Phytochemistry Profile, Antimicrobial and Antitumor Potential of the Methanolic Extract of Tabernaemontana catharinensis A DC and Eragrostis plana NEES.

Natural compounds that have the potential to act as antimicrobials and antitumors are a constant search in the field of pharmacotherapy. Eragrostis plana NEES (Poaceae) is a grass with high allelopathic potential. Allelopathy is associated with compounds generated in the primary and secondary metabolism of the plant, which act to protect it from phytopathogens. Tabernaemontana catharinensis A DC (Apocynaceae), a tree in which its leaves and bark are used for the preparation of extracts and infusions that have anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, is attributed to its phytochemical constitution. The objective of this study was to elucidate the phytochemical constitution, the antibacterial potential, the toxicity against immune system cells, hemolytic potential, and antitumor effect of methanolic extracts of E. plana and T. catharinensis. The phytochemical investigation was carried out using the UHPLC-QTOF MS equipment. The antibacterial activity was tested using the broth microdilution plate assay, against Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains, and cytotoxicity assays were performed on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in vitro hemolysis. Antitumor activity was performed against the colon cancer cell line (CT26). Results were expressed as mean and standard deviation and analyzed by ANOVA. p < 0.05 was considered significant. More than 19 possible phytochemical constituents were identified for each plant, with emphasis on phenolic compounds (acids: vanillic, caffeic, and quinic) and alkaloids (alstovenine, rhyncophylline, amezepine, voacangine, and coronaridine). Both extracts showed antibacterial activity at concentrations below 500 µg/mL and were able to decrease the viability of CT26 at concentrations below 2000 µg/mL, without showing cytotoxic effect on PBMCs and in vitro hemolysis at the highest concentration tested. This is the first report of the activity of E. plana and T. catharinensis extracts against colon cancer cell line (CT26). Studies should be carried out to verify possible molecular targets involved in the antitumor effect in vivo.

A single high dose of ascorbic acid and iron is not correlated with oxidative stress in healthy volunteers.

Fe (II) is a potential prooxidant in vivo and can induce cellular oxidative stress. Ascorbic acid (AA) is a powerful physiological antioxidant and, in the presence of free Fe (II), can exhibit prooxidant effects in vitro. However, in vivo prooxidant effects of Fe (II) and AA have not yet been indisputably demonstrated. Here we evaluate the potential toxic effect of supplementation of Fe (II) associated with AA. Nine healthy, nonsmoking male volunteers (20-31 years old) participated in the crossover study design. The volunteers were supplemented with either a dose of 2 g of AA, 150 mg of iron carbonyl or 2 g of AA plus 150 mg of iron carbonyl with a washout period of 15 days between each treatment. AA, iron, ferritin, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, catalase, delta-aminolevulinic dehydratase and SH thiol groups were measured in the blood of the volunteers. Plasma AA levels were increased at 2, 5 and 24 h after AA or AA plus iron ingestion. Plasma Fe levels were increased at 2 and 5 h in the AA plus iron group. Erythrocyte malondialdehyde levels decreased at 5 and 24 h after AA and 5 h after AA plus iron ingestion. Catalase activity from erythrocytes was increased 5 h after supplementation with AA plus iron. There was no significant difference between groups in the other biochemical parameters evaluated. Thus, the present study does not support the hypothesis that the combination of high plasma concentrations of AA and iron, or iron alone, could cause in vivo oxidative damage after a single supplementation dose.

Mechanism of Rhinella icterica (Spix, 1824) toad poisoning using in vitro neurobiological preparations.

The biological activity of Rhinella icterica toxic secretion (RITS) was evaluated on chick neuromuscular junctions, rat heart́s tissue and mice hippocampal slices. At chick biventer cervicis preparation, RITS (5, 10 and 20µg/mL) produced a concentration-independent irreversible neuromuscular blockade, which was preceded by a transitory increase of muscle twitch tension with the lowest concentration, in 120min recordings. In this set of experiments, RITS incubation partially prevented the curare neuromuscular blockade. The assessment of chick biventer cervicis muscle acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the presence of RITS showed a significant inhibition of the enzyme, similarly to neostigmine. The incubation of muscles with digoxin or ouabain mimicked the poison activity by increasing the amplitude of the twitches followed by a progressive depression of the muscle strength. In addition, RITS demonstrated a digitalic-like activity, by inhibiting significantly the cardiac Na+, K+-ATPase. When the central nervous system was accessed, RITS induced an increase in the cell viability, in the lowest concentration. In addition, the poison protected slices subject to oxygen/glucose deprivation. Altogether, these data indicate that the poisonous extract of R. icterica is able to interfere with peripheral and central neurotransmission, probably due to a direct interaction with AChE, calcium channels and Na+, K+-ATPase. A further investigation upon the poison toxic components will unveil the components involved in such a pharmacological activity and the potential biotechnological application of this poison.

Chemical Composition and Hypotensive Effect of Campomanesia xanthocarpa.

