Evaluation of Genistein as a Mitochondrial Modulator and Its Effects on Sperm Quality.

Phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, are bioactive compounds found in plants with defense and protection functions. In the human body, they simulate the behavior of the hormone estradiol and can modulate the function of the male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This study aims to describe the effects of genistein on sperm quality of Wistar rats (male/adult) after a short oral administration protocol (50 mg/day, for 5 days), focusing on mitochondrial function. No signs of toxicity were observed in the animals during the period. The testicular mass of rats from the genistein-treated group was lower than that from the control group. Isoflavone increased the number of viable Leydig and Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and primary spermatocytes in the treated group. The rounded spermatid count was similar to the control group, and a decrease in elongated spermatids was observed in the treated group. Genistein treatment increased plasma testosterone levels in the treated group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an in vivo short protocol demonstrating that genistein administration stimulates the overall oxygen consumption in rat seminal samples. Therefore, genistein induced a pro-spermatogenesis effect, enhanced plasma testosterone levels, and increased oxygen consumption, improving sperm mitochondrial efficiency. Similar protocols can be explored in animal and human infertility issues.

Behavioral, biochemical, and endocrine responses of zebrafish to 30-min exposure with environmentally relevant concentrations of imidacloprid-based insecticide.

The imidacloprid-based insecticides (IBIs) are among the most used insecticides worldwide, and chronic and acute toxic effects (days exposure protocols) have been reported in several species in studies of IBIs at lethal concentrations. However, there is little information on shorter time exposures and environmentally relevant concentrations. In this study, we investigated the effect of a 30-min exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of IBI on the behavior, redox status, and cortisol levels of zebrafish. We showed that the IBI decreased fish locomotion and social and aggressive behaviors and induced an anxiolytic-like behavior. Furthermore, IBI increased cortisol levels and protein carbonylation and decreased nitric oxide levels. These changes were mostly observed at 0.013 and 0.0013 µg·L-1 of IBI. In an environmental context, these behavioral and physiological disbalances, which were immediately triggered by IBI, can impair the ability of fish to evade predators and, consequently, affect their survival.

Intra-articular ozone slows down the process of degeneration of articular cartilage in the knees of rats with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease of multifactorial etiology, affecting mainly the knees. We aimed to evaluate the effects of two different doses of gaseous ozone intra-articularly on the knee cartilage morphology of rats with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: The articular lesion was induced by sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA). 40 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: G1 control (without lesion and without treatment), G2 articular lesion (AL) (only lesion MIA-induced), G3 AL + treatment with 5 µg/mL of ozone intra-articular, and G4 AL + treatment with 10 µg/mL of ozone intra-articular. The experiment was carried out for 60 days. RESULTS: Both doses of ozone intra-articular demonstrated less reduction in joint space (G3 and G4) compared to the G2, formation of osteophytes, but without subchondral sclerosis. Ozone decreased the volumetric density of the articular lesion (VV(AL)) of tibial. The treatments recovered VV(AL) of the femur similar to G1. Ozone lower dose (G3) showed lower tibia and femur macroscopic scores. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular gaseous ozone can delay the degeneration of articular cartilage and can represents an integrative therapy in the OA treatment of knee after 60 days of treatment. For the first time the role of ozone in articular cartilage degeneration was evaluated helping to understand this therapy.

Embryonic exposure to genistein induces anxiolytic and antisocial behavior in zebrafish: persistent effects until the adult stage.

Genistein is a phytoestrogen, which is structurally similar to 17ß-estradiol. It is present in plants, food, and as a contaminant in effluents. In this article, we demonstrate the effects of embryonic exposure to three different concentrations of genistein (10 µg/L, 40 µg/L, and 80 µg/L) which is similar to those found in effluents. Zebrafish eggs were exposed during the first 72 h post-fertilization (hpf). Heart rate was evaluated at 48 hpf and mortality rate was assessed during the first 72 hpf. The light/dark (LDT) and open field (OFT) behavioral tests were applied to the larvae (6 dpf), and the novel tank (NTT), social preference (SPT), light-dark (LDT), and sexing tests were performed on adult fish (90 dpf). Embryonic exposure to genistein caused anxiolytic-like behavior in both larvae and adult animals. In adult stage, we observed an increase in locomotor activity and antisocial behavior in the concentration of 40 µg/L. There was an increase in the mortality rate in all concentrations when compared to the control and an increase in heart rate at the concentration of 80 µg/L. Exposure to 10 µg/L generated a higher frequency of females when compared to the control group. Our results show that exposure to genistein during the embryonic phase brings damage in the short and long term as it increases the mortality rate and leads to behavioral disorders both in the larval stage, with perpetuation until adult stage. The anxiolytic-like effect and less social interaction are effects that harm fish survival.

