus, we show that resistance to digestion may not be a prerequisite for a lectin's ability to exert negative effects on larval physiology. The mechanism of action of WSMoL involves binding to chitin with possible disruption to the peritrophic membrane, causing disorder between the endo- and ectoperitrophic spaces. Additionally, results suggest that WSMoL may trigger apoptosis in gut cells, leading to the lower enzymatic activity observed in WSMoL-fed larvae. Although assays employing an artificial diet did not demonstrate effects of WSMoL on A. kuehniella mortality, this lectin may hold potential for exerting insecticide effects on other pest insects, as well for use in other experimental approaches, such as WSMoL-expressing plants. Moreover, the use of WSMoL with other biotechnological tools, such as 'pyramid' crops, may represent a strategy for delaying the evolution of pest resistance to transgenic crops, since its multiple site targets could act in synergism with other insecticide compounds.
Assuntos
Inseticidas/farmacologia , Lectinas/farmacologia , Moringa oleifera/química , Mariposas/fisiologia , Animais , Quitina/química , Fenômenos Fisiológicos do Sistema Digestório/efeitos dos fármacos , Inseticidas/química , Larva/efeitos dos fármacos , Larva/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Larva/fisiologia , Lectinas/química , Mariposas/efeitos dos fármacos , Mariposas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Sementes/químicaRESUMO
Resistant bacterial infections are a major health problem in many parts of the world. The major commercial antibiotic classes often fail to combat common bacteria. Although antimicrobial peptides are able to control bacterial infections by interfering with microbial metabolism and physiological processes in several ways, a large number of cases of resistance to antibiotic peptide classes have also been reported. To gain a better understanding of the resistance process various technologies have been applied. Here we discuss multiple strategies by which bacteria could develop enhanced antimicrobial peptide resistance, focusing on sub-cellular regions from the surface to deep inside, evaluating bacterial membranes, cell walls and cytoplasmic metabolism. Moreover, some high-throughput methods for antimicrobial resistance detection and discrimination are also examined. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobial Peptides.
Assuntos
Peptídeos Catiônicos Antimicrobianos/metabolismo , Bactérias/metabolismo , Infecções Bacterianas/metabolismo , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana , Animais , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Peptídeos Catiônicos Antimicrobianos/uso terapêutico , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Bactérias/patogenicidade , Infecções Bacterianas/microbiologia , Infecções Bacterianas/prevenção & controle , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Parede Celular/metabolismo , Ensaios de Triagem em Larga Escala , Interações Hospedeiro-Patógeno , Humanos , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana/métodos , Viabilidade Microbiana , Transdução de SinaisRESUMO
This paper describes the characterization of a trypsin inhibitor from Poincianella pyramidalis seeds (PpyTI). The partial sequencing of PpyTI revealed homology to Kunitz inhibitors, clustered as a member of Family I03 in MEROPS database. PpyTI has a single polypeptide chain of 19,042 Da and presents stability at high temperatures (up to 70 °C) and a wide range of pH. In vitro assays showed that disulfide bridges have an important stabilization role of reactive site in PpyTI, a characteristic shared among several Kunitz inhibitors. Bioassays carried out with the Mediterranean flour moth (Anagasta kuehniella) revealed a significant decrease in both larval weight and survival of PpyTI-fed larvae, besides a larval stage extension. Through biochemical analysis, we demonstrated that the PpyTI insecticide effects were triggered by digestion process commitment, through the inhibition of trypsin and chymotrypsin activities, the major digestive enzymes in this species. The insecticide effects and biochemical characterization of PpyTI encourage further studies using this inhibitor for insect pest control.
Assuntos
Fabaceae/química , Inseticidas/isolamento & purificação , Inseticidas/farmacologia , Mariposas/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/isolamento & purificação , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Inibidores da Tripsina/isolamento & purificação , Inibidores da Tripsina/farmacologia , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Digestão , Trato Gastrointestinal/efeitos dos fármacos , Trato Gastrointestinal/enzimologia , Trato Gastrointestinal/fisiologia , Proteínas de Insetos/antagonistas & inibidores , Proteínas de Insetos/metabolismo , Inseticidas/química , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Mariposas/enzimologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Alinhamento de Sequência , Inibidores da Tripsina/químicaRESUMO
The Mediterranean flour moth (Anagasta kuehniella) is a pest insect that attacks stored foods. The difficulty in controlling this kind of pest promotes the development of alternatives for pest control, among them the use of proteins with insecticide effect. In this work, we evaluated the role of a trypsin inhibitor purified from Entada acaciifolia seeds (EATI) on the A. kuehniella development. Different concentrations of inhibitor were added to a diet to determine its effects on insect performance. At 0.4%, the EATI decreases the larval weight and survival rates by 54.6% and 15%, respectively; in addition to the extension of the life cycle of insect. The biochemical analysis showed that the inhibitor is refractory to the digestion by midgut proteases, and led to a reduction of 32% in general proteolytic activity. A detailed analysis of the enzymatic activity revealed a decrease of 50% in trypsin activity as the chymotrypsin activity increased by 12%; possibly to compensate the commitment of the digestive process. The trypsins from the EATI-fed group stayed sensitive to the inhibition by EATI, and based on kinetic assays no new trypsin enzymes were produced as adaptation attempt. The insecticides effects observed for the EATI against this pest encourage a more in depth study of its possible long-term use as a biotechnological tool.