Campomanesia xanthocarpa is known in Brazil as Guabiroba and is popularly used for various diseases, such as inflammatory, renal, and digestive diseases and dyslipidemia. The aim of the study was to analyze the chemical composition and investigate the effects of aqueous extract of C. xanthocarpa on the blood pressure of normotensive rats, analyzing the possible action mechanism using experimental and in silico procedures. The extract was evaluated for total phenolic compounds and total flavonoid content. The chemical components were determined by HPLC analyses. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured with extract and drugs administration. The leaves of C. xanthocarpa presented the relevant content of phenolics and flavonoids, and we suggested the presence of chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, and theobromine. The acute administration of aqueous extract of C. xanthocarpa has a dose-dependent hypotensive effect in normotensive rats, suggesting that the action mechanism may be mediated through the renin-angiotensin system by AT1 receptor blockade and sympathetic autonomic response. Docking studies showed models that indicated an interaction between chlorogenic acid and quercetin with the AT1 receptor (AT1R) active site. The findings of these docking studies suggest the potential of C. xanthocarpa constituents for use as preventive agents for blood pressure.

Essential oil of the leaves of Eugenia sulcata preserve myocardial contractility and does not present immunotoxicity

The essential oil of the leaves of Eugenia sulcata, in the Myrtaceae family, has a demonstrated antihypertensive effect, but its effects on heart muscle and its toxicity have not yet been elucidated. Little chemical or biological data are available for E. sulcata, whether emphasizing the beneficial effects or the pharmacological security of this species. This study aims to evaluate myocardial contractility and to analyze angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and myosin ATPase activities associated with use of this essential oil. In addition, we evaluated the immunotoxicity of E. sulcata essential oil. Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were treated daily for 30 days (10 mg/kg of oil) to evaluate the isometric force of the papillary muscle, ACE measured by fluorimetry, and myosin ATPase activities by inorganic phosphate. Lymphocyte cultures were used to evaluate cytotoxicity, DNA damage, and mutagenicity of the essential oil. The results demonstrate that the treatment did not change the cardiac contraction force and did not alter the functioning of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, extrusion of the membrane calcium, or modify the membrane calcium channels or ß-adrenergic receptor activity. Tetanic contractions were potentiated in the SHR animals. Myosin ATPase activity was also increased in the SHR animals. Cardiac ACE activity was reduced in both animal strains, and the serum ACE was reduced only in the SHR animals. The essential oil did not cause cytotoxicity or mutagenicity and presented low DNA damage. Our results demonstrated that the essential oil does not change myocardial contractility and does not present relevant immunotoxicity

Programa de educação pelo trabalho: relato de experiência sobre a formação de trabalhadores / Programa de educación por el trabajo: relato de experiencia acerca de la formación de trabajadores / Work-based learning program: an experience report on workers' training

O presente estudo objetiva relatar a experiência de discentes e docentes no Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho na rede de serviços de saúde de um município do Sul do Brasil no ano de 2012, enfocando ações de formação dos trabalhadores do Sistema Único de Saúde. O Programa contou com a participação de alunos dos cursos de fisioterapia e da enfermagem que desenvolveram ações no sentido de atender as necessidades dos serviços da área de Saúde Mental, Atenção Básica e do Hospital Geral. Os resultados convergem para a necessidade de formação dos profissionais da rede e ao fomento à Política de Educação Permanente em Saúde. Conclui-se sobre a importância do Programa para o ensino, serviço, gestão e comunidade, tendo em vista a percepção global dos benefícios e resultados gerados na rede de atenção no município.

Este estudio tiene la finalidad de relatar la experiencia de discentes y docentes en el Programa de Educación por el Trabajo en la red de servicios de salud de un municipio del Sur de Brasil en el año de 2012, enfatizando acciones de formación de los trabajadores del Sistema Único de Salud. El programa ha tenido la participación de alumnos de los cursos de fisioterapia y de la enfermería que desarrollaron acciones a fin de atender a las necesidades de los servicios del área de Salud Mental, Atención Básica y del Hospital General. Los resultados apuntan para la necesidad de formación de los profesionales de la red y al fomento a la Política de Educación Permanente en Salud. Se constata sobre la importancia del Programa para la enseñanza, el servicio, la gestión y comunidad, teniendo en vista la percepción global de los beneficios y resultados generados en la red de atención en el municipio.

The present study aims to report the experience of students and lecturers on the Work-based Learning Program in the health services network in a municipality in the South of Brazil in 2012, focussing on actions of training of the Unified Health System (SUS) workers. The program was participated in by students from the physiotherapy and nursing courses, who undertook actions so as to meet the needs of the services from the areas of Mental Health, Primary Care and General Hospital. The results converge on the need for training of the professionals of the network and for encouraging Continuous Education in Health Policy. It is concluded that the Program has importance for the teaching, service, management and community, bearing in mind the global perception of the benefits and results created in the care network in the municipality.

