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In this study, phytochemical profiling, cytotoxic potential, antitumoral activity, and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition capacity of extracts of seed and pulp of Eugenia uniflora L. fruits were investigated. The extracts were obtained using a cellulase complex and the phenolic compounds were quantified. The cytotoxic potential and antitumoral activity were evaluated using peripheral blood mononuclear cells and melanoma-type tumor cells, respectively. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition capacity was determined. For all extracts, the compounds identified and quantified were salicylic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid and, myricitrin. For extract of pulp, ellagic and p-coumaric acids were also identified and quantified. The extracts do not show cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Extract of seed was able to decrease cell viability in melanoma-type tumor cells within 24 h of exposure. The concentration 5 µg mL-1 of extracts inhibited 7.73% of α-amylase and 15.34% of α-glucosidase. The Pitanga extracts presents substances with biological activities.

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BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer (HNC) comprises a spectrum of neoplasms that affect the upper aerodigestive tract and are the sixth most common cancers worldwide. Individuals with HNC exhibit various symptoms and metabolic changes, including immune alterations and alterations of the purinergic pathway, which may signal worse outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to measure the activity of purinergic ectoenzymes and interleukins in patients with HNC, oral cavity cancer, and larynx cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: We recruited 32 patients and 33 healthy control subjects and performed the laboratory analyses. We identified dysregulation in the purinergic signaling pathway characterized by an increase in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) hydrolysis and a decrease in the deamination of adenosine to inosine in these cancers (p < 0.05). These alterations were likely caused by increased activity of the ectoenzymes E-NTPDase and ecto-5'-nucleotidase and reduced adenosine deaminase activity. This dysregulation was associated with immune alterations, increased levels of IL-10, and decreased myeloperoxidase activity (p < 0.05), suggesting immunosuppression in these patients and suggesting possible accumulation of adenosine in the extracellular environment. CONCLUSIONS: Adenosine is a potent immunosuppressive molecule associated with tumor progression and immune evasion. Our findings suggest a relationship between extracellular purines and the development and progression of the tumor microenvironment and poor outcomes. These findings increase the understanding of biological mechanisms related to HNC and demonstrate that these components are potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for future management strategies and improvement in the quality of life.

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Abstract Phytochemicals present in detox juices and probiotics have demonstrated protective effects on cardiovascular risk factors. The consumption of these products alone modulate metabolic mechanisms and biomarkers. However, the effects of the combination of detox juice and probiotics have not yet been evaluated on atherogenic parameters. A randomized controlled study was carried out with 40 healthy volunteers (20 men and 20 women), aged between 18 and 50 years old. The volunteers ingested 200mL of juice for 30 days. Before and after supplementation, the anthropometric and lipid profiles and plasma concentrations of TBARS, Myeloperoxidase, Glutathione, Protein and non-protein Thiols and Vitamin C were analyzed. A reduction in LDL-c (p=0.05), triglycerides (p=0.05) and a significant increase in HDL-c (p=0.002) was observed. There was a significant decrease in the concentrations of TBARS (p=0.01), myeloperoxidases (p=0.02) and a significant increase in the Vitamin C and GSH (p=0.01). There wasn`t improvement in anthropometric parameters and total cholesterol. The findings highlight that supplementation with probiotic detox juice improves the lipid and antioxidant profile, suggesting a possible positive effect in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in healthy volunteers. Nevertheless, more robust researches with a prolonged treatment period should be conducted.

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Nutraceuticals have been the focus of numerous research in recent years and accumulating data support their use for promoting some health benefits. Several nutraceuticals have been widely studied as supplements due to their functional properties ameliorating symptoms associated with neurological disorders, such as oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory states. This seems to be the case of some fruits and seeds from the Amazon Biome consumed since the pre-Columbian period that could have potential beneficial impact on the human nervous system. The beneficial activities of these food sources are possibly related to a large number of bioactive molecules including polyphenols, carotenoids, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements. In this context, this review compiled the research on six Amazonian fruits and seeds species and some of the major nutraceuticals found in their composition, presenting brief mechanisms related to their protagonist action in improving inflammatory responses and neuroinflammation.

