Anti-trypanosomal Phenolic Derivatives from Baccharis uncinella

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOH extract of the aerial parts of Baccharis uncinella C. DC. (Asteraceae) led to identification of two cinnamic acid derivatives (caffeic and ferulic acids), two flavones (hispidulin and pectolinaringenin) and a mixture of three chlorogenic acids (3,4-, 3,5- and 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acids), which displayed in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity. Pectolinaringenin, hispidulin and caffeic acid showed activity against trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, exhibiting 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 52, 81 and 56 μg/mL, respectively, while the chlorogenic acid mixture showed an IC50 value of 61 μg/mL. The flavonoids and cinnamic acid derivatives were evaluated for cytotoxicity against NCTC cells resulting in a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) ranging from 33.82 to 129.1 μg/mL while the chlorogenic acids did not display cytotoxicity (CC50 >150 μg/mL). This is the first report of anti-trypanosomal activity of compounds from B. uncinella.

Anti-trypanosomal phenolic derivatives from Baccharis uncinella

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the EtOH extract of the aerial parts of Baccharis uncinella C. DC. (Asteraceae) led to identification of two cinnamic acid derivatives (caffeic and ferulic acids), two flavones (hispidulin and pectolinaringenin) and a mixture of three chlorogenic acids (3,4-, 3,5- and 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acids), which displayed in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity. Pectolinaringenin, hispidulin and caffeic acid showed activity against trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, exhibiting 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 52, 81 and 56 microg/mL, respectively, while the chlorogenic acid mixture showed an IC50 value of 61 microg/mL. The flavonoids and cinnamic acid derivatives were evaluated for cytotoxicity against NCTC cells resulting in a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) ranging from 33.82 to 129.1 microg/mL while the chlorogenic acids did not display cytotoxicity (CC50 >150 microg/mL). This is the first report of anti-trypanosomal activity of compounds from B. uncinella.

Chemical constituents and cytotoxic evaluation of essential oils from leaves of Porcelia macrocarpa (Annonaceae)

This work reports the chemical composition and cytotoxic evaluation of the essential oils from three different samples of the leaves of Porcelia macrocarpa R. E. Fries (Annonaceae). The crude oils, obtained by hydrodistillation procedures, were chemically analyzed by GC/MS. The obtained data indicated the predominance of sesquiterpenes (89.8 +/- 0.7%), the main compounds being germacrene D (47 +/-+/- 1%) and bicyclogermacrene (37 +/- 1%). These oils also contained the monoterpene verbanyl acetate (0.5 +/- 0.06%) and the diterpene phytol (1.2 +/- 0.3%). The crude oils obtained from leaves were pooled and tested in vitro against six cancer cell lineages--murine melanoma (B16F10-Nex2), human glioblastome (U87), human cervical carcinoma (HeLa), human leukemia (HL-60), human colon carcinoma (HCT), human breast adenocarcinoma (SKBr), and human melanoma (A2058), as well as against a non-tumorigenic human cell line (HFF). Since the essential oil reduced more than 50% of the viability of several tumor cells at 100 microg/mL, indicating the presence of active compounds, the crude material was subjected to fractionation over a SiO2/AgNO3 column. This procedure afforded different fractions composed of pure as well as different mixtures of bicyclogermacrene and germacrene D, which were tested against the same tumor cell lines, indicating a significant cytotoxic potential against HL-60 cells. These results suggested that the crudeoils and their components, mainly germacrene D, could be used as prototypes for the development of new anti-cancer agents for the treatment of human leukemia.

Chemical Constituents and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Essential Oils from Leaves of Porcelia macrocarpa (Annonaceae)

