Chemical composition and antiproliferative activity of Acalypha californica

Acalypha californica Benth., is a plant in the northwestern region from Mexico, commonly known as "cancer herb" and used in traditional medicine for treating cancer. In the present study we have investigated the antiproliferative activity of methanolic extract of A. californica and its fractions in cancer cell lines and phytochemical analysis and mechanism of apoptosis of the fractions with antiproliferative activity. The antiproliferative activity of methanol extract and its fractions of solvents were evaluated by MTT assay against the M12.A(k).C3.F6, RAW 264.7, HeLa and L929 cell lines. Active fractions were fractionated by molecular exclusion chromatography, HPLC and MPLC. The identification of compounds was performed by NMR and FIA-ESI-IT-MS/MS analysis. Apoptotic mechanism was analyzed by flow cytometry, determining the reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1) and the activity of caspases 3,8 and 9. Cell viability assays showed that the hexane fraction of the methanol extract of the plant has significant effects against cancer lines RAW 264.7 (IC50 = 52.08 +/- 1.06 mu g/mL) and HeLa (IC50 = 46.77 +/- 1.09 mu g/mL), the residual fraction showed a selective effect on cell lines M12.A(k).C3.F6 (IC50 = 59.90 +/- 1.05 mu g/mL), RAW 264.7 (IC50 = 58.93 +/- 1.26 mu g/mL) and HeLa (IC50 = 50.11 +/- 1.135 mu g/mL) compared to the control cell line L929 (IC50 = 100.00 +/- 1.09 mu g/mL). The chemical characterization of the active fractions allowed the identification of p-sitosterol and stigmasterol in hexane fraction and some phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids in the residual fraction. The methanol extract and hexane fraction reduces mitochondrial membrane potential significantly and activates caspases 3, 8 and 9. Because of the antiproliferative activity observed, our results provide a rational basis for the use of extracts of A. californica in treating various types of cancer in traditional medicine from Mexico. The extracts induce apoptosis via activation of caspases. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Correlation between Hoff test performance, body composition and aerobic and anaerobic fitness in professional soccer players

Purpose The purpose of the study was to investigate a possible association between the distance covered in the Hoff test with parameters of maximal oxygen uptake (V_O2MAX), anaerobic threshold, anaerobic fitness, and body composition of professional adult soccer players. Methods Twenty-five professional soccer players (20 ± 3 years) participated in the study. On different days the athletes performed: a graded incremental exercise test in a laboratory to measure V_O2MAX; a specific soccer field test called the Hoff test; a running anaerobic sprint test (RAST); an incremental test on an oval circuit to determine the velocity relative to anaerobic threshold (VAnT) and an estimation of body composition. Results The average V_O2MAX corresponded to 4.1 ± 0.1 L min-1 (54.1 ± 1.2 mL kg-1 min-1 ). The average distance covered during the Hoff test was 1,442.4 ± 30.0 m. The distance covered during the Hoff test showed significant correlations with absolute and expressed in an appropriated scale V_O2MAX (r = 0.44, p = 0.02; r = 0.42, p = 0.02, respectively) while no significant differences were found with body composition, VAnT and RAST variables. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that the distance covered during the Hoff test has weak correlation with V_O2MAX determined in treadmill running, and no correlation with VAnT, body composition and RAST outcomes, probably due to the non-specificity of the proposed tests when associated with the Hoff test.

The chemical composition and pharmacological activities of geopropolis produced by Melipona fasciculata Smith in northeast Brazil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of feed restriction on body composition and metabolism of goats of different genders

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effect of feed restriction on body composition and metabolism of goats of different genders

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Nanostructures on spin-coated polymer films controlled by solvent composition and polymer molecular weight

In this study we systematically investigated how the solvent composition used for polymer dissolution affects the porous structures of spin-coated polymers films. Cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and poly(methylmethacrylate) with low(PMMA-L) and high (PMMA-H) molecular weights were dissolved in mixtures of acetone (AC) and ethyl acetate (EA) at constant polymer concentration of 10 g/L The films were spin-coated at a relative air humidity of 55+/-5%, their thickness and index of refraction were determined by means of ellipsometry and their morphology was analyzed by atomic force microscopy. The dimensions and frequency of nanocavities on polymer films increased with the acetone content (phi(AC)) in the solvent mixture and decreased with increasing polymer molecular weight. Consequently, as the void content increased in the films, their apparent thicknesses increased and their indices of refraction decreased, creating low-cost anti-reflection surface. The void depth was larger for PMMA-L than for CAB. This effect was attributed to different activities of EA and AC in CAB or PMMA-L solution, the larger mobility of chains and the lower polarity of PMMA-L in comparison to CAB. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

The correlation between the phenolic composition and biological activities of two varieties of Brazilian propolis (G6 and G12)

Biological assays that have been performed on different types of Brazilian propolis have shown that type 6 propolis (G6) has a strong antimicrobial activity and a low flavonoid content. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the phenolic composition and the biological activities displayed by propol is G6 from the state of Bahia and green propol is, also known as type 12 (G12). The values of the flavonoids and the total phenolics in propol is G6 were different than those in propolis G12. Although the G12 variety presented greater antioxidant activity, propolis G6 proved to have greater antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The results showed that the phenolic compounds may not be the only compounds responsible for the biological activity. More detailed studies of the chemical composition and an assessment or the biological activity are required to establish the quality of propolis.

