Risk assessment of 2β,3β-19α-trihydroxyursolic acid from Rubus imperialis (Rosaceae) in HepG2/C3A cells via genotoxicity, metabolism, and cell growth.

Rubus imperialis (Rosaceae) is a Brazilian medicinal plant that already exhibited therapeutical perspectives. However, previous studies revealed cellular and/or genetic toxicity of extracts from aerial parts of this plant, as well as other species of the Rubus genus. Being 2β,3β-19α-trihydroxyursolic acid (2B) one of the major compounds of this plant, with proven pharmacological effect, it is important to investigate the biosafety of this isolated compound.

Plant Polysaccharides in Engineered Pharmaceutical Gels.

Hydrogels are a great ally in the pharmaceutical and biomedical areas. They have a three-dimensional polymeric structure that allows the swelling of aqueous fluids, acting as an absorbent, or encapsulating bioactive agents for controlled drug release. Interestingly, plants are a source of biogels, specifically polysaccharides, composed of sugar monomers.

17β-estradiol decreases methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity in male mice.

There is increasing evidence that health effects of toxic metals, including methylmercury (MeHg), differ in prevalence or are manifested differently in men and women. The present study was aimed at investigating the potential differential susceptibility of male and female Swiss mice against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, which was evaluated by biochemical (cerebellar oxidative stress-related parameters) and behavioral (locomotor activity and motor performance) variables. We also aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of 17β-estradiol against such toxicity in MeHg-exposed male animals.

Synergistic neurotoxicity induced by methylmercury and quercetin in mice.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a highly neurotoxic pollutant, whose mechanisms of toxicity are related to its pro-oxidative properties. A previous report showed under in vivo conditions the neuroprotective effects of plants of the genus Polygala against MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, the flavonoid quercetin, isolated from Polygala sabulosa, displayed beneficial effects against MeHg-induced oxidative damage under in vitro conditions.

Temporal effects of newly developed oximes (K027, K048) on malathion-induced acetylcholinesterase inhibition and lipid peroxidation in mouse prefrontal cortex.

The potency of newly developed asymmetric bispyridinium oximes (K027, K048) in reactivating acetylcholinesterase and in eliminating oxidative stress induced by acute exposure to malathion was evaluated in mouse prefrontal cortex using in vivo methods. Malathion (1g/kg, dissolved in saline) was administered subcutaneously. The asymmetric bispyridinium oximes K027 or K048 (1/4 of LD(50), dissolved in saline, i.

Lactational exposure to malathion inhibits brain acetylcholinesterase in mice.

The organophosphorus (OP) pesticide malathion is a highly neurotoxic compound. Although some studies have reported neurotoxicity signs after the in utero exposure to OP pesticides, there is no evidence of the exclusive contribution of the lactational exposure to malathion as a possible cause of neurotoxicity in the offspring. In this study, we investigated the exclusive contribution of malathion exposure through maternal milk on the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), as well as on biochemical parameters related to the oxidative stress (glutathione levels, lipid peroxidation and glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities) in the brain of suckling mice.