clove and Disease-Models--Animal

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) has been widely used due to its specific and reproducible neurotoxic effect on the nigrostriatal system, being considered a convenient model of dopaminergic neurodegeneration to study interventions therapeutics. The purple pitanga (Eugenia uniflora) is a polyphenol-rich fruit with antioxidant and antidepressant properties, among others. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of purple pitanga extract (PPE) on acute early oxidative stress induced by intranasal 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration in rats. Male Wistar rats were pre-treated orally with PPE (1000 mg/kg) or vehicle. After 24 h, MPTP (0.1 mg/10µL/nostril) or vehicle was administered bilaterally into the animal's nostrils, and 6 h later, the olfactory bulb (OB), striatum (ST), and substantia nigra (SN) were collected to evaluate the oxidative stress parameters. Our findings revealed that OB and SN were the most affected areas after 6 h of MPTP infusion; an early increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels was observed, while pretreatment with a single dose of PPE prevented this increment. No differences in thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) formation were observed, although 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) levels increased, which is the most toxic form of lipid peroxidation, in the MPTP group. The PPE pretreatment could prevent this increase by increasing the NPSH levels previously decreased by MPTP. Furthermore, PPE prevents the Na+/K + ATPase strongly inhibited by MPTP, showing the neuroprotective capacity of the PPE by inhibiting the MPTP-generated oxidation. Thus, we demonstrated for the first time the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of PPE against the early MPTP neurotoxicity.

Topics: 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; Animals; Antioxidants; Disease Models, Animal; Eugenia; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neuroprotective Agents; Oxidative Stress; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Substantia Nigra

The genus Callistemon (syn. Melaleuca) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) has been documented as an integral part in the ethnobotanical system of the indigenous people of Australian mainland and many of its islands. Several Callistemons including the species subulatus were used by aboriginal Australians for making rafts, roofs for shelters, bandages, and food recipes, in addition to the management of wounds, infections, pain, cough, bronchitis, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders.. The current study is designed to document the therapeutic effect of the aqueous methanolic extract (AME) of C. sabulatus Chell (syn. M. sabulata) leaves in the management of diarrhea and pain. Also, its influence on additional pharmacological modalities that are related to oxidative stress just as skin aging. Ultimately, the polyphenolic profile of the extract is disclosed and correlated to the aforementioned bioactivities.. The extract was fractionated using various chromatography techniques and the structures of the isolated compounds were determined based on their chemical and spectral data. The antioxidant activity was assessed using multiple models, including 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and β-carotene bleaching assays. The anti-skin aging effect was evaluated using different relevant enzymatic assays. The antinociceptive activity was investigated using acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate test, and formalin-induced paw licking in mice models. The antidiarrheal activity was gauge using the castor oil induced diarrhea, enter pooling and gastrointestinal motility in vivo models.. Diverse polyphenols, including quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (1), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (2), strictinin (3), quercetin-3-O-(2``-O-galloyl)-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (4), afzelin (5), di-galloyl glucose (6), mono-galloyl glucose (7), acacetin (8), apigenin-6,7-dimethyl ether (9), kaempferol trimethyl ether (10), dimethoxy chrysin (11), quercetin (12), kaempferol (13), methyl gallate (14), and gallic acid (15) were identified. The extract exhibited as significant antioxidant activity even better than that of Trolox or BHT. Moreover, it exerts elastase, tyrosinase, and collagenase inhibition activities, in addition to the significant peripheral and central analgesic activity in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.0001). In castor oil induced diarrhea model, AME significantly prolonged the diarrhea onset, decreased the frequency of defecation, and weight of feces. Likewise, it exhibited a significant reduction in the gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal model (P < 0.0001) and a considerable inhibitory effect on gastrointestinal transit and peristaltic index with all investigated doses (P < 0.0001).. Ethnobotanicals are versatile resources for the management of various ailments by indigenous people and the experimental research is utmost to validate and uncover their pharmacological relevance. C. sabulatus leaves have strong antioxidant, analgesic, anti-skin aging, and antidiarrheal activities which are validated for the first time by various in vitro and in vivo models. The metabolic profile of the unprecedented AME of C. sabulatus leaves compromises a wide array of bioactive polyphenolic metabolites including, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids that are correlated to the observed bioactivities. Altogether, ethnobotanicals with high and diverse contents of polyphenols are potential candidates for the management of various human aliments including neuropathies, GIT disorders, and skin aging conditions.

Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Antidiarrheals; Antioxidants; Diarrhea; Disease Models, Animal; Egypt; Female; Humans; Male; Mice; Myrtaceae; Oxidative Stress; Pain; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Polyphenols; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The consumption of a high-fat diet can cause metabolic syndrome and induces host gut microbial dysbiosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We evaluated the effect of polyphenol-rich jaboticaba peel and seed powder (JPSP) on the gut microbial community composition and liver health in a mouse model of NAFLD. Three-month-old C57BL/6 J male mice, received either a control (C, 10% of lipids as energy, n = 16) or high-fat (HF, 50% of lipids as energy, n = 64) diet for nine weeks. The HF mice were randomly subdivided into four groups (n = 16 in each group), three of which (HF-J5, HF-J10, and HF-J15) were supplemented with dietary JPSP for four weeks (5%, 10%, and 15%, respectively). In addition to attenuating weight gain, JPSP consumption improved dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. In a dose-dependent manner, JPSP consumption ameliorated the expression of hepatic lipogenesis genes (AMPK, SREBP-1, HGMCoA, and ABCG8). The effects on the microbial community structure were determined in all JPSP-supplemented groups; however, the HF-J10 and HF-J15 diets led to a drastic depletion in the species of numerous bacterial families (Bifidobacteriaceae, Mogibacteriaceae, Christensenellaceae, Clostridiaceae, Dehalobacteriaceae, Peptococcaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Ruminococcaceae) compared to the HF diet, some of which represented a reversal of increases associated with HF. The Lachnospiraceae and Enterobacteriaceae families and the Parabacteroides, Sutterella, Allobaculum, and Akkermansia genera were enriched more in the HF-J10 and HF-J15 groups than in the HF group. In conclusion, JPSP consumption improved obesity-related metabolic profiles and had a strong impact on the microbial community structure, thereby reversing NAFLD and decreasing its severity.

Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Blood Glucose; Diet, High-Fat; Disease Models, Animal; Dysbiosis; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Inflammation Mediators; Intestines; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Myrtaceae; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Plant Extracts; Powders; Prebiotics

Haramonting (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) is an alternative herb to improve health because it has many biological activities and antioxidant. HSP-70 levels as biomarkers of preeclampsia affected the anti-apoptosis of damaged cells in the placenta. This study aimed to evaluate the role of HSP-70 expressions by investigating whether effect haramonting leaves in PE rats.. The study design was control (C): pregnant rats without treatment, PE: Preeclamptic rats, PE+E: PE rats were given 1 mL EVOO kg-1 b.wt./day orally (pregnancy 13-19), PE+H: PE rats were given nano herbal haramonting 100 mg kg-1 b.wt. (pregnancy 13-19 days). PE+E+H: PE rats were given EVOO 0.5 mL kg-1 b.wt. and nano herbal haramonting 50 mg kg-1 b.wt. (pregnancy 13-19 day). Surgery was performed by taking blood from the heart for the SGOT/SGPT parameters, creatinine and HSP70.. A significant difference was observed in all groups with the value p<0.0001 and HSP-70 Expressions affect in preeclamptic rats after given this herbal. The value of SGOT, SGPT and creatinine can affect preeclamptic rats and can be as a biomarker of preeclampsia. A significant difference also in fetus weight (p<0.01) but an insignificant difference in placental weight (p>0.05).. These findings indicate that Nano herbal haramonting and EVOO possess antioxidative effects and a promising drug for the future in the treatment of preeclampsia.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antioxidants; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Biomarkers; Creatinine; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Fetal Weight; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; Myrtaceae; Olive Oil; Placenta; Plant Extracts; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Rats, Wistar; Signal Transduction

Some polyphenols have been reported to modulate the expression of several genes related to lipid metabolism and insulin signaling, ameliorating metabolic disorders. We investigated the potential for the polyphenols of two varieties of grumixama, the purple fruit rich in anthocyanins and the yellow fruit, both also rich in ellagitannins, to attenuate obesity-associated metabolic disorders. Mice were fed a high fat and high sucrose diet, supplemented daily with yellow and purple extracts (200 mg per kg of body weight) for eight weeks. Purple grumixama supplementation was found to decrease body weight gain, improve insulin sensitivity and glucose-induced hyperinsulinemia, and reduce hepatic triglyceride accumulation. A decrease in intrahepatic lipids in mice treated with the purple grumixama extract was associated with lipid metabolism modulation by the PPAR signaling pathway. LPL, ApoE, and LDLr were found to be down-regulated, while Acox1 and ApoB were found to be upregulated. Some of these genes were also modulated by the yellow extract. In addition, both extracts decreased oGTT and plasma LPS. The results were associated with the presence of phenolic acids and urolithins. In conclusion, most likely the anthocyanins from the purple grumixama phenolic extract is responsible for reducing obesity and insulin resistance.

Topics: Animals; Anthocyanins; Diet, High-Fat; Disease Models, Animal; Eugenia; Insulin Resistance; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts

Among all native Brazilian plant species, Plinia cauliflora (DC.) Kausel (Jaboticaba), is well known for producing "superfruits", due to their high phenolic content and antioxidant property. The fruit has astringent characteristics, and it is popularly known for the treatment of diarrhea, rash, and intestinal inflammation. However, there are only a few studies on the use of leaves and branches of this species in the literature, mainly to treat oxidative stress and inflammation.. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of leaves and branches extracts from P. cauliflora.. The phytochemical analysis of P. cauliflora extracts was performed by the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin dosage method. Moreover, the compounds were identified by HPLC-MS-Q-TOF. Antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH, β-carotene/linoleic acid system, MDA formation, and phosphomolybdenum assays. In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of P. cauliflora were evaluated by the reduction of nitric oxide in the J774A.1 cell line and inhibition of ear edema in mice, respectively.. The ethanolic extract of the leaves exhibited greater flavonoid content whereas the ethanolic extract of the branches showed higher tannins content. Twenty-two and seventeen compounds were identified by HPLC-MS-Q-TOF in the leaves and branches, respectively, being tellimagrandin I, castalagin, and valoneic acid dilactone reported for the first time in P. cauliflora. The antioxidant potential of extracts was confirmed through different oxidation pathways from oxidizing radicals, which might be related to the presence of phenolic compounds. For the anti-inflammatory assay, the leaves and branches extracts showed promising results, with a reduction of nitric oxide ear edema inhibition around 95% and 80%, respectively.. Herein, the great biological potential of leaves and branches extracts from P. cauliflora was highlighted. These parts of the plant are underused and poorly reported in the literature, especially for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Brazil; Cell Line; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Disease Models, Animal; Edema; Inflammation; Male; Mass Spectrometry; Mice; Myrtaceae; Nitric Oxide; Oxidative Stress; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts

Prostate cancer (PCa), overweight and obesity are frequent worldwide health problems. Clinical studies have shown that increased high-fat diet (HFD) consumption is associated with higher incidence of PCa. Brazilian berries, such as

