Screening natural resources for mineralogenic and osteogenic bioactivities using in vitro and in vivo fish systems

Dissertação de Mestrado, Biologia Marinha, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, 2016

Avaliação da oxidação de segmentos de ráquilas de açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) sob diferentes condições de cultura in vitro.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência da adição de antioxidantes no meio de cultura e o efeito nos estádios de desenvolvimento de inflorescências de açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), sobre a intensidade de oxidação de explantes cultivados in vitro. As atividades foram realizadas no Laboratório de Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental. Belém (PA). Os segmentos de ráquilas, obtidos de inflorescências de açaizeiro previamente desinfestadas, foram inoculados em tubos de ensaio contendo meio de cultura de MS (Murashige & Skoog. 1962), sólido e líquido, com 3 % de sacarose, suplementado com diferentes antioxidantes. As culturas foram mantidas em sala de crescimento sob ausência total de luz. Aos 15 dias após a inoculação, foram avaliados a intensidade de oxidação e o número de explantes contaminados. Os segmentos de ráquilas obtidos de inflorescências jovens, em meio MS sólido suplementado com os diversos antioxidantes testados, apresentaram menor intensidade de oxidação. Entretanto, os segmentos de ráquilas de inflorescências maduras somente alcançaram menor oxidação quando inoculados cm meio MS solid° suplementado com 0,3 % de carv5o ativado, tanto na presença quanto na ausência de ácido ascórbico. Os demais antioxidantes quando associados ao meio MS líquido não apresentaram um efeito satisfatório no controle da oxidação de segmentos de ráquilas jovens e maduras

Avaliação da oxidação de segmentos de ráquilas de açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) sob diferentes condições de cultura in vitro.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência da adição de antioxidantes no meio de cultura e o efeito nos estádios de desenvolvimento de inflorescências de açaizeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), sobre a intensidade de oxidação de explantes cultivados in vitro. As atividades foram realizadas no Laboratório de Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental. Belém (PA). Os segmentos de ráquilas, obtidos de inflorescências de açaizeiro previamente desinfestadas, foram inoculados em tubos de ensaio contendo meio de cultura de MS (Murashige & Skoog. 1962), sólido e líquido, com 3 % de sacarose, suplementado com diferentes antioxidantes. As culturas foram mantidas em sala de crescimento sob ausência total de luz. Aos 15 dias após a inoculação, foram avaliados a intensidade de oxidação e o número de explantes contaminados. Os segmentos de ráquilas obtidos de inflorescências jovens, em meio MS sólido suplementado com os diversos antioxidantes testados, apresentaram menor intensidade de oxidação. Entretanto, os segmentos de ráquilas de inflorescências maduras somente alcançaram menor oxidação quando inoculados cm meio MS solid° suplementado com 0,3 % de carv5o ativado, tanto na presença quanto na ausência de ácido ascórbico. Os demais antioxidantes quando associados ao meio MS líquido não apresentaram um efeito satisfatório no controle da oxidação de segmentos de ráquilas jovens e maduras

Indução à embriogênese somática por picloram no cultivo in vitro de embriões zigóticos de tucumã-do-pará (Astrocaryum vulgare Mart.).

O tucumã-do-pará (Astrocaryum vulgare Mart.) é uma palmeira oleaginosa que apresenta potencial para a indústria de biocombustíveis. Devido ao longo período de germinação das sementes, a obtenção de mudas em grande quantidade ainda não é possível pelos métodos tradicionais de propagação. Este trabalho objetivou o cultivo in vitro de embriões zigóticos de tucumã-do-pará excisados de frutos imaturos para a indução à embriogênese somática. Frutos imaturos foram coletados e, após o processamento, os embriões foram inoculados em meio de cultura MS com 4 concentrações de picloram: 0; 120; 240 e 360 M. Após 90 dias, verificaram-se porcentagens de viabilidade superiores a 80% para todos os tratamentos, indução de estruturas semelhantes à embriões somáticos superior a 50% em meio de cultura com picloram e maior crescimento do explante na concentração de 120 M, diâmetro médio superior aos demais. Houve somente formação de plântulas em meio de cultura livre de regulador de crescimento. O cultivo in vitro de embriões zigóticos de tucumã-do-pará é viável, gera plântulas após 90 dias de cultivo em meio de cultura sem regulador de crescimento e os embriões excisados de frutos imaturos são induzidos a estruturas semelhantes a embriões somáticos pela ação do picloram a partir de 120 ?M via embriogênese somática. O método de assepsia adotado propicia isenção total de contaminações.

