Much research has been conducted to attest that different food and herbal extracts display functional properties in humans when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. However, most studies ...only relate one or some in vitro and/or in vivo functionalities of these extracts, without performing clinical trials to attest the alleged functionality. For instance, while some studies focus on the existence of statistical correlation between antioxidant activity and antidiabetic properties and the phenolic composition of a certain herb, others aim to assess the effects of different extraction methods (i.e., pulsed electric fields, ultrasound, and supercritical fluid extraction) on some selected in vitro functional properties.
Although these studies are essential for a better understanding of the extracts and foods consumed worldwide, they lack depth and, principally, practical application on consumer's health and well-being. In this scenario, in this article we propose an integration of multiple interlinked disciplines and between academia and food companies to elucidate the health-promoting properties of foods and extracts. In addition, we discuss and propose a multidimensional team to develop new functional foods.
Researchers should perform a wide variety of in vitro and in vivo tests to determine the toxicological effects, therapeutic dosage and to assess the physicochemical, chemical, and sensory properties of a developed food before stating its functionality. Complementarily, food scientists should never develop and attest in vivo functionality alone; rather, a highly active interconnection with related fields is required.
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•Functional foods have been studied and developed worldwide.•In vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to attest functionality of foods and extracts.•Functional food allegations must be based on scientific data.•The role of multidisciplinary studies is explained and integrated in this paper.
•Spectrophotometric assays to assess the major phenolic classes were discussed.•Chemical reactions, pros and cons of these quantitative methods were debated.•A criticism was made on some methods that ...tentatively estimate the content of phenolics, o-diphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols.•Experimental protocols for determination of those phenolic classes were described in details.
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Consumers have sought for functional foods aiming to decrease the risk of various non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, overweight/obesity and principal cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiological and clinical studies are continuously corroborating the fact that individuals with higher intake of (poly)phenolic compounds present lower risk of incidence of non-communicable diseases, especially those related to the cardiovascular system. In this sense, food companies and regulatory health agencies together with academic bodies are investing in analytical methods to screen and typify the phenolic content of food extracts and beverages. In this scenario, this review focuses on the chemical perspective of some methods used to assess the total content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, ortho-diphenols, flavonols, and tannins (flavanols), by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, giving emphasis on the structures, reactions, overall positive aspects and limitations of the most used quantitative assays.
Aim
To identify Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in oral biofilms of intubated and non‐intubated patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Methods
This was a cross‐sectional ...study, with 30 biofilm sites sampled. S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were identified by conventional biochemical assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by disk‐diffusion.
Results
Of 30 sites, 50% contained P. aeruginosa and 3.33% S. aureus. P. aeruginosa was detected in similar amounts in all 3 sample sites, with 5 colonized sites (50%). S. aureus colonized a single supragingival site (3.33%). There was resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents of P. aeruginosa in 7 sites (100%) and S. aureus in 1 (100%).
Conclusions
This study revealed an important relationship between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus colonization at supragingival, subgingival and lingual sites and intubation, thus revealing antimicrobial resistant bacteria colonization of medical interest, which may contribute to the therapy choice directed to these microorganisms.
Baccharis punctulata (Asteraceae), popularly known as “Chíllka saru saru” in Bolivia, has been used by rural communities in Bustillo Province of the Potosi Department for treatment of asthma, ...luxations and contusions.
To analyze the chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from leaves of female (BPF) and male (BPM) specimens and evaluate their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Chemical composition analyses of Baccharis punctulata essential oils isolated by hidrodistillation from leaves of male and female specimens were performed by GC-FID-MS. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the model of TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) induced ear edema, and the polymorphonuclear cell migration was evaluated by mieloperoxidase (MPO) and analyzed histologically. To measure the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the inflamed tissue, the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used. The chemical in vitro antioxidant activity of essential oils was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay.
