Padronização de testes para avaliação do estado de mania e potencial anti-maníaco de um agonista do receptor NOP

Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood impairment, alternating between mania/hypomania and depression, and its exact pathophysiology is already unknown. The treatment of bipolar disorder is based on prevention of the manic and depressive episodes using mood stabilizers. Nociceptin/orfanin FQ (N/OFQ) is an endogenous heptadecapeptide which binds as an agonist to NOP receptor, which is a G-coupled inhibitory receptor. N/OFQ and its receptor modulate a lot of functions in the organism, including emotional processes. It is known that the plasmatic concentration of N/OFQ is altered in patients in both phases depressive and manic of bipolar disorder and it is assumed that this system has a role on the etiology of this disorder. Concerning mania, the animal models used in research tend to focus in an unique aspect of the manic behavior, as hyperactivity or agressivity. In the 60’s, the hole board test was proposed, and it consists of an apparatus with holes where a behavior known as head-dippings is measured. High levels of head-dippings are suggestive of neophilia, while low levels can be characteristic of an anxious-like behavior. As the increase of exploratory and goal-directed behavior are characteristics of manic behavior, this test could help in mania research. Thus, this work was organized in 3 steps and aims to: (1) investigate the induction of a manic-like state promoted by ouabain, a Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, in the mouse open field test; (2) set up the hole board as a test to measure manic-like behaviors; and (3) investigate the N/OFQ effects in prevention of this kind of behavior on hole board. Male Swiss mice were used in this study, and they take part of only one of the described steps. Depending on the step performed, mice received one or more of the following treatments: (1) ouabain 10-6 , 10-5 , 10-4 , 10-3 or 10-2 M, intracerebroventricular (icv); (2) sodium valproate 300 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (ip); (3) sodium valproate 400 mg/kg, ip; (4) diazepam 1 mg/kg, ip; (5) methylphenidate 10 mg/kg, ip; and (6) N/OFQ 0,1 or 1 nmol, icv. The results suggest that hole board can be used to evaluate a manic state, through analysis of different animal behaviors. However, it was not possible to standard the model of Na+ /K+ -ATPase dysfunction through ouabain administration in mice. Moreover, the data suggest that N/OFQ, at the doses tested, has not affected the methylphenidate-induced mania-like behavior. Taken together, the results point to a new approach of manic research, through the hole board using. However, more studies are necessary in order to verify the role of N/OFQ system on bipolar disorder.

Avaliação da suplementação de vitamina E sobre a concentração de alfa-tocoferol no leite materno em mulheres com partos prematuros

The term vitamin E refers to a group of eight molecular compounds which differ in structure and bioavailability, and the RRR-alpha-tocopherol more biologically active form. The composition of vitamin E in breast milk undergoes variations during lactation, colostrum and milk richer in this micronutrient compared to transitional and mature milk. Newborns, especially premature infants are more susceptible to vitamin E deficiency and to prevent the damage caused by this deficiency has been proposed supplementation of neonates with this micronutrient, however, there is no consensus to carry out this intervention. Thus, maternal supplementation with RRRalpha-tocopherol in the postpartum period can be a good alternative to try to raise the alpha-tocopherol levels in breast milk and therefore provide the premature newborn adequate amounts of vitamin E. This study to evaluate the effect of supplementation with 400 UI acetate RRR-alpha-tocopherol in women with premature births, on the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in breast milk colostrum, transitional and mature. The study included 89 healthy adult women were enrolled in the control group (n = 51) and supplemented group (n = 38). Blood samples were collected and milk colostrum soon after birth (0h milk) twenty-four hours, new rate of colostrum milk was collected (24h milk). The transitional and mature milk were collected in seven days (7d milk) and thirty days (30d milk) after delivery, respectively. Supplementation in the supplemented group was held after the collection of blood and 0h milk. The alpha-tocopherol analyzes were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Serum levels of alpha-tocopherol less than 516 μg/dL were considered indicative of nutritional deficiency. The average concentration of alphatocopherol in the serum of the control group mothers was 1159.8 ± 292.4 μg/dL and the supplemented group was 1128.3 ± 407.2 μg/dL (p = 0.281). All women had nutritional status in vitamin E suitable. In both groups, it was observed that the concentration of vitamin E in colostrum milk was higher compared to transitional and mature milk. In the supplemented group, the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in the milk increased 60 % after supplementation, from 1339.3 ± 414.2 μg/dL (0h milk) to 2234.7 ± 997.3 μg/dL (24h milk). While the control group values in colostrum 0h and colostrum 24h were similar (p = 0.681). In the control group the follow-on milk alphatocopherol value was 875.3 ± 292.4 μg/dL and in the group supplemented 1352.8 ± 542.3 μg/dL, an increase of 35% in the supplemented group compared to control (p <0.001). In mature milk alpha-tocopherol concentrations between the control group (426.6 ± 187.5 μg/dL) and supplemented (416.4 ± 214.2 μg/dL) were similar (p = 0.853). Only 24h milk supplemented group answered the nutritional requirement of alpha-tocopherol (4 mg/day) of the newborn. These results show that the transport of this micronutrient for milk occurs in a controlled and limited way. Thus, the native vitamin E supplementation increases the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in colostrum and milk and transition does not influence the concentration in mature milk. Only the increase in colostrum milk was sufficient to meet the nutritional requirement of premature newborns.

