Antidepressant and Antiaging Effects of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) in Mice

Pyroptosis in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and its Therapeutic Regulation

Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory form of cell death resulting from the activation of gasdermins (GSDMs) pore-forming proteins and the release of several pro-inflammatory factors. However, inflammasomes are the intracellular protein complexes that cleave gasdermin D (GSDMD), leading to the formation of robust cell membrane pores and the initiation of pyroptosis. Inflammasome activation and gasdermin-mediated membrane pore formation are the important intrinsic processes in the classical pyroptotic signaling pathway. Overactivation of the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome triggers pyroptosis and amplifies inflammation. Current evidence suggests that the overactivation of inflammasomes and pyroptosis may further induce the progression of cancers, nerve injury, inflammatory disorders and metabolic dysfunctions. Current evidence also indicates that pyroptosis-dependent cell death accelerates the progression of diabetes and its frequent consequences including diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Pyroptosis-mediated inflammatory reaction further exacerbates DPN-mediated CNS injury. Accumulating evidence shows that several molecular signaling mechanisms trigger pyroptosis in insulin-producing cells, further leading to the development of DPN. Numerous studies have suggested that certain natural compounds or drugs may possess promising pharmacological properties by modulating inflammasomes and pyroptosis, thereby offering potential preventive and practical therapeutic approaches for the treatment and management of DPN. This review elaborates on the underlying molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis and explores possible therapeutic strategies for regulating pyroptosis-regulated cell death in the pharmacological treatment of DPN.

Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) supplementation promotes histological and ultrastructural changes in rats' alveolar bone

The açai juice contains high concentrations of phenolic compounds, including cyanidin-3-glucoside and others flavonoids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of açai supplementation on healthy mandibular alveolar bone in male albino rats of the Wistar strain. 24 rats were divided into 3 groups, in which one group received a daily dose of saline solution and the other two groups were treated with daily doses of clarified açai juice for 14 or 28 days. After the experiment, hemimandibles were collected and analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), histological assessments, and micro-CT. Results showed changes in the integrity of the alveolar bone as seen in SEM, increased osteocyte density and higher collagen matrix area in the açai group compared to the control group as seen in histological analysis, and increased bone volume, trabecular thickness and number, and cortical bone as seen in micro-CT analysis. The space between bone trabeculae showed no difference among the groups. These results suggest that açai supplementation may have a structural change effect on alveolar bone, but further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans and to determine the exact mechanisms behind these effects.

Amazonian palm tree fruits: From nutritional value to diversity of new food products

The rapid growth of the world population has increased the demand for new food sources, constituting a major challenge concerning the maximum use of existing food resources. The fruits of Amazonian palm trees have excellent nutritional composition and bioactive compounds. This review highlights four fruits of Amazonian palm trees that are still little explored by the food industry: açai (Euterpe oleracea), pupunha (Bactris gasipaes), buriti (Mauritia flexuosa), and tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum). This paper aims to inspire new ideas for researching and developing products for the food industry. It also explores the impacts of Amazonian palm fruits on health, highlighting their role in disease prevention through their nutritional effects.

An integrative review of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea and Euterpe precatoria): Traditional uses, phytochemical composition, market trends, and emerging applications

The increasing trade and popularity of açaí prompt this review. Therefore, it is imperative to provide an overview of the fruit's characteristics and the available data on its marketing, research, and products derived from its pulp and seeds to comprehend the current state of the açaí industry. Concerning food applications, it was observed that there is still room for developing processes that effectively preserve the bioactive compounds of the fruit while also being economically feasible, which presents an opportunity for future research. A notable research trend has been focused on utilizing the fruit's seeds, a byproduct of açaí processing, which is still considered a significant technological challenge. Furthermore, the studies compiled in this review attest to the industry's considerable progress and ongoing efforts to demonstrate the various properties of açaí, driving the sector's exponential growth in Brazil and worldwide.

