Molluscicide Effect of Sapindus saponaria Fruit on Galba cubensis, an Intermediate Host of Fasciolosis in Cuba

Galba cubensis is the main intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica in Cuba. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate the molluscicide effect of Sapindus saponaria L. on Galba cubensis in laboratory conditions, in order to recommend this plant for ecological control of this snail. Different concentrations of the hydroalcoholic extract of six-month old S. saponaria pericarp were tested on G. cubensis individuals, based on the methodology of the World Health Organization. The concentration gradient was used to determine LC50 and LC90, which then were tested to estimate the heartbeat frequency of these mollusks. The molluscicide effect of the plant extract was considerable (P≤0.01; R2=60.6), with concentration-dependent mortality and a drop of heartbeat frequency. Significant differences were observed between LC50=39.8 mg/L and LC90=67.9mg/L, in the test to lower heartbeat frequency (P≤0.01), and between LC90 and the control group (P≤0.01), but not between the control group and LC50 and (P=0.24). Molluscicide activity in the plant material was still present after six months of application, which was an important fact to recommend this plant as a candidate to control intermediate hosts of Fasciolosis in our region.Galba cubensis is the main intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica in Cuba. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate the molluscicide effect of Sapindus saponaria L. on Galba cubensis in laboratory conditions, in order to recommend this plant for ecological control of this snail. Different concentrations of the hydroalcoholic extract of six-month old S. saponaria pericarp were tested on G. cubensis individuals, based on the methodology of the World Health Organization. The concentration gradient was used to determine LC50 and LC90, which then were tested to estimate the heartbeat frequency of these mollusks. The molluscicide effect of the plant extract was considerable (P≤0.01; R2=60.6), with concentration-dependent mortality and a drop of heartbeat frequency. Significant differences were observed between LC50=39.8 mg/L and LC90=67.9mg/L, in the test to lower heartbeat frequency (P≤0.01), and between LC90 and the control group (P≤0.01), but not between the control group and LC50 and (P=0.24). Molluscicide activity in the plant material was still present after six months of application, which was an important fact to recommend this plant as a candidate to control intermediate hosts of Fasciolosis in our region

Hypothalamic mTOR signaling mediates the orexigenic action of ghrelin

Current evidence suggests that ghrelin, a stomach derived peptide, exerts its orexigenic action through specific modulation of Sirtuin1 (SIRT1)/p53 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways, which ultimately increase the expression of agouti-related protein (AgRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC). However, there is a paucity of data about the possible action of ghrelin on alternative metabolic pathways at this level. Here, we demonstrate that ghrelin elicits a marked upregulation of the hypothalamic mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Of note, central inhibition of mTOR signaling with rapamycin decreased ghrelin's orexigenic action and normalized the mRNA expression of AgRP and NPY, as well as their key downstream transcription factors, namely cAMP response-element binding protein (pCREB) and forkhead box O1 (FoxO1, total and phosphorylated). Taken together, these data indicate that, in addition to previous reported mechanisms, ghrelin also promotes feeding through modulation of hypothalamic mTOR pathway

Neonatal events, such as androgenization and postnatal overfeeding, modify the response to ghrelin

It is currently accepted that ambient, non-genetic factors influence perinatal development and evoke structural and functional changes that may persist throughout life. Overfeeding and androgenization after birth are two of these key factors that could result in “metabolic imprinting” of neuronal circuits early in life and, thereby, increase the body weight homeostatic “set point”, stimulate appetite and result in obesity. Our aim was to determine the influence of these obesogenic factors on the response to ghrelin. We observed the expected orexigenic effect of ghrelin regardless of the nutritional or hormonal manipulations to which the animals were subjected to at early postnatal development and this effect remained intact at later stages of development. In fact, ghrelin responses increased significantly when the animals were subjected to one of the two manipulations, but not when both were combined. An increased response to ghrelin could explain the obese phenotype displayed by individuals with modified perinatal environment.This work has been supported by grants from Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia (CD: BFU2011-29102) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn). CIBERobn is an initiative of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) of Spain which is supported by FEDER funds. The research leading to these results has also received funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme under the following grant: CD: FP7/2007-2013: n° 245009: NeuroFASTS

