Binding of green tea epigallocatechin gallate to the arginine kinase active site from the brown recluse spider (Loxosceles laeta): A potential synergist to chemical pesticides.

Loxosceles spp. spiders can cause serious public health issues. Chemical control is commonly used, leading to health and environmental problems. Identifying molecular targets and using them with natural compounds can help develop safer and eco-friendlier biopesticides. We studied the kinetics and predicted structural characteristics of arginine kinase (EC 2.7.3.3) from Loxosceles laeta (LlAK), a key enzyme in the energy metabolism of these organisms. Additionally, we explored (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea flavonoid, as a potential lead compound for the LlAK active site through fluorescence and in silico analysis, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MM/PBSA analyses. The results indicate that LlAK is a highly efficient enzyme (K m Arg 0.14 mM, K m ATP 0.98 mM, k cat 93 s-1, k cat/K m Arg 630 s-1 mM-1, k cat/K m ATP 94 s-1 mM-1), which correlates with its structure similarity to others AKs (such as Litopenaeus vannamei, Polybetes pythagoricus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and might be related to its important function in the spider's energetic metabolism. Furthermore, the MD and MM/PBSA analysis suggests that EGCG interacted with LlAK, specifically at ATP/ADP binding site (RMSD <1 nm) and its interaction is energetically favored for its binding stability (-40 to -15 kcal/mol). Moreover, these results are supported by fluorescence quenching analysis (K d 58.3 µM and K a 1.71 × 104 M-1). In this context, LlAK is a promising target for the chemical control of L. laeta, and EGCG could be used in combination with conventional pesticides to manage the population of Loxosceles species in urban areas.

Effect of Green Tea Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers among Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated the potential benefits of green tea on the inflammatory process in metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the results are inconclusive and inconsistent. In the present study, we performed a literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of green tea supplementation on inflammatory markers [e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] among patients with MetS and related disorders. We systematically searched for relevant publications up to March 2022 in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022320345). Mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were pooled on the basis of the random effects model to compare the effects of green tea with placebo. We used meta-regression and subgroup analyses to determine the cause of heterogeneity and performed study quality assessment using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method. We assessed publication bias using funnel plots and Egger's tests. Out of the total 15 RCTs that were included in this systematic review, 12 were chosen for the meta-analysis. The results revealed that green tea significantly decreased TNF-α levels but did not affect CRP and IL-6 levels. Subgroup analysis showed that green tea supplementation in studies lasting ≤8 weeks significantly increased CRP levels. Furthermore, meta-regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between increasing IL-6 concentration and treatment duration. According to our meta-analysis, green tea was shown to considerably lower circulating TNF-α levels. To confirm these findings, carefully planned trials are required.

Association between caffeine metabolites in urine and muscle strength in young and older adults: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 2011-2012.

BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species may contribute to the gradual decline in muscle strength over time. Although caffeine and its metabolites have antioxidant properties that can mitigate oxidative stress, the association of caffeine and its metabolites with muscle strength remains unknown. AIM: To investigate whether caffeine metabolites in urine are associated with muscle strength in young and older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1145 individuals aged over 20 years (n = 801 < 60 years and n = 344 ≥ 60 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012. Muscle strength was assessed using a handgrip dynamometer, and combined grip strength was determined by summing the highest value from each hand. Caffeine and its metabolites in urine were quantified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (1-methyluric acid, 3-methyluric acid, 7-methyluric acid, 1,3-dimethyluric acid, 1,7-dimethyluric acid, 3,7-dimethyluric acid, 1,3,7-trimethyluric acid, 1-methylxanthine, 3-methylxanthine, 7-methylxanthine, 1,3-dimethylxanthine, 1,7-dimethylxanthine, 3,7-dimethylxanthine, 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, 5-acetylamino-6-amino-3-methyluracil). Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association of caffeine and its metabolites with muscle strength in young and older adults, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Positive associations between muscle strength and levels of 7-methyluric acid (ß = 0.029; p = 0.021), 1,3-dimethyluric acid (ß = 0.008; p = 0.004), 3,7-dimethyluric acid (ß = 0.645; p = 0.012), 3-methylxanthine (ß = 0.020; p = 0.002), 7-methylxanthine (ß = 0.020; p = 0.006), 1,3-dimethylxanthine (theophylline) (ß = 0.030; p = 0.004) and 3,7-dimethylxanthine (theobromine) (ß = 0.035; p = 0.029) were observed in older adults. In contrast, no such associations were noted in young adults. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates a positive association between certain caffeine metabolites in urine and muscle strength in older adults, but not in younger individuals. These findings indicate that specific caffeine metabolites may contribute to an antioxidant role especially in older adults.

