•The Brazilian Government has taken precautions to prevent transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.•Screening studies are important for planning prevention of the new coronavirus spread.•Screening ...articles can be a subsidy for government and public health decisions.•The clinical presentation of Covid-19 was different in the studied groups.•This article may be useful within the scope of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
A retrospective study was conducted to identify the prevalence of COVID-19 through serology and RT-PCR in children, adolescents and adults. A database of the COVID-19 Tracking Program in school children was used.
The data comprised sociodemographic and clinical variables, results of serological tests (IgM and IgG), and real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results of IgM-positive individuals. The statistical analysis was performed with a 5% significance level.
Among 423 children, 107 (25.3%) exhibited seroprevalence with IgG, IgM or IgG/IgM; among 854 adolescents, 250 (29.2%) had positive serology; and among 282 adults, 59 (20.9%) were positive. The frequency of positivity on RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was 3.5%, 3.6% and 6.0% in children, adolescents and adults, respectively. Children had a lower incidence of symptoms than adolescents (p = 0.001) and adults (p = 0.003); the most frequent were fever, ageusia, anosmia, headache, dry cough, sore throat, muscle pain, runny nose, dyspnoea, and diarrhoea.
The prevalence rate for all groups was 26.7% in serology and 4.04% in RT-PCR. Children had lower rates of IgM and fewer symptoms compared with adolescents and adults. The data suggest the potential for transmissibility in all age groups.
Display omitted
•Cnidoscolus spp. is a novel plant source of medicinal purposes.•The main content of bioactive compounds were observed in the extracts from the whole plant.•Cnidoscolus spp. as ...pivotal sources of separation and identification of bioactive molecules with biotechnological applications
The application of medicinal plants are the most important biotechnological alternative in the treatment of numerous diseases, especially in developing countries, such as Brazil. Among them, we specified some specimens of the genus Cnidoscolus used as phytotherapies, with healing properties, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and diuretic, anticancer, among others. Such effects are possibly associated with the presence of terpenoids, alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids phenolic compounds, among others. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate in the literature the studies on the phytochemical, ethnopharmacological and biotechnological applications of this genus, from 1998 to 2017. Among the sixty-one studies reported in this review, ten species are popularly utilized to pharmacological and/or biotechnological applications. Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and Cnidoscolus chayamansa are the most cited species, which were also supported by either animal or cellular investigations indicating some beneficial pharmacological actions like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potential cytotoxic activity. The plant parts of this genus under study are important as sources for the isolation and identification of bioactive molecules with biotechnological applications, among the many diseases treated with this phytotherapy. Given these verdicts, ethnopharmacological approaches are significant systematic tools in the determination of plant species that exhibit medicinal and nutritional purposes. The results presented here should further stimulate the development of validation studies to ensure the safe and effective use of these plant species.
Dyslipidemia is a chronic non-transmissible condition that has increased due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Statins have been used as the standard treatment to control hyperlipidemia. However, side ...effects and high costs may be associated with its prolonged treatment, so plants derivatives have been an attractive therapy to overcome these problems. Among the compounds extracted from plants, the p-hydroxycinnamic diesters (HCE), present in carnauba wax (CW), have been found with good pharmacological properties. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-hypercholesterolemic and possible toxicological effects of HCE in C57BL/6J mice under a high-fat (HF) diet. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed during 60 days under the HF diet and therefore were either treated with HCE (200 and 400 mg/kg) or simvastatin (20 mg/kg) or received saline (controls) by gavage for 30 days under the same diet. HCE treatment was able to reduce serum total cholesterol and LDL levels. Besides, this compound increased liver X receptor (LXR) and but not significantly affected IL-1β and TNF-α liver mRNA transcription activity. In conclusion, HCE treatment was found safe and may attenuate the deleterious effects of dyslipidemia due to chronic feeding with western diets.
Display omitted
•Carnauba wax has promising pharmacological properties.•p-Hydroxycinnamic diesters from carnauba wax are safe and showed anti-hypercholesterolemic and anti-nitrergic effects.•p-Hydroxycinnamic diesters from carnauba wax improved liver LXR mRNA levels.•p-Hydroxycinnamic diesters affected IL-1β and TNF-α liver mRNA transcription activity.