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Animals; Diet, High-Fat; Disease Models, Animal; Liver; Liver Diseases; Male; Metabolic Diseases; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Myrtaceae; Plant Extracts; PPAR gamma; Prostatic Neoplasms; Random Allocation; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Preeclampsia (PE) is a life threatening disease prevailing in pregnant women in Indonesia. Impaired kidneys and livers function in PE has a high risk during pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the role of nanoherbal haramonting and Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) on kidney and liver safety in preeclampsia rats. Nanoherbal Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is a medicinal plant with antioxidant activity such as EVOO which acts as inhibitor of oxidation, reduces lipid peroxidation and increases the speed of epithelialization.. This study used pregnant rats (Ratus norvegicus) consisting of 5 treatments. Animal models of preeclampsia were made by injection of NaCl 6% 3 mL/day/kg b.wt., subcutaneously in pregnancy of 6-12 days and then given herbs in pregnancy at 13-19 days. The study group consisted of, C-: Normal pregnant rats, C+: PE rats, T1: PE rats were given EVOO, T2: PE rats were given nanoherbal haramonting and T3: PE rats were given EVOO and nanoherbal haramonting. Tissue histology was made by the paraffin method and staining Hematoxylin Eosin which was dissected on the 20th day of pregnancy.. There was no significant difference in weight of the liver and kidneys after administration of EVOO and nanoherbal haramonting. The administration of this herb significantly decreased the narrowing of the kidney tubules and the glomerular diameters. Both of these herbs also repaired preeclamptic liver damage (p<0.05) in normal hepatocyte cells, parenchymal degeneration and necrosis.. The EVOO and nanoherbal haramonting repaired preeclamptic liver and kidney damage.

Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Kidney; Liver; Myrtaceae; Olive Oil; Plant Extracts; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy

to compare the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from the peel of Camu-Camu, a fruit plant belonging to the Myrtaceae family, widely distributed in the Amazon basin, with those of sleeve gastrectomy, on the weight and glycemia of Wistar rats.. twenty-four Wistar rats underwent obesity induction through a hyperlipid diet for eight weeks (fat period), and were randomized into three groups: Control Group (CG), Camu-Camu Group (CCG) and Bariatric Surgery Group (BSG). After this period, all animals returned to a normal diet and the intervention period began: CG did not undergo any intervention beyond diet change; CCG animals underwent gavage procedure for administration of Camu-Camu hydroalcoholic extract, 1g/kg/day, for four weeks; and the BSG was submitted to the surgical procedure of sleeve gastrectomy. We followed all animals for four weeks.. there was only one loss in BSG due to a gastric fistula. We observed significant variations in the animals' mean weight: the CG evolved with weight gain even after the withdraw of the hypercaloric diet, while the other two groups presented weight reduction. BSG presented a significant reduction of weight and BMI (p<0.05); CCG achieved a significant reduction only of the BMI (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant changes in the glycemic levels.. in spite of reducing weight, the crude hydroalcoholic extract of the Camu-Camu peel was not able to be as efficient as sleeve gastrectomy in the control of body weight in Wistar rats.. comparar os efeitos do extrato hidroalcoólico da casca do Camu-Camu, uma planta frutífera pertencente à família Myrtaceae amplamente distribuída na bacia amazônica, com os da gastrectomia vertical, sobre o peso e a glicemia de ratos Wistar.. vinte e quatro ratos Wistar foram submetidos à indução de obesidade através de dieta hiperlipídica por oito semanas (período de engorda), e randomizados em três grupos: Grupo Controle (GC), Grupo Camu-Camu (GCC) e Grupo Cirurgia Bariátrica (GCB). Após esse período, todos os animais retornaram a uma dieta normal e iniciou-se o período de intervenção: o GC não sofreu nenhuma intervenção além da mudança da dieta; o GCC foi submetido ao procedimento de gavagem para administração de extrato hidroalcoólico de Camu-Camu 1g/kg/dia por quatro semanas; e o GCB foi submetido ao procedimento cirúrgico de gastrectomia vertical. Todos os animais foram acompanhados por quatro semanas.. houve apenas uma perda no GCB devido à fístula gástrica. Observou-se variações significativas no peso médio dos animais: o GC evoluiu com aumento de peso mesmo após a retirada da dieta de engorda, enquanto os outros dois grupos apresentaram redução de peso. O GCB apresentou redução significativa do peso e do IMC (p<0,05); o GCC obteve redução significativa apenas do IMC (p<0,05). Não houve alterações estatisticamente significantes nos níveis glicêmicos.. apesar de reduzir o peso, o extrato hidroalcoólico bruto da casca do Camu-Camu não foi capaz de se mostrar tão eficiente quanto a cirurgia de gastrectomia vertical no controle do peso corporal em ratos Wistar.

Topics: Animals; Bariatric Surgery; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Fruit; Male; Myrtaceae; Nutrition Therapy; Obesity; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Weight Loss

Infusions of murtilla leaves exhibit antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds that are structurally similar to madecassic acid (MA), a component of murtilla leaf extract (ethyl acetate extract, EAE), have been shown to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1P). The aim of this study was to evaluate if EAE and two compounds identified in EAE (MA and myricetin [MYR]) could have a beneficial effect on systemic and vascular insulin sensitivity and endothelial function in a model of diet-induced obesity. Experiments were performed in 5-week-old male C57BL6J mice fed with a standard (LF) or a very high-fat diet (HF) for 4 weeks and treated with EAE, MA, MYR, or the vehicle as control (C). EAE significantly inhibited PTP1B. EAE and MA, but not MYR, significantly improved systemic insulin sensitivity in HF mice and vascular relaxation to Ach in aorta segments, due to a significant increase of eNOS phosphorylation and enhanced nitric oxide availability. EAE, MA, and MYR also accounted for increased relaxant responses to insulin in HF mice, thus evidencing that the treatments significantly improved aortic insulin sensitivity. This study shows for the first time that EAE and MA could constitute interesting candidates for treating insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction associated with obesity.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Diet, High-Fat; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelium, Vascular; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Myrtaceae; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Obesity; Phosphorylation; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 1; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Triterpenes

Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC. (Myrtaceae), an Amazonian medicinal plant known as "pedra-ume-caá," is popularly used as a natural remedy for inflammation, wounds, infections, diabetes, fever, and flu. Its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and gastroprotective effects have already been characterized. We evaluated the gastric healing effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of E. punicifolia (HEEP) in male and female Wistar rats against nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol.. The healing effect of HEEP on the gastric mucosa of adult male and female Wistar rats was measured after the chronic application of aggressive factors such as NSAIDs or 80% ethanol. Male, and intact and ovariectomized (OVZ) female rats were treated with HEEP for two days (NSAIDs) or one, two, four, and six days (80% ethanol). The stomachs were analyzed macroscopically for ulcerative lesions (mm. Macroscopic evaluation of the gastric mucosa showed that gastric lesions induced by NSAIDs were significantly healed (66%) and pro-inflammatory interleukin 5 cytokine level was decreased after two-day oral treatment with HEEP compared with those in the negative control group (p < 0.05). However, the gastric lesions induced by NSAIDs did not heal in HEEP-treated female rats (p > 0.05). In addition, four-day treatment with HEEP significantly healed the gastric lesions induced by ethanol in male and female rats (63% and 78%, respectively) compared to those of the negative control group (p < 0.05). However, the OVZ group required six days of HEEP treatment to heal gastric ulcers (67% compared to the control group). HEEP exerts the healing effect against ethanol by significantly reducing neutrophil infiltration into the gastric mucosa by decreasing myeloperoxidase activity in male and OVZ rats after four and six days of treatment, respectively (p < 0.05). Four-day treatment with HEEP also increased the level of a non-enzymatic antioxidant, reduced glutathione in intact females compared to that of the negative control group (p < 0.05).. These findings indicated that HEEP was effective in promoting the healing of gastric ulcers induced by NSAIDs or ethanol. The gastric healing effects of this extract could be affected by female sex hormone interference; in future, comprehensive studies should be performed by considering sex differences.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Anti-Ulcer Agents; Antioxidants; Disease Models, Animal; Ethanol; Eugenia; Female; Gastric Mucosa; Male; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sex Factors; Stomach Ulcer; Wound Healing

Callistemon citrinus (Curtis) Skeels is a shrub native of Australia. In spite of containing an important number of bioactive compounds (1,8-cineole, limonene and α-terpineol) recognized as a potential chemotherapeutic agents, it is only used as an ornamental plant in Mexico. This study investigated the chemopreventive effect of C. citrinus leaves extract on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats.. Twenty-four rats were divided into 3 groups of eight rats. Group 1 served as negative control, groups 2 and 3 were given subcutaneous injections of DMH (65 mg/kg b.w.) twice a week the first 2 weeks, and then one the third week. In addition, group 3 was administrated with leaves extracts (250 mg/kg b.w., orally daily) during the 22 weeks of the experiment. Animals were killed and the presence of colon tumors and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were scored for number and distribution pattern along the colon. The activity of two-phase II enzymes quinone reductase (QR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) was determined in the liver and three segments of the colon: proximal, middle and distal.. The results show that rats feed with C. citrinus leaves extract significantly reduced the size of tumors, the number of ACF and the crypt multiplicity. Additionally, C. citrinus leaves extract increased or maintained the activity of QR and GST in the different tissues as compared with DHM-treated group (p > 0.05).. This study demonstrates that Callistemon citrinus extract could have a chemopreventive effect against colon carcinogenesis.

Topics: 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine; Aberrant Crypt Foci; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Body Weight; Carcinogens; Colonic Neoplasms; Disease Models, Animal; Male; Myrtaceae; Plant Extracts; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar

This study investigated the effects of freeze-dried jaboticaba peel (FJP) and jaboticaba tea (JE) on obesity parameters of diet-induced obese rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were distributed into six groups: AIN-93 M feed a normal control diet; HFF (obese control) feed a high-fat and fructose diet; Prevention FJP (P. FJP) and Treatment FJP (T. FJP) feed HFF diet with 2% of FJP powder, for 12 and 6 weeks respectively; Prevention JE (P. JE) and Treatment JE (T. JE) were feed with HFF diet and the water was substituted by JE, for 12 and 6 weeks, respectively. Lipid profile, glucose, adiponectin and leptin were measured. Glucose and insulin tolerance, also pancreatic islet insulin secretion were determined. Liver morphology and fat liver accumulation were evaluated. Results showed that HFF-diet induced weight gain, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. All FJP and JE treatments reduced weight gain, adiposity and improved insulin sensitivity. Twelve weeks supplementation increased HDL-cholesterol and prevented hepatic steatosis. Our results suggest that FJP and JE act as functional foods, being a dietary strategy to prevent or control obesity. FJP and JE 12 weeks supplementation can modulate important parameters of obesity and insulin metabolism, preventing liver steatosis in obese rats.

Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Liver; Insulin Resistance; Male; Myrtaceae; Obesity; Plant Extracts; Powders; Rats; Rats, Wistar

An ethanolic extract from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves (RTL) was studied as a natural alternative to control Staphylococcus aureus, which is an important pathogen responsible for bovine mastitis. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the RTL extract and of rhodomyrtone, a pure compound isolated from the plant, were determined by a microdilution method. Rhodomyrtone and the RTL extract exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus, including its persistent phenotype (SCV: small-colony variant) and a biofilm hyperproducer strain, with MICs of 0.25-0.5 and 8-16 µg/mL, respectively. Time-kill kinetics showed a strong bactericidal activity for both the RTL extract- and rhodomyrtone-treated bacteria at 2 × MIC as early as 4 h post-exposure. An additive effect of the extract at 0.5 × MIC was observed in a combination with oxytetracycline or pirlimycin against S. aureus by showing a 64- to 128-fold reduction in antibiotic MICs. Moreover, the RTL extract significantly decreased the number of intracellular SCVs inside bovine mammary epithelial cells. However, the extract or its combination with pirlimycin only slightly improved the activity of pirlimycin against the bacterial colonization of mouse mammary glands. In vitro MICs determined in the presence of casein indicated that the limited activity of the RTL extract in the murine model of mastitis could be linked to neutralization of active components by milk proteins. While the RTL extract showed interesting antibacterial properties in vitro, to be considered as an alternative to antibiotics in dairy farms, formulation studies are needed to cope with the observed reduction of activity in vivo.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cattle; Disease Models, Animal; Epithelial Cells; Female; Mastitis, Bovine; Mice; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Myrtaceae; Plant Extracts; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus; Xanthones

