Design and elucidation of an insecticide from natural compounds targeting mitochondrial proteins of Aedes aegypti.

Developing new pesticides poses a significant challenge in designing next-generation natural insecticides that selectively target specific pharmacological sites while ensuring environmental friendliness. In this study, we aimed to address this challenge by formulating novel natural pesticides derived from secondary plant metabolites, which exhibited potent insecticide activity. Additionally, we tested their effect on mitochondrial enzyme activity and the proteomic profile of Ae. aegypti, a mosquito species responsible for transmitting diseases. Initially, 110 key compounds from essential oils were selected that have been reported with insecticidal properties; then, to ensure safety for mammals were performed in silico analyses for toxicity properties, identifying non-toxic candidates for further investigation. Subsequently, in vivo tests were conducted using these non-toxic compounds, focusing on the mosquito's larval stage. Based on the lethal concentration (LC), the most promising compounds as insecticidal were identified as S-limonene (LC50 = 6.4 ppm, LC95 = 17.2 ppm), R-limonene (LC50 = 9.86 ppm, LC95 = 27.7 ppm), citronellal (LC50 = 40.5 ppm, LC95 = 68.6 ppm), R-carvone (LC50 = 61.4 ppm, LC95 = 121 ppm), and S-carvone (LC50 = 62.5 ppm, LC95 = 114 ppm). Furthermore, we formulated a mixture of R-limonene, S-carvone, and citronellal with equal proportions of each compound based on their LC50. This mixture specifically targeted mitochondrial proteins and demonstrated a higher effect that showed by each compound separately, enhancing the insecticidal activity of each compound. Besides, the proteomic profile revealed the alteration in proteins involved in proliferation processes and detoxification mechanisms in Ae. aegypti. In summary, our study presents a formulation strategy for developing next-generation natural insecticides using secondary plant metabolites with the potential for reducing the adverse effects on humans and the development of chemical resistance in insects. Our findings also highlight the proteomic alteration induced by the formulated insecticide, showing insight into the mechanisms of action and potential targets for further exploration in vector control strategies.

Prevalencia de infecciones en donantes de sangre en la Universidad Industrial de Santander versus parques de la ciudad de Bucaramanga, 2014 / Prevalence of infections in blood donors at the Universidad Industrial de Santander versus parks at the city of Bucaramanga, 2014

RESUMEN Introducción: la sangre como recurso terapéutico es una herramienta útil en el área clínica, sin embargo, pese a una selección cuidadosa del donante y de las pruebas de tamizaje serológico el riesgo de infección todavía existe, principalmente debido a los periodos ventana. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de infecciones en donantes de sangre de las sedes de la Universidad Industrial de Santander versus donantes en parques de la ciudad de Bucaramanga en el año 2014. Materiales y método: se realizó un estudio transversal en el cual se evaluaron 3758 resultados de donaciones de sangre en campañas de captación en los parques Plaza Cívica, Santander y San Pío del área metropolitana de Bucaramanga. Posteriormente fueron analizadas en el banco de sangre del Hospital Universitario de Santander, para determinar la prevalencia de infecciones de transmisión por transfusión sanguínea, analizadas en el estudio; sífilis, Virus Linfotrópico de Células T Humanas, VIH, chagas, Hepatitis B y C. Resultados: se presentaron 78 casos positivos de sífilis, 20 de chagas, 81 de Hepatitis B, 13 de Hepatitis C, 6 de VIH, y 10 de HTLV. Conclusiones: se determinó una prevalencia en los parques superior a la UIS, siendo la prueba serológica para sífilis la que presenta mayor prevalencia seguida de Hepatitis B. MÉD.UIS. 2016;29(3):55-60.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the blood as a therapeutic resource is a useful tool in the clinical area. Despite careful donor selection and testing for serological screening, the risk of infection still exists, mainly due to window periods. Objective: to determine the prevalence of infections in blood donors in the facilities of the Industrial University of Santander against donors in parks around Bucaramanga in 2014. Methods: a cross-sectional study was held in which 3758 blood donation results were evaluated in recruitment campaigns executed in Plaza Cívica, Santander and San Pío parks in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga. They were subsequently analyzed in the blood bank of the Hospital Universitario de Santander to determine the prevalence of infection transmission by blood transfusion. The infections analyzed in the study were: syphilis, Lymphotropic Virus Human T-cell, HIV, chagas, Hepatitis B and C. Results: 78 positive cases of syphilis, 20 of Chagas, 81 of Hepatitis B, 13 of Hepatitis C, 6 of HIV, and 10 of HTLV were presented. Conclusions: a higher prevalence was determined in the parks compared to the UIS facilities, being the serological test for syphilis the most prevalent followed by Hepatitis B. MÉD.UIS. 2016;29(3):55-60.