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Context: Pelvic-drop exercises are often used to strengthen the gluteus medius (GM) muscle with the aim of increasing or prioritizing its recruitment. However, the effect of hip rotation on the performance of the action of the GM is unknown. Objective: To evaluate the effect of hip rotation on the recruitment of the GM, tensor fasciae latae (TFL), and quadratus lumborum (QL). Method: Seventeen healthy subjects performed 2 sets of 4 repetitions of pelvic-drop exercise in random order with pelvic-drop lateral, medial, and neutral rotation of the hip. Main Outcome Measures: The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the GM, TFL, and QL was evaluated using surface electromyography. Results: There were significant increases in the activation of the GM with medial and neutral rotation compared with lateral rotation (P = .03, P = .01, respectively), and there was no difference between medial and neutral rotation (P = 1.00). There was no difference in EMG activity of the TFL and QL in any of the positions. The GM:TFL ratio was the same in all analyzed positions. Regarding the GM:QL ratio, there was a significant increase with medial rotation compared with lateral rotation (P = .02). Conclusions: Pelvic-drop exercises are more efficient for activating the GM when the hip is in medial rotation and neutral position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People who are obese sustain very high foot pressures when standing, with potential consequences to their feet soles' cutaneous sensibility. In the current investigation, we performed a detailed assessment of foot sole sensibility in women with morbid obesity (n = 13; age = 38.85, SD = 8.09 years) status in comparison with leaner women (n = 13; age = 37.62, SD = 7.10 years). We estimated tactile feet sole sensibility through graduated monofilament light touch applied at several hotspots of both feet soles, covering the toes, metatarsal heads, midfoot internal and lateral arches, and heel. Intergroup comparisons per foot sole region indicated significantly lower sensibility for the group with morbid obesity under the fifth and third metatarsal heads, midfoot lateral and internal arches and heel. We found a large variation across the sole regions, with the lowest difference between the obese and lean groups observed under the hallux (18%) and the largest difference observed under the lateral arch of the midfoot (76%). Correlation analyses between body weight and sensibility scores revealed a significant positive correlation among participants who were leaner (r s = 0.56, p = 0.05) but not among participants who were obese (r s = –0.06, p = 0.83). Mainly, our results showed that morbid obesity was associated with significantly higher cutaneous sensibility thresholds, with large variability of the sensibility deficit across different regions of both feet soles. Due to its functional relevance for body balance control, reduced sensibility thresholds among women who are morbidly obese may have implications for stance stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 139 family caregivers in two community health center areas in the city of Belo Horizonte, located in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between level of care dependency and quality of life (QOL) of family caregivers. A socio-demographic questionnaire, the Barthel Index for assessing patients' care dependency level, and the World Health Organization's Quality of Life–BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) for evaluating family caregivers' QOL were used. Patients' care dependency level was not significantly associated with family caregivers' QOL. However, the QOL decreased when family caregivers had chronic disease and were dependent on public health care services, and increased when they received caregiver education and practiced a leisure activity. These factors are modifiable or controllable; therefore, family health nurses have an important role in formulating strategies to support family caregivers, especially those related to health education aimed at health care, health promotion, control, and prevention of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study was to verify the effects of a multisensory exercise programme on the cognition and functionality of institutionalized older adults. Methods: Forty‐five volunteers were randomly allocated to 2 groups, the multisensory exercise programme (n = 24) and the control group that received no treatment (n = 21). The programme consisted of 3 50‐min sessions of progressive exercises per week for 16 weeks that challenged their strength, balance, coordination, multisensory stimulation, and flexibility in different tasks. Cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), balance (Berg Scale), mobility (Timed Up and Go), and functional performance (Physical Performance Test) were measured preintervention and postintervention. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t test and 2‐way ANOVA. Results: The multisensory exercise programme showed statistically significant improvements (p < .05) on cognition (effect size [ES]: 0.92), balance (ES: 0.77), mobility (ES: 0.51), and functional performance (ES: 0.86) as compared with the control group, which showed no statistical significant differences at the postintervention time point. Conclusions: The multisensory exercise programme improved the cognition and functionality of institutionalized older adults. The introduction of a motor and multisensory‐based approach in care routines may improve residents' health and engagement to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Beneficial effects of green tea (GT) polyphenols against obesity have been reported. However, until this moment the molecular mechanisms of how green tea can modulate obesity and regulates fat metabolism, particularly in adipose tissue, remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of GT extract in the adipose tissue of obese animals and its effect on weight gain, metabolism and function (de novo lipogenesis and lipolysis), and the involvement of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Methods and results: Male Wistar rats were treated with GT by gavage (12 weeks/5 days/week; 500 mg/kg of body weight), and obesity was induced by cafeteria diet (8 weeks). Here, we show that obese rats treated with GT showed a significant reduction in indicators of obesity such as hyperlipidemia, fat synthesis, body weight, and fat depots as compared to those treated with standard control diet. AMPK was induced in adipose tissue in rats that were treated with GT and likely restored insulin sensitivity, increased mRNA expression of GLUT4, reducing the concentrations of plasma and liver lipid content, also stimulating fatty acid oxidation in the same tissue. Importantly, repression of de novo lipogenesis in the adipose tissue, reduced lipid droplets in the liver, and the development of insulin resistance in diet-induced obese rats were accompanied by AMPK activation. Conclusion: Our study identified that metabolic changes caused by GT intake induced AMPK activation and modulate the expression of genes involved in metabolism, particularly in adipose tissue, thus offering a therapeutic strategy to combat insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and obesity in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Therapeutic high-frequency ultrasound, microcurrent, and a combination of the two have been used as potential interventions in the soft tissue healing process, but little is known about their effect on the immune system. Objective: To evaluate the effects of therapeutic high frequency ultrasound, microcurrent, and the combined therapy of the two on the size of the wound area, peritoneal macrophage function, CD4+ and CD8+, T lymphocyte populations, and plasma concentration of interleukins (ILs). Method: Sixty-five Wistar rats were randomized into five groups, as follows: uninjured control (C, group 1), lesion and no treatment (L, group 2), lesion treated with ultrasound (LU, group 3), lesion treated with microcurrent (LM, group 4), and lesion treated with combined therapy (LUM, group 5). For groups 3,4 and 5, treatment was initiated 24 hours after surgery under anesthesia and each group was allocated into three different subgroups (n=5) to allow for the use of the different therapy resources at on days 3, 7 and 14 Photoplanimetry was performed daily. After euthanasia, blood was collected for immune analysis. Results: Ultrasound increased the phagocytic capacity and the production of nitric oxide by macrophages and induced the reduction of CD4+ cells, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and the plasma concentration of IL-1β. Microcurrent and combined therapy decreased the production of superoxide anion, nitric oxide, CD4+-positive cells, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and IL-1β concentration. Conclusions: Therapeutic high-frequency ultrasound, microcurrent, and combined therapy changed the activity of the innate and adaptive immune system during healing process but did not accelerate the closure of the wound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the acute cardiovascular responses during and after resistance exercise with and without whole-body vibration. Nineteen sedentary adults randomly performed one session of isometric squats without vibration and the same exercise with vibration. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were measured. SBP, DBP and HR were also measured for 20 min after the sessions. The exercise with vibration demonstrated significant values ​​(P< 0.05) for SBP (second to sixth sets), DBP (third to sixth sets) and SVR (second to sixth sets) compared with the exercise without vibration. After the sessions, the values ​​of SBP for both exercises were significantly lower than the respective resting values; with no difference between the sessions. In conclusion, exercise with vibration caused increases in SBP, DBP and SVR compared with exercise with no vibration in sedentary adults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study aimed to verify the factorial and internal validity of the Brazilian version of Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 (EMI-2) and compare the main reasons for exercise training considering the contexts of health clubs and personal training. A total of 588 exercisers of Pelotas city / RS / Brazil (405 from health clubs and 183 from personal training) filled the EMI-2, which consists of 51 items grouped into 14 motives (factors) for exercise. The factorial validity of the EMI-2 was tested by conducting confirmatory factorial analyzes and the internal validity by computing Cronbach's alpha. To verify the effect of the context on the motives it was used the MANOVA test and calculated the effect-size. The results obtained support the EMI-2 original structure of 14 factors in this sample. There was a significant mul-tivariate effect of the context on the motives for exercising [Wilks' λ = 0.912, F(14, 573.000) = 3.9, p < 0.001, η² = 0.088]. The motives of "Pleasure", "Strength and Endurance", "Challenge", "Socialization", "Competition" and "Social Recognition" were significantly higher in the context of health clubs and the motives of "Agility" and "Prevention of Diseases" were significantly higher in the context of personal training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of topical retinoids to treat skin disorders and ageing can induce local reactions, while oral retinoids are potent teratogens and produce several unwanted effects. This way, efforts to explore complementary care resources should be supported. Based on this, we evaluate the antiageing effects of a supercritical CO2 extract from Bidens pilosa L. (BPE-CO2A) containing a standardized multicomponent mixture of phytol, linolenic, palmitic, linoleic, and oleic acids. BPE-CO2A was assessed for its effects on human dermal fibroblasts (TGF-β1 and FGF levels using ELISA; collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan by colorimetric assays, and mRNA expression of RXR, RAR, and EGFr by qRT-PCR) and human skin fragments (RAR, RXR, collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan by immunohistochemical analysis). Levels of extracellular matrix elements, TGF-β1 and FGF, and EGFr gene expression were significantly increased by BPE-CO2A. The modulation of RXR and RAR was positively demonstrated after the treatment with BPE-CO2A or phytol, a component of BPE-CO2A. The effects produced by BPE-CO2A were similar to or better than those produced by retinol and retinoic acid. The ability to stimulate extracellular matrix elements, increase growth factors, and modulate retinoid and rexinoid receptors provides a basis for the development of preparation containing BPE-CO2A as an antiageing/skin-repair agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of antagonist passive static stretching (AS) during the inter-set rest period on repetition performance and muscle activation. Ten trained men (22.4 ± 0.9 years) participated in this study. Two protocols were adopted: Passive recovery (PR) – three sets to repetition failure were performed for the seated row (SR) with two-minute rest interval between sets without pre-exercise stretching; AS – forty seconds of stretching was applied to pectoralis major prior to each set of SR. Significant increases in the number of repetitions were noted under AS compared with PR (p < 0.05). Significant increases on latissimus dorsi (p = 0.002) and biceps brachii (p = 0.001) muscle activity were noted inter-sets under the AS compared with the PR condition. Therefore, the AS adopted during the inter-set rest period may enhance repetition performance and activation of agonist muscles in an acute manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Vast numbers of plant species from northeastern Brazil have not yet been phytochemically or biologically evaluated. Aim of the study The goal of this work was to obtain, characterize and show the antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous and acetone–water extracts of Libidibia ferrea, Parapiptadenia rigida and Psidium guajava. Materials and methods The plant material (100 g) was dried, and the crude extracts were obtained by using turbo-extraction (10%; w/v) with water or acetone:water (7:3, v/v) as the extraction solvent. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were used to screen the crude extracts for hydrolysable tannins (gallic acid) and condensed tannins (catechins). The antibacterial activity was evaluated by agar-diffusion and microdilution methods against Gram-positive strains ( Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus epidermidis INCQS 00016, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and a clinical isolate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ) as well as Gram-negative strains ( Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella enteritidis INCQS 00258, Shigella flexneri and Klebsiella pneumoniae ). To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity, a leukocyte migration model was used. Analgesic activity was determined by the hot plate test and the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of 5%. Results Parapiptadenia rigida presented the highest amount of total polyphenols (35.82±0.20%), while the greatest catechin content was found in the acetone–water extract of Psidium guajava (EAWPg; 1.04 μg/g). The largest amounts of catechins were found in the aqueous extract of Libidibia ferrea (EALf; 1.07 μg/g) and the acetone–water extract of Parapiptadenia rigida (EAWPr; 1.0 μg/g). All extracts showed activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The aqueous and acetone–water extracts of Psidium guajava showed the greatest inhibition zones in the agar diffusion tests. In the evaluation of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the most susceptible Gram-positive bacterium was Staphylococcus epidermidis and the most susceptible Gram-negative bacterium was Shigella flexneri . EAPg and EAWPg showed the greatest MIC values. All extracts were significant inhibitors of leukocyte migration ( p <0.05). Using the writhing test, significant analgesic activity was found for EAPr (50 mg/kg), EAWPr (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) and EAWPg (50 mg/kg) ( p <0.05). Conclusions Thus, the appropriate extraction procedure preserves the chemical components such as gallic acid and catechin, and showed antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the body composition and bone mineral density of elite Brazilian soccer players and compared its differences according to the player position. Eighty-two soccer players competing at Brazilian first division were split according to their field positions: Goalkeepers (GK, n= 10), Backfielders (BF, n= 10), Lateral-midfielders (LM, n= 15), Central-midfielders (CM, n= 25), Forwards (FW, n= 22), and a Control Group (CG, n= 72) of university students. To estimate fat free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), percentage of body fat (%FM), fat free mass of legs (FFM-Legs) and bone mineral density (BMD), a DEXA was selected. The positions LM (10.5 ± 5.2), CM (9.7 ± 4.0) and FW (9.9 ± 4.4) had lower values of FM and %FM than the GK (17.3 ± 6.0) and the control group (15.0 ± 5.3). Compared to the other positions, FFM was higher in the GK (68.2 ± 10.9) and BF (64.6 ± 6.8) (p< 0.05). All the soccer players were different from the CG (p< 0.05). Soccer players have an FFM, FFM-Legs and BMD significantly higher and FM and %FM lower than the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose The evidence of the benefits from regular physical activity to hypertensives is based on dry land training studies. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the effect of aquatic exercise with dry land training on hypertensive women. Methods This is a randomized controlled study with 52 post-menopausal hypertensive women. The patients were randomly allocated in three groups: water aerobic training group ( n = 19), dry land aerobic training group ( n = 19) and a non-intervention control group ( n = 14). The training protocol was performed by 12 weeks. Results There were no differences among the three groups concerning basal blood pressure (BP) and biochemical variables. In water group, there was a statistically significant reduction of systolic BP from 136 ± 16 mm Hg at zero week to 124 ± 18 mm Hg at 11th week and 124 ± 15 mm Hg at 12th week. In dry land training group, there was a statistically significant reduction of systolic BP from 138 ± 15 mm Hg at zero week to 125 ± 10 mm Hg at 7th week, 127 ± 10 mm Hg at 10th week and 126 ± 9 mm Hg at 12th week. The control group presented no change in any of the assessed variables. No changes were carried out in any antihypertensive medications during study. Discussion This is a randomized controlled study that demonstrates the antihypertensive efficacy of aerobic aquatic exercise. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which was conducted to compare the cardiorespiratory responses of young women at first ventilatory threshold (VT1), second ventilatory threshold (VT2) and at maximum effort (MAX) who performed water aerobic exercises or used a treadmill. Researchers evaluated 20 women. They found that at MAX intensity, oxygen uptake was higher with the treadmill than with water aerobics.