This work reports the chemical composition and cytotoxic evaluation of the essential oils from three different samples of the leaves of Porcelia macrocarpa R. E. Fries (Annonaceae). The crude oils, obtained by hydrodistillation procedures, were chemically analyzed by GC/MS. The obtained data indicated the predominance of sesquiterpenes (89.8 ± 0.7%), the main compounds being germacrene D (47 ± 1%) and bicyclogermacrene (37 ± 1%). These oils also contained the monoterpene verbanyl acetate (0.5 ± 0.06%) and the diterpene phytol (1.2 ± 0.3%). The crude oils obtained from leaves were pooled and tested in vitro against six cancer cell lineages - murine melanoma (B16F10-Nex2), human glioblastome (U87), human cervical carcinoma (HeLa), human leukemia (HL-60), human colon carcinoma (HCT), human breast adenocarcinoma (SKBr), and human melanoma (A2058), as well as against a non-tumorigenic human cell line (HFF). Since the essential oil reduced more than 50% of the viability of several tumor cells at 100 μg/mL, indicating the presence of active compounds, the crude material was subjected to fractionation over a SiO2/AgNO3 column. This procedure afforded different fractions composed of pure as well as different mixtures of bicyclogermacrene and germacrene D, which were tested against the same tumor cell lines, indicating a significant cytotoxic potential against HL-60 cells. These results suggested that the crude oils and their components, mainly germacrene D, could be used as prototypes for the development of new anti-cancer agents for the treatment of human leukemia.

Skin photoaging in farmers occupationally exposed to ultraviolet radiation

BACKGROUND

Most personal exposures to UV radiations occur from outdoor activities and several studies detected a significant association between skin cancer and outdoor occupation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to ascertain the prevalence of photoaging signs in a population of Italian farmers and in a population of indoor workers taking account of confounding factors.

METHODS

169 farmers and 198 indoor workers were classified for skin phototype and for skin photoaging, moreover 13 variables were taken into account. Marginal permutation tests were adopted for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Farmers were significantly older than the indoor workers. In workers occupationally exposed to UV photoaging increased with increasing age and years of occupational exposure to sunlight The distribution of skin phototype did not show significant differences in the two populations, while farmer showed a higher degree of photoaging than indoor workers.

CONCLUSIONS

Even if farmers were older than the in door workers it seems that outdoor work produces a higher degree of photoaging.

Essential oils from Schinus terebinthifolius leaves - chemical composition and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation

CONTEXT

In folk medicine, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), has been used as a remedy for ulcers, respiratory problems, wounds, rheumatism, gout, diarrhea, skin ailments and arthritis, as well as to treat tumors and leprosy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical composition and cytotoxicity of essential oil from leaves of S. terebinthifolius as well as the identification of active compounds from this oil.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Essential oil from S. terebinthifolius leaves, obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, was characterized in terms of its chemical composition. Also, the crude oil was subjected to chromatographic separation procedures to afford an active fraction composed of α- and β-pinenes. These compounds, including hydrogenation (pinane) and epoxydation (α-pinene oxide) derivatives from α-pinene, were tested in vitro against murine melanoma cell line (B16F10-Nex2) and human melanoma (A2058), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7), leukemia (human leukemia (HL-60) and cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cell lines.

RESULTS

Forty-nine constituents were identified in the oil (97.9% of the total), with germacrene D (23.7%), bicyclogermacrene (15.0%), β-pinene (9.1%) and β-longipinene (8.1%) as the main compounds. The crude essential oil showed cytotoxic effects in several cell lines, mainly on leukemia and human cervical carcinoma. Fractions composed mainly of α- and β-pinenes as well as those composed of individually pinenes showed effective activities against all tested cell lines. Aiming to determinate preliminary structure/activity relationships, α-pinene was subjected to epoxydation and hydrogenation procedures whose obtained α-pinene oxide showed an expressive depression in its cytotoxicity effect, similar as observed to pinane derivative.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The obtained results indicated that the monoterpenes α- and β-pinenes could be responsible to the cytotoxic activity detected in the crude oil from leaves of S. terebinthifolius. In addition, it was possibly inferred that the presence of double bond in their structures, mainly at endocyclic position, is crucial to cytotoxic potential detected in these derivatives.

[Dose and effect biomarkers in the diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases and health surveillance of exposed workers]

The aim of the study was to assess the reliability of the indicators of dose and effect in the health monitoring of asbestos exposed workers. In 49 cases out of 158 studied workers (31%) asbestos-related diseases were diagnosed following ATS criteria (2004). Using nonparametric statistical methods (permutation tests) 6 variables were analyzed with respect to asbestos-related diseases and working sectors, demonstrating a difference in the concentration of amphiboles (p < 0.01), greater in patients with asbestosis and workers involved in asbestos removal from railway carriages. There was not a correlation between mesothelin and amphiboles, chrysotile and total fibers concentrations (Spearman test).

