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Diabetes mellitus (DM) and arterial hypertension are considered serious public health problems. Several studies have shown that oxidative stress is usually related to the onset of DM and hypertension and their complications. Moreover, levels of some minerals are closely related to the pathophysiology of these diseases. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the biochemical markers, minerals and redox profile levels in the serum of patients with type 2 DM and hypertension, as well as to test the effect of metformin on the viability and redox profile of cells. Patients with type 2 DM and hypertension + type 2 DM had higher levels of fasting glucose and triglycerides. There were no statistically significant differences for mineral levels. The MPO activity was reduced in the DM type 2 and Hypertension + DM type 2 groups and in cells. On the other hand, PSH and vitamin C levels were increased. The metformin has a protective effect in patients with DM type 2 against oxidative stress by reducing MPO activity and improving PSH and vitamin C antioxidant defenders. Further studies are needed to assess the biochemical mechanisms of metformin and how it can be used in a pharmacological therapeutic perspective against oxidative damage.

Objetivo: Abordar o uso do Cranberry como medida profilática para reduzir a incidência de infecção urinária. Método: Através de uma revisão bibliográfica nas bases de dados Scielo, PubMed e Lilacs, onde foram encontrados mais de 2000 artigos ao inserir a palavra cranberry no campo de busca. A partir disso foram selecionados os artigos mais recentes, dos últimos 5 anos e que apresentavam informações referentes aos compostos presentes na fruta e de que maneira exerciam seu efeito terapêutico, de modo a diminuir a incidência de infecção urinária através da inibição do crescimento bacteriano. Resultados: A fruta pode atuar inativando a Escherichia coli uma das maiores causadoras dessas infecções, por meio da inativação de seus genes e através da redução das funções, impedindo a sua multiplicação e assim culminando na morte das cepas bacterianas. Conclusão: Diante da efetividade demonstrada, sugere-se que novos estudos sejam realizados a fim de determinar a dosagem e a o modo de administração que provocam o melhor efeito terapêutico e assim incentivar seu uso na profilaxia da infecção urinária.

O exercício físico tem se mostrado um importante modulador do sistema antioxidante e neuroprotetor em diversas doenças e tratamentos que afetam o sistema nervoso central. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do exercício físico no equilíbrio, coordenação motora, atividade locomotora exploratória e no balanço oxidativo e imunológico de ratos tratados com vincristina. Para isso, 40 ratos adultos foram randomizados em dois grandes grupos: grupo exercício (6 semanas de natação, 1h/dia, 5 dias/semana, com sobrecarga de 5% do peso corporal) e grupo sedentário. Após o protocolo de treinamento, os ratos foram tratados com uma dose semanal de 0,5 mg/kg de sulfato de vincristina (2 semanas) ou com a mesma dosagem de NaCl a 0,9%. Os testes comportamentais foram realizados 1 e 7 dias após cada dose de vincristina. No dia 15 foram realizadas as análises bioquímicas do cerebelo. O exercício físico foi capaz de proteger contra a perda de equilíbrio e coordenação motora e teve efeito per se na atividade locomotora exploratória. Neutralizou o estresse oxidativo e reduziu o dano imunológico e de DNA causados pela Vincristina até 15 dias após o término do protocolo de treinamento. Em conclusão, observou-se que o treinamento físico prévio protege do dano motor induzido pela vincristina.

Eye diseases have a negative impact on the eyesight quality of the world population. The age-related macular degeneration (AMD) draws special attention since it is a chronic disorder characterized ...

In this study, phytochemical profiling, and antidiabetic, antitumoral and cytotoxic potential of aqueous extracts of leaves of red variety of

Head and neck cancer (HNC) comprises a spectrum of neoplasms that affect the upper aerodigestive tract and are the sixth most common cancers worldwide. Individuals with HNC exhibit various symptoms and metabolic changes, including immune alterations and alterations of the purinergic pathway, which may signal worse outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to measure the activity of purinergic ectoenzymes and interleukins in patients with HNC, oral cavity cancer, and larynx cancer.We recruited 32 patients and 33 healthy control subjects and performed the laboratory analyses. We identified dysregulation in the purinergic signaling pathway characterized by an increase in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) hydrolysis and a decrease in the deamination of adenosine to inosine in these cancers (p 0.05). These alterations were likely caused by increased activity of the ectoenzymes E-NTPDase and ecto-5'-nucleotidase and reduced adenosine deaminase activity. This dysregulation was associated with immune alterations, increased levels of IL-10, and decreased myeloperoxidase activity (p 0.05), suggesting immunosuppression in these patients and suggesting possible accumulation of adenosine in the extracellular environment.Adenosine is a potent immunosuppressive molecule associated with tumor progression and immune evasion. Our findings suggest a relationship between extracellular purines and the development and progression of the tumor microenvironment and poor outcomes. These findings increase the understanding of biological mechanisms related to HNC and demonstrate that these components are potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for future management strategies and improvement in the quality of life.

