New substances of Equisetum hyemale L. extracts and their in vivo antitumoral effect against oral squamous cell carcinoma.

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE: Equisetum hyemale is used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic and anticancer agent. Recent studies have observed antiproliferative activity of this species in some tumor cell lines. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of the ethanol extract of E. hyemale and its partitions in oral squamous carcinoma cell lines, the death pathways induced by the most active partition, the acute toxicity and therapeutic activity, and the identification of the main compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanol crude extract was prepared from the stems of E. hyemale and partitions were obtained from this extract with n-hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. Cytotoxicity assays were performed using MTT on human oral tumor lines SCC-9, SCC4 and SCC-25, and normal primary fibroblasts. The main pathways of programmed cell death were analyzed. Acute toxicity in mice was performed using the most active partition, ethyl acetate. Antitumor activity was accessed in xenotransplants grafts of SCC-9 cells in Balb/nude mice. Phytochemical analysis was performed using UHPLC-MS/MS and dereplication was done using Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) analysis. RESULTS: Ethanol extract, n-hexane and ethyl acetate partitions showed dose-dependent activity and selectivity towards oral tumor cells, with the ethyl acetate being the most bioactive. This medium polarity partition was shown to induce tumor cell death through apoptosis due to the presence of activated caspase 3/7, DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation and phosphatidylserine exposure. The ethyl acetate partition also produced low toxicity in mice, provoking mild hepatic changes, but without causing necrosis and significantly reduced tumors volume and weight in xenotransplants of SCC-9 cells. Phytochemical analysis allowed identification of kaempferol glycosides and cinnamic acid derivatives previously described for E. hyemale. In addition it was possible to identify 6 new non-glycolyzed flavonoids 5-Hydroxy-3',4',7,8-tetramethoxyflavone (14), 5,4'-Dihydroxy-7,8,3'-trimethoxyflavone (15), 5,7-Dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyflavone (16), 3',4,5,7-Tretramethoxyflavone (17), 5-Hydroxy-3'4',7-trimethoxyflavone (18), and 5,4'-Dihydroxy-3'-7'-dimethoxyflavone (19); besides 5 compounds already determined to be cytotoxic in other species, Isoferulic acid (1), Ferulic acid (2), Atractylenolide III (6), Dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyflavone (16), and 5-Hydroxy-3'4 ',7-trimethoxyflavone (18). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the E. hyemale extract and partitions inhibited 3 different cell lines of OSCC in a highly selective nontoxic way by inducing apoptosis of the cells. We identified 6 new non-glycosylated flavonoids and 5 other substances in this species.

Myrciaria Genus: Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities.

The Myrtaceae family is of angiosperms, imposing its size and economic, cultural, and scientific importance. The genus Myrciaria, belonging to this family, has 33 species currently accepted, many of which are research targets aimed at elucidating their bioactive compounds and biological activities. Most species of the Myrciaria genus have terpenes in their composition, mainly mono and sesquiterpenes, and phenolic compounds such as tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Other secondary metabolites are also observed, such as alkaloids, steroids, coumarins, saponins, and naphthoquinones. These bioactive compounds are closely related to these species' most diverse biological activities: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, insecticide, metabolic, protective, and nutraceutical. This work aims to provide a review of secondary metabolites and medicinal properties related to the genus Myrciaria, thus stimulating further studies on the species of this genus.

Aloe vera and Honey Solution and Their Ethanolic Extraction Solution Could Act on Metastasis-Regulating Processes in Walker 256 Tumor Tissues In Vivo?