Rizobactérias no controle in vitro de Pestalotiopsis sp. isolado de folhas de tucumãnzeiro.

O Tucumãzeiro (Astrocaryum sp.) é uma planta monocaule utilizada em sua totalidade para a produção de biodiesel e está sujeita ao ataque de fitopatógenos que podem prejudicar seu desenvolvimento e produção. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia de rizobactérias no controle in vitro de Pestalotiopsis sp. isolado de folhas de tucumãzeiro. Foram utilizados oito isolados de rizobactérias dos gêneros Bacillus (B09, B14) e Pseudomonas (P07, P13, P21, P22, P23 e P41), os quais foram cultivados em placas de Petri contendo meio de Batata-Dextrose-Ágar e incubados à temperatura de 28 ± 2ºC, com fotoperíodo de 12h. Foram feitas avaliações diárias durante dez dias, calculando-se o Índice de Velocidade de Crescimento Micelial (IVCM). Houve interação significativa entre os isolados P21 e B14, já o isolado P41 não mostrou diferença quando comparado à testemunha, quanto aos outros isolados de rizobactérias, estes não diferiram entre si. O isolado P21 apresentou melhor resultado quanto à inibição do patógeno.

Biocontrole in vitro de Colletotrichum graminicola, agente etiológico da antracnose foliar do milho.

A antracnose foliar do milho, causada por Colletotrichum graminicola, é uma das principais doenças que incidem na cultura, sendo responsável por perdas elevadas de produtividade. O controle biológico utilizando microrganismos vem se tornando uma alternativa atraente para diminuir ou eliminar o uso de agroquímicos, tornando os alimentos mais saudáveis e com menor custo de produção. Nesse trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar in vitro o efeito inibitório de rizobactérias do gênero Bacillus e Pseudomonas contra C. graminicola, utilizando o método de pareamento de colônias. Discos de micélio do patógeno retirados da extremidade de colônias cultivadas em BDA foram colocados, individualmente, no centro de placas de Petri contendo meio de BDA, onde um círculo de crescimento bacteriano foi previamente traçado com bastão de vidro, acompanhando as bordas das mesmas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (quatro isolados e testemunha) e cinco repetições. Todos os isolados de rizobatérias demonstraram efeito antagônico significativo sobre o crescimento micelial de C. graminicola, quando comparados com o tratamento testemunha.

Antagonismo in vitro de rizobactérias contra Bipolaris sp., agente etiológico de manchas foliares na cultura do milho.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial antagônico in vitro de rizobactérias contra Bipolaris sp., importante patógeno causador de manchas foliares na cultura do milho. O método adotado foi o de pareamento de colônias. No centro de placas de Petri contendo BDA e circundadas próximo à borda com as rizobactérias, foi depositado um disco de micélio do patógeno. Estas foram incubadas a 28 ± 2ºC, com fotoperíodo de 12h claro/escuro. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com seis tratamentos e cinco repetições. As avaliações do crescimento diamétrico (mm) foram diárias, sendo, posteriormente, calculado o Índice de Velocidade de Crescimento Micelial (IVCM), que foi comparado entre os tratamentos pelo teste de Scott-Knott (p-valor ≤ 0.05), utilizando-se o programa SISVAR, versão 5.6. As rizobactérias testadas apresentam mecanismos que inibiram o crescimento micelial in vitro de Bipolaris sp. O isolado P23 apresentou maior potencial de inibição contra o patógeno, diferindo estatisticamente de todos os tratamentos, apresentando potencial de utilização em futuros programas de controle biológico da mancha de Bipolaris do milho.