[Prevention of occupational dermatitis in an international perspective]

Occupational dermatitis (OD) have always been a significant part of the occupational disease with huge social and economic costs. Traditionally, the standard program of OD prevention takes place in the three phases of protection, cleansing and use of emollient creams and other products able to improve the cutaneous trophism (skincare) at the end of the shiftwork. However, in countries like Germany where protection measures and skincare were widespread, there was not a simultaneous decrease in the OD. In recent years pilot programs for the prevention of OD have been implemented with positive results. In particular the integrated approach that includes three steps of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention (Osnabrueck model) is of great interest. Primary prevention is represented by introduction of technical regulations, pre-employment counselling and specific initiatives to promote health (healthy skin campaign). In the case of initial/minor OD, secondary prevention is accomplished through the dermatological treatment of the patient and 1-2 days outpatient education initiatives/skin protection training. In severe cases of individual OD, tertiary prevention involves the hospitalization of the patient in a dermatology department. In 2009 the European network EPOS (European Initiative for the Prevention of Occupational Skin Diseases) of preventive dermatology has been organized basing on the integrated approach of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.

In vitro antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities of flavanones from Baccharis retusa DC. (Asteraceae)

Leishmaniasis and Chagas' are parasitic protozoan diseases that affect the poorest population in the world, causing a high mortality and morbidity. As a result of highly toxic and long-term treatments, novel, safe and more efficacious drugs are essential. In this work, the CH(2)Cl(2) phase from MeOH extract from the leaves of Baccharis retusa DC. (Asteraceae) was fractioned to afford two flavonoids: naringenin (1) and sakuranetin (2). These compounds were in vitro tested against Leishmania spp. promastigotes and amastigotes and Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes and amastigotes. Compound 2 presented activity against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis, Leishmania (V.) braziliensis, Leishmania (L.) major, and Leishmania (L.) chagasi with IC(50) values in the range between 43 and 52 μg/mL and against T. cruzi trypomastigotes (IC(50)=20.17 μg/mL). Despite of the chemical similarity, compound 1 did not show antiparasitic activity. Additionally, compound 2 was subjected to a methylation procedure to give sakuranetin-4'-methyl ether (3), which resulted in an inactive compound against both Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi. The obtained results indicated that the presence of one hydroxyl group at C-4' associated to one methoxyl group at C-7 is important to the antiparasitic activity. Further drug design studies aiming derivatives could be a promising tool for the development of new therapeutic agents for Leishmaniasis and Chagas' disease.

Chemical and biological evaluation of essential oils from two species of Myrtaceae - Eugenia uniflora L. and Plinia trunciflora (O. Berg) Kausel

The chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils obtained from leaves of two Myrtaceae species-Eugenia uniflora L. and Plinia trunciflora (O. Berg) Kausel-were determined. Analysis by GC/MS as well as determination of Kovatz indexes indicated atractylone (26.78%) and curzerene (17.96%) as major constituents of E. uniflora oil and α-cadinol (19.15%), apiole (11.15%) and cubenol (5.43%) as main components in P. trunciflora oil. Both essential oils were tested for antimicrobial activity against yeasts and bacteria. E. uniflora and P. trunciflora essential oils were active towards two Gram-positive bacteria, Streptococcus equi and Staphylococcus epidermis. In addition, biological activity of both essential oils was detected for pathogenic yeasts of the genus Candida and Cryptococcus. E. uniflora was active towards all yeast tested and exhibited interesting minimal inhibitory concentrations (0.11 to 3.75 mg/mL) across a broad spectrum of activity.

[Chemical risk assessment in the leather goods producers: a comparison of the results obtained by measurements air concentration and algorithm ARChiMEDE]

The Italian legislation on chemical agents has undergone significant changes. The aim of the study was to compare the results obatained from an environmental investigation and the use of the ARChi.MEDE model The results of the survey were treated with the UNI EN 689/1997 that showed an acceptable result, while according to the use A.R.Chi.M.E.D.E. a significant risk was obtained. Actually the mathematical model assess workers exposure without considering in the calculation the specific preventive measures (personal protective equipment, training, uptake of pollutants at the source) as contemplated by law. So the mathematical model showed the need of preventive measures in the studied work place.