Insulin resistance (IR) plays an important role in the development of many diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the extracts from fruits native to Brazil on metabolic parameters and hepatic oxidative markers in an animal model of insulin resistance induced by dexamethasone (DEX).. Wistar rats received water or extracts of Eugenia uniflora or Psidium cattleianum, once a day for 21 days. For the last 5 days, the rats received an intraperitoneal injection of saline or DEX.. DEX caused a reduction in body weight gain and relative pancreatic weight, as well as glucose intolerance, and an increase in serum glucose and triacylglycerol levels. The extracts were found to prevent hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. DEX caused an increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and reactive oxygen species production in the liver of rats, and both extracts prevented these changes. In addition, hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity was reduced by DEX. However, total thiol content and activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase were not altered in any of the tested groups.. Fruit extracts of E. uniflora and P. cattleianum exhibited considerable antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, and antioxidant effects, and may be useful in the therapeutic management of alterations due to IR.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Brazil; Dexamethasone; Disease Models, Animal; Dyslipidemias; Enzymes; Eugenia; Fruit; Hypoglycemic Agents; Hypolipidemic Agents; Insulin Resistance; Liver; Male; Oxidative Stress; Plant Extracts; Psidium; Rats, Wistar

Polyphenol-rich cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.) extracts (PCE) have previously shown to prevent body weight and adiposity induced by high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS) diet. Whether PCE also exerts protective effects in already developed obesity is unknown. In order to test this hypothesis, male C57BL/6J obese mice (previously feed with a HFS diet for six weeks) were treated with PCE at two doses, 7mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg body weight (PCE I group), and 14mg GAE/kg body weight (PCE II group) or water (HFS and Chow groups) by oral gavage for eight weeks. PCE did not affect body weight and adiposity of obese mice. However, PCE did protect against dyslipidemia, fasting hyperglycemia, and glucose intolerance, and attenuated both hepatic gluconeogenesis and inflammation as observed by the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and transcriptional factor NF-κB. These results indicate that PCE improves glucose homeostasis of obese mice by attenuating hepatic gluconeogenesis and inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Anti-Obesity Agents; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; Diet, High-Fat; Dietary Sucrose; Disease Models, Animal; Eugenia; Fruit; Gluconeogenesis; Hypoglycemic Agents; Hypolipidemic Agents; Inflammation Mediators; Lipids; Liver; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; NF-kappa B; Obesity; Polyphenols; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Eugenia brasiliensis Lam. (Myrtaceae) is a Brazilian tree distributed throughout Atlantic rain forest, since Bahia until Santa Catarina state, and is popularly known as "grumixaba, grumixameira, cumbixaba, ibaporoiti, and cereja-brasileira". The bark and leaves of Eugenia brasiliensis are used in folk medicine as adstringent, diuretic, energizing, anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory. This study aimed at investigating the chemical composition, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Eugenia brasiliensis (HEEb).. Seven polyphenols were identified in HEEb by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. HEEb treatment alleviated nocifensive behavior and leukocyte migration caused by acetic acid. Moreover, HEEb also reduced the inflammatory pain and paw temperature induced by formalin, as well as it decreased nociceptive behavior induced by histamine and compound 48/80. Finally, acute and repeated treatment of animals with HEEb (100 mg/kg, i.g.) markedly reduced the mechanical and thermal (heat) hypersensitivity, besides decrease paw edema and temperature induced by CFA, and this effect was evident until the day 7. Moreover, repeated treatment with HEEb (100 mg/kg, i.g.) significantly reduced the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the paw when compared to the CFA group.. This is the first report showing that HEEb presents antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in the visceral and somatic inflammatory pain in mice, possibly involving the inhibition of histamine receptors and pro-inflammatory cytokines activated pathways. Our results are of interest because they support the use of Eugenia brasiliensis as a potential source of phytomedicine for inflammatory diseases and pain.

Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eugenia; Female; Inflammation Mediators; Interleukin-6; Mice; Nociceptive Pain; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Visceral Pain

Topics: Adipose Tissue, White; Adiposity; Animals; Anti-Obesity Agents; Blood Glucose; Cholesterol; Diet, High-Fat; Dietary Sucrose; Disease Models, Animal; Dyslipidemias; Hyperglycemia; Hyperinsulinism; Hypoglycemic Agents; Hypolipidemic Agents; Insulin; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Myrtaceae; Obesity; Phenols; Plant Extracts; Tannins; Time Factors; Weight Gain

This work investigated the antioxidant and antidepressant-like effects of ethyl acetate extract from Eugenia catharinensis in mice treated with corticosterone (20 mg/Kg). The animals received saline or corticosterone (21 days) and, in the last 7 days, they were treated with the extract (50, 125, 200 or 250 mg/Kg) or vehicle. After 24 h, the mice were submitted to the open field and forced swimming tests, after which the hippocampus and cerebral cortex were removed. Our results showed that the extract decreased the immobility time of mice in the forced swimming test and that the extract was able to reverse the effect caused by corticosterone. Corticosterone pre-treatment generated oxidative stress, altering antioxidant enzymes in the nervous tissue. The extract increased the catalase and superoxide dismutase activities and reversed the effects of corticosterone. In the hippocampus, the extract increased superoxide dismutase activity and reversed the increase in catalase activity elicited by corticosterone. We propose that the effects elicited by the Eugenia catharinensis are dependent on the presence of phenolic compounds (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, syringic acid, 4-hydroxy methylbenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, salicylic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, isoquercetin, rutin, ferulic acid, aromadendrin, galangin and apigenin) in this extract, as demonstrated by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

Topics: Animals; Antidepressive Agents; Antioxidants; Corticosterone; Depression; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eugenia; Male; Mice; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Random Allocation

To evaluate the sex-specific effects of a hydroalcoholic extract from. In this rat study involving males, intact (cycling) females, and ovariectomized females, gastric ulcers were induced using acetic acid. A vehicle, lansoprazole, or HEEP was administered for 14 d after ulcer induction. Body weight was monitored throughout the treatment period. At the end of treatment, the rats were euthanized and the following. Compared to the vehicle, HEEP demonstrated a great healing capacity by substantially reducing the ulcerative lesion area in males (52.44%), intact females (85.22%), and ovariectomized females (65.47%), confirming that HEEP accelerates the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric lesions and suggesting that this effect is modulated by female sex hormones. The antiulcer effect of HEEP was mediated by prostaglandin E. In gastric ulcers, HEEP-induced healing (modulated by female sex hormones; in males, mediated by prostaglandin) involves extracellular matrix remodeling, with gastric mucosa cell proliferation and migration.

