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Using Acidithiobacillus sp. during bioleaching assays is a well-known biological approach to solubilizing metals within sewage sludge. However, sludge dewatering has also been reported as a secondary treatment benefit. Based on a literature review, the present work provides perspectives regarding the enhancement of bioleaching outcomes on a laboratory scale by establishing optimal operational parameters. Data from different studies suggest that greater bioleaching efficiency may be achieved using a 10% (v/v) mixed inoculum of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in a ratio of 4:1, supplemented with ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and elemental sulfur (S0), and an initial system pH near 6.0. However, operational parameters must be established according to the type of sludge being treated due to differences in their compositions. Bioleaching duration is also an aspect that must be considered since treatments conducted for longer than 48 h increased the concentration of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS), a characteristic associated with reducing dewaterability performance.

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Aging accelerates neurodegeneration, while natural and safe neuroprotective agents, such as Uncaria tomentosa, may help to overcome this problem. This study assessed the effects of U. tomentosa extract treatment on the aging process in the brain of Wistar rats. The spatial memory and learning, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and DNA damage were assessed. Animals of 14 months were tested with different doses of U. tomentosa (5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg) and with different durations of treatment (one month and one year). In the Morris Water Maze (MWM), the escape latency was significantly (p < 0.0001) shorter in rats that received 5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg of U. tomentosa for both one month and one year of treatment. There was a significant difference in time spent at the platform zone (p < 0.05) of the middle-aged rats treated with U. tomentosa extract for one year when compared to the control rats. The cortex and hippocampus of rats treated with U. tomentosa for one year showed significant (p > 0.05) reduction in AChE activity. DNA damage index on cortex was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in animals treated with 30 mg/kg of U. tomentosa for one month while all the tested doses demonstrated significant (p < 0.001) reductions in DNA damage index in animals treated for one year. In conclusion, U. tomentosa may represent a source of phytochemicals that could enhance memory activity, repair DNA damage, and alter AChE activity, thereby providing neuroprotection during the aging process.

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Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil de pacientes internados na enfermaria de pediatria e identificar os Diagnósticos de Enfermagem mais prevalentes, de acordo com a taxonomia NANDA-I. Metodologia: estudo descritivo realizado a partir de prontuários de 100 pacientes. Foram consideradas variáveis como: idade, gênero, sistema de classificação de pacientes, diagnóstico clínico e de enfermagem. Utilizou-se o programa Rcommander® para realização da análise exploratória e testes de hipóteses nãoparamétricos, sendo considerado nível de significância de 5%. Resultado: predominância do sexo masculino (71%), idade média de 7,32 anos, o Cuidado Intermediário (49%) foi o mais frequente, Pediatria foi a clínica com maior número de internações (39%), encontrados 44 diagnósticos médicos e 46 diagnósticos de enfermagem, sendo 27 considerados preponderantes. Conclusão: a realização do diagnóstico situacional possibilita um caráter norteador para as demais etapas do Processo de Enfermagem e direciona as ações de cuidado, contribuindo para a melhora contínua da qualidade e segurança dos cuidados. (AU)

Ojective: to characterize the profile of hospitalized patients in the pediatric ward and to identify the most prevalent Nursing Diagnoses, according to the NANDA-I taxonomy. Methodology: descriptive study based on medical records of 100 patients. Variables such as: age, gender, patient classification system, clinical and nursing diagnosis were considered. The Rcommander® program was used to perform the exploratory analysis and tests of non-parametric hypotheses, being considered level of significance of 5%. Results: predominance of males (71%), mean age of 7.32 years, Intermediate Care (49%) was the most frequent, Pediatrics was the clinic with the greatest number of hospitalizations (39%), 44 medical and 46 nursing diagnoses, of which 27 were considered as preponderant. Conclusion: the accomplishment of the situational diagnosis allows a guiding character for the other stages of the Nursing Process and directs care actions, contributing to the continuous improvement of quality and safety of care. (AU)