Pesticide and trace element bioaccumulation in wild owls in Brazil.

Owls are outstanding environmental quality bioindicators due to their position at the top of the food chain and susceptibility to pollutant accumulation. Exposure to chemical contaminants is often a risk for these animals. Moreover, studies addressing the bioaccumulation of trace elements and pesticide residues in tropical nocturnal raptor species are scarce. We analyzed the 26 organs (heart, liver, and kidney) of Tyto furcata (n=3), Megascops spp. (n=5), Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana (n=1), and Asio stygius (n=1) carcasses, collected from June 2018 to May 2019 in the Southern region of Brazil. The original vegetation consisted of areas of Araucaria forests and grassy-woody steppes with gallery forests, which were greatly modified by the introduction of agriculture. In four animals and eight organs, the pesticides abamectin, atrazine, chlorpyrifos-ethyl, and diurom were analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a mass detector. In six animals and eighteen organs, the trace elements cadmium, lead, chromium, and nickel were identified via atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Chlorpyrifos-ethyl was detected in the livers of the genus Megascops. Chromium was found at high concentrations in all matrices analyzed for this trace element. Moreover, P. koeniswaldiana presented lead levels indicative of high exposure. The bioaccumulation of these toxics in owls described here can impact the population levels of these species, impact on its ecological function, and consequently unbalance the ecosystem. Moreover, owls are considered bioindicators; therefore, the occurrence of bioaccumulation indirectly gives us information about the quality of the environment.

Effect of reciprocating instrumentation on chlorhexidine substantivity on human dentin: chemical analysis followed by confocal laser microscopy

The present research analyzed the reciprocating instrumentation associated to chlorhexidine (CHX) substantivity as its correlation with E. faecalis viability in ex vivo root canals. Eighty extracted single-rooted human teeth were used, being 40 to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 40 to confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In both, teeth were decoronated and the cervical third was prepared. In the CLSM analysis, the root canals were inoculated with E. faecalis for 14 days. Samples were divided into 4 groups (n=10) according to instrumentation technique: no instrumentation and irrigation with distilled water (control); manual instrumentation (K-File); rotary instrumentation (ProTaper Next); and reciprocating instrumentation (Reciproc R25). Two percent chlorhexidine was applied as irrigating substance in experimental groups. Longitudinal grooves resulted in 2 halves root and 20 proof bodies in each group. Samples were divided by chance in two groups (n=10) and the outcomes were evaluated after two days and one week. The retained chlorhexidine and live cells after instrumentation techniques in each evaluation time was measured by HPLC and CLSM, respectively. Specific analysis was applied for experimental tests (p≤0.05). Both rotary as well as reciprocating techniques significantly reduced the amount of chlorhexidine on dentin in all observation periods (p<0.05). After evaluation times, all experimental groups presented lower live cells compared to control, but without statistically difference. Intragroup comparisons in times of evaluation showed no differences in instrumentation techniques, in chlorhexidine retention and number of live cells (p>0.05). Reciprocating instrumentation does not interfere on chlorhexidine substantivity.

Stimulants cocktail: Methylphenidate plus caffeine impairs memory and cognition and alters mitochondrial and oxidative status.

Methylphenidate (MPH) is a psychostimulant widely misused to increase wakefulness by drivers and students. Also, MPH can be found in dietary supplements in a clandestine manner aiming to burst performance of physical exercise practitioners. The abusive use of high doses of caffeine (CAF) in these contexts is equally already known. Here, we demonstrate the behavioral, oxidative and mitochondrial effects after acute exposure to high doses of MPH (80 mg/L) and CAF (150 mg/L), alone or associated (80 mg/L + 150 mg/L, respectively). We used zebrafish as animal model due to its high translational relevance. We evaluated the behavioral effects using the Novel Tank Test (NTT), Social Preference Test (SPT) and Y-maze Task and analyzed biomarkers of oxidative stress and activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes. MPH alone induced antisocial behavior. MPH inhibited lipid peroxidation. The association of MPH + CAF presented memory impairment and anxiogenic behavior. In oxidative status, it inhibited lipid peroxidation, increased protein carbonylation and mitochondrial complex II, III and IV activity. Our results demonstrate that MPH and CAF alone negatively impact the typical behavioral of zebrafish. When associated, changes in cognition, memory, oxidative and mitochondrial status are more relevant.

