Effects of Myrcia pubipetala Miq (Myrtaceae) extract on innate inflammatory response

Myrcia is a genus widespread in South America with many species presenting anti-inflammatory and biological properties. We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of crude hydroalcoholic extract of Myrcia pubipetala leaves (CHE-MP) using macrophages (RAW 264.7), and the air pouch model in mice to evaluate leukocyte migration and mediator's release. Adhesion molecule expression, CD49 and CD18, was evaluated in neutrophils. In vitro, the CHE-MP significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels in the exudate and the supernatant culture. CHE-MP did not present cytotoxicity and modulated the percentage of positive neutrophils for CD18 and its expression per cell, without modifying the expression of CD49, which corroborated with significantly reduced neutrophil migration to inflammatory exudate and subcutaneous tissue. Taken together, the data demonstrate that CHE-MP presents a potential activity on innate inflammatory.

Immobilized acetylcholinesterase in magnetic nanoparticles for in-line inhibition studies using a capillary electrophoresis system

Enzyme assays can be performed with the capillary electrophoresis technique (CE) in many approaches, such as the immobilized enzyme micro-reactor. Acetylcholinesterase is a promising enzyme to be used when pursuing such a method, as it has already been explored in the proposal of similar methods of miniaturizing enzyme assays. The present work proposes a novel enzyme micro-reactor, based on the anchorage of the enzyme on magnetic nanoparticles of MnFe₂O_4, with chitosan and glutaraldehyde as the cross-linker in the capillary by means of an arrange of neodymium magnets. The calculated K_m of the enzyme evaluated by this method was 1.12 mmol L^-1, comparable to other studies in the literature that utilizes immobilized enzymes. Also, IC₅₀ for neostigmine was assessed in 3 different micro-reactors, with an average of 29.42 ± 3.88 μmol L^-1. In terms of the micro-reactor stability, it was possible to perform at least 25 experiments with assembled micro-reactor. The method was applied to hydroalcoholic extracts of 7 plant species. Plinia cauliflora had the best result, with 42.31 ± 6.81% of enzyme inhibition in a concentration of 100 mg L^-1.

GC-MS comparison of fatty acids profile of oils extracted from viscera of Tainha (Mugil liza) and Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

The commercial activity of the grey mullet (known as Tainha: TAI) and Tambaqui (TAM) generates tons of waste that can be turned into valuable resources. Therefore, this work aimed to chemically characterize and quantify the fatty acids profiles of the two fishes. GCMS quantification was performed by using calibration curves built from a standard that contains 19 FAME. The analysis revealed that visceral wastes from both fishes contain 16 fatty acids (FA) consisting of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA). However, their compositions were different as FA side chains in TAI and TAM contain 12 to 20 and 13 to 22 carbon atoms, respectively. Also, the SFA amount in TAI was greater than in TAM. On the other hand, TAM is richer in MUFA and PUFA compared to TAI. Both have similar chemical compositions of ω-3 and ω-6 in PUFA and ω-5, ω-7, and ω-9 in MUFA.

Kinetic Profile of Urine Metabolites after Acute Intake of a Phenolic Compounds-Rich Juice of Juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) and Antioxidant Capacity in Serum and Erythrocytes: A Human Study

The juçara palm tree produces a small spherical and black-purple fruit similar to açaí. It is rich in phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins. A clinical trial evaluated the absorption and excretion of the main bioactive compounds in urine and the antioxidant capacity in serum and erythrocytes of 10 healthy subjects after juçara juice intake. Blood samples were collected before (0.0 h) and 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h after a single dose (400 mL) of juçara juice, while urine was collected at baseline and 0-3 and 3-6 h after juice intake. Seven phenolic acids and conjugated phenolic acids were identified in urine deriving from the degradation of anthocyanins: protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, vanillic acid glucuronide, hippuric acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and ferulic acid derivative. In addition, kaempferol glucuronide was also found in urine as a metabolite of the parent compound in juçara juice. Juçara juice caused a decrease in the total oxidant status of serum after 0.5 h in comparison to baseline values (p < 0.05) and increased the phenolic acid metabolites excretion. This study shows the relationship between the production of metabolites of juçara juice and the total antioxidant status in human serum, indicating evidence of its antioxidant capacity.