Levantamento sazonal de parasitos em caixas de areia nas escolas municipais de educação infantil em Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil / Survey of parasite eggs in sandboxes of municipal kindergarten schools in Uruguaiana, Brazil

Este trabalho teve como objetivos verificar a presença de parasitos em caixas de areia das praças de todas as sete escolas municipais de educação infantil do município de Uruguaiana-RS e avaliar a influência da sazonalidade na viabilidade dos parasitos no período de julho de 2008 a junho de 2009. Das 130 amostras de areia submetidas à técnica de Willis (1921) modificada porGolvan (1977), 49 (37,7por cento) apresentaram positividade para ovos e larvas de helmintos, ficandocomprovado que, em todas as escolas, a areia estava contaminada por algum parasito. Nestes locais, foram encontrados ovos dos seguintes parasitos: Ancilostomídeos – 19,2por cento, Toxocara spp. – 7,7por cento, Dipylidium caninum – 3,1por cento, Ascaris spp. – 3,1por cento, Trichuris spp. – 0,8por cento e larvas da famíliaRhabdiasidae – 3,9por cento. Nas estações primavera e verão, foram observados os maiores percentuaisde helmintos nas amostras de areia das praças, época em que também foram observados valores mais elevados relativos à temperatura do ar e da areia e à umidade relativa do ar, o que demonstra a importância da sazonalidade na viabilidade dos parasitos. Nesta pesquisa, a areia das praças apresentou contaminação ambiental de caráter zoonótico. Barreiras físicas para evitar que os animais domésticos tenham acesso às áreas destinadas à recreação infantil e o manejo adequado da areia sãonecessários para evitar a excessiva contaminação e minimizar os riscos de infecção por geoparasitos em crianças frequentadores desses ambientes.

Colesterolemia, trigliceridemia e excesso de peso em escolares de Santa Maria, RS, Brasil / Blood lipids abnormalities and overweight prevalence in students of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO: O nível de colesterol na infância é um preditor do nível de colesterol na vida adulta. As consequências do colesterol elevado, somadas a outros fatores de risco constituem problema mundial de saúde pública. OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de hipercolesterolemia, hipertrigliceridemia e excesso de peso em estudantes do município de Santa Maria-RS. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 374 crianças de 10 a 12 anos de idade, de escolas das redes pública e privada, realizado no segundo semestre de 2005 na cidade de Santa Maria-RS. Foram determinados os níveis de colesterol total, triglicerídeos e estado nutricional. RESULTADOS: As prevalências de hipercolesterolemia, hipertrigliceridemia e excesso de peso encontradas foram de 4,7 por cento, 8,9 por cento e 20,7 por cento, respectivamente. Não houve diferença significante entre sexo e rede pública e privada. As crianças com excesso de peso apresentaram maior prevalência de alterações lipídicas. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de alterações lipídicas pode ser considerada baixa, mas a prevalência de excesso de peso dos estudantes de Santa Maria mostrou-se relativamente alta, alertando à importância de políticas públicas e à necessidade de assistência pediátrica nessa faixa etária, visando o seu diagnóstico precoce e, principalmente, o aconselhamento nutricional e incentivo à prática esportiva, uma vez que as dislipidemias e o excesso de peso têm sido apontados como fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares.

INTRODUCTION: Cholesterol level in childhood is a predictor of cholesterol level in adult life. The consequences of high cholesterol levels summed to other risk factors constitute a worldwide public health problem. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of blood lipid abnormalities and overweight among school students of the city of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 374 children, aged between 10 and 12 years, from public and private schools of the city of Santa Maria, RS, conducted on the second semester of 2005. Total cholesterol levels (TC), fractions of cholesterol (HDL- C and LDL- C), triglycerides (TG) and nutritional status were determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglicemia and overweight found were 4.7 percent, 8.9 percent and 20.7 percent, respectively. There was no significant difference between sexes or public and private schools. The overweight children presented higher prevalence of lipid alterations. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of lipid alterations may be considered low, but the prevalence of overweight among the students of Santa Maria was high, demonstrating hence the importance of public policies and the need for pediatric assistance at this age group. The aims here would be early diagnosis, especially for nutritional advising and stimulus for physical activities, since overweight and blood lipid abnormalities have been pointed out as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of eugenol, an essential oil, on the mechanical and electrical activities of cardiac muscle.

Eugenol (EUG) acts as a calcium antagonist but effects on the contractile proteins could also occur. We investigated inotropic effects of EUG in rat left ventricular papillary muscles, measuring isometric force, time variables, and post rest potentiation and EUG actions on the effects of Ca2+ (0.62 to 2.5 mM) and isoproterenol (5 ng/ml), on myosin ATPase activity and on the calcium currents in single ventricular myocytes. EUG reduced tension and time variables without altering the sarcoplasmic reticulum activity increasing post-pause relative potentiation. Isoproterenol and Ca2+ counteract these negative inotropic effects. Tetanic tension diminished, but not the myosin ATPase activity suggesting an isolated sarcolemmal effect. EUG 0.1 mM decreased the Ca2+ current amplitude in the entire potential range tested and 0.5 mM almost completely blocked this inward current. Results suggested that EUG depresses force without affecting the contractile machinery and its action is the only dependent blockade of the calcium inward current.