Menadione and protocatechuic acid: A drug combination with antitumor effects in murine osteosarcoma cells.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone tumor that has an abnormal expression of oncogenesis and tumor suppressors and causes dysregulation of various signaling pathways. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies for OS are needed to overcome the resistance of traditional treatments. This study evaluated the cytotoxic and anticancer effects of the association between menadione (MEN) and protocatechuic acid (PCA) in murine OS cells (UMR-106). The concentrations were 3.12 µM of isolated MEN, 500 µM of isolated PCA, and their associations. We performed cell viability assays, morphology modification analysis, cell migration by the wound-healing method, apoptosis by flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, gene expression of NOX by RT-qPCR, and degradation of MMP-2 and 9 by zymography. Our results showed that the association of MEN+PCA was more effective in OS cells than the compounds alone. The association decreased cell viability, delayed cell migration, and decreased the expression of NOX-2 and ROS. In addition, the MEN+PCA association induced a slight increase in the apoptotic process. In summary, the association can enhance the compound's antitumor effects and establish a higher selectivity for tumor cells, possibly caused by significant mitochondrial damage and antioxidant properties.

Does sentinel node mapping impact morbidity and quality of life in endometrial cancer?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of post-operative complications and quality of life (QoL) related to sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy vs systematic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer. METHODS: A prospective cohort included women with early-stage endometrial carcinoma who underwent lymph node staging, grouped as follows: SLN group (sentinel lymph node only) and SLN+LND group (sentinel lymph node biopsy with addition of systematic lymphadenectomy). The patients had at least 12 months of follow-up, and QoL was assessed by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cervical Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire 30 (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and EORTC-QLQ-Cx24. Lymphedema was also assessed by clinical evaluation and perimetry. RESULTS: 152 patients were included: 113 (74.3%) in the SLN group and 39 (25.7%) in the SLN+LND group. Intra-operative surgical complications occurred in 2 (1.3%) cases, and all belonged to SLN+LND group. Patients undergoing SLN+LND had higher overall complication rates than those undergoing SLN alone (33.3% vs 14.2%; p=0.011), even after adjusting for confound factors (OR=3.45, 95% CI 1.40 to 8.47; p=0.007). The SLN+LND group had longer surgical time (p=0.001) and need for admission to the intensive care unit (p=0.001). Moreover, the incidence of lymphocele was found in eight cases in the SLN+LND group (0 vs 20.5%; p<0.001). There were no differences in lymphedema rate after clinical evaluation and perimetry. However, the lymphedema score was highest when lymphedema was reported by clinical examination at 6 months (30.1 vs 7.8; p<0.001) and at 12 months (36.3 vs 6.0; p<0.001). Regarding the overall assessment of QoL, there was no difference between groups at 12 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: There was a higher overall rate of complications for the group undergoing systematic lymphadenectomy, as well as higher rates of lymphocele and lymphedema according to the symptom score. No difference was found in overall QoL between SLN and SLN+LND groups.

Desenvolvimento e validação de material educacional para pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca / Development and validation of educational material for patients with heart failure / Desarrollo y validación de material educativo para pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca

Objetivo: Desenvolver e validar um folder educativo para uso em pessoas com Insuficiência Cardíaca. Métodos: Estudo metodológico para elaboração de folder educativo e validação por especialistas. Os juízes técnicos foram enfermeiros especialistas em cardiologia, que validaram conteúdo e aparência, e designers gráfico validaram a aparência, estética e a comunicação visual. O Índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC) foi calculado, as respostas foram consistentes quando Alfa de Cronbach> 0,60 e o índice de concordância entre avaliadores (IRA) foi calculado. Resultados: Alta concordância entre enfermeiros (IRA = 1), consistência interna quase perfeita (Alfa de Cronbach = 0,84), IVC total e isolado acima de 0,8. A cartilha foi considerada válida. Para os designers gráficos, o IVC geral obteve um valor que garantiu a validade de aparência. Conclusão: A cartilha educativa foi validada pelos juízes e apresenta-se como instrumento para auxiliar no preparo para alta e acompanhamento em longo prazo de pacientes com IC. (AU)