The chemical analysis showed high proportion of sesquiterpenes in the volatiles samples obtained from BPM, such as δ-elemene (14.29%), germacrene D (11.29%) and bicyclogermacrene (10.90%), and in the sample from BPF, bicyclogermacrene (42.44%), germacrene D (21.18%) and β-caryophyllene (14.06%). A statistical difference (p < 0.05) on chemical composition between both essential oils was observed. Topical administration of both BPM and BPF essential oils was able to inhibit the formation of TPA-induced edema in the treated groups. Isolated administration of TPA promoted an increase in MPO enzyme activity, and inhibition of the increase of MPO activity was observed when animals were treated with BFP at concentrations of 0.1 mg/ear (13.69 ± 0.20%), 0.3 mg/ear (22.35 ± 0.11%), and 1.0 mg/ear (44.98 ± 0.27%). Topical treatment with BPM was able to inhibit MPO activity at 22.40 ± 0.29% (0.1 mg/ear), 36.49 ± 0.07% (0.3 mg/ear) and 52.19 ± 0.28% (1.0 mg/ear). The positive control of dexamethasone (DEXA, 0.1 mg/ear) was able to revert the increase in the enzymatic activity of MPO caused by TPA (65.16%). Histological analysis showed that topical application of TPA promoted intense cellular infiltration. This inflammatory parameter was reduced with the topical application of the BPF and BPM oil samples as well as with DEXA. The results observed in the ROS and DPPH tests suggest that both samples were able to reduce the inflammatory cells influx and have in vitro antioxidant properties, respectively.
This study presents, for the first time, the chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from leaves of male and female specimens of Baccharis punctulata, and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The results presented by the volatile samples in our biotests support traditional uses of this plant species.
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The sesquiterpenes selina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one and oxidoselina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one were isolated from the essential oil of
L. leaves. The structures were elucidated using spectrometric methods ...(UV, GC-MS, NMR, and specific optical rotation). The relationship between antioxidant activity, as determined by DPPH assay, and the cytotoxic effect was evaluated using tumor cells, namely lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (A549) and human hepatoma carcinoma cells (HepG2), as well as a model of normal human lung fibroblast cells (IMR90). Both compounds did not show prominent free-radical scavenging activity according to DPPH assay, and did not inhibit lipid peroxidation in Wistar rat brain homogenate. The isolated compounds showed pro-oxidative effects and cytotoxicity in relation to the IMR90 cell line.
Objective
To investigate the frequency of glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase, and SOD2 genetic polymorphisms and their correlation with SLE.
Methods
A total of 290 females (patients = 151; ...controls= 139) were recruited. Multiplex PCR was performed for genotyping GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes, whereas real-time qPCR was used for determination of SNPs: CAT C262T, SOD2 C47T, GSTP1 A313G and GSTP1 IVS6 -C16T.
Results
Thiol levels are decreased in SLE patients (
p
<0.001), while MDA levels were significantly higher (
p
<0.001) and those carrying the polymorphisms had higher rates of oxidative stress. Patients with double null deletion GSTT1
null
/GSTM1
null
had a frequency almost five times higher than the controls (
p
<0.001, OR 4.81, CI 1.98–12.11). SLE patients had a lower wild-type frequency of SOD2
CC
allele compared to controls (12.4% vs 27.3%). Statistical significances were observed on the association between the GSTT1
null
and GSTM1
null
with SOD2
mut
(
p
<0.001, OR 0.15, CI 0.05–0.47), with GSTP1 A303G (
p
=0.012, OR 0.19, CI 0.05–0.69), and with GSTP1 IVS6 (
p
=0.008, OR 0.14, CI 0.03–0.63). The same was observed between SOD2 C47T with GSTP1 A303G (
p
=0.09, OR 0.27, CI 0.09–0.74) and GSTP1 IVS6 (
p
=0.036, OR 0.41, CI 0.18–0.92).
Conclusions
The deletion GSTT1
null
/GSTM1
null
may contribute to the increased of the oxidative stress in SLE patients. Isolated GSTP1 and CAT polymorphisms do not seem to influence the increased oxidative stress, neither SLE clinical manifestations. SOD2 47
CT/TT
allele may have greater oxidative stress due to structural change in the protein and decreased H
2
O
2
production. The combination of polymorphic genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Key points
• Major question of our paper:
Many studies have shown that the antioxidant status levels are decreased in patients with SLE, especially in severe stages of disease. We believe that this paper will be of interest to the readership of your journal had the involvement of polymorphisms and mutations in several genes that contribute to the genetic etiology of SLE, suggesting that these may influence the mechanisms of disease.
• Our results.
