Anti-inflammatory effect of parenteral fish oil lipid emulsion on human activated mononuclear leukocytes

Background & aim: To compare the effect of fish oil-based (FO) lipid emulsions (LE) for parenteral administration with standard LE and a new FO containing LE composed of four different oils on the antigen presentation and inflammatory variables. Methods: Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) activated human mononuclear leukocytes were cultured with different LE - Control: without LE; SO: soybean oil; SO/FO: soybean and FO (4:1); MCT/SO: medium chain triglycerides and SO (1:1); MCT/SO/FO: MCT/SO and FO (4:1) and SMOF: a new LE containing FO. Cytokine production was evaluated by ELISA, the expression of antigen-presenting and co-stimulatory surface molecules were analyzed by flow cytometry and lymphocyte proliferation was assessed by H(3)-Thymidine incorporation, after tetanus toxoid-induced activation. Results: All LE decreased the HLA-DR and increased CD28 and CD152 expression on monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes surface (p < 0.05). SO/FO and MCT/SO/FO decreased lymphocyte proliferation (p<0.05). All LE decreased IL-2 product ion, but this effect was enhanced with MCT/SO/FO and SMOF (p < 0.05). MCT/SOTO decreased IL-6 and increased IL-10, whereas SO had the opposite effect (p < 0.05). Conclusion: FO LE inhibited lymphocyte proliferation and had an anti-inflammatory effect. These effects seem to be enhanced when FO is mixed with MCT/SO. SMOF had a neutral impact on lymphocyte proliferation and IL-6 and IL-10 production.

PHA(MCL) biosynthesis systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas putida strains show differences on monomer specificities

The production of PHA from plant oils by Pseudomonas species soil isolated from a sugarcane crop was evaluated. Out of 22 bacterial strains three were able to use efficiently plant oils to grow and to accumulate PHA. Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains produced PHA presenting differences on monomer composition compatible with variability on monomer specificity of their PHA biosynthesis system. The molar fraction of 3-hydroxydodecanoate detected in the PHA was linearly correlated to the oleic acid supplied. A non-linear relationship between the molar fractions of 3-hydroxy-6-dodecenoate (3HDd Delta(6)) detected in PHA and the linoleic acid supplied was observed, compatible with saturation in the biosynthesis system capability to channel intermediate of P-oxidation to PHA synthesis. Although P. putida showed a higher 3HDd Delta(6) yield from linoleic acid when compared to P. aeruginosa, in both species it was less than 10% of the maximum theoretical value. These results contribute to the knowledge about the biosynthesis of PHA with a controlled composition from plant oils allowing in the future establishing the production of these polyesters as tailor-made polymers. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and in vitro activity of limonene derivatives against Leishmania and Trypanosoma

The synthesis and in vitro activity of R(+)-Limonene derivatives against Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi strains are reported. Seven compounds have shown better in vitro activity against Leishmania (V.)braziliensis than the standard drug pentamidine. Additionally, we have identified two promising new anti-T. cruzi limonene derivatives. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Eugenol modifies the excitability of rat sciatic nerve and superior cervical ganglion neurons

Eugenol is a phenylpropene obtained from the essential oils of plants such as clove and basil which has ample use in dentistry. Eugenol possesses analgesic effects that may be related to the inhibition of voltage-dependent Na(+) channels and/or to the activation of TRPV1 receptors or both. In the present study, electrophysiological parameters were taken from the compound action potentials of the isolated rat sciatic nerve and from neurons of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) impaled with sharp microelectrodes under current-clamp conditions. In the isolated rat sciatic nerve, eugenol inhibited the compound action potential in a concentration-dependent manner. Action potentials recorded from SCG neurons were inhibited by eugenol with an IC(50) of 0.31 mM. At high concentrations (2 mM), during brief applications. eugenol caused significant action potential blockade while it did not interfere with the resting membrane potential or the membrane input resistance. Surprisingly, however, at low eugenol concentrations (0.6 mM), during long time applications, a reversible reduction (by about 50%) in the input membrane resistance was observed, suggesting the possible involvement of a secondary delayed effect of eugenol to reduce neuronal excitability. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimization of the physical refining of sunflower oil concerning the final contents of trans-fatty acids

The final contents of total and individual trans-fatty acids of sunflower oil, produced during the deacidification step of physical refining were obtained using a computational simulation program that considered cis-trans isomerization reaction features for oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids attached to the glycerol part of triacylglycerols. The impact of process variables, such as temperature and liquid flow rate, and of equipment configuration parameters, such as liquid height, diameter, and number of stages, that influence the retention time of the oil in the equipment was analyzed using the response-surface methodology (RSM). The computational simulation and the RSM results were used in two different optimization methods, aiming to minimize final levels of total and individual trans-fatty acids (trans-FA), while keeping neutral oil loss and final oil acidity at low values. The main goal of this work was to indicate that computational simulation, based on a careful modeling of the reaction system, combined with optimization could be an important tool for indicating better processing conditions in industrial physical refining plants of vegetable oils, concerning trans-FA formation.