Biomonitoring of Owls and Their Environment Using Pellets and Feathers.

Owls are predators that perform important ecological functions. There are several threats to owl conservation such as the bioaccumulation of chemicals through environmental contamination. The high probability of bioaccumulation in these animals is related to their role as predators and high trophic positions. The objective of this study was to quantify four elements (cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead) as the biomarkers of environmental exposure in owls. To this end, we analyzed pellets and feathers of different owl species. These matrices were contaminated with all four elements, with chromium most commonly detected. Chromium and nickel were found in the pellets in all 10 months of the study, and May was the month with the highest concentrations of all the elements. Tyto furcata appears to bioaccumulate more elements in its feathers than Megascops spp. and Athene cunicularia. Our findings showed bioaccumulation of these four elements in owls and their environment.

Soybean Plant Metabolism under Water Deficit and Xenobiotic and Antioxidant Agent Application.

The aim was to evaluate the interactive effects on biochemistry and physiology of soybean plants exposed to simultaneous xenobiotic and water deficit stresses, and the possible attenuation of plant damage by an antioxidant agent. Soybean plants were submitted to eight different soil water potentials, in two experiments (first experiment: -0.96, -0.38, -0.07, -0.02 MPa, and second experiment: -3.09, -1.38, -0.69, -0.14 MPa), xenobiotic, and antioxidant agent applications. Was observed a reduction in water status, gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, photosystem II quantum yield, and increased leaf temperature in plants under low water availability. Water deficit also induced oxidative stress by the increased production of reactive oxygen species, cellular and molecular damage, and induction of the antioxidant defense metabolism, reduction of gas exchange, water status, and photosynthetic efficiency. The xenobiotic application also caused changes, with deleterious effects more pronounced in low soil water availability, mainly the reactive oxygen species production, consequently the antioxidant activity, and the oxidative damages. This indicates different responses to the combination of stresses. Antioxidant enzyme activity was reduced by the application of the antioxidant agent. Principal Component Analysis showed a relation with the antioxidant agent and reactive oxygen species, which is probably due to signaling function, and with defense antioxidant system, mainly glutathione, represented by thiols.

Potencial antimicrobiano e caracterização fitoquímica de extratos da casca do caule de Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae) / Antimicrobial potential and phytochemical investigation of stem bark extracts from Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae)

Introdução: na área da saúde, a resistência aos antimicrobianos tem se constituído um grave problema, fazendo com que a busca por alternativas farmacológicas assuma grande importância. Produtos de origem natural, como extratos de plantas, têm sido pesquisados para uso potencial no tratamento antibacteriano. Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae) é uma árvore nativa do Brasil que tem sido utilizada como medicinal. Objetivo: investigar o perfil fitoquímico e a atividade antimicrobiana de amostras obtidas a partir de extratos da casca do caule de Drimys brasiliensis. Metodologia: frações de características químicas variadas foram obtidas a partir de extratos da casca do caule da planta. Realizou-se o screening fitoquímico destas frações através de reações gerais de caracterização e cromatografia em camada delgada. As amostras foram testadas por difusão em ágar e por microdiluição contra bactérias Grampositivas e Gram-negativas e contra uma levedura. Resultados: o perfil fitoquímico mostrou diferenças entre as frações analisadas. Alcaloides foram detectados nas frações mais apolares. Taninos e flavonoides estavam presentes nas amostras mais polares e obtidas sem o uso de calor. As amostras com maior atividade antimicrobiana foram as obtidas com os solventes hexano e diclorometano, de características mais apolares. Destaca-se a atividade contra Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina e Candida albicans. Conclusão: extratos da casca do caule de Drimys brasiliensis apresentam potencial ntimicrobiano, com destaque para as frações mais apolares contra bactérias gram positivas.