Trastornos del espectro autista, trastornos por déficit de atención hiperactividad y desregulación emocional: enmascaramiento y abordaje / Autistic spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorders, hyperactivity and emotional dysregulation: masking and approach

Resumen Los Trastornos del Espectro Autista (TEA) y los Tras tornos por Déficit de Atención Hiperactividad (TDAH) son Trastornos del Neurodesarrollo (TN) que coexisten frecuentemente y que tienen factores etiológicos, bio lógicos, clínicos en común. La comorbilidad de ambos TN se asocia a un retraso en el diagnóstico del TEA o un diagnóstico que nunca llegan a recibir y es frecuente el desarrollo de alteraciones perceptivas, emocionales, cognitivas y conductuales relacionadas con la Desregu lación Emocional (DE). Cuando ambos TN no son diag nosticados en infancia, frecuentemente reciben diag nósticos equivocados en edades más tardías, siendo el más frecuente el Trastorno Límite de Personalidad (TLP). Se analiza la presentación clínica de la asociación del TEA y el TDAH, la asociación con DE, diferenciación del TLP y evaluación e intervención. La comorbilidad TEA, TDAH, DE, es un trastorno más severo, asociado a poli farmacología y a ingresos hospi talarios.

Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention Defi cit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) are Neurodevelop mental Disorders (ND) that frequently coexist together and have etiological, biological, and clinical factors in common. The comorbidity of both neurodevelopmental disorders is associated with a delay or lack of ASD di agnosis and the development of perceptual, emotional, cognitive and behavioral alterations related to Emotional Dysregulation (ED) is common. When both TN are not diagnosed in childhood, they frequently receive wrong diagnoses at later ages, the most frequent being Border line Personality Disorder (BPD). The clinical presentation of the association of ASD and ADHD, the association with ED, differentiation of BPD, and evaluation and intervention are here analyzed. The comorbidity ASD, ADHD, ED is a more severe disorder associated to polypharmacology and hospital admissions.

Metabolomic kinetics investigation of Camellia sinensis kombucha using mass spectrometry and bioinformatics approaches.

Kombucha is created through the fermentation of Camellia sinensis tea leaves, along with sucrose, utilizing a symbiotic consortium of bacteria and yeast cultures. Nonetheless, there exists a dearth of comprehensive information regarding the spectrum of metabolites that constitute this beverage. To explore this intricate system, metabolomics was used to investigate fermentation kinetics of Kombucha. For that, an experimental framework was devised to assess the impact of varying sucrose concentrations and fermentation temperatures over a ten-day period of kombucha fermentation. Following fermentation, samples were analyzed using an LC-QTOF-MS system and a distinctive metabolomic profile was observed. Principal component analysis was used to discriminate between metabolite profiles. Moreover, the identified compounds were subjected to classification using the GNPS platform. The findings underscore notable differences in compound class concentrations attributable to distinct fermentation conditions. Furthermore, distinct metabolic pathways were identified, specially some related to the biotransformation of flavonoids. This comprehensive investigation offers valuable insights into the pivotal role of SCOBY in driving metabolite production and underscores the potential bioactivity harbored within Kombucha.

Spray-Drying Microencapsulation of Bauhinia ungulata L. var. obtusifolia Aqueous Extract Containing Phenolic Compounds: A Comparative Study Using Different Wall Materials.

Species belonging to the Bauhinia genus, usually known as "pata-de-vaca", are popularly used to treat diabetes. Bauhinia ungulata var. obtusifolia (Ducke) Vaz is among them, of which the leaves are used as a tea for medicinal purposes in the Amazon region. A microencapsulation study of lyophilized aqueous extract from Bauhinia ungulata leaves, which contain phenolic compounds, using five different wall materials (maltodextrin DE 4-7, maltodextrin DE 11-14; ß-cyclodextrin; pectin and sodium carboxymethylcellulose) is described in this paper. The microstructure, particle size distribution, thermal behavior, yield, and encapsulation efficiency were investigated and compared using different techniques. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, phenolics, and flavonoids were detected and quantified in the microparticles. The microparticles obtained with a yield and phenolics encapsulation efficiency ranging within 60-83% and 35-57%, respectively, showed a particle size distribution between 1.15 and 5.54 µm, spherical morphology, and a wrinkled surface. Among them, those prepared with sodium carboxymethylcellulose or pectin proved to be the most thermally stable. They had the highest flavonoid content (23.07 and 21.73 mg RUTE/g Extract) and total antioxidant activity by both the DPPH (376.55 and 367.86 µM TEq/g Extract) and ABTS (1085.72 and 1062.32 µM TEq/g Extract) assays. The chromatographic analyses allowed for quantification of the following substances retained by the microparticles, chlorogenic acid (1.74-1.98 mg/g Extract), p-coumaric acid (0.06-0.08 mg/g Extract), rutin (11.2-12.9 mg/g Extract), and isoquercitrin (0.49-0.53 mg/g Extract), compounds which considered to responsible for the antidiabetic property attributed to the species.

