BmooMPα-I, a Metalloproteinase Isolated from Venom, Reduces Blood Pressure, Reverses Left Ventricular Remodeling and Improves Cardiac Electrical Conduction in Rats with Renovascular Hypertension.

BmooMPα-I has kininogenase activity, cleaving kininogen releasing bradykinin and can hydrolyze angiotensin I at post-proline and aspartic acid positions, generating an inactive peptide. We evaluated the antihypertensive activity of BmooMPα-I in a model of two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C). Wistar rats were divided into groups: Sham, who underwent sham surgery, and 2K1C, who suffered stenosis of the right renal artery.

Phyto-derived Products as Matrix Metalloproteinases Inhibitors in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that present a metallic element in their structure. These enzymes are ubiquitously distributed and function as extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelers. MMPs play a broad role in cardiovascular biology regulating processes such as cell adhesion and function, cellular communication and differentiation, integration of mechanical force and force transmission, tissue remodeling, modulation of damaged-tissue structural integrity, cellular survival or apoptosis and regulation of inflammation-related cytokines and growth factors.

Aqueous Coriandrum sativum L. extract promotes neuroprotection against motor changes and oxidative damage in rat progeny after maternal exposure to methylmercury.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Coriandrum sativum aqueous extract (CSAE) on the rat progeny of mothers exposed to methylmercury (MeHg). The presence of bioactive compounds and CSAE's antioxidant capacity been evaluated, and the offspring were assessed for their total mercury levels, motor behavioral parameters and oxidative stress in the cerebellum. The analysis of the bioactive compounds revealed significant amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, as well as a variety of minerals.

Proximal tibial reconstruction with auto transplantation of the fibular growth plate: two case reports, describing the surgical technique.

Introduction: Tumors of the proximal tibia, in children, can affect the growth plate and pose a challenge to further reconstruction of the bone defects resulting from tumor resection. Reconstruction methods do not always compensate the potential for bone growth in this segment. We present a new surgical technique of bone reconstruction, based on the transposition of the ipsilateral fibula with its growth plate and the use of an internal sliding fixation device, without need for microsurgical technique.

Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of silibinin on experimental preeclampsia induced by L-NAME in rats.

Aims: Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with N-omega-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) has been employed as an experimental model of human preeclampsia. This study determined the protective effect of silibinin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties on the deleterious effects observed in experimentally induced preeclampsia in rats.

Main Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats were treated during gestation (days 10-20) with l-NAME (70-80mg/kg/day) in drinking water or with l-NAME plus silibinin (100mg/kg/day, orally) starting at day 0, day 7 or day 14 of pregnancy.