The influence of anthropometric factors on postural balance: the relationship between body composition and posturographic measurements in young adults

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of anthropometric characteristics and gender on postural balance in adults. One hundred individuals were examined (50 males, 50 females; age range 20-40 years). METHODS: The following body composition measurements were collected (using bone densitometry measurements): fat percentage (% fat), tissue (g), fat (g), lean mass (g), bone mineral content (g), and bone mineral density (g/cm(2)). In addition, the following anthropometric measurements were collected: body mass (kg), height (cm), length of the trunk-cephalic region (cm), length of the lower limbs (cm) and length of the upper limbs (cm). The following indices were calculated: body mass index (kg/m(2)), waist-hip ratio and the support base (cm 2). Also, a postural balance test was performed using posturography variables with open and closed eyes. RESULTS: The analysis revealed poor correlations between postural balance and the anthropometric variables. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the whole group (female and male) height explained 12% of the medial-lateral displacement, 10% of the speed of oscillation, and 11% of the displacement area. The length of the trunk-cephalic length explained 6% of the displacement in the anteroposterior direction. With eyes closed, the support base and height explained 18% of the medial displacement, and the lateral height explained 10% of the displacement speed and 5% of the scroll area. CONCLUSION: Measured using posturography, the postural balance was only slightly influenced by the anthropometric variables, both with open and closed eyes. Height was the anthropometric variable that most influenced postural balance, both in the whole group and separately for each gender. Postural balance was more influenced by anthropometric factors in males than females.

Macroalgal composition and its association with local hydrodynamics in the Laje de Santos Marine State Park, southwestern Atlantic, São Paulo, Brazil

The Laje de Santos Marine State Park (LSMSP), located in southeastern Brazil, is the only marine park in Sao Paulo State. This conservation unit has been established as a protected area of high biological diversity. Despite its importance for the conservation of the marine biota, little is known about the park's seaweed flora. The objectives of this study were as follows: to furnish increased knowledge of the composition of the macroalgae in the Park area; to relate the area's macroalgal composition to the presence of an important water mass in the region, the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW); and to investigate the possible influence of the Port of Santos on the composition of the macroalgae of the LSMSP. This study registered 31 new records for the LSMSP, 11 for Sao Paulo State, four for Brazil, one for the western Atlantic and one for the South Atlantic Ocean, in addition to the possible occurrence of one new species of Osmundea (Rhodomelaceae) and one new genus belonging to Ceramiaceae. The taxonomic composition of the macroalgae had a direct correlation with the arrival of the SACW in the summer-fall season. The SACW generated a strong thermocline and increased the supply of nutrients in the water column. Hydrodynamic and dispersion modeling analyses suggested that the Port of Santos influenced the composition of the LSMSP phycoflora.

Germination, Carbohydrate Composition and Vigor of Cryopreserved Caesalpinia echinata Seeds

The present study investigated the germination and vigor of Caesalpinia echinata (Brazilwood) seeds stored at negative temperatures. Recently harvested seeds were cryopreserved at -18 degrees or -196 degrees C and periodically evaluated for germination, seed vigor and carbohydrate composition. The temperatures did not influence the germination percentages or vigor. The germination percentage decreased from 88% in recently harvested seeds to 60% after 730 days of storage. The different temperature and storage times tested did not affect the vigor seed germination as indicated by the measures of plant growth and survival. The different temperatures used did not cause changes in the carbohydrate composition. The tegument cell walls were rich in lignin, arabinose and xylose. The cytoplasm of the cotyledons and embryos had high levels of glucose, fructose, and sucrose. The cryopreservation technique here presented was effective in the conservation of Brazilwood seeds for the medium term.

