Apoptosis-related gene expression induced by Colombian propolis samples in canine osteosarcoma cell line.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone tumor in canines and humans. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Colombian propolis samples on a canine OSA cell line (OSCA-8) by evaluating the expression of BCL-2, BAX, CASPASE 9, CASPASE 8, and TNFR1 genes involved in the apoptosis pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After treating the cells with five Colombian propolis samples (Usm, Met, Fus, Sil, and Caj), we evaluated cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Early and late apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using annexin V/propidium iodide. Furthermore, the effects of three selected samples on gene expression were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The Colombian propolis samples reduced OSCA-8 cell viability and increased LDH release. All samples induced apoptosis significantly and upregulated BCL-2 and CASPASE 8 expression. Usm and Sil increased BAX expression, Met and Sil induced CASPASE 9 expression, and Usm increased TNFR1. CONCLUSION: Colombian propolis samples exhibited cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on canine OSA cells, and CASPASE 8 upregulation indicated apoptosis induction by the extrinsic pathway.

New Δ-tocotrienol derivatives from Colombian propolis.

Two new δ-tocotrienol derivatives with oxidized terminal chain: 5,6-dioxo-garcinoic acid (trans-13'-carboxy-5,6-dioxo-δ-tocotrienol) (2) and 5-hydroxy-8b-oxo garcinoic acid (trans-13'-carboxy-5-hydroxy-8b-oxo-δ-tocotrienol) (3), together with one known derivative garcinoic acid (trans-13'-carboxy-δ-tocotrienol) (1) were isolated from a Colombian propolis. Garcinoic acid was found as a propolis constituent for the first time. The isolated compounds and crude ethanolic extract demonstrated high antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans (MICs range: 10-39 µg/ml) as well as promising antioxidant potential in DPPH assay. Compound 3 displayed highest radical scavenging activity, even higher than that of dl-α-tocopherol, used as a positive control.

Molecular characterization of rotaviruses isolated from calves with bovine neonatal diarrhea (BND) in Colombia / Caracterizacion molecular de rotavirus aislados a partir de terneros con diarrea neonatal bovina (dnb) en colombia

Bovine rotaviruses are one of the main agents involved in the presentation of Bovine Neonatal Diarrhea (BND), a disease that affects calves in the first month of life. Objective: The present study aimed to determine the types of bovine rotaviruses that affect dairy herds in the Sabana region of Bogotá, Colombia. Materials and methods: 132 fecal samples were obtained from calves of less than five weeks of age and subjected to an ELISA test. MA104 cell cultures were infected with positive samples in order to isolate rotaviruses. The presence of the viral genome was confirmed by amplification and sequencing of a region of the viral VP7 protein-encoding gene. Results: Of the 132 samples, 26 (19, 7%) were ELISA-positive and nine samples were used for viral isolation. PCR amplification was achieved in all infected cultures. Sequencing showed homology of five samples to the G6 genotype. In addition, the presence of the G10 genotype was first determined for the country. Discussion: A greater presence of the G6 genotype from lineage V was found in the Sabana region of Bogota, showing a high prevalence in cattle and association with the presence of BND. The presence of the G10 genotype is a new report for the country and constitutes a new element of investigation in these viruses.

Los rotavirus bovinos son unos de los principales agentes involucrados en la presentación del síndrome de Diarrea Neonatal Bovina (DNB), una enfermedad que afecta terneros en el primer mes de vida. Objetivo: El presente estudio buscó determinar los tipos de rotavirus que afectan los hatos ganaderos de leche en la región de la Sabana de Bogotá, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron a través de una prueba de ELISA, 132 muestras de materia fecal provenientes de terneros de menos de cinco semanas de edad. Con las muestras positivas, se infectaron células MA 104 con el fin hacer aislamiento. La presencia del genoma viral se verificó por amplificación de una región del gen que codifica para la proteína viral VP-7 y luego se secuenció. Resultados: De las 132 muestras evaluadas, 26 (19,7%) fueron positivas por ELISA. De estas, 9 muestras se emplearon para aislamiento viral. La amplificación de genoma viral por PCR se obtuvo en todos los cultivos infectados. La secuenciación evidenció una homología de 5 muestras con el genotipo G6 y la presencia del genotipo G10, que se encontró por primera vez en el país. Discusión: En la Sabana de Bogotá se encontró una mayor presencia del genotipo G6, linaje V, que tiene alta prevalencia en bovinos y está asociado mayoritariamente con la presencia de DNB. La presencia del genotipo G10 constituye un elemento nuevo de investigación en estos virus.