Synergistic Renoprotective Effects of Green Tea Extract and Gemigliptin against Tacrolimus-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice / Efectos Renoprotectores Sinérgicos del Extracto de Té Verde y Gemigliptina contra la Nefrotoxicidad Inducida por Tacrolimus en Ratones

SUMMARY: Although tacrolimus (TAC) significantly reduces allograft rejection incidence in solid-organ transplantation, its long-term use is associated with an increased risk of TAC-induced nephrotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the renoprotective effects of green tea extract (GTE) with or without the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, gemigliptin, by assessing serum creatinine levels, the amount of proteinuria, and histopathology in TAC-induced nephrotoxicity. TAC-induced nephrotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal TAC injection, GTE was administered via subcutaneous injection, and gemigliptin was administered orally. Mice with TAC-induced nephrotoxicity exhibited a significant increase in both serum creatinine levels and 24-hour urine protein. However, when treated with GTE via subcutaneous injection, mice showed a decrease in serum creatinine levels and the amount of proteinuria. When GTE was combined with gemigliptin, further renoprotective effects were observed in biochemical assessments, consistent with the attenuation of TAC-induced nephrotoxicity in histopathology. The expression of p53 protein was lower in the mice treated with the combination of GTE and gemigliptin compared to mice with TAC-induced nephrotoxicity. Our results demonstrate that the combination of GTE and gemigliptin treatment reveals synergistic renoprotective effects by decreasing the expression of p53 protein. These findings suggest that the combination of GTE and gemigliptin could potentially be used as a prophylactic or therapeutic strategy for TAC-induced nephrotoxicity.

Aunque tacrolimus (TAC) reduce significativamente la incidencia de rechazo de aloinjertos en trasplantes de órganos sólidos, su uso a largo plazo se asocia con un mayor riesgo de nefrotoxicidad inducida por TAC. En este estudio, investigamos los efectos renoprotectores del extracto de té verde (GTE) con o sin el inhibidor de la dipeptidil peptidasa 4, gemigliptina, mediante la evaluación de los niveles de creatinina sérica, la cantidad de proteinuria y la histopatología en la nefrotoxicidad inducida por TAC. La nefrotoxicidad inducida por TAC se indujo mediante inyección intraperitoneal de TAC, el GTE se administró mediante inyección subcutánea y la gemigliptina se administró por vía oral. Los ratones con nefrotoxicidad inducida por TAC mostraron un aumento significativo tanto en los niveles de creatinina sérica como en la proteína en orina de 24 horas. Sin embargo, cuando se trataron con GTE mediante inyección subcutánea, los ratones mostraron una disminución en los niveles de creatinina sérica y en la cantidad de proteinuria. Cuando se combinó GTE con gemigliptina, se observaron efectos renoprotectores adicionales en las evaluaciones bioquímicas, lo que concuerda con la atenuación de la nefrotoxicidad inducida por TAC en histopatología. La expresión de la proteína p53 fue menor en los ratones tratados con la combinación de GTE y gemigliptina en comparación con los ratones con nefrotoxicidad inducida por TAC. Nuestros resultados demuestran que la combinación de tratamiento con GTE y gemigliptina revela efectos renoprotectores sinérgicos al disminuir la expresión de la proteína p53. Estos hallazgos sugieren que la combinación de GTE y gemigliptina podría usarse potencialmente como estrategia profiláctica o terapéutica para la nefrotoxicidad inducida por TAC.

Green tea and hyaluronic acid gel enhance fibroblast activation and improves the gingival healing post-third molar extraction.

This study evaluates the effects of a green tea (Camellia sinensis) and hyaluronic acid gel on fibroblast activity and alveolar bone repair following third molar extractions. By examining the gene expression related to cell survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis, the study bridges in vitro findings with clinical outcomes in a split-mouth randomized trial. Human fibroblasts were exposed to the treatment gel, analysing gene expression through RT-qPCR. Twenty participants undergoing bilateral third molar extractions received the test gel on one side and a placebo on the other. Assessments included patient-reported outcomes, professional evaluations, and radiographic analyses at multiple postoperative intervals. The test gel significantly enhanced AKT, CDKs, and VEGF gene expressions, indicating a positive effect on angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Clinically, it resulted in reduced exudate, swelling, and secondary interventions, with radiographs showing improved alveolar bone density after 90 days. The green tea and hyaluronic acid gel significantly improves soft tissue and bone healing post-extraction, offering a promising adjunctive therapy for enhancing postoperative recovery. This gel represents a novel adjuvant treatment option for facilitating improved healing outcomes after third molar extractions, highlighting its potential utility in clinical dental practice.

