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Guilherme Pires Amaral,
Nelson Rodrigues de Carvalho,
Rômulo Pillon Barcelos,
Fernando Dobrachinski, Rafael de Lima Portella,
Michele Hinerasky da Silva,
Thiago Henrique Lugokenski,
Glaecir Roseni Mundstock Dias,
Sônia Cristina Almeida da Luz,
Aline Augusti Boligon,
Margareth Linde Athayde,
Marcos Antonio Villetti,
Félix Alexandre Antunes Soares,
Roselei Fachinetto
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ABSTRACT: The pathology of a gastric ulcer is complex and multifactorial. Gastric ulcers affect many people around the world and its development is a result of the imbalance between aggressive and protective factors in the gastric mucosa. In this study, we evaluated the ethanolic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (eeRo); this plant, more commonly known as rosemary, has attracted the interest of the scientific community due to its numerous pharmacological properties and their potential therapeutic applications. Here, we tested the preventive effects of eeRo against gastric ulcer induced by 70% ethanol in male Wistar rats. In addition, we aimed to clarify the mechanism involved in the preventive action of the eeRo in gastric ulcers. Based on the analysis of markers of oxidative damage and enzymatic antioxidant defense systems, the measurement of nitrite and nitrate levels and the assessment of the inflammatory response, the eeRo exhibited significant antioxidant, vasodilator and antiinflammatory properties.
Food and chemical toxicology: an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association 12/2012; · 2.99 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Organophosphates (OPs), which are widely used as pesticides, are acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors. The inactivation of AChE results in the accumulation of acetylcholine at cholinergic receptor sites, causing a cholinergic crisis that can lead to death. The classical treatment for OP poisoning is administration of oximes, but these compounds are ineffective in some cases. Here we determined whether the new compound isatin-3-N(4)-benzilthiosemicarbazone (IBTC), which in our previous study proved to be an antioxidant and antiatherogenic molecule, could protect and reactivate AChE and BChE. Toxicity of IBTC after subcutaneous injection in mice was measured using assays for oxidized diclorofluoresceine (DCF), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), non-protein thiol (NPSH) levels, and catalase (CAT), sodium potassium (Na(+)/K(+)) ATPase, delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D), and glutathione peroxidases (GPx) enzyme activities. The cytotoxicity was evaluated and the enzymatic activity of cholinesterase was measured in human blood samples. Molecular docking was used to predict the mechanism of IBTC interactions with the AChE active site. We found that IBTC did not increase the amount of DCF-RS or TBARS, did not reduce NPSH levels, and did not increase CAT, (Na(+)/K(+)) ATPase, ALA-D, or GPx activities. IBTC protected and reactivated both AChE and BChE activities. Molecular docking predicted that IBTC is positioned at the peripheral anionic site and in the acyl binding pocket of AChE and can interact with methamidophos, releasing the enzyme's active site. Our results suggest that IBTC, besides being an antioxidant and a promising antiatherogenic agent, is a non-toxic molecule for methamidophos poisoning treatment.
Toxicology in Vitro 04/2012; 26(6):1030-9. · 2.78 Impact Factor
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Rodrigo de Souza Balk,
Michele Hinerasky da Silva,
Jessika Cristina Bridi,
Nelson Rodrigues Carvalho, Rafael de Lima Portella,
Fernando Dobrachinski,
Guilherme Pires Amaral,
Rômulo Barcelos,
Glaecir Roseni Mundstock Dias,
João Batista Teixeira da Rocha,
Nilda Berenice Vargas Barbosa,
Felix Alexandre Antunes Soares
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ABSTRACT: Activation of the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (LHPA) and the release of glucocorticoids are fundamental for the adaptive response and immediate survival of an organism in reaction to acute stimuli. However, high levels of glucocorticoids in the brain may produce neuronal injury and a decrease of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity, with effects on neurotransmitter signaling, neural activity, as well as the whole animal behavior. Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine by indirect actions on the dopaminergic system and LHPA axis. Its chronic use increases the body's ability to cope with stress; however, high doses can potentiate its side effects on memory, learning, and sensory motor function. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of repeated restraint stress and clomipramine treatment on Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity and on the behavior of male rats. Changes in the behavioral response were evaluated by measuring the memory, learning, anxiety, and exploratory responses. Our results showed that exposure to repeated restraint stress reduced levels of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in brain structures and changed short and long-term memory, learning, and exploratory response when compared to the control group. Exposure to clomipramine treatment increased anxiety levels and reduced Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity in the cerebral cortex as well as short term memory, learning, and exploratory response. In conclusion, the present results provide additional evidence concerning how repeated restraint stress and clomipramine chronically administered at higher dose levels affect the neural activity and behavior of male rats.