HPLC-ESI-MS/MS phenolic profile of ‟Nanicão Corupá” (Musa acuminata)

Abstract “Nanicão Corupá” (Musa acuminata) comes from Southern Brazil. The tropical climate in the region provides unique characteristics, including a sweeter flavor. This difference resulted in a Geographical Indication Recognition and Designation of Origin, recognized by the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) in Brazil. Considering that “Nanicão Corupá” has some peculiarities related to the climate and there are no studies evaluating this banana cultivars, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the qualitative and quantitative phenolic composition of the aerial parts of “Nanicão Corupá” by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS in comparison to 46 commercial standards of phenolic compounds. Aerial parts (flower, leaves, fruit and stem) of “Nanicão Corupá” were collected and macerated in methanolic extracts, which were partitioned with solvents of different polarities (dichloromethane and ethyl acetate). The HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis was performed using the sample pre-treatment, chromatographic and mass spectrometer parameters. Results demonstrated that a total of 11 phenolic compounds were identified in the analyzed samples. The majority of compounds was identified in the ethyl acetate fraction (BFEF) of banana flowers: rutin (36.06 ± 0.23) and isoquercetin (28.83 ± 5). The compounds isoquercetin, naringerin and myricitrin were identified for the first time in the Musa genus.

Chitosan packaging functionalized with Cinnamodendron dinisii essential oil loaded zein: A proposal for meat conservation

The nanoencapsulation of essential oils for biodegradable films functionalization is a viable alternative for the production of active food packaging. In this study, the Cinnamodendron dinisii Schwanke essential oil was nanoencapsulated using zein as wall material, and applied in chitosan matrix to produce an active nanocomposite film packaging for food conservation. The chemical composition of the Cinnamodendron dinisii Schwanke essential oil showed a variety of unexplored bioactive compounds, and 1,8-cineole was the major compound. The oil nanoencapsulation produced stable and homogeneous nanoparticles with zeta potential close to 30 mV and polydispersity index lower than 0.2. The nanoparticles size showed a size variation between 70 and 110 nm. The chitosan films obtained functionalized with nanoparticles demonstrated antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity. The active packaging containing zein nanoparticles was efficient in the conservation of ground beef, stabilizing the deterioration reactions and preserving the color.

Phenolic compounds of Eugenia involucrata (Myrtaceae) extracts and associated antioxidant and inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase

Eugenia involucrata DC. (Myrtaceae), popularly known as "cereja-do-Rio-Grande", is a native tree from Brazil, popularly used as a hypoglycemiant. Crude hydroalcoholic extract (CHE) and fractions (insoluble (FI), dichloromethane (FDM), ethyl acetate (FEA) and butanol (FBu)) of leaves were assessed to determine the phenolic chemical composition by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. 10 compounds were identified, being 7 new for this species: rutin, isoquercitrin, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, mandelic acid, naringenin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and salicylic acid. Extract and fractions showed inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase (AchE) enzyme (best result: IC₅₀ = 44.19 µg mL^-1, for FEA) and α-glucosidase (α-Glu) (best result: IC₅₀ = 31.25 ± 0.15 µg mL^-1, for CHE). The observed antioxidant and inhibitory activity on the AchE and α-Glu is due to, at least in part, the presence of phenolic compounds in the samples.