EGCG, a Green Tea Compound, Increases NO Production and Has Antioxidant Action in a Static and Shear Stress In Vitro Model of Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a gestational hypertensive disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main compound in green tea, is a promising therapeutic target for the disease. By activating eNOS, EGCG increased NO production and exerted an important antioxidant action, but its specific impact in the context of PE remains understudied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of EGCG on endothelial function in static and shear stress in in vitro models of PE. Endothelial cells were incubated with healthy (HP) and preeclamptic (PE) pregnant women's plasma, and the latter group was treated with EGCG. Additionally, NOS (L-NAME) and PI3K protein (LY249002) inhibitors were also used. The levels of NO, ROS, and O2•- were evaluated, as well as the antioxidant potential. These investigations were also carried out in a shear stress model. We found that EGCG increases the NO levels, which were reduced in the PE group. This effect was attenuated with the use of L-NAME and LY249002. Furthermore, EGCG increased the antioxidant capacity of PE, but its action decreased with LY294002. In cells subjected to shear stress, EGCG increased nitrite levels in the PE group and maintained its action on the antioxidant capacity. This is the first study of the effects of EGCG in this experimental model, as well as the investigation of its effects along with shear stress. Our findings suggest that EGCG improves parameters of endothelial dysfunction in vitro, making it a promising target in the search for treatments for the disease.

Volatilome, Microbial, and Sensory Profiles of Coffee Leaf and Coffee Leaf-Toasted Maté Kombuchas.

Kombucha is a fermented beverage traditionally made from the leaves of Camelia sinensis. The market has drastically expanded recently, and the beverage has become more elaborated with new, healthy food materials and flavors. Pruning and harvesting during coffee production may generate tons of coffee leaves that are discarded although they contain substantial amounts of bioactive compounds, including those found in maté tea and coffee seeds. This study characterized the changes in volatilome, microbial, and sensory profiles of pure and blended arabica coffee leaf tea kombuchas between 3-9 days of fermentation. Acceptance was also evaluated by consumers from Rio de Janeiro (n = 103). Kombuchas (K) were prepared using black tea kombucha starter (BTKS) (10%), sucrose (10%), a symbiotic culture of Bacteria and Yeasts (SCOBY) (2.5%), and a pure coffee leaf infusion (CL) or a 50:50 blend with toasted maté infusion (CL-TM) at 2.5%. The RATA test was chosen for sensory profile characterization. One hundred volatile organic compounds were identified when all infusions and kombucha samples were considered. The potential impact compounds identified in CL K and CL-TM K were: methyl salicylate, benzaldehyde, hexanal, nonanal, pentadecanal, phenylethyl-alcohol, cedrol, 3,5-octadien-2-one, ß-damascenone, α-ionone, ß-ionone, acetic acid, caproic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, isovaleric acid, linalool, (S)-dihydroactinidiolide, isoamyl alcohol, ethyl hexanoate, and geranyl acetone. Aroma and flavor descriptors with higher intensities in CL K included fruity, peach, sweet, and herbal, while CL-TM K included additional toasted mate notes. The highest mean acceptance score was given to CL-TM K and CL K on day 3 (6.6 and 6.4, respectively, on a nine-point scale). Arabica coffee leaf can be a co-product with similar fingerprinting to maté and black tea, which can be explored for the elaboration of potentially healthy fermented beverages in food industries.

Nanoemulsions and nanocapsules loaded with Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil for sepsis treatment.

Sepsis represents a complex clinical syndrome that results from a harmful host response to infection. The infections most associated with sepsis are pneumonia, intra-abdominal infection, and urinary tract infection. Tea tree oil (TTO) has shown high antibacterial activity; however, it exhibits low aqueous solubility and high volatility, which have motivated its nanoencapsulation. In this study, the performance of nanoemulsions (NE) and nanocapsules (NC) loaded with TTO was compared. These systems were prepared by spontaneous emulsification and nanoprecipitation methods, respectively. Poly-ε-caprolactone or Eudragit® RS100 were tested as polymers for NCs whereas Tween® 80 or Pluronic® F68 as surfactants in NE preparation. Pluronic® F68 and Eudragit® RS100 resulted in more homogeneous and stable nanoparticles. In accelerated stability studies at 4 and 25 °C, both colloidal suspensions (NC and NE) were kinetically stable. NCs showed to be more stable to photodegradation and less cytotoxic than NEs. After sepsis induction by the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model, both NE and NC reduced neutrophil infiltration into peritoneal lavage (PL) and kidneys. Moreover, the systems increased group thiols in the kidney and lung tissue and reduced bacterial growth in PL. Taken together, both systems showed to be effective against injury induced by sepsis; however, NCs should be prioritized due to advantages in terms of cytotoxicity and physicochemical stability.