Objetivo: caracterizar el perfil de pacientes internados en la enfermería de pediatría e identificar los Diagnósticos de Enfermería más prevalentes, de acuerdo con la taxonomía NANDA-I. Metodología: estudio descriptivo realizado a partir de prontuarios de 100 pacientes. Se consideraron variables como: edad, género, sistema de clasificación de pacientes, diagnóstico clínico y de enfermería. Se utilizó el programa Rcommander® para realizar el análisis exploratorio y pruebas de hipótesis no paramétricas, siendo considerado nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultado: En la mayoría de los casos, el cuidado intermedio (49%) fue el más frecuente, la Pediatría fue la clínica con mayor número de internaciones (39%), encontrados 44 diagnósticos médicos y, 46 diagnósticos de enfermería, siendo 27 considerados preponderantes. Conclusión: la realización del diagnóstico situacional posibilita un carácter orientador para las demás etapas del proceso de enfermería y dirige las acciones de cuidado, contribuyendo a la mejora continua de la calidad y seguridad del cuidado. (AU)

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This study investigated the protective effect of curcumin on memory loss and on the alteration of acetylcholinesterase and ectonucleotidases activities in rats exposed chronically to cadmium (Cd). Rats received Cd (1 mg/kg) and curcumin (30, 60, or 90 mg/kg) by oral gavage 5 days a week for 3 months. The animals were divided into eight groups: vehicle (saline/oil), saline/curcumin 30 mg/kg, saline/curcumin 60 mg/kg, saline/curcumin 90 mg/kg, Cd/oil, Cd/curcumin 30 mg/kg, Cd/curcumin 60 mg/kg, and Cd/curcumin 90 mg/kg. Curcumin prevented the decrease in the step-down latency induced by Cd. In cerebral cortex synaptosomes, Cd-exposed rats showed an increase in acetylcholinesterase and NTPDase (ATP and ADP as substrates) activities and a decrease in the 5'-nucleotidase activity. Curcumin was not able to prevent the effect of Cd on acetylcholinesterase activity, but it prevented the effects caused by Cd on NTPDase (ATP and ADP as substrate) and 5'-nucleotidase activities. Increased acetylcholinesterase activity was observed in different brain structures, whole blood and lymphocytes of the Cd-treated group. In addition, Cd increased lipid peroxidation in different brain structures. Higher doses of curcumin were more effective in preventing these effects. These findings show that curcumin prevented the Cd-mediated memory impairment, demonstrating that this compound has a neuroprotective role and is capable of modulating acetylcholinesterase, NTPDase, and 5'-nucleotidase activities. Finally, it highlights the possibility of using curcumin as an adjuvant against toxicological conditions involving Cd exposure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 70-83, 2017.

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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection results in biochemical and vascular dysfunctions. The highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) markedly reduces mortality and opportunistic diseases associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This increased survival time predisposes the development of cardiovascular diseases. Platelets present purinergic system ectoenzymes such as E-NTPDase, E-5'-nucleotidase and E-ADA on its surface. In view of this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of these ectoenzymes in platelets as well as the platelet aggregation and lipid profile of patients with HIV infection and also patients receiving HAART. The results showed an increase in the E-NTPDase activity for ATP hydrolysis in the HIV group compared with the control group and the HIV/HAART group. When assessing the activity E-NTPDase hydrolysis to ADP, the results revealed an increase in activity in the HIV group when compared to the control group, and a decrease in activity when in the HIV/HAART group when compared to the control and HIV groups. The activity of E-5'-nucleotidase revealed an increase in AMP hydrolysis in the HIV group, as the results from control and HIV/HAART groups showed no statistical difference. Regarding the E-ADA activity, the HIV and HIV/HAART groups revealed a decreased deamination of adenosine when compared with the control group. Furthermore, we observed an increased platelet aggregation of HIV/HAART group compared with the control group. Thus, our results suggest that antiretroviral treatment against HIV has a significant effect on the activity of purinergic system ectoenzymes demonstrating that thromboregulation is involved in the process.