In this study, phytochemical profiling, cytotoxic potential, antitumoral activity, and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition capacity of extracts of seed and pulp of Eugenia uniflora L. fruits were investigated. The extracts were obtained using a cellulase complex and the phenolic compounds were quantified. The cytotoxic potential and antitumoral activity were evaluated using peripheral blood mononuclear cells and melanoma-type tumor cells, respectively. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition capacity was determined. For all extracts, the compounds identified and quantified were salicylic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid and, myricitrin. For extract of pulp, ellagic and p-coumaric acids were also identified and quantified. The extracts do not show cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Extract of seed was able to decrease cell viability in melanoma-type tumor cells within 24 h of exposure. The concentration 5 µg mL−1 of extracts inhibited 7.73% of α-amylase and 15.34% of α-glucosidase. The Pitanga extracts presents substances with biological activities.

In this study, phytochemical profiling, and antidiabetic, antitumoral and cytotoxic potential of aqueous extracts of leaves of red variety of Psidium cattleianum Afzel. ex Sabine were investigated. The extracts were obtained using a cellulase complex. The total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined, and the individual phenolic compounds were quantified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. For the TPC, the amounts varied from 85.91 to 106.33 mg EAG g−1. Eighteen compounds have been identified. The compounds with the highest concentrations were gallic acid, quercetin and protocatechuic acid. Antidiabetic activity was obtained through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition tests. The extract inhibited 17.94% of α-amylase activity and 73.34% of α-glucosidase activity. The antitumoral activity in cells of cutaneous melanoma (SK-MEL-28) and the cytotoxic activity was determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The cellular migration was determined for cells SK-MEL-28. Antitumoral effects on cells SK-MEL-28 were observed and the absence of cytotoxicity on the PBMCs.

Um dos primeiros sistemas a sofrer o impacto do processo do envelhecimento fisiologico e o sistema sensorial e, particularmente, o visual, levando a deficiencia visual e ate mesmo a cegueira. As causas mais frequentes desse problema sao a catarata, a degeneracao macular relacionada a idade, o glaucoma, a retinopatia diabetica, entre outras doencas oculares. Desse modo, a qualidade de vida do idoso e afetada, comprometendo sua capacidade, independencia e autonomia. Assim, definiu-se como objetivo geral do trabalho avaliar o impacto das doencas oculares sobre a qualidade de vida dos idosos, alem das medidas preventivas relacionadas as deficiencias visuais. O metodo utilizado foi a revisao de literatura, por intermedio de pesquisa bibliografica. Os resultados demonstraram que doencas oculares afetam a qualidade de vida dos idosos, sendo responsaveis por limitar a mobilidade, levar a dependencia, falta de autonomia e capacidade, aumento a frequencia de acidentes, e diversos problemas causados pela falta de acuidade visual. Para prevenir esses problemas, varias campanhas foram criadas, apresentando resultado positivo na maioria destas campanhas.