Topics: Acetic Acid; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Eugenia; Female; Gastric Mucosa; Humans; Male; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Re-Epithelialization; Sex Factors; Stomach Ulcer; Toxicity Tests, Subacute; Treatment Outcome

Bartonella spp. are erythrocytic bacteria transmitted via arthropod vectors, which infect a broad range of vertebrate hosts, including humans. We investigated transmission dynamics and host-parasite-vector relationships for potentially zoonotic Bartonella spp. in invasive Rattus rattus hosts and associated arthropod ectoparasites in Madagascar. We identified five distinct species of Bartonella (B. elizabethae 1, B. elizabethae 2, B. phoceensis 1, B. rattimassiliensis 1, and B. tribocorum 1) infecting R. rattus rodents and their ectoparasites. We fit standard epidemiological models to species-specific age-prevalence data for the four Bartonella spp. with sufficient data, thus quantifying age-structured force of infection. Known zoonotic agents, B. elizabethae 1 and 2, were best described by models exhibiting high forces of infection in early age class individuals and allowing for recovery from infection, while B. phoceensis 1 and B. rattimassiliensis 1 were best fit by models of lifelong infection without recovery and substantially lower forces of infection. Nested sequences of B. elizabethae 1 and 2 were recovered from rodent hosts and their Synopsyllus fonquerniei and Xenopsylla cheopsis fleas, with a particularly high prevalence in the outdoor-dwelling, highland-endemic S. fonquerniei. These findings expand on force of infection analyses to elucidate the ecological niche of the zoonotic Bartonella elizabethae complex in Madagascar, hinting at a potential vector role for S. fonquerniei. Our analyses underscore the uniqueness of such ecologies for Bartonella species, which pose a variable range of potential zoonotic threats.

Topics: Animals; Bartonella; Bartonella Infections; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Vectors; Female; Madagascar; Male; Rats; Rodent Diseases; Rodentia

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Eugenia uniflora fruit (red type) extract on metabolic status, as well as on neurochemical and behavioral parameters in an animal model of metabolic syndrome induced by a highly palatable diet (HPD). Rats were treated for 150days and divided into 4 experimental groups: standard chow (SC) and water orally, SC and E. uniflora extract (200mg/kg daily, p.o), HPD and water orally, HPD and extract. Our data showed that HPD caused glucose intolerance, increased visceral fat, weight gain, as well as serum glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol; however, E. uniflora prevented these alterations. The extract decreased lipid peroxidation and prevented the reduction of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum of animals submitted to HPD. We observed a HPD-induced reduction of thiol content in these cerebral structures. The extract prevented increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the prefrontal cortex caused by HPD and the increase in immobility time observed in the forced swim test. Regarding chemical composition, LC/MS analysis showed the presence of nine anthocyanins as the major compounds. In conclusion, E. uniflora extract showed benefits against metabolic alterations caused by HPD, as well as exhibited antioxidant and antidepressant-like effects.

Topics: Acetylcholinesterase; Adiposity; Animals; Antidepressive Agents; Antioxidants; Behavior, Animal; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; Brain; Catalase; Depression; Diet, High-Fat; Dietary Sucrose; Disease Models, Animal; Dyslipidemias; Eugenia; Fruit; Glucose Intolerance; GPI-Linked Proteins; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipids; Male; Metabolic Syndrome; Motor Activity; Obesity; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase; Time Factors; Weight Gain

Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Fruit; Hypertension; Male; Myrtaceae; Plant Extracts; Rats

Plinia edulis (Vell.) Sobral (Myrtaceae) is native and endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Popularly known as "cambucá", it has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of stomach disorders, diabetes, bronchitis, inflammation and as tonic. Although there are numerous records concerning its popular use as analgesic and anti-inflammatory, scientific information regarding these pharmacological activities is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of P. edulis leaf infusion (AEPe) in mice.. The acetic acid-induced writhing response and mechanical nociceptive paw tests were used to evaluate the antinociceptive activity. Carrageenan-induced paw edema and lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity. The substances in AEPe were identified by HPLC-MS analysis.. At the test doses 30-300mg/kg p.o., AEPe has clearly exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema and inhibiting leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity. The infusion has shown significant antinociceptive activity in both models of nociception. Gallic acid, myricitrin, guaijaverin, quercitrin, quercetin, corosolic acid, maslinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid were identified in AEPe.. P. edulis infusion presented antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in all experiments realized in this study, which could be related to the presence of triterpenoids and flavonoids. These results provide scientific support for the traditional use of this species in the management of pain and inflammation.