Efecto molusquicida del fruto de Sapindus saponaria sobre Galba cubensis, hospedero intermediario de fasciolosis en Cuba

Aim: In Cuba, Galba cubensis is the main intermediate hosts of Fasciola hepatica. The objective of this research is to determine at the laboratory level the molluscicidal activity of S. saponaria on G. cubensis to propose this plant as another candidate for ecological control of this snail. Methods Different hidroalcoholic extract concentrations from S. saponaria pericarp after six months collected were assessed according to the WHO methodology. With a concentrations gradient, CL50 y CL90 were determined, at these concentrations influence on hearth rate of the mollusks were evaluated. Results:  It was verified a considerable molluscicidal effect of extracts respect to the lethality (R2 = 60.6; P ≤ 0.01) in a concentration dependent manner, as well as in the decrease of the heart rate frequency at CL50 y CL90. Differences between LC50 = 39.8 mg/l and LC90 = 67.9 mg/l were significant (P ≤ 0.01), and also between the control group and LC90 (P ≤ 0.01); but not between control group and LC50 (P = 0.24). Conclusion: The fact that plant material after six months collected has molluscicidal activity is very important in order to propose this plant as a Fasciolosis intermediate host control candidate in our area.Antecedentes y objetivo: Galba cubensis es el hospedero intermediario principal de Fasciola hepatica en Cuba. El objetivo de este trabajo fue demostrar el efecto molusquicida de Sapindus saponaria L. sobre Galba cubensis a nivel de laboratorio para proponer esta planta como un candidato para el control ecológico de este caracol. Métodos: Diferentes concentraciones del extracto hidroalcohólico del pericarpio de S. saponaria de seis meses de colectado fueron testadas sobre individuos de G. cubensis según la metodología de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Con el gradiente de las concentraciones obtenidas se determinó la CL50 y CL90, a las que fue determinada la influencia sobre la frecuencia cardíaca de los moluscos. Resultados Se constató que el efecto molusquicida del extracto vegetal fue considerable (P ≤ 0,01; R2 = 60,6), con un comportamiento de mortalidad, así como de la disminución de la frecuencia cardiaca dependiente de la concentración. Entre las CL50 = 39,8 mg/L y CL90 = 67,9 mg/L obtenidas se observaron diferencias significativas en la prueba de disminución de las frecuencias cardiacas (P ≤ 0,01), y entre la CL90 y el grupo control (P ≤ 0,01); no así entre el grupo control y la CL50 (P = 0,24). Conclusiones.El hecho de que el material vegetal luego de seis meses de colectado tuviera actividad molusquicida es muy importante para proponer esta planta como candidato para el control de los hospederos intermediarios de Fasciolosis en nuestra región

Actividad molusquicida del Paraiso (Melia azedarach L.) (Meliaceae) sobre Lymnaea cubensis, molusco vector de Fasciolosis

