In vivo Gonadoprotective Effects of Myricetin on Cisplatin- Induced Testicular Damage via Suppression of TLR4/NF-kB Inflammation Pathway and Heat-Shock Response / Efectos Gonadoprotectores in vivo de la Miricetina sobre el Daño Testicular Inducido por Cisplatino Mediante la Supresión de la Vía de Inflamación TLR4/NF-kB y la Respuesta al Choque Térmico

SUMMARY: The aim of this study is to reveal the gonadoprotective effects of myricetin (MYC), which has many biological properties, on cisplatin (CP)-induced testicular damage in rats. For this purpose, 40 male Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups as Control (group given no treatment), MYC (group given 5 mg/kg/i.p myricetin for 7 days), CP (group given 7 mg/kg/i.p cisplatin at 7th day) and MYC + CP (group given 5 mg/kg/i.p myricetin for 7 days before 7 mg/kg/i.p cisplatin injection). After administrations, testicular tissues of animals were extracted and processed according to tissue processing protocol. Hematoxylin & Eosin staining were performed to evaluate the histopathological changes and Johnsen'sTesticular Biopsy Score (JTBS) was applied and mean seminiferous tubule diameters (MSTD) were measured to compare experimental groups in terms of histopathological changes. Moreover, TLR4, NF-kB, HSP70 and HSP90 expression levels were detected by immunohistochemical staining and the density of immunoreactivity were measured to determine the difference in the expression levels of these factors among groups. Additionally, testicular apoptosis was detected via TUNEL assay. JTBS and MSTD data were significantly lower in CP group compared to other groups and MYC administrations significantly protects testicular tissue against CP-induced damage. Moreover, TLR4, NF-kB, HSP70 and HSP90 expressions and apoptotic cells significantly increased in the CP group (p<0.05). However, MYC administrations exerted a strong gonadoprotective effect on testicular tissue in terms of these parameters in MYC+CP group (p<0.05). According to our results, we suggested that MYC can be considered as a protective agent against cisplatin-induced testicular damage.

El objetivo de este estudio es revelar los efectos gonadoprotectores de la miricetina (MYC), que tiene muchas propiedades biológicas, sobre el daño testicular inducido por cisplatino (CP) en ratas. Para este propósito, se dividieron 40 ratas albinas Wistar macho en 4 grupos: Control (grupo que no recibió tratamiento), MYC (grupo que recibió 5 mg/kg/i.p de miricetina durante 7 días), CP (grupo que recibió 7 mg/kg/i.p de cisplatino al séptimo día) y MYC + CP (grupo que recibió 5 mg/ kg/i.p de miricetina durante 7 días antes de la inyección de 7 mg/ kg/i.p de cisplatino). Después de las administraciones, se extrajeron y procesaron tejidos testiculares de animales según el protocolo de procesamiento de tejidos. Se realizó tinción con hematoxilina y eosina para evaluar los cambios histopatológicos y se aplicó la puntuación de biopsia testicular de Johnsen (JTBS) y se midieron los diámetros medios de los túbulos seminíferos (MSTD) para comparar los grupos experimentales en términos de cambios histopatológicos. Además, los niveles de expresión de TLR4, NF-kB, HSP70 y HSP90 se detectaron mediante tinción inmunohistoquímica y se midió la densidad de inmunorreactividad para determinar la diferencia en los niveles de expresión de estos factores entre los grupos. Además, se detectó apoptosis testicular mediante el ensayo TUNEL. Los datos de JTBS y MSTD fueron significativamente más bajos en el grupo CP en comparación con otros grupos y las administraciones de MYC protegen significativamente el tejido testicular contra el daño inducido por CP. Además, las expresiones de TLR4, NF-kB, HSP70 y HSP90 y las células apoptóticas aumentaron significativamente en el grupo CP (p<0,05). Sin embargo, las administraciones de MYC ejercieron un fuerte efecto gonadoprotector sobre el tejido testicular en términos de estos parámetros en el grupo MYC+CP (p<0,05). Según nuestros resultados, sugerimos que MYC puede considerarse como un agente protector contra el daño testicular inducido por cisplatino.