Thiol level was significantly (p<.001) lower and MDA level significantly increased (p<.001) among SLE patients. Those carrying the polymorphisms had higher rates of oxidative stress. SLE Patients had a frequency almost five times higher of double null deletion GSTT1null/GSTM1null than the controls. SLE Patients had a lower wild type frequency of SOD2CC allele compared to controls (12.4% vs 27.3%). We believed the deletion GSTT1null/GSTM1null may contribute to the increased of the oxidative stress in SLE patients while carriers of the mutant SOD2 47CT/TT allele may have greater oxidative stress due to structural change in the protein and decreased H2O2 production. The combination of polymorphic genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
• Implications of our results:
Evidence for the involvement of genetic factors in severe clinical to lupus is compelling. This manuscript shows genetic insights in pathogenic pathways that may lead to severe clinical implications to LES. Therefore, it is necessary to understand their impact on overall disease pathogenesis and prognosis in these patients. We understand from general consensus about environmental factors can modify disease, however, maybe just in individuals who have a permissive genetic background. Even that no single gene predisposes some individuals to LES, we believe the genetic factors described in this manuscript are important elements in susceptibility to severe clinical to LES
Inhaled linalool-induced sedation in mice Linck, Viviane de Moura; da Silva, Adriana Lourenço; Figueiró, Micheli ...
Phytomedicine (Stuttgart),
04/2009, Letnik:
16, Številka:
4
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Linalool is a monoterpene often found as a major component of essential oils obtained from aromatic plant species, many of which are used in traditional medical systems as hypno-sedatives. ...Psychopharmacological evaluations of linalool (i.p. and i.c.v.) revealed marked sedative and anticonvulsant central effects in various mouse models. Considering this profile and alleged effects of inhaled lavender essential oil, the purpose of this study was to examine the sedative effects of inhaled linalool in mice. Mice were placed in an inhalation chamber during 60
min, in an atmosphere saturated with 1% or 3% linalool.
Immediately after inhalation, animals were evaluated regarding locomotion, barbiturate-induced sleeping time, body temperature and motor coordination (rota-rod test). The 1% and 3% linalool increased (
p<0.01) pentobarbital sleeping time and reduced (
p<0.01) body temperature. The 3% linalool decreased (
p<0.01) locomotion. Motor coordination was not affected. Hence, linalool inhaled for 1
h seems to induce sedation without significant impairment in motor abilities, a side effect shared by most psycholeptic drugs.
Abstract
Background
Impact of heart disease (HD) on pregnancy is significant.
Objective
We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of integrating screening echocardiography (echo) into the Brazilian ...prenatal primary care to assess HD prevalence.
Methods
Over 13 months, 20 healthcare workers acquired simplified echo protocols, utilizing hand-held machines (GE-VSCAN), in 22 primary care centres. Consecutive pregnant women unaware of HD underwent focused echo, remotely interpreted in USA and Brazil. Major HD was defined as structural valve abnormalities, more than mild valve dysfunction, ventricular systolic dysfunction/hypertrophy, or other major abnormalities. Screen-positive women were referred for standard echo.
Results
At total, 1 112 women underwent screening. Mean age was 27 ± 8 years, mean gestational age 22 ± 9 weeks. Major HD was found in 100 (9.0%) patients. More than mild mitral regurgitation was observed in 47 (4.2%), tricuspid regurgitation in 11 (1.0%), mild left ventricular dysfunction in 4 (0.4%), left ventricular hypertrophy in 2 (0.2%) and suspected rheumatic heart disease in 36 (3.2%): all, with mitral valve and two with aortic valve (AV) involvement. Other AV disease was observed in 11 (10%). In 56 screen-positive women undergoing standard echo, major HD was confirmed in 45 (80.4%): RHD findings in 12 patients (all with mitral valve and two with AV disease), mitral regurgitation in 40 (14 with morphological changes, 10 suggestive of rheumatic heart disease), other AV disease in two (mild/moderate regurgitation).
Conclusions
Integration of echo screening into primary prenatal care is feasible in Brazil. However, the low prevalence of severe disease urges further investigations about the effectiveness of the strategy.
Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC known as “carqueja” in Brazil has been acknowledged as a medicinal plant in folk medicine for the treatment of stomach aches and gastrointestinal disorders.
The present ...study aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective and healing effects of essential oil from B. trimera (EOBT) against gastric ulcer lesions caused by absolute ethanol and acetic acid, respectively, and to identify the mechanism of action of this essential oil in male Wistar rats.
