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1.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 60(6)2024 Jun 18.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38929616

RESUMO

Background and Objectives: Coadministration of natural products to enhance the potency of conventional antirheumatic treatment is of high interest. This study aimed to assess the impact of administration of silymarin (a nutritional supplement) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis under treatment with conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Materials and Methods: One-hundred and twenty-two patients diagnosed with active rheumatoid arthritis and treated with conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were randomly assigned to either control or intervention groups; the latter was supplemented with silymarin (300 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Indicators of disease activity, inflammatory markers, disease activity and disability indices, European League Against Rheumatism responses, fatigue, depression, and anxiety scores were determined at baseline and week 8. Results: Silymarin supplementation significantly reduced the number of tender and swollen joints, duration of morning stiffness, severity of pain, disease activity and disability indices, European League Against Rheumatism responses, levels of fatigue, depression, and anxiety. According to our results, silymarin substantially improved patients' general condition. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence for the benefits of silymarin supplementation to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.


Assuntos
Artrite Reumatoide , Suplementos Nutricionais , Silimarina , Humanos , Silimarina/uso terapêutico , Silimarina/administração & dosagem , Artrite Reumatoide/tratamento farmacológico , Feminino , Projetos Piloto , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto , Resultado do Tratamento , Antirreumáticos/uso terapêutico , Antirreumáticos/administração & dosagem , Idoso
2.
Plants (Basel) ; 12(15)2023 Aug 03.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37571016

RESUMO

Abies alba Mill. (Pinaceae), silver fir, is a widespread gymnosperm species in Europe, important for its ecological, economic, social, and cultural significance, as well as for its use for food and bioremediation purposes. The various parts of the plant (leaves, branches, cones, wood, bark) are also of pharmaceutical interest due to their composition of active compounds. In the last three decades, an impressive amount of research has been dedicated to this species. The variability of the chemical composition of essential oils (whether they come from leaves, oleoresin from branches, or other parts of the plant) is impressive, even in the case of specimens collected from the same geographical area. For essential oils prepared from needles or twigs and branches, limonene, ß-pinene, α-pinene, camphene, ß-phellandrene, and bornyl acetate are the leading compounds, although their wide variations seem to correspond to multiple chemotypes. Both bark and wood are rich in lignans and phenolic compounds. Matairesinol is apparently the dominant lignan in bark, and secoisolariciresinol and lariciresinol are the dominant ones in wood samples. Pharmacological studies with promising results have evaluated the antioxidant effect (mainly due to essential oils), but also the antimicrobial, antitumor, probiotic, antidiabetic, anti-steatosis, and anti-psoriatic activities.

3.
Antioxidants (Basel) ; 12(8)2023 Jul 28.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37627509

RESUMO

The Salvia genus comprises about 1000 species endowed with medicinal, aromatic, cosmetic, and ornamental applications. Even though the genus is one of the most-studied taxa of the Lamiaceae family, data on the chemical composition and biological properties of certain locally used Salvia species are still scarce. The present work aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of ten Salvia species that grow in Eastern Europe (e.g., the Republic of Moldova). LC-HRMS/MS metabolite profiling allowed for the annotation of 15 phenolic and organic acids, 18 flavonoids, 19 diterpenes, 5 sesterpenes, and 2 triterpenes. Multivariate analysis (e.g., principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis) revealed that S. austriaca, S. nutans, and S. officinalis formed individual clusters, whereas the remaining species had a similar composition. S. officinalis showed the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC = 0.625 mg/mL). As evaluated in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, S. officinalis was one of the most potent radical scavenging and metal-reducing agents (CE50 values of 25.33, 8.13, and 21.01 µg/mL, respectively), followed by S. verticillata, S. sclarea, S. kopetdaghensis, S. aethiopis, and S. tesquicola. Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong correlations with rosmarinic acid, luteolin-O-glucuronide, and hydroxybenzoic acid. When the cytotoxic activity was evaluated in human breast carcinoma MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, no significant reduction in cell viability was observed over the concentrations ranging from 25 and 100 µg/mL. The results confirm the potential use of understudied Salvia species as promising sources of antioxidant compounds for developing novel pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or cosmeceutical products.