Development of alcohol vinegars macerated with ACAI (Euterpe precatoria Mart.) berries and their quality evaluations with emphasis on color, antioxidant capacity, and volatiles profile

In this work, the Amazonian native acai fruit, a superfruit recognized worldwide, was used through a simple operation of maceration in alcohol vinegar to transform it into an attractive and functional product containing the acai natural colorant and its bioactive compounds. The variables studied were the proportion of alcohol vinegar to acai (8:2 and 1:1) and maceration period (7, 14, and 21 days). The final vinegar was subjected to the determination of color parameters, antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS), total phenolics content (TPC), volatile compounds extracted by stir bar sorptive extraction and identified by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The alcohol vinegars macerated with acai presented the color according to the content of acai added and maceration period employed, whereas antioxidant capacity and TPC were comparable to vinegars elaborated from fruits and red wine. Sixty volatiles compounds classified into five chemical groups were identified. The principal volatile compounds which contributed to the aroma in the products were 3-methyl-1-butanol, phenylethyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, o-cymene, p-cymenene, isoamyl acetate, and ethyl acetate. The most attractive product regarding the parameters studied was obtained from the use of the proportion of 1:1 of alcohol vinegar:acai and maceration period of 14 days. This product retained the most similar color to acai in natura, the highest values for antioxidant capacity measured by ABTS and TPC while being rich in volatile compounds due to the contributions mainly of alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and terpenes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This work demonstrates the feasibility to produce an alcohol vinegar with an attractive color and functional properties by the addition of acai resulting in to a wide spectrum of chemical compounds of acai through a very simple operation of maceration during 14 days of a proportion of 1:1 of alcohol vinegar:acai.

Neuroprotective effects of açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) against diabetic retinopathy

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus describes a metabolic disorder of multiple etiologies, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which induces a series of molecular events capable of leading to microvascular damage, affecting the blood vessels of the retina, causing diabetic retinopathy. Studies indicate that oxidative stress plays a central role in complications involving diabetes. Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) has attracted much attention given its antioxidant capacity and potential associated health benefits in preventing oxidative stress, one of the causes of diabetic retinopathy. The objective of this work was to evaluate the possible protective effect of açaí (E. oleracea) on the retinal function of mice with induced diabetes, based on full field electroretinogram (ffERG). Methods: We opted for mouse models with induced diabetes by administration of a 2% alloxan aqueous solution and treatment with feed enriched with açaí pulp. The animals were divided into 4 groups: CTR (received commercial ration), DM (received commercial ration), DM + açaí (E. oleracea-enriched ration) and CTR + açaí (E. oleracea-enriched ration). The ffERG was recorded three times, 30, 45 and 60 days after diabetes induction, under scotopic and photopic conditions to access rod, mixed and cone responses, in addition to monitoring the weight and blood glucose of the animals during the study period. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-way ANOVA test with Tukey's post-test. Results: Our work obtained satisfactory results with the ffERG responses in diabetic animals treated with açaí, where it was observed that there was no significant decrease in the b wave ffERG amplitude of this group over time when compared to the results of the Diabetic group not treated with açaí, which showed a significant reduction of this ffERG component. Discussion: The results of the present study show, for the first time, that treatment with an açaí-enriched diet is effective against the decrease in the amplitude of visual electrophysiological responses in animals with induced diabetes, which opens a new horizon for the prevention of retinal damage in diabetic individuals from treatment with açaí base. However, it is worth mentioning that our findings consist of a preliminary study and further researches and clinical trials are needed to examine açaí potential as an alternative therapy for diabetic retinopathy.

Stress and Kynurenine-Inflammation Pathway in Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent disorders and causes severe damage to people's quality of life. Lifelong stress is one of the major villains in triggering MDD. Studies have shown that both stress and MDD, especially the more severe conditions of the disorder, are associated with inflammation and neuroinflammation and the relationship to an imbalance in tryptophan metabolism towards the kynurenine pathway (KP) through the enzymes indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which is mainly stimulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) which is activated primarily by glucocorticoids. Considering that several pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD underlie or interact with biological processes from KP metabolites, this chapter addresses and discusses the function of these mechanisms. Activities triggered by stress and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and immune and inflammatory processes, in addition to epigenetic phenomena and the gut-brain axis (GBA), are addressed. Finally, studies on the function and mechanisms of physical exercise in the KP metabolism and MDD are pointed out and discussed.

Is depression the missing link between inflammatory mediators and cancer?