EFEITO IN VITRO DO EXTRATO DE TUCUMA (ASTROCARYUM ACULEATUM) EM CELULAS MONONUCLEARES DE SANGUE PERIFERICO Felipe Ongaratto¹ Beatriz da Silva Rosa Bonadiman² Filomena Marafon³ Greicy Cristine Kosvoski4 Claudio do Carmo Chaves5 Claudia Maria Chaves6 Ivana Beatrice Mânica da Cruz7 Margarete Dulce Bagatini8 Eixo: educacao em saude. Introducao: O tucuma (Astrocaryum aculeatum) fruto nativo da Amazonia Brasileira, vem sendo estudado por apresentar uma serie de compostos bioativos, como, vitamina A, omega 3, 6 e 9, carotenoides, catequinas e quercetina que trariam beneficios para saude humana. Estudos previos demonstraram a capacidade antitumoral, anti-hiperglicemica e antimicrobiana desse fruto. Porem, ainda sao poucos os estudos com esse extrato. Objetivos: Dessa forma, o objetivo dessa pesquisa foi verificar o efeito do extrato hidroalcoolico de tucuma nas celulas mononucleares de sangue humano. Metodologia: Celulas mononucleares de sangue humano foram coletadas de voluntarios saudaveis (Comite de Etica no 822.782) e separadas por gradiente de densidade. O cultivo foi realizado com meio RPMI com 10% de soro fetal bovino e 1% de antifungico e antibiotico. As celulas foram mantidas em estufa com controle de temperatura e umidade. Apos duas horas de adaptacao a placa, as celulas foram tratadas com diferentes concentracoes do extrato de tucuma (5, 10, 50, 100 e 500 mg/mL) por 24 horas e realizados os testes de viabilidade celular (MTT). Para as analises de estresse oxidativo (mielopexosidase, oxido nitrico, substâncias reativas ao acido tiobarbiturico (TBARS), tiois nao proteicos (NPSH) e tiois proteicos (PSH) foram utilizadas as concentracoes de (10, 50, 100ug/mL). Os dados foram expressos como porcentagem do grupo controle e analisados estatisticamente com analise unidirecional de variância, seguida do teste post hoc de Tukey, utilizando o software Graphpad Prism versao 5.0 (Graphpad Prism Software Company, 2014). Resultados com p≤0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados e Discussao: Os resultados desse estudo demonstraram que todas as concentracoes do extrato de tucuma foram capazes de melhorar a viabilidade celular, estimulando a proliferacao das celulas (p

Os idosos representam dois tercos da populacao mundial, fenomeno que imprime a necessidade de maiores estudos relativos aos problemas de saude em que sao expostos, como a ocorrencia de quedas, nos quais sao os acidentes domesticos mais graves e frequentes entre eles sendo considerada uma das principais causas externas de morbidade e mortalidade nesse segmento populacional. Os fatores de risco que mais se associam as quedas sao: idade avancada (80 anos e mais); sexo feminino; historia previa de quedas; imobilidade; baixa aptidao fisica; fraqueza muscular de membros inferiores; fraqueza do aperto de mao; equilibrio diminuido; marcha lenta com passos curtos; dano cognitivo; doenca de Parkinson; sedativos, hipnoticos, ansioliticos e polifarmacia. Sao considerados determinantes na ocorrencia de quedas na populacao idosa fatores intrinsecos, atraves de alteracoes nos sistemas musculoesqueleticas, vestibular, sensorial e cognitivo, e os fatores extrinsecos relacionados ao ambiente. E importante considerar alteracoes no domicilio que o tornem um ambiente mais saudavel e seguro, facilitando a deambulacao dos idosos e o desenvolvimento de atividades de vida diarias, diminuindo o risco de quedas. O conhecimento dos fatores de risco e importante para nortear o planejamento de medidas preventivas com o intuito de evitar quedas e suas consequencias, no ambiente domiciliar, tendo como objetivo principal a reducao do declinio funcional e a melhora da qualidade de vida da populacao idosa.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer originated by the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Increasing incidence and mortality require efforts focused on studies and research about this cancer. Its microenvironment is rich in extracellular ATP, but there are no studies evaluating the ectonucleotidases and ATP effects on tumor-derived melanoma cells with known amounts of ATP. This way, the objective of this work was to evaluate the purinergic signaling in the pathophysiology of in vivo melanoma and the in vitro effects of ATP signaling. We found increased and effective extracellular ATP hydrolysis in platelets and a significant decrease of extracellular ATP levels and adenosine hydrolysis. In addition, we cultured PBMCs of melanoma patients and used ATP salt with specific concentrations to evaluate its signaling effects. The enzymatic activity analysis revealed that even with higher ATP doses cells metabolize adenine nucleotides less efficiently, and present low ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolytic activity in CM compared to CT cells. In summary, we showed for the first time important data about the purinergic signaling in the pathophysiology of melanoma and ATP signaling exercising immunosuppressive effects. Therefore, as already shown for other tumors, the purinergic signaling should be considered a potential target for melanoma management and treatment and could offer novel therapeutic prospects.

