Leucoagaricus gongylophorus confere proteção para Atta sexdens contra extratos vegetais

Plant extracts have been considered for the control the leaf-cutting ants. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the survival leaf-cutting worker ants after topical application of Ageratum conyzoides (mentrasto) and Manihot esculenta (cassava) extracts; and to evaluate the effect of Manihot esculenta hexane extract via ingestion on the survival of the workers of Atta sexdens Forel 1908 isolated or not from their colonies, in order to verify whether the symbiotic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus confers protection to the workers against the extract. First, ten medium workers were removed from their colonies and received the application of 1 μL of extract on the pronotum. The cassava extract (125 µg.mL-1) was diluted in a solution of honey with water for the ingestion bioassay. Five repetitions (ten ants inside a transparent plastic container) were performed in each of the four colonies used in the experiment. The numbers of dead ants were recorded daily until the control also died. The solution of the hexane Manihot esculenta extract gave a significant result at the concentration of 100 µg.mL-1, with 100% of mortatily after 4 days. The ants maintained with the symbiont fungus that ingested the cassava hexanic extract showed a lower mortality rate (40% at the end of 25 days) than the workers who were kept isolated (90%). The symbiosis between the ants and the fungus means more than a food source for leaf-cutting ants because it reduces the toxic effect on the ants when the ants remain in contact with the fungus and is offered an unsafe vegetable.Extratos vegetais foram utilizados para o controle das formigas cortadeiras. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a sobrevivência de operárias de formigas cortadeiras após aplicação tópica de extratos de Ageratum conyzoides (mentrasto) e Manihot esculenta (mandioca); e avaliar o efeito por ingestão do extrato de Manihot esculenta extraído com hexano na sobrevivência de operárias de Atta sexdens Forel 1908 isoladas ou não de suas colônias, a fim de verificar se o fungo simbiótico Leucoagaricus gongylophorus confere proteção às operárias contra o extrato. Primeiro, dez operárias médias foram removidas de suas colônias e receberam a aplicação de 1 μL de extrato no pronoto. O extrato de mandioca (125 µg.mL-1) foi diluído em uma solução de mel com água para o bioensaio de ingestão. Foram realizadas cinco repetições (dez formigas dentro de um recipiente de plástico transparente) em cada uma das quatro colônias utilizadas no experimento. O número de formigas mortas foi registrado diariamente até que o tratamento controle também morresse. A solução do extrato Manihot esculenta com hexano apresentou resultado significativo na concentração de 100 µg.mL-1, com 100% de mortalidade após 4 dias. Formigas mantidas com o fungo simbionte que ingeriu o extrato hexânico da mandioca apresentaram menor mortalidade (40% ao final de 25 dias) do que as operárias mantidas isoladas (90%). A simbiose entre as formigas e o fungo significa mais do que uma fonte de alimento para as formigas-cortadeiras, devido ao fato de reduzir o efeito tóxico de extratos vegetais nas formigas quando elas permanencem em contato constante com o mesmo

Estresse oxidativo e fenilcetonúria: uma revisão integrativa

Phenylketonuria is an autosomal recessive disease. It is caused by an innate error that occurs in individuals where there is a change in the PAH chromosome 12q22-q24.2 gene, which encodes phenylalanine hydroxylase. Also known as PKU, the pathology consists of the absence of this enzyme or the lack of its full functionality, which can be detected in the first days of life. Treatment for PKU is essentially dietary and should be started as soon as it is diagnosed. The dietary restriction of phenylketonuric individuals is extensive, based on a limited diet that offers low content of, or free from phenylalanine. The decrease in phenylalanine levels in the blood aims to protect the patient from neurological damage caused by high levels of this amino acid. Commonly, diets are based on fruits and vegetables with low Phe levels accompanied by food formulas to achieve the necessary protein intake. Based on scientific studies, there is evidence that the restrictive diet, to which these patients have been submitted, results in a decrease in the body's antioxidant capacity and, consequently, contributes to the increase in oxidative stress caused by the presence of reactive oxygen species. Thus, the objective of the present study was to conduct an integrative review based on scientific studies regarding the correlation between oxidative stress in phenylketonuric patients and pathology. The analysis of selected studies showed a strong correlation between oxidative stress and neurological disorders in individuals diagnosed with PKU, being more common in patients with delayed diagnosis, showing that the restrictive diet is an essential factor in protecting patients.A fenilcetonúria é uma doença autossômica recessiva. É causada por um erro inato que ocorre em indivíduos onde há uma alteração no gene 12q22-q24.2 do cromossomo PAH, que codifica a fenilalanina hidroxilase. Também conhecida como PKU, a patologia consiste na ausência dessa enzima ou na falta de sua plena funcionalidade, que pode ser detectada nos primeiros dias de vida. O tratamento da PKU é essencialmente dietético e deve ser iniciado assim que for diagnosticado. A restrição alimentar de indivíduos fenilcetonúricos é extensa, baseada em uma dieta limitada que oferece baixo teor ou isento de fenilalanina. A diminuição dos níveis de fenilalanina no sangue visa proteger o paciente de danos neurológicos causados por níveis elevados desse aminoácido. Comumente, as dietas são baseadas em frutas e vegetais com baixos níveis de Phe acompanhados de fórmulas alimentares para atingir a ingestão proteica necessária. Com base em estudos científicos, há evidências de que a dieta restritiva, à qual esses pacientes têm sido submetidos, resulta na diminuição da capacidade antioxidante do organismo e, consequentemente, contribui para o aumento do estresse oxidativo causado pela presença de espécies reativas de oxigênio. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma revisão integrativa baseada em estudos científicos sobre a correlação entre estresse oxidativo em pacientes fenilcetonúricos e patologia. A análise dos estudos selecionados mostrou forte correlação entre estresse oxidativo e distúrbios neurológicos em indivíduos diagnosticados com PKU, sendo mais comum em pacientes com diagnóstico tardio, mostrando que a dieta restritiva é um fator essencial na proteção dos pacientes