This study investigated maximal and submaximal performance (power output) and physiological responses (oxygen uptake, heart rate and blood lactate concentration) of eight male rowers to two different incremental tests to exhaustion performed either in a rowing ergometer without (regular) or with the slide, as well as to a 2000 m race simulation, conducted in a randomized order. Peak oxygen uptake (O2peak) was statistically higher (3.4%) in the regular test (5.18 ± 0.44 L.min−1) compared with the slide condition (5.01 ± 0.37 L.min−1;P= 0.005). Time for the on-water race simulation was significantly correlated with the slope of theO2-power relationship in the slide condition (r= –0.73,P= 0.043) andO2peakduring the test in the slide condition was correlated to meanO2at the on-water race simulation (r = 0.78; P = 0.024). Thus, the use of the slide is more beneficial than the regular test when evaluating rowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of two dietary patterns in which carbohydrates and proteins were eaten mostly at lunch or dinner on body weight and composition, energy metabolism, and biochemical markers in overweight/obese men. Methods: Fifty-eight men (30.0 ± 7.4 years; 30.8 ± 2.4 kg/m) followed a covert hypocaloric balanced diet (−10 % of daily energy requirements) during 8 weeks. Subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: control diet (CT); diurnal carbohydrate/nocturnal protein (DCNP); and nocturnal carbohydrate/diurnal protein (NCDP). Main analyzed outcomes were weight loss, body composition, diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), and glucose/lipid profile. Results: In all groups, a significant decrease in body weight, BMI, and fat mass (kg and %) was verified, without differences between groups. Interestingly, within group analyses showed that the fat-free mass (kg) significantly decreased in NCDP and in CT after 8-week intervention, but not in DCNP. A detrimental increase in fasting glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA) was verified only in DCNP, while NCDP and CT groups presented a non-significant reduction. Moreover, significant differences between DCNP and the other groups were detected for fasting insulin and HOMA. After the adjustments, NCDP presented a significantly higher DIT and energy expenditure after lunch, compared with DCNP, but after dinner, there were no differences among groups. Conclusion: Eating carbohydrates mostly at dinner and protein mostly at lunch within a hypocaloric balanced diet had similar effect on body composition and biochemical markers, but higher effect on DIT compared with control diet. Moreover, eating carbohydrates mostly at lunch and protein mostly at dinner had a deleterious impact on glucose homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research is presented that examined the effects of a 21-week competitive season on 34 child soccer players' salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) response and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms. The study found that the demands of training and competition affected the children's mucosal immune responses.

The article discusses changes in repeated-sprint ability performance in elite handball players following high-intensity, heavy load postactivation potentiation half-squat conditioning exercises. Faster sprint times were found in subjects with prior conditioning exercises than those performing only warm-up exercises, suggesting a relationship between muscular strength and power and sprint performance in high-intensity intermittent sports.

The article discusses research conducted to compare the effects passive warm-up (PW), whole-body vibration (WBV), and control (C) had on high-intensity performance during sprint cycle exercise. Researchers evaluated six men. They found that peak power, relative power, relative work, time of peak power, and pedaling cadence were significantly higher in the WBV compared with that for C and that WBV was an effective way to increase in performance during sprint cycle exercise.

Abstract: A stimulatory effect of apigenin-6-C-β-fucopyranoside (1) on glucose uptake was observed when rat soleus muscle was incubated with 1, 10 and 100μM of this flavonoid glycoside. The presence of specific insulin signaling inhibitors, such as wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), RO318220, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), PD98059, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), and HNMPA(AM)3, an insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity inhibitor showed that apigenin-6-C-β-fucopyranoside triggers different metabolic pathways in skeletal muscle. The oral administration of crude extract, fractions and isolated flavonoids (apigenin-6-C-β-fucopyranoside (1) and apigenin-6-C-(2″-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-fucopyranoside (2)) from Averrhoa carambola leaves exhibited a potential hypoglycemic activity in hyperglycemic normal rats. Additionally, both flavonoids significantly increased the muscle and liver glycogen content after an acute treatment. The results indicate that A. carambola can be regarded as a potent antihyperglycemic agent with insulin secretagogue and insulin mimetic properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate and compare partial range of motion vs. full range-of motion upper-body resistance training on strength and muscle thickness (MT) in young men. Researchers evaluated 40 male subject. They found that while muscle strength and MT can be improved with both full and partial resistance training, full resistance may lead to greater strength gains.