Topics: Acetic Acid; Analgesics; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Behavior, Animal; Carrageenan; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Edema; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Mice; Myrtaceae; Nociception; Nociceptive Pain; Peritonitis; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Plants, Medicinal; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Time Factors

An ethnopharmacological survey indicated that leaves from Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC. (Myrtaceae) are popularly used as a natural therapeutic agent to treat pain and inflammation.. The overall objective of the present study was to evaluate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities of a hydroalcoholic extract of leaves from Eugenia punicifolia (HEEP) in rodents.. The antinociceptive effects of HEEP were evaluated in mice after oral administration in chemical (formalin and glutamate) and thermal (hot-plate) tests. We evaluated the involvement of the glutamatergic, opioidergic and nitrergic pathways in the antinociception of HEEP and the effect of HEEP on the inhibition of p38α MAPK. The anti-inflammatory effect of HEEP was evaluated in mice and rats using xylene-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema, respectively. Furthermore, the gastroprotective effect of HEEP was evaluated in rats with acute gastric lesions induced by ethanol or indomethacin. Finally, we performed a phytochemical analysis of HEEP.. The oral administration of HEEP (125, 250 and 500mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited the neurogenic and inflammatory phases of formalin-induced licking, and HEEP (250mg/kg, p.o.) also significantly inhibited the nociception caused by glutamate. The antinociceptive effects of HEEP were significantly reversed by l-arginine (500mg/kg, i.p.) but not by naloxone (1mg/kg, i.p.) in the formalin test. HEEP did not affect animal motor performance in the rotarod model. In addition, HEEP also increased the paw withdraw latency in the hot-plate test. HEEP significantly inhibited ear edema induced by xylene (64%) and paw edema induced by carrageenan (50%) compared to the control group. Furthermore, HEEP (3-30mg/mL) also inhibited the phosphorylation of p38α MAPK by approximately 90%. In addition, HEEP (125, 250 and 500mg/kg, p.o.) protected the rats against ethanol (88.4-99.8%) and indomethacin (53-72.3%) and increased the mucus levels of the gastric mucosa without producing an antisecretory effect. The phytochemical profile of HEEP obtained using HPLC-PDA showed secondary metabolites already reported for the genus, mostly flavonoids, gallotannins and proanthocyanidins.. These data show for the first time that HEEP has significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, which appear to be related to the inhibition of the glutamatergic system, the synthesis of nitric oxide and the inhibition of the phosphorylation of p38α MAPK. HEEP also has interesting gastroprotective effects related to the maintenance of protective factors, such as mucus production. These results support the use of Eugenia punicifolia in popular medicine and demonstrate that this plant has therapeutic potential for the development of phytomedicines with antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties.

Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Edema; Eugenia; Female; Glutamic Acid; Inflammation; Male; Medicine, Traditional; Mice; Pain; Pain Measurement; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Amazonian Camu-camu fruit (Myrciaria dubia HBK Mc Vaugh) has attracted interest from food and cosmetics industries because of its rich content of vitamin C, flavonoids and anthocyanins. The goal of this study was investigates the antiobesity action of the ingestion of the Camu-camu pulp in a rat model of diet-induced obesity. Wistar rats with obesity induced by subcutaneous injection of monosodium glutamate receiving diet ad libitum. The rats were divided in two groups: an experimental group that ingested 25 mL/day of Camu-camu pulp (CCG) and a non treated group (CG). After 12 weeks, the animals were sacrificed. Blood, liver, heart, white adipose tissues were collected and weighted, biochemical and inflammatory profiles were determinate as well. Animals that received the pulp of Camu-camu reduced their weights of the fat in white adipose tissues, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c and insulin blood levels. There was an increase in HDL-c levels. No change was observed in inflammatory markers and liver enzymes. Camu-camu pulp was able to improve the biochemical profile of obesity in rats suggesting that this Amazonian fruit can be further used such a functional food ingredient in control of chronic diseases linked to obesity.

Topics: Animals; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Fruit; Male; Myrtaceae; Obesity; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle in the chemotherapeutic treatment of many human cancers. 2',4'-Dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone (DMC) isolated from the buds of Cleistocalyx operculatus (Roxb.) Merr. et Perry (Myrtaceae), was investigated for its reversal effects on cancer cell MDR.. A human hepatocellular tumor xenograft model was established with the BEL-7402/5-FU cell line. Combined 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and DMC (40 mg kg(-1) ) treatment significantly elevated tumor inhibition rate to 72.2%. DMC could also increase 5-FU concentrations in tumor tissues and increase caspase-3 activity. Also, combined therapy resulted in enhanced tumor apoptotic and reduced proliferative activities relative to 5-FU alone. Examining body weight and other signs of unwanted toxicity of the different treatment groups revealed no significant signs of adverse effects.. All results suggested that DMC reverses 5-FU resistance, with a benign side effects profile.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Apoptosis; Caspase 3; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Chalcones; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Resistance, Multiple; Female; Fluorouracil; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Meristem; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Myrtaceae; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Transplantation, Heterologous; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

The study analyzes the chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of Ugni myricoides (Kunth) O. Berg (U. myricoides EO). The composition of the essential oil was characterized by GC-FID and GC-MS analysis, showing at least six major constituents: α-pinene (52.1%), 1,8-cineole (11.9%), α-humulene (4.6%), caryophyllene oxide + globulol (4.5%), humulene epoxide II (4.2%) and β-caryophyllene (2.9%). It demonstrates for the first time the systemic anti-hypernociceptive properties of this orally administered oil in inflammatory and neuropathic models of hypernociception in mice. The effects of U. myricoides EO and its major constituent, α-pinene, were compared with those of indomethacin or gabapentin, drugs used clinically to treat inflammatory and neuropathic processes. Like indomethacin (5 or 10 mg/kg, p.o.), U. myricoides EO (5-50 mg/kg, p.o.) was able to significantly prevent mechanical hypernociception induced by carrageenan or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in mice. These effects were observed for up to 48 h after i.pl. injection of flogistic agents. Repeated treatment with U. myricoides EO (5-25 mg/kg, p.o.), α-pinene (5-50 mg/kg, p.o.), or gabapentin (70 mg/kg, p.o.) also abolished the mechanical sensitization induced by CFA, or following the partial ligation of the sciatic nerve (PLSN). The present results indicate that U. myricoides EO produces marked anti-hypernociceptive effects in carrageenan and CFA mechanical sensitization models, and also inhibited neuropathic pain-like behavior after PLSN with efficacy similar to that observed for indomethacin or gabapentin. The relevant effects shown by U. myricoides EO are related, at least in part, to the presence of α-pinene and may be of potential interest for the management of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Topics: Amines; Analgesics; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Behavior, Animal; Bicyclic Monoterpenes; Carrageenan; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Freund's Adjuvant; Gabapentin; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Hyperalgesia; Indomethacin; Inflammation; Mice; Monoterpenes; Myrtaceae; Neuralgia; Oils, Volatile; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Sciatic Neuropathy