Langmuir Films of Petroleum at the Air-Water Interface

Understanding the behavior of petroleum films at the air/water interface is crucial for dealing with oil sticks and reducing the damages to the environment, which has normally been attempted with studies of Langmuir films made of fractions of petroleum. However, the properties of films from whole petroleum samples may differ considerably from those of individual fractions, Using surface pressure and surface potential measurements and Brewster angle and fluorescence microscopy, we show that petroleum forms it nonhomogeneous Langmuir film at the air-water interface. The surface pressure isotherms for petroleum Langmuir films exhibit gas (G), liquid-expanded (LE), and liquid-condensed phases, with almost no hysteresis in the compression-decompression cycles. Domains formed upon compression from the G to the LE phase were accompanied by an increase in fluorescence intensity with excitation at 400-440 nm owing to an increase in the surface density of the chromophores in the petroleum film. The surface pressure and the fluorescence microscopy data pointed to self-assembling domains into a pseudophase in thermo-dynamic equilibrium with other less emitting petroleum components. This hypothesis was supported by Brewster angle microscopy images, whereby the appearance of water domains even at high surface pressures confirms the tendency of petroleum to stabilize emulsion systems. The results presented here suggest that, for understanding the interaction with water, it may be more appropriate to use the whole petroleum samples rather than its fractions.

Effects of inhaled Linalool in anxiety, social interaction and aggressive behavior in mice

Aromatherapy uses essential oils (EOs) for several medical purposes, including relaxation. The association between the use of aromas and a decrease in anxiety could be a valuable instrument in managing anxiety in an ever increasing anxiogenic daily life style. Linalool is a monoterpene commonly found as the major volatile component of EOs in several aromatic plant species. Adding to previously reported sedative effects of inhaled linalool, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inhaled linalool on anxiety, aggressiveness and social interaction in mice. Additionally, we investigated the effects of inhaled linalool on the acquisition phase of a step-down memory task in mice. Inhaled linalool showed anxiolytic properties in the light/dark test, increased social interaction and decreased aggressive behavior; impaired memory was only seen the higher dose of linalool. These results strengthen the suggestion that inhaling linalool rich essential oils can be useful as a mean to attain relaxation and counteract anxiety. (C) 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Disposable Graphite Foil Based Electrodes and Their Application in Pharmaceutical Analysis

This paper explores a new source of graphite for working electrodes, which presents advantages such as low electrical resistance, good flexibility, favorable mechanical performance, versatility to design electrodes in almost any size and very low cost. The new electrodes were investigated in batch electrochemical cells as associated with flow injection analysis systems. Cyclic voltammetry, stripping voltammetry, and amperometry associated with flow injection analysis techniques were applied for the determination of ascorbic acid, zinc and paracetamol in pharmaceutical formulations, respectively. Well-established analytical methods were applied for comparison purposes. The results herein demonstrate the potential of graphite foils as working electrodes in different electroanalytical methods, offering the possibility of producing disposable sensors for routine applications.

Anti-inflammatory activity of essential oil from leaves of Myrciaria tenella and Calycorectes sellowianus

The GC-MS analysis revealed that the leaf essential oils of Myrciaria tenella (DC.) Berg and Calycorectes sellowianus O. Berg (Myrtaceae) were composed of 34 and 37 compounds, respectively. The main constituents of M. tenella oil were beta-caryophyllene (25.1%), and spathulenol (9.7%), while for C. sellowianus were guaiol (13.1%) and beta-caryophyllene (8.6%). The anti-inflammatory effect of both essential oils was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Both oils reduced significantly (p < 0.005) the treated neutrophils chemotaxis with 93% and 91% inhibition for M. tenella and C. sellowianus, respectively. However, in the systemic treatment with the essential oils (50 mg/kg p.o.) only the M. tenella oil was able to significantly reduce the carrageenan-induced paw edema with a similar effect to that observed for indomethacin (10 mg/kg), the positive control.

