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Rodrigues ÉF, Fachin AL, Marins M, Stabeli RG, Beleboni RO. Challenges in recombinant brain-derived neurotrophic factor production. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:522-525. [PMID: 38008688 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin of marked commercial, scientific, diagnostic, and therapeutic interest. The preservation of its structural cystine-knot is the main challenge in its industrial production. A suitable expression system is critical to achieve the most efficient production of bioactive and stable BDNF for pharmaceutical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éllen F Rodrigues
- Biotechnology Unit, University of Ribeirão Preto/UNAERP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana L Fachin
- Biotechnology Unit, University of Ribeirão Preto/UNAERP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Medicine School, University of Ribeirão Preto/UNAERP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Mozart Marins
- Biotechnology Unit, University of Ribeirão Preto/UNAERP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Medicine School, University of Ribeirão Preto/UNAERP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Pharmacy School, University of Ribeirão Preto/UNAERP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo G Stabeli
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation/Fiocruz-SP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Renê O Beleboni
- Biotechnology Unit, University of Ribeirão Preto/UNAERP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Medicine School, University of Ribeirão Preto/UNAERP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Pharmacy School, University of Ribeirão Preto/UNAERP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Beleboni RO, Mortari MR, Melo-Thomas L, Coimbra NC. Editorial: Classical and Modern Biotechnology Applied to the Treatment of Epilepsy and Anxiety Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:824986. [PMID: 35095534 PMCID: PMC8795762 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.824986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R O Beleboni
- Biotechnology Department, School of Medicine, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - M R Mortari
- IB-CFS, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - N C Coimbra
- FMRP-USP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Dos Reis SL, Gelfuso EA, Fachin AL, Pereira AMS, Beleboni RO. Pharmacological characterisation of anticonvulsant effects elicited by erythrartine. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 73:93-97. [PMID: 33791806 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The erythrinan alkaloids erythravine and 11α-hydroxy-erythravine from Erythrina verna (Vell.) have been extensively investigated for their anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects. Both are structurally similar to the erythrartine that also exhibit anxiolytic effects, but there is no report on its anticonvulsant potential. Since some anxiolytic drugs can be useful in the management of epileptic seizures, we investigated whether erythrartine could prevent seizures induced by different chemoconvulsants. METHODS Experiments were performed using different concentrations of erythrartine injected via intracerebroventricular in rats submitted to pilocarpine, kainic acid, pentylenetetrazol or picrotoxin-induced seizures. Moreover, the rotarod test was performed to verify the effects of erythrartine on animal motor coordination. RESULTS Our data showed for the first time that erythrartine prevented the occurrence of seizures induced by all of the chemoconvulsants tested and did not affect locomotor performance neither produced sedative effect on animals. CONCLUSION Obtained results validate the ethnopharmacological significance of E. verna and provide new information on erythrartine, another erythrinian alkaloid of biotechnological and medicinal interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erica A Gelfuso
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- CHU Rennes, Inserm, LTSI (Laboratoire de Traitement du Signal de l'Image), France
| | - Ana Lúcia Fachin
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- School of Medicine, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Renê O Beleboni
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- School of Medicine, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Gelfuso EA, Reis SL, Aguiar DSR, Faggion SA, Gomes FMM, Galan DT, Peigneur S, Pereira AMS, Mortari MR, Cunha AOS, Tytgat J, Beleboni RO. New insights in the mode of action of (+)-erythravine and (+)-11α-hydroxy-erythravine alkaloids. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 885:173390. [PMID: 32735983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Erythrinian alkaloids ((+)-erythravine and (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine) have been pointed as the main responsible agents for the anticonvulsant and anxiolytic properties of Erythrina mulungu Mart ex Benth. The present work provides a new set of information about the mode of action of these alkaloids by the use of a complementary approach of neurochemical and electrophysiological assays. We propose here that the antiepileptic and anxiolytic properties exhibited by both alkaloids appear not to be related to the inhibition of glutamate binding or GABA uptake, or even to the increase of glutamate uptake or GABA binding, as investigated here by the use of rat cortical synaptosomes. Similarly, and even in a high concentration, (+)-erythravine and (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine did not modulate the main sodium and potassium channel isoforms checked by the use of voltage-clamp studies on Xenopus laevis oocytes. However, unlike (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine, which presented a little effect, it was possible to observe that the (+)-erythravine alkaloid produced a significant inhibitory modulation on α4β2, α4β4 and α7 isoforms of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors also checked by the use of voltage-clamp studies, which could explain at least partially its anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties. Since (+)-11-α-hydroxy-erythravine and (+)-erythravine modulated nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to different extents, it is possible to reinforce that small differences between the chemical structure of these alkaloids can affect the selectivity and affinity of target-ligand interactions, conferring distinct potency and/or pharmacological properties to them, as previously suggested by differential experimental comparison between different erythrinian alkaloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A Gelfuso
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, LTSI (Laboratoire de Traitement du Signal et de l'Image), UMR-1099, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Suelen L Reis
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Daiane S R Aguiar
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Silmara A Faggion
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávia M M Gomes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Diogo T Galan
- Toxicology and Pharmacology - University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology - University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana M S Pereira
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia R Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Alexandra O S Cunha
- Department of Physiology, FMRP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology - University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Renê O Beleboni
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; School of Medicine, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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de Oliveira DD, da Silva CP, Iglesias BB, Beleboni RO. Vitexin Possesses Anticonvulsant and Anxiolytic-Like Effects in Murine Animal Models. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1181. [PMID: 32848784 PMCID: PMC7431698 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Different types of epilepsy and forms of pathological anxiety have been described as significant neurological disorders that may exist as comorbidities. Some of those disorders share the association of affected limbic areas/neuropathological triggers as well as the use of drugs for their clinical management. The aim of this work was to investigate the anticonvulsant and anxiolytic properties of the vitexin (apigenin-8-C-glucoside), since this compound is a flavonoid usually found as one of the major constituents in several medicinal plants claimed as anxiolytics and/or anticonvulsants. This investigation was performed by the use of a series of classical murine animal models of chemically induced-seizures and of anxiety-related tests (open-field, elevated plus-maze, and light-dark box tests). Here, we show that the systemic administration of vitexin (1.25; 2.5 and 5 mg/kg; i.p.) exhibited selective protection against chemically-induced seizures. Vitexin did not block seizures evoked by glutamate receptors agonists (NMDA and kainic acid), and it did not interfere with the latencies for these seizures. Conversely, the same treatments protected the animals in a dose-dependent manner against the seizures evoked by the Gabaergic antagonists picrotoxin and PTZ and rise the latency time for the first seizure on non-protected animals. The higher dose of vitexin protected 100% of animals against the tonic-clonic seizures triggered by GABA antagonists. The results from open-field, elevated plus-maze, and light-dark box tests indicated the anxiolytic properties of vitexin at similar range of doses described for the anticonvulsant action screening. Furthermore, these results pointed that vitexin did not cause sedation or locomotor impairment on animals. The selective action of vitexin against picrotoxin and PTZ may reinforce the hypothesis by which this compound acts mainly by the modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission and/or related pathways. This could be useful to explain the dual activity of vitexin as anticonvulsant and anxiolytic, and highlight the pharmacological interest on this promising flavonoid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Renê O. Beleboni
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- School of Medicine, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Pizzo AB, Beleboni RO, Gomes Carolino RO, de Oliveira L, Miranda A, Coutinho-Netto J, Fontana ACK, Dos Santos WF. Isolation and chemical characterization of agelaiatoxin8 (AvTx8) from Agelaia vicina wasp venom and its biological effects on GABA neurotransmission. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2017. [PMID: 28621878 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms are sources of molecules that may be useful tools to investigate molecular mechanisms of putative new medicines and laboratory drugs. Here we show the effects of the compound agelaiatoxin-8 (AVTx8), isolated from Agelaia vicina venom, on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in rat brain synaptosomes. Analysis reveals that AvTx8 is composed by 14 amino acid residues with a molecular weight (MW) of 1567 Da. AvTx8 increased GABA release and inhibited GABA uptake in synaptosomes from rat cerebral cortex. AvTx8 inhibited GABA uptake and increased GABA release in the presence of Ca+ , Na+ , and K+ channel blockers, suggesting that it acts directly on GABA transporters. In addition, AvTx8 significantly decreases GABA binding in synaptic membranes from rat brain cortex, suggesting that it also modulates the activity of GABA receptors. Moreover, AvTx8 decreased GAT-1- and GAT-3-mediated GABA uptake in transfected COS-7 cells. Accordingly, we suggest that AvTx8 modulates GABA neurotransmission and might provide a novel entry point for identifying a new class of GABA-modulating neuroprotective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea B Pizzo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Renê O Beleboni