4.
Antioxidants (Basel) ; 12(4)2023 Mar 24.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37107172

RESUMO

In recent years, phytofunctionalized AgNPs have attracted great interest due to their remarkable biological activities. In the present study, AgNPs were synthesized using Abies alba and Pinus sylvestris bark extracts. The chemical profile of these bark extracts was analyzed by LC-HRMS/MS. As a first step, the synthesis parameters (pH, AgNO3 concentration, ratio of bark extract and AgNO3, temperature, and reaction time) were optimized. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, DLS, SEM, EDX, and TEM. Their antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antibacterial properties were evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, MTT, and broth microdilution assays, respectively. Abies alba and Pinus sylvestris bark extract-derived AgNPs were well-dispersed, spherical, small (average particle size of 9.92 and 24.49 nm, respectively), stable (zeta potential values of -10.9 and -10.8 mV, respectively), and cytotoxic to A-375 human malignant melanoma cells (IC50 = 2.40 ± 0.21 and 6.02 ± 0.61 µg/mL, respectively). The phytosynthesized AgNPs also showed antioxidant and antibacterial effects.

5.
Plants (Basel) ; 12(3)2023 Jan 25.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36771624

RESUMO

Here, we aim to improve the overall sustainability of aquaponic basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)-sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) integrated recirculating systems. We implement new AI methods for operational management together with innovative solutions for plant growth bed, consisting of Rapana venosa shells (R), considered wastes in the food processing industry. To this end, the ARIMA-supervised learning method was used to develop solutions for forecasting the growth of both fish and plant biomass, while multi-linear regression (MLR), generalized additive models (GAM), and XGBoost were used for developing black-box virtual sensors for water quality. The efficiency of the new R substrate was evaluated and compared to the consecrated light expended clay aggregate-LECA aquaponics substrate (H). Considering two different technological scenarios (A-high feed input, B-low feed input, respectively), nutrient reduction rates, plant biomass growth performance and additionally plant quality are analysed. The resulting prediction models reveal a good accuracy, with the best metrics for predicting N-NO3 concentration in technological water. Furthermore, PCA analysis reveals a high correlation between water dissolved oxygen and pH. The use of innovative R growth substrate assured better basil growth performance. Indeed, this was in terms of both average fresh weight per basil plant, with 22.59% more at AR compared to AH, 16.45% more at BR compared to BH, respectively, as well as for average leaf area (LA) with 8.36% more at AR compared to AH, 9.49% more at BR compared to BH. However, the use of R substrate revealed a lower N-NH4 and N-NO3 reduction rate in technological water, compared to H-based variants (19.58% at AR and 18.95% at BR, compared to 20.75% at AH and 26.53% at BH for N-NH4; 2.02% at AR and 4.1% at BR, compared to 3.16% at AH and 5.24% at BH for N-NO3). The concentration of Ca, K, Mg and NO3 in the basil leaf area registered the following relationship between the experimental variants: AR > AH > BR > BH. In the root area however, the NO3 were higher in H variants with low feed input. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in basil roots and aerial parts and the antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of experimental variants revealed that the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were found in the BH variant (0.348% and 0.169%, respectively in the roots, 0.512% and 0.019%, respectively in the aerial parts), while the methanolic extract obtained from the roots of the same variant showed the most potent antioxidant activity (89.15%). The results revealed that an analytical framework based on supervised learning can be successfully employed in various technological scenarios to optimize operational management in an aquaponic basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)-sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) integrated recirculating systems. Also, the R substrate represents a suitable alternative for replacing conventional aquaponic grow beds. This is because it offers better plant growth performance and plant quality, together with a comparable nitrogen compound reduction rate. Future studies should investigate the long-term efficiency of innovative R aquaponic growth bed. Thus, focusing on the application of the developed prediction and forecasting models developed here, on a wider range of technological scenarios.

6.
Int J Aging Hum Dev ; 96(4): 447-470, 2023 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35686309

RESUMO

Research on interpersonal interaction dynamics in relationships between persons with dementia and their family caregivers has been limited. We examine the role of these dynamics in decisions to transition a family member from home care to congregate care, with a particular focus on the role of fear of incompetence. Fear of incompetence is the fear of being unable to interact, communicate in a meaningful way, or take care of a close family member with dementia. In this study (N = 350 family caregivers), perceived negative changes in the family member with dementia predicted increased perceived dependency, which predicted both increased caregiver burden and greater fear of incompetence in caregivers, which, in turn, predicted stronger care transition desire. Strategies should be aimed not only at reducing dependency of the care recipient but also teaching family caregivers interaction skills that decrease their fear of interactional incompetence and thus promote home care continuation.


