Curcumin-rich extract from Central Brazil Curcuma longa protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells under oxidative stress / Extrato rico em Curcumina do Brasil Central Curcuma longa protege células endoteliais de veias umbilicais humanas sob estresse oxidativo

INTRODUCTION: In vascular diseases, the interruption of the local blood flow and the subsequent reperfusion of oxygen can cause deleterious oxidative effects on the cells. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) presents the capacity to neutralize free radicals along with preventive and therapeutic effects for several diseases. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the ethanolic extract of Curcuma (EEC), to evaluate its effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and to analyze its effect on cellular signaling pathways. METHODS: Cells were exposed to different concentrations of EEC for 24, 48, and 72 h. Folin-Ciocalteau test, HPLC-Fluorescence analysis, and DPPH method were used to determine the phenolic compounds, curcumin content, and antioxidant action, respectively; the tetrazolium salt reduction to obtain cell viability, cytotoxicity, and the concentration that inhibits 50% of cell viability; and the immunocytochemistry technique to analyze the expression of caspase3, SIRT1, and mTOR. RESULTS: We found the presence of polyphenols in the classes of phenolic acids and curcuminoids in EEC, with 16.7% curcumin content. The number of antioxidants needed to reduce the initial DPPH concentration by 50% was 18.1 µmol/g. The extract mitigated cell damage at a dosage of 100 µg/ml, decreased the immunoexpression of caspase3, and promoted the signaling of the SIRT1 and mTOR survival pathways. CONCLUSION: EEC had a protective effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells, subjected to oxidative stress, with decreased apoptosis (caspase3) at lower concentrations, cytoprotection by maintaining essential cell functions (mTOR), and signaling of the survival pathway (SIRT1).

INTRODUÇÃO: Em doenças vasculares, a interrupção do fluxo sanguíneo locale subsequente reperfusão de oxigênio pode causar efeitos deletérios e danos irreparáveis às células. Curcuma (Curcuma longa L.) neutraliza radicais livres além de apresentar efeitos preventivos e terapêuticos. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar os compostos bioativos e a capacidade antioxidante do extrato etanólico de cúrcuma (EEC); avaliar seu efeito nas células endoteliais da veia umbilical humana, e analisar a expressão de vias de sinalização celular. MÉTODOS: As células foram expostas a diferentes concentrações de EEC por 24, 48 e 72 horas. Utilizamos o teste de Folin-Ciocalteau, análise por HPLC-Fluorescência e método DPPH para determinar os compostos fenólicos, conteúdo de curcumina e ação antioxidante, respectivamente; o método de redução de tetrazólio para viabilidade celular, a citotoxicidade e a concentração que inibe 50% da viabilidade celular; e a técnica de imunocitoquímica para analisar a expressão de caspase3, SIRT1 e mTOR. RESULTADOS: Observou-se presença de polifenóis nas classes de ácidos fenólicos e curcuminóides no EEC, com teor de curcumina de 16,7%. A quantidade de antioxidante necessária para reduzir a concentração inicial de DPPH em 50% foi de 18,1 µmol/g. O extrato mitigou o dano celular na dosagem de 100 µg/ml, diminuiu a imunoexpressão da caspase3 e promoveu a sinalização das vias de sobrevivência SIRT1 e mTOR. CONCLUSÃO: O EEC teve efeito protetor nas células endoteliais de veia umbilical humana, submetidas ao estresse oxidativo, com diminuição da apoptose (caspase3) em concentrações mais baixas, citoproteção pela manutenção das funções celulares essenciais (mTOR) e sinalização da via de sobrevivência (SIRT1).

Cytotoxicity assessment of beta-lapachone in endothelial cells

The selective activity of an antineoplastic drug is related to its ability to promote cytotoxic action on tumor cells and preserve the integrity of non-neoplastic cells. Beta-lapachone is extracted from the sawdust of Ipe wood, a thick bark tree from the Ipe wood found in the Brazilian Cerrado biome. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic action of beta-lapachone in an endothelial cell line. The EA.hy926 cells were seeded in two groups, G1 and G2, cultured and exposed to beta-lapachone at concentrations of 0.0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1 and 3 & 956;M for 24 hours. G1 remained under normal cultivation conditions and G2 was subjected to oxidative stress through an ischemia and reperfusion assay, in a deoxygenated sealed chamber. The cytotoxicity assay was performed using the tetrazolium reduction method. In G1, the cytotoxicity ranged from 0.0 to 10.0%; and in G2 between 0.0 and 6.3%. No statistically significant difference was observed between the obtained values. Moreover, we found no cytotoxic action of beta-lapachone on endothelial cells, and the results point out that the drug might have preserved the cell’s integrity against oxidative stress under the conditions of this experiment. This promising result suggests the possibility of beta-lapachone as a chemotherapy drug with selective activity.