Inhaled linalool-induced sedation in mice

Linalool is a monoterpene often found as a major component of essential oils obtained from aromatic plant species., many of which are used in traditional medical systems as hypno-sedatives. Psychopharmacological evaluations of linalool (i.p. and i.c.v.) revealed marked sedative and anticonvulsant central effects in various mouse models. Considering this profile and alleged effects of inhaled lavender essential oil, the purpose of this study was to examine the sedative effects of inhaled linalool in mice. Mice were placed in an inhalation chamber during 60 min, in an atmosphere saturated with 1% or 3% linalool. Immediately after inhalation, animals were evaluated regarding locomotion, barbiturate-induced sleeping time, body temperature: and motor coordination (rota-rod test). The 1% and 3% linalool increased (p < 0.01) pentobarbital sleeping time and reduced (p<0.01) body temperature. The 3% linalool decreased (p<0.01) locomotion. Motor coordination was not affected. Hence, linalool inhaled for I h seems to induce sedation without significant impairment in motor abilities, a side effect shared by most psycholeptic drugs. (C) 2008 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

C-glycosyl flavones from Peperomia blanda

The methanol extract from aerial parts of the Peperomia blanda (Piperaceae) yielded two C-glycosyl-flavones. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, chemical transformation and comparison with the related known compounds. The structure of the new flavonoids were established as 4`-methoxy-vitexin 7-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside (1) (7-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-8-C-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-4`-methoxy-apigenin) and vicenin-2 (2). The antioxidant activity of both compounds was investigated using the DPPH assay. Both compounds showed only modest activity, with IC50 values of 357.2 mu M for 1, and 90.5 mu M for 2. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Essential Oil from Leaves and Stem Bark of Southeastern Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae)

The chemical composition of essential oils obtained from fresh leaves and stem bark of Southeastern Brazilian native Drimys brasiliensis Miers were analyzed by GC and GC/MS and 37 compounds were identified. The oils from fresh leaves showed the presence of monoterpenes (53.9%) and sesquiterpenes (38.4%), with sabinene (9.5%), myrcene (10.5%), limonene (10.6%) and cyclocolorenone (16.0%) being the most abundant. The stern bark oil was characterized by predominance of sesquiterpenoids (87.6%) and the absence of monoterpenes, the main components being cyclocolorenone (28.3%) and spathuleneol (22.9%). A small amount of phenylpropanes (6.8-6.9%) was also detected in both oil samples.

Development of a fast capillary electrophoresis method to determine inorganic cations in biodiesel samples

The aim of this study was to develop a fast capillary electrophoresis method for the determination of inorganic cations (Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+)) in biodiesel samples, using barium (Ba(2+)) as the internal standard. The running electrolyte was optimized through effective mobility curves in order to select the co-ion and Peakmaster software was used to determine electromigration dispersion and buffer capacity. The optimum background electrolyte was composed of 10 mmol L(-1) imidazole and 40 mmol L(-1) of acetic acid. Separation was conducted in a fused-silica capillary (32 cm total length and 23.5 cm effective length, 50 mu m I.D.), with indirect UV detection at 214 nm. The migration time was only 36 s. In order to obtain the optimized conditions for extraction, a fractional factorial experimental design was used. The variables investigated were biodiesel mass, pH, extractant volume, agitation and sonication time. The optimum conditions were: biodiesel mass of 200 mg, extractant volume of 200 mu L. and agitation of 20 min. The method is characterized by good linearity in the concentration range of 0.5-20 mg kg(-1) (r > 0.999), limit of detection was equal to 0.3 mg kg(-1), inter-day precision was equal to 1.88% and recovery in the range of 88.0-120%. The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of cations in biodiesel samples. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Alkaloids from the Bark of Guatteria hispida and Their Evaluation as Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents

Phytochemical investigation of the bark of Guatteria hispida afforded three new alkaloids, 9-methoxy-O-methylmoschatoline (1), 9-methoxyisomoschatoline (2), and isocerasonine (3), along with 10 known alkaloids, 8-oxopseudopalmatine (4), O-methylmoschatoline (5), lysicamine (6), liriodenine (7), 10-methoxyliriodenine (8), nornuciferine (9), anonaine (10), xylopine (11), coreximine (12), and isocoreximine (13). The major compounds, 2, 6, 12, and 13, showed significant antioxidant capacity in the ORAC(FL), assay. Compounds 5, 6, and 7 were active against S. epidermidis and C. dubliniensis, with MIC values in the range 12.5-100 mu g mL(-1).

Cassava wastewater as a substrate for the simultaneous production of rhamnolipids and polyhydroxyalkanoates by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Glycerol, cassava wastewater (CW), waste cooking oil and CW with waste frying oils were evaluated as alternative low-cost carbon substrates for the production of rhamnolipids and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by various Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. The polymers and surfactants produced were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (MS) and by high-performance liquid chromatography-MS, and their composition was found to vary with the carbon source and the strain used in the fermentation. The best overall production of rhamnolipids and PHAs was obtained with CW with frying oil as the carbon source, with PHA production corresponding to 39% of the cell dry weight and rhamnolipid production being 660 mg l(-1). Under these conditions, the surface tension of the culture decreased to 30 mN m(-1), and the critical micelle concentration was 26.5 mg l(-1). It would appear that CW with frying oil has the highest potential as an alternative substrate, and its use may contribute to a reduction in the overall environmental impact generated by discarding such residues.