Patients with cancer are at greater risk of developing depression in comparison to the general population and this is associated with serious adverse effects, such as poorer quality of life, worse prognosis and higher mortality. Although the relationship between depression and cancer is now well established, a common underlying pathophysiological mechanism between the two conditions is yet to be elucidated. Existing theories of depression, based on monoamine neurotransmitter system dysfunction, are insufficient as explanations of the disorder. Recent advances have implicated neuroinflammatory mechanisms in the etiology of depression and it has been demonstrated that inflammation at a peripheral level may be mirrored centrally in astrocytes and microglia serving to promote chronic levels of inflammation in the brain. Three major routes to depression in cancer in which proinflammatory mediators are implicated, seem likely. Activation of the kynurenine pathway involving cytokines, increases tryptophan catabolism, resulting in diminished levels of serotonin which is widely acknowledged as being the hallmark of depression. It also results in neurotoxic effects on brain regions thought to be involved in the evolution of major depression. Proinflammatory mediators also play a crucial role in impairing regulatory glucocorticoid mediated feedback of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is activated by stress and considered to be involved in both depression and cancer. The third route is via the glutamatergic pathway, whereby glutamate excitotoxicity may lead to depression associated with cancer. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these dysregulated and other newly emerging pathways may provide a rationale for therapeutic targeting, serving to improve the care of cancer patients.

Amazonian Guarana- and Açai-Conjugated Extracts Improve Scratched Fibroblast Healing and Eisenia fetida Surgical Tail Amputation by Modulating Oxidative Metabolism

Background

Previous studies have suggested that guarana (Paullinia cupana) and açai (Euterpe oleracea) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and proliferative properties, indicating their potential therapeutic action in wound healing. We produced a conjugated guarana-açai (GA) extract and tested its healing action on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) subjected to tail amputation by surgical incision.

Methods

Extract from roasted guarana seeds and fresh açai seed berries was produced. The antioxidant and genoprotective capacity of GA extract was tested. The concentration with the most remarkable healing potential was used in subsequent tests. The last three posterior segments of the clitellate earthworm tail reared under standardized conditions were surgically amputated. Next, topical PBS or GA extract was applied to the surgical wound. The rate of cell migration and tissue regeneration at the local wound site was histologically evaluated after the procedure. Expression of the SOX4 gene that acts in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition was determined by RT-qPCR.

Results

Sixteen bioactive molecules, including some previously described substances, were identified. All tested concentrations exhibited antioxidant and genoprotective effects. The GA extract accelerated the healing processes as observed through macroscopic and histological analyses and increased expression of SOX4.

Conclusion

The GA extract has a potential role in the healing of surgically induced wounds.

Extract of Euterpe oleracea Martius Stone Presents Anticonvulsive Activity via the GABAA Receptor

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases globally, resulting from a disorder in brain activity. This condition can be triggered by birth trauma, traumatic brain injury (TBI), infections of the brain and stroke. More than 70 million people suffer seizures caused by neurological abnormalities. Approximately 80% of all epileptic patients reside in low-income conditions or in developing countries, and over 75% of patients do not receive proper treatment. Our previous study found an anticonvulsant property of an extract of Euterpe oleracea stone (EEOS) that caused myorelaxation, sedation, and cardiac and respiratory depression after intraperitoneal administration. The present study investigated through electroencephalographic (EEG) profiling the anticonvulsant protective properties of EEOS in induced convulsing rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with EEOS (300 mg/kg), diazepam (DZP) (5 mg/kg), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) (60 mg/kg) and flumazenil (FMZ) (0.1 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal (i.p.). Electrodes implanted on the dura mater provided EEG data in which EEOS suppressed seizure deflagration caused by PTZ. In addition, EEOS presented no significant difference in comparison to DZP, which has the same mechanism of action. After FMZ injection, a GABAA receptor antagonist blocked the anticonvulsive effect in both the DZP and EEOS groups, suggesting that EEOS exerts it action on the GABAA receptor at the benzodiazepine (BDZ) subunit.

Neuroprotective activities of acai berries (Euterpe sp.): A review

Dietary interventions rich in fruits and vegetables in aging people can reverse or mitigate age-related cognitive declines, delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), and provide long-term health dividends. The novel food, popularly known as "Acai", is a berry belonging to the Euterpe genus of tropical palms trees and natively found in South America. Euterpe oleracea has been given much attention among scientists due to its high antioxidant capacity compared to other fruits and berries. Additionally, acai pulp composition analysis found that it contains various biologically active phytochemicals. In this review, we focused on current evidence relating to acai berry neuroprotection mechanisms and its efficacy in preventing or reversing neurodegeneration and age-related cognitive decline. A number of studies have illustrated the potential neuroprotective properties of acai berries. They have shown that their chemical extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and maintain proteins, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial function. Moreover, acai berry extract offers other neuromodulatory mechanisms, including anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and anti-aging properties. This neuromodulation gives valuable insights into the acai pulp and its considerable pharmacological potential on critical brain areas involved in memory and cognition. The isolated chemical matrix of acai berries could be a new substitute in research for NDD medicine development. However, due to the limited number of investigations, there is a need for further efforts to establish studies that enable progressing to clinical trials to consequently prove and ratify the therapeutic potential of this berry for several incurable NDDs.