Pouteria ramiflora leaf extract on emulgel in wound healing activity in diabetic rats / Ação do extrato de folhas de Pouteria ramiflora em emulgel na atividade de cicatrização de feridas em ratos diabéticos

The genus Pouteria has been studied because it presents various activities, among which is its anti-inflammatory potential. The effects of Pouteria ramiflora Carbopol gel on the healing of skin wounds in diabetic rats were evaluated by microscopic imaging. Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally in animals that had fasted for 12 hours, a situation confirmed by the glycemic index (> 240 mg dL-¹). An excision on the back of the animals was performed and three groups were formed: Control (Gel), Ethanolic extract (Ext) and Gel + extract 2% (Ext+gel); the histopathological evaluation occurred on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 30th days after the post-operative period. The results of the phytochemical prospecting of P. ramiflora extract demonstrated the major presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids; the assessment of the inflammatory infiltrate on the 7th day was higher on group Ext and Ext+gel when compared to group Control; on the 14th day control and Ext (p<0.05). The quantification of fibroblasts was higher on the 7th day among the three treatments, control and Ext (p<0.05), on the 21st day. Angiogenesis showeda higher number of vessels in Ext+gel group (p<0.05) on the 7th day; in Control, Ext and Ext+gel (p<0.05) on the 14th day; and Control and Ext (p<0.05)on the 21st day. The histopathological results showed that the formulation Ext+gel was efficient in tissue reparation and decrease in inflammatory cells on the diabetic's animals.

O gênero Pouteria apresenta várias aplicações terapêuticas e, dentre elas, grande potencial antiflamatório. Os efeitos do gel de Pouteria ramiflora sobre a cicatrização de feridas na pele de ratos diabéticos foram avaliados pela histomorfometria. A estreptozotocina foi administrada por via intraperitoneal em animais após jejum de 12 horas, a confirmação de indução da diabetes foi confirmada pelo índice glicêmico (> 240 mg dL-1). Foi realizada uma incisão no dorso do animal e foram criados 3 grupos de tratamento: controle (gel carbopol), extrato etanólico (Ext) e Gel + extrato etanólico à 2% (Ext+gel); a avaliação histopatológica foi realizada no 7º, 14º, 21º e 30º dias após o período pós operatório. Os resultados da prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos de P. ramiflora demonstraram majoritariamente a presença de compostos fenólicos e flavonóides; o infiltrado inflamatório avaliado no 7º dia foi maior para animais do grupo controle em relação aos grupos Ext (p<0.05) e Ext+gel 2% (p<0.05); no 14º dia o controle e Exp (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento significativo dos infiltrados inflamatórios. A presença de fibroblastos foi elevada no 7º dia em todos os tratamentos. O processo da angiogênese mostrou um maior número de vasos sanguíneos entre os grupos Ext e Ext+gel (p<0.05) no 7º dia; no 14º dia o grupo controle, Ext (p<0.05), Control e Ext+gel (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento de vascularização, e no 21º dia apenas os grupos controle e Ext (p<0.05). Os resultados histopatológicos mostraram que a formulação gel carbopol + extrato etanólico a 2% foi eficiente na reparação de tecidos e na diminuição de células inflamatórias nos animais diabéticos.

Immunohistochemical identification of GM-CSF in testis of rats with oligozoospermia with the intervention of Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids / Identificación inmunohistoquímica de GM-CSF en testículos de ratas con oligozoospermia con la intervención de flavonoides de Cuscuta chinensis

Oligozoospermia is a common infertility disease, and the incidence rate is increasing year by year. Cuscuta chinensis is a commonly used medicine for the treatment of oligozoospermia in Chinese medicine. Flavonoids are its main component. GM-CSF is a multifunctional cytokine that plays an important role in the inflammatory response. In this paper, we performed HE staining and immunohistochemical staining on the testis of rats with oligozoospermia. We intend to study the expression changes of GM-CSF in rats with oligospermia and the effect of flavonoids on the expression of GM-CSF in testis of rats with oligozoospermia.