Avaliação da concentração de vitamina A materna e de neonatos prematuros e a termo

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for many physiological processes such as growth and development, so that their adequate nutritional state is essential during pregnancy and lactation. Lactating women and children in breastfeeding are considered risk groups for vitamin A deficiency and some factors may increase the risk of vitamin A deficiency, such as prematurity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the vitamin A concentration in preterm and term lactating women and newborns by determination of retinol in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum and breast milk collected until 72 hours postpartum. 182 mothers were recruited and divided into preterm group (GPT; n = 118) and term group (GT, n = 64). In preterm group were also analyzed transition milk (7th-15th day; n = 68) and mature milk (30th-55th day; n = 46) samples. Retinol was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Maternal retinol concentration in serum was 48.6 ± 12.3 µg/dL in GPT and 42.8 ± 16.3 µg/dL in the GT (p <0.01). Cord serum retinol was 20.4 ± 7.4 µg/dL in GPT and 23.2 ± 7.6 µg/dL in GT (p> 0.05). Among newborns, 43% of premature and 36% of term had low levels of serum retinol in umbilical cord (<20 µg/dL). In colostrum, the retinol in preterm and term groups had an average of 100.8 ± 49.0 µg/dL and 127.5 ± 65.1 µg/dL, respectively (p <0.05). The retinol average in preterm milk increased to 112.5 ± 49.7 µg/dL in transition phase and decreased to 57.2 ± 23.4 µg/dL in mature milk, differing significantly in all stages (p <0.05). When comparing with the recommendation of vitamin A intake (400 µg/day) GT colostrum reached the recommendation for infants, but in GPT the recommendation was not achieved at any stage. Mothers of premature infants had higher serum retinol than mothers at term; however, this was not reflected in serum retinol of umbilical cord, since premature had lower concentration of retinol. Such condition can be explained due to lower maternal physiological hemodilution and placental transfer of retinol to the fetus during preterm gestation. Comparison of retinol in colostrum showed lower concentrations in GPT; however the transition phase there was a significant increase of retinol content released by the mammary gland of preterm mothers. This situation highlights a specific physiological adaptation of prematurity, likely to more contribute to formation of hepatic reserves of retinol in premature infants.

