Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on macrophage function in high-fat diet fed rats and its anti-proliferative effects on IMR-32 human neuroblastoma cells.

Macrophages have been considered an elusive yet emerging therapeutic target in tumor development since they are an important component in tumor microenvironment. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of C. sinensis on macrophage function (a component of tumor microenvironment which can alter the virulence of cancer) in high-fat diet fed rats. IMR-32 human neuroblastoma cell cytotoxicity was also investigated. The following parameters were observed to evaluate macrophage function: superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, lysosomal volume and phagocytic capacity. High fat diet (HFD) plus C. sinensis supplementation promoted a decreased superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide levels as well as lysosomal volume and phagocytic capacity. Nitric oxide was increased in the same group. In summary, C. sinensis offered an important anti-tumoral perspective from the standpoint of the tumor microenvironment and in vitro IMR-32 cytotoxicity.

Development of a vinasse nutritive solution for hydroponics.

Vinasse is a residue that originates from the distillation of fuel alcohol. However, it contains a relative amount of nutrients. The aim of this work was to develop a nutritive solution using vinasse and to compare it with a commercial solution for the cultivation of lettuce, watercress and rocket. Vinasse obtained from juice must was decanted and filtered, followed by chemical analyses of the nutrients. A nutritive solution composed of 10% vinasse supplemented with nutrients was in agreement with the results of the chemical analyses (a similar amount of Furlani's solution). Experiments were then performed in an NFT (Nutrient film technique) system. The treatments used the vinasse solution and a commercial solution constituted from a Yara Fertilizantes(®) product. The height of the aerial part and the number of leaves of the crops were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days. In most crops, the results were very similar. The vinasse solution promoted a larger number of leaves in lettuce and the highest aerial part in watercress. For the rocket, there were no significant differences between the two solutions. In conclusion, a nutritive solution was developed using vinasse, and this solution provided suitable growth, which was higher in some cases, for the crops studied herein. This study shows the great potential of this technology as a rational alternative to vinasse disposal.