Assuntos
Cuidadores , Demência , Humanos , Transferência de Pacientes , Família , Relações Interpessoais
7.
Pharmaceutics ; 14(10)2022 Oct 11.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36297600

RESUMO

The study aim was to develop and validate a high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) method to simultaneously determine glibenclamide (Gli) and silymarin (Sil) released from chitosan (CS) microparticles in aqueous solutions. The CS microparticles were synthesized using an ionic gelation method, and their morphology, swelling degree, encapsulation efficiency and active substance release were investigated. Gli and Sil were loaded in different concentrations, and their identification and quantification were performed using the HPLC-ESI-MS method, which was further validated. The drugs' characteristic m/z was found in the higher intensity of retention time (Rt) (Gli, 8.909 min; Sil A, 5.41 min; and Sil B, 5.66 min). The method selectivity and precision are very good, and the blank solution proved no interference. The linearity of the answer function is very good for Sil A (R2 = 1), Sil B (R2 = 0.9998) and Gli (R2 = 0.9991). For Gli, we obtained a limit of detection (LOD) = 0.038 mg/mL and limit of quantification (LOQ) = 1.275 mg/mL; for Sil A, a LOD = 0.285 mg/mL and LOQ = 0.95 mg/mL; and for Sil B, a LOD = 0.045 mg/mL and LOQ = 0.15 mg/mL. A high-resolution HPLC-ESI-MS method was developed and validated, which allowed the simultaneous determination of Gli and Sil loaded in CS microparticles, in a concentration range of 0.025-1 mg/mL.

9.
Carbohydr Polym ; 255: 117388, 2021 Mar 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33436217

RESUMO

Pectins are a part of daily diet as well as food additives that are indigestible polysaccharides by human enzymes, however, they can be easily degraded by gut bacteria with the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Knowledge of pectin gut homeostasis and further how pectin affect gut bacterial communities is insufficient and limited. This review focuses on providing the whole story of how pectin functions as prebiotics in the gut. Understanding the interplay between functional and immunological responses inside animal or human gut as influenced by pectin in diets is provided. The interaction between pectin and gut microbiota is presented from both sides, in terms of how pectin affects gut microbiome and or the fermentation products produced in response by gut bacteria. This knowledge can be used to define preferred dietary pectins, targeting beneficial bacteria, and favoring balanced microbiota communities in the gut to maximize pectins' health benefits.


Assuntos
Microbioma Gastrointestinal/imunologia , Homeostase/imunologia , Imunomodulação/fisiologia , Pectinas/farmacologia , Polissacarídeos/administração & dosagem , Prebióticos/administração & dosagem , Animais , Bacteroidetes/genética , Bacteroidetes/imunologia , Biotransformação , Ensaios Clínicos como Assunto , Dieta/métodos , Ácidos Graxos Voláteis/biossíntese , Fermentação , Firmicutes/genética , Firmicutes/imunologia , Humanos , Pectinas/imunologia , Pectinas/metabolismo , Polissacarídeos/análise , Prebióticos/análise
10.
Gerontol Geriatr Educ ; 42(4): 564-577, 2021.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31130108

RESUMO

Whereas prior work has examined the role of nursing courses in improving empathic skills and reducing dehumanization of older adults, little research has explored how perspective taking and perceptions of humanness of older adults acquired through nursing curricula predict attitudes toward this age group. Nursing students (N = 43) completed surveys at the beginning (Time 1) and end of gerontological coursework (Time 2). Perspective taking and perceived human nature and human uniqueness of older adults increased from Time 1 to Time 2. Perceived human nature of older adults was associated with more positive attitudes at the end of the semester, compared to the beginning. Improved perceptions of the human nature of older adults also predicted lower ageism at the end of the semester. Strategies for improving perspective taking and perceptions of humanness of older adults in nursing courses are discussed.


Assuntos
Etarismo , Geriatria , Estudantes de Enfermagem , Idoso , Atitude , Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Currículo , Geriatria/educação , Humanos , Inquéritos e Questionários
11.
Molecules ; 27(1)2021 Dec 30.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35011449

RESUMO

Silver nanoparticles synthesized using plant extracts as reducing and capping agents showed various biological activities. In the present study, colloidal silver nanoparticle solutions were produced from the aqueous extracts of Picea abies and Pinus nigra bark. The phenolic profile of bark extracts was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was monitored using UV-Vis spectroscopy by measuring the Surface Plasmon Resonance band. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The antimicrobial and cytogenotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles were evaluated by disk diffusion and Allium cepa assays, respectively. Picea abies and Pinus nigra bark extract derived silver nanoparticles were spherical (mean hydrodynamic diameters of 78.48 and 77.66 nm, respectively) and well dispersed, having a narrow particle size distribution (polydispersity index values of 0.334 and 0.224, respectively) and good stability (zeta potential values of -10.8 and -14.6 mV, respectively). Silver nanoparticles showed stronger antibacterial, antifungal, and antimitotic effects than the bark extracts used for their synthesis. Silver nanoparticles obtained in the present study are promising candidates for the development of novel formulations with various therapeutic applications.