Pesticides are used in the control and prevention of pests, improving the productivity and the quality of agricultural production. The adoption of the Brazilian agricultural model, which uses pesticides on a large scale and indiscriminately, has been worrying public authorities about their impacts on human health and environmental sustainability. Thus, studies that contribute to a better understanding of agrochemicals and their effects on ecosystems and human health are timely. The aim was to investigate the history of the production and use of pesticides, their classifications, sources of exposure and their risks to human health. The research was carried out through literature review in databases to verify scientific information about the history of pesticides, structural and toxicological classifications, sources of exposure and their risks to human health. The use of pesticides dates back many years. During the nineteenth century until the mid-twentieth century, some chemicals nowadays used was pesticides were used for public health or for war purposes. About the classification of pesticides, due to the different biological targets, the agrochemicals market is segmented into different action targets (herbicides, fungicides and insecticides). Pesticides can be classified as contact, ingestion or systemic according to the mode of action. As for the chemical structure, the main classes of pesticides are organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids and carbamates. The toxicity of pesticides ranges from low toxic to extremely toxic. Exposure to pesticides can occur directly through occupational exposure, or indirectly, through environmental exposure and food. The impacts on human health are divided into acute and chronic form. The prolonged human exposure to pesticides may result in neurological, reproductive, teratogenic and immunological disorders. The results presented in this literature review contribute to a better understanding of agrochemicals and their effects on human health.

Melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer that derives from pigment-containing cells, called melanocytes. It is considered to be the most rapidly increasing cancer type in Caucasian populations. Caffeic acid (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid) is a compound produced by plants, classified as a hydroxycinnamate and a phenylpropanoid. It is found in blueberries, apples, grape, coffee, and propolis, among others. It was found to be an inhibitor of carcinogenesis, with high antioxidant activity, and it helps prevent diseases, among many other benefits. The molecules that comprise the chemical matrix of coffee are known to contribute to human health. Therefore, in this chapter we will present data regarding the activity of caffeic acid present in plants on oxidative balance and melanoma.

Background Purinergic signaling has been considered one of the mechanisms by which exercise exerts its antihypertensive effects; and research on the effects of blow flow restriction (BFR) exercise has increased as an alternative for elderly hypertensive patients. We analyzed the acute responses of NTPDase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities to low intensity aerobic exercise (LIAE) with BFR in lymphocytes of hypertensive elderly women. Methods Sixteen hypertensive elderly women performed three exercise protocols: LIAE; high intensity aerobic exercise (HIAE) and LIAE+BFR. Blood pressure, heart rate and blood collection were carried out before exercise, immediately after exercise and 30 min after exercise. NTPDase and ADA activities were measured in lymphocytes. Results Our results showed that LIAE+BFR triggered the same stimuli when compared to HIAE exercise regarding to NTPDases activities, suggesting that both protocols trigger an augment of these enzyme activities in response to: 1) increase in ATP release during exercise; and 2) need of adenosine generation to promotes anti-inflammatory responses in the recovery period. HIAE protocol was more effective than the others to trigger combined hypotensive and anti-inflammatory effects in the recovery period. Conclusions This study showed that BFR is a good tool to promote anti-inflammatory effects similar (not equal) to HIAE. Moreover, LIAE+BFR promotes much more stimuli and adaptations related to immune functions than low intensity protocols, bringing more benefits for the hypertensive elderly population.

Systemic arterial hypertension has been associated with the majority deaths from cardiovascular disease, especially among the elderly population, and the imbalance between antioxidant and pro-oxidants has been associated with hypertension. This study analyzed the acute responses of cardiorespiratory and oxidative stress parameters to low intensity aerobic exercise (LIAE) with blood flow restriction (BFR) in hypertensive elderly women. The experimental group consisted of 16 hypertensive women (67.2 ± 3.7 years) who underwent a progressive treadmill test and performed three exercise protocols in random order: high intensity (HIAE), low intensity aerobic exercise (LIAE) and low intensity aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction (LIAE + BFR). Data analysis showed that blood pressure and heart rate augmented from rest to post effort (p