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Aluminum (Al) is the most widely distributed metal in the environment and is extensively used in daily life leading to easy exposure to human beings. Besides not having a recognized physiological role, Al may produce adverse effects through the interaction with the cholinergic system contributing to oxidative stress. The present study evaluated, in similar conditions of parenteral nutrition, whether the reaction of silicon (SiO2) with Al(3+) to form hydroxyaluminosilicates (HAS) reduces its bioavailability and toxicity through intraperitoneal administrations of 0.5 mg Al/kg/day and/or 2 mg Si/kg/day in Wistar rats. Al and Si concentrations were determined in rat brain tissue and serum. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were analyzed in the cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus, striatum, hypothalamus, and blood. An increase in the Al concentration was verified in the Al + Si group in the brain. All the groups demonstrated enhanced Si compared to the control animals. Al(3+) increased LPO measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in cerebellum and hippocampus, whereas SiO2 reduced it when compared with the control group. An increase of AChE activity was observed in the Al-treated group in the cerebellum whereas a decrease of this enzyme activity was observed in the cortex and hippocampus in the Al and Al + Si groups. Al and Si concentrations increased in rat serum; however, no effect was observed in blood TBARS levels and AChE activity. SiO2 showed a protective effect in the hippocampus and cerebellum against cellular damage caused by Al(3+)-induced lipid peroxidation. Thus, SiO2 may be considered an important protector in LPO induced by Al(3+).

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BACKGROUND: Considering that adjuvant arthritis is an experimental model of arthritis widely used for preclinical testing of numerous anti-arthritic agents, which were taken by a large number of patients worldwide, it is of great interest to investigate the therapeutic action of compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as Uncaria tomentosa extract. Moreover, there are no studies demonstrating the effect of U. tomentosa on the metabolism of adenine nucleotides published so far. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of U. tomentosa extract on E-NTPDase and E-ADA activities in lymphocytes of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) arthritis induced rats. METHODS: To evaluate the effect of U. tomentosa extract on the activity of E-NTPDase and ADA in lymphocytes, the rats were submitted to an experimental adjuvant arthritis model. Peripheral lymphocytes were isolated and E-NTPDase and E-ADA activities were determined. Data were analyzed by a one- or two-way ANOVA. Post hoc analyses were carried out by the Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) Multiple Comparison Test. RESULTS: E-NTPDase activity was increased in arthritic untreated. Arthritic rats which received U. tomentosa extract, presented similar results to the control group. However, results obtained for adenosine hydrolysis by E-ADA were not altered in arthritic rats. U. tomentosa extract did not alter E-NTPDase and E-ADA activity in healthy animals. CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation supports the hypothesis that the increased E-NTPDase activity verified in arthritic rats might be an attempt to maintain basal levels of ATP and ADP in the extracellular medium, since the arthritis induction causes tissue damage and, consequently, large amounts of ATP are released into this milieu. Also, it highlights the possibility to use U. tomentosa extract as an adjuvant to treat arthritis.

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Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a limiting factor for crop production in acid soils, which cover approximately 60% of the Brazilian territory. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Al on growth and tissue Al concentration of two Pfaffia glomerata accessions (BRA and JB/UFSM). Plantlets were grown in a hydroponic system with five Al concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200mg L-1) for 7 days. Most of the evaluated parameters presented significant interaction between both P. glomerata accessions and Al levels in nutrient solution and, in general, Al treatments negatively affected plant growth, especially roots. Moreover, BRA accession showed higher Al accumulation in its tissues than JB/UFSM and, consequently in BRA accession the growth was impaired substantially. Furthermore, the results suggest that, between P. glomerata accessions studied, BRA is less appropriated for medicinal uses when grown in soils with high Al levels, due to the higher accumulation of tissue Al content. .

A toxidez do alumínio (Al) é um fator limitante da produção agrícola em solos ácidos, os quais cobrem cerca de 60% do território Brasileiro. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do Al no crescimento e na concentração de Al nos tecidos de dois acessos de Pfaffia glomerata (BRA e JB/UFSM). As plantas foram cultivadas em sistema hidropônico, contendo cinco concentrações de Al (0, 50, 100, 150 e 200mg L-1) por 7 dias. Para a maioria dos parâmetros avaliados, houve interação significativa entre os dois acessos de P. glomerata e as concentrações de Al, sendo que, de modo geral, os tratamentos com Al afetaram negativamente o crescimento das plantas, especialmente as raízes. Além disso, o acesso BRA acumulou mais Al nos tecidos que o acesso JB/UFSM e, consequentemente, os parâmetros de crescimento foram afetados mais significativamente naquele acesso. Portanto, nossos resultados sugerem que, entre os acessos de P. glomerata estudados, BRA é menos indicado para usos medicinais quando cultivado em solos com altos níveis de Al, por acumular mais Al em seus tecidos.