Concentração do óleo de girassol em compostos insaturados utilizando destilação molecular

Vegetable oils are characterized as important raw materials in the supplying of natural substances of interest pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industry. Sunflower oil stands out for its important composition present in unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic (C18:2), responsible for many health benefits. The main objective of this study is obtain enriched fractions in unsaturated compounds from refined sunflower oil. The oil used in this study was characterized by the determination of some properties, like iodine number, acid number and viscosity. A transesterification was done to transform the triglycerides into their corresponding methyl esters of fatty acids. These was submitted the molecular distillation process, for present as an efficient alternative to separation and purification of these substances, using high vacuum and low temperatures. Of the esters fractions that was obtained, were analyzed by gas chromatography. The experimental design technique was used to evaluate the influence of the temperature variation of evaporation and condensation system on the percentage obtained residue. The evaporator temperature proved to be the most influential variable on the studied response. The optimized conditions for the answer was studied at 100 °C for evaporator temperature and 10 °C for the condenser temperature. The graph of "split ratio" showed that for the lowest flow feed (1 mL/min) and higher evaporator temperature (110 °C) was obtained in the largest fraction of distillate. It also used the study of the influence of evaporator temperature on the concentration of unsaturated compounds. The best operating conditions for temperature was 90 °C reached 82.21 % of unsaturated compounds. Elimination curves of the unsaturated compounds present in the distillate stream were obtained. The simulation results of the molecular distillation process of sunflower oil showed the concentration profiles for three different feed flow rates. The speed, temperature and thickness profiles of the liquid film were obtained. The speed of the film increases as the fluid flows through the walls of the evaporator, reaching a maximum on length of 0.075 m. The film thickness decreases on the route, since many compounds are volatilized. The result of the temperature profile had to be consistent with the literature reproduced, being constant after reaching the maximum operating temperature in the length of 0.15 m. This study allowed characterizing and focusing, through experimental analysis, unsaturated compounds and observing the sunflower oil´s behavior through process simulation.

Concentração do óleo de girassol em compostos insaturados utilizando destilação molecular

Vegetable oils are characterized as important raw materials in the supplying of natural substances of interest pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industry. Sunflower oil stands out for its important composition present in unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic (C18:2), responsible for many health benefits. The main objective of this study is obtain enriched fractions in unsaturated compounds from refined sunflower oil. The oil used in this study was characterized by the determination of some properties, like iodine number, acid number and viscosity. A transesterification was done to transform the triglycerides into their corresponding methyl esters of fatty acids. These was submitted the molecular distillation process, for present as an efficient alternative to separation and purification of these substances, using high vacuum and low temperatures. Of the esters fractions that was obtained, were analyzed by gas chromatography. The experimental design technique was used to evaluate the influence of the temperature variation of evaporation and condensation system on the percentage obtained residue. The evaporator temperature proved to be the most influential variable on the studied response. The optimized conditions for the answer was studied at 100 °C for evaporator temperature and 10 °C for the condenser temperature. The graph of "split ratio" showed that for the lowest flow feed (1 mL/min) and higher evaporator temperature (110 °C) was obtained in the largest fraction of distillate. It also used the study of the influence of evaporator temperature on the concentration of unsaturated compounds. The best operating conditions for temperature was 90 °C reached 82.21 % of unsaturated compounds. Elimination curves of the unsaturated compounds present in the distillate stream were obtained. The simulation results of the molecular distillation process of sunflower oil showed the concentration profiles for three different feed flow rates. The speed, temperature and thickness profiles of the liquid film were obtained. The speed of the film increases as the fluid flows through the walls of the evaporator, reaching a maximum on length of 0.075 m. The film thickness decreases on the route, since many compounds are volatilized. The result of the temperature profile had to be consistent with the literature reproduced, being constant after reaching the maximum operating temperature in the length of 0.15 m. This study allowed characterizing and focusing, through experimental analysis, unsaturated compounds and observing the sunflower oil´s behavior through process simulation.