Dual electrophoretically-mediated microanalysis in multiple injection mode for the simultaneous determination of acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase activity applied to selected polyphenols

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α-glucosidase (α-glu) are key target enzymes in the search for novel strategies in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and type II diabetes. Therefore, methods to assess the enzyme inhibition are of great value in the research field. Here is proposed a novel a dual electrophoretically-mediated microanalysis for the simultaneous determination of both enzymes' activity. In order to do so, the various solutions required for both assays were introduced in the capillary electrophoresis system using the multiple injections approach. Enzymatic kinetic parameters were tested, K_m for AChE and α-glu were 3.81 and 0.43 mmol L^-1. K_i values were 4.27 μmol L^-1 for neostigmine (an AChE inhibitor) and 0.40 mmol L^-1 for acarbose (an α-glu inhibitor). Results of IC₅₀ (concentration for 50% of inhibition) were 5.11 ± 0.47 μmol L^-1 and 0.58 ± 0,02 mmol L^-1 for neostigmine and acarbose, respectively. All parameters (except for K_i of neostigmine) were comparable with the literature, indicating a good reliability of the proposed method to evaluate these enzymes activity. Total time analysis was approximately 10 min, being possible to perform around 12 enzymatic assays per hour, with low sample and reagent consumption, thus satisfying some of the principles of green chemistry. The method was applied to evaluate 10 phenolic compounds, of wich p-coumaric acid showed the best inhibitory activity for AChE (40.14 ± 4.75% at 10 mg L^-1); and quercetin for α-glu (46.53 ± 4.90% at 10 mg L^-1).

Potentiometric titration of microhydrolysis products of oils: A new low-cost methodology and investment for the analysis of oil binders present in works of art

The analysis of oil paints present in historical paintings is commonly carried out for research, authenticity and forensic purposes. This paper proposes potentiometric titration and calculation of the fatty acids concentrations with the aid of the Best7 program as an alternative technique to characterize the oil binders used in works of art. The method involves determining the ratio between the levels of palmitic (P) and stearic (S) acids present in the microhydrolysis products of commercial oil binders and paints. The microhydrolysis products were characterized, using FTIR spectroscopy, by displacement of the carbonyl band and the pKa values for the C16 and C18 in the system studied were determined. The P/S ratios found for the microhydrolysis products of linseed, palm and nut oils were 1.65, 5.91 and 2.42, respectively. For the commercial paints analyzed, values ranging from 1.34 to 1.98 were obtained, characterizing the presence of linseed oil. The values were confirmed by GC-MS and are in agreement with those reported in the literature for the oils investigated in this study.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) juices improved HDL-c levels and antioxidant defense of healthy adults in a 4-week randomized cross-over study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of moderate-term açaí and juçara juice intake on fasting glucose, lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy subjects.

METHODS

A randomized cross-over study was performed with 30 healthy adults. The subjects were assigned to drink 200 mL/day of açaí or juçara juice for four weeks with a 4-week washout period. Before and after each nutritional intervention, blood samples were obtained to evaluate the outcomes: fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), small, dense LDL-c (sd-LDL-c), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), uric acid, and activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).

RESULTS

After four weeks, açaí and juçara juices increased the concentrations of HDL-c by 7.7% and 11.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, açaí juice intake promoted significant increases in TAC (66.7%), CAT (275.1%), GPx (15.3%), and a decrease in OSI (55.7%) compared to baseline (P < 0.05 for all). Juçara juice intake significantly increased CAT activity (~15.0%) in relation to baseline. No significant intergroup differences were observed for any outcomes (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated a positive impact of regular consumption of açaí and juçara juices on the HDL-c levels, as well as on the antioxidant enzyme activities, which may contribute to cardiovascular health.

Degradation of indigo carmine in water induced by non-thermal plasma, ozone and hydrogen peroxide: A comparative study and by-product identification