Regeneração in vitro de cultivares de Sorghum bicolor via embriogênese somática.

2016

An Isoflavone From Dipteryx Alata Vogel Is Active Against The In Vitro Neuromuscular Paralysis Of Bothrops Jararacussu Snake Venom And Bothropstoxin I, And Prevents Venom-induced Myonecrosis.

Snakebite is a neglected disease and serious health problem in Brazil, with most bites being caused by snakes of the genus Bothrops. Although serum therapy is the primary treatment for systemic envenomation, it is generally ineffective in neutralizing the local effects of these venoms. In this work, we examined the ability of 7,8,3'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone (TM), an isoflavone from Dipteryx alata, to neutralize the neurotoxicity (in mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations) and myotoxicity (assessed by light microscopy) of Bothrops jararacussu snake venom in vitro. The toxicity of TM was assessed using the Salmonella microsome assay (Ames test). Incubation with TM alone (200 μg/mL) did not alter the muscle twitch tension whereas incubation with venom (40 μg/mL) caused irreversible paralysis. Preincubation of TM (200 μg/mL) with venom attenuated the venom-induced neuromuscular blockade by 84% ± 5% (mean ± SEM; n = 4). The neuromuscular blockade caused by bothropstoxin-I (BthTX-I), the major myotoxic PLA2 of this venom, was also attenuated by TM. Histological analysis of diaphragm muscle incubated with TM showed that most fibers were preserved (only 9.2% ± 1.7% were damaged; n = 4) compared to venom alone (50.3% ± 5.4% of fibers damaged; n = 3), and preincubation of TM with venom significantly attenuated the venom-induced damage (only 17% ± 3.4% of fibers damaged; n = 3; p < 0.05 compared to venom alone). TM showed no mutagenicity in the Ames test using Salmonella strains TA98 and TA97a with (+S9) and without (-S9) metabolic activation. These findings indicate that TM is a potentially useful compound for antagonizing the neuromuscular effects (neurotoxicity and myotoxicity) of B. jararacussu venom.

In Vitro And In Vivo Anti-angiogenic Effects Of Hydroxyurea.

Hydroxyurea (HU), or hydroxycarbamide, is used for the treatment of some myeloproliferative and neoplastic diseases, and is currently the only drug approved by the FDA for use in sickle cell disease (SCD). Despite the relative success of HU therapy for SCD, a genetic disorder of the hemoglobin β chain that results in red-cell sickling, hemolysis, vascular inflammation and recurrent vasoocclusion, the exact mechanisms by which HU actuates remain unclear. We hypothesized that HU may modulate endothelial angiogenic processes, with important consequences for vascular inflammation. The effects of HU (50-200 μM; 17-24 h) on endothelial cell functions associated with key steps of angiogenesis were evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures. Expression profiles of the HIF1A gene and the miRNAs 221 and 222, involved in endothelial function, were also determined in HUVECs following HU administration and the direct in vivo antiangiogenic effects of HU were assessed using a mouse Matrigel-plug neovascularization assay. Following incubation with HU, HUVECs exhibited high cell viability, but displayed a significant 75% inhibition in the rate of capillary-like-structure formation, and significant decreases in proliferative and invasive capacities. Furthermore, HU significantly decreased HIF1A expression, and induced the expression of miRNA 221, while downregulating miRNA 222. In vivo, HU reduced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced vascular development in Matrigel implants over 7 days. Findings indicate that HU is able to inhibit vessel assembly, a crucial angiogenic process, both in vitro and in vivo, and suggest that some of HU's therapeutic effects may occur through novel vascular mechanisms.