SummaryWe produced a new chemical compound based on methylxanthines and polyphenols (CCMP) present in the chemical matrix of guaraná (Paullinia cupana), a seed extract with antioxidant properties. After supplementation with the standard extract of resveratrol, a well documented antioxidant found in other plant sources, we investigated whether this resveratrol-enriched compound could improve sperm viability and modulate differentially reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in thawed sperm. Sperm samples obtained from healthy young donors were treated with different concentrations of guaraná extract (0.1, 1, 5 or 10 mg/ml) and cells were frozen at −80°C for 24 h. In addition, the potential protective effects of guaraná treatment on sperm treated with pro-oxidant compound (200 µM hydrogen peroxide, H2O2) were assessed. Samples were also exposed to three concentrations of CCMP before being frozen in liquid nitrogen (−196°C) or in an ultrafreezer (−80°C) for 24 h, and both pre-freezing and post-thaw measurements of viability and oxidative stress were performed. Guaraná supplementation at 10 mg/ml significantly increased post-thaw viability and decreased oxidative metabolism of the sperm. Moreover, selected concentrations of CCMP improved viability and oxidative metabolism in sperm samples pre-freezing. Furthermore, CCMP showed cryoprotective activity by increasing viability and decreasing oxidative stress in post-thaw samples. In summary, these findings suggested that CCMP supplementation acts as a cryoprotectant to modulate ROS and NO levels in thawed sperm. CCMP could be used to enhance sperm quality and reproductive success.

Ageing can cause disorders such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which leads to irreversible visual loss in elderly people. Given that nutrition may influence some age-related disorders, this study investigated, in vivo, the association between self-reported eyesight quality and daily guarana intake in riparian elderly subjects and, in vitro, the effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) on retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells exposed to paraquat. Just over half of the elderly subjects self-reported poor vision (n = 320, 50.8%), 234 (37.1%) self-reported regular eyesight, whereas just 76 (12.1%) self-reported good vision. Subjects that self-reported good vision presented a higher frequency of habitual guarana consumption. Guarana treatment was able to decrease apoptosis and necrosis events and differentially modulate gene expression and protein levels of caspases 1, 3 and 8 in RPE cells. This work provides new perspectives on the potential use of guarana against eye diseases due to its cytoprotective effects.

Superoxide-hydrogen peroxide (S-HP) imbalance genetically caused by a gene polymorphism in the human manganese superoxide dismutase enzyme (Val16Ala-MnSOD) is associated with several diseases. Into mitochondria, MnSOD catalyses superoxide radical producing HP and oxygen. Ala-MnSOD genotype presents a high MnSOD efficiency and generates the highest HP concentrations that has been associated with the risk of several cancer types. Cellular selenoenzymes glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and catalase (CAT) are essential to HP removal produced in excess in cells. Since, synthesis and activities of selenoenzymes are selenium dependent, we hypothesized that AA-MnSOD cells could have an improvement on antioxidant status undergoing Seleno-L-methionine (SeMet) treatment. This study performed an in vitro protocol to evaluate the response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) carriers of different Val16Ala-MnSOD genotypes exposed to SeMet. SeMet effects on cell viability, apoptosis induction and modulation of oxidative variables were determined using spectrophotometric, flow cytometry, fluorimetric and immunoassays. Gene modulation of antioxidant enzymes was also performed by qRT-PCR. From an initial protocol using heterozygous (AV) cells was determined that 1nM SeMet presented a cytoprotective effect. However, whereas this concentration did not change AA viability, in VV cells it was cytotoxic by increasing necrosis events. SeMet induced higher selenoenzymes levels in AA and VV cells and decreased oxidative markers levels including DNA damage. The results suggest a pharmacogenetic positive response of SeMet effect on AA-cells. Future studies in vivo could be essential to evaluate the potential clinical impact of S-HP imbalance after use of foods or supplements containing SeMet.

Mancozeb (MZ), chlorothalonil (CT), and thiophanate methyl (TM) are pesticides commonly used in agriculture due to their efficacy, low acute toxicity to mammals, and short environmental persistence. Although the toxic effects of these pesticides have been previously reported, studies regarding their influence on the immune system are limited. As such, this study focused on the immunomodulatory effect of MZ, CT, and TM pesticides on macrophage cells. RAW 264.7 cells were exposed to a range of concentrations (0.1–100 μg/mL) of these pesticides. CT exposure promoted an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. The MTT and ds-DNA assay results demonstrated that MZ, CT, and TM exposure induced macrophage proliferation. Moreover, MZ, CT, and TM promoted cell cycle arrest at S phase, strongly suggesting macrophage proliferation. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) and caspases (caspase 1, 3, and 8) in macrophages exposed to MZ, CT, and TM pesticides increased, whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokine levels decreased. These results suggest that MZ, CT, and TM exert an immunomodulatory effect on the immune system, inducing macrophage activation and enhancing the inflammatory response.

