Agathisflavone Inhibits Viability and Modulates the Expression of miR-125b, miR-155, IL-6, and Arginase in Glioblastoma Cells and Microglia/Macrophage Activation.

Glioblastomas (GBM) are malignant tumours with poor prognosis. Treatment involves chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy; however, there is currently no standard treatment for recurrence, and prognosis remains unfavourable. Inflammatory mediators and microRNAs (miRNAs) influence the aggressiveness of GBM, being involved in the communication with the cells of the tumour parenchyma, including microglia/macrophages, and maintaining an immunosuppressive microenvironment.

Cytotoxic and antibacterial compounds from Raddi fruits.

Chromatographic procedures of extracts of Raddi fruits afforded -masticadienoic () and 3β-masticadienolic () acids, tetrahydroamentoflavone (), and 4--methyl gallic acid (). Addicionally, the derivative 6-oxo masticadienoic acid () was prepared by an allylic oxidation. The chemical structures of obtained compounds were elucidated by spectrometric data analyses.

Neuroprotective Effect of Flavonoid Agathisflavone in the Ex Vivo Cerebellar Slice Neonatal Ischemia.

Agathisflavone is a flavonoid that exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of agathisflavone on central nervous system (CNS) neurons and glia in the cerebellar slice ex vivo model of neonatal ischemia. Cerebellar slices from neonatal mice, in which glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and SOX10 drive expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), were used to identify astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, respectively.

Seasonal and Circadian Variation of Non-Volatile Metabolites in Lippia alba Leaves.

The present study describes the seasonal and circadian variations of the major compounds from Lippia alba leaves. SPSS was used to identify, quantify, and associate the variations in the secondary metabolites of this species through HPLC/DAD analysis of the leaves hydroethanolic extracts of six selected L. alba specimens.

Hydroxytakakiamide and Other Constituents from a Marine Sponge-Associated Fungus MMERU23, and Antinociceptive Activity of Ergosterol Acetate, Acetylaszonalenin and Helvolic Acid.

An unreported prenylated indole derivative hydroxytakakiamide () was isolated, together with the previously described ergosterol (), ergosterol acetate (), and (3)-3-(1-indol-3-ylmethyl)-3, 4-dihydro-1-1,4-benzodiazepine-2,5-dione (), from the column fractions of the crude ethyl acetate extract of the culture of a marine sponge-associated fungus, MMERU 23. The structure of was elucidated by the interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR spectral data and high-resolution mass spectrum. The absolute configuration of the stereogenic carbon in was proposed to be the same as those of the co-occurring congeners on the basis of their biogenetic consideration and was supported by the comparison of its sign of optical rotation with those of its steroisomers.

The Phytochemical Agathisflavone Modulates miR146a and miR155 in Activated Microglia Involving STAT3 Signaling.

MicroRNAs (miRs) act as important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in glial cells and have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we investigated the effects of agathisflavone, a biflavonoid purified from the leaves of (Tul.), on modulating the expression of miRs and inflammatory mediators in activated microglia.

Microwave extraction and molecular imprinted polymer isolation of bergenin applied to the dendrochronological chemical study of Peltophorum dubium.

This study describes methodologies for extracting and isolating bergenin, a C-glucoside of 4-O-methylgallic acid found in some plants and it presents various in vitro and in vivo biological activities. Bergenin was previously obtained from the Pelthophorum dubim (Fabaceae) roots with a good yield. Conventional chromatographic procedures of the CHCl soluble fraction of the MeOH extract gave 3.

The Flavonoid Agathisflavone Directs Brain Microglia/Macrophages to a Neuroprotective Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant State via Regulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome.

Agathisflavone, purified from (Tul.) has been shown to be neuroprotective in in vitro models of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and inflammatory damage. However, the potential role of microglial regulation by agathisflavone in these neuroprotective effects is unclear.

Dissecting Bonding Interactions in Cysteine Dimers.

Neutral () and zwitterionic () forms of cysteine monomers are combined in this work to extensively explore the potential energy surfaces for the formation of cysteine dimers in aqueous environments represented by a continuum. A simulated annealing search followed by optimization and characterization of the candidate structures afforded a total of 746 structurally different dimers held together via 80 different types of intermolecular contacts in 2894 individual non-covalent interactions as concluded from Natural Bond Orbitals (NBO), Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and Non-Covalent Interactions (NCI) analyses. This large pool of interaction possibilities includes the traditional primary hydrogen bonds and salt bridges which actually dictate the structures of the dimers, as well as the less common secondary hydrogen bonds, exotic X⋯Y (X = C, N, O, S) contacts, and H⋯H dihydrogen bonds.

Monitoring parasite burdens and investigating suspected parasiticide resistance in cattle.

This focus article has been prepared by Vanessa Swinson, David Jorge and Michele Macrelli of the APHA.

Agathisflavone as a Single Therapy or in Association With Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Tissue Repair in a Spinal Cord Injury Model in Rats.

Agathisflavone is a flavonoid with anti-neuroinflammatory and myelinogenic properties, being also capable to induce neurogenesis. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of agathisflavone-both as a pharmacological therapy administered and as an pre-treatment aiming to enhance rat mesenchymal stem cells (r)MSCs properties-in a rat model of acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Adult male Wistar rats ( = 6/group) underwent acute SCI with an F-2 Fogarty catheter and after 4 h were treated daily with agathisflavone (10 mg/kg ip, for 7 days), or administered with a single i.