The non-thermal plasma (NTP) technique is an advanced oxidation technology (AOT) applied to the degradation of organic compounds in water. In this study, the degradation kinetics of indigo carmine was investigated systematically, applying N₂-NTP, O₂-NTP, ozonolysis and hydrogen peroxide and the results were compared. The transient species (OH, O and NO radicals) formed with the NTP discharge at the gas-liquid interface and their products (NO₃^-, NO₂^-, H₂O₂) stabilized by the water, were identified and quantified. These species contribute to the effects on the chemical characteristics of the water, such as a decrease in the pH and increase in the conductivity and redox potential. Additionally, the stabilization of the oxidative species was estimated from the degradation reactions induced by the post-discharge effect, which was significant in the case of N₂-NTP, due to the presence of long-lived species, such as nitrite and nitrate. The kinetics study revealed first-order kinetics for IC color removal and the rate constant values followed the order: O₂-NTP (3.0 × 10^-1 min^-1) > O₃ (1.4 × 10^-1 min^-1) > N₂-NTP (2.2 × 10^-2 min^-1) > H₂O₂ (negligible). Also the main by-products of N₂-NTP, O₂-NTP and ozonolysis degradation reaction were identified by ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The route fragmentation showed the formation of indole intermediates, such as isatin, which is an important precursor in organic synthesis.

Dataset about Southern-Brazilian geopropolis: Physical and chemical perspectives

The dataset showed in this manuscript belongs to the investigation of the Southern-Brazilian geopropolis of stingless bees. Stingless bees are native species of insects from tropical areas; they produce honey, pollen and geopropolis that is composed of a mix of vegetal extracts, digestive enzymes, and mostly by soil. Used in folk medicine as antiseptic, antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, the composition is due to bee species, climate changes, local flora, and soil type. Moreover, the complex chemical content gives to the geopropolis a bioactive potential, with scavenging characteristics that is important to avoid free radical damages in the human health.

Regarding the importance of exploring new natural matrices sources with bioactive potential, the first approach of chemical characterization of geopropolis is indispensable. Thus, ten samples of Southern-Brazilian geopropolis were analyzed and the bioactive responses obtained were discussed in the accompanying article titled “Southern-Brazilian geopropolis: A potential source of polyphenolic compounds and assessment of mineral composition”. Furthermore, the physicochemical analysis of moisture and ash content, the yield of extraction, the reducing activity and free radical scavenging potential of ethanolic extracts, the antimicrobial activity, and the analysis of HPLC-ESI-MS/MS chromatograms are the main data presented in brief. The data can guide scientists in order to know methods and data for these samples.

Quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in crude extracts of Myrcia splendens leaves by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS

Abstract Myrcia splendens is popularly known as “guamirim-de-folha-miúda”, and its occurrence ranges from Mexico to southern Brazil. The aim of this work was to identify and quantify phenolic compounds in the crude hydroalcoholic (EBH), ethyl acetate (EBAE) and dichloromethane (EBDM) extracts using the HPLC-ESI- MS/MS. In total, 15 compounds, including protocatecuic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, salicylic acid, isoquercetin, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, umbelliferone, coniferaldehyde, sinapaldehyde, carnosol, gallic acid, syringaldehyde, umbelliferone, coniferaldehyde, myricetin and kaempferol were identified. Ellagic acid was the major compound in all extracts.

Southern-Brazilian geopropolis: A potential source of polyphenolic compounds and assessment of mineral composition

Geopropolis is a stingless bee product compose mainly by soil, presenting complex composition geopropolis has bioactive compounds that will depend on geographical characteristics as well bee species, changing their chemical and biological properties. Thus the study aims to evaluate the solubility and chemical stability of geopropolis extracts, through radical capture capacity and reducing capacity. Besides, analysis of free and bonded phenolic compounds, and mineral composition. Geopropolis samples of Melipona mondury, Melipona quadrifasciata, Melipona scutellaris, Melipona seminigra and Tetragonisca angustula were analyzed. Both reducing compounds with a maximum of 2.96% GAE and free radical scavenging potential with a maximum of 5.84% AAE and 8.58% TE increases over 30 days of storage time. Also, methanolic extracts released at least 51% more reducing compounds and exhibited at least 27% more free radical scavenging potential in comparison to ethanolic extracts. The polyphenolic profile shows 31 compounds after acid and alkaline hydrolysis as cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, aromadendrin, vanillin. For the mineral composition, sixteen minerals were found among essential and non-essential, differentiating each sample by chemometric PCA and HCA analysis according to geographic region. Geopropolis is a potential source of natural compounds that could enhance food quality, increasing the bioactive content and preventing oxygen damages in foods, likewise for pharmacological application for healthcare.