Characterization of electrocorticographic, electromyographic and electrocardiographic recordings after the use of caffeine in Wistar rats

Objective:

To describe electrocorticographic, electromyographic and electrocardiographic profiles to report the electrophysiological effects of caffeine in Wistar rats.

Methods:

Male adult Wistar rats weighing 230g to 250g were used. Rats were allocated to one of two groups, as follows: Group 1, Control, intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline solution (n=27); and Group 2, treated with intraperitoneal injection of caffeine (50mg/kg; n=27). The rats were submitted to electrocorticographic, electromyographic and electrocardiographic assessment.

Results:

Brain oscillations (delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma) in the frequency range up to 40Hz varied after caffeine administration to rats. Powers in delta and theta oscillations ranges were preponderant. The contractile force of the skeletal striated and cardiac muscles increased. Electrocardiogram analysis revealed shorter RR, QRS and QT intervals under the effect of caffeine.

Conclusion:

In the central nervous system, there was an increase in the delta, theta and alpha amplitude spectrum, which are related to memory encoding and enhanced learning. With regard to skeletal muscle, increased contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle was demonstrated, a clear indication of how caffeine can be used to enhance performance of some physical activities. Electrocardiographic changes observed after caffeine administration are primarily related to increased heart rate and energy consumption.

Telomeres: the role of shortening and senescence in major depressive disorder and its therapeutic implications

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent and debilitating psychiatric disorders, with a large number of patients not showing an effective therapeutic response to available treatments. Several biopsychosocial factors, such as stress in childhood and throughout life, and factors related to biological aging, may increase the susceptibility to MDD development. Included in critical biological processes related to aging and underlying biological mechanisms associated with MDD is the shortening of telomeres and changes in telomerase activity. This comprehensive review discusses studies that assessed the length of telomeres or telomerase activity and function in peripheral blood cells and brain tissues of MDD individuals. Also, results from in vitro protocols and animal models of stress and depressive-like behaviors were included. We also expand our discussion to include the role of telomere biology as it relates to other relevant biological mechanisms, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, oxidative stress, inflammation, genetics, and epigenetic changes. In the text and the discussion, conflicting results in the literature were observed, especially considering the size of telomeres in the central nervous system, on which there are different protocols with divergent results in the literature. Finally, the context of this review is considering cell signaling, transcription factors, and neurotransmission, which are involved in MDD and can be underlying to senescence, telomere shortening, and telomerase functions.

Amazon-derived nutraceuticals: Promises to mitigate chronic inflammatory states and neuroinflammation

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

Eating in the Amazon: Nutritional Status of the Riverine Populations and Possible Nudge Interventions

The Amazon is the largest tropical forest in the world and a source of healthy food, such as fruits and fish. Surprisingly, the Amazonian riverine population present an increased prevalence (as high as 58%) of non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension and insulin resistance, even higher than that described for the urban population of the Amazon. Therefore, this work aimed to analyze the nutritional status and associated risk of the riverine population. Body mass index, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio, and neck circumference (NC) were evaluated, and risk analysis was assayed. Furthermore, data about occupation and the prevalence of consumers of the different groups of food were analyzed. All anthropometric parameters revealed high proportions of individuals at risk, WC and NC being the factors that had more high-risk women and men, respectively. Our data confirmed the characteristic profile of the riverine communities with a high number of fish consumers, but also observed different patterns probably associated to a phenomenon of nutrition transition. Based on our data, some nudge interventions that take into account the principles of behavior analysis are discussed and proposed for these populations, aiming to improve the nutritional status and avoid the long-term consequences of the results showed by this work.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) presents anti-neuroinflammatory capacity in LPS-activated microglia cells

INTRODUCTION

Neuropsychiatric diseases are responsible for one of the highest burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Individuals affected by these diseases may present mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Additionally, patients also have increased peripheral and neural chronic inflammation. The Brazilian fruit, açaí, has been demonstrated to be a neuroprotective agent through its recovery of mitochondrial complex I activity. This extract has previously shown anti-inflammatory effects in inflammatory cells. However, there is a lack of understanding of potential anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms, such as cell cycle involvement.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of an açaí extract in lipopolysaccharide-activated BV-2 microglia cells.