Estudo da população com Transtorno do Espectro Autista atendida em clínica suplementar de Belo Horizonte no ano de 2023 / Study of the population with Autism Spectrum Disorder treated at a supplementary clinic in Belo Horizonte in 2023

O Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) tem seus critérios diagnósticos atuais baseados no Manual de Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais (DSM 5). Sendo um transtorno global do neurodesenvolvimento, da reciprocidade social e da comunicação, com comportamentos repetitivos, interesses restritos e inflexibilidade comportamental. O diagnóstico do TEA vem aumentando em todo o mundo trazendo uma nova realidade para a família, modificando a sua dinâmica emocional, social e financeira. Esse estudo teve por objetivo delinear um perfil e demonstrar as principais dificuldades e repercussões do cuidado da pessoa com diagnóstico de Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) e suas famílias. Tratou-se de um estudo realizado através da coleta de dados nos meses de setembro e outubro de 2023 em quatro clínicas multidisciplinares de tratamento do TEA da saúde suplementar. Foram coletados dados quantitativos e qualitativos de 208 famílias, sendo os quantitativos apresentados percentuais em tabelas contendo: idade atual do paciente, idade no início das terapias e idade dos cuidadores; raça dos pacientes, sexo do paciente e dos cuidadores, idade dos pais na concepção, escolaridade dos cuidadores, tipo de parto, renda familiar, formação escolar do cuidador, presença ou não de fé declarada e estado civil do cuidador (os últimos dois considerados enquanto fatores de resiliência familiar). Os dados qualitativos foram trabalhados através da análise de conteúdo de Bardin, ilustrando e auxiliando no melhor entendimento das demandas familiares e suas dinâmicas. Os resultados encontrados concordam, em parte, com o perfil da população TEA relatada em literatura, mas com particularidades como, por exemplo, em referência a idade dos pais na concepção da criança TEA e a quantidade de diagnósticos no sexo feminino. Conseguiu-se, também, identificar fatores de resiliência familiar, como uma estrutura da dinâmica familiar e a presença de uma religião / fé. A partir da hipótese que a presença de um membro com TEA traz impacto em toda família, a autora espera, assim, contribuir na construção de políticas públicas e instituições de apoio ao TEA, norteando condutas mais assertivas frente ao atendimento às necessidades desta população; minimizando os impactos da violência sofrida através da exclusão, suas dificuldades econômicas e sociais.

The current diagnostic criteria of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5). Being a global disorder of neurodevelopment, social reciprocity and communication, with repetitive behaviors, restricted interests and behavioral inflexibility. The diagnosis of ASD has been increasing throughout the world, bringing a new reality to families, changing their emotional, social and financial dynamics. This study aimed to outline a profile and demonstrate the main difficulties and repercussions of caring for people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. This was a study carried out through data collection in the months of September and October 2023 in four multidisciplinary ASD treatment clinics in supplementary health. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 208 families, with the quantitative data presented in percentages in tables containing: current age of the patient, age at the beginning of therapies and age of caregivers; race of patients, sex of patient and caregivers, age of parents at conception, education of caregivers, type of birth, family income, educational background of the caregiver, presence or absence of declared faith and marital status of the caregiver (the last two considered as family resilience factors). The qualitative data were worked through Bardin's content analysis, illustrating and helping to better understand family demands and their dynamics. The results found agree, in part, with the profile of the ASD population reported in the literature, but with particularities such as, for example, in reference to the age of the parents at the conception of the ASD child and the number of diagnoses in females. It was also possible to identify factors of family resilience, such as the structure of family dynamics and the presence of a religion/faith. Based on the hypothesis that the presence of a member with ASD has an impact on the entire family, the author hopes to contribute to the construction of public policies and institutions to support ASD, guiding more assertive behaviors in meeting the needs of this population; minimizing the impacts of violence suffered through exclusion, economic and social difficulties.

¿Cómo se está estudiando la co-ocurrencia entre trastorno del espectro autista y disforia de género en la población adolescente? / How is the co-occurrence between autism spectrum disorder and gender dysphoria being studied in the adolescent population?