International journal of developmental neuroscience: the official journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience 07/2011; 29(8):909-16. · 2.03 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Several lines of evidence support the hypotheses that the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) may play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress is one of the causes of the overproduction of reactive species that increase the formation of oxidized LDL. Thiosemicarbazones are compounds used in anticancer, antiviral and antifungal therapy; however, its redox activity has been controversial. Thus, we tested, in vitro, a possible antioxidant activity of a thiosemicarbazone derivate, the isatin-3-N(4)-benzilthiosemicarbazone (IBTC).
We measured the conjugated diene formation in serum and LDL as well as the loss of tryptophan fluorescence in LDL induced by two oxidant agents, 2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane dihydrochloride) (AAPH) and Cu(2+). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation in LDL and in different rat tissues was also assessed. The toxicity of IBTC was measured using aortic slices viability assay.
Our results show that IBTC significantly reduced the AAPH and Cu(2+)-induced formation of conjugated dienes, increased in a dose-dependent manner the lag phase and the t(1/2) of tryptophan fluorescence, and reduced the TBARS formation in LDL, plasma and rat tissues, showing no toxicity to aortic slices.
These results indicate that IBTC is a good antioxidant and a promising antiatherogenic agent for further studies in vivo.
Life sciences 07/2011; 89(1-2):20-8. · 2.56 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to compare the effects of repeated restraint stress alone and the combination with clomipramine treatment on parameters of oxidative stress in cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus of male rats. Animals were divided into control and repeated restraint stress, and subdivided into treated or not with clomipramine. After 40 days of stress and 27 days of clomipramine treatment with 30 mg/kg, the repeated restraint stress alone reduced levels of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase in all tissues studied. The combination of repeated restraint stress and clomipramine increased the lipid peroxidation, free radicals and CAT activity as well as decreased levels of NP-SH in the tissues studied. However, Na(+), K(+)-ATPase level decreased in striatum and cerebral cortex and the SOD activity increased in hippocampus and striatum. Results indicated that clomipramine may have deleterious effects on the central nervous system especially when associated with repeated restraint stress and chronically administered in non therapeutic levels.
Neurochemical Research 11/2010; 35(11):1761-70. · 2.24 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Hypercholesterolaemia and oxidative stress are well-known risk factors in coronary artery diseases. Diphenyl diselenide is a synthetic organoselenium compound that has been shown to have in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated whether diphenyl diselenide could reduce the hypercholesterolaemia and diminish the tissue oxidative stress in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Twenty-four New Zealand white male rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Each group was fed a different diet as follows: Control group--regular chow; Cholesterol group--1% cholesterol-enriched diet; diphenyl diselenide group--regular diet supplemented with 10 ppm diphenyl diselenide; and Chol/diphenyl diselenide group--the same cholesterol-rich supplemented with 10 ppm diphenyl diselenide. After 45 days of treatment, the rabbits were killed and the blood, liver, and brain were used for laboratory analysis. The results showed that the serum levels of total cholesterol were markedly increased in cholesterol-fed rabbits and the consumption of diphenyl diselenide decreased these levels approximately twofold in Chol/diphenyl diselenide rabbits (P < 0.05). The intake of diphenyl diselenide by hypercholesterolaemic rabbits diminished the serum and hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels as well as the production of reactive oxygen species in the blood and brain (P < 0.05) when compared to the cholesterol group. In addition, diphenyl diselenide supplementation increased hepatic and cerebral delta-aminolevulinic dehydratase activity and hepatic non-protein thiol groups levels despite hypercholesterolaemia (P < 0.05). In summary, the results showed that diphenyl diselenide reduced the hypercholesterolaemia and the oxidative stress in cholesterol-fed rabbits.
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology 04/2009; 105(1):17-23. · 2.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) may play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Various studies have shown a positive effect of antioxidant compounds on oxidative modification of LDL and atherogenesis. In view of this, we have investigated the possible antioxidant activity of two new oximes against Cu2+- induced LDL and serum oxidation. Oximes are used in organophosphate (OP) poisoning acting by restoring the cholinesterase function. However, their antioxidant capacities are not well understood and poorly studied.
We measured, in a Cu2+-induced oxidation, the conjugated dienes formation in serum and LDL and the loss of tryptophan fluorescence as well as the TBARS formation in the LDL.
Our results showed that both oximes act as antioxidant and they are able to prevent LDL oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner. When human LDL or serum was oxidized by Cu2+, our oximes showed a significant increase in the lag phase of conjugated dienes and a significant decrease in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances production. Moreover, oximes protected tryptophan residues of ApoB-100 in the early stage of LDL oxidation and during the subsequent propagation phase.