La oligozoospermia es una enfermedad común de infertilidad, con una tasa de incidencia que aumenta año tras año. Cuscuta chinensis es un medicamento de uso común para el tratamiento de la oligozoospermia en la medicina china. Los flavonoides son su componente principal. GM-CSF es una citocina multifuncional que tiene un rol importante en la respuesta inflamatoria. En este trabajo, realizamos tinción con hematoxilina y eosina y tinción inmunohistoquímica en testículos de ratas con oligozoospermia. TNuestro objetivo fue estudiar los cambios de expresión de GM-CSF en ratas con oligozoospermia y el efecto de los flavonoides en la expresión de GM-CSF en testículos de ratas con oligozoospermia.

Actividad cicatrizante de seis extractos hidroalcohólicos de plantas en heridas incisas de Rattus norvegicus albinus / Healing activity of six hydroalcoholic extracts of plants in incised wounds of Rattus norvegicus albinus

Introducción: En la medicina militar, los agentes cicatrizantes naturales frente a heridas por incisión son relevantes en el tratamiento de los militares. Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad cicatrizante de los extractos hidroalcohólicos de Peperomia congona Sodiro (congona), Annona muricata L. (guanábana), Urtica urens L. (ortiga),Ormosia coccinea (Aubl) Jacks (huayruro), Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill. (tuna) y Musa acuminata Colla (plátano bellaco) en heridas incisas de Rattus norvegicus albinus (rata albina). Métodos: Estudio analítico experimental de tipo prospectivo y longitudinal. Se realizó el análisis fitoquímico preliminar de los 6 extractos. Se emplearon 80 ratas albinas machos, aleatorizadas y distribuidas en 8 grupos (n = 10). Se realizó una aplicación dermal durante 10 días consecutivos posteriores a la generación de heridas incisas que se realizaron en el dorso. Grupo I (cloruro de sodio al 0,9 por ciento). Grupo II (gel cicatrizante comercial). Del Grupo III al VIII fueron tratados con extracto hidroalcohólico de congona, guanábana, ortiga, huairuro, tuna y plátano bellaco respectivamente. La evolución de la cicatrización fue seguida en los días 1, 5 y 11 y medida en milímetros. Resultados: Se detectó la presencia de alcaloides, compuestos fenólicos y flavonoides en los 6 extractos; además de cumarinas en congona, taninos en guanábana, ortiga, tuna y huayruro, y quinonas en guanábana y plátano bellaco. Se comprobó la actividad cicatrizante en los extractos de guanábana (69,77 por ciento), tuna (66,27 por ciento), plátano bellaco (64,38 por ciento), ortiga (56,73 por ciento), congona (55,74 por ciento) y huayruro (54,50 por ciento), comparados con un gel comercial (72,21 por ciento). Conclusiones: El extracto hidroalcohólico de las hojas de Annona muricata L. (guanábana) presentó la mayor actividad cicatrizante en heridas incisas de ratas albinas machos(AU)

