Circulating Levels of sFlt1 Splice Variants as Predictive Markers for the Development of Preeclampsia

Angiogenic biomarkers, including soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), are thought to be predictors of preeclampsia onset; however, improvement is needed before a widespread diagnostic test can be utilized. Here we describe the development and use of diagnostic monoclonal antibodies specific to the two main splice variants of sFlt1, sFlt1-1 and sFlt1-14. These antibodies were selected for their sensitivity and specificity to their respective sFlt1 isoform in a capture ELISA format. Data from this pilot study suggest that sFlt1-1 may be more predictive of preeclampsia than total sFlt1. It may be possible to improve current diagnostic platforms if more specific antibodies are utilized

Sugarcane waste products as source of phytotoxic compounds for agriculture

Purpose This article aims to evaluate the phytotoxic potential of metabolites present in the waste from sugarcane processing industry, such as vinasse, filter cake and bagasse, in order to reuse them as raw materials for the production of natural herbicides. Methods Vinasse, filter cake and bagasse were submitted to different treatments, which originated 15 different samples. They were chemically identified by negative-ion mode electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI(-)FT-ICR MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Furthermore, they were submitted to phytotoxic assays, and to total phenolic content determination. Correlation between chemical and biological methods was performed through chemometric analysis and multiple linear regression. Results From vinasse, dichloromethane (VDiCl) and ethyl acetate (VAcOEt) samples were the most phytotoxic fractions at the concentrations of 500 mg L-1 and 250 mg L-1. VDiCl inhibited L. sativa root growth by 72.6% and 59.7%, respectively, while VAcOEt inhibited by 62.13% and 30.67%, respectively. The IC50 values established for VDiCl e VAcOEt were 168.4 mg L-1 e 262.3 mg L-1, respectively. The set of analyzes provided evidence that the synergistic action between fatty acids and phenolic compounds was of paramount importance for greater phytotoxicity of fractions. Conclusion The results indicate that the waste from the sugarcane processing industry, especially vinasse, can be reused as raw material for the production of natural herbicides, minimizing the environmental risks of incorrect disposal

Dendranthema grandiflorum, a hybrid ornamental plant, is a source of larvicidal compounds against Aedes aegypti larvae

Abstract In hybrid cultivated form, Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam., Asteraceae, flowers (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) were utilized in the production of extracts, which were analyzed for larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti third instar larvae. Methanol and dichloromethane extracts showed LC50 values of 5.02 and 5.93 ppm, respectively. Using GC–MS, phytochemical analyses of the dichloromethane extract showed the presence of triterpenoids and fatty acids, while flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids were shown to occur in the methanol extract by ESI Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR-MS). Triterpenoids and fatty acids are well known insecticidal compounds. From this study, it can be concluded that D. grandiflorum grown for floriculture, as an agribusiness, can have additional applications as raw material for the production of insecticidal products

Ethyl Acetate Fraction and Isolated Phenolics Derivatives from Mandevilla moricandiana Identified by UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn with Pharmacological Potential for the Improvement of Obesity-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction

Endothelial dysfunction in obesity plays a key role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, and it is characterized by increased vascular tonus and oxidative stress. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the vasodilatory and antioxidant activities of Mandevilla moricandiana ethyl acetate fraction and subfractions. Vascular effects were investigated on aorta isolated from control and monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced-obese Wistar rats, and antioxidant activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods. The ethyl acetate fraction (MMEAF) induced a concentration-dependent vasodilation on aortic rings through the NO pathway, with the involvement of histamine H1 and estrogen ERα receptors and showed potent antioxidant activity. In aorta of MSG obese rats, maximal relaxation to acetylcholine was increased in the presence of MMEAF (3 µg/mL), indicating that MMEAF ameliorated obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction. Quercetin and kaempferol aglycones and their correspondent glycosides, as well as caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, A-type procyanidin trimer, ursolic and oleanolic triterpenoid acids were identified in subfractions from MMEAF and seem to be the metabolites responsible for the vascular and antioxidant activities of this fraction