Research has shown that both Aloe vera and honey have anticancer and nutrition properties, including the inhibition of metastasis. In order to evaluate the effect of a solution of Aloe vera and honey (A) and their ethanolic fraction (F) on metastasis-regulating processes in primary tumors, Wistar rats were subcutaneously implanted with Walker 256 tumors and treated with A and F (670 µl/kg by gavage, daily for 21 days). An analysis of the primary tumor tissues of these animals showed a decrease in N-cadherin expression in groups WA and WF, with a concomitant increase in E-cadherin expression in group WA compared to the control group. Cathepsin D activity was also decreased in the tumor tissues from groups WA and WF. In addition, the number of blood vessels and their diameter significantly reduced in tumor tissues from groups WA and WF compared to those from control group. UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of the samples A and F, suggested presence of molecules with verified antitumor activity, including caffeic acid, ferulic acid, mannose, aloin A, aloin B, pinocembrin, chrysin, and kaempferol. These data showed that treatment with A and F could reduce the metastatic propensity of tumors by modulating neoangiogenesis and the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Biological Evaluation of Selected 1,2,3-triazole Derivatives as Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Agents.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to antimicrobial agents is a major public health problem, being Staphylococcus aureus prevalent in infections in hospital and community environments and, admittedly, related to biofilm formation in biotic and abiotic surfaces. Biofilms form a complex and structured community of microorganisms surrounded by an extracellular matrix adhering to each other and to a surface that gives them even more protection from and resistance against the action of antimicrobial agents, as well as against host defenses. METHODS: Aiming to control and solve these problems, our study sought to evaluate the action of 1,2,3- triazoles against a Staphylococcus aureus isolate in planktonic and in the biofilm form, evaluating the activity of this triazole through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) tests. We have also performed cytotoxic evaluation and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the biofilms under the treatment of the compound. The 1,2,3-triazole DAN 49 showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity (MIC and MBC 128 µg/mL). In addition, its presence interfered with the biofilm formation stage (1/2 MIC, p <0.000001) and demonstrated an effect on young preformed biofilm (2 MICs, p <0.05). RESULTS: Scanning Electron Microscopy images showed a reduction in the cell population and the appearance of deformations on the surface of some bacteria in the biofilm under treatment with the compound. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it was possible to conclude the promising anti-biofilm potential of 1,2,3-triazole, demonstrating the importance of the synthesis of new compounds with biological activity.

Possíveis mecanismos de ação dos microRNAs na doença periodontal / Possible mechanisms of action of microRNAs in periodontal disease

Objetivo: o propósito deste estudo foi revisar os possíveis mecanismos de ação dos microRNAs na doença periodontal. Material e Métodos: o estudo foi baseado em artigos científicos encontrados na base de dados PubMed. Resultados: a recente descoberta de microRNAs (miRNAs) revolucionou a maneira como a regulação gênica é analisada. Estudos demonstram que os miRNAs podem atuar na resposta inata, em vários estágios, entre eles na sinalização de receptores Toll-like. Os miRNAs também estão relacionados à regulação de elementos centrais da resposta imune adaptativa, como apresentação de antígenos. No entanto, muito ainda precisa ser estudado para identificar a atividade de miRNAs na regulação gênica. A doença periodontal é uma doença bucal causada por patógenos bacterianos, com resposta inflamatória e imune agressiva, que afeta os tecidos ao redor dos dentes, podendo levar à sua perda. Conclusão: concluiu-se que os recentes achados do papel dos microRNAs na resposta inflamatória, incluindo tanto a imunidade inata como a adaptativa, ocorrem na doença periodontal

Objective: the purpose of this study was to review the role of possible mechanisms of action of microRNAs in periodontal disease. Material and Methods: the study was based on PubMed scientific papers. Results: the recent discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) has revolutionized the way that gene regulation is analyzed. Studies demonstrate that they can act on the innate response, in several stages, among them the signaling of Toll-like receptors. The miRNAs are also related to the regulation of central elements of the adaptive immune response, such as antigen presentation. However, much still needs to be studied to identify miRNAs activity in gene regulation. Periodontal disease is an oral disease caused by bacterial pathogens, with an aggressive immune and inflammatory response, which affects the tissues around the teeth, which may lead to their loss. Conclusion: it was concluded that the recent findings of the role of microRNAs in the inflammatory response, including both innate and adaptative immunity, that occurs in periodontal disease

Cytotoxicity of three light-cured resin cements on 3T3 fibroblasts / Citotoxicidade de três cimentos resinosos fotopolimerizáveis sobre fibroblastos 3T3

Introduction: Light-cured resin cements are the first choice for the cementation of laminate veneers. Ideally, they should be biocompatible and offer minimum risks to patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the cytotoxicity of three resin cements: Variolink II, Ivoclar Vivadent (C1), Allcem Veneer, FGM (C2), and Rely X Veneer, 3M ESPE (C3). Material and method: Twenty four samples of each of the cements were fabricated in a standardized metal mold, light activated, and transferred to a 96-well cell plate with culture of fibroblasts. After 24, 48, and 72h of incubation, cytotoxicity was assessed and cell viability was calculated by the methyl-thiazol-tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay. Absorbance was measured at 570 nm using a microplate spectrophotometer. Result: The following results were found: Variolink II presented viability of 72.24% (SD 6.80) after 24h, 83.92% (SD 5.26) after 48h, and 92.77% (SD 5.59) after 72h; Allcem Veneer exhibited viability of 70.46% (SD 12.91) after 24h, 85.03% (SD 21.4) after 48h, and 70.46% (SD 12.91) after 72h; Rely X Veneer showed viability of 5.06% (SD 0.88) after 24h, 5.84% (SD 1.18) after 48h, and 6.99% (SD 1.34) after 72h. Conclusion: Under these testing conditions, Rely X Veneer presented significantly higher cytotoxicity compared with those of the other light-cured resin cements assessed.