En los últimos años aumentaron las investigaciones sobre co-ocurrencia de trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) y disforia de género (DG) secundario a la necesidad de una mayor comprensión de este fenómeno clínico emergente. Objetivos: Caracterizar los estudios en torno a la co-ocurrencia entre TEA y DG en adolescentes. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática bibliográfica. Se seleccionaron los estudios que mencionaron esta correlación e incluyeron población adolescente. Resultados: La búsqueda inicial arrojó un total de 97 publicaciones. Finalmente, de acuerdo a los criterios de elegibilidad, se incluyeron 35 artículos. Existen escasos estudios enfocados sólo en adolescentes, amplios rangos de prevalencia de esta relación y heterogeneidad en los instrumentos utilizados. Conclusiones: Al evaluar individuos con DG se debiese llevar a cabo un screening de TEA, y viceversa, para no pasar por alto esta co-ocurrencia. Cabe destacar que quienes presentan TEA tienen particularidades relacionadas con el pensamiento y planificación a futuro que hay que considerar al momento de realizar cualquier tipo de tratamiento afirmativo irreversible, enmarcado dentro de un proceso terapéutico multidimensional. Palabras claves: Adolescentes, Disforia de género, Trastorno de Espectro Autista (TEA), Condición de Espectro Autista (CEA), Autismo.

Research on co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria (GD) increased in recent years driven by the need for greater understanding of this emerging clinical phenomenon. Objective. To characterize studies on the co-occurrence of ASD and GD in adolescents. Methodology. A systematic literature review was conducted. Studies mentioning this correlation and including adolescent population were selected. Results. The initial search showed a total of 97 publications. 35 articles were included in the review that met the eligibility criteria. There are few studies focused only on adolescents, there is a wide range of prevalence of this relationship and heterogeneity in the instruments used. Conclusions. When evaluating individuals with GD, an ASD screening should be conducted,and vice versa, to avoid overlooking this cooccurrence. It is important to note that those with ASD have particularities related to cognitive development that need to be considered when undergoing any type of irreversible affirmative treatment, within a multidimensional therapeutic process. Keywords. Adolescents, Gender dysphoria, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Autism.

The Green Tea Polyphenol Epigallocatechin-Gallate (EGCG) Interferes with Microcin E492 Amyloid Formation.

Microcin E492 (MccE492) is an antimicrobial peptide and proposed virulence factor produced by some Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, which, under certain conditions, form amyloid fibers, leading to the loss of its antibacterial activity. Although this protein has been characterized as a model functional amyloid, the secondary structure transitions behind its formation, and the possible effect of molecules that inhibit this process, have not been investigated. In this study, we examined the ability of the green tea flavonoid epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to interfere with MccE492 amyloid formation. Aggregation kinetics followed by thioflavin T binding were used to monitor amyloid formation in the presence or absence of EGCG. Additionally, synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (SRCD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the secondary structure, thermal stability, and morphology of microcin E492 fibers. Our results showed that EGCG significantly inhibited the formation of the MccE492 amyloid, resulting in mainly amorphous aggregates and small oligomers. However, these aggregates retained part of the ß-sheet SRCD signal and a high resistance to heat denaturation, suggesting that the aggregation process is sequestered or deviated at some stage but not completely prevented. Thus, EGCG is an interesting inhibitor of the amyloid formation of MccE492 and other bacterial amyloids.

Volatile fingerprinting, sensory characterization, and consumer acceptance of pure and blended arabica coffee leaf teas.

Coffee leaves contain several bioactive compounds and have been traditionally consumed as a medicinal infusion in the East for centuries. Coffee production generates large amounts of leaves as by-products, which are often wasted in most producing countries because of the low acceptability in the West. Nevertheless, processing and blending coffee leaves may increase aroma and flavor complexity. This study evaluated the volatile and sensory profiles and consumer acceptance of coffee leaf teas compared to two among the most consumed teas (black and maté teas) in Rio de Janeiro. Infusions were made with one experimental and one commercial coffee leaf tea (CLT), two black teas (BT), and one toasted maté tea (TMT) for volatile (GC-MS/MS) and sensory profiles. As an attempt to improve coffee leaf tea acceptance, CLT were also blended (50%) with BT or TMT. Acceptance, Check All That Apply (CATA), and Projective Mapping sensory tests were performed with untrained assessors aged 18-49 (n = 100). Volatile data were standardized by centering and normalization. Sensory data were treated by ANOVA/Fisher test, PCA, and AHCMFA, considering differences at p < 0.05. Ninety-two volatile compounds distributed in 12 classes were identified in different samples. CLT, BT, and TMT infusions shared 19 compounds, including 9 potential impact compounds for aroma and flavor: α-ionone, ß-ionone, hexanal, nonanal, decanal, benzaldehyde, trans-linalool oxide, linalool, and dihydroactinidiolide. The most cited flavor attributes for CLT infusions were herbs/green leaf, woody and refreshing. For TMT and BT, herbs/green leaf, woody, burnt, and fermented were the most cited. These attributes agreed with the volatile profiles. CLT shared 22 compounds with TMT and 28 with BT. Considering pure infusions, TMT presented the highest mean acceptance scores (6.7), followed by Com. and Exp. CLT (6.1 and 5.8, on a 9-point-hedonic scale, respectively). Blending with TMT increased mean acceptance of Exp. CLT (6.4), while blending with BT, downgraded the mean acceptance of Com. CLT (5.3). In Projective Mapping, CLT was considered to have a higher sensory resemblance with TMT than BT. If produced adequately, CLT was shown to have good market potential to support sustainable coffee production and promote health.