Ethanolic extract of gabirobeira (Campomanesia adamantium) leaves reduces proliferation of osteosarcoma cells in vitro

Osteosarcoma is the most commonly diagnosed malignant bone tumor in humans, with a higher incidence in children and young people. It is highly aggressive and has a high metastatic potential. Its treatment is based on both chemotherapy and surgical intervention. However, currently used chemotherapeutic agents, such as doxorubicin, have several adverse effects on the patient. Therefore, there is a growing demand for new chemotherapeutic agents that stimulate new researches, such as those involving compounds extracted from plants, such as the gabirobeira. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of ethanolic extract, both crude and ethyl acetate, of gabirobeira leaves on osteosarcoma cells in vitro. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the Trypan blue exclusion method and the IC50 values were calculated using the tetrazolium reduction method. The ethanolic extract of gabirobeira leaves showed a cytotoxic effect on osteosarcoma cells in vitro. The group treated with the crude extract at 1. 0& 956;L mL-1 concentration for 48 hours showed higher cytotoxicity and the lowest IC50 value for this extract was found in the 24 to 48 hours interval. The ethanolic extract of gabirobeira leaves is cytotoxic for osteosarcoma cells.

Comparative anatomy of the gluteal muscles of Sapajus libidinosus / Anatomia comparativa dos músculos da região glútea de Sapajus libidinosus

New World primates Sapajus sp. unexpectedly display cognitive aspects, tool use, social behavior, memory and anatomical aspects similar to Old World primates, such as chimpanzees and baboons. Convergent evolutionary aspects must have occurred between Sapajus and Old World primates and should be verified not only in terms of behavior analysis, but also of anatomical structure. The pelvic region can provide data for evolutionary verification trends, since taking standing position is one of the characteristics associated to the use of tools by early humans and pongids. We used eight specimens of Sapajus libidinosus to describe the deep muscular structure of the pelvis. Unlike humans, the gluteus medius muscle in S. libidinosus is completely covered by the gluteus maximus and elongated as compared to humans and chimpanzees, putatively by the elongated pelvis of S. libidinosus. Considering origin and insertion, the gluteus maximus muscle resembles more its counterpart in baboons than in humans and chimpanzees, since this muscle in baboons is associated to semibiped posture and to the tail. Gluteus minimum, piriformis, superior gemellus, internal shutter, gemellus and lower square muscles are positioned in this order in relation to the cranial-caudal axis, with all of its tendons converging for a common insertion in the greater trochanter. The muscles of the gluteal region of S. libidinosus are similar to the baboon, especially regarding the gluteus maximus, which points to the evolutionary kinship of these animals.(AU)

Os Sapajus sp apresentam aspectos cognitivos, uso de ferramentas, comportamento social e memória, além de aspectos anatômicos, similares à primatas do Velho Mundo, como chimpanzés e babuínos, fatos inesperados para estes animais, que são primatas do Novo Mundo. Aspectos evolutivos convergentes devem ter ocorrido entre Sapajus e primatas do Velho Mundo que devem ser verificados não somente em termos de análise do comportamento, mas da estrutura anatômica. A região pélvica pode fornecer dados para a verificação de tendências evolucionárias, pois assumir a posição bípede é uma das características associadas ao uso de ferramentas pelos humanos primitivos e pongídeos. Para descrever a estrutura muscular profunda da pelve, foram utilizados oito espécimes de Sapajus libidinosus. O músculo glúteo médio em S. libidinosus, diferente de humanos, é totalmente recoberto pelo glúteo máximo, é alongado em relação aos humanos e chimpanzés, putativamente pela pelve alongada dos S. libidinosus. O músculo glúteo máximo se assemelha, considerando origem e inserção mais aos babuínos do que em humanos e chimpanzés, uma vez que em babuínos esse músculo está associado à postura semibípede e à cauda. Os músculos glúteo mínimo, piriforme, gêmeo superior, obturador interno, gêmeo inferior e quadrado estão posicionados nesta ordem em relação ao eixo crânio-caudal com todos seus tendões convergindo para uma inserção comum no trocânter maior. Os músculos da região glútea de S. libidinosus são semelhantes ao babuíno principalmente no que se refere ao músculo glúteo máximo, o que reflete o parentesco evolutivo desses animais.(AU)

