Antileishmanial effects of γCdcPLI, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor from Crotalus durissus collilineatus snake serum, on Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis.

Background: Leishmaniasis, a neglected disease caused by the parasite Leishmania, is treated with drugs associated with high toxicity and limited efficacy, in addition to constant reports of the emergence of resistant parasites. In this context, snake serums emerge as good candidates since they are natural sources with the potential to yield novel drugs.

Objectives: We aimed to show the antileishmanial effects of γCdcPLI, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor from Crotalus durissus collilineatus snake serum, against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis.

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp. from hospital intensive care units in Brazilian Amazon.

Acinetobacter spp. are one of the main pathogens responsible for healthcare-associated infections and are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality globally, mainly because of their high capacity to present and develop resistance to antimicrobials. To identify species of the Acinetobacter and their resistance profiles from samples collected from hospitalized patients, health professionals and hospital environmental sources in the intensive care units of different public reference hospitals in Porto Velho City, Rondônia, Western Brazilian Amazon.

Antimicrobial Peptide Arsenal Predicted from the Venom Gland Transcriptome of the Tropical Trap-Jaw Ant .

With about 13,000 known species, ants are the most abundant venomous insects. Their venom consists of polypeptides, enzymes, alkaloids, biogenic amines, formic acid, and hydrocarbons. In this study, we investigated, using in silico techniques, the peptides composing a putative antimicrobial arsenal from the venom gland of the neotropical trap-jaw ant .

Biochemical characterization and assessment of leishmanicidal effects of a new L-amino acid oxidase from Crotalus durissus collilineatus snake venom (CollinLA AO-I).

This study reports the isolation of CollinLAAO-I, a new L-amino acid oxidase from Crotalus durissus collilineatus snake venom, its biochemical characterization and leishmanicidal potential in Leishmania spp. CollinLAAO-I (63.1 kDa) was successfully isolated with high purity using two chromatographic steps and represents 2.

Transcriptomic and biochemical analysis from the venom gland of the neotropical ant Odontomachus chelifer.

The genus Odontomachus is widely distributed in neotropical areas throughout Central and South America. It is a stinging ant that subdues its prey (insects) by injecting them a cocktail of toxic molecules (venom). Ant venoms are generally composed of formic acid, alkaloids, hydrocarbons, amines, peptides, and proteins.

Insights into structure and function of CdcVEGFs, the vascular endothelial growth factor from Crotalus durissus collilineatus snake venom.

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are crucial molecules involved in the modulation of angiogenesis. Snake venom-derived VEGFs (svVEGFs) are known to contribute significantly to the envenoming due to their capacity of increasing vascular permeability. In our work, we isolated and analyzed the biochemical and functional properties of the VEGF from Crotalus durissus collilineatus venom (CdcVEGF).

Mitochondrial dysfunction on Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis induced by ketoconazole: insights into drug mode of action.

Background: Leishmania parasites cause leishmaniasis that range from self-limiting cutaneous lesions to more serious forms of the disease. The search for potential drug targets focusing on biochemical and metabolic pathways revealed the sterol biosynthesis inhibitors (SBIs) as a promising approach. In this class of inhibitors is found ketoconazole, a classical inhibitor of 14α-methysterol 14-demethylase.

Shedding Lights on Crude Venom from Solitary Foraging Predatory Ant : Initial Toxinological Investigation.

Some species of primitive predatory ants, despite living in a colony, exercise their hunting collection strategy individually; their venom is painful, paralyzing, digestive, and lethal for their prey, yet the toxins responsible for these effects are poorly known. is a previously unrecorded solitary hunting ant from the Brazilian Cerrado. To overcome this hindrance, the present study performed the in vitro enzymatic, biochemical, and biological activities of to better understand the properties of this venom.

Antiangiogenic effects of phospholipase A Lys49 BnSP-7 from Bothrops pauloensis snake venom on endothelial cells: An in vitro and ex vivo approach.

Antiangiogenic strategies are promising tools for cancer treatment and several other disorders. In this sense, phospholipases A (PLAs) from snake venom have been described to possess antiangiogenic properties. In this study, we evaluated both in vitro and ex vivo antiangiogenic effects induced by BnSP-7, a Lys49 PLA isolated from Bothrops pauloensis snake venom.

A comparative study on the leishmanicidal activity of the L-amino acid oxidases BjussuLAAO-II and BmooLAAO-II isolated from Brazilian Bothrops snake venoms.