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Eye diseases have a negative impact on the eyesight quality of the world population. The age-related macular degeneration (AMD) draws special attention since it is a chronic disorder characterized by oxidative and inflammatory damage to the retinal epithelial pigment, which triggers progressive vision loss. In the Brazilian Amazon, Astrocaryum aculeatum is an Amazonian fruit (Tucumã) used by riverside communities in traditional medicine to treat a number of ailments. These communities have recently shown to have increased longevity and reduced prevalence of age-related morbidity. Thus, the aim of this research was to chemically characterize and analyze the in vitro antioxidant effect and molecular damage prevention of the Tucumã ethanolic extract in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in a model for AMD. The extract was chemically characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with diode-array detection and mass spectrophotometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). In vitro protocols were performed, and the cytopreventive effect of Tucumã on RPE cells exposed to high concentrations of superoxide anion, an oxidant and genotoxic molecule, as well as the effect of Tucumã extract on oxidative and molecular makers were assessed. Biochemical and flow cytometry analyses were conducted in these protocols. The extract presents high concentrations of caffeic acid, gallic acid, catechin, luteolin, quercetin, and rutin. Treatment did not show cytotoxic effects in cells treated only with extract at 50 µg/mL. In fact, it improved cell viability and was able to prevent necrosis and apoptosis, and oxidative and molecular damage was significantly reduced. In summary, Tucumã is an important Amazon fruit, which seems to contribute significantly to improve human health conditions, as our findings suggest that its extract has a relevant chemical matrix rich in antioxidant molecules, and its consumption could improve eye health and contribute to prevention against oxidative stress through cytoprevention, reactive oxygen species reduction, and maintenance of DNA integrity in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells.

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Introdução: A lipoenxertia é uma alternativa com importante aplicabilidade para reconstrução de mama e/ou correções de assimetrias decorrentes do tratamento oncológico. Esta técnica consiste na transferência de gordura autóloga, cujo estroma contém células-tronco derivadas do tecido adiposo que tem capacidade de diferenciar-se em toda a linhagem mesodermal. Para o preparo do tecido adiposo, Coleman fundamentou a centrifugação, de material aspirado por seringa, em 3000 rotações por minuto (rpm) durante 3 minutos. Contudo, estudos questionam se velocidades menores de centrifugação poderiam ser menos deletérias para viabilidade celular. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo experimental, onde foram avaliadas as células adiposas de seis pacientes; a partir de 60mL de lipoaspirado de cada um. A amostra coletada foi fracionada em quatro tubos, e submetidos a diferentes protocolos, decantação e centrifugação nas velocidades 500, 1000 e 3000rpm por 3 minutos. Após as amostras foram processadas com colagenase IA por 30 min, submetidas ao cultivo celular por 24 horas e realizado a análise da viabilidade celular. Os resultados foram tabulados e analisados pelo teste ANOVA utilizando os programas Graphpad Prism 6.0® e SAS®. Resultados: A viabilidade celular foi maior na amostra celular centrifugada a 3000rpm e menor na amostra decantada. A coloração com Giemsa indicou manutenção da morfologia celular entre as amostras. Conclusão: As células centrifugadas na velocidade de 3000rpm apresentaram maior viabilidade celular. A centrifugação foi efetiva na compactação do tecido e eliminação de resíduos indesejados (sangue e óleo residual).

Introduction: Lipografting is an alternative with important applicability for breast reconstruction and/or corrections of asymmetries resulting from cancer treatment. This technique consists of autologous fat transfer, whose stroma contains stem cells derived from adipose tissue that can differentiate itself throughout the mesodermal lineage. For adipose tissue preparation, Coleman-based centrifugation of syringe-aspirated material at 3000 revolutions per minute (rpm) for 3 minutes. However, studies question whether lower centrifugation speeds could be less harmful to cell viability. Methods: An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the adipose cells of six patients; from 60mL of liposuction of each one. The sample collected was fractionated into four tubes and submitted to different protocols, decanting and centrifugation at speeds 500, 1000, and 3000rpm for 3 minutes. Afterward, the samples were processed with collagenase IA for 30 min, submitted to cell culture for 24 hours, and a cell viability analysis. The results were tabulated and analyzed by the ANOVA test using the Graphpad Prism 6.0® and SAS®. Results: Cell viability was higher in the cell sample centrifuged at 3000rpm and lower in the decanted sample. Giemsa staining indicated maintenance of cell morphology on the samples. Conclusion: Centrifuged cells at a speed of 3000rpm showed higher cell viability. Centrifugation was effective in compacting tissue and eliminating unwanted waste (blood and residual oil).