Neuroprotective effect of juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) fruits extracts against glutamate-induced oxytosis in HT22 hippocampal cells

This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of juçara fruit extracts against glutamate-induced oxytosis in HT22 cells. Potential relationships between the extracts' polyphenolic composition and their protective/antioxidant capacities were also investigated. Experiments with the addition of either the crude methanolic extract or hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions 24 h before glutamate (pretreatment) and together with glutamate (co-treatment) were performed. At the concentration of 10 μg ml^-1, the hexane and dichloromethane fractions were able to protect cells, both in pretreatment and co-treatment. These fractions presented the highest number of quantified polyphenolics (24 and 21, respectively) although the total levels were 63-fold higher in the dichloromethane fraction. Syringaldehyde, vanillin and 4-aminobenzoic, cinnamic, salicylic and syringic acids were found only in these fractions. The dichloromethane fraction presented higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity, while the butanol and ethyl acetate fractions showed higher ferric reducing antioxidant power. These results suggest juçara fruits extracts as promising for the reduction of the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Determination of acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibition by electrophoretically-mediated microanalysis and phenolic profile by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS of fruit juices from Brazilian Myrtaceae Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel and Eugenia uniflora L

Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus are contemporary diseases of great concern. Phenolic compounds are linked to several health benefits and could lead to novel strategies to combat these ailments. The objective of this study was to evaluate by electrophoretically-mediated microanalysis the potential inhibitory activity of the fruit juices from Plinia cauliflora ("jaboticaba") and Eugenia uniflora ("pitanga") toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α-glucosidase, target enzymes in strategies for the treatment of these diseases. The phenolic profiles of the samples were also investigated. Jaboticaba and pitanga juices inhibited 85.90 ± 1.73 and 52.67 ± 1.24% of AChE activity at 5 mg mL^-1, and 57.91 ± 2.60 and 69.47 ± 2.89% of α-glucosidase activity at 1 mg mL^-1, respectively. Total phenolic content of the juices were 303.54 ± 28.28 and 367.00 ± 11.42 mgGA L^-1, respectively. The observed inhibitory activity can be explained, at least in part, by the presence of the phenolic compounds.

Antioxidant and antidepressant-like effects of Eugenia catharinensis D. Legrand in an animal model of depression induced by corticosterone

This work investigated the antioxidant and antidepressant-like effects of ethyl acetate extract from Eugenia catharinensis in mice treated with corticosterone (20 mg/Kg). The animals received saline or corticosterone (21 days) and, in the last 7 days, they were treated with the extract (50, 125, 200 or 250 mg/Kg) or vehicle. After 24 h, the mice were submitted to the open field and forced swimming tests, after which the hippocampus and cerebral cortex were removed. Our results showed that the extract decreased the immobility time of mice in the forced swimming test and that the extract was able to reverse the effect caused by corticosterone. Corticosterone pre-treatment generated oxidative stress, altering antioxidant enzymes in the nervous tissue. The extract increased the catalase and superoxide dismutase activities and reversed the effects of corticosterone. In the hippocampus, the extract increased superoxide dismutase activity and reversed the increase in catalase activity elicited by corticosterone. We propose that the effects elicited by the Eugenia catharinensis are dependent on the presence of phenolic compounds (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, syringic acid, 4-hydroxy methylbenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, salicylic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, isoquercetin, rutin, ferulic acid, aromadendrin, galangin and apigenin) in this extract, as demonstrated by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

