Improvement of Endothelial Function by Gunnera Tinctoria Extract With Antioxidant Properties

[Abstract] Background: Gunnera tinctoria has been collected by Mapuche-Pewenche people for food and medicinal purposes. The high polyphenol content of methanolic extract from G. tinctoria leaves with chemical constituents such as ellagic acid and quercetin derivatives suggests its application to prevent endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to provide evidence of the protective effect of this extract on endothelial function by reducing oxidative stress induced by high D-glucose and H2O2, as well as by stimulating nitric oxide (NO) levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results: A methanolic extract with a high content of polyphenols (520 ± 30 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry extract) was obtained from G. tinctoria leaves. Its main constituent was ellagic acid. The results of Ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assays of the extract confirmed its antioxidant activity by inhibition pathway of radical species. The incubation of HUVECs with the extract decreased the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis induced by high extracellular concentration of D-glucose or hydrogen peroxide. The extract increased endothelial NO levels and reduced vasoconstriction in human placental vessels. Conclusions: This study provides evidence about the antioxidant and endothelial protective properties of methanolic G. tinctoria leaf extract. The extract improves the availability of NO in HUVECs, inhibiting the production of ROS and vasoconstriction.Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (Chile); 1191651InnovaChile; 13IDL223120Gobierno Regional del Biobío (Chile); R17A10003Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (Chile); AFB170007Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (Chile); EQM150025Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (Chile); AFB170007Universidad de Concepción (Chile); VRID-Asociativo 213.A84.014-1.0Universidad de Concepción (Chile); VRID-Asociativo 217.033.110-1.0Universidad de Concepción (Chile); VRID-Enlace 216.033.108-1.0This work has been financed by Fondecyt Regular [Grant Number 1191651], InnovaChile [Grant Number 13IDL223120], CIPA, CONICYT Regional, GORE BIO BIO [Grant Number R17A10003], CONICYT PIA/APOYO CCTE [Grant Number AFB170007], Fondequip [Grant Numbers EQM150025 and AFB170007] and Universidad de Concepción, Chile [Grant Numbers VRID-Asociativo 213.A84.014-1.0, VRID-Asociativo 217.033.110-1.0, VRID-Enlace 216.033.108-1.0

Chyloperitoneum in peritoneal dialysis : a case report and review of literature

El quiloperitoneo es una condicion infrecuente que se asocia a dialisis peritoneal; en la mayoria de los casos se puede confundir con peritonitis bacteriana, aunque puede ser la consecuencia de esta infeccion. Se reporta el desarrollo espontaneo de quiloperitoneo en un paciente de 54 anos con enfermedad renal cronica secundaria a nefropatia diabetica, en dialisis peritoneal manual desde hacia 5 anos. El tratamiento consistio en suspension temporal de la dialisis peritoneal, reposo intestinal, suministro de una dieta con alto contenido de acidos grasos de cadena media e infusion de octreotide, con lo cual a los 10 dias el paciente mostro mejoria, y se reinicio la dialisis peritoneal. Una busqueda sistematica de la literatura encontro 16 casos publicados (11 mujeres), con edades desde neonato hasta 88 anos.Revisión de la literatura115-11

Antinociceptive activity of Quillaja saponaria Mol. saponin extract, quillaic acid and derivatives in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Quillaja saponaria bark contains a high percentage of triterpene saponins and has been used for centuries as a cleansing and analgesic agent in Chilean folk medicine. Aim of the study: The topical and systemic analgesic effects of a commercial partially purified saponin extract, 3 ,16 -dihydroxy-23-oxoolean-12-en-28-oic acid (quillaic acid), methyl 3 ,16 -dihydroxy-23- oxoolean-12-en-28-oate and methyl 4-nor-3,16-dioxoolean-12-en-28-oate. Materials and methods: The samples were assessed in mice using the topical tail-flick and i.p. hot-plate tests, respectively. Results: All the samples showed activity in both analgesic tests in a dose-dependent manner. The most active against tail flick test was commercial partially purified saponin extract (EC50 27.9 mg%, w/v) and more than the ibuprofen sodium. On hot-plate test, methyl 4-nor-3, 16-dioxoolean-12-en-28-oate was the most active (ED50 12.2 mg/kg) and more than the ibuprofen sodium. Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrated that Quillaja saponaria saponins, quillaic acid, its methyl ester, and one of the oxidized derivatives of the latter, elicit dose-dependent antinociceptive effects in two murine thermal models.This work was partially supported by Fondecyt Grant No. 1080174 and ICM Grant No. P05- 001-F

Cisternography radioisotope with 99Tc-DTPA in the etiological diagnosis of intracranial hypotension syndrome: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas are a common complication of spinal surgery. The radioisotope cisternography is a diagnostic tool that allows confirmation and localization.CASE REPORT: Male patient of 30 years, with a history of congenital hydrocephalus and eight years ago was removed a derivative lumboperitoneal shunt system placed by that cause. Consulted by episodes of approximately six months of orthostatic headache with relief in decubitus. A lumbar puncture was done for the study of CSF, an opening pressure of 5 cm H2O, and cytochemical, bacteriological studies, mycological and virological were negative. A cisternography radioisotope 99Tc-DTPA was done and showed a CSF fistula on the site where the lumboperitoneal shunt catheter was removed.CONCLUSION: The radioisotope cisternography is a practical and effective option to confirm the diagnosis CSF fistula as a complication of spinal surgery in patients with intracranial hypotension.INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fístulas de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) constituyen una complicación frecuente de la cirugía espinal. La cisternografía radioisotópica es una herramienta diagnóstica que permite la confirmación y localización de las mismas.CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente masculino de 30 años, con antecedentes de hidrocefalia congénita y a quien se le retiró hace ocho años un sistema derivativo lumboperitoneal colocado por esa causa. Consultó por episodios de cefalea ortostática de aproximadamente seis meses de evolución y que se aliviaban con el decúbito. Al realizarle la punción lumbar, para el estudio del LCR, se comprobó una presión de apertura de 5 cm H2O y los estudios citoquímicos, bacteriológicos, micológicos y virológicos fueron negativos. Se le realizó una cisternografía radioisotópica con 99Tc-DTPA que mostró una fístula de LCR en el sitio donde fue retirado el catéter de derivación lumboperitoneal.CONCLUSIÓN: La cisternografía radioisotópica es una opción práctica y eficaz para corroborar el diagnóstico de fístula de LCR como complicación de la cirugía espinal en pacientes con hipotensión intracraneal