Objective: To develop and validate an educational folder for use in people with Heart Failure. Methods: Study with a methodological approach for the elaboration of an educational folder and validation by experts. Technical specialists were nurses, cardiology specialists, who validated content and appearance; Specialist designers validated appearance, aesthetics and visual communication. The content validity index (IVC) was calculated; responses were consistent when Cronbach's alpha > 0.60 and the inter-rater agreement index (IRA) was calculated. Results: High agreement among nurses (ARI = 1), almost perfect internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84), total and isolated CVI above 0.8. The booklet was considered valid. For graphic designers, the overall IVC achieved a value that guaranteed appearance validity. Conclusion: The educational booklet was validated by the judges and is presented as an instrument to assist in the preparation for discharge and long-term follow-up of patients with HF. (AU)

Objetivo: Desarrollar y validar una carpeta educativa para su uso en personas con Insuficiencia Cardíaca. Métodos: Estudio con enfoque metodológico para la elaboración de una carpeta educativa y validación por expertos. Los técnicos especialistas fueron enfermeros, especialistas en cardiología, quienes validaron el contenido y la apariencia; Diseñadores especializados validaron apariencia, estética y comunicación visual. Se calculó el índice de validez de contenido (IVC); las respuestas fueron consistentes cuando se calculó el alfa de Cronbach> 0,60 y el índice de acuerdo entre evaluadores. Resultados: Alto acuerdo entre enfermeras (ARI = 1), consistencia interna casi perfecta (alfa de Cronbach = 0,84), IVC total y aislado por encima de 0,8. El folleto se consideró válido. Para los diseñadores gráficos, el IVC general logró un valor que garantizaba la validez de la apariencia. Conclusion: El folleto educativo fue validado por los jueces y se presenta como un instrumento para ayudar en la preparación para el alta y el seguimiento a largo plazo de los pacientes con IC. (AU)

The dimerization of methyl vanillate improves its effect against breast cancer cells via pro-oxidant effect.

Phenolic phytochemicals are a group of organic compounds with potent antioxidant features but can also act as powerful pro-oxidants. These characteristics are effective in reducing metastatic potential in cancer cells, and this effect has been associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS). Methyl vanillate (MV) and its dimer, methyl divanillate (DMV), are potent antioxidants. In the present study, we investigated the effects of MV and DMV on breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 and compared the results using the non-tumor cell line HB4a. Our results indicated that the compounds performed a pro-oxidant action, increasing the generation of ROS. DMV decreased the viability cell, showing a higher apoptotic effect and inhibition of proliferation than MV on both cell lines, with significant differences between groups (p < 0.05). Some modulation of NOX4, NOX5, and DUOX were observed, but the results did not correlate with the intracellular production of ROS. The dimer showed more effectivity and pro-oxidant effect than MV, impacting cell line MCF-7 in higher extension than MDA-MB-231. In conclusion, and corroborating with reported works, the dimerization of natural phenolic compounds was associated with improved beneficial biological effects as a potential cytotoxic agent to tumor cells.

Antimicrobial action, cytotoxicity, calcium ion release, and pH variation of a calcium hydroxide-based paste associated with Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão extract.

The extract of Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (aroeira), as a vehicle, associated with calcium hydroxide (CH) paste was evaluated based on cell viability, antimicrobial action, calcium ion release, and pH variation. Calcium hydroxide with propylene glycol was used as control. The pH variation was measured at 3, 24, 72, 168, 140, 360, and 720 h and calcium ion release was measured on days 7, 15, and 30. Cell viability was assessed with NIH/3T3 cells using MTT and crystal violet assays, after 24, 48, and 72 h. Antibacterial activity was determined by the disc diffusion method, while microbial reduction (Enterococcus faecalis) was evaluated using the time-kill test. The CH paste formulated with aroeira showed antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and further did not interfere with pH, calcium ion release, or cell viability; moreover, the formulation had antimicrobial activity and could serve as a vehicle for CH paste.

Evaluation of Myrcia bella in murine osteosarcoma cells: Effect of the extract and enriched fractions of tannins and flavonoids.

Myrcia bella Cambess (Myrtaceae) is an important and common plant, native to the Brazilian Cerrado, with cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties. Therefore, the effects of crude hydroalcoholic extract (CE) and fractions of ellagitannins (ELT) and flavonoids (FV) from Myrcia bella leaves were evaluated in a UMR-106 murine osteosarcoma cells and MC3T3 (normal cell). Cell viability and migration, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and -9 activities were evaluated. In general, CE (80 µg/mL), ELT (160 µg/mL) and FV (64 µg/mL) reduced cell viability (p < 0.05). FV (64 µg/mL) was more effective in inhibition of cell migration, ROS production, and MMP-2 activity when compared to CE and ELT. Myrcia bella a rich source of phenolic compounds and its fraction of flavonoids have cytotoxic effects on osteosarcoma cells, preserving the viability of normal osteoblasts. Due to its antioxidant capacity, flavonoid may be a new therapeutic strategy for cancer.