Assuntos
Anti-Infecciosos/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Nanopartículas Metálicas/química , Casca de Planta/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Prata/química , Anti-Infecciosos/síntese química , Anti-Infecciosos/química , Antineoplásicos/síntese química , Antineoplásicos/química , Fenômenos Químicos , Técnicas de Química Sintética , Química Verde , Nanopartículas Metálicas/ultraestrutura , Fenóis/química , Análise Espectral
12.
Saudi Pharm J ; 28(10): 1172-1181, 2020 Oct.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33132710

RESUMO

Combination of antibiotics with natural products is a promising strategy for potentiating antibiotic activity and overcoming antibiotic resistance. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether morusin and kuwanon G, prenylated phenolics in Morus species, have the ability to enhance antibiotic activity and reverse antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Commonly used antibiotics (oxacillin, erythromycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, clindamycin) were selected for the combination studies. Checkerboard and time-kill assays were used to investigate potential bacteriostatic and bactericidal synergistic interactions, respectively between morusin or kuwanon G and antibiotics. According to both fractional inhibitory concentration index and response surface models, twenty combinations (14 morusin-antibiotic combinations, six kuwanon G-antibiotic combinations) displaying bacteriostatic synergy were identified, with 4-512-fold reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentration values of antibiotics in combination. Both morusin and kuwanon G reversed oxacillin resistance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, morusin reversed tetracycline resistance of Staphylococcus epidermidis. At half of the minimum inhibitory concentrations, combinations of morusin with oxacillin or gentamicin showed bactericidal synergy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Fluorescence and differential interference contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed an increase in the membrane permeability and massive leakage of cellular content in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus exposed to morusin or kuwanon G. Overall, our findings strongly indicate that both prenylated compounds are good candidates for the development of novel antibacterial combination therapies.

13.
Chem Biodivers ; 17(12): e2000644, 2020 Dec.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33119147

RESUMO

The crude methanolic extract obtained from Verbascum nigrum aerial parts (VNE) and its six fractions (VNF1-VNF6) were initially screened regarding their effects on the viability of immortalized HaCaT keratinocytes and A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells (MTT assay, 24 h). None of the tested samples affected the viability of HaCaT cells in a concentration range of 25-150 µg/mL. VNE and VNF4 exhibited significant cytotoxic effects in A431 cells, with IC50 values of 81.92 and 12.27 µg/mL, respectively; the selectivity index was higher than 10 for VNF4. The untargeted LC/HR-MS/MS metabolite profiling led to the tentative annotation of a total number of 23 compounds. Of these, VNE comprised mainly iridoid glycosides (harpagoside, laterioside, acylated aucubin derivatives), whereas VNF4 showed a high abundance of triterpene saponin glycosides (ilwensisaponins A and C, songarosaponins A and B), constituents known for their selective cytotoxic potential.


Assuntos
Cromatografia Líquida/métodos , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem/métodos , Verbascum/química , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Humanos
14.
Crit Rev Microbiol ; 46(3): 338-357, 2020 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32608293

RESUMO

The emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens is a great challenge to the medical field and a major global health threat requiring novel therapeutic strategies. Among plant products, essential oils have significant antimicrobial properties that make them promising agents in the fight against drug resistant human pathogens. The aim of the present review was to highlight the most important essential oil-based antimicrobial strategies as revealed by recent studies. Synergistic interactions between essential oils or their bioactive compounds in combination with known antibiotics are presented. Also, nanoformulation approaches to boost the antimicrobial activity of essential oils are reviewed in terms of bioefficiency, stability and design of the nanostructured delivery systems. The focus was mainly put on the antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant pathogens, also called "ESKAPE" organisms (Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp., Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.). Thus, essential oils in combinatorial and nano-based strategies may cope with infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria and may offer possibilities for reducing antibiotic use. Research on the in vivo efficacy and safety of such strategies is required for further clinical antimicrobial chemotherapy. In this regard, the understanding of the interactions between essential oil-based strategies and biological interface is essential.


