RESUMO
School-based obesity prevention programs are key to promoting healthy habits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Planet Nutrition program on BMI z-score and other parameters compared to a control group of Mexican schoolchildren after 9 weeks of intervention. The effect of the summer holidays on the BMI z-score was also evaluated at 23 weeks. A pilot randomized controlled trial design was used and 41 schoolchildren were randomized (21 intervention group and 20 control). The program included 18 nutrition education sessions, 20 physical activity classes and six brochures for parents. At 9 weeks, no significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups in the change in BMI z-score (-0.11, 95% CI -0.23, 0.01). Significant differences were observed in some secondary outcomes: body fat percentage (-1.72, 95% CI -3.42, -0.02), waist circumference (-3.45, 95% CI -5.55, -1.36), physical activity (0.44, 95% CI 0.01, 0.88) and nutrition knowledge (1.15, 95% CI 0.27, 2.03). Summer holidays negatively affected the BMI z-score in both groups, reducing the difference observed between groups at 9 weeks (-0.07, 95% CI -0.22, 0.07). The Planet Nutrition program showed favorable effects in some obesity and lifestyle parameters in the short term.
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Promoção da Saúde , Obesidade Infantil , Índice de Massa Corporal , Criança , Humanos , Obesidade/prevenção & controle , Obesidade Infantil/prevenção & controle , Planetas , Instituições AcadêmicasRESUMO
The species Cyathea phalerata Mart. is a tree fern, commonly known as "xaxim", which is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Brazil. The present study investigated the mechanisms related with the vasorelaxant effects of an Ethyl Acetate Fraction (EAF) obtained from C. phalerata in rats' thoracic aorta rings. In pre-contracted vessels, EAF (0.1-1000⯵g/mL) caused a concentration-dependent relaxation. The endothelium denudation, the nitric oxide (NO) synthase and guanylyl cyclase inhibitor reduced the vasodilation, indicating the participation of NO/cGMP pathway in its effect. The relaxation of EAF was abolished in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ and was significantly decreased in the presence of Ca2+ entry blocker, suggesting that Ca2+ influx plays an important role in EAF effect and probably in eNOS activity. However, the PI3K/Akt pathway is not responsible for eNOS phosphorylation/activation. The vasodilator effect of EAF was partially inhibited by KCl 40 mM and almost totally abolished with L-NOARG + KCl 40 mM, indicating also the role of hyperpolarization in its effect. Calcium activated K+ channels are not involved in the EAF-induced hyperpolarization. The COX inhibitor, indomethacin, slightly reduced the vasodilation induced by EAF. In addition, EAF did not alter the relaxant effects of NO-donor, indicating that the relaxant activity cannot be attributed to free radical-scavenging properties. In conclusion, the present study showed that the EAF, causes an endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant effect in aorta that mainly involves the NO-cGMP pathway, hyperpolarization and prostanoids. The vasorelaxant activity of EAF can be attributed to the occurrence of polyphenol compounds.
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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to develop and characterize nanoemulsions containing jaboticaba extract (Plinia peruviana) aiming pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. METHODS: Nanoemulsions were prepared by high-pressure homogenization method using different concentrations of components (oil, surfactant, and extract) and homogenization pressures, in order to optimize the preparation conditions. Both unloaded and extract-loaded nanoemulsions were characterized according to their size, polydispersity, zeta potential, pH, morphology, and physical stability. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in free jaboticaba extract and jaboticaba-loaded nanoemulsions were determined spectrophotometrically, while ellagic acid content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity was investigated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. RESULTS: Colloidal dispersions exhibited a mean particle size around 200 nm, with monodisperse size distribution (PdI <0.3), and spherical shape. Stability studies showed that nanoemulsions were stable over 120 d of storage at room temperature. Jaboticaba nanoemulsions showed significant concentrations of phenolics, flavonoids, and ellagic acid, with encapsulation efficiency values higher than 90%. Antioxidant properties of jaboticaba nanoemulsions were demonstrated by its remarkable ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals and to reduce ferric-tripyridyltriazine complex, which can be attributed to their phenolic and flavonoid contents. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that nanoemulsions containing jaboticaba extract can be considered a promising candidate as a new antioxidant agent.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Myrtaceae/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/administração & dosagem , Compostos de Bifenilo , Composição de Medicamentos , Estabilidade de Medicamentos , Ácido Elágico/química , Emulsões , Flavonoides/análise , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Nanopartículas , Tamanho da Partícula , Fenóis/análise , Picratos , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagemRESUMO
The world coffee consumption has been growing for its appreciated taste and its beneficial effects on health. The residual biomass of coffee, originated in the food industry after oil extraction from coffee beans, called coffee beans residual press cake, has attracted interest as a source of compounds with antioxidant activity. This study investigated the chemical composition of aqueous extracts of coffee beans residual press cake (AE), their antioxidant activity, and the effect of topical application on the skin wound healing, in animal model, of hydrogels containing the AE, chlorogenic acid (CGA), allantoin (positive control), and carbopol (negative control). The treatments' performance was compared by measuring the reduction of the wound area, with superior result (p < 0.05) for the green coffee AE (78.20%) with respect to roasted coffee AE (53.71%), allantoin (70.83%), and carbopol (23.56%). CGA hydrogels reduced significantly the wound area size on the inflammatory phase, which may be associated with the well known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of that compound. The topic use of the coffee AE studied improved the skin wound healing and points to an interesting biotechnological application of the coffee bean residual press cake.