INTRODUCTION: Fasciolosis is a source of serious economic loss in various regions of Brazil and when control measures of its host (molluscs) are not taken under favorable ecological conditions, isolated cases of human Fasciolosis may occur. Among the alternative measures for its control is the use of vegetable extracts and the purpose of this project is the assessment of the use of juice extracted from the fruit and seeds of the Paraiso plant (Melia azedarach L.) in the control of Lymnaea cubensis, the main vector of Fasciolosis in Cuba. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Various concentrations of the juice extracted from the Paraiso fruit (Melia azedarach L.) were tested to determine the average and maximum lethal doses (DL50 and DL90, respectively) used in a computerized PROBIT-LOG program. Seven experimental series were undertaken, 72 molluscs being used in each of them. Three groups of ten molluscs were tested to determine the effect on cardiac frequency, two of them being treated with CL50=0.88627 and CL90=1.7641, respectively, the third being used as control. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A considerable effect of both doses on the cardiac frequency of the mollusc studied was observed. The results were encouraging, for they demonstrated the potential use of this plant in the control of undesirable molluscs.INTRODUÇÃO: A Fasciolosis constitui em diversas regiões fonte importante de perdas econômicas, e quando não se adotam medidas de controle de seus hospedeiros (moluscos), junto a condições ecológicas favoráveis, pode ocorrer o aparecimento de casos isolados de Fasciolosis humana. Dentro dos métodos alternativos para o seu controle está o uso de extratos vegetais e se tem pretendido avaliar o provável emprego do suco extraído do fruto e sementes do Paraíso (Melia azedarach L.), no controle de Lymnaea cubensis, principal vetor da Fasciolosis em Cuba. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Diferentes concentrações do suco extraído do fruto e semente do Paraiso (Melia azedarach L.) foram testadas para determinar as doses médias letais (DL50) e máxima (DL90) usando um programa computadorizado PROBIT-LOG. Sete séries experimentais foram realizadas , usando 72 moluscos em cada uma. Para determinar a influência sobre a freqûência cardíaca foram testados três grupos de 10 moluscos, dois foram tratados com as CL50= 0,88627 e CL90= 1,7641, respectivamente, enquanto que o terceiro foi considerado como controle. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se uma marcada influência de ambas as doses sobre a freqüência cardíaca do molusco estudado. Os resultados foram alentadores, pois demonstraram um potencial uso dessa planta no controle de moluscos não desejados.INTRODUCCIÓN: La Fasciolosis constituye en diversas regiones una fuente importante de pérdidas económicas y cuando se descuidan las medidas de control de sus hospedadores (moluscos), junto a condiciones ecológicas favorables, pueden ocurrir casos aislados de Fasciolosis humana. Dentro de los métodos alternativos para su control está el uso de extractos vegetales y se pretendió evaluar el probable empleo del jugo extraído del fruto y semillas del Paraiso (Melia azedarach L.) en el control de Lymnaea cubensis, principal vector de la Fasciolosis en Cuba. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Diferentes concentraciones del jugo extraído del fruto y semillas del Paraiso (Melia azedarach L.) fueron testados para determinar las dosis letales media (DL50) y máxima (DL90) usando un programa computarizado Probit-Log. Siete series experimentales fueron probadas usando 72 moluscos en cada una. Para determinar la influencia sobre la frecuencia cardíaca fueron testados tres grupos de 10 moluscos, dos fueron tratados con las DL50=0,88627 y DL90=1,7641, respectivamente, mientras que el tercero fue considerado como testigo. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Se observó una marcada influencia de ambas dosis sobre la frecuencia cardíaca del molusco estudiado. Estos resultados son alentadores, pues demuestran el potencial empleo de esta planta en el control de moluscos indeseables

Proteasome Dysfunction Associated to Oxidative Stress and Proteotoxicity in Adipocytes Compromises Insulin Sensitivity in Human Obesity

AIMS: Obesity is characterized by a low-grade systemic inflammatory state and adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction, which predispose individuals to the development of insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic disease. However, a subset of obese individuals, referred to as metabolically healthy obese (MHO) individuals, are protected from obesity-associated metabolic abnormalities. Here, we aim at identifying molecular factors and pathways in adipocytes that are responsible for the progression from the insulin-sensitive to the insulin-resistant, metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO) phenotype. RESULTS: Proteomic analysis of paired samples of adipocytes from subcutaneous (SC) and omental (OM) human AT revealed that both types of cells are altered in the MUHO state. Specifically, the glutathione redox cycle and other antioxidant defense systems as well as the protein-folding machinery were dysregulated and endoplasmic reticulum stress was increased in adipocytes from IR subjects. Moreover, proteasome activity was also compromised in adipocytes of MUHO individuals, which was associated with enhanced accumulation of oxidized and ubiquitinated proteins in these cells. Proteasome activity was also impaired in adipocytes of diet-induced obese mice and in 3T3-L1 adipocytes exposed to palmitate. In line with these data, proteasome inhibition significantly impaired insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. INNOVATION: This study provides the first evidence of the occurrence of protein homeostasis deregulation in adipocytes in human obesity, which, together with oxidative damage, interferes with insulin signaling in these cells. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that proteasomal dysfunction and impaired proteostasis in adipocytes, resulting from protein oxidation and/or misfolding, constitute major pathogenic mechanisms in the development of IR in obesity.IMIBIC/Universidad de Córdoba-SCAI (ProteoRed, PRB2-ISCIII)MINECO/FEDERJunta de Andalucía/FEDERCIBERobn(Instituto de Salud Carlos III