Introduction: in the health field, antimicrobial resistance has been a serious issue, making the search for pharmacological alternatives very important. Natural products, such as plant extracts, have been researched for potential use in antibacterial treatment. Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae) is a tree native to Brazil that has been medicinally used. Objective: to investigate the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of samples obtained from Drimys brasiliensis stem bark extracts. Methodology: fractions of different chemical characteristics were obtained from extracts of the stem bark. Phytochemical screening of these fractions was performed by general reactions and thin layer chromatography. Samples were tested by agar diffusion and microdilution against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeast. Results: the phytochemical profile showed differences between the analyzed fractions. Alkaloids were detected in the most nonpolar fractions. Tannins and flavonoids were present in the most polar samples and obtained without the use of heat. The samples with the highest antimicrobial activity were those obtained with hexane and dichloromethane solvents, which present the most nonpolar characteristics. We highlight the activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Conclusion: Drimys brasiliensis stem bark extracts have antimicrobial potential, especially the most nonpolar fractions against gram positive bacteria.

Contaminação microbiológica em provadores de batons disponíveis aos consumidores / Microbiological Contamination of In-Store Lipstick Testers Available to the Consumer

A contaminação microbiológica de produtos farmacêuticos e cosméticos representa um problema de saúde pública pois pode ocasionar infecções. Antes de comprar um cosmético específico, muitos consumidores o testam em sua própria pele, aumentando a suscetibilidade a contaminações microbiológicas. Nossa hipótese é que os provadores de batons disponíveis em farmácias representam uma fonte de contaminação microbiológica em potencial. Este estudo analisou a qualidade microbiológica de 30 amostras de batons, coletadas aleatoriamente, de diferentes fabricantes, disponíveis em provadores para os consumidores em farmácias do sul do Brasil (quinze coletadas em Casca, cinco em Ciríaco e dez em Passo Fundo). A qualidade microbiológica dos batons foi avaliada por: contagem total de bactérias e fungos e leveduras viáveis e pesquisa dos patógenos Staphylococcus aureus e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Verificou-se que as quantidades variaram de 1,0 x 10¹ a 1,9 x 105 UFC / g de bactérias viáveis e de 1,0 x 10¹ a 7,3 x 10³ UFC / g de bolores e leveduras nos batons. 54,33% e 40% das amostras foram reprovadas na contagem total de bactérias e bolores e leveduras viáveis, respectivamente. S. aureus, Aspergillus sp. e Cladosporium sp. foram encontrados nas amostras. Embora a composição cerosa dos batons desfavoreça a contaminação microbiana, esta pesquisa revela um grande número de microrganismos. Nossa hipótese de que os provadores de batons apresentam alta carga microbiológica foi confirmada. Microrganismos patogênicos oportunistas podem se tornar agentes infecciosos em pacientes com sistema imunológico comprometido. O uso de aplicadores descartáveis é proposto como uma alternativa para evitar a contaminação microbiológica dos cosméticos.

The microbiological contamination of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products represents a public health problem because it can cause infections. Before purchasing a particular cosmetic, many consumers test it on their own skin, increasing the susceptibility to microbiological contaminations. We hypothesize that these lipstick testers available to pharmacy consumers represent a potential source of microbiological contamination. This study analyzed the microbiological quality of 30 lipstick samples, randomly collected, from different manufacturers, available to the consumers for trials in pharmacies in southern Brazil (fifteen samples were collected in Casca, five in Ciríaco and ten in Passo Fundo). The microbiological quality of the lipsticks was evaluated by: total count of viable bacteria and mold and yeast, and presence of pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was verified that amounts ranged from 1.0 x 10¹ to 1.9 x 105 CFU/g of viable bacteria and from 1.0 x 10¹ to 7.3 x 10³ CFU/g of molds and yeasts on the lipsticks. 54.33% and 40% of the samples were disapproved by the total count of viable bacteria and molds and yeasts, respectively. S. aureus, Aspergillus sp. and Cladosporium sp. were also found. Although the waxy composition of the lipsticks hinders microbial contamination this research reveals a large number of microorganisms. Our hypothesis that the lipsticks have a high microbiological load was confirmed. Opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms can become infectious agents in patients with compromised immune systems. The use of disposable applicators is proposed as an alternative way to avoid microbiological contamination of the cosmetic products.