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Café/química , Compostos Fitoquímicos/química , Compostos Fitoquímicos/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Pele/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Masculino , Camundongos , Pele/patologia , Cicatrização/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Jaboticaba is a fruit from a native tree to Brazil, Plinia peruviana. Jaboticaba peels are an important source of antioxidant molecules such as phenolic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the activity of a hydroalcoholic extract of jaboticaba fruit peels (HEJFP) in wound healing processes and antioxidant activity in murine fibroblasts (L929 cell line). HEJFP concentrations (0.5, 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) were tested in MTT assay and cell proliferation was verified at 100 µg/mL after 24 h and at 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL after 48 h of extract exposure. Evaluation of antioxidant activity was performed at 0.5, 5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL HEJFP concentrations. Cell treatment with HEJFP at 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL for 24 h followed by H2O2 exposure for 3 h showed a strong cytoprotective effect. In vitro scratch wound healing assay indicated that none of tested HEJFP concentrations (0.5, 5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL) were capable of increasing migration rate after 12 h of incubation. These results demonstrate a positive effect of HEJFP on the wound healing process on L929 fibroblasts cell line, probably due to the antioxidant activity exhibited by phytochemicals in the extract.
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Frutas/química , Myrtaceae/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Cicatrização/efeitos dos fármacos , AntioxidantesRESUMO
Plinia cauliflora (jaboticaba) is a native fruit tree from Brazilian rainforest widely used in popular medicine to prevent diarrhea, asthma, and infections. Studies have shown that the major therapeutic potential of jaboticaba fruits is on its peel, a rich source of anthocyanins. These secondary metabolites have well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and have been claimed to be effective to treat diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke. This chapter describes a series of methodologies to evaluate important in vitro biological activities like cytotoxicity, proliferation, and migration of a hydroalcoholic extract of jaboticaba peel on mouse fibroblast L929 line. Assays to assess total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and antioxidant activities are described as well.
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Antocianinas/química , Antocianinas/farmacologia , Avaliação Pré-Clínica de Medicamentos/métodos , Myrtaceae/química , Animais , Antocianinas/isolamento & purificação , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/isolamento & purificação , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Linhagem Celular , Movimento Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Fibroblastos/citologia , Fibroblastos/efeitos dos fármacos , Flavonoides/química , Flavonoides/isolamento & purificação , Flavonoides/farmacologia , Camundongos , Fenóis/química , Fenóis/isolamento & purificação , Fenóis/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/isolamento & purificação , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Cicatrização/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Currently, bone distances are used to predict standing height in adults that might not be able to achieve a correct standing position. Knee length based algorithms for estimating standing height have been proposed and designed for specific populations. However, equations for other populations may not necessarily reflect environmental and genetic factors for the group of interest. The aim of this study was to develop and validate predictive models for standing height in Mexican adults. For this purpose, 240 male and female adults aged 20 to 59 years, with no apparent spine problems were measured. We measured weight, height and knee length, using an anthropometer of our own design and a glass fiber metric measuring tape. A predictive model for each measuring instrument was developed. Model selection and development of equations were carried out by "all possible regressions and multiple regression" procedures. The predictive models for standing height by the anthropometer and by the measuring tape did not show significant differences between measured and estimated height. The R2 for the two models were 0.93 and 0.92, with a standard error of the estimator (EE) of 2.30 and 2.40 cm, for the anthropometer and the measuring tape, respectively. Both methods were acceptable in terms of concordance, accuracy and precision; however, at very high and low predicted height values, both models showed significant bias, which should be considered when applying these algorithms in different populations.