- Biotecnology Department, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto (UNAERP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ruither O Gomes Carolino
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology,Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luciana de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joaquim Coutinho-Netto
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology,Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Andréia C K Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wagner Ferreira Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Arevabini C, Crivelenti YD, de Abreu MH, Bitencourt TA, Santos MFC, Berlinck RGS, Hajdu E, Beleboni RO, Fachin AL, Marins M. Antifungal Activity of Metabolites from the Marine Sponges Amphimedon sp. and Monanchora arbuscula against Aspergillus flavus Strains Isolated from Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea). Nat Prod Commun 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1400900111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Contamination of preharvest and stored peanuts ( Arachis hypogaea L.) by aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus is an important economical and food safety problem in many tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The present investigation reports the antifungal activity of a halitoxins/amphitoxins enriched extract obtained from the sponge Amphimedon sp. (HAEEAsp), and of batzelladine L isolated from the sponge Monanchora arbuscula on Aspergillus flavus isolated from stored peanuts. A PCR system directed against the ITS region and aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway genes of A. flavus was applied for identification of aflatoxin producing strains. The HAEEAsp extract and batzelladine L showed minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the range between 1.9 to 15.6 μg/mL and between 1.9 to 7.8 μg/mL, respectively. The minimal fungicide concentration (MFC) of HAEEAsp extract and batzelladine L was in the range between 3.9 to 31.3 μg/mL and 3.9 to 15.6 μg/mL, respectively. These results indicate that these marine alkaloids may be further explored for the development of potential lead compounds active against aflatoxigenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Arevabini
- Unidade de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, CEP 14096–900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Yasmin D. Crivelenti
- Unidade de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, CEP 14096–900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana H. de Abreu
- Unidade de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, CEP 14096–900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Tamires A. Bitencourt
- Unidade de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, CEP 14096–900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Mário F. C. Santos
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 13560–970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto G. S. Berlinck
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 13560–970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Hajdu
- Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Quinta da Boa Vista, s/n, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renê O. Beleboni
- Unidade de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, CEP 14096–900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana L. Fachin
- Unidade de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, CEP 14096–900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Mozart Marins
- Unidade de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, CEP 14096–900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Arevabini C, Crivelenti YD, de Abreu MH, Bitencourt TA, Santos MFC, Berlinck RGS, Hajdu E, Beleboni RO, Fachin AL, Marins M. Antifungal activity of metabolites from the marine sponges Amphimedon sp. and Monanchora arbuscula against Aspergillus flavus strains isolated from peanuts (Arachis hypogaea). Nat Prod Commun 2014; 9:33-36. [PMID: 24660456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Contamination of preharvest and stored peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) by aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus is an important economical and food safety problem in many tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The present investigation reports the antifungal activity of a halitoxins/amphitoxins enriched extract obtained from the sponge Amphimedon sp. (HAEEAsp), and of batzelladine L isolated from the sponge Monanchora arbuscula on Aspergillus flavus isolated from stored peanuts. A PCR system directed against the ITS region and aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway genes of A. flavus was applied for identification of aflatoxin producing strains. The HAEEAsp extract and batzelladine L showed minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the range between 1.9 to 15.6 microg/mL and between 1.9 to 7.8 microg/mL, respectively. The minimal fungicide concentration (MFC) of HAEEAsp extract and batzelladine L was in the range between 3.9 to 31.3 microg/mL and 3.9 to 15.6 microg/mL, respectively. These results indicate that these marine alkaloids may be further explored for the development of potential lead compounds active against aflatoxigenic fungi.