Phytochemicals of Avocado Residues as Potential Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors, Antioxidants, and Neuroprotective Agents

Avocado (Persea americana) is a widely consumed fruit and a rich source of nutrients and phytochemicals. Its industrial processing generates peels and seeds which represent 30% of the fruit. Environmental issues related to these wastes are rapidly increasing and likely to double, according to expected avocado production. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the potential of hexane and ethanolic peel (PEL-H, PEL-ET) and seed (SED-H, SED-ET) extracts from avocado as sources of neuroprotective compounds. Minerals, total phenol (TPC), total flavonoid (TF), and lipid contents were determined by absorption spectroscopy and gas chromatography. In addition, phytochemicals were putatively identified by paper spray mass spectrometry (PSMS). The extracts were good sources of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, ω-6 linoleic acid, and flavonoids. Moreover, fifty-five metabolites were detected in the extracts, consisting mainly of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The in vitro antioxidant capacity (FRAP and DPPH), acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and in vivo neuroprotective capacity were evaluated. PEL-ET was the best acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, with no significant difference (p > 0.05) compared to the control eserine, and it showed neither preventive nor regenerative effect in the neuroprotection assay. SED-ET demonstrated a significant protective effect compared to the control, suggesting neuroprotection against rotenone-induced neurological damage

MINERALS AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS OF CAGAITA FRUITS AT DIFFERENT MATURATION STAGES (Eugenia dysenterica)

ABSTRACT Cerrado is the largest biome in the state of Minas Gerais-Brazil, represented by a biodiversity of fruit species, especially cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica). Cagaita fruits are considered an important option for fruit growing, because they are source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties and mineral content that can contribute with beneficial health effects. In this study, phenolic compounds were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography and the mineral content of ripe and unripe cagaita fruits was evaluated. Regarding minerals, ripe and unripe fruits stand out due to their high potassium content. Unripe fruits are rich in boron while ripe fruits are source of this mineral. ripe and unripe cagaita fruits have the following phenolic compounds: gallic, caffeic, vanillic, p-coumaric, siringeic, ferulic and salicylic acids, epicatechin, quercetin and rutin, the highest contents of these compounds are caffeic, p-coumaric, siringeic and ferrulic, epicatechin and rutin identified in unripe fruits, while ripe fruits have high contents of gallic, vanillic and quercetin acids. Thus, cagaita fruits have great potential for food, therapeutic and medicinal applications bringing health benefits

Influence of Harvest Time on the Chemical Profile of <i>Pereskia aculeate</i> Mill. Using Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry

This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics and the production of bioactive compounds of Pereskia aculeata Mill. at different harvest times. Here, we performed a qualitative evaluation of the chemical profile by paper spray mass spectrometry (PSMS), the phenolic acid and flavonoid profile by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), antioxidant activity, total carotenoids, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, color characteristics, total soluble solids (TSS), total solids (TS), pH, and total titratable acidity (TTA). The chemical profile was not affected, with the exception of 4,5-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene and azelaic acid, which was only identified in the leaves harvested during the winter. The content of four phenolic acids and three flavonoids were analyzed; out of these, no significant amounts of ellagic acid and quercetin were detected. There was no difference in production of bioactive compounds between seasons, reflecting the antioxidant activity, which also did not differ. Brightness, chroma, and leaf pH were the only physicochemical characteristics that did not vary between seasons