Actualmente las distancias óseas se utilizan para predecir la talla en adultos que no pueden tener una adecuada bipedestación o no cumplen con la posición adecuada para la obtención de la talla. Existen algoritmos para la estimación de la talla basados en la longitud rodilla-talón, diseñados para poblaciones específicas; sin embargo, existen poblaciones que aún no cuentan con esta herramienta, por lo que se usan ecuaciones ya existentes, que no necesariamente reflejan los factores genético-ambientales para la población de interés. El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar y validar modelos predictivos para la talla de pie en adultos mexicanos, con antropómetro de diseño propio y cinta métrica. Se midieron 240 adultos de 20 a 59 años, de ambos sexos, sin problemas aparentes en la columna vertebral. Se midió el peso, la talla de pie y la longitud rodilla-talón. Se desarrolló un modelo predictivo para cada instrumento de medición. La selección de modelos y el desarrollo de las ecuaciones se llevó a cabo mediante los métodos de "Todas las Regresiones Posibles" y "Regresión Múltiple". Se obtuvieron dos algoritmos que no mostraron diferencias significativas entre la talla medida y estimada tras un proceso de validación cruzada. Las R2 para los modelos fueron de 0,93 y 0,92, con un error estándar del estimador (EE) de 2,30 y 2,40 cm, para el antropómetro y la cinta respectivamente. Ambos métodos resultaron aceptables en términos de concordancia, exactitud y precisión. A tallas extremas (altas o bajas), ambos modelos presentaron sesgo, lo cual debe considerarse al aplicar estos algoritmos.
Assuntos
Antropometria/métodos , Estatura , Joelho/anatomia & histologia , Adulto , Envelhecimento , Antropometria/instrumentação , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , México , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Modelos Anatômicos , Postura , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Adulto JovemRESUMO
ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Cecropia glaziovii Snethl, Urticaceae, extracts on the oral glucose tolerance curve, on glycemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and vasorelaxant effect after the extraction process, and to standardize the extractive solutions. The effects of the process variables and their interactions were calculated in relation to dry residue, pH, total phenolic results and chemical marker content. Furthermore, the effect of the extracts (400 mg/kg), chlorogenic (2 or 15 mg/kg) and caffeic acids (2 mg/kg) were investigated on the oral glucose tolerance curve and on glycemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of ethanol extracts 4d20 and 8d20 significantly improved glucose tolerance in the hyperglycemic rats. Chlorogenic and caffeic acids, as well as the association of the compounds were able to significantly reduce glycemia after oral gavage treatments. On the other hand, the aqueous extracts did not alter the glycemia. The aqueous extracts (8020 and 9030) and only the higher dose of chlorogenic acid presented a significant effect on serum glucose lowering in diabetic rats. Additionally, the IC50 reveals that the ethanol extracts presented more potent vasodilator effects than the aqueous extracts in aortic rings. This study shows that C. glazioviistandardized extracts exhibits antihyperglycemic action, is able to improve glucose tolerance and has a potent vascular relaxing effect. These results are probably linked to concentrations of the main phenolic compounds of the extracts.