Introdução: Cimentos resinosos fotopolimerizáveis são materiais de eleição para a cimentação de facetas laminadas. Devem ser biocompatíveis oferencendo riscos mínimos ao uso clínico em pacientes. Objetivo: O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar in vitro a citotoxicidade de três cimentos resinosos: Variolink II (Ivoclar Vivadent), Allcem Veneer, (FGM) e Rely X Veneer (3M ESPE). Material e método: Vinte e quatro corpos de prova de cada cimento foram confeccionados em matrizes metálicas padronizadas e inseridos em placa de cultura de células de noventa e seis poços contendo fibroblastos da linhagem 3T3. As células foram cultivadas em meio de cultivo celular RPMI 1640 com 5% de soro fetal bovino, com 0,1% de penicilina/estreptomicina em estufa a 37◦C, em atmosfera úmida com 5% de CO2. O grau de citotoxicidade de cada cimento foi avaliado após os tempos de contato de 24h, 48h e 72h através do método MTT (3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2yl)-2,5- difenil brometo de tetrazolina), que avalia a viabilidade celular pela função mitocondrial. Após os tempos estabelecidos, as amostras foram removidas, tratadas e levadas ao espectofotômetro de microplaca para leitura da absorbância em 570nm. Resultado: O cimento Variolink apresentou em 24h viabilidade de 72,24% (±6,80), em 48h de 83,92% (± 5,26) e de 92,77% (±5,59) em 72h. Allcem Veneer apresentou viabilidade de 70,46% (± 12,91) em 24h; 85,03% (± 21,4) em 48h e 70,46% (± 12,91) em 72h. O RelyX Veneer demonstrou viabilidade de 5,06% (± 0,88) em 24h; 5,84% (± 1,18) em 48h e 6,99% (± 1,34) em 72h. Conclusão: Estes resultados demonstraram que o cimento Rely-X se apresentou significativamente mais citotóxico nas condições testadas.

Bioactivity and chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Guatteria australis A.St.-Hil.

Essential oil from the leaves of Guatteria australis was obtained by hydrodistillation, analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectromery (GC-MS) and their antiproliferative, antileishmanial, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities were also evaluated. Twenty-three compounds were identified among which germacrene B (50.66%), germacrene D (22.22%) and (E)-caryophyllene (8.99%) were the main compounds. The highest antiproliferative activity was observed against NCI-ADR/RES (TGI = 31.08 µg/ml) and HT-29 (TGI = 32.81 µg/ml) cell lines. It also showed good antileishmanial activity against Leishmania infantum (IC50 = 30.71 µg/ml). On the other hand, the oil exhibited a small effect against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, S. aureus ATCC 14458 and Escherichia coli ATCC 10799 (MIC = 250 µg/ml), as well as small antioxidant activity (457 µmol TE/g) assessed through ORACFL assay. These results represent the first report regarding chemical composition and bioactivity of G. australis essential oil.

Antiproliferative activity and induction of apoptosis in PC-3 cells by the chalcone cardamonin from Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae) in a bioactivity-guided study.

The Myrtaceae family is a common source of medicines used in the treatment of numerous diseases in South America. In Brazil, fruits of the Campomanesia species are widely used to make liqueurs, juices and sweets, whereas leaves are traditionally employed as a medicine for dysentery, stomach problems, diarrhea, cystitis and urethritis. Ethanol extracts of Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae) leaves and fruits were evaluated against prostate cancer cells (PC-3). The compound (2E)-1-(2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one, cardamonin) was isolated from ethanol extracts of C. adamantium leaves in a bioactivity-guided study and quantified by UPLC-MS/MS. In vitro studies showed that the isolated chalcone cardamonin inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation and decreased the expression of NFkB1. Moreover, analysis by flow cytometry showed that this compound induced DNA fragmentation, suggesting an effect on apoptosis induction in the PC-3 cell line.