Simultaneous analysis of spectinomycin, halquinol, zilpaterol, and melamine in feedingstuffs by ion-pair liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A method for the simultaneous analysis of veterinary drug residues (spectinomycin, halquinol, and zilpaterol) and contaminants (melamine) in feedingstuffs by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed. Method performance for all analytes was evaluated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography, reversed-phase with altered chemical equilibrium, and hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) as chromatographic modes. Validation was in accordance to Commission Decision 657/2002/CE, by considering the best chromatographic approach. Ion-pair liquid chromatography with C₁₈ as stationary phase led to the lowest random uncertainties, effective analyte separation and shorter time of analysis. Low precision deviations and good recovery rates were obtained and thus method reliability and sensitivity could be consolidated. Method applicability was evaluated by the analysis of samples of feedingstuffs, such as cattle, pig, and poultry feeds, feed ingredients of both animal and vegetable origins, and mineral feeds. Some samples showed quantifiable concentrations of halquinol and zilpaterol, reinforcing the importance of this new analytical control method.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction combined with sample preparation and analysis using LC-ESI-MS/MS allowed the identification of 24 new phenolic compounds in pecan nut shell [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh) C. Koch] extracts

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction combined with statistical tools (factorial design, response surface methodology and kinetics) were used to evaluate the effects of the experimental conditions of temperature, solid-to-solvent ratio, ethanol concentration and time for the extraction of the total phenolic content from pecan nut shells. The optimal conditions for the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extract (with 20% v/v of ethanol) were 60 and 80 °C; solid to solvent ratio of 30 mL·g^-1 (for both) and extraction time of 35 and 25 min, respectively. Using these optimize extraction conditions, 426 and 582 mg GAE·g^-1 of phenolic compounds, from the aqueous and hydroalcoholic phases respectively, were obtained. In addition, the analysis of the phenolic compounds using the LC-ESI-MS/MS system allowed the identification of 29 phenolic compounds, 24 of which had not been reported in literature for this raw material yet.

Insecticide activity of Baccharis dracunculifolia essential oil against Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

The ethnobotanical uses of Brazilian plants for different injuries and diseases conjoined with local rich biodiversity represent an important resource for research and development. This study aimed to characterise BDEO and its in vitro activity on the third instar larvae (L3) of Cochliomyia macellaria. Groups of 20 L3 were placed on filter paper impregnated with increasing concentrations of 5-30% (v/v), equivalent to 0.79-4.77 μL/cm², solubilised in ethanol or acetone. The major constituents of BDEO were β-pinene (9.94%), D-limonene (9.59%), β-nerolidol (7.93%), caryophyllene (7.69%), spathulenol (6.69), α-muurolene (6.74%) and α-pinene (5.31%). Lethal concentrations of 50% for BDEO on C. macellaria (LC₅₀) after 24 and 48 h of exposure were 2.63 and 2.47 μL/cm² for ethanol and 9.58 and 8.11 μL/cm² for acetone, respectively. Furthermore, larvae cuticle abnormalities and adult deformity were observed. Our data confirm the effectiveness of BDEO as an ecofriendly product against blowflies.

Effects of 1,3,5-triphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole derivatives on cell-cycle and apoptosis in human acute leukemia cell lines

Pyrazoline is an important 5-membered nitrogen heterocycle that has been extensively researched. Ten derivatives were synthesized and tested for antileukemic effects on 2 human acute leukemia cell lines, K562 and Jurkat. The most cytotoxic of these derivatives, compound 21, was chosen for investigation of cytotoxicity mechanisms. The results obtained with selectivity calculations revealed that compound 21 is more selective for acute leukemia (K562 and Jurkat cell lines) than for other tumor cell lines. Moreover, compound 21 was not cytotoxic to normal cell lines, indicating a potential use in clinical tests. Compound 21 caused a significant cell cycle arrest in the S-phase in Jurkat cells and increased the proportion of cells in the sub G0/G1 phase in both cell lines. Cells treated with compound 21 demonstrated morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis in the EB/AO assay, confirmed by externalization of phosphatidylserine by the annexin V – fluorescein isothiocyanate method and by DNA fragmentation. An investigation of cytotoxicity mechanisms suggests the involvement of an intrinsic apoptosis pathway due to mitochondrial damage and an increase in the ratio of mitochondrial Bax/Bcl2. Pyrazoline 21 obeyed Lipinski’s “rule of five” for drug-likeness. Based on these preliminary results, the antileukemic activity of compound 21 makes it a potential anticancer agent.