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BACKGROUND: Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious and acute viral disease, which has caused high mortality rates in birds and considerable economic losses in different parts of the world for more than two decades and it still represents a considerable threat to poultry. The current study was designed to rigorously measure the reliability of a phylogenetic marker included into segment B. This marker can facilitate molecular epidemiology studies, incorporating this segment of the viral genome, to better explain the links between emergence, spreading and maintenance of the very virulent IBD virus (vvIBDV) strains worldwide. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Sequences of the segment B gene from IBDV strains isolated from diverse geographic locations were obtained from the GenBank Database; Cuban sequences were obtained in the current work. A phylogenetic marker named B-marker was assessed by different phylogenetic principles such as saturation of substitution, phylogenetic noise and high consistency. This last parameter is based on the ability of B-marker to reconstruct the same topology as the complete segment B of the viral genome. From the results obtained from B-marker, demographic history for both main lineages of IBDV regarding segment B was performed by Bayesian skyline plot analysis. Phylogenetic analysis for both segments of IBDV genome was also performed, revealing the presence of a natural reassortant strain with segment A from vvIBDV strains and segment B from non-vvIBDV strains within Cuban IBDV population. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study contributes to a better understanding of the emergence of vvIBDV strains, describing molecular epidemiology of IBDV using the state-of-the-art methodology concerning phylogenetic reconstruction. This study also revealed the presence of a novel natural reassorted strain as possible manifest of change in the genetic structure and stability of the vvIBDV strains. Therefore, it highlights the need to obtain information about both genome segments of IBDV for molecular epidemiology studies.
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Genoma Viral/genética , Vírus da Doença Infecciosa da Bursa/genética , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/virologia , Animais , Sequência de Bases , Infecções por Birnaviridae/epidemiologia , Galinhas/virologia , Marcadores Genéticos/genética , Epidemiologia Molecular , Filogenia , Alinhamento de SequênciaRESUMO
Elevated levels of oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) are considered to be one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular morbidity. The early stages of atherosclerosis are initiated by the accumulation of oxLDL and the induction of toxic effects on endothelial cells, resulting in endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate how diphenyl diselenide (DD), an organoselenium compound, protect vascular endothelial cells against the toxic effects of oxLDL in vitro. Our data showed that the treatment of bovine endothelial aortic cells (BAEC) with DD (0.1-1 µM) for 24 h protected from oxLDL-induced reactive species (RS) production and reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion. Moreover, DD (1 µM) per se improved the maximal mitochondrial respiratory capacity and prevented oxLDL-induced mitochondrial damage. In addition, DD could prevent apoptosis induced by oxLDL in BAEC. Results from this study may provide insight into a possible molecular mechanism underlying DD suppression of oxLDL-mediated vascular endothelial dysfunction.
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Aterosclerose/tratamento farmacológico , Derivados de Benzeno/administração & dosagem , Células Endoteliais/efeitos dos fármacos , Compostos Organosselênicos/administração & dosagem , Substâncias Protetoras/administração & dosagem , Animais , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Aterosclerose/etiologia , Aterosclerose/metabolismo , Bovinos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Endoteliais/patologia , Glutationa/metabolismo , Humanos , Lipoproteínas LDL/metabolismo , Lipoproteínas LDL/toxicidade , Mitocôndrias/efeitos dos fármacos , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Substâncias Protetoras/metabolismo , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismoRESUMO
Electrospun materials have been widely explored for biomedical applications because of their advantageous characteristics, i.e., tridimensional nanofibrous structure with high surface-to-volume ratio, high porosity, and pore interconnectivity. Furthermore, considering the similarities between the nanofiber networks and the extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as the accepted role of changes in ECM for hernia repair, electrospun polymer fiber assemblies have emerged as potential materials for incisional hernia repair. In this work, we describe the application of electrospun non-absorbable mats based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in the repair of abdominal defects, comparing the performance of these meshes with that of a commercial polypropylene mesh and a multifilament PET mesh. PET and PET/chitosan electrospun meshes revealed good performance during incisional hernia surgery, post-operative period, and no evidence of intestinal adhesion was found. The electrospun meshes were flexible with high suture retention, showing tensile strengths of 3 MPa and breaking strains of 8-33%. Nevertheless, a significant foreign body reaction (FBR) was observed in animals treated with the nanofibrous materials. Animals implanted with PET and PET/chitosan electrospun meshes (fiber diameter of 0.71 ± 0.28 µm and 3.01 ± 0.72 µm, respectively) showed, respectively, foreign body granuloma formation, averaging 4.2-fold and 7.4-fold greater than the control commercial mesh group (Marlex). Many foreign body giant cells (FBGC) involving nanofiber pieces were also found in the PET and PET/chitosan groups (11.9 and 19.3 times more FBGC than control, respectively). In contrast, no important FBR was observed for PET microfibers (fiber diameter = 18.9 ± 0.21 µm). Therefore, we suggest that the reduced dimension and the high surface-to-volume ratio of the electrospun fibers caused the FBR reaction, pointing out the need for further studies to elucidate the mechanisms underlying interactions between cells/tissues and nanofibrous materials in order to gain a better understanding of the implantation risks associated with nanostructured biomaterials.