Purpose We hypothesized that vitamin D decreases rates of adenosine formation in human cutaneous melanoma cells through the inhibition of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate breakdown, thereby affecting tumor cell viability. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the mechanisms of action of 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2 D3) on the activity and expression of ectonucleotidases in cutaneous melanoma cells. Methods A human melanoma cell line, SK-Mel-28, was treated with 1 to 50 nM of the active vitamin D metabolite (1,25(OH)2 D3) over 24 hours, followed by determination of NTPDase1/CD39 and ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 activity and expression rates of the purinergic system-related NTPDASE1, NT5E and adenosine deaminase and vitamin D receptor. An 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay was used to evaluate cellular viability. Results 1,25(OH)2 D3 decreased adenosine monophosphate hydrolysis via ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 and expression of CD73, but did not change NTPDase1/CD39 activity; it increased the CD39 expression. We also observed an increase of cell viability at 1 nM, but this viability decreased as the concentrations of vitamin D active metabolite increased to 50 nM. There were no differences in gene expression levels. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, we showed for the first time a mechanism of control of adenosine production via modulation of the purinergic system in cutaneous melanoma cells treated with the active metabolite of vitamin D. This study provides original information regarding mechanisms, in which vitamin D plays a key role in preventing tumor progression in human melanoma cells.

Functional and medicinal beverages have been used to treat and cure diseases since the beginning of civilization. Among these beverages, coffee (Coffea arabica), black/green tea (Camellia sinensis), and yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), have been studied due to their important functional activities. These plants present several bioactive molecules in their chemical matrix that are responsible for therapeutic properties. For instance, coffee is mainly composed of caffeine, chlorogenic acid (CGA), cafestol, and kahweol, while black/green tea present principally polyphenols, caffeine, and theobromine. Moreover, yerba mate is predominantly composed of caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, aglycones, ursolic acid, oleoanolic, and CGA. Some studies reported important functional properties of these plants. Previous investigations described that these plants are able to increase neural activity and to promote health, besides presenting antiinflammatory, antitumor, thermogenic, and antioxidant capacities. In this sense, the frequent intake of these functional beverages can contribute to a healthier life.

This work aimed at studying an alternative source of peroxidase for application in textile dye decoloration. Cedar leaf peroxidase (Cedrela fissilis) was characterized. The enzyme showed maximum activity conditions in the temperature range of 50 °C-62 °C and pH 5, using guaiacol as a substrate. For gallic acid as substrate, the maximum activity conditions were in the temperature range from 45 °C to 50 °C and in the pH range from 6.0 to 6.4. The KM, values, when used guaiacol and gallic acid as substrates, were 18.7 mM and 31 mM, respectively. The inactivation temperature was 85 °C. The enzymatic activity was not influenced by the presence of Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Zn2+ metal ions, but decreased in the presence of Cu2+ ion. Partial purification using acetone 65% (v.v−1) showed a purification factor of 18.7. The specific activity of crude and partially purified enzymatic extract was 6.78 U.mg−1 and 126.69 U.mg−1, respectively. The enzyme maintained about 90% of relative activity after one month when stored in an ultrafreezer. In the conventional freezer, relative activity decreased to approximately 50% in three weeks. Application of the partially purified extract on Brilliant Sky-Blue G textile dye removed 82.65% of the color when subjected to optimal reaction conditions. The treated dye solutions showed no phytotoxicity in L. sativa seeds, and there was a decrease in cytotoxicity in human blood cells. Cedar leaf peroxidase may be an alternative for the treatment of wastewater containing textile dyes.

Acute bouts of high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) or sports are associated with changes in lymphocytes and platelet functions and we hypothesized that the purinergic system is involved with these alterations. We investigated the activity of ectonucleotidases in platelets and lymphocytes as well as the platelet aggregation of futsal players in response to an acute protocol of HIIE. Thus, 19 male semi-professional futsal players were submitted to 40 min of HIIE on a treadmill. Blood samples were collected three-time points: before exercise, immediately after, and 30 min after the end of the session. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and lymphocytes were isolated. ATP, ADP, AMP, and adenosine hydrolysis, NTPDase1 (CD39) expression as well as platelet aggregation were measured. Our results showed HIIE induced a decrease in ATP and ADP hydrolysis in platelets, an increase in adenosine hydrolysis and an increase in platelet aggregation immediately after exercise. After 30 min of recovery, enzymatic activity and platelet aggregation returned to baseline levels. In lymphocytes, adenosine hydrolysis was augmented immediately after exercise and remained increased even after 30 min of recovery. In conclusion, acute HIIE triggers a transient proaggregant status that is reverted after a 30 min of recovery. The effects of HIIE in lymphocytes remained after 30 min of recovery, indicating a pro-inflammatory response. This work elucidated some of the mechanisms by which purinergic system regulates lymphocytes and platelets activities related to HIIE, suggesting that the type of exercise may influence an increase in platelet aggregation even in trained individuals.