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This study investigated the effects of the essential oil (EO) from Lippia alba on biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress in the brain and liver of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) after six hours of transport. Fish were transported in plastic bags and divided into three treatments groups: control, 30 µL L- 1 EO from L.alba and 40 µL L-1 EO from L.alba. Prior to transport, the fish were treated with the EO from L. alba (200 µL L -1 for three minutes), except for the control group. Fish transported in bags containing the EO did not have any alterations in acetylcholinesterase, ecto -nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase and 5'nucleotidase activity in the brain or superoxide dismutase activity in the liver. The hepatic catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), nonprotein thiol and ascorbic acid levels were significantly lower compared to the control group. However, the hepatic thiobarbituric acid- reactive substances, protein oxidation levels and the lipid peroxidation/catalase+glutathione peroxidase (LPO/CAT+GPx) ratio were significantly higher in fish transported with both concentrations of the EO, indicating oxidative stress in the liver. In conclusion, considering the hepatic oxidative stress parameters analyzed in the present experiment, the transport of previously sedated silver catfish in water containing 30 or 40 µL L-1 of EO from L. alba is less effective than the use of lower concentrations.

Este estudo investigou os efeitos do óleo essencial (OE) de Lippia alba sobre parâmetros bioquímicos relacionados ao estresse oxidativo em cérebro e fígado de jundiá (Rhamdia quelen), após seis horas de transporte. Os peixes foram transportados em sacos plásticos e divididos em três tratamentos: controle, 30 µL L-1 e 40 µL L-1 de OE de L.alba. Antes do transporte, os peixes foram tratados com o OE de L. alba (200 µL L-1 por três minutos), exceto para o grupo controle. Os peixes transportados em sacos contendo o OE não tiveram alterações na atividade da acetilcolinesterase (AChE), ecto-nucleosídeo trifosfato difosfohidrolase (NTPDase) e 5'nucleotidase, em cérebro ou superóxido dismutase (SOD) no fígado. O tiol não proteico (NPSH), os níveis de ácido ascórbico, catalase (CAT), glutationa-S-transferase (GST) e glutationa-peroxidase (GPx) hepáticos, foram significativamente mais baixos em comparação com o grupo controle. No entanto, as substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS), os níveis de oxidação proteica e a taxa de peroxidação lipídica/catalase+glutationa peroxidase (LPO/ CAT+GPx) foram significativamente maiores nos peixes transportados com ambas as concentrações de OE, indicando estresse oxidativo no fígado. Em conclusão, considerando os parâmetros de estresse oxidativo do fígado analisados no presente experimento, o transporte de jundiás previamente sedados em água contendo 30 ou 40 µL L-1 de OE de L.alba é menos efetivo que utilizando concentrações menores.

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The ex vivo and in vitro effects of quercetin on NTPDase, adenosine deaminase (ADA), and acetycholinesterase (AChE) activities in lymphocytes, as well as the effects of quercetin on butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity in serum and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in plasma were determined in rats. For the ex vivo experiment, animals were orally exposed to Cadmium (Cd) for 45 days. Animals were divided into eight groups: saline/ethanol, saline/Querc 5 mg/kg, saline/Querc 25 mg/kg, saline/Querc 50 mg/kg, Cd/ethanol, Cd/Querc 5 mg/kg, Cd/Querc 25 mg/kg, and Cd/Querc 50 mg/kg. The ex vivo data showed an increase in the ATP and ADP hydrolysis and ADA activity in Cd-exposed rats when compared to the control group. The treatment with quercetin 25 and 50 mg/kg prevented this increase in the ATP and ADP hydrolysis, while the treatment with quercetin 5, 25, and 50 mg/kg prevented the increase in the ADA activity. AChE, BChE, and MPO activities ex vivo presented an increase in the Cd-exposed group when compared to the control group, and the treatment with quercetin 5, 25, and 50 mg/kg prevented this increase caused by Cd exposure. The in vitro experiment showed that quercetin 5, 10, 25, or 50 µM decreased the ADA activity proportionally to the increase of the concentrations of quercetin when compared to the control group. Thus, we can suggest that the quercetin is able to modulate NTPDase, ADA, AChE, and MPO activities and contribute to maintain the levels of ATP, adenosine, and acetylcholine normal, respectively, exhibiting potent pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory actions.