Medicinal plants used by the population of Goianápolis, Goiás State, Brazil / Plantas medicinais utilizadas pela população de Goianápolis, Estado de Goiás, Brasil

In Brazil, the knowledge on the use of medicine plants comes mainly from natives with African and European influences. With descriptive purposes and valuation of traditional knowledge, a study with induced questioning was conducted in the municipality of Goianápolis, Goiás State, to verify the plants considered to be medicinal by the local population. The data collection through structured interviews in the form of questionnaires from sixty inhabitants randomly selected. The study followed the ethical aspects and was approved by the Unievangélica Research and Ethics Committee. Most of the interviewed subjects was of female gender, older than 30 years and had already lived in the rural area for at least one phase of their lives, the use of leaves and the method of tea making and infusion were most mentioned, the plants most used were Lemon Balm, Mint, Chilean evergreen tree, elderberry, wormseed, Pennyroyal, and the most mentioned families are Asteraceae and Laminaceae. The knowledge about plants use was obtained, according most of interviewed, from family. In conclusion, the data observed in Goianápolis, Goiás State, corroborates of those observed by other researchers about the use of plants, the most used botanical families, the plant parts to be used and the form of preparation.

No Brasil, o conhecimento sobre o uso de plantas medicinais é proveniente principalmente dos indígenas, com influências negras e européias. Com fins descritivos e de valorização do conhecimento tradicional, foi realizado um estudo de questionamento induzido no município de Goianápolis, Estado de Goiás, para a verificação das plantas consideradas de caráter medicinal usadas pela população desse município. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da Unievangélica e foram entrevistados 60 moradores escolhidos através de sorteio A maioria foi do gênero feminino, maiores de 30 anos e já residiram na zona rural em pelo menos uma fase da vida. O uso de folhas e o modo de preparo de chá e infusão foram os mais citados, as plantas mais utilizadas foram erva-cidreira, hortelã, boldo, sabugueiro, erva-de-santa- maria e poejo e as famílias mais citadas foram a Asteraceae e a Laminaceae, nesta ordem. O conhecimento sobre a utilização das plantas foi adquirido, segundo a maioria dos entrevistados, por informações ensinadas na própria família. Em conclusão, os dados obtidos em Goianápolis, Estado de Goiás, estão em acordo com o observado por outros pesquisadores sobre o uso de plantas medicinais, as famílias de plantas mais citadas, as partes mais usadas das plantas e a forma de preparo.

Historic and teaching aspects of anatomy and Cebus genus role in Ccntemporary anatomy / Aspectos históricos y de enseñanza de la anatomía y el papel del género Cebus en la anatomía moderna

Anatomy is the science that studies the body and a basic discipline in health and biological sciences indispensable to students that study this area, and plays a important role in the comparison of species. Nowadays anatomy is falling into academic and scientific crisis. Recently, the number of papers and reviews on health science education have increased considerably. Pre-clinical disciplines are essential for all health and biological science courses; among them anatomy is considered to be the basis of morphological sciences. For that reason, throughout history, this discipline has been viewed as a factual knowledge base that must be learned in its entirety. History of anatomy demonstrated that teaching in this area is facilitated by the use of dissection of both animal and human disciplines. In absence of human cadavers, it is possible to use animals for dissection for the benefits of students. The aim of this paper is to serve as a reminder to understand that anatomy is the basis of current health science and to realize what is important in the teaching of anatomy. It is also important to learn anatomy since researchers sometimes draw wrong conclusion because of lack of anatomical knowledge.

La anatomía es la ciencia que estudia el cuerpo y una disciplina básica en ciencias de la salud y biológicas, indispensables para los estudiantes que tratan esta materia, teniendo además, un importante papel en la comparación de las especies. Actualmente, la anatomía está en una crisis académica y científica. Por otra parte, recientemente, el número de artículos y revisiones en la educación en ciencias de la salud han aumentado considerablemente. Las disciplinas pre-clínicas son esenciales para todos los cursos de salud y ciencias biológicas, entre ellas, la anatomía es considerada como la base de las ciencias morfológicas. Por esa razón, a lo largo de la historia, la anatomía ha sido considerada como una base de conocimiento de los hechos que deben ser aprendidas en su totalidad. La historia de la anatomía ha demostrado que la enseñanza en esta área se ve facilitada por el uso de la disección de animales. En ausencia de cadáveres humanos, es posible utilizar los animales para la disección, generando así beneficios para los estudiantes. El objetivo de este trabajo fue recordar el pasado para entender que la anatomía es la base de la ciencia de la salud actual y darse cuenta de la importancia de la enseñanza de esta disciplina. Finalmente, es importante recordar que los investigadores algunas veces han llegado a conclusiones erróneas debido a la falta de conocimiento sobre temas anatómicos.