Sub-minute method for simultaneous determination of aspartame, cyclamate, acesulfame-K and saccharin in food and pharmaceutical samples by capillary zone electrophoresis

This paper reports the development of a sub-minute separation method by capillary zone electrophoresis for the determination of aspartame, cyclamate, acesulfame-K and saccharin in food products and pharmaceutical samples. Separations were performed in a fused uncoated silica capillary with UV detection at 220nm. Samples and standards were injected hydrodynamically using the short-end injection procedure. The electrophoretic system was operated under constant voltage of -30kV. The background electrolyte was composed of 45mmolL(-1) 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol and 15mmolL(-1) benzoic acid at pH 8.4. The separation time for all analytes was less than 1min. Evaluation of analytical parameters of the method showed good linearity (r(2)>0.9972), limit of detection of 3.3-6.4mgL(-1), intermediate precision better than 9.75% (peak area of sample) and recovery in the range of 91-117%.

Antioxidant intervention attenuates oxidative stress in children and teenagers with Down syndrome

We previously demonstrated that systemic oxidative stress is present in Down syndrome (DS) patients. In the present study we investigated the antioxidant status in the peripheral blood of DS children and teenagers comparing such status before and after an antioxidant supplementation. Oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated in the blood of DS patients (n=21) before and after a daily antioxidant intervention (vitamin E 400mg, C 500 mg) during 6 months. Healthy children (n=18) without DS were recruited as control group. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as the contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), uric acid, vitamin E, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and protein carbonyls (PC) were measured. Before the antioxidant therapy, DS patients presented decreased GST activity and GSH depletion; elevated SOD, CAT, GR, GGT and MPO activities; increased uric acid levels; while GPx and G6PD activities as well as vitamin E and TBARS levels were unaltered. After the antioxidant supplementation, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GGT and MPO activities were downregulated, while TBARS contents were strongly decreased in DS. Also, the antioxidant therapy did not change G6PD and GST activities as well as uric acid and PC levels, while it significantly increased GSH and vitamin E levels in DS patients. Our results clearly demonstrate that the antioxidant intervention with vitamins E and C attenuated the systemic oxidative damage present in DS patients.

Systemic administration of Rosmarinus officinalis attenuates the inflammatory response induced by carrageenan in the mouse model of pleurisy

Rosmarinus officinalis, also named rosemary, is a native plant from the Mediterranean region that is useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Studies using experimental models and/or in vitro tests have shown the important biological effects of rosemary. In this context, the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of rosemary must be investigated to support the discovery of new substances with anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of crude extract oil free obtained from the leaves of rosemary in an animal model of inflammation, thus evaluating its medicinal use for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Also its ethanol, hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions, as well as its isolated compounds carnosol and rosmarinic acid were analyzed. Swiss mice were used for the in vivo experiments. The effect of this herb on the inhibition of the leukocytes, exudation, myeloperoxidase, and adenosine-deaminase activities, nitrite/nitrate, interleukin 17A, and interleukin 10 levels and mRNA expression was determined. The crude extract and its derived fractions, in addition to its isolated compounds, inhibited leukocytes and decreased exudation and myeloperoxidase and adenosine-deaminase activities, as well as nitrite/nitrate and interleukin 17A levels and mRNA expression, besides increasing interleukin 10 levels and mRNA expression. Rosemary showed important anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting leukocytes and decreasing exudation. These effects were associated with a decrease in the proinflammatory parameters (myeloperoxidase, adenosine-deaminase, nitrite/nitrate, and interleukin 17A) and an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin 10). This study confirms the anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary and validates its use in folk medicine to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism and asthma.