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The present study investigated the effects of quercetin in the impairment of memory and anxiogenic-like behavior induced by cadmium (Cd) exposure. We also investigated possible alterations in acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) activities as well as in oxidative stress parameters in the CNS. Rats were exposed to Cd (2.5mg/kg) and quercetin (5, 25 or 50mg/kg) by gavage for 45days. Animals were divided into eight groups (n=10-14): saline/control, saline/Querc 5mg/kg, saline/Querc 25mg/kg, saline/Querc 50mg/kg, Cd/ethanol, Cd/Querc 5mg/kg, Cd/Querc 25mg/kg and Cd/Querc 50mg/kg. Results demonstrated that Cd impaired memory has an anxiogenic effect. Quercetin prevented these harmful effects induced by Cd. AChE activity decreased in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus and increased in the hypothalamus of Cd-exposed rats. The Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity decreased in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus of Cd-exposed rats. Quercetin prevented these effects in AChE and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activities. Reactive oxygen species production, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels, protein carbonyl content and double-stranded DNA fractions increased in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus of Cd-exposed rats. Quercetin totally or partially prevents these effects caused by Cd. Total thiols (T-SHs), reduced glutathione (GSH), and reductase glutathione (GR) activities decreased and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity increased in Cd exposed rats. Co-treatment with quercetin prevented reduction in T-SH, GSH, and GR activities and the rise of GST activity. The present findings show that quercetin prevents alterations in oxidative stress parameters as well as AChE and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activities, consequently preventing memory impairment and anxiogenic-like behavior displayed by Cd exposure. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the neuroprotective role of quercetin, emphasizing the influence of this flavonoid in the diet for human health, possibly preventing brain injury associated with Cd intoxication.

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BACKGROUND: Cholinergic enzyme activities are altered in hypertension, reflecting a low-grade inflammation. Regular physical exercise exerts anti-inflammatory effects and has been described as a coadjutant in the treatment of hypertension. In this study, we investigated the effect of 6 weeks of swimming training on cholinergic enzyme activities (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) in Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. METHODS: The rats were divided into 4 groups: control (n = 10), exercise (n = 10), L-NAME (n = 10), and exercise L-NAME (n = 10). The animals were trained 5 times per week in an adapted swimming system for 60 minutes with a gradual increase of the workload up to 5% of animal's body weight. Enzyme activities were measured spectrophotometrically in lymphocytes, whole blood, and serum. RESULTS: A significant rise in acetylcholinesterase activity was observed in lymphocytes and whole blood as well as in serum butyrylcholinesterase activity in the L-NAME group when compared with the other groups (P < 0.05), and the increase in cholinesterase activities was positively correlated with the rise in blood pressure (r = 0.5721, r = 0.6121, and r = 0.5811, respectively). Swimming training was efficient in preventing these alterations in the exercise L-NAME group, which displayed values similar to those of the control group. Exercise training demonstrated a significant hypotensive effect in hypertensive rats. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training was shown to prevent increased cholinesterase related to inflammatory processes in hypertensive rats, providing a new insight about protective exercise mechanisms to avoid hypertension-related inflammation.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the oxidative stress caused by aluminum (Al) toxicity is a symptom that can trigger root growth inhibition in oat genotype seedlings. Oat seedlings were grown in a nutrient solution (pH 4.0) with 0 and 370 µM Al. At 12, 24, and 36 h after Al addition, growth (root length) and biochemical parameters (catalase - CAT, ascorbate peroxidase - APX, and superoxide dismutase - SOD activities, lipid peroxidation, ascorbic acid (ASA) and non-protein thiol group (NPSH) concentration) were determined. The aluminum content was measured in oat seedlings. Regardless of the exposure time, root of the tolerant genotype grew normally with any Al treatments. Al supply caused lipid peroxidation only in the Al-sensitive genotype in roots and shoots (at 12, 24, and 36 h). In sensitive genotype seedlings, CAT, APX, and SOD were activated only at 24 or 36 h. In tolerant and intermediate genotypes, CAT, APX, and SOD were activated at 12, 24, and 36 h. Data for root growth and lipid peroxidation suggested that lipid peroxidation in the sensitive genotype may be an effect of Al toxicity on root growth. Therefore, the tolerant, intermediate, and sensitive genotypes differ in the expression of the amount, type of antioxidants, and speed of activation of antioxidant system, suggesting a varying capacity of these genotypes to deal with oxidative stress, which resulted in varying sensitivity and tolerance to Al.