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Materiais Biocompatíveis/farmacologia , Quitosana/farmacologia , Reação a Corpo Estranho/induzido quimicamente , Granuloma de Corpo Estranho/induzido quimicamente , Nanofibras/química , Polietilenoglicóis/farmacologia , Telas Cirúrgicas/veterinária , Animais , Materiais Biocompatíveis/química , Quitosana/química , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Técnicas Eletroquímicas , Reação a Corpo Estranho/patologia , Granuloma de Corpo Estranho/patologia , Hérnia Abdominal/cirurgia , Herniorrafia/instrumentação , Masculino , Teste de Materiais , Polietilenoglicóis/química , Polietilenotereftalatos , Polipropilenos/farmacologia , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Propriedades de Superfície , Suturas , Resistência à TraçãoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: In this study, we evaluated the effect of the proanthocyanidins-rich fraction (PRF) obtained from Croton celtidifolius bark in an experimental animal model of spinal cord injury and cell death induced by glutamate. METHODS: Experiments were conducted using adult male Wistar rats (10 weeks old and weighing 270-300g). Experimental groups were randomly allocated into the following groups: spinal cord injury (SCI) + vehicle group: rats were subjected to SCI plus intraperitoneal administration of vehicle (saline 10 ml/kg); SCI + PRF: rats were subjected to SCI plus intraperitoneal administration of PRF (10 mg/kg) at 1 and 6 h after injury and sham operated. KEY FINDINGS: The treatment with the proanthocyanidin-rich fraction significantly improved not only motor recovery and grip force but also H2 O2 or glutamate-induced cell death and reactive oxygen species generation induced by glutamate in dorsal root ganglion cells. In this study we demonstrate that the neuroprotective effect triggered by the proanthocyanidins-rich fraction appears to be mediated in part by the inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results demonstrate that PRF treatment ameliorates spinal cord injury and glutamatergic excitotoxicity and could have a potential therapeutic use.
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Croton/química , Ácido Glutâmico/efeitos adversos , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/uso terapêutico , Fitoterapia , Proantocianidinas/uso terapêutico , Receptores de Glutamato/metabolismo , Traumatismos da Medula Espinal/tratamento farmacológico , Animais , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/uso terapêutico , Morte Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Gânglios Espinais/efeitos dos fármacos , Gânglios Espinais/metabolismo , Masculino , Movimento/efeitos dos fármacos , Força Muscular/efeitos dos fármacos , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/farmacologia , Casca de Planta , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Proantocianidinas/farmacologia , Ratos Wistar , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Traumatismos da Medula Espinal/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The present work aimed to investigate the effect of (PhSe)2 on cardiovascular age-related oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic mice. METHODS: To this end, LDL receptor knockout (LDLr(-/-) ) mice, 3 months (young adult) and 12 months (middle-aged) old, were orally treated with (PhSe)2 . KEY FINDINGS: Hypercholesterolemia, regardless of age, impaired the mitochondrial antioxidant defence in the cardiac tissue, which was characterized by a decline in mitochondrial aortic glutathione (GSH) levels and increased reactive oxygen species production in the heart. (PhSe)2 treatment improved GSH levels, thioredoxin reductase (TRxR) and GSH reductase (GR) activity, and decreased malondialdehyde levels in the heart of young adult LDLr(-/-) mice. Moreover, (PhSe)2 increased GPx activity in both age groups, and GR activity in the aorta of middle-aged LDLr(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, (PhSe)2 enhances the antioxidant defences in the cardiovascular system of LDLr(-/-) mice, which could explain its success as an anti-atherogenic compound.