Turnera subulata Sm. belongs to the family Turneraceae and is found in Brazil. The present study evaluated the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic potential of T. subulata flower ...extract (EtFloTsu) in zebrafish (Danio rerio). The total phenol and flavonoid contents of EtFloTsu were determined and identified using the Folin Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride (AlCl
3
), respectively. The constituents of the extract were identified by HPLC-DAD, and the in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH) was determined, toxicity in brine shrimp, and acute toxicity of 96 h in adult zebrafish. In addition, adult zebrafish (n = 6/fish) were treated orally with EtFloTsu (4, 20, or 40 mg/kg; vo) and subjected to formalin-induced nociception tests (with its possible mechanism of action with camphor), carrageenan-induced inflammation, and D-glucose-induced hyperglycemia (111 mM). Oxidative stress in the liver and brain tissues was assessed. EtFloTsu showed high levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds with antioxidant activity. The phytochemicals chlorogenic acid, luteolin-7-o-glucoside, vitexin, and apigenin-7-o-glucoside were also identified in EtFloTsu. The synergism between these constituents was possibly responsible for the antinociceptive (via TRPA1), anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects of EtFloTsu in adult zebrafish, without causing toxicity in animals. Therefore, T. subulata flowers have therapeutic agents that could treat pain, inflammation, diabetes, and related complications.
Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
The GABAergic and serotoninergic neurotransmission pathways are involved in the control of anxiety and ensure emotional balance. Some plant species have substances with anxiolytic activity, a ...therapeutic effect associated with the presence of phenolic compounds.
Before assessing the existence of anxiolytic activity, ethanolic extracts from leaves, branches and roots of Ziziphus cotinifolia Reissek were evaluated regarding biological activity and absence of toxicity. Later the influences of the samples on locomotor and anxiolytic activity, anxiolytic pathways and probable mechanisms of neurotransmission were evaluated.
The EEtFJ extract (0.5 mg/mL) did not have its anxiolytic activity reversed by the GABAergic receptor antagonist (Fmz + EEtFJ = EEjFJ; p<0.05). The twig extracts and flumazenil only partially reduced the time spent in the light zone (Fmz + EEtGJ < + EEtGJ; p<0.05), the root extract was not reversed by flumazenil (Fmz + EEtFRJ = EEtFRJ).
The initial analysis data reveal the presence of phenolic compounds that explain the biological activities found and, as they act on different targets of neurotransmission systems involved in the control of anxiety disorders, they have potential for the production of herbal medicines with synergistic action.
Objective: To evaluate the chemical components of active extract from Cnidoscolus quercifolius root bark and its cytotoxic potential against several tumor strains. Methods: The high-performance ...liquid chromatography with diode-array detection and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the extract were used to distinguish the existence of possible functional groups in the root bark extract. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of methanol extract on human colon cancer cell lines was evaluated using OVCAR-8, SF-295, HCT- 116, HL-60 strains and the samples were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide method. Results: The analysis of nuclear magnetic spectra of the active chloroform fraction revealed the presence of absorptions bands correspondent to a mixture of favelines such as neofavelanone, deoxofaveline or methyl-faveline, which structures were confirmed by ultraviolet spectra upon high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection analysis. The active fraction showed cytotoxic effects in the tested strains, HCT-116, SF-295, OVCAR-8 and HL-60 cells with IC50 of 72 hours ranging from 4.95 to 15.23 μg/mL. Conclusions: The results suggest that the substances present in faveleira (Cnidoscolus quercifolius) root bark extract have a cytotoxic potential against several tumor lines, showing a broader antitumour potential, and in addition no adverse to healthy cells. Therefore, the root bark extract of Cnidoscolus quercifolius has a possibility of use for anticarcinogenic therapies.
The zebrafish (
Danio rerio
) has been proposed as a low-cost and simple alternative to the use of higher vertebrates in laboratory research on novel compounds with antinociceptive potential. In this ...study, we tested adult zebrafish (
Danio rerio
) as an alternative behavioral model of formalin-induced nociception. We evaluated the nociceptive effect of 0.1% formalin (3 or 5 μL; intramuscularly i.m.), applied into the tail or lips, on locomotor activity, using as parameter the number of times the fish crossed the lines between the quadrants of a glass Petri dish during the neurogenic stage (0–5 min) and the inflammatory stage (15–30 min). The behavioral model was validated by testing the antinociceptive effect of morphine and indomethacin (standard analgesic drugs used in the formalin test of rodents). We also tested whether the effect of morphine could be modulated by naloxone, an opioid antagonist. The effect of morphine and indomethacin on zebrafish locomotor behavior was evaluated with the open field test. The white/black test was used to rule out the anxiolytic effect of 0.1% formalin injected into the tail on adult zebrafish. Formalin (0.1%; 3 and 5 μL injected into the tail) increased significantly the nociceptive behavior of the adult zebrafish in both stages (
p
< 0.001 vs. control). Morphine and indomethacin (both 0.2 mg/mL; 20 μL; intraperitoneally i.p.) significantly inhibited nociception induced with formalin (5 μL injected i.m. into the tail) in both stages (
p
< 0.001). Naloxone blocked the antinociceptive effect of morphine. No influence on locomotion was observed. Locally administered formalin (injected into the tail) induced nociception, but not anxiety. The results suggest that the adult zebrafish behavioral model is a feasible alternative to more conventional laboratory models used in research on novel compounds with antinociceptive potential.