Introduction: In military medicine, natural healing agents against incision wounds are relevant in the treatment of the military. Objective: To evaluate the healing activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Peperomia congona Sodiro (congona), Annona muricata L. (guanabana), Urtica urens L. (ortiga), Ormosia coccinea (Aubl) Jacks (huairuro), Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill. (tuna) and Musa acuminata Colla (platano bellaco) in incised wounds of Rattus norvegicus albinus (albino rat). Methods: Experimental analytical study of prospective and longitudinal type. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the 6 extracts was carried out. We used 80 male albino rats, randomized and distributed in 8 groups (n = 10). A dermal application was made during 10 consecutive days after the generation of incised wounds that were made on the back. Group I (0.9 percent sodium chloride). Group II (commercial healing gel). From Group III to VIII they were treated with hydroalcoholic extract of congona, guanábana, ortiga, huairuro, tuna and platano bellaco respectively. The evolution of healing was followed on days 1, 5 and 11 and measured in millimeters. Results: The presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids was detected in the 6 extracts; in addition to coumarins in congona, tannins in guanábana, nettle, tuna and huayruro, quinonas in guanábana and plantain bellaco. The healing activity was verified in the extracts of guanabana (69.77 percent), tuna (66.27 percent), platano bellaco (64.38 percent), ortiga (56.73 percent), congona (55.74 percent) and huayruro (54.50 percent), compared with a commercial gel (72.21 percent). Conclusions: The hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of Annona muricata L. (guanábana) showed the highest healing activity in incised wounds of male albino rats(AU)

Rhoifolin regulates oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokine levels in Freund's adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis via inhibition of NF-κB

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of knee joints involving pain and inflammation. Rhoifolin is a plant flavonoid known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was taken to identify the effect of rhoifolin on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in the rat model. Treatment with rhoifolin (10 and 20 mg/kg) showed a significant improvement in the overall health parameters such as paw edema and weight loss. This improvement in morphological parameters corroborated the findings with gross morphological changes observed in the histopathological analysis. Rhoifolin treatment also caused a significant decrease in oxidative stress, evident from changes in intracellular levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase in the articular cartilage tissue. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, and IL-6 showed a significant downregulation of gene expression and intracellular protein concentration levels. The NF-κB pathway showed a significant attenuation as evident in the significant reduction in the levels of NF-κB p65 and p-IκB-α. These results indicated that rhoifolin can be a natural therapeutic alternative to the extant regimens, which include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of rhoifolin was probably mediated by the NF-κB pathway. However, the exact target molecules of this pathway need to be determined in further studies.

The relationship of flavonoid intake during pregnancy with excess body weight and gestational diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the relationship of flavonoid intake during pregnancy with maternal excessive body weight and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 785 adult women in singleton pregnancies, and data were collected at the time of the oral glucose tolerance test. For the body mass index (BMI) classification according to the gestational age, the criteria of Atalah was used, and the diagnosis of GDM was based on the World Health Organization of 2014. Two 24-hour dietary recalls were obtained, and the usual intake was determined by the Multiple Source Method. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship of the flavonoids with overweight and obesity, and adjusted non-conditional logistic regression for the relationship of the flavonoids with GDM. Results: The mean (SD) age of the women was 28 (5) years, 32.1% were overweight, 24.6% were obese and 17.7% were diagnosed with GDM. The median (P25, P75) of total flavonoid intake was 50 (31,75) mg/day. Considering the eutrophic women as the reference, the pregnant women with a higher total flavonoid intake [OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.38; 0.96)] and anthocyanidin intake [OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.40; 0.99)] were less likely to be obese when compared to the women with lower intakes. No association of the flavonoids intake with overweight or GDM was found. Conclusion: A very low intake of flavonoids was observed. The data suggest that the intake of foods naturally rich in total flavonoids and anthocyanidin has a beneficial role regarding obesity among pregnant women.