Kisspeptina: efeito na maturação in vitro de ovócitos bovinos

This study aimed to evaluate different concentrations of kisspeptin, as well as the interaction of kisspeptin and FSH/LH in vitro maturation and oocyte competence in cattle. In Experiment 1 was determined the minimum concentration of Kisspeptin (Kp) to be used, and in Experiment 2 was evaluated its interection with FSH and LH. The oocytes were collected in a commercial slaughterhouse and only Grade I oocytes were utilized. The oocytes were cultured in TCM-199 medium with bicarbonate plus 10% FBS, sodium pyruvate (22μg/mL), amikacin (83mg/mL), FSH (0.5μg/mL), with different concentrations of Kp, the treatments were: FSH + 0M Kp-10; FSH + 10-7M Kp-10, FSH + 10-6M Kp-10; FSH + 10-5M Kp-10. In Experiment 2, was used better concentration of Kp found in Experiment 1, the following treatments: no hormones; FSH; FSH + Kp-10; FSH + LH; FSH, LH + Kp-10; Kp-10. The oocyte competence was determined by nuclear maturation, mitochondrial distribution, MitoTracker® Orange CMTMRos fluorescence intensity and DCF. The evaluation of nuclear maturation was made after 24 hours incubation and the oocytes were stained with DAPI to determine the nuclear stage (Germinal Vesicle-GV, Metaphase I-MI and Metaphase II-MII).The mitochondrial distribution was classified as peripheral/semiperipheral and diffuse in clusters/granules, evaluated after stained with the MitoTracker® Orange CMTMRos, and was also identified the intensity of it. To determine the intensity of ROS oocytes were stained with DCF. The statistical analysis was performed by SAS GLIMMIX PROC. In Experiment 1 oocytes matured only with the FSH reached a smaller nuclear maturation when compared to those who were matured with Kisspeptin at different concentrations (FSH:13/33; FSH + 10-7M Kp-10: 28/35; FSH + 10-6M Kp-10:30/34; FSH + 10-5M Kp-10:28/32; P=0,0001). There was no statistical difference in mitochondrial distribution between treatments (P>0.05). The fluorescence intensity of MitoTracker did not differ among treatments (P>0.05). The DCF fluorescence intensity was lower when the concentration of Kp was increased in the medium (FSH:12177726,1; FSH + 10-7M Kp-10:10945982,83; FSH + 10-6M Kp-10:9820536,53; FSH + 10-5M Kp-10:9147016,38; P<0,0001). Based in the Experiment 1 results, the concentration of Kp was determined in 10-7M. In Experiment 2 the mitochondrial distribution was different between treatments, because oocytes matured only with Kp or FSH+LH, reached a oocyte competence greater than those maturated with FSH only or without hormone addition (no hormones:66,66%; FSH:66,66%; FSH + Kp-10:75,86%; FSH + LH:91,17%; FSH, LH + Kp-10:82,85%; Kp-10:91,17%; P<0,05). The no hormones resulted in a lower nuclear maturation than the other treatments (no hormones: 5/18; FSH:18/32; FSH + Kp-10:22/29; FSH + LH:26/33; FSH, LH + Kp-10:26/34; Kp-10:25/34; P=0,0094). The fluorescence intensity of probes MitoTracker and DCF was lower when Kp was added to the maturation medium (no hormones:1228363/540069; FSH:2307984/1395751; FSH + Kp-10:1941890/1114948; FSH + LH:2502145/1722376; FSH, LH + Kp-10:2286173/1467782; Kp-10:1859411/979325 P<0,0001). So this is the first study that shows that Kisspeptin stimulates oocyte maturation without the presence of gonadotropins in the maturation medium.

Efeito da concentração de sólidos e de variáveis operacionais no desempenho de um hidrociclone concentrador