This study aims to examine whether two L-amino acid oxidases isolated from Bothrops snake venom (SV-LAAOs) were cytotoxic to Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, two causative agents of leishmaniasis, which is an endemic disease in tropical and subtropical countries. The SV-LAAOs BjussuLAAO-II and BmooLAAO-II were isolated from Bothrops jararacussu and Bothrops moojeni venom, respectively, through a three-step chromatography process that used molecular exclusion, hydrophobic interaction, and affinity columns. BmooLAAO-II is a new SV-LAAO isoform that we isolated in this study.

Ruthenium (II) complex cis-[Ru(ŋ-OCCHO)(dppm)]PF-hmxbato induces ROS-mediated apoptosis in lung tumor cells producing selective cytotoxicity.

Ruthenium complexes have been extensively explored as potential molecules for cancer treatment. Considering our previous findings on the remarkable cytotoxic activity exhibited by the ruthenium (II) complex 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoate (hmxbato)-cis-[Ru(ŋ-OCCHO)(dppm)]PF against Leishmania promastigotes and also the similar metabolic characteristics between trypanosomatids and tumor cells, the present study aimed to analyze the anticancer potential of hmxbato against lung tumor cells, as well as the partial death mechanisms involved. Hmxbato demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against A549 lung tumor cells.

Biochemical and functional characterization of a new recombinant phospholipase A inhibitor from Crotalus durissus collilineatus snake serum.

Phospholipase A plays an important role in many diseases. Thus, the production of bioactive molecules, which can modulate PLA activity, became an important target for the pharmaceutical industry. Previously, we demonstrated the inhibitory and anti-angiogenic effect of γCdcPLI, the natural PLAinhibitor from Crotalus durissus collilineatus.

Antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in children with Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) in Brazilian Amazon.

Introduction: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli is an important causative agent of diarrhea in both developed and developing countries.

Methodology: We assessed the antibiotic resistance profile and the ability of 71 Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) isolates from children in the age group 6 years, or younger, to form biofilm. These children were hospitalized in Cosme and Damião Children Hospital in Porto Velho, Western Brazilian Amazon, between 2010 and 2012, with clinical symptoms of acute gastroenteritis.

Generation and In-planta expression of a recombinant single chain antibody with broad neutralization activity on Bothrops pauloensis snake venom.

The main systemic alterations present in bothropic envenomation are hemostasis disorders, for which the conventional treatment is based on animal-produced antiophidic sera. We have developed a neutralizing antibody against Bothrops pauloensis (B. pauloensis) venom, which is member of the genus most predominant in snakebite accidents in Brazil.

Antitumor and antimetastatic effects of PLA-BthTX-II from Bothrops jararacussu venom on human breast cancer cells.

This work shows the antitumor and antimetastatic effects of BthTX-II, an Asp-49 PLA from Bothrops jararacussu venom, on MDA-MB-231 human triple negative breast cancer cells. BthTX-II caused a dose-dependent cell death of MDA-MB-231 cells when compared with the non-tumorigenic breast cells by inducing apoptosis and autophagy. BthTX-II was also able to decrease the proliferation and to inhibit cell cycle progression.

Increased ROS generation causes apoptosis-like death: Mechanistic insights into the anti-Leishmania activity of a potent ruthenium(II) complex.

Some metallodrugs that exhibit interesting biological activity contain transition metals such as ruthenium, and have been extensively exploited because of their antiparasitic potential. In previous study, we reported the remarkable anti-Leishmania activity of precursor cis-[RuCl(dppm)], where dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, and new ruthenium(II) complexes, cis-[Ru(η-OCCH)(dppm)]PF (bbato), cis-[Ru(η-OCCHS)(dppm)]PF (mtbato) and cis-[Ru(η-OCCHO)(dppm)]PF (hmxbato) against some Leishmania species. In view of the promising activity of the hmxbato complex against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis promastigotes, the present work investigated the possible parasite death mechanism involved in the action of this hmxbato and its precursor.

CHARACTERIZATION OF ENTEROAGGREGATIVE ESCHERICHIA COLI AMONG DIARRHEAL CHILDRENIN WESTERN BRAZILIAN AMAZON.

Background: Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is one of the main acute and chronic diarrhea causes both in children and adults, mainly in developing countries.

Objective: The aim of the present study is to characterize EAEC strains isolated from faecal samples and to identify genes potentially contributing to virulence, biofilm production and antimicrobial resistance in children admitted to a pediatric hospital in Porto Velho, Rondônia State.

Methods: The total of 1,625 E.