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Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Derivados de Benzeno/farmacologia , Coração/efeitos dos fármacos , Hipercolesterolemia/metabolismo , Miocárdio/metabolismo , Compostos Organosselênicos/farmacologia , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Receptores de LDL/metabolismo , Fatores Etários , Animais , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Aorta , Aterosclerose/prevenção & controle , Glutationa/metabolismo , Glutationa Redutase/metabolismo , Malondialdeído/metabolismo , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Mitocôndrias/efeitos dos fármacos , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Oxirredução , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Substâncias Reativas com Ácido TiobarbitúricoRESUMO
Recent studies have indicated a causal link between high dietary cholesterol intake and brain oxidative stress. In particular, we have previously shown a positive correlation between elevated plasma cholesterol levels, cortico-cerebral oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in low density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLr(-/-)) mice, a mouse model of familial hypercholesterolemia. Here we show that the organoselenium compound diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 (1 mg/kg; o.g., once a day for 30 days) significantly blunted the cortico-cerebral oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by a hypercholesterolemic diet in LDLr(-/-) mice. (PhSe)2 effectively prevented the inhibition of complex I and II activities, significantly increased the reduced glutathione (GSH) content and reduced lipoperoxidation in the cerebral cortex of hypercholesterolemic LDLr(-/-) mice. Overall, (PhSe)2 may be a promising molecule to protect against hypercholesterolemia-induced effects on the central nervous system, in addition to its already demonstrated antiatherogenic effects.
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Derivados de Benzeno/uso terapêutico , Córtex Cerebral/metabolismo , Hipercolesterolemia/fisiopatologia , Doenças Mitocondriais/prevenção & controle , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/uso terapêutico , Compostos Organosselênicos/uso terapêutico , Receptores de LDL/deficiência , Animais , Encéfalo/efeitos dos fármacos , Córtex Cerebral/efeitos dos fármacos , Colesterol/sangue , Colesterol na Dieta/administração & dosagem , Complexo I de Transporte de Elétrons/metabolismo , Complexo II de Transporte de Elétrons/metabolismo , Glutationa/metabolismo , Glutationa Peroxidase/metabolismo , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Knockout , Mitocôndrias/efeitos dos fármacos , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Infectious bursal disease is a highly contagious and acute viral disease caused by the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV); it affects all major poultry producing areas of the world. The current study was designed to rigorously measure the global phylogeographic dynamics of IBDV strains to gain insight into viral population expansion as well as the emergence, spread and pattern of the geographical structure of very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) strains. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Sequences of the hyper-variable region of the VP2 (HVR-VP2) gene from IBDV strains isolated from diverse geographic locations were obtained from the GenBank database; Cuban sequences were obtained in the current work. All sequences were analysed by Bayesian phylogeographic analysis, implemented in the Bayesian Evolutionary Analysis Sampling Trees (BEAST), Bayesian Tip-association Significance testing (BaTS) and Spatial Phylogenetic Reconstruction of Evolutionary Dynamics (SPREAD) software packages. Selection pressure on the HVR-VP2 was also assessed. The phylogeographic association-trait analysis showed that viruses sampled from individual countries tend to cluster together, suggesting a geographic pattern for IBDV strains. Spatial analysis from this study revealed that strains carrying sequences that were linked to increased virulence of IBDV appeared in Iran in 1981 and spread to Western Europe (Belgium) in 1987, Africa (Egypt) around 1990, East Asia (China and Japan) in 1993, the Caribbean Region (Cuba) by 1995 and South America (Brazil) around 2000. Selection pressure analysis showed that several codons in the HVR-VP2 region were under purifying selection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: To our knowledge, this work is the first study applying the Bayesian phylogeographic reconstruction approach to analyse the emergence and spread of vvIBDV strains worldwide.