The hydrocycloning operation has a goal to separate solid-liquid suspensions and liquid-liquid emulsions through the centrifugal force action. Hydrocyclones are equipment with reduced size and used in both clarification and thickening. This device is used in many areas, like petrochemical and minerals process, and accumulate advantages like versatility and low cost of maintenance. However, the demand to improve the process and to reduce the costs has motivated several studies of equipment optimization. The filtering hydrocyclone is a non-conventional equipment developed at FEQUI/UFU with objective to improve the hydrocycloning separation efficiency. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the operating conditions of feed concentration and underflow diameter on the performance of a filtering geometry optimized to minimization of energy costs. The filtration effect was investigated through the comparison between the performance of the Optimized Filtering Hydrocyclone (HCOF) and the Optimized Concentrator Hydrocyclone (HCO). Because of the resemblance of hydrocyclones performance, the filtration did not represent significant effect on the performance of the HCOF. It was found that in this geometry the decrease of the variable underflow diameter was very favorable to thickening operation. The suspension concentration of quartzite at 1.0% of solids in volume was increased about 42 times when the 3 mm underflow diameter was used. The increase on the feed solid percentage was good for decreasing the energy spent, so that a minimum number of Euler of 730 was achieved at CVA = 10.0%v. However, a greater amount of solids in suspension leads to a lower efficiency of the equipment. Therefore, to minimize the underflow-to-throughput ratio and keep a high efficiency level, it is indicated to work with dilute suspension (CVA = 1.0%) and 3 mm underflow diameter (η = 67%). But if it is necessary to work with high feed concentration, the use of 5 mm underflow diameter provides a rise in the efficiency. The HCO hydrocyclone was compared to the traditional family of hydrocyclones Rietema and presented advantages like higher efficiency (34% higher in average) and lower energy costs (20% lower in average). Finally, the efficiency curves and project equation have been raised for the HCO hydrocyclone each with satisfactory adjust.

Estudo fitoquímico e biológico das folhas de Banisteriopsis argyrophylla (A. Juss.) B. Gates (Malpighiaceae)

With the increasing fungi resistance compared with existing drugs on the market and the side effects reported by some compounds with antioxidant properties and enzymatic inhibitors, in particular against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, the discovery of new compounds with biological potential, becomes a need. In this context, natural products can be an important source for the discovery of new active molecular architectures. Then, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity, the enzymatic inhibitory activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, the antifungal and cytotoxic activities of ethanolic extract (EE) the leaves of Banisteriopsis argyrophylla (Malpighiaceae) and their fractions, obtained by liquid-liquid extraction using solvents of increasing polarity. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the free radical DPPH scavenging method (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and the ethyl acetate fractions (FAE) and n-butanol (FB) were the most active, confirmed by the peak current and the oxidation potential obtained by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The inhibitory activity of the α-amylase and α-glucosidase was analyzed considering the reactions between substrates α-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-β-1,4-galactopiranosilmaltoside (Gal-α-G2-CNP) and 4-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (p-NPG), respectively. Initially, it was found that the EE showed considerable activity against α-amylase (EC50 = 2.89±0.1 μg m L–1) compared to the acarbose used as positive control (EC50 = 0.08±0.1 μg mL–1) and that did not showed promising activity against the α-glucosidase. After this observation we evaluated the inhibitory activity of α-amylase fractions, with FAE (EC50 = 2.33±0.1 μg mL–1) and FB (EC50 = 2.57 ± 0.1 μg mL–1) showing the best inhibitions. The antifungal activity was evaluated against Candida species, and the FAE had better antifungal potential (MIC's between 93.75 and 11.72 μg mL–1) compared with amphotericin as positive standard (MIC = 1.00 and 2.00 μg L–1 for C. parapsilosis and C. krusei used as controls, respectively). The EE (CC50 = 360.00 ± 12 μg mL–1) and fractions (CC50's> 270.00 μg mL–1) were considerably less toxic to Vero cells than the cisplatin used as positive control (CC50 = 7.01 ± 0 6 μg mL–1). The FAE showed the best results for the activities studied, this fraction was submitted to ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS)), and the following flavonoids have been identified: (±)-catechin, quercetin-3-O-β-D-Glc/ quercetin-3-O-β-D-Gal, quercetin-3-O-β-L-Ara, quercetin-3-O-β-D-Xyl, quercetin-3-O-α-L-Rha, kaempferol-3-O-α-L-Rha, quercetin-3-O-(2''-galoil)-α-L-Rha, quercetin-3-O-(3''-galoil)-α-L-Rha and kaempferol-3-O-(3''-galoil)-α-L-Rha,. FAE was submitted to column chromatography using C18 phase, and (±)-catechin was isolated (FAE-A1, 73 mg) and three fractions consisting of a mixture of flavonoids were obtained (FAE-A2, FAE-A3 and FAE-A4). These compounds were identified by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and (–)-ESI-MS. The (±)-catechin fraction showed an MIC = 2.83 μg ml–1 in assay using C. glabrata, with amphotericin as positive control. The fractions FAE-A2, FAE-A3, FAE-A4, showed less antifungal potential in tested concentrations. The identified flavonoids are described in the literature, regarding their antioxidant capacity and (±)-catechin, quercetin-3-O-Rha and kaempferol-3-O-Rha are described as α-amylase inhibitors. Thus, B. argyrophylla is an important species that produces compounds with antioxidant potential that can be related to the traditional use as anti-inflammatory and also has antifungal compounds and inhibitors of α-amylase. Therefore, these leaves are promising resources for the production of new drugs.