Oral Administration of Citrus Extracts in Suckling Piglets

Abstract An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of suckling piglets subjected to oral administration of citrus extracts (CE). Twenty sows were used with ten sucking piglets on average initial weight of 1.26 kg (± 0.32) for 21 days. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with two treatments: Negative Control (without antimicrobials) and Citrus Extracts (ascorbic acid + flavonoids, oral administration of 0.3 mg kg of BW via pigdoser) with ten repetitions each. The number of live-born piglets in females PO5 was 21% higher than in PO3 sows. Sows where piglets received CE showed a 10% higher (P <0.05) feed intake in the last week of lactation. From 8 to 21 days, the feed conversion of NC sows was 23 and 38% lower (P <0.05) than sows where piglets received CE. Piglet mortality was 13.4% in NC group and 3.9% in CE group in a single dose on the third day of life. The villous length in the duodenum was 24% higher (P <0.01) in piglets receiving CE. The administration of CE increased 19% (P = 0.02) the villous length of the ileum region of suckling piglets. Frequency of normal feces was higher (P<0.05) in piglets CE group. Oral administration of CE containing flavonoids and ascorbic acid to suckling piglets not improves the piglet growth. However, it alters the gut morphology, and reduces the frequency of diarrhea during suckling period. Parity order interferes on feed intake, feed conversion of sows and performance of litters.

Baicalin ameliorates chronic mild stress-induced depression-like behaviors in mice and attenuates inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress

The natural flavonoid glycoside baicalin (BA) produces a variety of pharmaceutical effects, particularly for psychiatric/neurological disorders. This study evaluated the behavioral and neuroprotective effects of BA in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress, a model of depression. BA (25 and 50 mg/kg) significantly increased sucrose consumption and reduced immobility times in the tail suspension and forced swim tests, demonstrating that BA alleviated depression-like behaviors. Moreover, BA reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α, in serum and in the hippocampus. BA also abrogated increases in NMDAR/NR2B and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and the decrease in phosphorylated ERK and reactive oxygen species production in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress. These findings suggested that the antidepressive effects of BA are due to the regulation of an NMDAR/NR2B-ERK1/2-related pathway and inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Thus, BA represents a potential candidate drug for patients suffering from depression.

Influence of oxidative stress on inducing micturition dysfunction following chronic infravesical obstruction and the protective role of an antioxidant diet - association of in vivo and in vitro studies in rats

OBJECTIVE: This study was developed to determine whether the generation of free radicals, induced by ischemia followed by reperfusion in a model of chronic intravesical obstruction in rats, would lead to damage in the detrusor. It also investigates the possible protective action of the flavonoid galangin on the tissue lesion induced by lipid peroxidation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one male rats were divided into three groups of seven animals each. Group A was subjected to a sham procedure; group B to partial obstruction of the bladder neck; and group C to partial obstruction of the bladder neck, but also received a diet rich in the flavonoid galangin. All the animals were subjected to urodynamic evaluation and then sacrificed. The bladders were sent for enzymatic tests. RESULTS: The urodynamic showed that group B developed significantly greater numbers of involuntary contractions of the detrusor, greater post-micturition residue and lower compliance. The group A presented TEAC levels greater than to the group B. Comparative analysis of group A, B and C demonstrated significantly greater malondialdehyde levels in group B in relation to groups A and C. The group B presented smaller contraction amplitudes than did groups A and C, in electrically stimulated contractions. CONCLUSIONS: That oxidative stress is implicated in the damage to the detrusor musculature following a period of chronic intravesical obstruction. We show, for the first time, that administration of an antioxidant prior to and following the start of chronic obstruction makes it possible to avoid the cellular lesions that cause detrusor dysfunction.

Efeito do pó de cacau (Theobroma Cacao) e seus princípios ativos na pressão arterial de portadores do Diabetes Mellitus Tipo II / Effect of Coocoa powder (Theobroma Cacao) and its active ingredients in blood pressure in patients with Diabetes mellitus type II