Carotenoids Are Effective Inhibitors Of In Vitro Hemolysis Of Human Erythrocytes, As Determined By A Practical And Optimized Cellular Antioxidant Assay.

β-Carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene are liposoluble pigments widely distributed in vegetables and fruits and, after ingestion, these compounds are usually detected in human blood plasma. In this study, we evaluated their potential to inhibit hemolysis of human erythrocytes, as mediated by the toxicity of peroxyl radicals (ROO•). Thus, 2,2'-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) was used as ROO• generator and the hemolysis assay was carried out in experimental conditions optimized by response surface methodology, and successfully adapted to microplate assay. The optimized conditions were verified at 30 × 10(6) cells/mL, 17 mM of AAPH for 3 h, at which 48 ± 5% of hemolysis was achieved in freshly isolated erythrocytes. Among the tested carotenoids, lycopene (IC(50) = 0.24 ± 0.05 μM) was the most efficient to prevent the hemolysis, followed by β-carotene (0.32 ± 0.02 μM), lutein (0.38 ± 0.02 μM), and zeaxanthin (0.43 ± 0.02 μM). These carotenoids were at least 5 times more effective than quercetin, trolox, and ascorbic acid (positive controls). β-Cryptoxanthin did not present any erythroprotective effect, but rather induced a hemolytic effect at the highest tested concentration (3 μM). These results suggest that selected carotenoids may have potential to act as important erythroprotective agents by preventing ROO•-induced toxicity in human erythrocytes.

Bay 41-2272, A Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator, Relaxes Isolated Human Ureter In A Standardized In Vitro Model.

To characterize the relaxation induced by BAY 41-2272 in human ureteral segments. Ureter specimens (n = 17) from multiple organ human deceased donors (mean age 40 ± 3.2 years, male/female ratio 2:1) were used to characterize the relaxing response of BAY 41-2272. Immunohistochemical analysis for endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase, guanylate cyclase stimulator (sGC) and type 5 phosphodiesterase was also performed. The potency values were determined as the negative log of the molar to produce 50% of the maximal relaxation in potassium chloride-precontracted specimens. The unpaired Student t test was used for the comparisons. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in vessel endothelia and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in urothelium and nerve structures. sGC was expressed in the smooth muscle and urothelium layer, and type 5 phosphodiesterase was present in the smooth muscle only. BAY 41-2272 (0.001-100 μM) relaxed the isolated ureter in a concentration dependent manner, with a potency and maximal relaxation value of 5.82 ± 0.14 and 84% ± 5%, respectively. The addition of nitric oxide synthase and sGC inhibitors reduced the maximal relaxation values by 21% and 45%, respectively. However, the presence of sildenafil (100 nM) significantly potentiated (6.47 ± 0.10, P <.05) this response. Neither glibenclamide or tetraethylammonium nor ureteral urothelium removal influenced the relaxation response by BAY 41-2272. BAY 41-2272 relaxes the human isolated ureter in a concentration-dependent manner, mainly by activating the sGC enzyme in smooth muscle cells rather than in the urothelium, although a cyclic guanosine monophosphate-independent mechanism might have a role. The potassium channels do not seem to be involved.

Membrane Lipid Profile Monitored By Mass Spectrometry Detected Differences Between Fresh And Vitrified In Vitro-produced Bovine Embryos.