Inflammation and oxidative stress are processes associated with different human diseases. They are treated using drugs that have several side effects. Seaweed are sources of potentially relevant ...natural compounds for use as treatment of these disorders. Lectins are able to reversibly interact with complex carbohydrates and modulate cell membrane glycosylated receptors through this interaction. This study aimed to determine the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential of CiL-1 in adult zebrafish by modulation of TRPA1 through lectin-glycan binding. Possible neuromodulation by TRPA1 channel was also evaluated by camphor pretreatment. CiL-1 was efficacious at all tested doses, revealing anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in adult zebrafish. This galactose-binding lectin was also able to reduce the content of ROS in brain and liver. In silico analyses showed CiL-1 interactions with both ligands tested. LacNac2 presents the most favorable binding energy with the protein. The interaction occurs at 4 subsites as an extended conformation at the site. LacNac2-Sia had a less favorable curved-shape interaction energy. Based on the predictions made for the oligosaccharides, a tetra-antenate putative glycan was schematically constructed, illustrating an interaction between TRPA1 N-glycan and CiL-1. This binding seems to be related to CiL-1 anti-inflammatory activity as result of receptor modulation.
Plant proteins are emerging as an alternative to conventional treatments against candidiasis. The aim of this study was to better understand the mechanism of action of Mo-CBP2 against Candida spp, ...evaluating redox system activity, lipid peroxidation, DNA degradation, cytochrome c release, medium acidification, and membrane interaction. Anti-candida activity of Mo-CBP2 decreased in the presence of ergosterol, which was not observed with antioxidant agents. C. albicans treated with Mo-CBP2 also had catalase and peroxidase activities inhibited, while superoxide dismutase was increased. Mo-CBP2 increased the lipid peroxidation, but it did not alter the ergosterol profile in live cells. External medium acidification was strongly inhibited, and cytochrome c release and DNA degradation were detected. Mo-CBP2 interacts with cell membrane constituents, changes redox system enzymes in C. albicans and causes lipid peroxidation by ROS overproduction. DNA degradation and cytochrome c release suggest apoptotic or DNAse activity. Lipid peroxidation and H+-ATPases inhibition may induce the process of apoptosis. Finally, Mo-CBP2 did not have a cytotoxic effect in mammalian Vero cells. This study highlights the biotechnological potential of Mo-CBP2 as a promising molecule with low toxicity and potent activity. Further studies should be performed to better understand its mode of action and toxicity.
The genus Cnidoscolus (Euphorbiaceae) is widely distributed in tropical areas. In the Northeast of Brazil, the species C. quercifolius is endemic and has been used in traditional medicine. In this ...study, a novel protein was isolated from C. quercifolius seeds and characterized by its molecular weight, primary structure, isoelectric point (pI), and carbohydrate content. The hypoglycemic activity of this protein was investigated by in vitro assay with the RIN-5F glucose-responsive cell line and in vivo test using alloxan-induced diabetic mice models. In addition, safe use of the protein was also investigated by cytotoxicity, hemagglutinating, and immunogenicity assays. The protein which was named Cq-IMP (Cnidoscolus quercifolius – Insulin Mimetic Protein) showed a single 11.18 KDa glycopolypeptide chain (16.4% of carbohydrates, m/m), pI of 8.0 and N-terminal sequence (TKDPELKQcKKQQKKqQQYDDDDKK) with similarity around 46–62% to sucrose binding protein-like and vicilin-like protein that was confirmed by mass spectrometry tryptic peptides analysis. Besides that, Cq-IMP presented anti-insulin antibody cross-reactivity as hypoglycemic activity in both in vitro and in vivo models. Additionally, it did not present any toxicity by methods tested. In conclusion, Cq-IMP is an insulin-mimetic protein, with a potent hypoglycemic activity and no toxicity showing great potential for therapeutic applications and drug development.
Display omitted
•Isolation and characterization of an 11.18 kDa glycoprotein from Cnidoscolus quercifolius•In vitro and in vivo hypoglycemic activity and positive anti-insulin IgG cross-reactivity•No Vero cell cytotoxicity effect, allergenicity or hemolytic activity was detected.
PDF