Introdução: O Diabetes Mellitus é uma doença crônica que pode ser provocada pela destruição das células beta das Ilhotas de Langerhans, pela sinalização insuficiente destas, e alterações ou redução dos receptores para a ligação da insulina. A hiperglicemia torna-se característica comum a todos os tipos de Diabetes e determinará suas complicações micro e macrovasculares. Estudos recentes relatam que a hiperglicemia persistente reduz a atividade da enzima óxido nítrico sintetase (NOS) existente no endotélio, cuja função é produzir óxido nítrico (NO), este apresenta função vasodilatadora com importância na homeostasia circulatória e vascular. O uso de fitoterápicos como coadjuvantes ao tratamento ou prevenção das lesões vasculares torna-se importante aliado terapêutico. A semente do cacau apresenta um flavonol chamado procianidina, cuja atividade favorece a síntese de óxido nítrico (NO) e pode representar uma alternativa à prevenção e tratamento da lesão vascular neste grupo de indivíduos. Objetivo: O presente estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito do Cacau em pó na tensão arterial de pacientes portadores de Diabetes Mellitus tipo II. Método: Ao todo, foram administradas 360 cápsulas de 500mg grama do Pó de Cacau pó de cacau, sendo quatro cápsulas três vezes ao dia ao longo de 30 dias, em seis pacientes normotensos, portadores de Diabetes Tipo II, da Associação dos Diabéticos de Bauru-SP. Foram realizadas três verificações consecutivas da pressão arterial (PA) com base no método de Korotkoff, tendo sido considerada para análise a média dos valores obtidos. Resultados: Ainda que se tenha detectado redução da pressão sanguínea media em quatro casos, após a análise estatística, não ocorreu diferença estatisticamente significativa para as variáveis estudadas. Conclusão: para as condições do estudo não foi possível considerar que o pó de cacau tenha efeito em reduzir a pressão arterial.

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease that can be caused by destruction of the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans, by their insufficient signaling and by changes or reduction of the receptors for insulin binding. Hyperglycemia becomes a common feature to all types of Diabetes and will lead to microvascular and macrovascular complications. Recent studies report that persistent hyperglycemia reduces the activity of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) on the endothelium, whose function is to produce nitric oxide (NO), which presents vasodilator function with importance in vascular and circulatory homeostasis. The useof herbal medicines as adjuncts to the treatment or prevention of vascular lesions becomes important therapeutic ally. The seed of cocoa has a flavanol called procyanidin, whose activity favors the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and could represent an alternative to prevention and treatment of vascular injury in this group of individuals. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cocoa powder on blood pressure measures in patients with diabetes mellitus type II. Method: A total of 360 capsules with 500mg grass Cocoa Powder were administered, four capsules three times a day from over 30 days to six normotensive patients suffering fromType II Diabetes from the Diabetic Association of Bauru -SP. We performed three consecutive measures of the blood pressure (BP) based on the Korotkoff method. The mean value was considered for analysis of the values. Results: Although there was decline in the measurements of BP in four cases, it was found that the reduction on blood pressure was not statistically significant. Conclusion: in the conditions of the study, it is not possible to consider that cocoa powder has some effect in reducing blood pressure.

El consumo de manzanas contribuye a prevenir el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares y cáncer: antecedentes epidemiológicos y mecanismos de acción / Apple consumption helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer: epidemiology and mode of action

Consumption of fruit and vegetables has the potential to reduce non-transmissible diseases (NTD), such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer, which are major public health concerns. Chile is a major apple producer and exporter in the world. Its production is concentrated in the sixth (O'Higgins) and seventh (Maule) regions of Central Chile. Phenolics and flavonoids are responsible for apple's high antioxidant activity. Many epidemiologic studies have shown that a diet rich in apples can reduce cardiovascular events (myocardial infarct and stroke) and some type of cancers. The mechanisms involved are not well understood. Nevertheless, antioxidants are key-players. Some of their in-vitro activities are inhibition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, cholesterol levels reduction, endothelium protection, reduction of neoplastic cells proliferation and apoptosis activation. Consequently, daily apple consumption campaigns in the country should be implemented, as well as funding research focused on molecular mechanisms involved in its antioxidant activity.