Genotoxic effects of BnSP-6, a Lys-49 phospholipase A (PLA) homologue from Bothrops pauloensis snake venom, on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

Herein we evaluated the genotoxic effects of BnSP-6, a Lys-49 phospholipase A (PLA) from Bothrops pauloensis, on breast cancer cells. BnSP-6 was able to induce a higher cytotoxic and genotoxic activity in MDA-MB-231 cells, when compared to MCF10A (a non-tumorigenic breast cell line), suggesting that this protein presented a possible preference for cancer cells. BnSP-6 inhibited MDA-MB-231 proliferation at 24, 48 and 72 h.

Effects of the Tailored Activity Program in Brazil (TAP-BR) for Persons With Dementia: A Randomized Pilot Trial.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of the Tailored Activity Program-Brazilian version (TAP-BR), on behavioral symptoms and the quality of life (QOL) in persons with dementia, as well as on their caregivers, and on caregiver burden.

Materials And Methods: A 2-group randomized controlled trial with 30 dyads was conducted: the experimental group (n=15) received TAP-BR over 4 months, and a wait-list control group (n=15) received usual care. Dyads were recruited from the community of Santos City, Brazil.

Peptidomic investigation of venom by high-resolution mass spectrometry: seasonal and nesting habitat variations.

Background: Advancements in proteomics, including the technological improvement in instrumentation, have turned mass spectrometry into an indispensable tool in the study of venoms and toxins. In addition, the advance of nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry allows, due to its high sensitivity, the study of venoms from species previously left aside, such as ants. Ant venoms are a complex mixture of compounds used for defense, predation or communication purposes.

Antiparasitic effects induced by polyclonal IgY antibodies anti-phospholipase A from Bothrops pauloensis venom.

Activities of phospholipases (PLAs) have been linked to pathogenesis in various microorganisms, and implicated in cell invasion and so the interest in these enzymes as potential targets that could contribute to the control of parasite survival and proliferation. Chicken eggs immunized with BnSP-7, a Lys49 phospholipase A (PLA) homologue from Bothrops pauloensis snake venom, represent an excellent source of polyclonal antibodies with potential inhibitory activity on parasite PLA Herein, we report the production, characterization and anti-parasitic effect of IgY antibodies from egg yolks of hens immunized with BnSP-7. Produced antibodies presented increasing avidity and affinity for antigenic toxin epitopes throughout immunization, attaining a plateau after 4weeks.

Anti-Leishmania activity of new ruthenium(II) complexes: Effect on parasite-host interaction.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. The many complications presented by the current treatment - including high toxicity, high cost and parasite resistance - make the development of new therapeutic agents indispensable. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-Leishmania potential of new ruthenium(II) complexes, cis‑[Ru(η-OCR)(dppm)]PF, with dppm=bis(diphenylphosphino)methane and R=4-butylbenzoate (bbato) 1, 4-(methylthio)benzoate (mtbato) 2 and 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoate (hmxbato) 3, in promastigote cytotoxicity and their effect on parasite-host interaction.

Antitumoral effects of γCdcPLI, a PLA inhibitor from Crotalus durissus collilineatus via PI3K/Akt pathway on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell.

Phospholipases A (PLAs) overexpression is closely associated with the malignant potential of breast cancers. Here, we showed for the first the antitumoral effects of γCdcPLI, a PLA inhibitor from Crotalus durissus collilineatus via PI3K/Akt pathway on MDA-MB-231 cell. Firstly, γCdcPLI was more cytotoxic to MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells than other cell lines (MCF-7, HeLa, PC3 and A549) and did not affect the viability of non-tumorigenic breast cell (MCF 10A).

In vitro additive interaction between ketoconazole and antimony against intramacrophage Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis amastigotes.

Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by protozoa of Leishmania genus. The currently available treatments for this disease are expensive, present high toxicity and are associated to difficulties of healing and parasite resistance. Therefore, the development of strategies for leishmaniasis treatment is indispensable and includes reposition of existing drugs, as well as drug combination therapy.

Angiogenenic effects of BpLec, a C-type lectin isolated from Bothrops pauloensis snake venom.

The present work reports the effects of a C-type lectin (BpLec) isolated from Bothrops pauloensis snake venom upon in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis models. Initially, we noted that BpLec was not cytotoxic to endothelial cells (tEnd) in doses up to 40μg/mL, but lower doses (2.5μg/mL, 5μg/mL, 10μg/mL and 20μg/mL) reduced tEnd cells adhesion to some extracellular matrix proteins and inhibited the in vitro vessel formation in Matrigel assay stimulated by bFGF.