New dimer and trimer of chalcone derivatives from anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive extracts of Schinopsis brasiliensis roots.

Ethnopharmacology Relevance: Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. is an endemic tree of the Brazilian semi-arid regions belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. It is the main representative of the genus Schinopsis, mostly native to Brazil and popularly known as "braúna" or "baraúna".

Potential therapeutic effects of green tea on obese lipid profile - a systematic review.

Green tea, obtained from the plant , is one of the oldest drinks in the world and contains numerous bioactive compounds. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of green tea in preventing obesity and cardiovascular diseases that may be related to the reduction of lipid levels. This study aimed to evidence, through a systematic review, the therapeutic potential of green tea on the lipid profile in preclinical studies in obese animals and clinical studies in obese individuals.

A Comprehensive Picture of the Structures, Energies, and Bonding in the Alanine Dimers.

High level quantum mechanical computations and extensive stochastic searches of the potential energy surfaces of the Alanine dimers uncover rich and complex structural and interaction landscapes. A total of 416 strongly bound (up 13.4 kcal mol binding energies at the DLPNO-CCSD(T)/6-311++G(d,p) level corrected by the basis set superposition error and by the zero point vibrational energies over B3LYP-D3 geometries), close energy equilibrium structures were located, bonded via 32 specific types of intermolecular contacts including Y⋅⋅⋅H-X primary and Y⋅⋅⋅H-C secondary hydrogen bonds, H⋅⋅⋅H dihydrogen contacts, and non conventional anti-electrostatic Y X interactions.

Agathisflavone Modifies Microglial Activation State and Myelination in Organotypic Cerebellar Slices Culture.

Oligodendrocytes produce the myelin that is critical for rapid neuronal transmission in the central nervous system (CNS). Disruption of myelin has devastating effects on CNS function, as in the demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Microglia are the endogenous immune cells of the CNS and play a central role in demyelination and repair.

Cytotoxic Activity of Tropane Alkaloides of Species of Erythroxylum.

Erythroxylaceae is a family composed of four genera, with Erythroxylum being the only one represented in the Neotropical region. Chemical studies indicate the presence of alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds as main compounds. The incorporation of cytotoxic activity assays of natural products using cell cultures assists in the selection of potential chemotherapeutic agents.

Reverted effect of mesenchymal stem cells in glioblastoma treated with agathisflavone and its selective antitumoral effect on cell viability, migration, and differentiation via STAT3.

Glioblastoma is the most lethal tumor of the central nervous system, presenting a very poor prognostic, with a survival around 16 months. The interaction of mesenchymal stem cells and tumor cells has been studied, showing a bias in their role favoring or going against aggressiveness. Natural products such as flavonoids have showed their anticancer properties and the synergic potential with the activation of microenvironment cells to inhibit tumor progression.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of extracts: HPLC-MS/MS characterization and molecular modeling studies.

The present work describes the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of extracts besides the chemical composition of chromatographic fractions. The hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extract soluble fractions showed high acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition (92.18, 71.

Cytotoxic, Antitumor and Toxicological Profile of Leaf Extract.

or passion fruit is a native flowering plant from Amazon, geographically spread from Peru to Brazil. The plant has long been used in folks medicine for its pharmacological properties and is included in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia since 1929. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential cytotoxic and antitumor activities of leaf extract (PLE) in S180-tumor bearing mice.

Bergenin Reduces Experimental Painful Diabetic Neuropathy by Restoring Redox and Immune Homeostasis in the Nervous System.

Diabetic neuropathy is a frequent complication of diabetes. Symptoms include neuropathic pain and sensory alterations-no effective treatments are currently available. This work characterized the therapeutic effect of bergenin in a mouse (C57/BL6) model of streptozotocin-induced painful diabetic neuropathy.

LeishCare: A Software Designed for the Management of Individuals with Leishmaniases.

The aims of this study were to describe a smartphone app aimed at healthcare professionals who work in areas endemic for visceral and tegumentary leishmaniases, and to report the user's perception of the app in these areas. The software, called LeishCare, has the following features: data registration, image filter to record the evolution of skin lesions using photos, calculation of a score set to identify the risk of death from visceral leishmaniasis, and guides to the diseases. LeishCare was made available to healthcare professionals in endemic municipalities in Brazil, and the perception of potential users was evaluated at baseline and after 6 and 12 months.

The Flavonoid Agathisflavone from Poincianella pyramidalis Prevents Aminochrome Neurotoxicity.

Flavonoids have been suggested to protect dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease based on studies that used exogenous neurotoxins. In this study, we tested the protective ability of agathisflavone in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to the endogenous neurotoxin aminochrome. The ability of aminochrome to induce loss of lysosome acidity is an important mechanism of its neurotoxicity.

The flavonoid agathisflavone modulates the microglial neuroinflammatory response and enhances remyelination.

Myelin loss is the hallmark of the demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS) and plays a significant role in multiple neurodegenerative diseases. A common factor in all neuropathologies is the central role of microglia, the intrinsic immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia are activated in pathology and can have both pro- and anti-inflammatory functions.

Agathisflavone modulates astrocytic responses and increases the population of neurons in an in vitro model of traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a critical health problem worldwide, with a high incidence rate and potentially severe long-term consequences. Depending on the level of mechanical stress, astrocytes react with complex morphological and functional changes known as reactive astrogliosis. In cases of severe tissue injury, astrocytes proliferate in the area immediately adjacent to the lesion to form the glial scar, which is a major barrier to neuronal regeneration in the central nervous system.