Las enfermedades no transmisibles (ENT), especialmente las cardiovasculares (ECV) y el cáncer, representan un grave problema de salud pública. Es conocido que el consumo de frutas y hortalizas disminuye el riesgo de sufrir dichas enfermedades. El manzano (Malus domestica Borkh.) se cultiva en Chile en una amplia zona geográfica, concentrándose principalmente en las regiones sexta y séptima. La actividad antioxidante de la manzana se debe principalmente a su contenido en fenoles y flavonoides. Varios estudios epidemiológicos han mostrado que el consumo de manzanas puede prevenir el desarrollo de ECV (infarto agudo de miocardio y enfermedad cerebro vascular) y ciertos tipos de cáncer. Los mecanismos por los cuales se producen dichos efectos, no están totalmente aclarados, sin embargo la participación de los antioxidantes es fundamental. Entre los principales hallazgos se han descrito, en relación a ECV: inhibición de la oxidación de low-density lipoprotein (LDL), disminución de colesterol total y protección de endotelio; y en relación a cáncer: disminución de la proliferación de células neoplásicas y activación de la apoptosis de las mismas. Debido al incuestionable efecto protector para la salud humana que presenta la ingesta de manzana, se deben impulsar estrategias que apunten a incentivar su consumo diario en el país. Asimismo, se deben seguir estudiando los principios activos y los mecanismos moleculares.

Synergism of flavonoids with bacteriostatic action against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25 923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25 922

In our previous studies, bacteriostatic action of flavonoids against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25 923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25 922 was demostrated. In the present work synergism of their combinations in order to improve the bacteriostatic action against the same microorganisms was determined. The experiences were made in nutritive broth, maintaining constant one drug concentration (20 µg/ml) and increasing the other one. A turbidimetric kinetic method was used and by means of a mechanism previously proposed, the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC's) of each flavonoid combination were determined. The MIC's for assayed combinations against S. aureus were: variable morin - constant rutin: 157.44 µg/ml and variable quercetin - constant morin: 29.9 µg/ml. The values obtained against E. coli were: variable morin - constant rutin: 78.5 µg/ml; variable quercetin -constant rutin: 47.4 µg/ml; variable quercetin - constant morin: 25 µg/ml; variable morin - constant quercetin: 27.4 µg/ml.

Alterations in lipids & lipid peroxidation in rats fed with flavonoid rich fraction of banana (Musa paradisiaca) from high background radiation area.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: A group of villages in Kollam district of Kerala, southern part of India are exposed to a higher dose of natural radiation than global average. Yet no adverse health effects have been found in humans, animals and plants in these areas. The present study was carried out to understand whether radiation affects the quantity and quality of flavonoids in plants grown in this area of high radiation, and to assess the effect of feeding flavonoid rich fraction (FRF) of the two varieties of banana to rats on their biochemical parameters like lipids, lipid peroxides and antioxidant enzyme levels. METHODS: A total of 42 albino rats were equally divided into 7 groups. Rats fed laboratory diet alone were grouped under group I (normal control). Groups II and V received flavonoid rich fraction (FRF) from the fruits of two varieties of Musa paradisiaca, Palayamkodan and Rasakadali respectively from normal background radiation area (Veli) and treated as controls. Rats of groups III and IV received FRF of Palayamkodan from high background radiation areas (HBRAs) - Neendakara and Karunagappally respectively while groups VI and VII received FRF of Rasakadali from HBRAs. At the end of the experimental period of 45 days, lipids, lipid peroxides and antioxidant enzymes from liver, heart and kidney were analyzed. RESULTS: FRF of Palayamkodan and Rasakadali varieties showed significant hypolipidaemic and antioxidant activities. But these activities were found to be lowered in plants grown in HBRAs, particularly in Karunagappally area. Of the two, Palayamkodan variety was more effective in reducing lipids and lipid peroxides. MDA and hydroperoxides were significantly diminished in rats given FRF of banana from Veli (control area) only. FRF from plants grown in HBRAs exerted inhibition in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of rats and this inhibitory effect was maximum in rats fed FRF from Karunagappally. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Banana grown in HBRAs is of lower quality with less efficient antioxidant system. Palayamkodan was superior with its effect on hypolipidaemic and antioxidant activities. High background radiation seems to have no enhancing effect on the radioprotective action of flavonoids of banana and thereby to those consuming these fruits.