Strength training improves plasma parameters, body composition and liver morphology in ovariectomized rats

Objective. - The aim of this study was to identify the effects of strength training on plasma parameters, body composition and the liver of ovariectomized rats. Methods. - Wistar sedentary (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX), and ovariectomized trained rats (strength training [OVX-EXE]) of 85% of one maximal repetition (1 RM), three times per week, for 10 weeks, were used on this study. We monitored the body weight and visceral (uterine, mesenteric and retroperitoneal) and subcutaneous adiposity, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, blood glucose and liver morphology to identify the presence of macrovesicular steotosis (haematoxylin and eosin staining). Results. - We observed that strength training changed body weight (SHAM 293.0 +/- 14.5 g; OVX 342.6 +/- 10.8 g; OVX-EXE 317.7 +/- 11.9 g, P < 0.05), visceral and subcutaneous adiposity, glucose (SHAM 111.2 +/- 10.0 mg/dL; OVX 147.4 +/- 18.8 mg/dL; OVX-EXE 118.5 +/- 2.2 mg/dL, P < 0.05), increased HDL (SHAM 82.7 +/- 1.4 mg/dL; OVX 64.6 +/- 2.8 mg/dL; OVX-EXE 91.4 +/- 2.6 mg/dL, P < 0.05) and reduced macrovesicular steatosis in liver tissue. Conclusions. - Considering the data obtained in this research, we emphasise the use of strength exercise training as a therapeutic means to combat or control the metabolic disturbances associated with menopause, including adiposity, and adverse changes in blood glucose, blood HDL and macrovesicular steatosis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Leaf cuticular alkanes of Solanum subg. Leptostemonum Dunal (Bitter) of some northeast Brazilian species: Composition and taxonomic significance

Solanum subgenus Leptostemonum (Dunal) Bitter comprises approximately 450 species, of which 110, including 58 endemics, occur in Brazil, which is recognized as one of the centers of diversity of the group. Due the great morphological plasticity and its large number of species, several taxonomic treatments have been proposed for the genus Solanum, but its infrageneric classification is problematic. The aim of this study was to analyze the alkane composition of the leaf epicuticular waxes of nine species of the subgenus Leptostemonum to evaluate the chemotaxonomic potential of the alkanes. As results, were identified in nine species thirty-one alkanes, including iso- and anteiso-alkanes. The major constituent of wax in most species was tritriacontane. Hentriacontane was the main constituent of Solanum paraibanum and Solanum torvum, and penta-triacontane was predominant in different populations of Solanum stramonifolium. The phenetic analysis of nine species based on the distribution profile of alkanes (Euclidean distance and UPGMA method) show three clusters with distinct main homolog. The profiles of alkanes showed some qualitative taxonomic value for species analyzed, although, a larger number of representative samples of this subgenus must be investigated. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Two Different Levels of Dietary Protein on Body Composition and Protein Nutritional Status of Growing Rats

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a high-protein diet on growth, body composition, and protein nutritional status of young rats. Newly-weaned Wistar rats, weighing 45-50 g, were distributed in two experimental groups, according to their diets, which contained 12% (G12) or 26% protein (G26), over a period of 3 weeks. The animals were euthanized at the end of this period and the following analyses were performed: chemical composition of the carcass, proteoglycan synthesis, IGF-I concentration (serum, muscle and cartilage), total tissue RNA, protein concentration (muscle and cartilage) and protein synthesis (muscle and cartilage). The high-protein diet was found to result in a higher fat-free mass and lower fat mass in the carcass, with no difference in growth or protein nutritional status.

Composition and antioxidant activity of honey from Africanized and stingless bees in Alagoas (Brazil): a multivariate analysis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of honey from different entomological sources which were harvested in the dry season of 2008-2009 from distinct mesoregions of the State of Alagoas in the North East of Brazil. Honey produced by five different species of bees, even from the same region and season, showed a statistically significant difference (p <0.05) in the content of phenols, flavonoids and antioxidants, with higher levels of these compounds found in honey produced by Plebeia spp. and A. mellifera. Honey from stingless bees was quite different from that of A. mellifera, especially from the Plebeia spp. A dendrogram of the five species of bees showed the formation of 3 groups, one being formed by Apis mellifera, one by the genus Melipona (M. subnitida, M. quadrifasciata and M. scutellaris) and another formed by Plebeia spp.

Growth, carcass characteristics, chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the longissimus dorsi muscle in goat kids fed diets with castor oil

The objective in this study was to determine growth, carcass characteristics, chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the longissimus dorsi of crossbred Boer x Saanen kids fed castor oil. Twenty-four kids (12 males and 12 females) were assigned in a randomized complete block design with two treatments and twelve replications. Blocks were defined according to weight, gender and initial age of animals for the evaluation of performance. The experimental treatments consisted of two diets containing 900 g concentrate/kg: a control diet (without addition of oil) and another containing castor oil at 30 g/kg (on a dry matter basis). After they reached an average body weight of 25 kg, males were slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass characteristics, chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the longissimus dorsi muscle. The addition of castor oil in the diet did not affect the intake of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber; the average daily gain; and feed conversion, but increased the ether extract intake. No difference was observed for the carcass characteristics, chemical composition of the meat, concentration of C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 (CLA) and total concentration of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and their relations; however, there was increase in the concentrations of C18:2 trans-10, cis-12 (CLA) and C20:4 omega-6. The addition of castor oil to the diet of crossbred Boer x Saanen kids containing a high content of concentrate did not promote benefit to the characteristics evaluated.