Assuntos
Fabaceae/química , Mariposas/efeitos dos fármacos , Mariposas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Inibidores da Tripsina/farmacologia , Animais , Proteínas de Insetos/antagonistas & inibidores , Proteínas de Insetos/metabolismo , Estágios do Ciclo de Vida/efeitos dos fármacos , Mariposas/enzimologia , Sementes/química , Tripsina/metabolismoRESUMO
Bacterial resistance has become a serious public health problem in recent years, thus encouraging the search for new antimicrobial agents. Here, we report an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), called PEPAD, which was designed based on an encrypted peptide from a Kunitz-type plant peptidase inhibitor. PEPAD was capable of rapidly inhibiting and eliminating numerous bacterial species at micromolar concentrations (from 4µM to 10 µM), with direct membrane activity. It was also observed that the peptide can act synergistically with ciprofloxacin and showed no toxicity in the G. mellonella in vivo assay. Circular dichroism assays revealed that the peptide's secondary structure adopts different scaffolds depending on the environment in which it is inserted. In lipids mimicking bacterial cell membranes, PEPAD adopts a more stable α-helical structure, which is consistent with its membrane-associated mechanism of action. When in contact with lipids mimicking mammalian cells, PEPAD adopts a disordered structure, losing its function and suggesting cellular selectivity. Therefore, these findings make PEPAD a promising candidate for future antimicrobial therapies with low toxicity to the host.
RESUMO
Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) represent an alternative in the treatment of fungal infections associated with countless deaths. Here, we report a new AMP, named KWI-19, which was designed based on a peptide encrypted in the sequence of an Inga laurina Kunitz-type inhibitor (ILTI). KWI-19 inhibited the growth of Candida species and acted as a fungicidal agent from 2.5 to 20 µmol L-1, also showing synergistic activity with amphotericin B. Kinetic assays showed that KWI-19 killed Candida tropicalis cells within 60 min. We also report the membrane-associated mechanisms of action of KWI-19 and its interaction with ergosterol. KWI-19 was also characterized as a potent antibiofilm peptide, with activity against C. tropicalis. Finally, non-toxicity was reported against Galleria mellonella larvae, thus strengthening the interest in all the bioactivities mentioned above. This study extends our knowledge on how AMPs can be engineered from peptides encrypted in larger proteins and their potential as candicidal agents.
Assuntos
Antifúngicos , Candida , Animais , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Anfotericina B/farmacologia , Peptídeos/farmacologia , Candida tropicalis , Inibidores de Proteases , Peptídeo HidrolasesRESUMO
Epilepsy represents a condition in which abnormal neuronal discharges or the hyperexcitability of neurons occur with synchronicity, presenting a significant public health challenge. Prognostic factors, such as etiology, electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities, the type and number of seizures before treatment, as well as the initial unsatisfactory effects of medications, are important considerations. Although there are several third-generation antiepileptic drugs currently available, their multiple side effects can negatively affect patient quality of life. The inheritance and etiology of epilepsy are complex, involving multiple underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Different neurotransmitters play crucial roles in maintaining the normal physiology of different neurons. Dysregulations in neurotransmission, due to abnormal transmitter levels or changes in their receptors, can result in seizures. In this review, we address the roles played by various neurotransmitters and their receptors in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Furthermore, we extensively explore the neurological mechanisms involved in the development and progression of epilepsy, along with its risk factors. Furthermore, we highlight the new therapeutic targets, along with pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies currently employed in the treatment of epileptic syndromes, including drug interventions employed in clinical trials related to epilepsy.
RESUMO
The study aimed to evaluate the antithrombotic action of Acrocomia aculeata pulp oil (AAPO) in natura, in an in vitro experimental model. AAPO was obtained by solvent extraction, and its chemical characterization was performed by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). In vitro toxicity was evaluated with the Trypan Blue exclusion test and in vivo by the Galleria mellonella model. ADP/epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation after treatment with AAPO (50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 µg/mL) was evaluated by turbidimetry, and coagulation was determined by prothrombin activity time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Platelet activation was measured by expression of P-selectin on the platelet surface by flow cytometry and intraplatelet content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by fluorimetry. The results showed that AAPO has as major components such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, lauric acid, caprylic acid, and squalene. AAPO showed no toxicity in vitro or in vivo. Platelet aggregation decreased against agonists using treatment with different concentrations of AAPO. Oil did not interfere in PT and aPTT. Moreover, it expressively decreased ROS-induced platelet activation and P-selectin expression. Therefore, AAPO showed antiplatelet action since it decreased platelet activation verified by the decrease in P-selectin expression as well as in ROS production.