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This study investigated the effect of quercetin on nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTP-Dase), 50-nucleotidase, adenosine deaminase (ADA), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in synaptosomes from cerebral cortex of adult rats exposed to cadmium (Cd). Rats were exposed to Cd (2.5 mg/Kg) and quercetin (5, 25 or 50 mg/Kg) by gavage for 45 days. Rats were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 8-10): saline/ethanol, saline/Querc 5 mg/kg, saline/Querc 25 mg/kg, saline/Querc 50 mg/kg, Cd/ethanol, Cd/Querc 5 mg/kg, Cd/Querc 25 mg/kg, and Cd/Querc 50 mg/kg. Results demonstrated that AChE activity increased in the Cd/ethanol group when compared to saline/ethanol group. Treatment with quercetin prevented the increase in AChE activity when compared to Cd/ethanol group. Quercetin treatment prevented the cadmium-induced increase in NTPDase, 5-nucleotidase, and ADA activities in Cd/ethanol group when compared to saline/ethanol group. Our data showed that quercetin have a protector effect against Cd intoxication. This way, is a promising candidate among the flavonoids to be investigated as a therapeutic agent to attenuate neurological disorders associated with Cd intoxication.

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Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury is a common problem with severe neurologic sequelae. The definitive brain injury is a consequence of pathophysiological mechanisms that begin at the moment of HI insult and may extend for days or weeks. In this context, the inflammatory response and the formation of reactive oxygen species seem to play a key role during evolution of brain damage after injury. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the chronological sequence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and the lipid peroxidation changes in the cerebral cortex using the classic model of neonatal HI. Furthermore, the erythrocyte AChE and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities as well as the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed. We observed that neonatal HI caused an increase of lipid peroxidation immediately after HI insult, which remained for several days afterward. There was a time-related change in the AChE activity in the cerebral cortex and the same was observed in erythrocyte AChE and ADA activities. In addition, immediately after HI, ADA activity showed a strong positive correlation with all proinflammatory cytokines assessed. Together, these findings may help the understanding of some mechanism related to the pathophysiology of neonatal HI, therefore highlighting the putative therapeutic targets to minimize brain injury and enhance recovery.

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The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the hydrolysis of adenine nucleotides on synaptosomes and platelets obtained from rats exposed to cadmium (Cd) and treated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Rats received Cd (2 mg/kg) and NAC (150 mg/kg) by gavage every other day for 30 days. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 4-6): control/saline, NAC, Cd, and Cd/NAC. The results of this study demonstrated that NTPDase and 5'-nucleotidase activities were increased in the cerebral cortex synaptosomes of Cd-poisoned rats, and NAC co-treatment reversed these activities to the control levels. In relation to hippocampus synaptosomes, no differences on the NTPDase and 5'-nucleotidase activities of Cd-poisoned rats were observed and only the 5'-nucleotidase activity was increased by the administration of NAC per se. In platelets, Cd-intoxicated rats showed a decreased NTPDase activity and no difference in the 5'-nucleotidase activity; NAC co-treatment was inefficient in counteracting this undesirable effect. Our findings reveal that adenine nucleotide hydrolysis in synaptosomes and platelets of rats were altered after Cd exposure leading to a compensatory response in the central nervous system and acting as a modulator of the platelet activity. NAC was able to modulate the purinergic system which is interesting since the regulation of these enzymes could have potential therapeutic importance. Thus, our results reinforce the importance of the study of the ecto-nucleotidases pathway in poisoning conditions and highlight the possibility of using antioxidants such as NAC as adjuvant against toxicological conditions.

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The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of cholinesterases as an inflammatory marker in acute and chronic infection by Trypanosoma evansi in rabbits experimentally infected. Twelve adult female New Zealand rabbits were used and divided into two groups with 6 animals each: control group (rabbits 1-6) and infected group (rabbits 7-12). Infected group received intraperitoneally 0.5 mL of blood from a rat containing 108 parasites per animal. Blood samples used for cholinesterases evaluation were collected on days 0, 2, 7, 12, 27, 42, 57, 87, 102 and 118 days post-inoculation (PI). Increased activity (P<0.05) of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were observed in the blood on days 7 and 27, respectively and no differences were observed in cholinesterase activity in other periods. No significant difference in AChE activity (P>0.05) was observed in the encephalic structures. The increased activities of AChE and BChE probably have a pro-inflammatory purpose, attempting to reduce the concentration of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which has an anti-inflammatory property. Therefore, cholinesterase may be inflammatory markers in infection with T. evansi in rabbits.