The Effects of White Tea (Camellia Sinensis) and Infliximab Against Cisplatin- Induced Testicular Damage via Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis / Efectos del Té Blanco (Camellia Sinensis) e Infliximab Contra el Daño Testicular Inducido por Cisplatino a Través del Estrés Oxidativo y la Apoptosis

SUMMARY: Cisplatin (Cis) is an important chemotherapeutic agent used in cancer treatment. Males exposed to Cis were reported to exhibit testicular toxicity. Cis-induced testicular toxicity is mediated by oxidative stress, inflammation, testosterone inhibition and apoptosis. Accordingly, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential protective roles of infliximab (IFX), which is an anti- TNF-a agent, and of white tea (Camellia sinensis), which is known to possess antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects, against Cis-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Rats were randomly assigned into five groups as follows: control group, Cisplatin (7 mg/kg) treatment group, Cisplatin (7 mg/kg) + infliximab (7 mg/kg) treatment group, cisplatin + white tea (WT) treatment group, and Cisplatin+ WT+IFX combined treatment group. In the present study, Cis exposure reduced the sperm count. It also increased testicular oxidative stress as well as the levels of inflammatory and apoptotic markers. Histopathological assays supported the biochemical findings. Treatment with IFX and/or WT restored testicular histology, preserved spermatogenesis, suppressed oxidative stress and apoptosis, and significantly ameliorated Cis-induced damage. It was concluded that white tea and infliximab could potentially serve as therapeutic options for the protection of testicular tissue against the harmful effects of Cis.

El cisplatino (Cis) es un importante agente quimioterapéutico utilizado en el tratamiento del cáncer. Se informó que los hombres expuestos a Cis exhibieron toxicidad testicular. La toxicidad testicular inducida por Cis está mediada por el estrés oxidativo, la inflamación, la inhibición de la testosterona y la apoptosis. En consecuencia, este estudio se realizó para evaluar las posibles funciones protectoras de infliximab (IFX), un agente anti-TNF-α, y del té blanco (Camellia sinensis), conocido por sus propiedades antioxidantes, antiapoptóticas y anti-TNF-α -efectos inflamatorios, contra la toxicidad testicular inducida por Cis en ratas. Cinco grupos de ratas se asignaron al azar de la siguiente manera: grupo control, grupo de tratamiento con cisplatino (7 mg/ kg), grupo de tratamiento con cisplatino (7 mg/kg) + infliximab (7 mg/kg), grupo de tratamiento con cisplatino + té blanco (WT), y grupo de tratamiento combinado Cisplatino+ WT+IFX. En el presente estudio, la exposición a Cis redujo el conteo de espermatozoides. También aumentó el estrés oxidativo testicular, así como los niveles de marcadores inflamatorios y apoptóticos. Los ensayos histopatológicos respaldaron los hallazgos bioquímicos. El tratamiento con IFX y/o WT restauró la histología testicular, preservó la espermatogénesis, suprimió el estrés oxidativo y la apoptosis, y mejoró significativamente el daño inducido por Cis. Se concluyó que el té blanco y el infliximab podrían potencialmente servir como opciones terapéuticas para la protección del tejido testicular contra los efectos nocivos de Cis.

Achyrocline satureioides as an adjuvant therapy for the management of mild viral respiratory infections in the context of COVID-19: Preliminary results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, and open-label clinical trial.

We evaluated the impact of an Achyrocline satureioides inflorescence infusion on the clinical outcomes of viral respiratory infections, including those caused by SARS-CoV-2, in a monocentric, randomized, open-label, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients with symptoms of viral respiratory infection, including suspected cases of COVID-19, were included and assigned to receive either A. satureioides (n = 57) or Malus domestica (n = 67) infusions twice a day for 14 days. All participants were included before the RT-PCR results, performed using a nasopharyngeal swab. The patients were further divided into subgroups according to real-time polymerase chain reaction results: SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative subgroups for statistical analyses. We assessed clinical outcomes, such as the latency to resolution of cough, dyspnea, fever, sore throat, chest pain, smell and taste dysfunctions, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite; hospitalization; and mortality with questionnaires and medical records. The subjects that received early A. satureioides infusion showed a significant reduction in the average number of days with respiratory and neurological symptoms compared with the control group (M. domestica infusion). We conclude that A. satureioides is a safe agent and, in combination with standard care, improves viral respiratory infection symptoms, especially those related to COVID-19.