Efeito de diferentes doses de rutina sobre lipídeos no soro de coelhos machos e fêmeas / Different doses of the flavonoid rutin on the levels of serum lipids in male and female rabbits

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses do flavonóide rutina sobre os níveis de lipídios no soro de coelhos machos e fêmeas da raça Nova Zelândia, com 55 dias de vida. De acordo com os resultados, o colesterol não diferiu estatisticamente nos machos, mas apresentou reduções significativas para as fêmeas. Com relação ao colesterol-HDL, as fêmeas não apresentaram alteraçõe e machos apresentaram reduções no grupo tratado 20mg/dia de rutina. Para triacilgliceróis, observou-se diferenças significativas nos grupos tratados com 60mg/dia de rutina.

Aminaftona no tratamento da epistaxe / Amnaphtone in the treatment of nosebleed

Nasal haemorrhage or nosebleed, is the most common of haemorrhages due to the intense vasculization of the nose, the fragility of the nasal mucous membrane and its vulnerability to traumas and irritant agents. The aim of this study is to report on a reduction of episodes of nosebleed in two patients with the use of amnophtone. A 34-year-old male patient and a 44- year-old female patient presented with histories of two or more nosebleeds per week, despite treatment during the acute phase. They both sought medical assistance for other vascular complaints, which were suggestive of vascular insufficiency as, during the physical examination petechia lesions in the lower limbs were detected. They were treated with 75 mg of amnaphtone three times daily. One week after, at the follow-up, they reported an improvement of the vascular symptoms, however, more markedly was the significant improvement in relation to the nosebleeds which were frequent but had not been reported in the first consultation. In conclusion, amnaphtone demonstrated to be efficient in the prevention of recurrence of nosebleed in these patients

Efeito de diferentes doses de flavonóides em ratos hiperlipidêmicos / Effect of different doses of flavonoids on hyperlipidemic rats

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses de baicaleína, morina, naringenina, naringina, quercetina e rutina no aumento dos níveis de colesterol-HDL e trigliceróis em ratos hiperlipidêmicos. Tais flavonóides foram administrados em 3 doses (5, 10, 15 mg/animal) a ratos machos da raça Wistar, com 30 dias de vida, alimentados com dieta não purificada de fórmula da marca Labina®. A hiperlipidemia foi induzida pela administração de Triton, na dose de 300 mg/kg de peso vivo. Após 24 horas, os flavonóides foram administrados, sendo cada dose aplicada em grupos de 8 animais. Após 48 horas da aplicação do Triton, os animais foram anestesiados e, por punção cardíaca, amostras de sangue foram coletadas para realização das análises de colesterol, colesterol-HDL e triacilgliceróis no soro. Os melhores resultados para a redução do colesterol foram obtidos com os flavonóides quercetina e rutina, na dose de 5 mg, e naringenina, na dose de 10 mg. A baicaleína, nas doses de 5 e 10 mg, foi a que apresentou as menores reduções para colesterol-HDL. Já para as concentrações de triacilgliceróis, a baicaleína foi a que mais reduziu este parâmetro, independentemente da dose utilizada.

Influence of gossypin on the development of acute tolerance to morphine induced antinociception.

Gossypin, a flavonoid is known to induce opioid mediated anti nociceptive response in experimental models. Unlike morphine, tolerance to and dependence on gossypin does not develop and it is known to attenuate the withdrawal signs induced in morphine dependent animals. In this study, the influence of gossypin on the development of acute tolerance to morphine was investigated using acetic acid induced writhing assay procedure in mice. Gossypin pre-treatment significantly attenuated the acute tolerance development to morphine induce antinociceptive response. All these evidences suggest that the therapeutic potential of gossypin as a substitute to morphine.