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Mancozeb (MZ), chlorothalonil (CT), and thiophanate methyl (TM) are pesticides commonly used in agriculture due to their efficacy, low acute toxicity to mammals, and short environmental persistence. Although the toxic effects of these pesticides have been previously reported, studies regarding their influence on the immune system are limited. As such, this study focused on the immunomodulatory effect of MZ, CT, and TM pesticides on macrophage cells. RAW 264.7 cells were exposed to a range of concentrations (0.1-100 µg/mL) of these pesticides. CT exposure promoted an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. The MTT and ds-DNA assay results demonstrated that MZ, CT, and TM exposure induced macrophage proliferation. Moreover, MZ, CT, and TM promoted cell cycle arrest at S phase, strongly suggesting macrophage proliferation. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) and caspases (caspase 1, 3, and 8) in macrophages exposed to MZ, CT, and TM pesticides increased, whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokine levels decreased. These results suggest that MZ, CT, and TM exert an immunomodulatory effect on the immune system, inducing macrophage activation and enhancing the inflammatory response.

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Systemic arterial hypertension has been associated with the majority deaths from cardiovascular disease, especially among the elderly population, and the imbalance between antioxidant and pro-oxidants has been associated with hypertension. This study analyzed the acute responses of cardiorespiratory and oxidative stress parameters to low intensity aerobic exercise (LIAE) with blood flow restriction (BFR) in hypertensive elderly women. The experimental group consisted of 16 hypertensive women (67.2 ± 3.7 years) who underwent a progressive treadmill test and performed three exercise protocols in random order: high intensity (HIAE), low intensity aerobic exercise (LIAE) and low intensity aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction (LIAE + BFR). Data analysis showed that blood pressure and heart rate augmented from rest to post effort (p < 0.05) and reduced from post effort to recovery (p < 0.05) in all protocols. The values of lipid peroxidation were higher after 30 min of recovery when compared to the moment at rest in the LILIAE + BFR (p < 0.05). The same occurred with glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase activity. However, non-protein thiols levels (NPSH) reduced after 30 min of recovery when compared to the moment at rest in the LILIAE + BFR protocol (p < 0.05). In the HIAE and LIAE + BFR protocols, the levels of NPSH were lower at 30 min of recovery when compared to the same moment in the LIAE protocol (p < 0.05). LIAE + RBF produces an oxidative status and hemodynamic stimulus similar to HIAE. Taken together, these results support the indication of LIAE with BFR in chronic intervention protocols, with potential benefits for the hypertensive elderly population.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate some possible mechanisms underlying the in vitro antitumor activity of tea tree oil (TTO) on human and mouse breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and 4T1, respectively) and its cytotoxicity on fibroblasts (HFF-1) and on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). TTO High-Resolution Gas Chromatography (HRGC) showed seventeen main constituents, such as Terpinen-4-ol, γ-Terpinene, and α-Terpinene. High TTO concentrations (≥ 600 µg/mL) showed a remarkable antitumor activity, decreasing cell viability and cell proliferation of MCF-7 and 4T1 cells. TTO at 300 µg/mL increased the number of MCF-7 cells in the early stages of apoptosis and increased the BAX/BCL-2 genes ratio. TTO, mainly at 300 µg/mL, decreased cell growth and arrested MCF-7 cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. Lower antitumor concentrations (≤300 µg/mL) evaluated in MCF-7 and 4T1 cells were not cytotoxic to PBMCs and HFF-1. Also, TTO (300 µg/mL) was able to induce cell proliferation in fibroblasts after 72 h, indicating non-cytotoxic effect in these cells. TTO exhibited in vitro antitumor effect on MCF-7 and 4T1 cells by decreasing cell viability and modulating apoptotic pathways and cell cycle arrestment of MCF-7 cells. In this sense, our study provides new perspectives on the potential use of TTO for the development of new alternative therapies to treat topically locally advanced breast cancer (LABC).