Chemical Physical Characterization and Profile of Fruit Volatile Compounds from Different Accesses of Myrciaria floribunda (H. West Ex Wild.) O. Berg through Polyacrylate Fiber

Among the many species of native fruit of Brazil that have been little explored, there is Myrciaria floribunda (also known as rumberry, cambuizeiro, or guavaberry), a species with significant variability, which has fruits of different colors (orange, red, and purple) when ripe. The physical-chemical characteristics evaluated were fruit weight (FW), seed weight (SW), pulp weight (PW), number of seeds (NS), longitudinal diameter (LD), transverse diameter (TD), format (LD/TD), hydrogen potential (pH), soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), and ratio (SS/TA); further, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of nine accesses of rumberry orchards were identified. The averages of the variables FW, SW, PW, NS, LD, TD, shape, and firmness were 0.76 g, 0.22 g, 0.54 g, 1.45, 10.06 mm, 9.90 mm, 1.02, 2.96 N, respectively. LD/TD data showed that the fruits have a slightly rounded shape (LD/TD = 1). The averages for pH, SS, TA, and SS/TA were 3.74, 17.58 Brix, 4.31% citric acid, and 4.31, respectively. The evaluated parameters indicated that the fruits can be consumed both in natura and industrialized, with the red-colored fruits presenting a good balance of SS/TA, standards demanded by the processing industries. Thirty-six VOCs were identified, with emphasis on the sesquiterpenes. Caryophyllene (21.6% to 49.3%) and γ-selinene (11.3% to 16.3%) were the most predominant compounds in rumberry fruits

Physicochemical Characterization and Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Myrciaria Floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg Accessions

Myrciaria floribunda, also known as rumberry, is a tree native to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, where its fruits have the potential for commercial use. This study evaluates the antioxidant potential, determines the phytochemical profile, and chemically characterizes the rumberry fruit. Accessions were sampled from the Rumberry Active Germplasm Bank of the Federal University of Alagoas, Brazil. Physical characteristics, chemical characteristics, and phenolic compound content were analyzed. Chemical profile characterization was carried out using PSMS. Accessions had an average weight of 0.86 g. Accession AC137 presented a higher pulp yield (1.12 g). AC132 and AC156 had larger fruits, AC137 showed greater firmness (5.93 N), and AC160 had a higher and total phenolic content ratio (279.01 &plusmn; 11.11). Orange-colored accessions scored higher in evaluated parameters, except for AC160 for phenolic content. Thirty-two compounds were identified on positive ionization mode and 42 compounds on negative ionization mode using PSMS. Flavonoids, followed by the derivatives of benzoic acid, sugars, and phenylpropanoids, were the most prominent. Myricitrin, quercitrin, and catechin stand out as flavonoids that have been reported in previous studies with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, in addition to health and therapeutical benefits, demonstrating the potential of the rumberry fruit

Chemical Approach to the Optimization of Conditions Using HS-SPME/GC&ndash;MS for Characterization of Volatile Compounds in Eugenia brasiliensis Fruit

Grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam.) is a native fruit of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, belonging to the Myrtaceae family, which designatesthe most significant number of species with food potential. It stands out due to its phytochemical characteristics because of the presence of polyphenols and volatile organic compounds. Volatile compounds are substances released by foods that give off an aroma and influence flavor. Solid-phase microextraction is a technique that allows for low-cost, fast, and solvent-free extraction, has an affinity for numerous analytes, and is easily coupled to gas chromatography. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the efficiency of different fibers of SPME (solid-phase microextraction) in the extraction of volatile organic compounds from grumixama pulp; optimize a method for extraction time, temperature, and sample weight; and to determine the characteristic volatile profile of this fruit. For the extraction of volatile compounds, three fibers of different polarities were used: polar polyacrylate (PA) fibers, divinylbenzene/carboxyne/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) semipolar fibers, and polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB). Fourteen volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified by DVB/CAR/PDMS, six by PA, and seven by PDMS/DVB through solid-phase microextraction in the headspace mode (SPME-HS). Considering the total number of compounds identified, regardless of the fiber used, and the optimization of the method, Eugenia brasiliensis presented sesquiterpene fractions (85.7%, 83.3%, and 85.7% of total VOCs) higher than the monoterpene fractions (14.3%, 16.7%, and 14.3%) for DVB/CAR/PDMS, PA, and PDMS/DVB, respectively in its composition. In addition, it was possible to verify that the fiber DVB/CAR/PDMS presented a better efficiency due to the larger chromatographic area observed when the grumixama pulp was subjected to conditions of 75 &deg;C, 2.0 g, and an adsorption time of 20 min