Summary This study aimed to evaluate the impact of vitrification on membrane lipid profile obtained by mass spectrometry (MS) of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) has been used to obtain individual embryo membrane lipid profiles. Due to conditions of analysis, mainly membrane lipids, most favorably phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and sphingomyelins (SMs) have been detected. The following ions described by their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and respective attribution presented increased relative abundance (1.2-20×) in the vitrified group: 703.5 [SM (16:0) + H]+; 722.5 [PC (40:3) + Na]+; 758.5 [PC (34:2) + H]+; 762.5 [PC (34:0) + H]+; 790.5 [PC (36:0) + H]+ and 810.5 [PC (38:4) + H]+ and/or [PC (36:1) + Na]+. The ion with a m/z 744.5 [PCp (34:1) and/or PCe (34:2)] was 3.4-fold more abundant in the fresh group. Interestingly, ions with m/z 722.5 or 744.5 indicate the presence of lipid species, which are more resistant to enzymatic degradation as they contain fatty acyl residues linked through ether type bonds (alkyl ether or plasmalogens, indicated by the lowercase 'e' and 'p', respectively) to the glycerol structure. The results indicate that cryopreservation impacts the membrane lipid profile, and that these alterations can be properly monitored by MALDI-MS. Membrane lipids can therefore be evaluated by MALDI-MS to monitor the effect of cryopreservation on membrane lipids, and to investigate changes in lipid profile that may reflect the metabolic response to the cryopreservation stress or changes in the environmental conditions.

Effect Of Daily Use Of An Enzymatic Denture Cleanser On Candida Albicans Biofilms Formed On Polyamide And Poly(methyl Methacrylate) Resins: An In Vitro Study.

Candida biofilms on denture surfaces are substantially reduced after a single immersion in denture cleanser. However, whether this effect is maintained when dentures are immersed in cleanser daily is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the daily use of enzymatic cleanser on Candida albicans biofilms on denture base materials. The surfaces of polyamide and poly(methyl methacrylate) resin specimens (n=54) were standardized and divided into 12 groups (n=9 per group), according to study factors (material type, treatment type, and periods of treatment). Candida albicans biofilms were allowed to form over 72 hours, after which the specimens were treated with enzymatic cleanser once daily for 1, 4, or 7 days. Thereafter, residual biofilm was ultrasonically removed and analyzed for viable cells (colony forming units/mm(2)) and enzymatic activity (phospholipase, aspartyl-protease, and hemolysin). Factors that interfered with the response variables were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA with the Holm-Sidak multiple comparison method (α=.05). Polyamide resin presented more viable cells of Candida albicans (P<.001) for both the evaluated treatment types and periods. Although enzymatic cleansing significantly (P<.001) reduced viable cells, daily use did not maintain this reduction (P<.001). Phospholipase activity significantly increased with time (P<.001) for both materials and treatments. However, poly(methyl methacrylate) based resin (P<.001) and enzymatic cleansing treatment (P<.001) contributed to lower phospholipase activity. Aspartyl-protease and hemolysin activities were not influenced by study factors (P>.05). Although daily use of an enzymatic cleanser reduced the number of viable cells and phospholipase activity, this treatment was not effective against residual biofilm over time.

Design And Synthesis Of N-acylated Aza-goniothalamin Derivatives And Evaluation Of Their In Vitro And In Vivo Antitumor Activity.

Herein we describe the synthesis of a focused library of compounds based on the structure of goniothalamin (1) and the evaluation of the potential antitumor activity of the compounds. N-Acylation of aza-goniothalamin (2) restored the in vitro antiproliferative activity of this family of compounds. 1-(E)-But-2-enoyl-6-styryl-5,6-dihydropyridin-2(1H)-one (18) displayed enhanced antiproliferative activity. Both goniothalamin (1) and derivative 18 led to reactive oxygen species generation in PC-3 cells, which was probably a signal for caspase-dependent apoptosis. Treatment with derivative 18 promoted Annexin V/7-aminoactinomycin D double staining, which indicated apoptosis, and also led to G2 /M cell-cycle arrest. In vivo studies in Ehrlich ascitic and solid tumor models confirmed the antitumor activity of goniothalamin (1), without signs of toxicity. However, derivative 18 exhibited an unexpectedly lower in vivo antitumor activity, despite the treatments being administered at the same site of inoculation. Contrary to its in vitro profile, aza-goniothalamin (2) inhibited Ehrlich tumor growth, both on the ascitic and solid forms. Our findings highlight the importance of in vivo studies in the search for new candidates for cancer treatment.