Multifunctional Cosmetic Containing Blueberry and Tinosorb M®-Loaded Microparticles Improves Sunscreen Performance.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effect of blueberry extract and microparticles (MP) on sunscreen performance of multifunctional cosmetics. Octocrylene (OCT), benzophenone-3 (BENZ-3) and Tinosorb® M (MBBT) were employed as UV filters. Methods: An in-silico modeling was used to determine the UV filters concentrations to obtain high values of sunscreen protection factor (SPF) and UVA protection factor (UVA-PF). MBBT and blueberry-loaded microparticles (MPMB+B) and MBBT-loaded microparticles (MPMBBT) were prepared by spray-drying. OCT and BENZ-3 were added in the oil phase of cosmetics. Cosmetics A and B contained MPMB+B and MPMBBT, respectively, and cosmetic C was prepared without MP. Characterization, physicochemical stability and in vitro SPF was performed. UV filters distribution in human stratum corneum (SC) for each cosmetic was performed. Anti-oxidant activity of blueberry extract was evaluated. Results: Sunscreen combination with the highest SPF was selected for formulations. Formulations A and B maintained their rheological behavior over time, unlike formulation C. In-vitro SPFs for formulations A, B and C were 51.0, 33.7 and 49.6, respectively. We also developed and validated a method for analysis of the UV filters by HPLC/ PDA suitable for the in-vivo assay. In Tape stripping test, MBBT showed SC distribution similar for all cosmetic formulations. OCT and BENZ-3 distribution to formulation A and C was also similar. Blueberry extract showed antioxidant capacity of 16.71 µg/mL equivalent to vitamin C. Conclusion: Cosmetics containing MPs presented better physical stability. Blueberry increased the photoprotective capacity of the formulations and added extra benefits due to its anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties.

Bioanalytical method to detect midazolam in plasma.

Midazolam (MDZ) is the first choice in palliative sedation, and commonly used in sleep induction in anesthesia, with rapid onset of action. However, monitoring of the level of sedation in patients is not accurate. We developed and validated a bioanalytical method to detect MDZ in plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to a photodiode array detector (PDA) for future monitoring of sedation. MDZ was extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE). Analyses were performed on a C18 column, using 0.05% triethylamine and acetonitrile as mobile phase, analyzing at 220 nm. Recovery was evaluated by comparing extracted and nonextracted solutions. Precision, accuracy, linearity, limits of detection (LD) and quantification (LQ), specificity and selectivity were determined. The mean recovery obtained by SPE was 101.03%. The method was linear in the range 1.0-50.0 µg/mL. The LD and LQ were, respectively, 0.43 and 1.43 µg/mL. The specificity of the MDZ peak was adequate. The method was able to detect MDZ among other drugs. Plasma anticoagulants showed no interference with the drug detection. The bioanalytical method using HPLC-PDA and SPE was successfully validated and showed linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity and high sensitivity for detection of MDZ in human plasma.

Influence of ultrasonic activation using different final irrigants on antimicrobial activity, smear layer removal and bond strength of filling material.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ultrasonic activation (US) over final irrigants on antimicrobial activity, smear layer removal and bond strength. The root canals of 180 extracted human teeth were distributed into three experimental tests (n = 60). In each test, the samples were subdivided into six groups (n = 10) according to final irrigation protocols: G1:distilled water (DW); G2:DW + US; G3:17% EDTA; G4:QMix; G5:17% EDTA + US; and G6:QMix + US. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by counting of colony-forming units (CFUs), the smear layer removal by scanning electron microscopy and the bond strength by push-out test. Statistical analysis was performed for each evaluation (α = 5%). Groups 4 and 6 provided higher bacterial reduction, groups 5 and 6 provided higher smear layer removal, groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 provided the higher bond strength (P < 0.05). US activation did not improve the antimicrobial activity and the bond strength, whereas it improved the smear layer removal.