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The present study aimed to investigate the influence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on cadmium (Cd) poisoning by evaluating Cd concentration in tissues, hematological indices as well as the activity of NTPDase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes of rats exposed to Cd and co-treated with NAC. For this purpose, the rats received Cd (2 mg/kg) and NAC (150 mg/kg) by gavage every other day for 30 days. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 6-8): control/saline, NAC, Cd, and Cd/NAC. Cd exposure increased Cd concentration in plasma, spleen and thymus, and NAC co-treatment modulated this augment in both lymphoid organs. Cd exposure reduced red blood cell count, hemoglobin content and hematocrit value. Cd intoxication caused a decrease in total white blood cell count. NAC treatment per se caused an increase in lymphocyte and a decrease in neutrophil counts. On contrary, Cd exposure caused a decrease in lymphocyte and an increase in neutrophil and monocyte counts. NAC reversed or ameliorated the hematological impairments caused by Cd poisoning. There were no significant alterations in the NTPDase activity in lymphocytes of rats treated with Cd and/or NAC. Cd caused a decrease in the activities of lymphocyte AChE, whole blood AChE and serum BChE. However, NAC co-treatment was inefficient in counteracting the negative effect of Cd in the cholinesterase activities. The present investigation provides ex vivo evidence supporting the hypothesis that Cd induces immunotoxicity by interacting with the lymphoid organs, altering hematological parameters and inhibiting peripheral cholinesterase activity. Also, it highlights the possibility to use NAC as adjuvant against toxicological conditions.

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This study investigated the cadmium (Cd) intoxication on cognitive, motor and anxiety performance of rats subjected to long-term exposure to diet with Cd salt or with Cd from contaminated potato tubers. Potato plantlets were micropropagated in MS medium and transplanted to plastic trays containing sand. Tubers were collected, planted in sand boxes and cultivated with 0 or 10 µM Cd and, after were oven-dried, powder processed and used for diet. Rats were divided into six groups and fed different diets for 5 months: control, potato, potato+Cd, 1, 5 or 25 mg/kg CdCl2. Cd exposure increased Cd concentration in brain regions. There was a significant decrease in the step-down latency in Cd-intoxicated rats and, elevated plus maze task revealed an anxiolytic effect in rats fed potato diet per se, and an anxiogenic effect in rats fed 25 mg/kg Cd. The brain structures of rats exposed to Cd salt or Cd from tubers showed an increased AChE activity, but Na+,K+-ATPase decreased in cortex, hypothalamus, and cerebellum. Therefore, we suggest an association between the long-term diet of potato tuber and a clear anxiolytic effect. Moreover, we observed an impaired cognition and enhanced anxiety-like behavior displayed by Cd-intoxicated rats coupled with a marked increase of brain Cd concentration, and increase and decrease of AChE and Na+,K+-ATPase activities, respectively.

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Cigarette smoke, a widely spread habit, is associated with a decline in cognitive function and studies have demonstrated that curcumin (Cur), an Indian spice, possesses a strong neuroprotective potential. Considering the relevance of investigating dietary compounds this study aimed to investigate the effect of Cur on memory and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in brain structures and blood of cigarette smoke-exposed rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with curcumin and cigarette smoke, once a day, 5 days each week, for 30 days. The experimental procedures were divided in two sets of experiments. In the first, the animals were divided into 4 groups: Vehicle (corn oil), Cur 12.5 mg/kg, Cur 25 mg/kg and Cur 50 mg/kg. In the second, the animals were divided into 5 groups: Vehicle (corn oil), Smoke, Smoke plus Cur 12.5 mg/kg, Smoke plus Cur 25 mg/kg and Smoke plus Cur 50 mg/kg. Treatment with Cur significantly prevented the decreased latency and cholinergic alterations in cigarette smoke-exposed rats. These AChE alterations could suggest a role in the memory impairment promoted by cigarette smoke-exposure and point toward the potential of Cur to modulate cholinergic neurotransmission and, consequently, improve cognition deficits induced by smoke. This study suggests that the dietary compound Cur may be involved in cholinergic system modulation and as a consequence exert an effect on learning and memory.

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