The aim of the present study was to examine whether an aqueous extract of Cleistocalyx operculatus flower buds (COB) had protective and anticataract effects on beta-cells in experimental streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. After 9 weeks of COB supplementation (500 mg/kg bw), the COB group had a significantly more stable insulin level as compared with the control diabetic group. Increased staining of insulin and preservation of islet cells were apparent in the COB-treated diabetic rats, whereas islet cell degeneration and weak insulin immunohistochemical staining were observed in the control diabetic rats. In addition, COB significantly delayed diabetic cataract formation and caused significant reductions in the glucose, sorbitol, and fructose levels in diabetic rat lenses. Furthermore, as compared to the control diabetic group, the COB group also showed antihyperglycemic effects (reductions in plasma glucose and HbA1c levels).

Topics: Animals; Blood Glucose; Cataract; Diabetic Retinopathy; Disease Models, Animal; Flowers; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Islets of Langerhans; Male; Myrtaceae; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Streptozocin

In Madagascar, the black rat, Rattus rattus, is the main reservoir of plague (Yersinia pestis infection), a disease still responsible for hundreds of cases each year in this country. This study used experimental plague challenge to assess susceptibility in wild-caught rats to better understand how R. rattus can act as a plague reservoir. An important difference in plague resistance between rat populations from the plague focus (central highlands) and those from the plague-free zone (low altitude area) was confirmed to be a widespread phenomenon. In rats from the plague focus, we observed that sex influenced plague susceptibility, with males slightly more resistant than females. Other individual factors investigated (weight and habitat of sampling) did not affect plague resistance. When infected at high bacterial dose (more than 10⁵ bacteria injected), rats from the plague focus died mainly within 3-5 days and produced specific antibodies, whereas after low-dose infection (< 5,000 bacteria), delayed mortality was observed and surviving seronegative rats were not uncommon. These results concerning plague resistance level and the course of infection in the black rat would contribute to a better understanding of plague circulation in Madagascar.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Bacterial; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Reservoirs; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Madagascar; Male; Plague; Rats; Sex Factors; Survival Analysis; Yersinia pestis

Ten outbreaks of poliomyelitis caused by pathogenic circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) have recently been reported in different regions of the world. Two of these outbreaks occurred in Madagascar. Most cVDPVs were recombinants of mutated poliovaccine strains and other unidentified enteroviruses of species C. We previously reported that a type 2 cVDPV isolated during an outbreak in Madagascar was co-circulating with coxsackieviruses A17 (CA17) and that sequences in the 3' half of the cVDPV and CA17 genomes were related. The goal of this study was to investigate whether these CA17 isolates can act as recombination partners of poliovirus and subsequently to evaluate the major effects of recombination events on the phenotype of the recombinants. We first cloned the infectious cDNA of a Madagascar CA17 isolate. We then generated recombinant constructs combining the genetic material of this CA17 isolate with that of the type 2 vaccine strain and that of the type 2 cVDPV. Our results showed that poliovirus/CA17 recombinants are viable. The recombinant in which the 3' half of the vaccine strain genome had been replaced by that of the CA17 genome yielded larger plaques and was less temperature sensitive than its parental strains. The virus in which the 3' portion of the cVDPV genome was replaced by the 3' half of the CA17 genome was almost as neurovirulent as the cVDPV in transgenic mice expressing the poliovirus cellular receptor gene. The co-circulation in children and genetic recombination of viruses, differing in their pathogenicity for humans and in certain other biological properties such as receptor usage, can lead to the generation of pathogenic recombinants, thus constituting an interesting model of viral evolution and emergence.

Topics: Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Cloning, Molecular; Disease Models, Animal; Enterovirus; Female; Genome, Viral; Humans; Madagascar; Male; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Phylogeny; Poliomyelitis; Poliovirus; Poliovirus Vaccines; Recombination, Genetic; Sequence Alignment; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Temperature; Vaccines, Attenuated; Viral Plaque Assay; Virulence; Virus Replication

Expression of a myriad of virulence factors and innate antibiotic resistance enables the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to create intractable infections. Using a nematode model, we screened for novel inhibitors of this pathogen. Aqueous extracts of three plants, Conocarpus erectus, Callistemon viminalis and Bucida buceras, were examined for their effects on P. aeruginosa killing of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The results were evaluated in toxin-based and infection-based assays using P. aeruginosa strains PAO1 and PA14. The tested plant extracts prevented mortality via gut infection in approximately 60 % of the worms and caused a 50-90 % reduction in death from toxin production. All extracts inhibited nematode death by P. aeruginosa without host toxicity, indicating their potential for further development as anti-infectives.

Topics: Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Myrtaceae; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Pseudomonas Infections; Virulence

Previously we have shown that 2',4'-dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone (DMC), which is isolated from the buds of Cleistocalyx operculatus, significantly inhibits the growth of human liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells and is able to induce apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells in vitro. Here we report the antitumor effects of DMC in vivo, using a solid human tumor xenograft mouse model using human liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells. The average tumor weights in the control group and in mice injected with 150 mg/kg DMC were 1.42+/-0.11 g and 0.59+/-0.12 g, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis of the tumor cell population demonstrated an aneuploid peak (representing 33.60+/-0.80% of the total in mice injected with 150 mg/kg DMC). To our knowledge, this is the first time that chalcone compounds have been applied to a human tumor xenograft model.

Topics: Animals; Carcinoma; Chalcone; Chalcones; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Myrtaceae; Plant Extracts; Transplantation, Heterologous

Topics: Animals; Bacterial Infections; Disease Models, Animal; Lemur; Lemuridae; Madagascar; Parasitic Diseases; Parasitic Diseases, Animal; Virus Diseases