Assuntos
Vírus da Doença Infecciosa da Bursa/genética , Proteínas Estruturais Virais/metabolismo , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Teorema de Bayes , Infecções por Birnaviridae/virologia , Galinhas , Cuba , Bases de Dados Genéticas , Evolução Molecular , Vírus da Doença Infecciosa da Bursa/classificação , Vírus da Doença Infecciosa da Bursa/isolamento & purificação , Vírus da Doença Infecciosa da Bursa/metabolismo , Filogenia , Filogeografia , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/virologia , RNA Viral/isolamento & purificação , RNA Viral/metabolismo , Alinhamento de Sequência , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Proteínas Estruturais Virais/química , Proteínas Estruturais Virais/genéticaRESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of green tea extract (GTE) administration on vascular reactivity and atherosclerosis progression in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice. We hypothesized that GTE intake may ameliorate atherosclerosis by improving endothelial dysfunction. Animals (n = 12 per group) were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet and received either water or GTE at a dose of 50, 100, or 300 mg/kg once a day by gavage (100 µL/10 g weight). After 4 weeks, atherosclerosis extension and vascular reactivity were evaluated in the aorta, and the levels of lipids, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor α were measured in the plasma. Administration of GTE at a dose of 50 mg/kg significantly decreased the area of atherosclerotic lesions by 35%, improved the vascular reactivity in the isolated thoracic aorta, and lowered the plasma levels of both MCP-1 and triglycerides. Delivery of 100 mg/kg of GTE only promoted vasocontraction and vasorelaxation (P < .05), whereas a dose of 300 mg/kg was ineffective. Maximum contraction and relaxation negatively correlated with the lesion area (r = -0.755 and -0.767, respectively), whereas the plasma levels of MCP-1 and triglycerides positively correlated with plaque size (r = 0.549 and 0.421, respectively). In summary, our results supported the hypothesis that administration of GTE at low doses may contribute to a decrease in atherosclerosis progression by reversing endothelial dysfunction.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Aterosclerose/tratamento farmacológico , Catequina/análogos & derivados , Endotélio Vascular/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Chá/química , Alanina Transaminase/metabolismo , Animais , Aorta/efeitos dos fármacos , Aorta/metabolismo , Aterosclerose/patologia , Biomarcadores/sangue , Catequina/farmacologia , Quimiocina CCL2/sangue , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Endotélio Vascular/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Inflamação/tratamento farmacológico , Inflamação/patologia , Lipoproteínas LDL/sangue , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Receptores de LDL/genética , Triglicerídeos/sangue , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/sangueRESUMO
Moderate wine intake (i.e., 1-2 glasses of wine a day) is associated with a reduced risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic effects of a nonalcoholic ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) from a South Brazilian red wine obtained from Vitis labrusca grapes. Experiments were carried out on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor knockout (LDLrâ»/â») mice, which were subjected to a hypercholesterolemic diet and treated with doses of EAF (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the level of plasma lipids, the vascular reactivity, and the atherosclerotic lesions were evaluated. Our results demonstrated that the treatment with EAF at 3 mg/kg significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL plus very low-density lipoprotein levels compared with control hypercholesterolemic mice. The treatment of mice with EAF at 3 mg/kg also preserved the vasodilatation induced by acetylcholine on isolated thoracic aorta from hypercholesterolemic LDLrâ»/â» mice. This result is in agreement with the degree of lipid deposit on arteries. Taken together, the results show for the first time that the lowest concentration of an EAF obtained from a red wine produced in southern Brazil significantly reduced the progression of atherosclerosis in mice.
Assuntos
Aterosclerose/tratamento farmacológico , Hipercolesterolemia/tratamento farmacológico , Fenóis/farmacologia , Receptores de LDL/efeitos dos fármacos , Vinho/análise , Acetatos/farmacologia , Animais , Artérias/fisiopatologia , Aterosclerose/fisiopatologia , Brasil , HDL-Colesterol/sangue , LDL-Colesterol/sangue , Dieta , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Modelos Animais , Receptores de LDL/genética , Receptores de LDL/metabolismo , Triglicerídeos/sangue , Vasodilatação/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Proanthocyanidins are the most abundant polyphenols in human diets. Epidemiological studies have pointed to proanthocyanidins as promising molecules that could prevent the development of several coronary syndromes by inhibiting the atherogenic process. The present study was designed to investigate the antiatherogenic effects of a proanthocyanidin-rich fraction (PRF) obtained from Croton celtidifolius Baill (Euphorbiaceae) barks. In isolated human LDL, PRF caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of Cu2+-induced oxidative modifications, evidenced by the increasing of the lag phase of lipid peroxidation and decreasing in the oxidation rate (Vmax), moreover, the protein moieties from LDL were protected against Cu2+-induced oxidation. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), PRF reduced the ROS production stimulated by oxidized LDL. Herein, we demonstrate that oral treatment with PRF improved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in hypercholesterolemic LDL receptor knockout mice (LDLr-/-), however, the fraction did not modify plasma lipids and atherosclerotic lesion size in this experimental model. Finally, our results showed for the first time that PRF prevent isolated LDL oxidation, decrease oxidative stress in endothelial cells and improve endothelial function in mice.