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Silva G, Fachin AL, Beleboni RO, França SC, Marins M. In vitro action of flavonoids in the canine malignant histiocytic cell line DH82. Molecules 2013; 18:15448-63. [PMID: 24352006 PMCID: PMC6270055 DOI: 10.3390/molecules181215448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is commonly diagnosed in dogs over the age of 10 and is a leading cause of death due to the lack of effective drugs. Flavonoids possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties and have been studied as chemopreventive agents in human cancer therapy. However, the literature on dogs is sparse. In this study, we analyzed the effect of nine flavonoids on cell viability, DNA damage and topoisomerase IIa/IIb gene expression in a canine tumor cell line (DH82). Apigenin, luteolin, trans-chalcone and 4-methoxychalcone showed the highest degree of cytotoxicity in the absence of considerable DNA damage, whereas genistein exhibited low cytotoxicity but induced a high level of DNA damage. These five flavonoids inhibited topoisomerase IIa and IIb gene expression to variable extents and with variable specificity. Genistein exerted a lower inhibitory effect on the two topoisomerases than luteolin and apigenin. trans-Chalcone and 4-methoxychalcone exerted greater inhibition of topoisomerase IIa expression than topoisomerase IIb. The differences in the effects between genistein and luteolin and apigenin might be explained by the position of ring B, whereas the more specific effect of chalcones on topoisomerase IIa might be due to their open chain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mozart Marins
- Biotechnology Unit, University of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto 14096-900, SP, Brazil.
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Ferreira LE, Castro PMN, Chagas ACS, França SC, Beleboni RO. In vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous leaf extract of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) against Haemonchus contortus from sheep. Exp Parasitol 2013; 134:327-32. [PMID: 23583362 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Revised: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite the overall progress of sheep farming in Brazil, infections with the gastrointestinal parasite Haemonchus contortus represent one the most important problems in sheep production, aggravated by the increasing resistance of nematodes to traditional anthelmintic drugs caused by inadequate sheep flock management by breeders. Ethnopharmacological data indicate Annona muricata as a promising alternative for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes because of its general anthelmintic properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effects of A. muricata aqueous leaf extract against eggs, infective larvae and adult forms of parasitic nematode H. contortus. At higher doses, A. muricata extract showed 84.91% and 89.08% of efficacy in egg hatch test (EHT) and larval motility test (LMT), respectively. In the adult worm motility test, worms were completely immobilized within the first 6-8h of nematode exposition to different dilutions of extract. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of phenolic compounds in A. muricata aqueous leaf extract that may be responsible for the anthelmintic effects observed. Moreover those results validate the traditional use of A. muricata as a natural anthelmintic and then the pharmacological potential of its compounds for future in vivo investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Ferreira
- Unidade de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Gelfuso EA, Liberato JL, Cunha AOS, Mortari MR, Beleboni RO, Lopes NP, Dos Santos WF. Parawixin2, a novel non-selective GABA uptake inhibitor from Parawixia bistriata spider venom, inhibits pentylenetetrazole-induced chemical kindling in rats. Neurosci Lett 2013; 543:12-6. [PMID: 23562887 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.02.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aims of the present work were to investigate the effects of the repeated administration of Parawixin2 (2-amino-5-ureidopentanamide; formerly FrPbAII), a novel GABA and glycine uptake inhibitor, in rats submitted to PTZ-induced kindling. Wistar rats were randomly divided in groups (n=6-8) for different treatments. Systemic injections of PTZ were administered every 48 h in the dose of 33 mg/kg; i.p., that is sufficient to induce fully kindled seizures in saline i.c.v. treated rats in a short period of time (28 days). Treatments in two types of positive controls (diazepam - DZP and nipecotic acid - NA groups) consisted in daily systemic injections of DZP (2mg/kg; i.p.) or i.c.v. injections of NA (12 μg/μL), while in experimental groups in daily i.c.v. injections of different doses of Parawixin2 (0.15; 0.075; 0.015 μg/μL). Seizures were analyzed using the Lamberty & Klitgaard score and kindling was considered as established after at least three consecutive seizures of score 4 or 5. Cumulative seizure scores for each group were analyzed using repeated measures of ANOVA followed by Tukey test. PTZ induced 4 and 5-score seizures after 12 injections in saline treated rats, whereas daily injection of Parawixin2 inhibited the onset of seizures in a dose dependent manner. Also, the challenging administration of PTZ did not raise seizure score in animals treated with the highest dose of Parawixin2 or those treated with DZP or NA. These findings together with previous data from our laboratory show that Parawixin2 could be a useful probe to design new antiepileptic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A Gelfuso
- Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Department of Biology, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Guenka LC, Gomes RC, Melo VL, Kitanishi CRR, Pereira PS, França SC, Couto LB, Beleboni RO. Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of Zeyheria montana (Bignoniaceae) ethanol extract. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2009; 103:768-72. [PMID: 19148414 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762008000800004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2008] [Accepted: 11/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Zeyheria montana Mart. ethanol leaf extract were investigated at doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight. In the analgesic assay, against a chemical stimulus in mice, acetic acid-induced writhes were significantly inhibited by the extract at doses of 75 mg/kg (67.27%), 150 mg/kg (49.38%) and 300 mg/kg (82.87%). Also, a vigorous decrease in hyperalgesia was observed when measured after 2 h and 6 h of lipopolysaccharide stimulation of rats for all doses of extract tested. Z. montana extract, at doses of 75 and 300 mg/kg, caused very slight central analgesia in rats submitted to thermal stimulus, particularly noticeable at 30 min following treatment. The anti-inflammatory activity of Z. montana extract on carrageenan-induced oedema in rats was evaluated. The oedema development, measured at 180 min following carrageenan intraplantar injection, was significantly reduced by all tested doses: 75 mg/kg (33.30%), 150 mg/kg (45.80%) and 300 mg/kg (75.00%). The LD50 value was greater than 2000 mg/kg. These results demonstrated that the ethanol extract from Z. montana leaf possesses anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, which could be of relevance for the pharmacological control of pain and inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Guenka
- Unidade de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
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Carolino ROG, Beleboni RO, Pizzo AB, Vecchio FD, Garcia-Cairasco N, Moyses-Neto M, Santos WFD, Coutinho-Netto J. Convulsant activity and neurochemical alterations induced by a fraction obtained from fruit (Oxalidaceae: Geraniales). Neurochem Int 2005; 46:523-31. [PMID: 15843046 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2005.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2004] [Revised: 02/08/2005] [Accepted: 02/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We obtained a neurotoxic fraction (AcTx) from star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) and studied its effects on GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission systems. AcTx had no effect on GABA/glutamate uptake or release, or on glutamate binding. However, it specifically inhibited GABA binding in a concentration-dependent manner (IC(50)=0.89muM). Video-electroencephalogram recordings demonstrated that following cortical administration of AcTx, animals showed behavioral changes, including tonic-clonic seizures, evolving into status epilepticus, accompanied by cortical epileptiform activity. Chemical characterization of AcTx showed that this compound is a nonproteic molecule with a molecular weight less than 500, differing from oxalic acid. This neurotoxic fraction of star fruit may be considered a new tool for neurochemical and neuroethological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruither O G Carolino
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Pizzo AB, Beleboni RO, Fontana ACK, Ribeiro AM, Miranda A, Coutinho-Netto J, dos Santos WF. Characterization of the actions of AvTx 7 isolated fromAgelaia vicina (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) wasp venom on synaptosomal glutamate uptake and release. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2004; 18:61-8. [PMID: 15122647 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.20014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
It has previously been shown that the denatured crude extract of Agelaia vicina wasp venom inhibits glutamate and GABA uptake in rat cerebral cortex synaptosomes. To identify the components responsible for these effects, the neurotoxin AvTx 7 (molecular weight of 1210 Da) was isolated from A. vicina venom and its effects on glutamate neurotransmission investigated. AvTx 7 inhibits glutamate uptake in a dose-dependent and uncompetitive manner. AvTx 7 was found to stimulate the glutamate release in the presence of calcium and sodium channel blockers, suggesting that its action is not mediated through these channels. AvTx 7 potentiates glutamate release in the presence of K(+) channel blockers tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine, indicating that the toxin may act through these drugs-sensible K(+) channels. We suggest that AvTx 7 can be a valuable tool to enhance our understanding of K(+) channels' involvement in the release of glutamate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea B Pizzo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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