Anti-tumour potential and selectivity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester in osteosarcoma cells.

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer, and metastasis is widespread decreasing the survival rate. The search for new therapeutic strategies has increased for phytochemicals due to their potential as antioxidants and anticancer properties. Thus, we evaluated the caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and caffeic acid's (CA) anticancer properties on UMR-106 murine osteosarcoma cells. The IC25 and IC50 were 1.3 and 2.7 µM for CAPE and 91.0 and 120.0 µM for CA, respectively. This study shows the potential anticancer properties of CAPE and highlights how a phenethyl ester component addition can improve the pharmacological potency in relation to its precursor CA. Our results showed that CAPE was more efficient and selective in reducing the viability of tumor cells compared to the control osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) (p < 0.05). In addition, CAPE was 44-fold (IC25) and 70-fold (IC50) more cytotoxic than CA. CAPE also decreased ROS generation and cell migration. In summary, CAPE was more selective for tumor cells, preserving normal ones, suggesting its potential role as an anticancer drug.

Effects of Qualea grandiflora Extract on the Expression of MMP-14 and HIF-1α in Cultured Fibroblasts and Preosteoblasts

Abstract Background: Qualea grandiflora (QG) (Vochysiaceae), also known as "pau-ferro", "pau-terra" or "pau-de-tucano", is a very common deciduous tree in the Brazilian Cerrado used in traditional medicine to treat inflammations, ulcers, diarrhea, and infections. There are reports in the scientific literature that demonstrate the medicinal effects of the bark and leaf of the QG. However, studies involving this plant are rather imited. Aim of the study: To perform the phytochemical analysis of the QG hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of leaves, and to investigate it effects on fibroblast and preosteoblasts. Methods: Phytochemical analysis was done by HPLC-DAD. Murine NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts cell lines (ATCC) were used for the experiments. Cell viability was assessed by the MTT colorimetric assay and the expression of MMP-14 and HIF-1α by immunofluorescence. Results and conclusion: The following compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD, such as quinic acid, ethyl galate, ellagic acid derivatives as O-methylellagic acid O-galloyl, O-methylellagic acid O-deoxyhexoside, galloyl derivatives, flavonol glycoside as kaempferol-O-deoxyhexoside, quercetin-O-deoxyhexoside, myricetin-O-deoxyhexoside and the pentacyclic triterpene arjunglucoside. Cell viability results demonstrated no cytotoxic effects in the studied concentrations. We found in QG HAE some compounds with therapeutic properties that can increase the expression of MMP-14 and HIF-1α, in fibroblasts and preosteoblasts. These data suggest that QG HAE has an action on these two molecules widely involved in physiological conditions, such as collagen remodeling, bone development and growth and pathological processes as HIF signaling in cancer metastasis.

Updating the role of matrix metalloproteinases in mineralized tissue and related diseases.

Bone development and healing processes involve a complex cascade of biological events requiring well-orchestrated synergism with bone cells, growth factors, and other trophic signaling molecules and cellular structures. Beyond health processes, MMPs play several key roles in the installation of heart and blood vessel related diseases and cancer, ranging from accelerating metastatic cells to ectopic vascular mineralization by smooth muscle cells in complementary manner. The tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) have an important role in controlling proteolysis. Paired with the post-transcriptional efficiency of specific miRNAs, they modulate MMP performance. If druggable, these molecules are suggested to be a platform for development of "smart" medications and further clinical trials. Thus, considering the pleiotropic effect of MMPs on mammals, the purpose of this review is to update the role of those multifaceted proteases in mineralized tissues in health, such as bone, and pathophysiological disorders, such as ectopic vascular calcification and cancer.