Assuntos
Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Sistemas de Liberação de Medicamentos , Nanotecnologia , Óleos Voláteis/farmacologia , Óleos de Plantas/farmacologia , Composição de Medicamentos , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana Múltipla , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Humanos , Óleos Voláteis/administração & dosagem , Óleos de Plantas/administração & dosagem
15.
Int J Alzheimers Dis ; 2020: 1910252, 2020.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32206348

RESUMO

Because the interpersonal skills of individuals with dementia often decline, family members may question their own ability to interact meaningfully. These family members may experience fear of incompetence (i.e., fear of being unable to relate in a meaningful way or take care of a close family member with dementia). Thus, the goal of this research was to develop, refine, and psychometrically validate a scale (Fear of Incompetence-Dementia Scale; FOI-D) assessing fear of incompetence in the context of relationships with a close family member diagnosed with dementia. Three online studies were conducted to accomplish the primary objective. In Study One, the factor structure of the FOI-D was assessed by conducting an exploratory factor analysis using data from 710 adults who indicated having a close living family member who had been diagnosed with dementia. In Study Two, the factor structure was validated via a confirmatory factor analysis and the psychometric properties were established using data from 636 adults who had a family member with dementia. Finally, Study Three determined the temporal consistency of the scale by retesting 58 participants from Study Two. The results from Study One indicated that the FOI-D Scale accounted for 51.75% of the variance and was comprised of three subscales: the Interaction Concerns subscale, the Caregiving Concerns subscale, and the Knowledge Concerns subscale. In Study Two, the three-factor structure was supported, resulting in a 58-item scale. Investigation of the psychometric properties demonstrated the FOI-D to be reliable and valid. In Study Three, the FOI-D Scale demonstrated excellent temporal consistency. This research provides future investigators, educators, and practitioners with an adaptable comprehensive tool assessing fear of incompetence in a variety of settings.

16.
J Biochem Mol Toxicol ; 34(3): e22443, 2020 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31909879

RESUMO

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact that 6-O-(3″, 4″-di-O-trans-cinnamoyl)-α- l-rhamnopyranosylcatalpol (Dicinn) and verbascoside (Verb), two compounds simultaneously reported in Verbascum ovalifolium, have on tumor cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle kinetics, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. At 100 µg/mL and 48 hours incubation time, Dicinn and Verb produced good cytotoxic effects in A549, HT-29, and MCF-7 cells. Dicinn induced cell-cycle arrest at the G0 /G1 phase and apoptosis, whereas Verb increased the population of subG1 cells and cell apoptosis rates. Furthermore, the two compounds exhibited time-dependent ROS generating effects in tumor cells (1-24 hours). Importantly, no cytotoxic effects were induced in nontumor MCF-10A cells by the two compounds up to 100 µg/mL. Overall, the effects exhibited by Verb in tumor cells were more potent, which can be correlated with its structural features, such as the presence of phenolic hydroxyl groups.


Assuntos
Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/farmacologia , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Ciclo Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Citotoxinas/farmacologia , Neoplasias/tratamento farmacológico , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Verbascum/química , Células A549 , Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/química , Citotoxinas/química , Ensaios de Seleção de Medicamentos Antitumorais , Células HT29 , Humanos , Células MCF-7 , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Neoplasias/patologia
17.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 252: 112559, 2020 Apr 24.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31935497

RESUMO

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Crataegus leaves, flowers and fruits have been traditionally used to improve blood circulation, numerous preclinical and clinical studies supporting the cardiovascular benefits of Crataegus preparations. In this respect, there is very limited data on Crataegus pentagyna; in addition, the chemical profile of this species is still incompletely elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study was to examine the cardiovascular benefits of Crataegus pentagyna Waldst. et Kit. ex Willd. (small-flowered black hawthorn, Rosaceae) extracts (leaf, flower and fruit ethyl acetate extracts) and the underlying mechanisms. We hypothesized that C. pentagyna extracts might exert vasodilatory effects and inhibit arginase activity due, in large part, to their polyphenolic constituents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C. pentagyna extracts induced-relaxation and the mechanisms involved were studied ex vivo in isolated aortic rings from Sprague-Dawley rats. The inhibitory effects on bovine liver arginase I were assessed by an in vitro assay. Metabolite profiling of C. pentagyna extracts was performed and the most endothelium- and nitric oxide synthase-dependent; flower extract additionally reduced Ca2+ entry and, to a lesser extent, Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. C. pentagyna proved to be an important source of arginase inhibitors with potential benefits in endothelial dysfunction that remains to be explored.