The purpose of this study was to compare repetition maximum performance and ratings of perceived exertion during resistance exercise sessions conducted at a low intensity (i.e., 20RM) and in different exercise orders. Twenty-one recreationally trained men performed two total body resistance exercise sessions in opposite orders; each exercise was performed for three sets with 2 minutes passive rest between sets and exercises. The results indicated significantly greater total repetitions for each exercise when performed near the beginning of a sequence and for the first set of each exercise, irrespective of the sequence. The ratings of perceived exertion, however, were not significantly different between sequences. In conclusion, repetition maximum performance for resistance exercise sessions conducted at a low intensity is significantly different based on exercise order. Therefore, when performing high repetitions with relatively low intensity loads, exercises should be prioritized based on individual needs and sports-specific movement patterns for greater volume and potential for the desired neuromuscular adaptations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reports on research which was conducted to compare the internal load responses (session rating of perceived exertion [RPE] and salivary cortisol) in players between simulated and official basketball matches (SM and OM). Researchers evaluated 10 players. They found that there was a greater magnitude of cortisol and session RPE responses after OM as compared with that after SM.

Background: Over the long term, acute patellar dislocations can result in patellar instability, with high recurrence rates after nonoperative treatment.Purpose: To compare the results of operative (reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament [MPFL]) versus nonoperative treatment of primary patellar dislocation.Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.Methods: Thirty-nine patients (41 knees) (mean age, 24.2 years; range, 12-38 years) with acute patellar dislocation were randomized into 2 groups. One group was treated nonoperatively with immobilization and physiotherapy, the other was treated surgically with MPFL reconstruction; both groups were evaluated with minimum follow-up of 2 years. The Kujala questionnaire was applied to assess pain and quality of life, and recurrence was evaluated. Pearson χ2 or Fisher exact test was used in the statistical evaluation.Results: The statistical analysis showed that the mean Kujala score was significantly lower in the nonoperative group (70.8), when compared with the mean value of the surgical group (88.9; P = .001). The surgical group presented a higher percentage of “good/excellent” results (71.43%) on the Kujala score when compared with the nonoperative group (25.0%; P = .003). The nonoperative group presented a large number of recurrences and subluxations (7 patients; 35% of cases), whereas there were no reports of recurrences or subluxations in the surgical group.Conclusion: Treatment with MPFL reconstruction using the patellar tendon produced better results, based on the analyses of posttreatment recurrences and the better final results of the Kujala questionnaire after a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Alchornea glandulosa has traditionally been used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of immune-inflammatory diseases and as an antiulcer agent to heal gastric ulcer and gastritis. Angiogenesis is a complex multistep process that consists of proliferation, migration, and anastomosis of endothelial cells and has a major role in the development of pathologic conditions, such as inflammatory diseases. To investigate a possible link between the anti-inflammatory activities and antiangiogenic effects of A. glandulosa ethyl acetate fraction (AGF), this study examined which features of the angiogenic process could be disturbed by this fraction. The antiangiogenic activity of AGF was determined in vitro by using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and capillary-like structures formation were addressed. To elucidate the mechanism of action, nuclear factor κB (NFκB), a transcription factor implicated in these processes, was also evaluated in HUVEC incubated with AGF. A significant decrease in proliferation, a relevant increase in apoptosis, and a strong reduction in invasion capacity (as assessed by bromodeoxyuridine, terminal deox- ynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling, and double-chamber assays, respectively) were observed. AGF also led to a drastic reduction in the number of capillary-like structures formed when HUVEC were cultured on growth factor-reduced Matrigel-coated plates. In addition, incubation of HUVEC with AGF resulted in reduced NFκB activity. These findings emphasize the antiangiogenic potential of AGF and support its therapeutic use for disorders that involve excessive angiogenesis, such as chronic inflammation and tumor growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]