Effect of root canal preparation techniques on chlorhexidine substantivity on human dentin: a chemical analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Chlorhexidine binds to dentine to provide sustained action. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the substantivity of chlorhexidine using manual, rotary, and reciprocating systems for root canal preparation. METHODS: Forty-five extracted human single-rooted teeth were used for this study. The samples were divided into three groups (n = 15) according to the instrumentation technique used: manual instrumentation (K-File), rotary instrumentation (ProTaper), and reciprocating instrumentation (Reciproc R25). Chlorhexidine gel (2%) was used as auxiliary chemical substance during root canal preparation. Longitudinal grooves were carved on the free surfaces of the roots, providing two halves of each root and resulting in 30 samples per group. Each group was randomly divided into three subgroups (n = 10), and substantivity was evaluated after 48 h, 7 days, and 30 days of incubation. The amount of CHX (in mg/mL) was measured through reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance and the Tukey test for post hoc comparisons (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The manual did not show a statistical significant difference with rotary instrumentation (P > 0.05), but higher CHX substantivity was recorded in all periods of observation when compared to reciprocating instrumentation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The CHX substantivity on human dentine is lowest when using reciprocating compared to manual and rotary instrumentation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Using chemical analysis, this study showed that a manual and rotary multi-instrument system results in greater chlorhexidine substantivity on human dentin than a reciprocating single-instrument system.

Ozone generated by air purifier in low concentrations: friend or foe?

Ozone helps decontamination environments due to its oxidative power, however present toxicity when it is in high concentrations, by long periods of exposition. This study aimed to assess the safety of ozone generator air purifier at concentrations of 0.05 ppm in rats exposed to 3 and 24 h/day for 14 and 28 days. No significant differences are observed between groups in clinical signs, feed and water intake, relative body weight gain and relative weight of organs, macroscopy and microscopy of lungs, and oxidative plasma assay. In this exposure regime, ozone does not cause genotoxicity and no significant changes in pulmonary histology indicative of toxicity. Ozone generated in low concentrations, even in exposure regimes above the recommended is safe, both acute and sub-acute exposition.

Anti-lipid Potential of Drimys brasiliensis.

BACKGROUND: The traditional use of Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae) in the south of Brazil to reduce cholesterol has not been described in scientific literature. OBJECTIVE: To verify the hypocholesterolemic effects of D. brasiliensis using rats as animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bark of D. brasiliensis was extracted with water with further lyophilization and was subjected to phytochemical analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and free radical scavenging activities by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to determine antioxidant potential. The hypocholesterolemic activity was determined in male Wistar rats treated with 100 and 250 mg/kg/day extract concomitantly fed a hypercaloric diet, over 20 days (prevention assay). In the treatment assay, rats were fed a hypercaloric diet for 40 days and received the extract (100 mg/kg/day) from day 20. RESULTS: In this research, we found that the extract of the bark of D. brasiliensis was able to reduce the triglycerides significantly and reduce total cholesterol at doses 100 and 250 mg/kg/day and both administration regimens (prevention and treatment) in rats treated with the extract and hypercaloric diet. The extract showed strong antioxidant properties (DPPH assay), probably responsible by hypocholesterolemic activity of the plant. By HPLC, we detected catechin (1.34%), epicatechin (3.48%), rutin (0.86%), caffeic acid (0.45%), and ferulic acid (0.84%) in D. brasiliensis extract. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm the popular use of the plant to reduce of cholesterol. SUMMARY: The extract of the bark of Drimys brasiliensis was able to reduce the triglycerides significantly and reduced total cholesterol at doses 100 and 250 mg/kg/day and both administration regimens (prevention and treatment) in rats treated with the extract and hypercaloric dietThe extract showed strong antioxidant properties (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay), probably responsible by hypocholesterolemic activity of the plantThe extracts present catechin (1.34%), epicatechin (3.48%), rutin (0.86%), caffeic acid (0.45%), and ferulic acid (0.84%)The plant can be used to cholesterol reduction. Abbreviations used: HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography; PDA: Photodiode array detector; RS: Reference substances; DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl; VCEAC: Vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity.

First evidence that waterborne methylphenidate alters endocrine and behavioral stress responses in zebrafish.

Several studies have reported the presence of methylphenidate (MPH) in effluents; however, its impacts on aquatic life are not yet well understood. Here, we investigated the effects of acute exposure on endocrine and behavioral stress responses to environmentally relevant concentrations of MPH in zebrafish. We show that MPH blunts the response of cortisol to stress in zebrafish. On the other hand, MPH stresses fish per se. Additionally, MPH seems to modulate anxiety-like behaviors. We conclude that the presence of MPH in aquatic environments can alter neuroendocrine and behavior responses, which might considerably impact fish survival and welfare.