Evaluation of Qualea grandiflora Mart effect on HIF-1alpha and MMP-14 modulation in cell lines of pre-osteoblasts and fibroblasts / Avaliação do efeito da Qualea grandiflora Mart na modulação de HIF-1alpha e MMP-14 em linhagens celulares de fibroblastos e pré-osteoblastos

A espécie vegetal Qualea grandiflora (QG), popularmente conhecida como "pauferro", "pau-terra-da-folha-grande", "pau-terra" ou "pau-de-tucano", muito comum no Cerrado brasileiro, é bem conhecida devido às suas variadas propriedades terapêuticas. Suas indicações incluem ações preventivas no aparecimento de lesões de mucosa gástrica, efeitos analgésicos, antibacterianos, anti-inflamatórios e antifúngicos. Assim, os componentes da QG poderiam ter alguma ação sobre moléculas amplamente envolvidas em processos angiogênicos e de desenvolvimento/reparo, como a Metaloproteinase de matriz 14 (MMP-14) e o Fator Induzido por hipóxia 1α (HIF-1alfa). Dessa maneira, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos do extrato hidroalcoólico das folhas de QG na viabilidade celular e expressão de MMP-14 e HIF-1alpha em culturas de fibroblastos da linhagem NIH/3T3 e pré-osteoblastos da linhagem MC3T3-E1. Para o teste de viabilidade celular e expressão das moléculas, concentrações de 0.1; 1.0 e 10 µg/mL do extrato hidroalcoólico das folhas de QG foram administrados por períodos de 24, 48, 72 e 96h. Após cada período, a viabilidade celular foi avaliada pelo método de redução de MTT e a análise da expressão das moléculas foi feita por meio da técnica de imunofluorescência. Os resultados mostram que o extrato de QG não promove redução da viabilidade celular de fibroblastos e pré-osteoblastos em concentrações até 10 µg/mL, nos períodos iniciais (24 e 48h). Porém, uma redução significativa da viabilidade pode ser verificada nos períodos de 72h e 96h para os fibroblastos e 96h para os pré-osteoblastos, expostos a mais alta concentração do extrato (10 µg/mL). O ensaio de imunofluorescência indica que o extrato, nas concentrações de 0.1; 1.0 e 10 µg/mL foi capaz de aumentar a expressão de MMP-14 e HIF-1alpha, em ambos os tipos celulares. Em conclusão, nossos resultados indicam que o extrato de QG exerce um efeito capaz de aumentar a expressão das duas moléculas em estudo (MMP-14 e HIF-1alpha), tanto para os fibroblastos da linhagem NIH/3T3 como para os pré- osteoblastos da linhagem MC3T3-E1. Assim, os compostos de QG podem apresentar potencial para serem utilizados como agentes terapêuticos moduladores da angiogênese, por meio do aumento da expressão de MMP-14 e HIF-1alpha.(AU)

The vegetable specie Qualea grandiflora (QG), popularly known as "pau-ferro", "pauterra-da-folha-grande", "pau-terra" or "pau-de-tucano", very common in the Brazilian Cerrado, is well known due to its varied therapeutic properties. Its indications include preventive actions in the appearance of lesions of gastric mucosa, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects. Thus, QG components could have some action on molecules widely involved in angiogenic and developmental / repair processes, such as Matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP-14) and HypoxiaInducible Factor-1α (HIF-1alpha). Thus, the objective of our study was to investigate the effects of QG hydroalcoholic extract on cell viability and expression of MMP-14 and HIF-1alpha in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts cell lines. For the cell viability assay and expression of the molecules, concentrations of 0.1; 1.0 and 10 µg / mL of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of QG, were administered for periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96h. After each period, the cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay and the expression of the molecules was analyzed using the immunofluorescence technique. The results show that the QG extract does not promote reduction of the cellular viability of fibroblasts and pre-osteoblasts in concentrations up to 10 µg/mL in the initial periods (24 and 48h). However, a significant reduction in viability can be observed in 72h and 96h for fibroblasts and 96h for pre-osteoblasts exposed to the highest extract concentration (10 µg/mL). The immunofluorescence assay indicates that the extract, at concentrations of 0.1; 1.0 and 10 µg/mL was able to increase the expression of MMP-14 and HIF-1alpha in both cell types. In conclusion, our results indicate that the QG extract exerts an effect capable of increasing the expression of the two molecules under study (MMP-14 and HIF-1alpha) both for the NIH/3T3 fibroblasts as well as for the MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts cells. Thus, the QG compounds could have potential to be used as angiogenesis modulating therapeutic agents, by increasing the expression of MMP-14 and HIF-1alpha.(AU)