ANGPTL-4 is Associated with Obesity and Lipid Profile in Children and Adolescents

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL-4) regulates lipidic metabolism and affects energy homeostasis. However, its function in children with obesity remains unknown. We investigated plasma ANGPTL-4 levels in children and its relationship with body mass index (BMI) and different lipidic parameters such as free fatty acids (FFA). Plasma ANGPTL-4 levels were analyzed in two different cohorts. In the first cohort (n = 150, age 3–17 years), which included children with normal weight or obesity, we performed a cross-sectional study. In the second cohort, which included only children with obesity (n = 20, age 5–18 years) followed up for two years after an intervention for weight loss, in which we performed a longitudinal study measuring ANGPTL-4 before and after BMI-loss. In the cross-sectional study, circulating ANGPTL-4 levels were lower in children with obesity than in those with normal weight. Moreover, ANGPTL-4 presented a negative correlation with BMI, waist circumference, weight, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA index), triglycerides, and leptin, and a positive correlation with FFA and vitamin-D. In the longitudinal study, the percent change in plasma ANGPTL-4 was correlated with the percent change in FFA, total-cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This study reveals a significant association of ANGPTL-4 with pediatric obesity and plasma lipid profileThis research was funded by INSTITUTO DE SALUD CARLOS III cofounded by FEDER, grants number PI18/00998, PI15/01272, PI11/02042, PI16/01301, and PI16/00871, and FUNDACIÓN MUTUA MADRILEÑAS

Modelos de crecimiento y producción en España: historia, ejemplos contemporáneos y perspectivas

En el presente trabajo se presenta una revisión sobre los modelos forestales desarrollados en España durante los últimos años, tanto para la producción maderable como no maderable y, para la dinámica de los bosques (regeneración, mortalidad). Se presentan modelos tanto de rodal completo como de clases diamétricas y de árbol individual. Los modelos desarrollados hasta la fecha se han desarrollado a partir de datos procedentes de parcelas permanentes, ensayos y el Inventario Forestal Nacional. En el trabajo se muestran los diferentes submodelos desarrollados hasta la fecha, así como las plataformas informáticas que permiten utilizar dichos modelos. Se incluyen las principales perspectivas de desarrollo de la modelización forestal en España.In this paper we present a review of forest models developed in Spain in recent years for both timber and non timber production and forest dynamics (regeneration, mortality). Models developed are whole stand, size (diameter) class and individual-tree. The models developed to date have been developed using data from permanent plots, experimental sites and the National Forest Inventory. In this paper we show the different sub-models developed so far and the friendly use software. Main perspectives of forest modeling in Spain are presented.The models described in this paper were funded by different regional, national and European projects, and some of them were elaborated by the authors. This work was funded by the Spanish Government by the SELVIRED network (code AGL2008-03740) and the strategic project «Restauración y Gestión Forestal» (code PSE-310000-2009-4)

Acute effects of orexigenic antipsychotic drugs on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in rat

This study aims to investigate whether orexigenic antipsychotic drugs may induce dyslipidemia and glucose disturbances in female rats through direct perturbation of metabolically active peripheral tissues, independent of prior weight gain. Methods In the current study, we examined whether a single intraperitoneal injection of clozapine or olanzapine induced metabolic disturbances in adult female outbred Sprague–Dawley rats. Serum glucose and lipid parameters were measured during time-course experiments up to 48 h. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure specific transcriptional alterations in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in adipose tissue depots or in the liver. Results Our results demonstrated that acute administration of clozapine or olanzapine induced a rapid, robust elevation of free fatty acids and glucose in serum, followed by hepatic accumulation of lipids evident after 12–24 h. These metabolic disturbances were associated with biphasic patterns of gluconeogenic and lipid-related gene expression in the liver and in white adipose tissue depots. Conclusion Our results support that clozapine and olanzapine are associated with primary effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism associated with transcriptional changes in metabolically active peripheral tissues prior to the development of drug-induced weight gain