These results indicated for the first time that oximes have a potential antioxidant activity and they could act in the prevention of LDL and serum oxidation. Thus, we speculated that our oximes could act as antiatherogenic compounds besides their well described role as antidote for organophosphate poisoning.
Life Sciences 11/2008; 83(25-26):878-85. · 2.53 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) represents an important factor in atherogenesis. In the present study, we have investigated the antioxidant capability of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)(2), a simple organoseleno compound, against copper (Cu2+) and peroxyl radical-induced human LDL oxidation in vitro. In initial studies using human serum, (PhSe)(2) caused a dose-dependent inhibition of Cu(2+)-induced lipid peroxidation, which was correlated to thiol consumption. (PhSe)(2) increased lipid peroxidation lag phase and decreased lipid peroxidation rate in isolated human LDL, evaluated by measuring both conjugated diene (CD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels. Consistent with these observations, (PhSe)(2) showed a marked inhibitory effect on 2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane dihydrochloride) (AAPH)-induced oxidation of LDL or parinaric acid (PnA) incorporated into LDL. (PhSe)(2) also displayed a dose-dependent protective effect against Cu(2+)-induced lipid peroxidation in rat aortic slices. Interestingly, besides the antioxidant effects of (PhSe)(2) toward the lipid moieties of LDL, which was related to its thiol-peroxidase activity, protein moieties from human isolated LDL were also protected against Cu(2+)-induced oxidation. The results presented herein are the first to show that (i) (PhSe)(2) inhibits lipid peroxidation in human isolated LDL in vitro, (ii) this phenomenon is related to its thiol-peroxidase activity, and (iii) this chalcogen also prevents the oxidation of protein moieties of human LDL. Taken together, such data render (PhSe)(2) a promising molecule for pharmacological studies with respect to the atherogenic process.
Atherosclerosis 04/2008; 201(1):92-100. · 3.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Selenium compounds, like diphenyl diselenide (Ph(2)Se(2)), possess glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx)-like activities and other antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a long-term oral supplementation with Ph(2)Se(2) on various toxicological parameters in rabbits. Adult New Zealand male rabbits were divided into four groups: Group I served as control; Groups II, III and IV received 0.3, 3.0 and 30 p.p.m. of Ph(2)Se(2) pulverized in the chow for 8 months. A number of toxicological parameters were examined in liver, kidney, cerebral cortex and hippocampus, such as delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase (delta-ALA-D), catalase (CAT), GSHPx activities, non-protein thiol (-SH), lipid peroxidation and ascorbic acid levels. The results indicated that supplementation 30 p.p.m. Ph(2)Se(2 )significantly increased delta-ALA-D activity in liver and in cerebral cortex. Non-protein -SH levels were significantly increased in liver but not in kidney, cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rabbits. Ascorbic acid content was significantly lower in the liver and cerebral cortex after supplementation with 30 p.p.m. Ph(2)Se(2). Conversely, no alterations in GSHPx and CAT activities, nor in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were observed in rabbit tissues. These results indicate that oral supplementation with Ph(2)Se(2) is relatively secure in rabbits after 8 months of exposure. The findings encourage further experiments on the potential therapeutic effects of such compound.
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology 08/2007; 101(1):47-55. · 2.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The concept that selenium-containing molecules may be better antioxidants than classical antioxidants, has led to the design of synthetic organoselenium compounds. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential toxicity of long time oral exposure to diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 in rabbits. Male adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups, group I served as control; groups II, III and IV received 0.3, 3.0 and 30 ppm of (PhSe)2 pulverized in the chow for 8 months. A number of parameters were examined in blood as indicators of toxicity, including delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (delta-ALA-D), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine, TBARS, non-protein-SH, ascorbic acid and selenium. The results demonstrated that 6 and 8 months of 30 ppm (PhSe)2 intake caused a significant increase in blood delta-ALA-D activity. Erythrocyte non-protein thiol levels were significantly increased after 2 months of 30 ppm (PhSe)2 intake and then return to control levels after prolonged periods of intake. Ingestion of 3.0 ppm of (PhSe)2 for 8 months significantly increased catalase activity in erythrocytes. Conversely, no alterations in GPx, ALT, AST, TBARS and selenium levels were observed in rabbit serum, conversely, selenium levels in peri-renal adipose tissue were significantly increased after 8 months of 30 ppm (PhSe)2 intake, indicating its great lipophylicity. The present results suggest that diphenyl diselenide was not hepato- or renotoxic for rabbits, but caused some biochemical alterations that can be related to some pro-oxidant activity of the compound (particularly the reduction in Vitamin C).
Chemico-Biological Interactions 08/2006; 162(1):1-10. · 2.46 Impact Factor