METHODS

Açaí extract was produced and characterized through high performance liquid chromatography. Following açaí extraction and characterization, BV-2 microglia cells were activated with LPS and a dose-response curve was generated to select the most effective açaí dose to reduce cellular proliferation. This dose was then used to assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, double-strand DNA release, cell cycle modulation, and cytokine and caspase protein expression.

RESULTS

Characterization of the açaí extract revealed 10 bioactive molecules. The extract reduced cellular proliferation, ROS production, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and caspase 1 protein expression under 1 μg/mL in LPS-activated BV-2 microglia cells but had no effect on double strand DNA release. Additionally, açaí treatment caused cell cycle arrest, specifically within synthesis and G2/Mitosis phases.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the freeze-dried hydroalcoholic açaí extract presents high anti-neuroinflammatory potential.

Evaluation of the anti-aging and antioxidant action of Ananas sativa and Moringa oleifera in a fruit fly model organism

aging is an inevitable biological complex process. It involves the gradual loss of cellular vitality due to accumulative damage to cellular macromolecules by reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS are highly implicated in health, disease, and lifespan. The biochemical pathways involved in the aging process are highly influenced by both exogenous (environmental factors) and endogenous stress factors. These cellular processes are the same in most organisms including the fruit fly, nematode, yeast, mammalian cell line, and rodents. These model organisms have been extensively used in the screening of potent antioxidant botanicals for anti-aging bioactivity. Moringa oleifera and Ananas sativa are great sources of health-promoting nutrients and antioxidants, however, their anti-aging impact is still an evolving area of research interest. Therefore, this review focused on their anti-aging mode of action and some other anti-aging nutriceuticals in different model organisms including the fruit fly. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Staying forever young and healthy is everyone's right. Aside from genetic trait, healthy feeding is peculiar to the world's longest-living people. Ananas sativa (pineapple) and Moringa oleifera leaves are highly valued fruit and herb with nourishing, antioxidant, and medicinal properties. Their extract exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activities. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans used Moringa seed oil for cosmetics and perfumes. Moringa tea leaves is consumed for its nutritive and medicinal value. Its antioxidant potency endorses its use for anti-aging and other health-promoting purposes. The bioactive compound in pineapple, bromelain, promotes wound healing and it is a component of postsurgical applications due to its anti-inflammatory property. Consumption of Ananas fruit provides the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant. To identify new anti-aging bioactive compounds of therapeutic importance, and understanding the mode of action of these nutriceuticals will contribute to new anti-aging research prospects.

Cyanidin-related antidepressant-like efficacy requires PI3K/AKT/FoxG1/FGF-2 pathway modulated enhancement of neuronal differentiation and dendritic maturation

BACKGROUND

Cyanidin (CY) is one of the most abundant anthocyanidins found in red-purple diet sources such as grapes, blueberries and purple corns. CY has been proven to exhibit a wide range of biological functions including antioxidant, antiviral, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

PURPOSE

This study investigated the anti-depressive activity of CY and its related mechanism.

METHODS

In the behavioral tests, CY-related effects on depressive symptoms were evaluated. Then the changes in PI3K/AKT/FOXG1/FGF-2 signaling and adult neurogenesis including doublecortin (DCX+) cell number, dendritic length, secondary and third dendrites number in the hippocampus were investigated by Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses. PI3K antagonist LY 294,002 was used to verify the unique impact of PI3K/AKT/FoxG1/FGF-2 signaling on CY-related antidepressant efficacy.

RESULTS

CY grossly reversed CUMS-induced behavioral defects, The DCX+ cell number and protein levels increased in CUMS mice receiving CY administration. LY 294,002 successfully blocked CY-induced improvements in depressive behaviors, neurogenesis, and protein levels in CUMS mice.

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrated that CY was efficacious in alleviating depression-like symptoms, which was dependent on PI3K/AKT/FoxG1/FGF-2 signaling-modulated neurogenesis enhancement.

The Use of Euterpe oleracea Mart. As a New Perspective for Disease Treatment and Prevention

Euterpe oleracea Mart. (EO), popularly known as açaí, belongs to the Arecaceae family and grows abundantly in Brazil. The fruit of this palm tree is widely used because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this review, a search for literature and patent technological prospecting has been performed on the use of EO to treat and prevent diseases as well as to prepare pharmaceutical formulations. EO leaves, fruits, and oil stand out for their large number of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, anticancer, anti-atherogenic, and healing activities, protection against metabolic syndromes such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, and protection of organs such as lung, kidney, liver, heart, and nervous system. While the phytochemical composition is intrinsically linked to identified biological activities, discoveries of the past decade concerning the use of this species have shown pharmacological alternatives mainly in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer and metabolic syndromes. Although studies and inventions on the use of EO though are believed to have been important in light of the pharmacological activities found, few clinical and toxicity tests have been performed. Nevertheless, with the increase of interest in EO, this species is believed to be only at the beginning of the breakthroughs in the development of promising products for the pharmaceutical industry.