Thermoneutrality or standard temperature: is there an ideal housing temperature to study the antisteatotic effects of green tea in obese mice?

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a condition characterized by excessive accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes, currently considered the number one cause of chronic liver disease. MAFLD is strongly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and hypertension. Emphasis has been placed on the use of green tea (GT), produced from the Camellia sinensis plant, rich in antioxidants as polyphenols and catechins, on obesity and MAFLD treatment/prevention. Studies carried out in rodent models housed at a standard temperature (ST, 22°C) are being questioned as ST is a determining factor on generating changes in the physiology of immune response, and energy metabolism. On the other hand, it seems that thermoneutrality (TN, 28°C) represents a closer parallel to human physiology. In this perspective, we investigated the effects of GT (500 mg/kg of body weight, over 12 weeks, 5 days/week) by comparing mice housed at ST or TN in a model of MAFLD of diet-induced obese males C57Bl/6 mice. We show that the liver phenotype at TN exhibits a more severe MAFLD while GT ameliorates this condition. In parallel, GT restores the expression of genes involved in the lipogenic pathway, regardless of temperature, with slight modifications in lipolysis/fatty acid oxidation. We observed an increase promoted by GT in PPARα and PPARγ proteins independently of housing temperature and a dual pattern of bile acid synthesis. Thus, animals' conditioning temperature is a key factor that can interfere in the results involving obesity and MAFLD, although GT has beneficial effects against MAFLD independently of the housing temperature of mice.

Volatile, Microbial, and Sensory Profiles and Consumer Acceptance of Coffee Cascara Kombuchas.

Given the substantial world coffee production, tons of coffee fruit cascara rich in bioactive compounds are discarded annually. Using this by-product to produce potentially healthy and acceptable foods is a sustainable practice that aggregates value to coffee production and may help improve people's lives. This study aimed to elaborate kombuchas from coffee cascara tea, evaluate their microbial profile, and monitor the changes in the volatile profile during fermentation, together with sensory attributes and acceptance by consumers from Rio de Janeiro (n = 113). Arabica coffee cascaras from Brazil and Nicaragua were used to make infusions, to which black tea kombucha, a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeasts (SCOBY), and sucrose were added. Fermentation of plain black tea kombucha was also monitored for comparison. The volatile profile was analyzed after 0, 3, 6, and 9 days of fermentation via headspace solid phase microextraction GC-MS. A total of 81 compounds were identified considering all beverages, 59 in coffee cascara kombuchas and 59 in the black tea kombucha, with 37 common compounds for both. An increase mainly in acids and esters occurred during fermentation. Despite the similarity to black tea kombucha, some aldehydes, esters, alcohols, and ketones in coffee cascara kombucha were not identified in black tea kombucha. Potential impact compounds in CC were linalool, decanal, nonanal, octanal, dodecanal, ethanol, 2-ethylhexanol, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl acetate, ß-damascenone, γ-nonalactone, linalool oxide, phenylethyl alcohol, geranyl acetone, phenylacetaldehyde, isoamyl alcohol, acetic acid, octanoic acid, isovaleric acid, ethyl isobutyrate, ethyl hexanoate, and limonene. The mean acceptance scores for cascara kombuchas varied between 5.7 ± 0.53 and 7.4 ± 0.53 on a nine-point hedonic scale, with coffee cascara from three-day Nicaragua kombucha showing the highest score, associated with sweetness and berry, honey, woody, and herbal aromas and flavors. The present results indicate that coffee cascara is a promising by-product for elaboration of fermented beverages, exhibiting exotic and singular fingerprinting that can be explored for applications in the food industry.

Effects of green tea polyphenols against metal-induced genotoxic damage: underlying mechanistic pathways.

This review is based upon evidence from the published effects of green tea polyphenols (GTP) on genotoxic damage induced by metals with carcinogenic potential. First, the relationship between GTP and antioxidant defense system is provided. Subsequently, the processes involved in the oxidative stress generated by metals and their relationship to oxidative DNA damage is examined. The review demonstrated that GTP generally decrease oxidative DNA damage induced by exposure to metals such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb). The pathways involved in these effects are related to: (1) direct scavenging of free radicals (FR); (2) activation of mechanisms to repair oxidative DNA damage; (3) regulation of the endogenous antioxidant system; and (4) elimination of cells with genetic damage via apoptosis. The results obtained in the studies reviewed demonstrate potential for possible use of GTP to prevent and treat oxidative damage in populations exposed to metals. Further, GTP may be considered as adjuvants to treatments for metal-associated diseases related to oxidative stress and DNA damage.