[Leather bags production: organization study, general identification of hazards, biomechanical overload risk pre-evaluation using an easily applied evaluation tool]

BACKGROUND

Craft industries are the backbone of the Italian manufacturing system and in this sector the leather trade plays a crucial role.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

The aim of the study was to experiment with a risk pre-mapping data sheet in leather bag manufacture by analyzing the production cycle.

RESULTS

The prevalence of biomechanical, organizational and physical factors was demonstrated in tanneries. With regard to chemical agents the lack of any priority of intervention could be due to the lack of information on the chemicals used. In the 2 enterprises that used mechanical processes the results showed different priorities for intervention and a different level of the extent of such intervention. In particular in the first enterprise biomechanical overload was a top priority, while in the second the results were very similar to those of the tannery. The analysis showed in both companies that there was a high prevalence of risk of upper limb biomechanical overload in leather bag manufacture. Chemical risk assessment was not shown as a priority because the list of chemicals used was neither complete nor sufficient.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk pre-mapping data sheet allowed us to obtain a preliminary overview of all the major existing risks in the leather industry. Therefore the method can prove a useful tool for employers as it permits instant identification of priorities for intervention for the different risks.

Prevention of occupational dermatitis

Occupational dermatitis is among the most frequent occupational diseases. Dermal exposure risk affects many professional categories such as healthcare workers, hairdressers, bakers, cleaning and kitchen employees. The economical burden of occupational dermatitis (OD) is huge (greater than 5 billion Euro per year in Europe), comprising direct costs (treatment, compensation), as well as indirect costs due to sick leave and lack of productivity. A scientifically based preventive program consisting of skin protection during work, cleaning and skin care after work has generally been recommended to prevent occupational contact dermatitis. However the rate of reported occupational skin diseases seems unchanged in the recent years. In cases of impaired skin condition the secondary prevention (i.e. therapeutic treatment by dermatologists and health-educational intervention seminars) is fundamental. For cases of occupational dermatoses in which these outpatient prevention measures are not successful, interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation measures have been developed (tertiary individual prevention). In the past years, various pilot-concepts to improve occupational dermatitis prevention have been successfully put into practice focussing on interdisciplinary (dermatological and educational) skin protection training programmes for high-risk professions. Currently a multi-step intervention approach is implemented which is aiming at offering quick preventive help at all levels of severity of occupational contact dermatitis. Recent data reveals that there are reliable evidence-based options for multidisciplinary prevention and patient management of occupational dermatitis using a combined approach by a network of clinics, practices and statutory social insurance bodies. At this stage, it seemed reasonable to form a European joint initiative for skin prevention. Recently a European network of preventive dermatology (European Initiative for the Prevention of Occupational Skin Diseases-EPOS) has been organized based on the German experience in the specific field.

[Diagnosis of occupational skin diseases]

Occupational skin diseases (mainly irritative and allergic contact dermatitis) are a significant part of occupational diseases. The economical burden of occupational skin diseases (OSD) is huge comprising direct costs (treatment, compensation) as well as indirect costs due to sick leave and lack of productivity. The management of a case of OSD is complex requiring different steps ranging from diagnosis to prevention, through interpretation of patch tests and outpatient treatment and involving an interdisciplinary approach. Patch tests alone cannot prove the allergic origin of OSD because positive results can be referred to a previous contact dermatitis and negative ones may simply be apparent.

[SIMLII guidelines on workplace health promotion]

Interventions of health promotion (HP) with the best evidence of effectiveness are reported in literature. However nothing is said about how to apply these interventions in the local specific situations. On the other hand in literature the role of the occupational physician in workplace HP is not highlighted. Currently there is a substantial amount of knowledge on effective HP interventions that meets internationally accepted criteria, but at least in our country it is not systematically applied. While several databases provide useful information on different HP programs, the Cochrane Collaboration systematic reviews should be considered the most reliable source.

[Acute inorganic lead poisoning in workers employed on building renovation]

BACKGROUND

Occupationally, there are a number of work processes that constitute a long-term risk as sources of exposure to lead. In these processes the presence of lead is not evident but represents a hidden risk of poisoning.

OBJECTIVES

Study of two cases of hidden exposure to lead that were discovered during renovation work on a historical building.

METHODS

Acute lead poisoning symptoms appeared in the 2 workers. The current protocol for treatment of lead poisoning was applied, which consisted in administration of a chelating agent (EDTA), with subsequent monitoring of indicators of dose (PbB. blood lead level, PbU: urinary lead level) and indicators of effect (erythrocyte Protoporphyrin IX, urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA-U), urinary coproporphyrins).