Long-Term Treatment with Fluvoxamine Decreases Nonmotor Symptoms and Dopamine Depletion in a Postnatal Stress Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Nonmotor symptoms (NMS) such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive deficits are frequently observed in Parkinson's disease (PD) and precede the onset of motor symptoms by years. We have recently explored the short-term effects of Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) on dopaminergic neurons in a parkinsonian rat model. Here, we report the long-term effects of Fluvoxamine, on early-life stress-induced changes in the brain and behavior. We specifically evaluated the effects of Fluvoxamine on brain mechanisms that contribute to NMS associated with PD in a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model. A 14-day early postnatal maternal separation protocol was applied to model early-life stress followed by unilateral intracerebral infusion of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to model aspects of parkinsonism in rats. The anxiolytic, antidepressant, and cognitive effects of Fluvoxamine were confirmed using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test, sucrose preference test (SPT), and Morris water maze (MWM) test. Further to that, our results showed that animals exposed to early-life stress displayed increased plasma corticosterone and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels which were attenuated by Fluvoxamine treatment. A 6-OHDA lesion effect was evidenced by impairment in the limb-use asymmetry test as well as decreased dopamine (DA) and serotonin levels in the striatum, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. These effects were surprisingly attenuated by Fluvoxamine treatment in all treated rats. This study is the first to suggest that early and long-term treatment of neuropsychological diseases with Fluvoxamine may decrease the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons that degenerate in the course of PD.

Plant-Derived Bioactives and Oxidative Stress-Related Disorders: A Key Trend towards Healthy Aging and Longevity Promotion

Plants and their corresponding botanical preparations have been used for centuries due to their remarkable potential in both the treatment and prevention of oxidative stress-related disorders. Aging and aging-related diseases, like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders, which have increased exponentially, are intrinsically related with redox imbalance and oxidative stress. Hundreds of biologically active constituents are present in each whole plant matrix, providing promissory bioactive effects for human beings. Indeed, the worldwide population has devoted increased attention and preference for the use of medicinal plants for healthy aging and longevity promotion. In fact, plant-derived bioactives present a broad spectrum of biological effects, and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and, more recently, anti-aging effects, are considered to be a hot topic among the medical and scientific communities. Nonetheless, despite the numerous biological effects, it should not be forgotten that some bioactive molecules are prone to oxidation and can even exert pro-oxidant effects. In this sense, the objective of the present review is to provide a detailed overview of plant-derived bioactives in age-related disorders. Specifically, the role of phytochemicals as antioxidants and pro-oxidant agents is carefully addressed, as is their therapeutic relevance in longevity, aging-related disorders, and healthy-aging promotion. Finally, an eye-opening look into the overall evidence of plant compounds related to longevity is presented.

Towards Therapeutic Alternatives for Mercury Neurotoxicity in the Amazon: Unraveling the Pre-Clinical Effects of the Superfruit Açaí (Euterpe oleracea, Mart.) as Juice for Human Consumption

Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure is a serious problem of public health, especially in the Amazon. Exposure in riverine populations is responsible for neurobehavioral abnormalities. It was hypothesized that consumption of Amazonian fruits could protect by reducing mercury accumulation. This work analyzed the effects of commercial samples of Euterpe oleracea (EO) for human consumption (10 μL/g) against MeHg i.p. exposure (2.5 mg/Kg), using neurobehavioral (open field, rotarod and pole tests), biochemical (lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels), aging-related (telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) mRNA expression) and toxicokinetic (MeHg content) parameters in mice. Both the pole and rotarod tests were the most sensitive tests accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels in brains. MeHg reduced TERT mRNA about 50% demonstrating a strong pro-aging effect. The EO intake, similar to that of human populations, prevented all alterations, without changing the mercury content, but avoiding neurotoxicity and premature aging of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Contrary to the hypothesis found in the literature on the possible chelating properties of Amazonian fruits consumption, the effect of EO would be essentially pharmacodynamics, and possible mechanisms are discussed. Our data already support the regular consumption of EO as an excellent option for exposed Amazonian populations to have additional protection against MeHg intoxication.