Assuntos
Doença da Artéria Coronariana/prevenção & controle , Croton/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Proantocianidinas/farmacologia , Animais , Células Cultivadas , LDL-Colesterol/química , Cobre , Células Endoteliais/efeitos dos fármacos , Camundongos , Camundongos Knockout , Oxirredução , Estresse Oxidativo , Casca de Planta/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Proantocianidinas/química , Receptores de LDL/genética , Receptores de LDL/metabolismo , Vasodilatação/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
There is increasing evidence that hypercholesterolemia during midlife may represent a predictor of subsequent mild cognitive impairments and dementia decades later. However, the exact mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unknown since plasmatic cholesterol is not able to cross the blood-brain barrier. In the present study, we evaluated the hypothesis that cognitive impairments triggered by hypercholesterolemia during aging may be related to brain oxidative stress and altered brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. We also performed a neuropathological investigation in order to analyze whether the cognitive impairments may be associated with stroke-related features. To address these questions we used three- and fourteen-month-old low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice (LDLr-/-). The current findings provide new evidence that aged LDLr-/- mice, exposed to over three-fold cholesterol levels from early life, show working, spatial reference, and procedural memory impairments, without alterations in motor function. Antioxidant imbalance and oxidative damage were evidenced by a marked increase in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels) and glutathione metabolism (increase in glutathione levels, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase activities) together with a significant increase in the AChE activity in the prefrontal cortex of aged hypercholesterolemic LDLr-/- mice. Notably, hypercholesterolemia was not related to brain infarcts and neurodegeneration in mice, independent of their age. These observations provide new evidence that hypercholesterolemia during aging triggers cognitive impairments on different types of learning and memory, accompanied by antioxidant imbalance, oxidative damage, and alterations of cholinergic signaling in brain areas associated with learning and memory processes, particularly in the prefrontal cortex.
Assuntos
Acetilcolinesterase/metabolismo , Envelhecimento/psicologia , Transtornos Cognitivos/genética , Hipercolesterolemia/psicologia , Córtex Pré-Frontal/metabolismo , Receptores de LDL/genética , Fatores Etários , Envelhecimento/genética , Envelhecimento/metabolismo , Animais , Cognição/fisiologia , Transtornos Cognitivos/metabolismo , Condicionamento Psicológico/fisiologia , Medo/fisiologia , Hipercolesterolemia/genética , Hipercolesterolemia/metabolismo , Aprendizagem em Labirinto/fisiologia , Memória/fisiologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Knockout , Atividade Motora/fisiologia , Receptores de LDL/metabolismoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to evaluate the anti-tumour properties of elatol, a compound (sesquiterpene) isolated from algae Laurencia microcladia. METHODS: In-vitro and in-vivo anti-tumour properties of elatol were investigated using: MTT assays to assess the cytotoxic effects; flow cytometry analysis to examine the cell cycle and apoptosis; Western blot analysis for determination of the expression of cell cycle and apoptosis proteins; and study of in-vivo tumour growth in mice (C57Bl6 mice bearing B16F10 cells). KEY FINDINGS: Elatol exhibited a cytotoxic effect, at least in part, by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G(1) and the sub-G(1) phases, leading cells to apoptosis. Western blot analysis demonstrated that elatol reduced the expression of cyclin-D1, cyclin-E, cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk)2 and cdk4. A decrease in bcl-xl and an increase in bak, caspase-9 and p53 expression was also observed. In the in-vivo experiment, treatment with elatol was able to reduce tumour growth in C57Bl6 mice. CONCLUSIONS: Elatol promotes a delay in the cell cycle, probably in the G(1)/S transition, activating the apoptotic process and this could be responsible, at least in part, for the in-vivo effects observed. Taken together, the in-vitro and in-vivo experiments suggested that elatol has anti-tumour properties. Further studies should be conducted to clarify the mechanism of action.