Assuntos
Fibrinolíticos , Selectina-P , Óleos de Plantas , Agregação Plaquetária , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio , Animais , Agregação Plaquetária/efeitos dos fármacos , Selectina-P/metabolismo , Humanos , Óleos de Plantas/farmacologia , Óleos de Plantas/química , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Fibrinolíticos/farmacologia , Plaquetas/efeitos dos fármacos , Plaquetas/metabolismo , Coagulação Sanguínea/efeitos dos fármacos , Ativação Plaquetária/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Moringa oleifera Lam. (horseradish tree) leaves demonstrate high nutritional value, are rich in proteins, and are widely used in folk medicine and food. This study investigated the presence of secondary metabolites and antinutritional proteins in leaf extract (LE) and the protein-rich fraction (PRF) derived from M. oleifera leaves, as well as the cytotoxicity to human cells, hemolytic activity, and in vivo acute toxicity and genotoxicity in mice. The flavonoids rutin and vitexin as well as trypsin inhibitors and lectins were detected in LE and PRF. Neither sample demonstrated toxicity against human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and both showed low hemolytic action. In vivo, LE and PRF did not show antinutritional effects and caused no death. The hematological parameters of the animals in the treated group were similar to those of the control. A significant increase in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and a discrete leukocyte infiltration with cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes in the liver were detected in LE-treated animals. The preparations were not genotoxic or mutagenic. This study shows that LE and PRF are not antinutritional agents and presented low acute toxicity and no genotoxicity or mutagenicity. The present study contributes to the determination of the safety of using M. oleifera leaf proteins.
RESUMO
The aim of the present study was to analyze the management organization of food and nutrition actions in the municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul. This is a descriptive-exploratory study carried out in Mato Grosso do Sul, in which each municipal food and nutrition manager answered questions about performance, governance and financing profile. Data analysis applied frequency, chi-square test and decision tree tools. All cities were included (n=79). Most of the participants were female (92.4%), white (62%), nurses (45.6%) or nutritionists (36.7%). Financial management proved to be so incipient in the state since specific food and nutrition funding was neglected. The absence of a technical area in the municipality's organizational chart was consistent with the lack of knowledge of actions, goals and resource allocation. Their presence coincided with having formally appointed technical managers, municipal food and nutrition policy, goals and elaboration of specialized materials. The present study also proposed a decision tree pointing that having a nutritionist in the team led to a positive result. The failures found in this study partly clarify the causes of the unsettling situation in the state. Our findings can support the creation of intervention strategies.
Mato Grosso do Sul é líder nacional em mortes atribuíveis ao excesso de peso. O objetivo foi analisar a organização da gestão das ações da área de alimentação e nutrição dos municípios de MS. Estudo descritivo-exploratório realizado em MS, no qual cada gestor municipal de alimentação e nutrição respondeu sobre seu perfil, atuação, governança e financiamento. A análise de dados valeu-se de frequência, teste qui-quadrado e árvore de decisão. Todos participaram (n=79), a maioria era do sexo feminino (92,4%), raça/cor branca (62%), enfermeiros (45,6%) ou nutricionistas (36,7%). A gestão financeira mostrou-se tão incipiente no estado, que financiamentos específicos da área foram desprezados. A ausência de área técnica no organograma do município foi congruente com o desconhecimento de ações, metas e alocação de recursos; sua presença coincidiu com haver responsáveis técnicos formalmente indicados, política de alimentação e nutrição municipal, metas e elaboração de materiais. A árvore de decisão mostra que ter nutricionista na equipe traz efeitos positivos, como mais participação em processos decisórios. Falhas encontradas esclarecem, em parte, causas da grave situação do estado, e podem apoiar a criação de estratégias de intervenção.
Assuntos
Estado Nutricional , Organizações , Humanos , Brasil , Cidades , Tomada de DecisõesRESUMO
In recent years, antimicrobial peptides isolated from amphibian toxins have gained attention as new multifunctional drugs interacting with different molecular targets. We aimed to rationally design a new peptide from temporin-PTa. Hp-MAP3 (NH2-LLKKVLALLKKVL-COOH), net charge (+4), hydrophobicity (0.69), the content of hydrophobic residues (69%), and hydrophobic moment (0.73). For the construction of the analog peptide, the physicochemical characteristics were reorganized into hydrophilic and hydrophobic residues with the addition of lysines and leucines. The minimum inhibitory concentration was 2.7 to 43 µM against the growth of Gram-negative and positive bacteria, and the potential for biofilm eradication was 173.2 µM. Within 20 min, the peptide Hp-MAP3 (10.8 µM) prompted 100% of the damage to E. coli cells. At 43.3 µM, eliminated 100% of S. aureus within 5 min. The effects against yeast species of the Candida genus ranged from 5.4 to 86.6 µM. Hp-MAP3 presents cytotoxic activity against tumor HeLa at a concentration of 21.6 µM with an IC50 of 10.4 µM. Furthermore, the peptide showed hemolytic activity against murine erythrocytes. Structural studies carried out by circular dichroism showed that Hp-MAP3, while in the presence of 50% trifluoroethanol or SDS, an α-helix secondary structure. Finally, Amphipathic Hp-MAP3 building an important model for the design of new multifunctional molecules.