Concentração Varejista: um estudo da Rua Conde de Sarzedas

O cluster é um fenômeno contemporâneo de grande importância, tendo sido cada vez mais estudado nos últimos anos em razão de sua importância estratégica para as empresas que o compõem, bem como para a região em que se localiza. Dessa forma, esta pesquisa objetiva identificar, analisar e classificar os fatores que contribuíram para o nascimento e manutenção de um cluster comercial especializado na distribuição varejista de produtos evangélicos na Rua Conde de Sarzedas (São Paulo – SP). Esta é uma pesquisa descritiva efetuada por meio de um levantamento de campo junto aos proprietários e gerentes das lojas varejistas do cluster comercial em estudo. Os principais fatores que contribuíram para o nascimento do cluster varejista foram: fundação da sede de uma grande igreja evangélica nos arredores, abertura de gravadora de discos evangélicos, participação de fiéis cantores, apoio da rádio e demanda dos produtos ofertados pelos fiéis. Já em relação à manutenção do cluster comercial, obteve-se os seguintes fatores pro lsores: divulgação boca a boca, fácil acesso, preços acessíveis, atendimento especializado, ações de marketing, crescimento da população evangélica local e de outras regiões, cooperação entre lojistas, eventos de promoção específicos, desenvolvimento da economia brasileira e acesso à internet.

Estudo da influência da concentração de PVP K-30/90 na morfologia do filme de PES

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar morfologicamente as membranas de PES preparadas a partir do uso de misturas de polivinilpirrolidona (PVP K-30 e K-90), visando ajustar as condições de síntese para a obtenção de uma membrana isenta de macroporos.

Chemical characterization and evaluation of biological activity of Cynara cardunculus extractable compounds