Teaching embryology using models construction in practical classes / La enseñanza de embriología usando la construcción de modelos en las clases prácticas

Recently, the curriculum and the educational methodologies associated with health sciences courses are being reviewed and adapted. Pre-clinical sciences, such as anatomy and embryology are as well subjected to those changes. In human embryology courses it is common to use models to represent the different phases of development to facilitate learning, since the students can see and touch the models, obtaining knowledge by analogies. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if the construction of models by the students during practical embryology classes would improve or facilitate their learning. One year after the classes, 60 students answered a questionnaire with nine objective questions, including spaces for suggestions and observations. The student's responses suggested that the construction of models contributed to their learning.

Recientemente, el plan de estudios y las metodologías educativas asociadas a los cursos de ciencias de la salud están siendo revisados y adaptados. Ciencias pre-clínicas tales como la Anatomía y la Embriología son también sometidas a cambios. En los cursos de Embriología Humana, es común el uso de modelos para representar las diferentes fases del desarrollo, y así facilitar el aprendizaje, ya que los estudiantes pueden ver y tocar los modelos, así se realiza la obtención de conocimientos por medio de analogías. El propósito del presente estudio fue investigar si la construcción de modelos por parte de los estudiantes, durante las clases prácticas de Embriología, mejora o facilita su aprendizaje. Después de un año, 60 estudiantes respondieron a un cuestionario con nueve preguntas objetivas, incluidos los espacios para sugerencias y observaciones. De acuerdo con las respuestas de los estudiantes, la construcción de modelos han contribuido a su aprendizaje.

Plantas medicinais usadas pela comunidade do bairro Itamaraty em Anápolis, Estado de Goiás, Brasil / Medicinal plants used by Itamaraty community nearby Anápolis, Goiás State, Brazil

O uso de plantas para fins terapêuticos tem sido relatado desde a antiguidade, principalmente no Irã, Índia e China. Recentemente, o uso ?in-natura? das plantas para fins medicinais foi retomado de modo sistemático e crescente, especialmente quando combinado com a terapia convencional. No Brasil, o conhecimento sobre o uso de plantas medicinais foi e é derivado principalmente das influências indígenas, primeiramente, mas também de negros e europeus, e diversos estudos têm sido feito no sentido de verificar quais as plantas utilizadas para fins medicinais pela população brasileira em várias comunidades do cerrado. Neste trabalho foi feita uma pesquisa com a população do bairro Itamaraty, em Anápolis, Estado de Goiás, Brasil, com enfoque etnobotânico, a fim de recuperar e preservar o conhecimento etnobotânico da região. Em termos gerais, o uso de plantas medicinais neste bairro segue os aspectos culturais relatado por outros autores sobre a necessidade de uso de terapias alternativas para as comunidades pobres, além do uso geral e comum de folhas e a infusão como a principal forma de preparação dessas plantas, tendo em vista que as famílias Asteraceae e Lamiaceae são as mais citadas para o uso como plantas medicinais

The use of plants for therapeutic purposes has been reported from ancient in Iran, India and China, especially. Recently, the use of in-natura plants as herbal medicines has grown in a systematic and increasing way, especially when combined with conventional therapy. In Brazil, the knowledge on the use of medicinal plants has been and is primarily derived from the indigenous, with African and European influences, and several studies have been done in order to verify which plants have been used for medicinal purposes by the Brazilian population in several communities from the ?cerrado? region. This work performed a survey with the population of Itamaraty nearby Anápolis, Goiás State, Brazil with ethnobotanical focus in order to recover and preserve the ethnobotanical knowledge of this region. In general terms, the use of medicinal plants in this neighborhood follows the cultural aspects reported by other authors on the need for use of alternative therapies for poor communities, beyond the general and common use of leaves and infusions as the main form of preparation, since Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families are the most cited to use as medicinal plants