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We produced a new chemical compound based on methylxanthines and polyphenols (CCMP) present in the chemical matrix of guaraná (Paullinia cupana), a seed extract with antioxidant properties. After supplementation with the standard extract of resveratrol, a well documented antioxidant found in other plant sources, we investigated whether this resveratrol-enriched compound could improve sperm viability and modulate differentially reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in thawed sperm. Sperm samples obtained from healthy young donors were treated with different concentrations of guaraná extract (0.1, 1, 5 or 10 mg/ml) and cells were frozen at -80°C for 24 h. In addition, the potential protective effects of guaraná treatment on sperm treated with pro-oxidant compound (200 µM hydrogen peroxide, H2O2) were assessed. Samples were also exposed to three concentrations of CCMP before being frozen in liquid nitrogen (-196°C) or in an ultrafreezer (-80°C) for 24 h, and both pre-freezing and post-thaw measurements of viability and oxidative stress were performed. Guaraná supplementation at 10 mg/ml significantly increased post-thaw viability and decreased oxidative metabolism of the sperm. Moreover, selected concentrations of CCMP improved viability and oxidative metabolism in sperm samples pre-freezing. Furthermore, CCMP showed cryoprotective activity by increasing viability and decreasing oxidative stress in post-thaw samples. In summary, these findings suggested that CCMP supplementation acts as a cryoprotectant to modulate ROS and NO levels in thawed sperm. CCMP could be used to enhance sperm quality and reproductive success.

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Comprender las relaciones de los factores que tienen influencia directa o indirectamente en la obesidad y en el estadonutricional de individuos tendría como resultado una visión amplia y bastante completa de esta relevante cuestión desalud pública. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el estado nutricional e identificar los niveles de obesidad en individuosde edades comprendidas entre 30 y 59 años, residentes en la zona urbana de la ciudad de Manaos, Amazonas. Se tratade un estudio transversal, de enfoque cuantitativo y carácter descriptivo. Se calculó la muestra en base a una proporciónesperada del 51%, error de muestra de un 2% e intervalo de confianza del 95%, totalizando 2.500 individuos de edadescomprendidas entre 30 y 59 años. Se analizaron las siguientes variables demográficas: género, edad, raza, nacionalidad,situación matrimonial y religión; variables relacionadas al estado nutricional y otros agravios: Índice de Masa Corporal(IMC), Circunferencia de la Cintura (CC), Presión Arterial (PA) y Glucemia Capilar (GC). Los resultados de la investigacióndemostraron que, sumándose a los porcentuales de obesidad I, II y III, el índice alcanzado fue del 32,3% y, sumándoseeste porcentual a los individuos con sobrepeso, el resultado fue de 73,4%. La investigación ha encontrado un resultadodel 24,1% de individuos con PAS≥ 140 / PAD ≥ 80 y 16,3% con índice glicémico elevado. El desarrollo de este estudionos ha posibilitado una percepción de los envejecientes en la ciudad de Manaos en lo que respecta a la obesidad yestado nutricional. Frente a esto, se observa la necesidad de ofrecer informaciones acerca de este fenómeno

Compreender as relações dos fatores que influenciam direta ou indiretamente na obesidade e no estado nutricionalde indivíduos poderá resultar em uma visão ampla e bem mais completa dessa relevante questão de saúde pública. Oobjetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o estado nutricional e identificar os níveis de obesidade em indivíduos na faixa etáriade 30 a 59 anos, residentes na zona urbana da cidade de Manaus, Amazonas. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, deabordagem quantitativa e caráter descritivo. A amostra foi calculada com base na proporção esperada de 51%, erroamostral de 2% e intervalo de confiança de 95%, totalizando 2.500 indivíduos na faixa etária de 30 a 59 anos. Foramanalisadas as seguintes variáveis demográficas: gênero, idade, raça, naturalidade, situação conjugal e religião; variáveisrelacionadas ao estado nutricional e outros agravos: Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC), Circunferência da Cintura (CC),Pressão Arterial (PA) e Glicemia Capilar (GC). Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que, somando-se os percentuais deobesidade I, II e III, o índice alcançado foi de 32,3% e, somando-se esse percentual aos indivíduos com sobrepeso, oresultado foi de 73,4%. A pesquisa apontou um resultado de 24,1% de indivíduos com PAS≥ 140 / PAD ≥ 80 e 16,3%com taxa glicêmica elevada. O desenvolvimento desse estudo possibilitou-nos uma percepção dos envelhescentes nacidade de Manaus no que diz respeito à obesidade e estado nutricional. Diante disso, observa-se a necessidade deoferecer informações acerca desse fenômeno

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