The plant material used to obtain EOBT was collected in the southern region of Brazil and was analyzed by chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) demonstrate its characteristic chemical composition, with carquejyl acetate as its main component. Different doses of EOBT (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally in male Wistar rats as an acute treatment against absolute ethanol-induced gastric lesions. The gastric healing effect of EOBT (100 mg/kg) was evaluated once a day after 7, 10, and 14 days of treatment. After treatment, the stomachs of rats from all groups were collected to measure the lesion area (mm2), the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the relative expression of caspases −3, −8, −9, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). The zymography method was used to elucidate the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and −9 (MMP-9) in the healing action of EOBT. We also analyzed toxicological parameters (body weight evolution and biochemical parameters) that could result after treatment with this essential oil for 14 days.
Pretreatment with EOBT (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly decreased the severity of gastric damage induced by absolute ethanol and decreased MPO activity in gastric tissue. After 10 and 14 days of treatment with EOBT (100 mg/kg) once a day, the lesion area was significantly reduced by 61% and 65.5%, respectively, compared to the negative control group. The gastric healing effect of EOBT was followed by a decrease in the expression of COX-1 compared to that in the negative control group. Notably, treatment with EOBT for 14 days increased the expression of VEGF compared to that using an anti-ulcer drug (lansoprazole). Additionally, analyses of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in the gastric mucosa confirmed the accelerated gastric healing effect of EOBT, with a significant decrease in the activity of pro-MMP-2. No sign of toxicity was observed after treatment with EOBT for 14 consecutive days. Conclusion: These findings indicated that EOBT was effective in preventing and accelerating ulcer healing by decreasing MPO activity, increasing VEGF expression, and decreasing MMP-2 activity. These actions collectively contribute to the rapid recovery of gastric mucosa following treatment with EOBT, without any observed toxicity.
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A cost of illness (COI) study aims to evaluate the socioeconomic burden that an illness imposes on society as a whole. This study aimed to describe the resources used, patterns of care, direct cost, ...and loss of productivity due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Brazil.
This 12-month, cross-sectional, COI study of patients with SLE (ACR 1997 Classification Criteria) collected data using patient interviews (questionnaires) and medical records, covering: SLE profile, resources used, morbidities, quality of life (12-Item Short Form Survey, SF-12), and loss of productivity. Patients were excluded if they were retired or on sick leave for another illness. Direct resources included health-related (consultations, tests, medications, hospitalization) or non-health-related (transportation, home adaptation, expenditure on caregivers) hospital resources.Costs were calculated using the unit value of each resource and the quantity consumed. A gamma regression model explored cost predictors for patients with SLE.
Overall, 300 patients with SLE were included (92.3% female,mean standard deviation (SD) disease duration 11.8 7.9 years), of which 100 patients (33.3%) were on SLE-related sick leave and 46 patients (15.3%) had stopped schooling. Mean (SD) travel time from home to a care facility was 4.4 (12.6) hours. Antimalarials were the most commonly used drugs (222 74.0%). A negative correlation was observed between SF-12 physical component and SLE Disease Activity Index (- 0.117, p = 0.042), Systemic Lupus International CollaboratingClinics/AmericanCollegeofRheumatology Damage Index (- 0.115, p = 0.046), medications/day for multiple co-morbidities (- 0.272, p < 0.001), SLE-specific drugs/day (- 0.113, p = 0.051), and lost productivity (- 0.570, p < 0.001). For the mental component, a negative correlation was observed with medications/day for multiple co-morbidities (- 0.272, p < 0.001), SLE-specific medications/day (- 0.113, p = 0.051), and missed appointments (- 0.232, p < 0.001). Mean total SLE cost was US$3,123.53/patient/year (median interquartile range (IQR) US$1,618.51 $678.66, $4,601.29). Main expenditure was medication, with a median (IQR) cost of US$910.62 ($460, $4,033.51). Mycophenolate increased costs by 3.664 times (p < 0.001), and inflammatory monitoring (erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein) reduced expenditure by 0.381 times (p < 0.001).
These results allowed access to care patterns, the median cost for patients with SLE in Brazil, and the differences across regions driven by biological, social, and behavioral factors. The cost of SLE provides an updated setting to support the decision-making process across the country.
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