The purpose of this study was to investigate some possible mechanisms underlying the in vitro antitumor activity of tea tree oil (TTO) on human and mouse breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and 4T1, respectively) and its cytotoxicity on fibroblasts (HFF-1) and on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). TTO High-Resolution Gas Chromatography (HRGC) showed seventeen main constituents, such as Terpinen-4-ol, γ-Terpinene, and α-Terpinene. High TTO concentrations (≥ 600 μg/mL) showed a remarkable antitumor activity, decreasing cell viability and cell proliferation of MCF-7 and 4T1 cells. TTO at 300 μg/mL increased the number of MCF-7 cells in the early stages of apoptosis and increased the BAX/BCL-2 genes ratio. TTO, mainly at 300 μg/mL, decreased cell growth and arrested MCF-7 cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. Lower antitumor concentrations (≤300 μg/mL) evaluated in MCF-7 and 4T1 cells were not cytotoxic to PBMCs and HFF-1. Also, TTO (300 μg/mL) was able to induce cell proliferation in fibroblasts after 72 h, indicating non-cytotoxic effect in these cells. TTO exhibited in vitro antitumor effect on MCF-7 and 4T1 cells by decreasing cell viability and modulating apoptotic pathways and cell cycle arrestment of MCF-7 cells. In this sense, our study provides new perspectives on the potential use of TTO for the development of new alternative therapies to treat topically locally advanced breast cancer (LABC).

SummaryPrevious investigations suggested that elevated cell-free DNA (cfDNA) can indicate non-healthy states. However, the potential association between cfDNA seminal plasma levels and fertility sperm parameters has not yet been determined. Therefore, the present study evaluated the association between seminal cfDNA levels and sperm fertility criteria to determine the use of seminal cfDNA quantification. Anin vivoprotocol quantified cfDNA levels of semen samples obtained from 163 male patients using fluorescent PicoGreen dye staining. To confirm if semen cfDNA quantification is realistic, anin vitrocomplementary test was performed using three or four semen samples. The fresh sperm samples were exposed to paraquat that generates high levels of superoxide anion causing oxidative stress and cell mortality. The results showed significant association between dsDNA levels and several sperm fertility parameters, such as low viability and alterations of motility and morphology. Thein vitroanalysis confirmed the association between dsDNA levels and sperm viability. Together, these results suggest that dsDNA levels could be an important biomarker to test sperm fertility.

Objective Serotonin (5-HT) is a pleiotropic molecule that exerts several functions on brain and peripheral tissues via different receptors. The gene for the 5-HT2A receptor shows some variations, including a T102C polymorphism, that have been associated with increased risk of neuropsychiatric and vascular disorders. However, the potential impact of 5-HT2A imbalance caused by genetic variations on the human lifespan has not yet been established. Methods We performed a prospective study involving an Amazon riparian elderly free-living population in Maues City, Brazil, with a 5-year follow-up. Out of a cohort of 637 subjects selected in July, 2009, we genotyped 471 individuals, including 209 males (44.4%) and 262 females (55.6%), all averaging 72.3 ± 7.8 years of age (ranging from 60 to 100 years). Results The T102C-SNP genotypic frequencies were 14.0% TT, 28.0% CC, and 58.0% CT. From 80 elderly individuals who died during the period investigated, we observed significantly (P = .005) higher numbers of TT carriers (27.3%) and CC carriers (21.2%), compared to heterozygous CT carriers (12.5%). Cox-regression analysis showed that association between the T102C-SNP and elderly survival was independent of age, sex, and other health variables. Conclusions Our findings strongly suggest that imbalance in 5-HT2A may cause significant disturbances that lead to an increased susceptibility to death for individuals who are over 60 years of age.