Assuntos
Aorta Torácica/efeitos dos fármacos , Arginase/antagonistas & inibidores , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Polifenóis/farmacologia , Vasodilatadores/farmacologia , Animais , Aorta Torácica/fisiologia , Cálcio/fisiologia , Crataegus , Endotélio Vascular/efeitos dos fármacos , Endotélio Vascular/fisiologia , Flores , Frutas , Masculino , Folhas de Planta , Canais de Potássio/fisiologia , Ratos Sprague-Dawley
18.
Dementia (London) ; 19(7): 2251-2266, 2020 Oct.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30590958

RESUMO

We used a morality of care perspective to examine how grandchildren cope with having to deceive or lie to their grandparent with dementia. Data from interviews with 13 young adults were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. We found that a moral orientation shift toward a person-centered morality of care occurs gradually. Grandchildren struggle with concepts of moral goodness, importance of close others, and questions about self as a moral agent. We uncovered three antecedents of this shift (severity of dementia symptoms, valuing of the grandparent's welfare, and valuing of the relationship) and three outcomes (transformation of moral self, changed relationship with the grandparent, and changed family relationships). Implications of a morality of care in intergenerational dementia relationships are discussed.


Assuntos
Enganação , Demência , Avós , Relações Familiares , Humanos , Relação entre Gerações , Princípios Morais , Adulto Jovem
19.
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr ; 60(4): 626-659, 2020.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30614249

RESUMO

A polyphenol-rich diet protects against chronic pathologies by modulating numerous physiological processes, such as cellular redox potential, enzymatic activity, cell proliferation and signaling transduction pathways. However, polyphenols have a low oral bioavailability mainly due to an extensive biotransformation mediated by phase I and phase II reactions in enterocytes and liver but also by gut microbiota. Despite low oral bioavailability, most polyphenols proved significant biological effects which brought into attention the low bioavailability/high bioactivity paradox. In recent years, polyphenol metabolites have attracted great interest as many of them showed similar or higher intrinsic biological effects in comparison to the parent compounds. There is a huge body of literature reporting on the biological functions of polyphenol metabolites generated by phase I and phase II metabolic reactions and gut microbiota-mediated biotransformation. In this respect, the review highlights the pharmacokinetic fate of the major dietary polyphenols (resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, rutin, genistein, daidzein, ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins) in order to further address the efficacy of biometabolites as compared to parent molecules. The present work strongly supports the contribution of metabolites to the health benefits of polyphenols, thus offering a better perspective in understanding the role played by dietary polyphenols in human health.


Assuntos
Dieta , Polifenóis/metabolismo , Polifenóis/farmacologia , Disponibilidade Biológica , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Polifenóis/administração & dosagem , Polifenóis/farmacocinética , Resveratrol/administração & dosagem , Resveratrol/metabolismo , Resveratrol/farmacocinética , Resveratrol/farmacologia
20.
Food Chem Toxicol ; 134: 110820, 2019 Dec.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31539616

RESUMO

The Romanian coastlines of the Black Sea have abundant seaweed resources, but little effort has been done to investigate their biological potential. The aim of the present study was to assess the in vitro antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects of Cystoseira barbata (Stackhouse) C. Agardh (Sargassaceae), a brown alga inhabiting the Black Sea coast of Romania. The 70% acetone, methanol and water extracts of C. barbata were evaluated for their total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and anti-proliferative potential against human tumor cell lines (pulmonary A549, colon HT-29, mammary MCF-7) and the non-tumor mammary epithelial MCF-10A cell line. C. barbata 70% acetone extract (CBAE) displayed the highest antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. The mechanism of CBAE anti-proliferative activity involved initially increased intracellular ROS accumulation, followed by increased DNA content in the subG1 phase and DNA fragmentation leading to excessive apoptosis. Thus, our study provides a theoretical basis for the use of CBAE as a tumor preventive agent. Furthermore, UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS analysis of CBAE tentatively identified 18 phlorotannins as fucophlorethol and eckol derivatives, containing three up to seven phloroglucinol units. In conclusion, C. barbata represents a valuable source for the development of macroalgal-based products with putative use as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.


Assuntos
Produtos Biológicos/farmacologia , Alga Marinha/química , Células A549 , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Produtos Biológicos/isolamento & purificação , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Feminino , Células HT29 , Humanos , Concentração Inibidora 50 , Células MCF-7 , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Romênia , Taninos/metabolismo
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