RESULTS

The lead colic and anaemia appeared at PbB values (102 microg/dl e 104 microg/dl) that were higher than the PbB action value (40 microg/dl) and higher than the limit value (60 microg/dl).

CONCLUSIONS

The gravity of the symptoms, the high number of persons potentially involved, the difficulty of reclamation and probable urban contamination, with relative consequences concerning particularly infants and women infertile age, are sufficient grounds to require effective legislative action and improvement in the services available at the hospitals involved.

[Asthma induced by chloramine T in nurses: case report]

BACKGROUND

Chloramine T is used in hospitals as a disinfectant and for sterilization of endoscopy instruments.

OBJECTIVES

A case of a nurse suffering from asthma due to Chloramine T is presented in order to focus attention on this occupational disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The patient (male, 43 years) had been a nurse since 1993, working in various departments and operating rooms where he was exposed to glutaraldehyde and Chloramine T to disinfect surgical and endoscopy instruments. In 2007 he noticed the beginning of asthmatic reactions after exposure to the disinfectant. Skin tests with common allergens gave positive reactions and a skin test with Chloramine T gave a positive result. An inhalation test with glutaraldehyde gave negative results for both asthma and rhinitis. During the inhalation test with Chloramine T 0.5%, a significant biphasic decrease in FEVI was observed. The score of subjective symptoms for rhinitis was negative,

CONCLUSIONS

The case confirms the current difficulty in diagnosing occupational asthma due to Chloramine T in health care workers, which is due to the frequent presence of late reactions and to exposure to several respiratory allergens and irritants in the workplace. The specific inhalation challenge is thus confirmed as the gold standard for the diagnosis of asthma induced by Chloramine T and in occupational asthma in general. It may very well be that the frequency of occupational asthma due to sensitization to Chloramine T in nurses is underestimated.

Isolation of an antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal flavanone from the leaves of Baccharis retusa DC. (Asteraceae)

In the course of selection of new bioactive compounds from Brazilian flora, the crude MeOH extract from the leaves of Baccharis retusa DC. (Asteraceae) showed potential against Leishmania sp. and Trypanosoma cruzi. Chromatographic fractionation of the dichloromethane phase from MeOH extract yielded great amounts of the bioactive derivative, which was characterized as 5,6,7-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavanone. The structure of this compound was established on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis, mainly nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry.

The 2008 ICOH Workshop on Skin Notation

BACKGROUND

On 29 March 2008 the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) Scientific Committee on Occupational and Environmental Dermatoses organized a Skin Notation Workshop hosted by the 11th International Percutaneous Penetration Perspectives Conference (La Grande Motte, France). Skin notation (S) was chosen as a topic for discussion because this is the only example of existing regulation in the field of dermal risk assessment. The issue was discussed in a previous workshop held in Siena, Italy in 2006 with the objective of focussing on the problems related to S, the different assignment criteria and the attempts to improve the S system made by various international and governmental agencies. A position paper was subsequently published.

OBJECTIVES

The workshop in France was a continuation of this activity with the aim of evaluating how the different strategies can improve S.

METHODS AND DISCUSSION

The Workshop was divided into two sessions. The first was dedicated to lectures focused on different aspects of S. In the second session participants discussed key issues with the aim of exploring the actions needed to improve international S. systems.

[Working hypothesis of simplified techniques for the first mapping of occupational hazards in handicrafts. Part two: physical and chemical risks]

Craft features a strong link with tradition which preserves and perpetuates techniques created and consolidated over time, in a particular historical, cultural and geographical situation. Italy is home to excellent craftsmanship: fashion, furniture, giftware, design. The framework law for the craft n. 433/1985 defines the craft business carried on by the craftsman for a predominant objective of producing goods, including semi-finished or services. The D.L.gs 81/2008 defines the manner in which the employer must conduct risk assessment in the workplace and process the risk assessment document. The aim of the study is to provide employers with a simple methodology that allows the drafting of the first mapping of hazards/dangers identificating risk sources in the working process. The developed methodology is expressed as a model of information gathering, which brings to a first overview of all major risk indicators that may arise in the craftsmanship.