The Mediterranean species Cynara cardunculus L. is recognized in the traditional medicine, for their hepatoprotective and choleretic effects. Biomass of C. cardunculus L. var. altilis (DC), or cultivated cardoon, may be explored not only for the production of energy and pulp fibers, but also for the extraction of bioactive compounds. The chemical characterization of extractable components, namely terpenic and phenolic compounds, may valorize the cultivated cardoon plantation, due to their antioxidant, antitumoral and antimicrobial activities. In this study, the chemical composition of lipophilic and phenolic fractions of C. cardunculus L. var. altilis (DC), cultivated in the south of Portugal (Baixo Alentejo region) was characterized in detail, intending the integral valorization of its biomass. The biological activity of cultivated cardoon extracts was evaluated in terms of antioxidant, human tumor cell antiproliferative and antibacterial effects. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the chemical analysis of lipophilic compounds. Sixty-five lipophilic compounds were identified, from which 1 sesquiterpene lactone and 4 pentacyclic triterpenes were described, for the first time, as cultivated cardoon components, such as: deacylcynaropicrin, acetates of β- and α-amyrin, lupenyl acetate and ψ-taraxasteryl acetate. Sesquiterpene lactones were the major family of lipophilic components of leaves (≈94.5 g/kg), mostly represented by cynaropicrin (≈87.4 g/kg). Pentacyclic triterpenes were also detected, in considerably high contents, in the remaining parts of cultivated cardoon, especially in the florets (≈27.5 g/kg). Taraxasteryl acetate was the main pentacyclic triterpene (≈8.9 g/kg in florets). High pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was utilized for the chemical analysis of phenolic compounds. Among the identified 28 phenolic compounds, eriodictyol hexoside was reported for the first time as C. cardunculus L. component, and 6 as cultivated cardoon components, namely 1,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, naringenin 7-O-glucoside, naringenin rutinoside, naringenin, luteolin acetylhexoside and apigenin acetylhexoside. The highest content of the identified phenolic compounds was observed in the florets (≈12.6 g/kg). Stalks outer part contained the highest hydroxycinnamic acids abundance (≈10.3 g/kg), and florets presented the highest flavonoids content (≈10.3 g/kg). The antioxidant activity of phenolic fraction was examined through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Stalks outer part, and receptacles and bracts extracts demonstrated the highest antioxidant effect on DPPH (IC50 of 34.35 μg/mL and 35.25 μg/mL, respectively). (cont.) abstract (cont.) The DPPH scavenging effect was linearly correlated with the total contents of hydroxycinnamic acids (r = -0.990). The in vitro antiproliferative activity of cultivated cardoon lipophilic and phenolic extracts was evaluated on a human tumor cells line of triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), one of the most refractory human cancers to conventional therapeutics. After 48 h of exposition, leaves lipophilic extract showed higher inhibitory effect (IC50 = 10.39 μg/mL) than florets lipophilic extract (IC50 = 315.22 μg/mL), upon MDA-MB-231 cellular viability. Pure compound of cynaropicrin, representative of the main compound identified in leaves lipophilic extract, also prevented the cell proliferation of MDA-MB-231 (IC50 = 17.86 μM). MDA-MB-231 cells were much more resistant to the 48 h- treatment with phenolic extracts of stalks outer part (IC50 = 3341.20 μg/mL) and florets (IC50 > 4500 μg/mL), and also with the pure compound of 1,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (IC50 = 1741.69 μM). MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed, for 48 h, to the respective IC50 concentrations of leaves lipophilic extract and pure compound of cynaropicrin, in order to understand their ability in modelling cellular responses, and consequently important potentially signaling pathways for the cellular viability decrease. Leaves lipophilic extract increased the caspase-3 enzymatic activity, contrarily to pure compound of cynaropicrin. Additionally, leaves lipophilic extract and pure compound of cynaropicrin caused G2 cell cycle arrest, possibly by upregulating the p21Waf1/Cip1 and the accumulation of phospho-Tyr15-CDK1 and cyclin B1. The inhibitory effects of leaves lipophilic extract and cynaropicrin pure compound, against the MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, may also be related to the downregulation of phospho-Ser473-Akt. The antibacterial activity of cultivated cardoon lipophilic and phenolic extracts was assessed, for the first time, on two multidrug-resistant bacteria, such as the Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and the Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), two of the main bacteria responsible for health care-associated infections. Accordingly, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined. Lipophilic and phenolic extracts of florets did not have antibacterial activity on P. aeruginosa PAO1 and MRSA (MIC > 2048 μg/mL). Leaves lipophilic extract did not prevent the P. aeruginosa PAO1 growth, but pure compound of cynaropicrin was slightly active (MIC = 2048 μg/mL). Leaves lipophilic extract and pure compound of cynaropicrin blocked MRSA growth (MIC of 1024 and 256 μg/mL, respectively). The scientific knowledge revealed in this thesis, either by the chemical viewpoint, or by the biological viewpoint, contributes for the valorization of C. cardunculus L. var. altilis (DC) biomass. Cultivated cardoon has potential to be exploited as source of bioactive compounds, in conciliation with other valorization pathways, and Portuguese traditional cheeses manufacturing.