Croton antisyphiliticus Mart. attenuates the inflammatory response to carrageenan-induced pleurisy in mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of the crude hydroalcoholic extract (CHE) from the aerial parts of Croton antisyphiliticus, its fractions and isolated compounds derived from it on the mouse model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan. The aerial parts of C. antisyphiliticus were dried, macerated and extracted with ethanol to obtain the CHE, which was fractionated by liquid-liquid extraction using solvents with increasing polarity to obtain hexane (Hex), ethyl acetate (EA) and aqueous (Aq) fractions. Vitexin and quinic acid were isolated from Aq fraction. Capillary electrophoresis analysis, physical characteristics and spectral data produced by infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H and (13)C NMR) and mass spectrometry analyses were used to identify and elucidate the structure of the isolated compounds. The experimental model of pleurisy was induced in mice by a single intrapleural injection of carrageenan (1 %). Leukocytes, exudate concentrations, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and adenosine-deaminase (ADA) activities and nitrate/nitrite (NOx), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) levels were determined in the pleural fluid leakage at 4 h after pleurisy induction. Animals pre-treated with CHE, Hex, EA, Aq, vitexin and quinic acid exhibited decreases in leukocytes, exudate concentrations, MPO and ADA activities and NOx levels (p < 0.05). Also CHE, Hex, EA and vitexin but not quinic acid inhibited TNF-α and IL-17 levels (p < 0.05). C. antisyphiliticus caused anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activated leukocytes, exudate concentrations, NOx, TNF-α, and IL-17 levels. The compounds vitexin and quinic acid may be responsible for this anti-inflammatory action.

Optimisation of a capillary zone electrophoresis methodology for simultaneous analysis of organic aliphatic acids in extracts of Brachiaria brizantha

INTRODUCTION

Aluminum toxicity is commonly verified in acidic soils, and poses a severe limitation to plant growth and development. Therefore, Al complexation by the root system mucilage, Al complexation by organic compounds that are exuded by the roots and internal metabolic processes must be monitored by organic acids (OA), since they play a central role in these aluminum tolerance mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE

To optimise a capillary zone electrophoresis method able to perform simultaneous separation of acetic, citric, formic, lactic, malic, oxalic, pyruvic, succinic, tartaric and aspartic acid in plant extract solutions.

METHODOLOGY

Method optimisation was achieved by a chemometric approach through experimental designs. The optimal condition found was: 20 mmol/L phthalic acid buffer; 0.8 mmol/L cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide; pH 3.4 adjusted with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (around 16 mmol/L); -15 kV of voltage; 25 °C of cartridge temperature; indirect ultraviolet detection at 240 nm; and 25 mbar injection for 2 s, within an analysis time of 4 min.

RESULTS

As a repeatability test of the optimal condition, 30 replicates were carried out with the same working electrolyte, where the relative standard deviation of each peak ranged from 0.081 to 0.36% (for migration time) and from 2.4 to 4.6% (for peak area).

CONCLUSION

The methodology was successfully applied to simultaneously determine citric, malic and aspartic acid in roots and leaves extract solutions of Brachiaria brizantha, demonstrating its usefulness to study aluminum tolerance.

Antiulcer effect of bark extract of Tabebuia avellanedae: activation of cell proliferation in gastric mucosa during the healing process

Tabebuia avellanedae (syn. Handroanthus impetiginosus) is popularly known as 'ipê-roxo' and has been used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatory and in the treatment of ulcers, bacterial and fungal infections. This study evaluated the gastric ulcer healing property of the ethanolic extract (EET) of barks from Tabebuia avellanedae and investigated the mechanisms that may underlie this effect. Rats were treated with EET (twice a day for 7 days) after induction of chronic gastric ulcers by 80% acetic acid. Following treatment, histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed in gastric ulcer tissues. Oral administration of EET (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced the gastric lesion induced by acetic acid in 44 and 36%, respectively. Histopathological evaluation demonstrated a contraction of gastric ulcer size, increase of mucus layer (periodic acid-Schiff stained mucin-like glycoproteins) and cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry) in animals treated with EET (100 and 300 mg/kg). The results demonstrate that EET significantly accelerates healing of acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats through increase of mucus content and cell proliferation, indicating a potential usefulness for treatment of peptic ulcer diseases.